Investigation of Three Different UV-C Irradiation Schemes for Bacterial Decontamination of FFP2 Masks to Make Them Reusable.

The effect of filtering face piece grade 2 (FFP2) masks for infection prevention is essential in health care systems; however, it depends on supply chains. Efficient methods to reprocess FFP2 masks may be needed in disasters. Therefore, different UV-C irradiation schemes for bacterial decontamination of used FFP2 masks were investigated.Seventy-eight masks were irradiated with UV light for durations between 3 and 120 seconds and subsequently analyzed for the presence of viable bacteria on the inside. Ten masks served as the control group. Irradiation on the inside of the masks reduced bacteria in proportion to the dose, with an almost complete decontamination after 30 seconds. Outside irradiation reduced the quantity of colonies without time-dependent effects. Both sides of irradiation for a cumulated 30 seconds or more showed almost complete decontamination.Overall, this study suggests that standardized UV irradiation schemes with treatment to both sides might be an efficient and effective method for FFP2 mask decontamination in times of insufficient supplies.

Multimode ultrasonic-assisted decontamination of fruits and vegetables: A review.

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) are a significant part of our diet consumption. Microbial and pesticide residues are the predominant safety hazards of F&V consumption. Ordinary water washing has a very limited effect on removing microorganisms and pesticide residues and requires high water usage. Ultrasound, as an environmentally friendly technology, shows excellent potential for reducing microbial contamination and pesticide residue. This paper summarizes the research on ultrasound application in F&V washing, including the removal of microbial and pesticide residues and the comprehensive effect on their physicochemical characteristics. Furthermore, multimode ultrasonic-assisted techniques like multi-frequency and sequential ultrasound, combined with novel and conventional methods, can enhance the ultrasound-based effect and be more effective and sustainable in preventing F&V from microbial contamination. Overall, this work explicitly establishes the background on the potential for ultrasound cleaning and disinfection in the food industry as a green, effective, and ultimate method of preventing foodborne illnesses.

UV-C side-emitting optical fiber-based disinfection: a promising approach for infection control in tight channels.

The growth of pathogenic bacteria in moist and wet surfaces and tubing of medically relevant devices results in serious infections in immunocompromised patients. In this study, we investigated and demonstrated the successful implementation of a UV-C side-emitting optical fiber in disinfecting medically relevant pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA]) within tight channels of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is a commonly used material both in point-of-use (POU) water treatment technologies and medical devices (dental unit water line [DUWL], endoscope). For a 1-m-long PTFE channel, up to ≥6 log inactivation was achieved using a 1-m-long UV side-emitting optical fiber (SEOF) with continuous 16-h exposure of low UV-C radiation ranging from ~0.23 to ~29.30 µW/cm2. Furthermore, a linear model was used to calculate the inhibition zone constant (k`), which enables us to establish a correlation between UV dosage and the extent of inactivated surface area (cm2) for surface-bound Escherichia coli on a nutrient-rich medium. The k` value for an irradiance ranging from ~150 to ~271.50 µW/cm2 was calculated to be 0.564 ± 0.6 cm·cm2/mJ. This study demonstrated the efficacy of SEOFs for disinfection of medically relevant microorganisms present in medically and domestically relevant tight channels. The impact of the results in this study extends to the optimization of operational efficiency in pre-existing UV surface disinfection setups that currently operate at UV dosages exceeding the optimal levels.IMPORTANCEGermicidal UV radiation has gained global recognition for its effectiveness in water and surface disinfection. Recently, various works have illustrated the benefit of using UV-C side-emitting optical fibers (SEOFs) for the disinfection of tight polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) channels. This study now demonstrates its impact for disinfection of medically relevant organisms and introduces critical design calculations needed for its implementation. The flexible geometry and controlled emission of light in these UV-SEOFs make them ideal for light distribution in tight channels. Moreover, the results presented in this manuscript provide a novel framework that can be employed in various applications, addressing microbial contamination and the disinfection of tight channels.

Ultraviolet light C prototype device against Sporothrix brasiliensis as a potential physical method for surface disinfection.

