Detection of Phosphatidylethanol in Whole Blood by UPLC-MS/MS / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To establish the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to detect ethanol metabolites phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in whole blood.@*METHODS@#An appropriate amount of aqueous solution including 1% formic acid was added to 100 μL whole blood, the protein was precipitated with acetone, centrifuged and the supernatant was purified and enriched by using Bond Elut Certify column. The eluent was redissolved with 1/1 isopropanol/acetonitrile (v/v) solution after nitrogen blowing and then tested by UPLC-MS/MS. Selective reaction monitoring scanning was carried out in negative ionization mode, and quantitative analysis was performed by external standard method.@*RESULTS@#PEth showed a linear relationship over the concentration range of 1-160 ng/mL in whole blood (r=0.999 9) with peak area. The detection limit was 0.2 ng/mL, the quantification limit was 1 ng/mL, the recovery rate was 97.43%-103.61%, the accuracy was 0.99%-1.77%, the intra-day precision was 0.4%-2.4%, and the inter-day precision was 1.1%-3.3%, and the matrix effect was 91.00%-99.55%. PEth was not detected in the in vitro blood samples supplemented with ethanol. PEth was detected positive in three drunk driving cases, and the concentration were 195.49, 83.67 and 876.12 ng/mL, respectively.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The established method has high sensitivity and specificity and the analysis results are accurate. It is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of PEth in whole blood.

Evaluation of current disinfection practice of transvaginal ultrasound probes in a Philippine Tertiary Referral Hospital: A comparative study on the performance of manual reprocessing methods

Objectives@#There are no standard infection control regulations in transvaginal ultrasound probe disinfection followed in the most prominent local public tertiary referral hospital. Likewise, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of the current method that uses an inexpensive multipurpose antiseptic spray solution. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the current practice of manual disinfection of TVS probes and compare it with the performance of an acceptable manual reprocessing method. @*Methods@#A prospective, randomized, controlled study was carried out using a crossover, quasi-experimental design, collecting 119 total samples from the ultrasound transducers before (35 samples) and after disinfection with two manual reprocessing methods, either a locally manufactured multipurpose antiseptic spray (A-Septic® Multipurpose Antiseptic Spray) that is currently used for disinfection or Mikrozid Sensitive®, a ready to use impregnated wipes (42 samples each arm). Disinfection efficacy was evaluated based on microbial culture results. @*Results@#Before disinfection, bacterial growth was observed in 77.1% (27/35) of the probes. After disinfection, 80.95% (34/42) remained contaminated with the antiseptic spray and 21.43% (9/42) with the wipes. The cultures revealed many environmental and pathogenic bacterial isolates, including Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Diphtheroids, and Pseudomonas. @*Conclusions@#The currently used method for disinfecting transvaginal transducers in the division is not adequate for decontamination and decreasing the risk of cross contamination among patients. The results call for aggressive disinfection measures and highlight the need to update local standards and formulate and institutionalize these recommendations.

Efecto del uso de protectores puerto desinfectantes para la disminución de las bacteriemias asociadas a catéteres venosos centrales / Effect of the use of antiseptic barrier caps for the reduction of bacteremia associated with central venous catheters / Efeito do uso de protetores desinfetantes portuários para a redução da bacteremia associada a cateteres venosos centrais

Resumen Identificar el efecto del uso de protectores puerto desinfectantes en los conectores sin aguja en la disminución de las bacteriemias asociadas a catéter venoso central. Se realizó una revisión rápida de la literatura a través de una búsqueda de artículos en idiomas inglés y español en Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Library y Science Direct, de diciembre del año 2018 a febrero del año 2019. Esta revisión se centró en identificar ensayos: clínicos aleatorizados, cohorte longitudinal, revisiones sistemáticas y meta-análisis. Los criterios de inclusión fueron: usuarios hospitalizados, desinfección pasiva con protectores puerto desinfectantes y reporte de disminución de las bacteriemias asociadas a catéter venoso central con su uso. Un total de 2479 artículos se identificaron como potencialmente relevantes; después de eliminar los duplicados, quedaron 1622 artículos, los cuales fueron evaluados según título y resumen. Posteriormente, 59 artículos fueron analizados en texto completo; se seleccionaron 3 artículos correspondientes a tres revisiones sistemáticas, de las cuales dos realizaron metaanálisis. La evidencia disponible sugiere que estudios no aleatorizados han demostrado que el uso de los protectores puerto desinfectantes con alcohol isopropílico al 70% en los conectores sin aguja, puede generar una reducción de las bacteriemias asociadas al catéter venoso central y podría considerarse como una medida costo efectiva; no obstante, se requieren estudios aleatorizados que confirmen estos resultados.

