Effects of endoscopic reprocessing on disinfection and its influential factors during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Objective To explore the effects of endoscopic reprocessing on disinfection and its influential factors under the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A total of 450 endoscopes cleaned and disinfected according to Technical Specifications for Cleaning and Disinfection of Endoscopes from November 2019 to January 2020, and 450 endoscopes cleaned and disinfected according to The recommended procedure for cleaning and disinfection of gastrointestinal endoscopes during COVID-19 epidemic by Chinese Society of Digestive Endoscopology from February to April 2020 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled in the control group and observation group respectively by random number method. Both the control group and the observation group contained 200 gastroscopes, 200 enteroscopes and 50 ultrasound endoscopes. ATP fluorescence detection method and pour plate technique were used to evaluate the disinfection effect of endoscopes. Single factor analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors for unqualified sterilization after endoscopic reprocessing. Results The disinfection pass rates of gastroscopes, enteroscopes and ultrasound endoscopes in the observation group were not significantly different compared with those of the control group (P>0. 05). The sterilization pass rates and ATP test pass rates of gastroscopes, enteroscopes and ultrasound endoscopes in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P<0. 05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that non-strict implementation of endoscopic reprocessing (OR = 7. 96, 95%CI: 4. 55-22. 84, P<0. 001), non-standard operation (OR = 2. 26, 95%CI: 1. 24-5. 63, P<0. 001), insufficient concentration of disinfectant (OR = 5. 43, 95% CI: 2. 52-9. 02, P < 0. 001), insufficient concentration ratio of multi-enzyme solution (OR = 4. 38, 95% CI: 1. 95-8. 61, P < 0. 001), non-timely cleaning (OR= 2. 86, 95%CI: 1. 33-6. 42, P<0. 001), incomplete cleaning (OR = 3. 75, 95%CI: 1. 61-7. 49, P<0. 001) and improper endoscopic preservation (OR= 2. 12, 95%CI: 1. 36-4. 12, P<0. 001) were independent risk factors for unqualified sterilization after endoscopic reprocessing. Conclusion In COVID-19 pandemic, endoscope reprocessing can significantly improve the disinfection effect of endoscopes, worthy of further clinical promotion. The failure to strictly implement the reprocessing procedure is an important factor that may lead to unqualified sterilization.Copyright © 2021 The authors.

Evaluation of the bactericidal effect of UV-LED light on alginate impressions.

The oral cavity houses a large number of microorganisms that are potential pathogens, such as cytome-galovirus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus, herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, human immuno-deficiency virus, mycobacterium tuberculosis and currently with the appearance of the SARS COV-2 that causes covid-19, the dental community must take stricter measures in its protection protocols against diseases. To evaluate its germicidal efficacy, ultraviolet light was applied with different exposure times on the alginate dental impressions, immediately after having taken the impression, which when it came into contact with the oral cavity of the patient is contaminated. As a result, a decrease in size and quantity of the bacterial colonies was observed in most of the samples in which the UV LED light was applied at 10 and 15 minutes of exposure. Some samples showed less bacterial growth even after 5 minutes of exposure. All this confirms its germicidal capacity thanks to its 245 nm ultraviolet spectrum that affects the DNA and RNA chain of microorganisms since it is the wavelength of maximum absorption of its molecule, eliminating its reproductive and survival capacity. The advantages it offers such as its small size, easy to handle and install, that it does not require constant maintenance, low acquisition cost;its constant high intensity light that does not generate any increase in temperature, makes it an excellent disinfectant auxiliary that can be incorporated into dental clinics.Copyright © 2023, Ediciones Avances S.L.. All rights reserved.

Heat-Denatured Lysozyme is a Novel Potential Non-alcoholic Disinfectant Against Respiratory Virus.