Sporothrix brasiliensis is recognized as an emergent fungal pathogen and the high amount of fungal propagules in the lesions of infected cats allows the contamination of surfaces by direct contact. Given that the environment can play a role in the transmission of this fungus, effective methods to eliminate this pathogen from contaminated surfaces are necessary. Physical methods, such as ultraviolet light C (UVC), are broad used for surfaces disinfection, however, non-data about its activity against S. brasiliensis is reported. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate an easy handled prototype of a UVC device, in the inhibition of S. brasiliensis. Three doses and times of exposure of irradiance were tested: 3.5 mJ/cm2 (1 s), 5.25 mJ/cm2 (1.5 s) and 329 mJ/cm2 (94 s) against a standardized inoculum of yeast and mold phase of S. brasiliensis. A decrease in CFU was shown in all doses of irradiance in both phases of S. brasiliensis, the average reduction ranged from 78 to 100% among doses, being a complete fungicidal activity achieved against the yeast phase after the 94 s exposure (329 mJ/cm2). Our data shows that UVC is a potential physical method for disinfection of surfaces contaminated with S. brasiliensis, and the prototype device developed provides an easy handling, and quickly results.

Desinfección y esterilización en odontología frente al COVID-19 / Disinfection and sterilization in dentistry against COVID-19 / Desinfecção e esterilização em odontologia contra a COVID-19

A partir de la declaración de la Organización Mundial de la Salud del comienzo de la pandemia COVID-19 causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2 en marzo de 2020, los profesionales de la salud se vieron expuestos a esta enfermedad altamente contagiosa y potencialmente mortal que generó múltiples desafíos a toda la comunidad científica. Provocando cambios de paradigmas en la atención de los pacientes y en el uso de las barreras de protección personal. A nivel mundial se crearon múltiples protocolos para la atención odontológica a medida que se iba desarrollando e investigando el comportamiento del virus. Esta revisión bibliográfica resume las indicaciones y recomendaciones basadas en las evidencias disponibles para disminuir las posibilidades de contaminación ante la exposición a este virus, incluyendo medidas a utilizar desde el ingreso del paciente, los métodos de protección personal, la descontaminación y esterilización del material, así como también la desinfección del área de trabajo. Aunque se ha hecho un gran esfuerzo por mejorar los procesos de bioseguridad a nivel científico tecnológico, hay evidencias de que el factor humano sigue siendo el eslabón más débil de esta cadena.

Since the declaration by the World Health Organization of the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus in March 2020, health professionals were exposed to this highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that generated multiple challenges to the entire scientific community. It caused paradigm shifts in patient care and in the use of personal protective barriers. Multiple protocols for dental care were created worldwide as the behavior of the virus was developed and investigated. This bibliographic review summarizes the indications and recommendations based on the available evidence to reduce the possibilities of contamination when exposed to this virus, including measures to be used from patient admission, personal protection methods, decontamination and sterilization of material, as well as disinfection of the work area. Although a great effort has been made to improve biosafety processes at the scientific and technological level, there is evidence that the human factor continues to be the weakest link in this chain.

Desde a declaração pela Organização Mundial da Saúde do início da pandemia de COVID-19 causada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2 em março de 2020, os profissionais de saúde foram expostos a essa doença altamente contagiosa e potencialmente fatal, que criou vários desafios para toda a comunidade científica. Ela causou mudanças de paradigma no atendimento ao paciente e no uso de barreiras de proteção individual. Em todo o mundo, vários protocolos para atendimento odontológico foram criados à medida que o comportamento do vírus foi desenvolvido e pesquisado. Esta revisão da literatura resume as indicações e recomendações baseadas em evidências para reduzir a probabilidade de contaminação por exposição a esse vírus, incluindo medidas a serem usadas desde a admissão do paciente, métodos de proteção individual, descontaminação e esterilização de equipamentos, bem como desinfecção da área de trabalho. Embora muitos esforços tenham sido feitos para melhorar os processos de biossegurança em nível científico e tecnológico, há evidências de que o fator humano continua sendo o elo mais fraco dessa cadeia.