Abstract Identify the effect of the use of disinfectant port protectors on needleless connectors in the reduction of bacteraemias associated with central venous catheters. A quick review of the literature was carried out through a search of articles in English and Spanish in Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Library and Science Direct; from December 2018 to February 2019. It focused on identifying randomized clinical trials, longitudinal cohort, reviews and meta-analysis. The inclusion criteria were: hospitalized users, passive disinfection with disinfectant port protectors and report of decrease in bacteraemias associated with central venous catheter with its use. A total of 2479 articles were identified as potentially relevant, after eliminating duplicates, 1622 articles were evaluated according to inclusion criteria were: hospitalized users, passive disinfection with disinfectant port protectors and report of decrease in bacteraemias associated with central venous catheter with its use. The available evidence suggests that non-randomized studies have shown that the use of disinfectant port protectors with 70% isopropyl alcohol in needleless connectors can lead to a reduction in bacteraemias associated with central venous catheters and could be considered as a cost measure. effective, however, randomized studies are required to confirm these results.

Resumo Identificar o efeito do uso de protetores de porta desinfetantes nos conectores sem agulha na redução de bacteremias associadas aos cateteres venosos centrais. Uma rápida revisão da literatura foi realizada através de uma pesquisa de artigos em inglês e espanhol no Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Library e Science Direct; de dezembro de 2018 a fevereiro de 2019. Concentrou-se na identificação de ensaios clínicos randomizados, coorte longitudinal, revisões sistemáticas e metanálise. Os critérios de inclusão foram: usuários hospitalizados, desinfecção passiva com protetores de porta desinfetantes e relato de diminuição de bacteremias associadas ao cateter venoso central com seu uso. Um total de 2479 artigos foi identificado como potencialmente relevante; após eliminação de duplicatas, 1622 artigos foram avaliados de acordo com o título e o resumo, depois 59 artigos foram analisados ​​em texto completo, foram selecionados 3 artigos correspondentes a três revisões sistemáticas, dos quais dois realizaram meta-análise. As evidências disponíveis sugerem que estudos não randomizados demonstraram que o uso de protetores de porta desinfetantes com álcool isopropílico a 70% em conectores sem agulha pode levar a uma redução nas bacteremias associadas aos cateteres venosos centrais e pode ser considerado como uma medida de custo. estudos eficazes, no entanto, são necessários para confirmar esses resultados.

Effect of decontamination methods on shear bond strength of resin cement to translucent monolithic zirconia / Efeito de métodos de descontaminação na resistência ao cisalhamento entre cimento resinoso e zircônia monolítica translúcida

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of decontamination methods on shear bond strength of resin cement to translucent monolithic zirconia. Material and Methods: Eighty 4-mol yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal specimens were fabricated. All specimens were subjected to saliva contamination and divided into four groups (n = 20) according to the decontamination methods: 70% isopropanol (AL); zirclean (ZC); 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCL); and no cleaning (NC). All specimens were bonded by using self-adhesive resin cement. Half of the specimens in each group (n = 10) were subjected to aging. All specimens were subjected to shear bond strength test in a universal testing machine. Failure modes were evaluated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The data obtained were statistically analyzed by using one-way ANOVA followed by the HSD Tukey test (p < 0.05). Results: ANOVA test revealed a significant difference among the different decontamination methods (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among NaOCL, ZC, and AL groups as revealed by the HSD Tukey test (p > 0.05). The effect of aging was significantly different in all groups (p < 0.05); whereas, no significant difference was found in group ZC (p > 0.05). The (SEM) analysis showed mixed failures in all groups, except in group NC where only adhesive failure was observed. Conclusion: Saliva contamination during clinical evaluation significantly decreases the shear bond strength between self-adhesive resin cement and translucent monolithic zirconia. The cleaning methods have an impact on improving the bond strength between resin cement and translucent monolithic zirconia (AU)