Respiratory diseases are significant recurrent threats to global public health. Since the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, seasonal influenza viruses continue to cause epidemics around the world each year. More recently, the COVID-19 global pandemic conducted a public health crisis with more than 6 million deaths and it also severely affected the global economy. Due to the phenomenon that people get infection from objects carrying viruses, it has aroused people's attention to home disinfection. As there is no ideal existing common domestic disinfectant, new and safer antiviral disinfectants are urgently needed. Lysozyme is a natural antibacterial agent widespread in nature and widely used in healthcare and food industry because of is recognized safety. Recently, it has been shown that thermally denatured lysozyme has the ability to kill murine norovirus and hepatitis A virus. In our study, we also demonstrated that heat-denatured lysozyme (HDLz) had an antiviral effect against H1N1 influenza A virus, and we optimized its antiviral activities by testing different heating denaturation conditions, to generalize this property, using pseudotype virus neutralization assay, we found that HDLz can also inhibit the entry of H5N1, H5N6, and H7N1 avian influenza viruses as well as SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 particles in cell with IC50 at the ng/mL range. Finally, using western blot analysis, we provide evidence that HDLz polymerization correlates with antiviral effect, which may be a precious possible quality control test. Altogether, our data support HDLz as a powerful anti-respiratory virus disinfectant as a sole or additive of current disinfectants to reduce concentration of toxic component.

Knowledge and Practices of Disinfectants and Sanitizers Use during COVID-19 Pandemic in Jordan

Background: The use of antimicrobials has been expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to assess the knowledge and practices of disinfectants and sanitizers use among Jordanian people during the (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire was distributed across Jordan between August and September 2020. The questionnaire consisted of three sections inquiring about demographics and general characteristics of the surveyed sample, evaluating the respondents' knowledge about disinfectants, as well as respondents' practices. The questionnaire was completed by 403 literate adult respondents. Results: Our results indicate that Jordanian adults have used disinfectants increasingly during the COVID-19 outbreak. Knowledge of our study sample was considerably affected by gender (p=0.044), income (p=0.001), and profession (p<0.001). 80.8% of those participants reported skin-related side effects due to disinfectant use during the pandemic. The most used disinfectants were ethanol, followed by soap and water. Generally, study respondents showed positive practices toward the use of disinfectants during the time of the pandemic with few high-risk practices reported. Interestingly, the positive practices applied by Jordanian adults were minimally and not significantly affected by the knowledge about antimicrobials' safe and effective use. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for a structured effort to increase public awareness regarding the safe and effective use of disinfectants against SARS-CoV-2 transmission. © 2023 DSR Publishers/The University of Jordan.

Survey of Home Cleaning Practices With Noninvasive Ventilation Equipment

Purpose:Home noninvasive ventilation (NIV) equipment is often observed to be dirty, potentially increasing patients' risk of respiratory infection. This study aimed to describe the cleaning practices of home NIV patients. Method(s):This single-site, cross-sectional, observational study surveyed 100 patients from the respiratory failure clinic regarding cleaning instructions, cleaning habits, barriers, and motivators to cleaning. Open-ended responses were analyzed with basic content analysis and closed categorical responses with frequencies and percentages. Result(s):Of 100 participants, 77% responded. Cleaning instructions most commonly recalled included cleaning with soapy water for masks (26/47, 55%), head straps (19/47, 40%), and tubing (21/47, 45%);vinegar solution for humidifiers (9/39, 23%);and replacing filters (14/39, 36%). Fourteen respondents reported barriers to cleaning, including forgetfulness (7/14, 50%) and physical difficulties (6/14, 43%). Commonly reported cleaning practices included soapy water to soak masks (28/77, 36%) and tubing (35/77, 46%), weekly masks (34/77, 44%) and tubing cleaning (29/77, 38%), vinegar solution to clean humidifiers for the 36 humidifier users (15/36, 44%), monthly humidifier cleaning (13/36, 36%), and monthly filter cleaning/replacement (36/77, 47%). Conclusion(s):Few respondents could recall specific instructions about when and how to clean their equipment. Many reported routine cleaning, with varied methods and frequencies. Our results will inform future NIV equipment cleaning educational package design.Copyright © Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Section, APTA.

A Direct Catalytic Ethanol Fuel Cell (DCEFC) Modified by LDHs, or by Catalase-LDHs, and Improvement in Its Kinetic Performance: Applications for Human Saliva and Disinfectant Products for COVID-19.