Adjunctive use of different lasers Er, Cr: YSGG, femtosecond, potassium titanyl phosphate and photodynamic therapy on radicular disinfection bonded to glass fiber post.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of different laser prototypes [Er, Cr: YSGG laser (ECYL), potassium titanyl phosphate laser (KTP), and Femtosecond laser (FSL)]and curcumin photosensitizer (CP) activated by Photodynamic therapy (PDT) on the bond strength of Pre-fabricated fiber reinforced composite (PFRC) post-bonded to radicular dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of fifty mandibular single-rooted closed apex teeth were extracted carefully, assembled, and decoronated up to the cementoenamel junction. The working length of all specimens was determined by using a 10 K patency file and later, were cleaned and shaped with Protaper NiTi system using the crown down approach, dried, and obturated with gutta-percha using an AH Plus sealer. Post space was prepared by guiding peeso-reamer. Based on the method of disinfection, the samples were allocated to five groups (n=10) at random: samples in group 1: curcumin photosensitizer (CP) activated by PDT, samples in group 2 disinfected using 5.25% NaOCl+17% EDTA, samples in group 3 disinfected using 5.25% NaOCl+17% EDTA+FSL, specimens in group 4 sterilized using 5.25% NaOCl+17% EDTA+KTP and samples in group 5 cleaned with 5.25% NaOCl+17% EDTA+ECYL. The fiber post was cemented via self-etch resin cement into the post space. All specimens with posts were dissected perpendicularly into apical, middle, and coronal dentin and subjected to the universal testing machine for push-out bond strength (PBS) testing. Statistical analysis was performed using a One-Way analysis of variance and Post Hoc Tukey multiple comparison tests. RESULTS: The highest PBS was corroborated when the radicular canal was disinfected with 5.25% NaOCl +17% EDTA+ ECYL at all three root levels (coronal, middle, and apical) and the lowest was adjudicated by decontamination with CP activated by PDT at all inspected root levels. Intergroup comparison presented that specimens in group 2: 5.25% NaOCl+17% EDTA (control) and group 4: 5.25% NaOCl+17% EDTA+KTP revealed comparable PBS outcome to group 5 (p>0.05) while samples in group 3 revealed the equivalent PBS values to group 1 (p<0.05) at all three root levels. CONCLUSIONS: Er, Cr: YSGG laser and potassium titanyl phosphate laser when used in combination with the conventional canal disinfection 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA demonstrated the highest push-out bond strength values at coronal, middle, and apical levels of the root.

Differential Antimicrobial Efficacy of Preservative-Free Contact Lens Disinfection Systems against Common Ocular Pathogens.

Microbial keratitis is a devastating disease that can cause eye damage and blindness and can be the result of infections by several common ocular pathogens. Importantly, some of these pathogens, such as Acanthamoeba, are particularly unsusceptible to biocides in common contact lens care solutions. Therefore, the disinfection efficacy of preservative-free (PF) disinfection systems against bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts should be assessed as products with the most potential to be efficacious against resistant organisms. PF disinfection systems were analyzed for antimicrobial efficacy. These were the one-step (hydrogen peroxide-based) Clear Care and Clear Care Plus systems and the two-step (povidone-iodine-based) Cleadew system. Stand-alone challenges using bacteria, fungi, and Acanthamoeba were prepared according to the International Standards Organization method 14729. These same challenges were also conducted in the presence of the following contact lenses: Boston RGP, Acuvue Oasys, Biofinity, Ultra, and 2-week PremiO. All challenges were performed at the manufacturer's recommended disinfection time. All preservative-free disinfection systems demonstrated similarly high rates of antimicrobial efficacy when challenged with bacteria or fungi, with or without lenses. However, both Clear Care and Clear Care Plus demonstrated significantly greater disinfection efficacy against Acanthamoeba trophozoites and cysts, with and without lenses (P < 0.05). Cleadew efficacy was impacted by the addition of contact lenses, whereas Clear Care/Clear Care Plus maintained similar efficacies in the absence or presence of lenses. While both hydrogen peroxide and povidone-iodine are highly effective against bacteria and fungi, hydrogen peroxide maintains significantly greater disinfection capabilities than povidone-iodine against all forms of Acanthamoeba. IMPORTANCE Understanding the most efficacious products will allow clinicians to best communicate to patients and consumers the safest products on the market to reduce adverse events, including microbial keratitis, during contact lens use.