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito dos métodos de descontaminação na resistência ao cisalhamento entre cimento resinoso e zircônia monolítica translúcida. Material e métodos: Foram fabricados oitenta espécimes policristalinos de zircônia tetragonal estabilizada com ítria a 4 mol. Todas as amostras foram submetidas à contaminação salivar e divididas em quatro grupos (n = 20) de acordo com os métodos de descontaminação: isopropanol a 70% (AL); zircleano (ZC); Hipoclorito de sódio a 5,25% (NaOCL); e sem limpeza (NC). Todas as amostras foram cimentadas utilizando um cimento resinoso autoadesivo. Metade das amostras de cada grupo(n = 10) foram submetidas ao envelhecimento. Todas as amostras foram submetidas ao teste de resistência ao cisalhamento em uma máquina de teste universal. Os módulos de falha foram avaliados usando um microscópio eletrônico de varredura (MEV). Os dados obtidos foram analisados estatisticamente utilizando ANOVA de uma via, seguida pelo teste de HSD Tukey (p < 0,05). Resultados: O teste ANOVA revelou diferença significativa entre os diferentes métodos de descontaminação (p < 0,05). Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre os grupos NaOCl, ZC e AL, conforme revelado pelo teste HSD Tukey (p> 0,05). O efeito do envelhecimento foi significativamente diferente em todos os grupos (p < 0,05); enquanto nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada no grupo ZC (p > 0,05). A análise (SEM) mostrou falhas mistas em todos os grupos, exceto no grupo NC, onde apenas foi observada falha adesiva. Conclusão: A contaminação por saliva durante a avaliação clínica diminui significativamente a resistência ao cisalhamento entre o cimento resinoso autoadesivo e a zircônia monolítica translúcida. Os métodos de limpeza têm um impacto na melhoria da resistência da união entre o cimento resinoso e a zircônia monolítica translúcida. (AU)

Effect of disinfectant with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients on the accuracy of dental impression / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To assess the effect of disinfectant (Cavicide) with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients disinfectant on dental impression accuracy.@*METHODS@#The effect of Cavicide on three impression materials (alginate, polyether and vinylpolysiloxane) were assessed using a standard model. The standard model was digitized by an extraoral scanner (IScan D103i, Imetric). For each kind of impression materials, thirty impressions were taken following the manufactures' instruction in the same conditions. Subsequently, the impressions were randomly divided into three groups, with ten impressions in each group. After the impression taking was completed, the three groups underwent pure water rinse for 1 min (blank control, BC), 2% glutaraldehyde solution immersion disinfection for 30 min (glutaraldehyde, GD), and Cavicide solution spray disinfection for 5 min (Cavicide, CC), respectively. All the impressions were digitized by the extraoral scanner (IScan D103i, Imetric) after disinfection and exported to a dedicated three-dimensional analysis software (Geomagic Qualify 2014, Geomagic, USA). In the software, the digital models of the impressions were trimmed to teeth and then superimposed with the digitized standard model via best-fit alignment. Root mean square (RMS) was used to evaluate the deviations between the impression and the standard model. The deviation in the anterior and posterior regions was evaluated respectively. One-way ANOVA test and the LSD post-hoc test were used to compare the deviations between the three groups (P < 0.05). The color map of each superimposition was saved for visual analysis.@*RESULTS@#For the polyether and vinylpolysiloxane materials, the difference between the three groups was not statistically significant (P=0.933, P=0.827). For the alginate material, the difference in posterior region between group GD and group BC, as well as group GD and group CC were statistically significant (GD vs. BC, P=0.001; GD vs. CC, P=0.002), while the difference between group BC and group CC was not statistically significant (P=0.854). The visual analysis showed an obvious deviation in the buccal-lingual direction in group GD.@*CONCLUSION@#Disinfectant (Cavicide) with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients using spray disinfection has no effect on the accuracy of the alginate, polyether and vinylpolysiloxane impressions.

Superficial and Deep Skin Preparation with Povidone-Iodine for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery : A Technical Note

OBJECTIVE: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is a common and effective treatment for hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid disorders. Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after a VP shunt. There is evidence that a deep skin flora microbiome may have a role to play in post-operative infections. In this technical note, we present a skin preparation technique that addresses the issue of the skin flora beyond the initial incision.METHODS: The patient is initially prepped, as standard, with. a single layer of 2% CHG+70% isopropyl alcohol. The novel stage is the ‘double incision’ whereby an initial superficial incision receives a further application of povidone-iodine prior to completing the full depth incision.RESULTS: Of the 84 shunts inserted using the double-incision method (September 2015 to September 2016), only one developed a shunt infection.CONCLUSION: The double incision approach to skin preparation is a unique operative stage in VP shunt surgery that may have a role to play in reducing acute shunt infection.