In this work, it has been experimentally proven that the kinetic performance of a common Direct Catalytic Ethanol Fuel Cell (DCEFC) can be increased by introducing nanostructured (ZnII,AlIII(OH)2)+NO3-·H2O Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) into the anode compartment. Carrying out the measurements with the open-circuit voltage method and using a kinetic format, it has been shown that the introduction of LDHs in the anodic compartment implies a 1.3-fold increase in the calibration sensitivity of the method. This improvement becomes even greater in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in a solution. Furthermore, we show that the calibration sensitivity increased by 8-times, when the fuel cell is modified by the enzyme catalase, crosslinked on LDHs and in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The fuel cell, thus modified (with or without enzyme), has been used for analytical applications on real samples, such as biological (human saliva) and hand disinfectant samples, commonly used for the prevention of COVID-19, obtaining very positive results from both analytical and kinetic points of view on ethanol detection. Moreover, if the increase in the calibration sensitivity is of great importance from the point of view of analytical applications, it must be remarked that the increase in the speed of the ethanol oxidation process in the fuel cell can also be extremely useful for the purposes of improving the energy performance of a DCEFC.

Efficacy of chlorin dioxide wipes in disinfecting airway devices contaminated with Covid-19.

Background: Reprocessing and disinfecting endoscopes is a routine practice in otolaryngology. An effective, safe, and rapid disinfection technique is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic. Objective: To validate the efficacy of chlorine dioxide wipes in disinfecting three types of airway endoscopes contaminated with COVID-19-positive patient secretions. Methods: Chlorine dioxide wipes were tested on rigid nasal endoscopes, laryngoscope blades, and flexible bronchoscopes. The endoscopes were disinfected using the wipes after exposure to COVID-19-positive patients. The tested scope was included in the study if the post procedure pre disinfection swab was positive for COVID-19 virus using RT-PCR. We analyzed 38 samples for 19 subjects (scopes) pre and post disinfection with chlorine dioxide wipes from July 2021 to February 2022. Results: A total of four rigid endoscopes, four flexible bronchoscopes, and four laryngoscopes were included in the study which represent 24 pre and post disinfection swabs. The others were excluded because of negative pre disinfection swab. All the post disinfection PCR swab results were negative. Conclusion: Chlorine dioxide is a convenient, fast, and effective disinfection technique for COVID-19-contaminated airway endoscopes.

Automated Disinfection System for Polyethylene Terephthalate Bottles for Bacteria, Fungi, and Viruses Using UVC LED Camera

The world is currently experiencing a crisis, caused by SARS-CoV-2 and a viral mutation. Given this, the mechatronic system is proposed that allows disinfecting contaminated surfaces. This device makes it possible to disinfect polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles by applying short-wave UVC rays from 200 to 280 nm, which generates a germicidal effect. The machine consists of a UVC chamber, transport, and a control system. For this, the methodology of the Association of German Engineers (VDI 2206) was used, taking into account the Inventor, TIA Portal, and Factory IO software, managing to develop the system whose light-emitting diodes inside the camera project type C ultraviolet light, camera protected by strips of plastic sheet (ABS) acrylonitrile butadiene styrene anti-ultraviolet light that blocks the projection wave up to 98% of the radiation;the recycled PET bottles are moved through a linear conveyor belt that supports a maximum weight of 200 kg, controlled by a control panel. Obtaining the results in this research focused on the design of the prototype, with a feasible structural system thanks to its maximum efficiency in the disinfection process. It is concluded that it is feasible to design a machine that projects ultraviolet rays to disinfect recycled PET bottles to eliminate viruses, parasites, fungi, and bacteria. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.