A Novel Flocked Swab Protocol Proves to Be an Effective Method for Culturing Elevator-Containing Endoscopes.

BACKGROUND: The challenging disinfection process for the elevator mechanism on duodenoscopes and linear echoendoscopes has been identified as a source of clinically significant bacterial transmission. Despite increased awareness, there continues to be a lack of definitive guidelines for bacterial culturing protocols for elevator-containing endoscopes. AIMS: To compare two different prospective bacterial surveillance protocols for duodenoscopes and linear echoendoscopes with regard to accuracy, efficiency, and cost. METHODS: Consecutive duodenoscopes and linear echoendoscopes used at a single tertiary care center were reprocessed following hospital and manufacturer guidelines, dried using an automatic endoscope-drying machine, and hung overnight in an upright position. Following reprocessing, culture samples were sequentially obtained from each endoscope using two methods, first, the brush protocol followed immediately by the swab protocol. RESULTS: A total of 532 primary cultures were collected from 17 duodenoscopes and eight linear echoendoscopes. Of these, 266 cultures gathered using the brush protocol were negative, while 266 cultures gathered using the swab protocol resulted in three positive cultures (1.1%). Positive cultures showed Enterobacter cloacae and Klebsiella pneumoniae from one duodenoscope and two linear echoendoscopes. Yearly, the brush protocol amounts to approximately 520 nursing hours, and the swab protocol takes an estimated 42 nursing hours. Annually, the swab protocol could save over $26,500 and 478 nursing hours. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed swab protocol was superior to the brush protocol when evaluating the presence of residual bacteria on elevator-containing endoscopes following reprocessing and saves cost and nursing hours.

Investigation of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation using UV-C LEDs in public environments via ray-tracing simulation.

This paper proposes an investigating SARS-CoV-2 inactivation on surfaces with UV-C LED irradiation using our in-house-developed ray-tracing simulator. The results are benchmarked with experiments and Zemax OpticStudio commercial software simulation to demonstrate our simulator's easy accessibility and high reliability. The tool can input the radiant profile of the flexible LED source and accurately yield the irradiance distribution emitted from an LED-based system in 3D environments. The UV-C operating space can be divided into the safe, buffer, and germicidal zones for setting up a UV-C LED system. Based on the published measurement data, the level of SARS-CoV-2 inactivation has been defined as a function of UV-C irradiation. A realistic case of public space, i.e., a food court in Singapore, has been numerically investigated to demonstrate the relative impact of environmental UV-C attenuation on the SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. We optimise a specific UV-C LED germicidal system and its corresponding exposure time according to the simulation results. These ray-tracing-based simulations provide a useful guideline for safe deployment and efficient design for germicidal UV-C LED technology.

Practical considerations for Ultraviolet-C radiation mediated decontamination of N95 respirator against SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Decontaminating N95 respirators for reuse could mitigate shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the United States Center for Disease Control has identified Ultraviolet-C irradiation as one of the most promising methods for N95 decontamination, very few studies have evaluated the efficacy of Ultraviolet-C for SARS-CoV-2 inactivation. In addition, most decontamination studies are performed using mask coupons that do not recapitulate the complexity of whole masks. We sought to directly evaluate the efficacy of Ultraviolet-C mediated inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on N95 respirators. To that end we created a portable UV-C light-emitting diode disinfection chamber and tested decontamination of SARS-CoV-2 at different sites on two models of N95 respirator. We found that decontamination efficacy depends on mask model, material and location of the contamination on the mask. Our results emphasize the need for caution when interpreting efficacy data of UV-C decontamination methods.

Viral Inactivation with Emphasis on SARS-CoV-2 Using Physical and Chemical Disinfectants.