Superficial and Deep Skin Preparation with Povidone-Iodine for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Surgery : A Technical Note

OBJECTIVE: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is a common and effective treatment for hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid disorders. Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after a VP shunt. There is evidence that a deep skin flora microbiome may have a role to play in post-operative infections. In this technical note, we present a skin preparation technique that addresses the issue of the skin flora beyond the initial incision. METHODS: The patient is initially prepped, as standard, with. a single layer of 2% CHG+70% isopropyl alcohol. The novel stage is the ‘double incision’ whereby an initial superficial incision receives a further application of povidone-iodine prior to completing the full depth incision. RESULTS: Of the 84 shunts inserted using the double-incision method (September 2015 to September 2016), only one developed a shunt infection. CONCLUSION: The double incision approach to skin preparation is a unique operative stage in VP shunt surgery that may have a role to play in reducing acute shunt infection.

Comparison of total aerobic count before and after application of different antiseptic solutions prior to venipuncture and its correlation to developing phlebitis, in children admitted at a tertiary hospital in Quezon City

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> To compare the effect on Total Aerobic Count (TAC) of application of Isopropyl alcohol, Chlorhexidine, and povidone iodine plus alcohol prior to venipuncture and development of phlebitis in children admitted at a tertiary hospital.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS</strong>: A prospective randomized clinical trial in a tertiary hospital in Quezon City. A total of 129 patients one-year old and above with physician orders for IV insertion and extractions. Pre and post swabbing of the venipuncture site was done and placed on a blood agar plate. The three antiseptic solutions were applied over the venipuncture site and swabbed and placed on the agar plate. The primary outcome measure was the TAC in each blood agar of the tested antiseptic solution and correlation to developing phlebitis.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS</strong>: The CFU/mL after disinfection was significantly different between groups, with the lowest CFU/mL observed among patients disinfected with Chlorohexidine. Phlebitis was only noted in the alcohol group. No reactions were observed from patients who were disinfected with povidone iodine and chlorohexidine.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong>: Single application of Chlorhexidine is the optimal method to be used as antisepsis prior to procedures like venipuncture. However, the use of povidone iodine plus 70% isopropyl alcohol also has comparable effect to Chlorhexidine.</p>

Análise comparativa dos cimentos MTA cinza e branco associados ao álcool isopropílico / Comparative analysis of gray and white MTA associated with isopropyl alcohol

O objetivo deste estudo ex vivo foi investigar e comparar os efeitos antibacterianos, a citotoxicidade, a adaptação marginal e a capacidade seladora do agregado trióxido mineral (MTA), branco e cinza (Angelus, Londrina, Brasil), quando combinados com água destilada ou álcool isopropílico. Os efeitos antibacterianos de ambas as formulações foram avaliados através do teste de difusão em agar utilizando Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923) e Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) para a seleção da concentração de escolha. A geração das espécies reativas do oxigênio (ERO) foi analisada, primeiramente, utilizando cepas de Escherichia coli proficiente (AB1157) e triplo mutante (BW535), deficiente nos mecanismos de reparo. A geração de ERO também foi analisada através da degradação plasmidial (método de eletroforese) e com a utilização da sonda DCF. A geração das espécies reativas do nitrogênio (ERN) foi avaliada através da sonda DAF. A citotoxicidade dos eluatos dos cimentos foi avaliada pelo MTT, com células L929. A adaptação marginal foi feita através da microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). A capacidade seladora foi realizada através de ensaios de infiltração bacteriana. Os resultados mostraram que a incorporação do isopropanol ao MTA aumentou os halos de inibição no modelo Gram-positivo (S. aureus-ATCC25923) (P <0.05). A adição de isopropanol 70% aos cimentos de MTA branco e cinza aumentou a atividade antimicrobiana para E. coli selvagem (AB1157) e triplo mutante (BW535) (P <0.0001). Não ocorreu a total degradação do DNA plasmidial para as amostras de MTA branco e cinza manipuladas com isopropanol 70%. As amostras de MTA branco e cinza manipuladas de acordo com o fabricante geraram significativamente mais espécies reativas do oxigênio (sonda DCF) (P <0.0001 e P =0.0002) e do nitrogênio (sonda DAF) (P =0.0002 e P =0.0003) do que as manipuladas com isopropanol 70%. Os cimentos manipulados com água destilada foram mais citotóxicos do que a associação com solução de isopropanol 70% (P <0.05). A análise ao MEV mostrou melhor adaptação ao preparo nas amostras com o isopropanol 70%, entretanto o ensaio de infiltração bacteriana ex vivo com Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), não mostrou diferença estatística para as amostras manipuladas com isopropanol ou com água (P >0.05). Podemos concluir que a manipulação com isopropanol melhorou a atividade antimicrobiana do MTA tornando-o menos citotóxico, sem alterar a capacidade seladora.

