Search Results (417)

The aetiology of invasive candidiasis is undergoing substantial changes; traditionally, these mycoses have been considered to originate from endogenous reservoirs; however, the increasing prevalence of non-Candida albicans species, such as Candida parapsilosis and Candida auris (also named Candidozyma auris), is a cause of concern as they demonstrate significant exogenous transmission. This challenges the long-standing paradigm of endogenous origin in hospital settings. Unlike previous reviews primarily focused on clinical epidemiology, this work adopts a multidisciplinary perspective combining microbiological evidence with biomaterials science. We analyse how surface roughness, hydrophobicity, and polymer composition within the hospital “plastisphere” influence Candida adhesion and the formation of dry surface biofilms (DSBs). In this specific context, in contrast to C. albicans, primarily associated with mucosal colonisation, C. auris and C. parapsilosis exhibit distinctive adaptations that promote survival in healthcare environments, including pronounced cell surface hydrophobicity and the capacity to form dense cellular aggregates, which facilitate prolonged adherence to synthetic polymers used in medical devices. We also explore the biological mechanisms underlying this resilience, with particular emphasis on the development of dry surface biofilms and viable but non-culturable states. These phenotypic traits confer tolerance to desiccation and resistance to conventional disinfectants, raising concerns that standard hygiene and decontamination protocols may be inadequate to prevent transmission. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for designing effective infection control strategies and mitigating the risk of invasive disease caused by these highly persistent species. Full article

Background: Oral health is a key component of general health and quality of life in the elderly. Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are particularly vulnerable to poor oral health due to multimorbidity, polypharmacy, and dependence on caregivers. Despite increasing awareness of this issue, dental needs in institutionalized populations remain largely unmet. Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the dental treatment needs of LTCF residents in Warsaw. The analysis focused on oral health status, oral hygiene practices, difficulties with food intake, and the need for assistance in daily oral and nutritional care. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 29 LTCF residents. Data collection included interviews on hygiene habits and dietary difficulties, followed by clinical examination assessing oral mucosa, dentition, prosthetic status, and plaque coverage (Plaque Index). Statistical analyses were performed using GraphPad Prism with Mann–Whitney U, Fisher’s exact, and Spearman’s rank correlation tests. Results: The median number of missing teeth ranged from 22 to 24. Active caries were found in 17 residents and periodontitis in 19. Oral hygiene was poor, with plaque covering up to 100.0% of tooth surfaces. Women had significantly more missing teeth than men (p = 0.0128). Difficulties with food intake were reported by 69.0% of residents. No significant associations were found between oral hygiene products use and dental or prosthetic status. Conclusions: This study revealed severely compromised oral health among LTCF residents. Extensive tooth loss, poor hygiene, and limited access to preventive dental care indicate the need for systematic, on-site oral health programs, caregiver training, and integration of dental services into standard geriatric care. Full article

Enteroviruses (EVs) are major pathogens transmitted via direct and indirect contact, with children being particularly susceptible. As EVs persist on surfaces, environmental hygiene is critical in communal environments. We investigated EVs presence on environmental surfaces in daycare centers from April to July 2024. Environmental samples (300) were collected from floors, toys, and desks. Viral RNA was extracted and analyzed using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and ddPCR to detect pan-Enterovirus (pan-EVs) and Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). EVs were detected in 45.3% of the samples. The detection rate refers to the combined results, including both ddPCR and real-time PCR. Specifically, pan-EVs were found in 88 samples (1.12–505 copies/20 μL) and EV-D68 in 104 samples (1.12–309 copies/20 μL). Floors (31%) were the most contaminated surfaces. Monthly analysis showed a gradual decrease in detection rates from 88.6% in April to 18.5% in July, appearing to align with the implementation of enhanced hygiene measures. However, this trend may also reflect multifaceted factors, including natural viral reduction, exclusion of symptomatic children, and increased hygiene awareness. Notably ddPCR (83.0%) exhibited nearly twice the detection rate of real-time RT-PCR (42.5%), identifying low-level viral persistence. These findings suggest that environmental surfaces serve as reservoirs for transmission, and integrating sensitive detection like ddPCR with proactive hygiene management may help mitigate EVs spread. Full article