BACKGROUND: Recently, an outbreak of a novel human coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has become a world health concern leading to severe respiratory tract infections in humans. Virus transmission occurs through person-to-person contact, respiratory droplets, and contaminated hands or surfaces. Accordingly, we aim at reviewing the literature on all information available about the persistence of coronaviruses, including human and animal coronaviruses, on inanimate surfaces and inactivation strategies with biocides employed for chemical and physical disinfection. METHOD: A comprehensive search was systematically conducted in main databases from 1998 to 2020 to identify various viral disinfectants associated with HCoV and methods for control and prevention of this newly emerged virus. RESULTS: The analysis of 62 studies shows that human coronaviruses such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus or endemic human coronaviruses (HCoV), canine coronavirus (CCV), transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), and mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) can be efficiently inactivated by physical and chemical disinfectants at different concentrations (70, 80, 85, and 95%) of 2-propanol (70 and 80%) in less than or equal to 60 s and 0.5% hydrogen peroxide or 0.1% sodium hypochlorite within 1 minute. Additionally, glutaraldehyde (0.5-2%), formaldehyde (0.7-1%), and povidone-iodine (0.1-0.75%) could readily inactivate coronaviruses. Moreover, dry heat at 56°C, ultraviolet light dose of 0.2 to 140 J/cm2, and gamma irradiation could effectively inactivate coronavirus. The WHO recommends the use of 0.1% sodium hypochlorite solution or an ethanol-based disinfectant with an ethanol concentration between 62% and 71%. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study can help researchers, policymakers, health decision makers, and people perceive and take the correct measures to control and prevent further transmission of COVID-19. Prevention and decontamination will be the main ways to stop the ongoing outbreak of COVID-19.

The virucidal effects of 405 nm visible light on SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus.

The germicidal potential of specific wavelengths within the electromagnetic spectrum is an area of growing interest. While ultra-violet (UV) based technologies have shown satisfactory virucidal potential, the photo-toxicity in humans coupled with UV associated polymer degradation limit their use in occupied spaces. Alternatively, longer wavelengths with less irradiation energy such as visible light (405 nm) have largely been explored in the context of bactericidal and fungicidal applications. Such studies indicated that 405 nm mediated inactivation is caused by the absorbance of porphyrins within the organism creating reactive oxygen species which result in free radical damage to its DNA and disruption of cellular functions. The virucidal potential of visible-light based technologies has been largely unexplored and speculated to be ineffective given the lack of porphyrins in viruses. The current study demonstrated increased susceptibility of lipid-enveloped respiratory pathogens of importance such as SARS-CoV-2 (causative agent of COVID-19) and influenza A virus to 405 nm, visible light in the absence of exogenous photosensitizers thereby indicating a potential alternative porphyrin-independent mechanism of visible light mediated viral inactivation. These results were obtained using less than expected irradiance levels which are considered safe for humans and commercially achievable. Our results support further exploration of the use of visible light technology for the application of continuous decontamination in occupied areas within hospitals and/or infectious disease laboratories, specifically for the inactivation of respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A.

Improved estimates of 222 nm far-UVC susceptibility for aerosolized human coronavirus via a validated high-fidelity coupled radiation-CFD code.

Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by aerosols has played a significant role in the rapid spread of COVID-19 across the globe. Indoor environments with inadequate ventilation pose a serious infection risk. Whilst vaccines suppress transmission, they are not 100% effective and the risk from variants and new viruses always remains. Consequently, many efforts have focused on ways to disinfect air. One such method involves use of minimally hazardous 222 nm far-UVC light. Whilst a small number of controlled experimental studies have been conducted, determining the efficacy of this approach is difficult because chamber or room geometry, and the air flow within them, influences both far-UVC illumination and aerosol dwell times. Fortunately, computational multiphysics modelling allows the inadequacy of dose-averaged assessment of viral inactivation to be overcome in these complex situations. This article presents the first validation of the WYVERN radiation-CFD code for far-UVC air-disinfection against survival fraction measurements, and the first measurement-informed modelling approach to estimating far-UVC susceptibility of viruses in air. As well as demonstrating the reliability of the code, at circa 70% higher, our findings indicate that aerosolized human coronaviruses are significantly more susceptible to far-UVC than previously thought.

Evaluation of electrostatic sprayers and foggers for the application of disinfectants in the era of SARS-CoV-2.