Novel Dose of Natrium Chloride and Soil Concentration in Reducing Medical Waste Bacteria before Incineration

If it is not adequately managed, the waste from healthcare facilities containing infectious material poses a risk to the general public and the natural environment. As a result, hospitals must ensure that their waste management policies do not add to the dangers posed to both human health and the environment. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect that varying doses of disinfectant in conjunction with andosol soil had on the total number of bacteria present in the medical waste generated by three hospitals in Semarang City, Indonesia. According to the findings of the study, the most efficient method for decreasing the overall number of microbial colonies by 93% was a combination involving soil (at a percentage of 30) and chlorine (at a concentration of 0.75 ppm). As a consequence of this, and due to the limited technology available, this straightforward method can become an alternative for the healthcare industry in managing medical waste before dumping or incinerating it. Hospitals have been advised to discontinue the practice of directly burning, disinfecting, or transporting waste to disposal locations before it receives treatment. This can help reduce the risk of pandemics, as the correct disposal of medical waste can control infection sources.

Safe Use of Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) to Deactivate SARS-CoV-2: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has now morphed into the most serious healthcare challenge that the world has faced in a century. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was declared as a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) on January 30, 2020, and a pandemic on March 11 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The number of cases and the death toll are rapidly increasing frequently because of its fast transmission from human to human through droplets, contaminated hands or body, and inanimate surfaces. Objective(s): SDS has been found to exhibit broad-spectrum and effective microbicidal and viral inactivation agents through the denaturation of both envelope and non-envelop proteins Methods: Viable SARS-COV-2 particles may also be found on contaminated sites such as steel surfaces, plastic surfaces, stainless steel, cardboard, and glass surfaces that can serve as a source of virus transmission. We reviewed the available literature about the SARS-CoV-2 persistence on inanimate surfaces as well as the decontamination strategies of corona and other viruses by using Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as well as other cleaning chemicals and disinfectants. Result(s): The efficacy of SDS has been amply demonstrated in several studies involving human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV). SDS has also been found as deactivator of SARS-CoV-2. In toxic profile, up to 1% concentration of SDS is safe for humans and showed no toxic effect if ingested. Conclusion(s): Since no specific treatment is available as yet so containment and prevention continue to be important strategies against COVID-19. In this context, SDS can be an effective chemical disinfectant to slow and stop the further transmissions and spread of COVID-19.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

Knowledge, Concept on severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2). A Review of the Literature and Future perspective

Severe acute respiratory corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly recognized pathogen and may cause severe respiratory illness among virus-infected people. The virus in the open market of Wuhan city, China was identified. The virus causative agent for the COVID-19 disease and became pandemic in December 2019 to now with no proper disease management protocols. So, the authors felt a need to bring awareness to the disease and its causative agent among worldwide.The current review article is trying to bringglance information on SARS-CoV-2 on various aspects of disease condition as Common characteristics, history, and mode of transmissions of the virus. The virus can be detected through investigations, Identified clinical manifestations for the virus, and available management used to treat the virus-infected patient. Here discussed possible preventive measures for SARS-CoV-2;to control the spread of the disease among the communities. This article information maybea help people to have an awareness of the disease.Health professional are trying hard for providing effective care to the virus affected people with minimal disease preventive protocols. People should understand the effectiveness of the vaccine and undergoing vaccination process which helps the spread of virus among the healthy people. Every individual should take initiation for the control of the disease spreads by following controlling measures.Copyright © RJPT All right reserved.