The aim of this study was to investigate and compare the antibacterial effects, cytotoxicity, marginal adaptation and sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), white and gray (Angelus, Londrina, Brasil), when combined with distilled water or isopropyl alcohol. The antibacterial effects of both formulations were evaluated by agar diffusion method using Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC25923) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC27853) for selecting the suitable concentration of isopropyl alcohol. The antimicrobial mechanism by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was first analyzed using Escherichia coli strains: proficient (AB1157) and triple mutant (BW535), deficient in the repair mechanisms. The ROS generation was also analyzed by degradation of DNA plasmid (electrophoresis method) and with the DCF probe. The generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) was assessed by DAF probe. The cytotoxicity of the eluates was assessed by MTT test, with L929 cells. The marginal adaptation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The sealing ability was performed using bacterial leakage assay. The results showed that the incorporation of isopropanol to MTA increased the inhibitory haloes in Gram-positive model (S. aureus-ATCC25923) (P <0.05). Adding 70% isopropanol to white and gray MTA cements increased antimicrobial activity against both E. coli wild (AB1157) and triple-mutant (BW535) strains (P <0.0001). The DNA plasmid was not completely degraded for the samples of white and gray MTA manipulated with 70% isopropanol. The white and gray MTA samples, handled according to the manufacturer, generated significantly more ROS (DCF probe) (P <0.0001 e P =0.0002) and RNS (DAF probe) (P =0.0002 e P =0.0003) than that manipulated with 70% isopropanol. The cements handled with distilled water were more cytotoxic than when associated with isopropanol solution 70% (P <0.05). The SEM analysis showed better adaptation to the cavity prepares when the samples were filled with MTA with 70% isopropanol, however the ex vivo bacterial infiltration test with Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC29212), was not statistically different from samples manipulated with isopropanol or water (P >0.05). We can conclude that the manipulation with isopropanol improved the antimicrobial activity of the MTA rendering less citotoxicity, without altering the sealing ability.

Maximization of Extracted Condition of Pro-angiogenic Components in Citrus unshiu Peels using Dimethyl Sulfoxide

Aqueous extraction of Citrus unshiu peels (AECUP) is mainly comprised with pro-angiogenichesperidin and narirutin. In this study, we report approaches to increasing the yields of extracted hesperidin and narirutinfrom Citrus unshiu peels using proper solvents. Significantly improved yields of both compounds were obtained using methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) compared to acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol. Especially, effect of DMSO was by far the better of the two solvents in extraction of hesperidin. In addition, the DMSO extracted hesperidin significantly induced the pro-angiogenic effects of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and markedly up-regulated phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that pro-angiogenic inducer; hesperidin and narirutin can be simply, easily, and effectively extracted from Citrus unshiu peels.

Is Alcohol Swabbing Sufficient to Clean Otoscopes in Hospitals? / 대한이비인후과학회지

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An otoscope is a basic instrument used by otorhinolaryngologists. An inappropriately sterilized otoscope has been reported to be a possible bacterial vector for infection. In this regard, we decided to investigate contaminated otoscopes for possible bacterial contamination and evaluate the efficacy of the otoscope disinfection methods. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We randomly drew 22 otoscope cones from university hospitals and 10 from private hospitals. Cones were divided into three groups accordingly to their sterilization methods: group 1 was wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol, group 2 was soaked for 20 min in 70% isopropyl alcohol, and group 3 was soaked in CIDEX solution. The samples were cultured twice, first before the disinfection process and then after the disinfection process. Otoscopes were cleaned for a week by employing these techniques. RESULTS: Most of the pre-sterilized otoscopes (20/22) were obtained from the hospitals which demonstrated contamination with microorganisms. Staphylococcus was the most common bacteria found (16/22). After a week of cleansing, no bacteria were seen in group 1 (0%, 0/8), whereas group 2 (14.3%, 1/7), and group 3 (28.6%, 2/7) still showed remaining microorganisms. The three methods were significantly effective on sterilizing microorganisms. CONCLUSION: An otoscope can be a vector for spreading infection. We found that disinfection by alcohol-swabbing alone is sufficient for sterilizing otoscope cones. Clinically, this information may be useful to otorhinolaryngologists. However, further studies are required to establish the most appropriate disinfection protocol to prevent infection from microorganisms.