This study presents a novel modified polylactic acid (PLA) composite material engineered to simultaneously achieve enhanced mechanical performance, crystallinity, degradability, and antibacterial activity through the incorporation of multi-arm Zn/CFR-PLA modifiers, derived from ZnO-loaded phenolic resin microspheres. The modifiers were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide, initiated by phenolic resin microspheres with multiple surface hydroxyl groups, where multi-arm architecture was tailored to improve compatibility and interfacial bonding with PLA matrices. Mechanical characterization revealed significant reinforcement and toughening effects: the (Zn/CFR₂-PLLA)₂/PLLA composite exhibited an elongation at break of 102.7% (≈13-fold higher than pristine PLA) and a tensile strength of 19.6 MPa, alongside markedly improved impact strength. Notably, the Zn/CFR₂-PDLA/PLLA composite, leveraging stereocomplex formation between PDLA and PLLA, achieved a higher tensile strength of 27.2 MPa with an elongation at break of 47.3%. Furthermore, the release of zinc ions from the modifiers endowed the composites with exceptional antibacterial activity, achieving more than 98% inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The composites also demonstrated degradability and processability, as melt-spun PLA fibers derived from them exhibited enhanced modulus (up to 4.51 GPa) and moisture-wicking capability. The composites can serve as potential candidates for biodegradable packaging films, antibacterial textiles for medical or hygienic uses, and sustainable materials for consumer products. Full article

Background/Objectives: Institutional catering serves vulnerable populations, including schoolchildren. Surfaces in food preparation environments are key control points for food safety and reservoirs and transmission routes for antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria. This study characterized the hygienic status of food-contact surfaces (FCS) and non-food-contact surfaces (NFCS) in Hungarian school kitchens, identified contamination hotspots, and examined how routine monitoring can support AMR prevention. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed routine environmental hygiene monitoring records from 96 school kitchens (2019–2024). In total, 8412 swab samples were collected, 8407 had quantifiable counts, 6233 from FCS (e.g., plates, trays, boards, utensils), and 2174 from NFCS (e.g., sinks, fridges, workers’ hands). Total aerobic mesophilic counts were measured with a redox-potential method and expressed as CFU/100 cm²; 250 CFU/100 cm² (2.4 log₁₀) was the hygienic threshold. Results: Overall, 12.4% of surfaces exceeded the threshold. Non-food-contact surfaces were more likely to be non-compliant than food-contact surfaces (OR 2.77, 95% CI 2.43–3.17; p < 0.001). Hotspots included transport-container lids (67.2% non-compliant; OR 43.82), sink basins (32.8%; OR 10.46), and cutting boards (21.6%; OR 5.89). Seasonally, non-compliance was highest in summer (16.5%) and lowest in winter (9.0%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Multi-year monitoring revealed substantial contamination concentrated in a few hotspots that, within a One Health framework—which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—may represent environmental reservoirs and cross-contamination nodes relevant to AMR prevention. Targeted optimization of cleaning and disinfection for these surfaces, combined with trend analysis of indicator data and periodic AMR-focused environmental sampling, could reduce foodborne and AMR-related risks in public catering. Full article