Although research has shown that the COVID-19 disease is most likely caused by airborne transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, disinfection of potentially contaminated surfaces is also recommended to limit the spread of the disease. Use of electrostatic sprayers (ESS) and foggers to rapidly apply disinfectants over large areas or to complex surfaces has emerged with the COVID-19 pandemic. ESSs are designed to impart an electrostatic charge to the spray droplets with the goal of increasing deposition of the droplets onto surfaces, thereby promoting more efficient use of the disinfectant. The purpose of this research was to evaluate several spray parameters for different types of sprayers and foggers, as they relate to the application of disinfectants. Some of the parameters evaluated included the spray droplet size distribution, the electrostatic charge, the ability of the spray to wrap around objects, and the loss of disinfectant chemical active ingredient due to the spray process. The results show that most of the devices evaluated for droplet size distribution had an average volume median diameter ≥ 40 microns, and that four out of the six ESS tested for charge/mass produced sprays of at least 0.1 mC/kg. A minimal wrap-around effect of the spray deposition onto a cylindrical object was observed. The loss of disinfectant active ingredient to the air due to spraying was minimal for the two disinfectants tested, and concurrently, the active ingredient concentrations of the liquid disinfectants sprayed and collected 3 feet (1 meter) away from the spray nozzle do not decrease.

Recent Progress in the Development of Disinfectants from Scallop Shell-Derived Calcium Oxide for Clinical and Daily Use.

The current pandemic of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has highlighted the importance of disinfectants. As a raw material for next-generation disinfectants, scallop shell-derived calcium oxide (CaO) has been revealed to exhibit significant virucidal and microbicidal activities and is compatible with living tissues and the environment. This minireview summarizes recent progress in the development of disinfectants from scallop shell-CaO, focusing especially on studies of clinical and daily use applications. We describe the preparation, basic characteristics, and virucidal and microbicidal activities of scallop shell-CaO disinfectants. Furthermore, their applications in the disinfection of contaminated masks and the treatment of infected wounds are briefly introduced.

UV Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 across the UVC Spectrum: KrCl* Excimer, Mercury-Vapor, and Light-Emitting-Diode (LED) Sources.

Effective disinfection technology to combat severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can help reduce viral transmission during the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic and in the future. UV devices emitting UVC irradiation (200 to 280 nm) have proven to be effective for virus disinfection, but limited information is available for SARS-CoV-2 due to the safety requirements of testing, which is limited to biosafety level 3 (BSL3) laboratories. In this study, inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 in thin-film buffered aqueous solution (pH 7.4) was determined across UVC irradiation wavelengths of 222 to 282 nm from krypton chloride (KrCl*) excimers, a low-pressure mercury-vapor lamp, and two UVC light-emitting diodes. Our results show that all tested UVC devices can effectively inactivate SARS-CoV-2, among which the KrCl* excimer had the best disinfection performance (i.e., highest inactivation rate). The inactivation rate constants of SARS-CoV-2 across wavelengths are similar to those for murine hepatitis virus (MHV) from our previous investigation, suggesting that MHV can serve as a reliable surrogate of SARS-CoV-2 with a lower BSL requirement (BSL2) during UV disinfection tests. This study provides fundamental information on UVC's action on SARS-CoV-2 and guidance for achieving reliable disinfection performance with UVC devices. IMPORTANCE UV light is an effective tool to help stem the spread of respiratory viruses and protect public health in commercial, public, transportation, and health care settings. For effective use of UV, there is a need to determine the efficiency of different UV wavelengths in killing pathogens, specifically SARS-CoV-2, to support efforts to control the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic and future coronavirus-caused respiratory virus pandemics. We found that SARS-CoV-2 can be inactivated effectively using a broad range of UVC wavelengths, and 222 nm provided the best disinfection performance. Interestingly, 222-nm irradiation has been found to be safe for human exposure up to thresholds that are beyond those effective for inactivating viruses. Therefore, applying UV light from KrCl* excimers in public spaces can effectively help reduce viral aerosol or surface-based transmissions.

Development of a novel self-sanitizing mask prototype to combat the spread of infectious disease and reduce unnecessary waste.