Microfluidic Spinning of the Fibrous Alginate Scaffolds for Modulation of the Degradation Profile

In tissue engineering, alginate has been an attractive material due to its biocompatibility and ability to form hydrogels, unless its uncontrollable degradation could be an undesirable feature. Here, we developed a simple and easy method to tune the degradation profile of the fibrous alginate scaffolds by the microfluidic wet spinning techniques, according with the use of isopropyl alcohol for dense packing of alginate chains in the microfiber production and the increase of crosslinking with Ca²⁺ ion. The degradation profiling was analyzed by mass losses, swelling ratios, and also observation of the morphologic changes. The results demonstrated that high packing density might be provided by self-aggregation of polymer chains through high dipole interactions between sheath and core fluids and that the increase of crosslinking rates could make degradation of alginate scaffold controllable. We suggest that the tunable degradation of the alginate fibrous scaffolds may expand its utilities for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, in vitro cell culture, wound healing, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol hand rub versus standard hand washing for hand hygiene among healthcare workers

Abstract@#Access to handwashing areas is not as convenient as having alcohol in one’s pocket or bedside. Alternatively, cleaning the hands with alcohol can save us a lot of time and effort in disinfecting our hands thus giving us more time for patient care. If alcohol can be proven as effective as soap and water in hand disinfection, then residents and nurses may use this method of hand hygiene instead. @*Objective@#To compare the efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol against standard handwashing in hand hygiene among medical residents and nurses at a tertiary hospital. @*Methods@#Seventy-six doctors and nurses were randomly assigned to two groups with 38 subjects each. Group 1 used plain soap and water while group 2 used 70% isopropyl alcohol hand rub. hand swabbing was done before and after hand hygiene. The presence or absence of bacteria was compared for the same subject, before and after hand disinfection. The mean decrease in colony count in group 1 was compared to group 2. @*Results@#Both groups were successful in reducing the mean colony count. Handwashing group had a decrease from 27.34 34 +33.17to 3.58+ 6.63 CFU, while the alcohol group from 21.5 + 31.13 to 0.76 + 1.48 CFU, both with p values <0.05. But in comparison, the mean changes for both groups were not statistically significant, therefore no intervention was superior to the other and both were equally effective. @*Conclusion@#Seven percent isopropyl alcohol is as effective as standard handwashing in disinfection. It is recommended to have 70% isopropyl alcohol at bedside/individually carried by doctors/nurses for easy access. Observation of proper hand washing technique should always be emphasized. Bacterial colony identification is ideal for future studies.

EVALUATION OF THREE SURFACE FRICTION TECHNIQUES FOR THE REMOVAL OF ORGANIC MATTER / EVALUACIÓN DE TRES TÉCNICAS DE FRICCIÓN DE SUPERFICIE PARA REMOCIÓN DE MATERIA ORGÁNICA / AVALIAÇÃO DE TRÊS TÉCNICAS DE FRICÇÃO DE SUPERFÍCIE PARA REMOÇÃO DE MATÉRIA ORGÂNICA

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of three surface friction techniques for the removal of organic material. A quantitative, descriptive and exploratory study was developed to evaluate the presence or not of organic material before and after the cleaning and disinfection process of surfaces of bedside tables of patients hospitalized at an Intensive Care Unit. Three friction techniques were executed in the one-way, two-way and centrifugal sense, individually, three times on each table, during alternate weeks. For each patient unit and friction technique, a single table and three sides of cloth were used, moistened with 70% (w/v) alcohol. The organic matter was detected through the presence of adenosine triphosphate by bioluminescence, using 3M(tm) Clean-Trace(tm) ATP Systems. For each technique, 13 samples were collected before and 13 after the cleaning/disinfection process, totaling 78 samples of adenosine triphosphate by bioluminescence. No statistically significant difference was found among the removal techniques of organic matter. This study demonstrated that none of the three surface friction methods was better than the other to remove organic matter. Nevertheless, further research is needed in which other cleaning/disinfection indicators and surfaces are considered.