Protective cultures are an increasingly industrially relevant biopreservation tool for meat and meat products, responding to simultaneous demands for microbiological safety, extended shelf life, and reduced reliance on synthetic preservatives within clean-label frameworks. This review summarizes current advances in protective cultures applied to meat systems, with emphasis on technological functions, efficacy boundaries, and safety-related due diligence. We discuss the dominant inhibitory mechanisms of lactic acid bacteria and related protective taxa—acidification, competitive exclusion, and antimicrobial metabolites (including bacteriocins)—and highlight why performance is strongly strain- and matrix-dependent under realistic storage conditions. Practical applications are reviewed across raw meats (spoilage delay under refrigeration and vacuum/MAP) and processed or ready-to-eat products, where post-processing surface application emerges as a critical control point for limiting Listeria monocytogenes outgrowth during chilled storage. Key implementation constraints include technological compatibility and sensory neutrality, which are influenced by product buffering capacity, salt content, available fermentable substrates, packaging atmosphere, and temperature. From a safety perspective, we synthesize evidence on antimicrobial resistance in food-associated cultures and outline contemporary qualification strategies combining phenotypic susceptibility testing with genome-based screening to exclude acquired and potentially transferable resistance determinants. Overall, protective cultures should be viewed as a targeted hurdle integrated into holistic preservation systems rather than a standalone substitute for hygiene and process control. Full article

Disposable absorbent hygiene products (AHPs) contain plastics that are challenging to recycle and not biodegradable, making a significant contribution to landfill. Decreasing the nonbiodegradable mass of products could reduce this burden. Despite this, public data on how AHP design and material selection relate to performance is limited. In this work, fifteen commercial AHPs were characterised using dimensional measurement, infrared spectroscopy, and imaging. Simulated urination, air permeability, and moisture management testing were used to assess expected leakage and user comfort. Sustainable materials currently in use were identified, and their performance compared to typical plastics, informing opportunities to replace or reduce nonbiodegradable materials. Polybutylene adipate terephthalate-based leakproof layers replaced polyolefins. Commercial alternatives to polyacrylate superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), with comparable absorption, were not seen. Although absorbency correlated with the mass of absorbants, SAPs reduced surface moisture after absorption and are known for high absorption capacity under pressure, preventing rewetting. Channels and side guards were observed to prevent side leakage and guide fluid distribution, potentially reducing the need for nonbiodegradable nonwoven and absorbant content by promoting efficient use of the full product mass. While synthetic nonwovens typically outperformed cellulosics, apertured and layered nonwovens were associated with improved moisture transport; polylactic acid rivalled typical thermoplastics as a bio-derived, compostable alternative. Although the need for biopolymer-based SAPs and foams remains, it is hoped that these findings will guide AHP design and promote research in sustainable materials. Full article

Workers’ exposure to silica dust is a global occupational and public health concern and is particularly prevalent in Southern Africa, mainly because of inadequate dust control measures. It is worsened by the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, which exacerbates tuberculosis and other occupational lung diseases. The prevalence of silicosis in the region ranges from 9 to 51%; however, silica dust exposure levels and controls, especially in the informal mining sector, particularly in artisanal small-scale mines (ASMs), leave much to be desired. This is important because silicosis is incurable and can only be eliminated by preventing worker exposure. Additionally, several studies have indicated inadequate occupational health and safety policies, weak inspection systems, inadequate monitoring and control technologies, and inadequate occupational health and hygiene skills. Furthermore, there is a near-absence of silica dust analysis laboratories in southern Africa, except in South Africa. This protocol aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of respirable dust and respirable crystalline silica dust exposure evaluation and control methodology for the mining industry. The study will entail testing the effectiveness of current dust control measures for controlling microscale particles using various exposure dose metrics, such as mass, number, and lung surface area concentrations. This will be achieved using a portable Fourier transform infrared spectroscope (FTIR) (Nanozen Industries Inc., Burnaby, BC, Canada), the Nanozen DustCount, which measures both the mass and particle size distribution. The surface area concentration will be analysed by inputting the particle size distribution (PSD) results into the Multiple-Path Particle Dosimetry Model (MPPD) to estimate the retained and cleared doses. The MPPD will help us understand the sub-micron dust deposition and the reduction rate using the controls. To the best of our knowledge, the proposed approach has never been used elsewhere or in our settings. The proposed approach will reduce dependence on highly skilled individuals, reduce the turnaround sampling and analysis time, and provide a reference for regional harmonised occupational exposure limit (OEL) guidelines as a guiding document on how to meet occupational health, safety and environment (OHSE) requirements in ASM settings. Therefore, the outcome of this study will influence policy reforms and protect hundreds of thousands of employees currently working without any form of exposure prevention or protection. Full article

Integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology represents a transformative advancement in healthcare, fashion, and personal hygiene. Antibacterial fabrics, designed to inhibit microbial growth, are gaining prominence due to their potential to reduce infections, enhance durability, and maintain cleanliness in wearable devices. These fabrics offer effective antimicrobial properties while retaining comfort and functionality by incorporating nanotechnology and advanced materials, such as silver nanoparticles, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and graphene. The production techniques for antibacterial textiles range from chemical and physical surface modifications to biological treatments, each tailored to achieve long-lasting antibacterial performance while preserving fabric comfort and breathability. Advanced methods such as nanoparticle embedding, sol–gel coating, electrospinning, and green synthesis approaches have shown significant promise in enhancing antibacterial efficacy and material compatibility. Wearable technology, including fitness trackers, smart clothing, and medical monitoring devices, relies on prolonged skin contact, making the prevention of bacterial colonization essential for user safety and product longevity. Antibacterial fabrics address these concerns by reducing odor, preventing skin irritation, and minimizing the risk of infection, especially in medical applications such as wound dressings and patient monitoring systems. Despite their potential, integrating antibacterial fabrics into wearable technology presents several challenges. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the key antibacterial agents, the production strategies used to fabricate antibacterial textiles, and their emerging applications in wearable technologies. It also highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to overcome current limitations and promote the development of sustainable, safe, and functional antibacterial fabrics for next-generation wearable. Full article

Lentinula edodes (shiitake) is a major edible and medicinal mushroom and a key component of the horticultural mushroom industry in East Asia. During April–June 2024 cropping season, a widespread blue mold outbreak was observed on bag-cultivated shiitake in Xixia County, Henan Province, China. Affected cultivation rooms showed extensive blue-green sporulation on the exposed surfaces of substrate blocks and on developing and mature fruiting bodies, leading to rapid loss of marketability. To clarify the etiology of this disease, we coupled field surveys with morphological, molecular, and pathogenicity analyses. Fifty-five Penicillium isolates were obtained from symptomatic cultivation bags. Three representative isolates (LE06, LE15, and LE26) were characterized in detail. Colonies on PDA produced velutinous to floccose mycelia with blue-green conidial masses and terverticillate penicilli bearing smooth-walled, globose conidia. Sequencing of four loci—the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), β-tubulin (benA), calmodulin gene (CaM), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2)—followed by multilocus phylogenetic analysis placed all three isolates in a well-supported clade with the ex-type CBS 227.28 of Penicillium bialowiezense. Inoculation of healthy shiitake cultivation bags with conidial suspensions (1 × 10⁶ conidia mL⁻¹) reproduced typical blue mold symptoms on substrate surfaces and fruiting bodies within 40 days post inoculation, whereas mock-inoculated controls remained symptomless. The pathogen was consistently reisolated from diseased tissues and showed identical ITS and benA sequences to the inoculated strains, thereby fulfilling Koch’s postulates. This is the first confirmed report of P. bialowiezense causing blue mold on shiitake, and it expands the known host range of this species. Our findings highlight the vulnerability of bag cultivation systems to airborne Penicillium contaminants and underscore the need for improved hygiene, environmental management, and targeted diagnostics in commercial shiitake production. Full article