With the spread of COVID-19, significant emphasis has been placed on mitigation techniques such as mask wearing to slow infectious disease transmission. Widespread use of face coverings has revealed challenges such as mask contamination and waste, presenting an opportunity to improve the current technologies. In response, we have developed the Auto-sanitizing Retractable Mask Optimized for Reusability (ARMOR). ARMOR is a novel, reusable face covering that can be quickly disinfected using an array of ultraviolet C lamps contained within a wearable case. A nanomembrane UVC sensor was used to quantify the intensity of germicidal radiation at 18 different locations on the face covering and determine the necessary exposure time to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in addition to other viruses and bacteria. After experimentation, it was found that ARMOR successfully provided germicidal radiation to all areas of the mask and will inactivate SARS-CoV-2 in approximately 180 s, H1N1 Influenza in 130 s, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in 113 s, proving that this design is effective at eliminating a variety of pathogens and can serve as an alternative to traditional waste-producing disposable face masks. The accessibility, ease of use, and speed of sanitization supports the wide application of ARMOR in both clinical and public settings.

The application of a novel non-thermal plasma device with double rotary plasma jets for inactivation of Salmonella Enteritidis on shell eggs and its effects on sensory properties.

Consumer awareness and distaste towards both bacterial and chemical contaminations on food items have been increasing in recent years. Non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a cutting-edge technology which has been shown to effectively inactivate bacteria on the treated foods. Although the general NTP with a single plasma jet is appropriate for the continuous operation process, it suffers limitations due to its smaller scanning area. Here, a novel NTP device with a double rotary nozzle jet system was utilized, which could treat an area instead of a point. The shell eggs inoculated with Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis (SE) were placed on a moving platform under the double rotary nozzle jet system. The efficacy of the NTP treatment on microbial decontamination was evaluated by testing a total of 26 combinations of operating parameters consisting of various plasma power (150, 180, 210 W), argon flow rate (10, 15, 20 slm), repetition of the moving platform (4, 6, 8 times), and speed of the moving platform (5, 10 mm/s). Although significantly higher SE reduction (p < 0.05) was achieved with higher power, more repetitions, larger argon flow rates, and lower speed of the platform, these parameters induced significant alterations in the sensory properties of the treated eggs. By comprehensively considering the bacterial reductions, egg quality, and sensory properties, NTP treatment with combination T (180 W-15 slm-6 times-10 mm/s) was determined to be the optimal parameter, which achieved >4 log CFU/egg of SE reduction and significantly better sensory properties than commercially washed eggs (p < 0.05). Additionally, SEM analysis revealed that NTP treatment with combination T resulted in less damage to egg cuticles compared to commercially washed eggs. This novel NTP device offers an efficient antibacterial activity under shorter exposure time (30 s), smaller argon flow rate (15 slm), and lower power (180 W) without adversely affecting the overall quality of the treated eggs. Therefore, this NTP device equipped with the double rotary jet system possesses a potential solution for future industrial applications.

Development of a checklist as self-assessment tool to evaluate the reprocessing of endoscopic instruments in an Italian teaching hospital.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to develop a checklist, as a self-assessment tool, for evaluating all the items involved in the endoscope reprocessing that could be useful for the improvement and/or development of a safety endoscope reprocessing system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A three-step modified Delphi method, with an embedded qualitative component, was adopted to develop the checklist. According to it, corrective actions were performed before its further re-administration. Contextually, the microbiological surveillance of the endoscopes and of the wash disinfector machine was carried out. RESULTS: Five areas were included in the checklist. After the 1st checklist application, only one of three wards reached the excellent scores in all the items. The other two wards showed an improvement in the Traceability and Endoscope Reprocessing areas after corrective actions. The McNemar's test reported significant difference in the proportion of satisfactory results before and after the 1st and 2nd checklist application. The microbiological surveillance, conducted after the 1st administration, showed unsatisfactory results for the 2 bronchoscopes available in the Intensive Care Unit and for 2 automated endoscope reprocessors. The analysis performed after the 2nd administration showed good results. CONCLUSIONS: The periodic administration of the checklist is functional for a self-assessment of quality reprocessing procedures carried out in the large endoscopic services and in the wards occasionally providing those services, according to the good practice guidelines and for any corrective actions to increase the safety.