RESUMEN Se objetivó evaluar la eficacia de tres técnicas de fricción de superficie para remoción de materia orgánica. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio sobre evaluación de la presencia o no de materia orgánica antes y después del proceso de limpieza/desinfección de la superficie de mesillas de noche de pacientes internados en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva. Tres técnicas de fricción en sentido unidireccional, bidireccional y centrífuga fueron ejecutadas individualmente tres veces para cada mesilla, en semanas alternadas. Para cada unidad de paciente y técnica de fricción, una única mesilla y paño, utilizando 3 faces y humedecido con alcohol a 70% (p/v) fueron utilizados. La materia orgánica fue detectada por la presencia de trifosfato de adenosina por bioluminescencia, utilizando el sistema 3M(tm) Clean-Trace(tm) ATP Systems. Para cada técnica, 13 muestras fueron recolectadas antes y 13 después del proceso de limpieza/desinfección, totalizando 78 recolectas de trifosfato de adenosina por bioluminescencia. No fueron constatadas diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre las técnicas en la remoción de materia orgánica. Este estudio demostró que ningún de los tres métodos de fricción de superficie fue mejor que los otros en la remoción de materia orgánica. Sin embargo, estudios adicionales son necesarios, considerando otros indicadores de limpieza/desinfección y superficies.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de três técnicas de fricção de superfície para remoção de matéria orgânica. Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, descritivo e exploratório, realizado antes e após o processo de limpeza/desinfecção das mesas de cabeceiras da unidade de pacientes. Três técnicas de fricção em sentido unidirecional, bidirecional e centrífuga, realizadas individualmente para cada mesa, foram executadas. Para cada unidade de paciente e técnica de fricção, uma única mesa e pano umedecido com álcool a 70% (p/v) foi empregado. A matéria orgânica foi detectada pela presença de trifosfato de adenosina por bioluminescência utilizando o sistema 3M(tm) Clean-Trace(tm) ATP Systems. Para cada técnica, 13 amostras foram coletadas antes, e 13, após o processo de limpeza/desinfecção, totalizando 78 colheitas. Não se constatou diferença entre as técnicas na remoção de matéria orgânica. Este estudo demonstrou que as três técnicas de fricção de superfície são equivalentes. No entanto, estudos adicionais considerando outros indicadores e superfícies são necessários.

Determination of n-pentanol in workplace air by solvent desorption gas chromatography / 中华劳动卫生职业病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To develop a solvent desorption gas chromatographic method for determination of n-pentanol in the workplace air.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>n-Pentanol in the workplace air was collected with activated carbon tubes, desorbed with 2% 2-propanol in carbon disulfide, separated with a nitroterephthalic acid-modified FFAP capillary column, and detected with flame ionization detector.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The limit of detection was 0.2 mg/L; the lower limit of quantification was 0.6 mg/L; the linear range was 0.6-4072.0 mg/L. The minimum detectable mass concentration was 0.2 mg/m3 for 1.5 L of air sample. This method was highly repeatable. The relative standard deviations were 2.3%-5.4%. The average desorption efficiencies were 86.9%-94.2%. The absorption efficiencies were 100%. The breakthrough volume was above 8.0 mg in 100-mg activated carbon. The samples in activated carbon tubes could be stored for at least 14 days at room temperature.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The method is feasible for determination of n-pentanol in the workplace air.</p>

Etanol e isopropanol: genotoxicidad y teratogénesis evaluada aplicando el modelo de Drosophila melanogaster / Ethanol and isopropanol: genotoxicity and teratogenicity evaluated using Drosophila melanogaster as a model system

El etanol y el isopropanol son, de los alcoholes alifáticos de cadena corta, los más frecuentemente asociados a la actividad humana tanto a nivel industrial como en el entorno doméstico. En este trabajo se presentan los principales hallazgos reportados en la literatura para ensayos de genotoxicidad y teratogénesis en modelos experimentales de distinto nivel de complejidad, con especial énfasis en Drosophila melanogaster. El metabolismo de estos alcoholes es semejante en Drosophila y en humanos por lo cual la mosca es un buen modelo in vivo para la evaluación de sus potenciales efectos tóxicos, genotóxicos y teratogénicos.

Ethanol and isopropanol are two of the short chain aliphatic alcohols more frequently associated to the human environment, both in the industrial and domestic conditions. The aim of this work was to present the main findings reported in the literature about their genotoxicity and teratogenicity in experimental models of different level of complexity, with special emphasis in Drosophila melanogaster. Taking into account that the metabolism of both alcohols in Drosophila and humans is similar, the fly is a good model for the evaluation of their potentially toxic, genotoxic and teratogenic effects.