Hand care: it's time to take the gloves off

The increased incidence of hand dermatitis (HD) is well documented in healthcare professionals (HCPs) (Flyvholm MA, Bach B, Rose M, Jepsen KF. Self-reported hand eczema in a hospital population. Contact Dermatitis 2007;57: 110-15). It is reported that HD accounts for 95% of all occupational dermatitis (Bains SN, Nash P, Fonacier L. Irritant contact dermatitis. Clinic Rev Allergy Immunol 2019;56: 99-109). We sought to better understand the prevalence of HD in HCPs in a large teaching hospital, identify any associated risk factors and assess their knowledge of hand care. Additionally, we aimed to assess the availability of ward facilities and posters for hand hygiene and hand care. The survey was conducted between November 2015 and January 2016. A review of ward facilities and posters for hand care and hand hygiene was conducted in October 2020. A total of 820 HCPs responded to the survey. Altogether, 444 respondents (54 1%) reported a previous history of HD and 226 (27 6%) reported active dermatitis. These included 153 (18 6%) doctors/ dentists, 76 (9 3%) allied health professionals (AHPs), 46 (5 6%) nurses/midwives, 27 (3 3%) administrative staff, 16 (1 9%) other, five (0 6%) technicians and 108 (13 2%) medical/ dental/nursing/midwifery/AHP students. Only 10 (1 2%) took time off work owing to their HD, with five (0 6%) requiring > 5 days off work, but 67 (8 2%) wished they had taken time off work. In total, 416 (50 7%) respondents washed their hands > 20 times daily and 229 (27 9%) used disinfectants > 20 times per day. Those with a prior history of atopic dermatitis (AD) were at higher risk of developing HD [relative risk (RR) 1 69, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1 52-1 89;P < 0 001], and within 6 months of starting their job/placement (RR 1 82, 95% CI 1 3-2 5;P < 0 002). Only 107 (13 0%) respondents were able to identify all 11 correct statements regarding hand care. Two hundred and twenty (49 5%) of the 444 HCPs with a history of HD never received hand care advice when they started their current role. The 24 adult wards surveyed had a total of 162 general-use sinks, all with hand soap and disinfectant, and 154 hand hygiene posters. In contrast, only 22 sinks had emollients available. No posters were seen regarding hand care and skin health. This survey highlights the high prevalence of HD among HCPs, especially those with AD, but many are still not aware of good hand care measures. Additionally, our survey reflects the need for early education and equal facilities for hand care and hand hygiene, as both are important when delivering good clinical care, to protect patients and staff, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Current Scenario, Challenges and Future Perspectives

Background: The new public health emergency of COVID-19 caused by a novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which originated in Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019, evolved into a pandemic in no time and is still in progression. The novel virus mainly targets the lower respiratory system, leading to viral pneumonia, with other associated complications of multi organ failure. Discussion(s): The bats, in particular Rhinolophus affinis, is a natural host of SARS-CoV-2 and the virus is considered to have spread to humans through yet controversial intermediate host pangolins. The incubation period ranges from 2-14 days and mode of person-to-person transmission is primari-ly via the direct contact with the infected person or through the droplets generated by the infected person during coughing or sneezing. The initiation of the infection process by SARS-CoV-2 virus is the invasion of lung type II alveolar cells via a receptor protein called angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) present on the cell membrane with glycosylated spike (S) viral protein that medi-ates host cell invasion. The main diagnostic tools employed are molecular methods based on nucleic acid detection engaging real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and a new immunoassays based on antibodies IgM/IgG. Conclusion(s): Due to the lack of specific clinically approved anticovid-19 drugs or vaccines that could be used for its prevention or treatment, the current management approach is essentially sup-portive and symptomatic. The precautionary measures like, social distancing, cleaning hands with soap or sanitizers, using disinfectant solutions to decontaminate the surfaces of things and proper ventilation, wearing masks and other protective gears to curb transmission. The knowledge regard-ing COVID-19 therapies is still evolving and collaborative efforts are being put in to discover definitive therapies on different themes in the form of vaccines, repurposing drugs, RNA interfer-ence, docking studies, etc.Copyright © 2021 Bentham Science Publishers.

HOCl as a Promising Candidate for Effective Containment of Covid 19 From Biological and Non-Biological Surfaces

Covid 19 is a pandemic disease spread almost in the whole world. To date, no medical advancement to curb the virus. Coronavirus is an enveloped virus transmitted from the biological and non-biological surface by direct or indirect contact. Limited literature revealed that the enveloped virus can be killed by disinfectants. There are many biocidal agents used for decontamination of the virus, yet they have many issues like toxicity, killing time, activation requirement, etc. Some are specific to the inanimate surface but not used by a human being. This current situation showed an urgent need for a biocidal agent which can act on biological as well as non-biological surfaces without any potential toxicity. Moreover, it should be easy to handle, inexpensive, and safe for the environment. Hypochlorous acid is a weak acid that acts as a powerful disinfectant and shows biocidal efficacy against a wide range of microorganisms. Hypochlorous acid is simple to use, inexpensive, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and stable. The properties of HOCl can be regulated at the site of preparation and therefore, its compliance is high. Hypochlorous acid seems to be a promising agent in disinfection and sterilization in healthcare facilities. Due to its diverse biocidal actions, it may be used as a potent disinfectant against novel coronavirus.Copyright © 2022 Bentham Science Publishers.