Background: Domestic refrigeration and egg handling are key factors in ensuring household food safety. Inadequate temperature control and poor hygiene in refrigerators can promote the survival and growth of foodborne pathogens. This study aimed to (i) characterize refrigerator temperature profiles and surface microbial contamination and (ii) screen eggs and egg-storage areas for the presence of Salmonella spp. and Campylobacter spp. Methods: Fifty domestic refrigerators were monitored twice in 2024 and 2025 in Porto, Portugal. The temperatures were continuously logged on the lowest shelf, which was swabbed for microbiological analysis. Surface hygiene was evaluated using total viable counts (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae, and Escherichia coli enumerated following ISO methods. Detection of pathogens Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter spp. was performed using real-time PCR. Eggs (n = 92 in 2024; n = 88 in 2025), and domestic egg storage areas (total n = 76) were screened for Salmonella and Campylobacter. Results: The mean refrigerator temperatures were 6.0 ± 0.5 °C in 2024 and 6.1 ± 0.5 °C in 2025; 44% and 50% of the units, respectively, exceeded the recommended 6 °C threshold. In 2025, 31 (62%) and 33 (66%) refrigerators showed higher TVC and Enterobacteriaceae counts compared to 2024, whereas E. coli was only detected sporadically. L. monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., or Campylobacter spp. were not recovered from the refrigerator surfaces. Likewise, Salmonella and Campylobacter were not detected in any of the eggs or egg-storage sites. Indicator microorganism’s counts were not associated with the mean temperature. Conclusions: The absence of correlation between ΔT and Δ microbial counts suggests that behaviour-driven hygiene factors, rather than the relatively small year-to-year temperature differences observed, are more influential in determining household bioburden. Maintaining refrigerator temperatures ≤ 6 °C together with simple hygiene practices remains essential for reducing household food safety risks. Full article

During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global awareness of infectious diseases increased markedly. Many infectious diseases are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with biological fluids containing pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. This risk is particularly pronounced in environments used by large numbers of unspecified individuals. Public restrooms, therefore, raise significant hygienic concerns, as toilet seats may serve as vectors for indirect transmission. To mitigate this risk, this study proposes a novel toilet seat equipped with an automatic cleaning function. Specifically, after use, the seat surface is automatically wiped by a cleaning cloth, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by staff. A fundamental operational concept is established, emphasizing the determination of an appropriate cleaning initiation timing that allows the cleaning sequence to be completed without compromising user convenience. Based on this concept, a belt–pulley type prototype is developed, and the effectiveness of the proposed cleaning sequence is verified. Subsequently, the prototype is further improved through the introduction of a flexible-rack mechanism. The control methodology, including the design of the electronic circuitry, is described in detail. Using the improved prototype, extensive simulations and experimental evaluations were conducted. The results showed that battery capacity declined at an approximately constant rate of 3% per 10 cycles, with about 70% remaining after 100 cycles. In addition, a single reciprocating cleaning cycle removed over 95% of artificially applied stains across the entire toilet seat. Additional evaluation results are presented in detail. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining overall health, as poor oral care can lead to various systemic diseases. Although xylitol is widely used to inhibit plaque formation, more effective agents are needed to control oral biofilms. Herein, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of sialyllactose (SL), a type of human milk oligosaccharide (HMO), and its partial structure N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) against Streptococcus biofilm. Methods: Under a CO₂ atmosphere, Streptococcus mutans and mixed Streptococcus species were each cultivated in vitro, and the inhibitory effects of HMOs [2′-fucosyllactose, 3′-sialyllactose (3′-SL) and 6′-sialyllactose (6′-SL)] and Neu5Ac on biofilm formation were evaluated. Bacterial biofilm formation was quantified using the crystal violet assay. Biofilm architecture and viability were visualized using confocal laser-scanning microscopy (CLSM) with SYTO9/propidium iodide staining. Transcriptomic responses of S. mutans biofilms to the test compounds were analyzed by RNA-Seq. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test. Results: SLs and Neu5Ac at 100 mM significantly inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation, with stronger effects than those of xylitol. The inhibitory effects varied among HMOs, with 6′-SL being more effective than 3′-SL and Neu5Ac being most effective. These effects were consistent in assays targeting biofilms formed by other S. mutans strains and in a mixed biofilm comprising Streptococcus species. Gene expression analysis suggested that the inhibitory mechanism involves the physical inhibition of surface adhesion and stress-induced regulation of gene expression. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the physiological significance of HMOs in the oral cavities of humans. HMOs exhibited potential as functional foods to control oral biofilm formation and reduce the risk of oral and systemic diseases. Full article