Comparison of disinfective power according to application order of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 10% povidone-iodine / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Many disinfectants have been used clinically in both single and combination applications, but there have been few studies on disinfective power according to sterilization sequence when using a combination of disinfectants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the disinfective power of a combination of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 10% povidone-iodine (PVP-I) according to sterilization sequence. METHODS: Two hundred healthy volunteers were recruited. Subjects were disinfected with a combination of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 10% PVP-I on both forearms, in varying sequence. The AP group included disinfections on the left forearm with isopropyl alcohol first followed by 10% PVP-I, while the PA group included disinfections on the right forearm with same disinfectants in reverse order. Skin cultures were obtained using cotton swabs 3 min after application of each disinfectant, and then were inoculated on blood agar plates for bacterial culture. Cultures were incubated at 37degrees C under aerobic conditions for 48 hours. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the number of positive cultures after the 1st disinfection (AP, 45; PA, 36, P = 0.262) or the 2nd disinfection (AP, 6; PA, 13, P = 0.157), suggesting that there is no relationship between disinfective power and the sequence of the disinfectants used. The number of positive cultures significantly decreased after the 2nd disinfection (P < 0.01), however. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in disinfective power according to sterilization sequence with 70% isopropyl alcohol and 10% PVP-I in healthy volunteers. The combination of 70% isopropyl alcohol and 10% PVP-I was more effective than disinfection with a single agent regardless of sterilization sequence.

Clinical Review of Toxic Alcohol Poisoning Cases in Korea

PURPOSE: Toxic alcohols are responsible for accidental and suicide motivated poisonings, resulting in death or permanent sequelae for the afflicted patients. Major therapeutic modalities in these cases include treatment with alcohol dehydrogenase inhibitors and extracorporeal elimination. There have been a number of case reports of toxic alcohol intoxication in Korea. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics of patients suffering toxic alcohol intoxication. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who presented with toxic alcohol intoxication at 8 emergency departments (ED) from Jun 2005 to Nov 2011. Patients who ingested methanol, isopropyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, and other alcohols except ethanol, were included in this study. The clinical characteristics of these patients were analyzed to include anion and osmolar gap, and estimated concentration of alcohol in the body. RESULTS: During the study period, 21 patients were identified who had ingested toxic alcohol (methanol; 12 patients, ethylene glycol; 9 patients). At ED arrival, the mean anion gap was 18.7+/-6.9 and the osmolar gap was elevated in 13 patients. Oral and IV ethanol were administrated to 11 patients in order to inhibit alcohol dehydrogenase. Extracorporeal elimination procedures such as hemodialysis were performed in 9 patients. There were no fatalities, but the one patient suffered permanent blindness. CONCLUSION: This study found that ethylene glycol and methanol were the substances ingested which produced toxic alcohol intoxication. The patients presented with high anion gap metabolic acidosis and were typically treated with oral ethanol and hemodialysis.

Effect of Korean Native Cimicifuga Species on Proliferation of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells / 대한폐경학회지

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effect of extracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species on cell proliferation in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). METHODS: VSMC were isolated from rat aorta. Cell proliferation was assessed by measure of bromodeoxyuridine incorporation into the cells. Differences in Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were examined after exposure to the extracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species using the detection reagents dichlorofluorecin diacetate. The rhizomes/roots were air-dried and milled with a commercial food mixer. Milled rhizomes/roots of each Cimicifuga species were separately extracted by 80% ethanol, absolute methanol, and 40% 2-propanol using homogenizer and evaporated under reduced pressure at low temperatures. Effects of extracts dissolved in phosphate-buffered saline (0.3 mg/mL) were examined. RESULTS: Ethanolic, methanolic or propanolic extracts of 4 Korean native Cimicifuge species (Cimicifuga [C] davurica, C. japonica, C. heracleifolia var. bifida Nakai, C. simplex) were screened. The addition of extracts of each Korean native Cimicifuge species to cells in the presence of 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) potently inhibited cell proliferation. Significant decrease of 23%-30% was observed. Vitamin E, a potent antioxidant, inhibited 10% FBS-stimulated cell proliferation of VSMC. We also demonstrated that extracts of each Korean native Cimicifuge species decreased intracellular ROS generation induced with 10% FBS. The effect of Korean native Cimicifuge species was not species-specific and solvent-specific. CONCLUSION: TExtracts of Korean native Cimicifuge species inhibit VSMC proliferation via inhibition of intracellular ROS. These findings suggest that Cimicifuge species used for reducing menopause symptoms might be cardioprotective in women.