Hypochlorous acid inactivates oral pathogens and a SARS-CoV-2-surrogate.

BACKGROUND: Droplets and aerosols produced during dental procedures are a risk factor for microbial and viral transmission. Unlike sodium hypochlorite, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is nontoxic to tissues but still exhibits broad microbicidal effect. HOCl solution may be applicable as a supplement to water and/or mouthwash. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HOCl solution on common human oral pathogens and a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate MHV A59 virus, considering the dental practice environment. METHODS: HOCl was generated by electrolysis of 3% hydrochloric acid. The effect of HOCl on human oral pathogens, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Prevotella intermedia, Streptococcus intermedius, Parvimonas micra, and MHV A59 virus was studied from four perspectives: concentration; volume; presence of saliva; and storage. HOCl solution in different conditions was utilized in bactericidal and virucidal assays, and the minimum inhibitory volume ratio that is required to completely inhibit the pathogens was determined. RESULTS: In the absence of saliva, the minimum inhibitory volume ratio of freshly prepared HOCl solution (45-60 ppm) was 4:1 for bacterial suspensions and 6:1 for viral suspensions. The presence of saliva increased the minimum inhibitory volume ratio to 8:1 and 7:1 for bacteria and viruses, respectively. Applying a higher concentration of HOCl solution (220 or 330 ppm) did not lead to a significant decrease in the minimum inhibitory volume ratio against S. intermedius and P. micra. The minimum inhibitory volume ratio increases in applications of HOCl solution via the dental unit water line. One week of storage of HOCl solution degraded HOCl and increased the minimum growth inhibition volume ratio. CONCLUSIONS: HOCl solution (45-60 ppm) is still effective against oral pathogens and SAR-CoV-2 surrogate viruses even in the presence of saliva and after passing through the dental unit water line. This study indicates that the HOCl solution can be used as therapeutic water or mouthwash and may ultimately reduce the risk of airborne infection in dental practice.

Brevicillin, a novel lanthipeptide from the genus Brevibacillus with antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral activity.

AIM: This study was aimed to determine antimicrobial and antiviral activity of a novel lanthipeptide from a Brevibacillus sp. for disinfectant application. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antimicrobial peptide (AMP) was produced by a bacterial strain AF8 identified as a member of the genus Brevibacillus representing a novel species. Whole genome sequence analysis using BAGEL identified a putative complete biosynthetic gene cluster involved in lanthipeptide synthesis. The deduced amino acid sequence of lanthipeptide named as brevicillin, showed >30% similarity with epidermin. Mass determined by MALDI-MS and Q-TOF suggested posttranslational modifications like dehydration of all Ser and Thr amino acids to yield Dha and Dhb, respectively. Amino acid composition determined upon acid hydrolysis is in agreement with core peptide sequence deduced from the putative biosynthetic gene bvrAF8. Biochemical evidence along with stability features ascertained posttranslational modifications during formation of the core peptide. The peptide showed strong activity with 99% killing of pathogens at 12 µg ml-1 within 1 minute. Interestingly, it also showed potent anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity by inhibiting ∼99% virus growth at 10 µg ml-1 in cell culture-based assay. Brevicillin did not show dermal allergic reactions in BALB/c mice. CONCLUSION: This study provides detailed description of a novel lanthipeptide and demonstrates its effective antibacterial, antifungal and anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.

In silico analyses of diversity and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance genes and mobile genetics elements, for plasmids of enteric pathogens.

