Journal articles: 'Reducing contamination rates'

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Harding, Andrew D., and Susan Bollinger. "Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates in the Emergency Department." Journal of Emergency Nursing 39, no. 1 (January 2013): e1-e6. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2012.10.009.

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Halstead, Diane C., Robert L. Sautter, James W. Snyder, Arthur E. Crist, and Irving Nachamkin. "Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates: Experiences of Four Hospital Systems." Infectious Diseases and Therapy 9, no. 2 (April 30, 2020): 389–401. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s40121-020-00299-1.

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Gupta, Itisha, and Jane Codd. "Reducing Blood Culture Contamination; a Quality Improvement Project in Emergency Department." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 41, S1 (October 2020): s368—s369. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/ice.2020.995.

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Background: Blood culture is an important investigation in diagnosing sepsis. Positive culture helps to tailor therapy and is crucial in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). However, positive blood culture does not always denote a bloodstream infection. Sometimes, false-positive results occur because of contamination from organisms outside the bloodstream, leading to significant negative consequences to patient treatment decisions and financial implications. Rates of blood culture contamination vary widely (0.6%–6%) between organizations, and although it is very difficult to eliminate contamination, it can be minimized. Our hospital group has multiple sites including emergency departments (EDs). We have been intermittently monitoring blood culture contamination rates since 2008, which decreased from 6.8% to 4.8% in 2009 but remained static when audited in 2010, 2012, and 2015. Objectives: To reduce our blood culture contamination rate further by targeting 2 busy EDs and by introducing continuous surveillance of blood culture contamination across 3 hospitals beginning in April 2016. Methods: In 2015, for the first time, blood culture contamination rates for both EDs, based in 2 different hospitals, were calculated. The ED results were communicated to the healthcare workers (HCWs), who agreed to establish a continuous surveillance of blood culture contamination and to participate in a reduction plan. Competency training was conducted according to training needs analysis. For example, phlebotomists were trained to ensure the use of the appropriate blood culture kit and educational sessions were tailored to staff groups. The blood culture contamination rate was monitored from April 2016 to March 2019 for 3 hospitals and both EDs to determine the impact of various measures introduced during this time. Results: In 2015, contamination rate of the 3 hospitals was 4.07%, and 10.2% of total blood cultures flagged positive. Also, 25% of blood cultures were requested from Eds, but these samples comprised 54% of the total contamination. The contamination rates for EDs A and B were 7.4% and 10.6%, respectively, which were significantly higher than the overall rate. From April 16 to March 19, there was 22% increase in total blood cultures performed. Results were analyzed quarterly. In total, 8,525 blood culture sets were received in January–March 2019; of these, the EDs contributed 2,799 sets (32.8%). The total blood culture contamination rate in January–March 2019 decreased to 3.1%. Both EDs A and B showed decreases in their contamination rates to 5.5% and 7.4%, respectively, in 2018–2019. The quarterly decreases were 5.2% and 4.9% in January–March 2019. Conclusions: The emphasis on the sepsis pathway probably led to year-on-year increases in total blood culture sets. Both ED blood culture contamination rates decreased. Consistent efforts in education, training, ensuring competency to various HCW groups, and provision of adequate blood culture kits are important for sustaining these improvements.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

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Ramlal, Bharat, Rosemary Renouf, and Jaber Aslanzadeh. "157. Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates Through the Use of a Red Top Tube Discard." Open Forum Infectious Diseases 5, suppl_1 (November 2018): S12—S13. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofy209.027.

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Abstract Background Septicemia is a major cause of death in the United States and accounts for up to $16.7 billion in annual health care expenses. Blood culture is the gold standard for laboratory diagnosis of bacteremia and resultant septicemia; however, false-positive blood cultures hinder the accurate determination of true bacteremia with often serious implications. The goal of this study was to determine the efficacy of collecting a 1 mL discard in a red tube prior to blood culture collection and to assess its effectiveness in reducing contamination rates in Hartford Hospital Emergency Department (HHED). Methods During the months of June to December 2017 blood cultures were collected by the phlebotomy team using ChloraPrep (chlorhexidine) as the sole disinfecting agent. Blood cultures consisted of BD BACTEC plus Aerobic/F and BD BACTEC Lytic/10 Anaerobic drawn at the same time and monitored on BD BACTEC FX instrument for 5 days. Prior to collecting blood cultures 1 mL of blood was collected in a red top tube and discarded. Monthly and overall contamination rates were then compared with 2016 in which a red top discard tube was not used. Results During June to December 2016, there were a total of 9,576 blood cultures collected with a total of 178 contaminants and an overall contamination rate of 1.9%. During June to December 2017, there were a total of 9,133 blood cultures collected with a total of 73 contaminants and an overall contamination rate of 0.8%. During both years, our contamination rates were well below the CLSI recommendation; however, a significant reduction in blood culture contamination was observed after the use of a Red Top discard tube (0.8% vs. 1.9%) (Figures 1–3). Conclusion The cost of a standard blood draw with Red Top tubes is minimal (few cents) while a single collection using an initial specimen diversion device (ISDD) can range from $15 to $18. During the course of this study, the use of a standard Red Top discard cost approximately $456 (2017); if an ISDD was used instead, this would have generated $136,995 in healthcare cost. At our institution, we were able to keep our contamination rates below 1% after the implementation of a standard Red Top discard tube. This suggests that the use of a Red Top discard prior to blood culture collection is an effective means for reducing and maintaining a low blood contamination rate. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

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Bentley, James, Shobhan Thakore, L. Muir, Alastair Baird, and Jennifer Lee. "A change of culture: reducing blood culture contamination rates in an Emergency Department." BMJ Quality Improvement Reports 5, no. 1 (2016): u206760.w2754. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjquality.u206760.w2754.