Studying surface energy and permeability offers insights into the relationship between temporary polymers and the oral environment. Variations in contact angle and surface free energy may signify modifications in surface polarity and tendency for plaque buildup, staining, or microcrack formation. Objectives: The present study aims to evaluate the influence of simulated salivary and chemical aging conditions on the surface and mechanical properties of 3D-printed PMMA provisional materials. Methods: Two 3D-printed polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) resins were investigated, namely Anycubic White (Anycubic, Shenzhen, China) and NextDent Creo (NextDent, 3D Systems, Soesterberg, The Netherlands), using two aging protocols. Protocol A consisted of chemical aging in an alcohol-based mouthwash, while Protocol B involved thermal aging in artificial saliva. After aging, surface properties (wettability and SFE) and compressive behaviour were analyzed. Statistical analysis was conducted to assess the influence of temperature, immersion duration, and aging medium, with significance established at p < 0.05. Results: In Protocol A, mechanical properties showed a time-dependent decrease, with material-specific stabilization trends. In Protocol B, thermal aging resulted in elastic modulus reductions ranging from 35% to 46% relative to the reference. The yield strength exhibited similar tendencies. In Protocol A, X samples exhibited a consistent decline, while C samples stabilized after 14 days. For Protocol B, the fitted model produced residuals under 2%, confirming temperature as the primary variable. Conclusions: Chemical and thermal aging influence the physical and mechanical properties of the analyzed 3D-printed PMMA. Among the two protocols, thermal aging in artificial saliva resulted in more pronounced material degradation. After chemical aging in mouthwash, the surface free energy remained almost constant. After thermal aging, all samples demonstrated a gradual rise in SFE with prolonged immersion duration. The current study offers valuable insights into the environmental stability of printed PMMA; however, it is an in vitro evaluation. The findings indicate that temperature exposure and prolonged contact with oral hygiene products may affect the mechanical reliability of 3D-printed provisional restorations, which must be considered during material selection for longer temporary usage. Additionally, spectroscopic and microscopic analyses might better clarify the molecular-level chemical alterations linked to aging. Full article

Antibacterial thin-film coatings are of increasing interest for enhancing hygiene in controlled environments such as commercial greenhouses. Phytopathogens including Pseudomonas syringae, and human pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus, and Staphylococcus aureus, frequently contaminate greenhouse environments. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate multifunctional magnetron-sputtered glass coatings with strong antimicrobial performance, deposited by physical vapor deposition to achieve precise control of film composition and uniform coverage of large substrates (≥0.25 m²), ensuring industrial-scale applicability. Thin films were fabricated by magnetron sputtering using multi-alloy targets composed of Cu, Sn, Zn, Al, Ni, Fe, Ti, Mn, Nb, or Co. Fourteen distinct coating compositions were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Antibacterial performance was evaluated against the following strains: E. coli (PCM 2560), M. luteus (PCM 525), S. aureus (PCM 2602), and P. syringae pv. tomato (IOR2146). Coatings prepared from 90%Cu-10%Sn, 90%Cu-10%Zn, and 80%Cu-20%Ti targets exhibited one of the highest antibacterial efficiencies. These coatings also showed strong mechanical durability and corrosion resistance. Our results indicate that coatings obtained from Cu-based multi-alloy targets by magnetron sputtering are promising candidates for use as durable, antimicrobial inner glass surfaces in future greenhouse applications. Full article