Introduction: The antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mobilome plays a key role in the dissemination of resistance genes encoded by mobile genetics elements (MGEs) including plasmids, transposons (Tns), and insertion sequences (ISs). These MGEs contribute to the dissemination of multidrug resistance (MDR) in enteric bacterial pathogens which have been considered as a global public health risk. Methods: To further understand the diversity and distribution of AMR genes and MGEs across different plasmid types, we utilized multiple sequence-based computational approaches to evaluate AMR-associated plasmid genetics. A collection of 1,309 complete plasmid sequences from Gammaproteobacterial species, including 100 plasmids from each of the following 14 incompatibility (Inc) types: A/C, BO, FIA, FIB, FIC, FIIA, HI1, HI2, I1, K, M, N, P except W, where only 9 sequences were available, was extracted from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank database using BLAST tools. The extracted FASTA files were analyzed using the AMRFinderPlus web-based tools to detect antimicrobial, disinfectant, biocide, and heavy metal resistance genes and ISFinder to identify IS/Tn MGEs within the plasmid sequences. Results and Discussion: In silico prediction based on plasmid replicon types showed that the resistance genes were diverse among plasmids, yet multiple genes were widely distributed across the plasmids from enteric bacterial species. These findings provide insights into the diversity of resistance genes and that MGEs mediate potential transmission of these genes across multiple plasmid replicon types. This notion was supported by the observation that many IS/Tn MGEs and resistance genes known to be associated with them were common across multiple different plasmid types. Our results provide critical insights about how the diverse population of resistance genes that are carried by the different plasmid types can allow for the dissemination of AMR across enteric bacteria. The results also highlight the value of computational-based approaches and in silico analyses for the assessment of AMR and MGEs, which are important elements of molecular epidemiology and public health outcomes.

GS-2: A Novel Broad-Spectrum Agent for Environmental Microbial Control.

The environmental control of microbial pathogens currently relies on compounds that do not exert long-lasting activity on surfaces, are impaired by soil, and contribute to the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance. This study presents the scientific development and characterization of GS-2, a novel, water-soluble ammonium carboxylate salt of capric acid and L-arginine that demonstrates activity against a range of bacteria (particularly Gram-negative bacteria), fungi, and viruses. In real-world surface testing, GS-2 was more effective than a benzalkonium chloride disinfectant at reducing the bacterial load on common touch-point surfaces in a high-traffic building (average 1.6 vs. 32.6 CFUs recovered from surfaces 90 min after application, respectively). Toxicology testing in rats confirmed GS-2 ingredients were rapidly cleared and posed no toxicities to humans or animals. To enhance the time-kill against Gram-positive bacteria, GS-2 was compounded at a specific ratio with a naturally occurring monoterpenoid, thymol, to produce a water-based antimicrobial solution. This GS-2 with thymol formulation could generate a bactericidal effect after five minutes of exposure and a viricidal effect after 10 min of exposure. Further testing of the GS-2 and thymol combination on glass slides demonstrated that the compound retained bactericidal activity for up to 60 days. Based on these results, GS-2 and GS-2 with thymol represent a novel antimicrobial solution that may have significant utility in the long-term reduction of environmental microbial pathogens in a variety of settings.

COVID-19 Risk Management in Dental Offices: A Review Article

BACKGROUND: As all the dental staff, including nurses and practitioners, are exposed to various routes of contamination due to the novel COVID-19 virus, which is still unknown to the scientific world, developing strategies to reduce the risk of transmission and decontaminate surfaces in a dental office would be of high importance. Although there is still insufficient data on managing this virus in dental offices, several studies have suggested protocols for improving care. AIM: This study aimed to review present investigations and reach a conclusion on what we know and need to know to combat this virus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this review, Scopus, PubMed, and MEDLINE databases were searched using the keywords "COVID-19,” "SARS-CoV-2,” "Medical Disinfectants,” "Personal Protective Equipment's,” and "Surface Decontamination.” Articles were reviewed, and finally, relevant articles published during 2000–2022 were included in the final paper. RESULTS: The present research concluded that using a combination of the face shield and N95 masks protected the eyes, nose, and mouth. To have more efficient protection, water-resistant long-sleeved gowns and gloves were highly suggested. To overcome aerosols, high-performance air filters and ultraviolet were found quite effective. Allowing the patient to use antiseptic mouthwash before starting the treatment could reduce oral microorganisms and the following airborne contamination. CONCLUSION: This review has gathered all available data regarding dentistry and COVID-19 in order to conclude what has been achieved yet in the prevention of this virus through dental offices;however, more investigations are needed to have a definitive protocol against the virus.