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Hopkins, Kathie, Sheila Huynh, Catherine McNary, Ashley Walker, Richard Nixon, and Janet E. Craighead. "Reducing blood culture contamination rates: A systematic approach to improving quality of care." American Journal of Infection Control 41, no. 12 (December 2013): 1272–74. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ajic.2013.02.019.

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Bell, Mary, Catherine Bogar, Jessica Plante, Kristen Rasmussen, and Sharon Winters. "Effectiveness of a Novel Specimen Collection System in Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates." Journal of Emergency Nursing 44, no. 6 (November 2018): 570–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jen.2018.03.007.

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Bhanot, Nitin, Sriharsha Rao, Shobha Sharma, Edmond S. Malka, Monica Ghitan, Purba Gupta, Andrew G. Sahud, Betsy McCaughey, and Edward K. Chapnick. "Effectiveness and feasibility of using a physical barrier device in reducing rates of microbial contamination of sphygmomanometer cuffs." Journal of Infection Prevention 12, no. 6 (September 29, 2011): 241–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1757177411415446.

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phygmomanometers are frequently contaminated with bacteria and are implicated in the transmission of microbes. A pilot study was conducted to determine the effectiveness and feasibility of using a physical barrier device in reducing rates of microbial contamination of sphygmomanometer cuffs. Blood pressure recordings were made with and without a disposable plastic device on healthy individuals to ensure that it did not interfere with the accuracy of readings. Baseline rates of microbial colonisation of sphygmomanometer cuffs were obtained over a six week period. For six weeks the device was applied to patients’ arms before measuring blood pressure, and sphygmomanometer cuffs were recultured during the intervention period. No difference was found in blood pressure recordings with and without the device. No difference in rates of bacterial contamination was observed during the intervention phase of the study. A disposable plastic device acting as a physical barrier may not reduce surface contamination of sphygmomanometer cuffs.

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Kaplan, Chaim, Redentor Mendiola, Victorine Ndjatou, Edward Chapnick, and Howard Minkoff. "The role of covering gowns in reducing rates of bacterial contamination of scrub suits." American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 188, no. 5 (May 2003): 1154–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1067/mob.2003.296.

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Kaplan, Chaim, Redentor Mendiola, Victorine Ndjatou, Edward Chapnick, and Howard Minkoff. "The Role of Covering Gowns in Reducing Rates of Bacterial Contamination of Scrub Suits." Obstetrical & Gynecological Survey 58, no. 9 (September 2003): 582–83. http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/01.ogx.0000083712.63851.17.

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Abd-Elaty, Ismail, Lorenzo Pugliese, Martina Zelenakova, Peter Mesaros, and Abdelaziz El Shinawi. "Simulation-Based Solutions Reducing Soil and Groundwater Contamination from Fertilizers in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions: Case Study the Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt." International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 24 (December 15, 2020): 9373. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17249373.

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Intensive agriculture requires increasing application of fertilizers in order to sustain food production. Improper use of these substances in combination with increasing seawater intrusion results in long-term and nonpoint soil and groundwater contamination. In this work, a 3-D groundwater and solute transport numerical model was created to simulate the effect of excessive fertilizers application along the Bahr El Baqar drain system, in the eastern Nile Delta, Egypt. The geotechnical properties of the soils, hydrologic parameters, and unconfined compressive strength were determined at different sites and used as input parameters for the model. Model results showed that silty clay soils are able to contain the contaminations and preserve the groundwater quality. Nevertheless, sandy soils primarily located at the beginning of the Bahr El Baqar drain allow leakage of fertilizers to the groundwater. Thus, fertilizer application should be properly managed in the top sandy layers to protect the groundwater and soil, as increasing aquifer by excess irrigation water increased the groundwater contamination in confined layers due to the high value of cumulative salt for the current situation while the unconfined zone decreased groundwater and soil contamination. A mass transport 3-D multi-species (MT3D) model was set to identify the optimal measure to tackle soil and groundwater contamination along the Bahr El-Baqar drain system. A potential increase of the abstraction rates in the study area has a positive impact in reducing the transfer of fertilizer contamination to groundwater while it has a negative impact for soil contamination. The scenario analysis further indicated that the installation of a drainage network decreases the groundwater and soil contamination. Both solutions are potentially effective for protection against nonpoint contamination along the Bahr El Baqar drain system. However, a more sustainable management approach of fertilizer application is needed to adequately protect the receptors located further downstream in the Nile Delta.

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Thomas, Stephanie, Rish Palmer, Edward Phillipo, and Geoffrey Chipungu. "Reducing bacterial contamination in an Orthopedic Theatre ventilated by natural ventilation, in a Developing Country." Journal of Infection in Developing Countries 10, no. 05 (May 31, 2016): 518–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.3855/jidc.7436.

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Introduction: All surgical procedures have the potential for infection and some of the main sources are contamination from airborne particles, theatre personnel and the theatre environment. There is strong evidence that the use of ultra-clean air flow systems in orthopedic operating theatres reduces the incidence of deep sepsis after surgery. In the developing world however, this is often an unrealistic solution. The aim of this study was to establish baseline levels of contamination in a working orthopedic theatre, at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi. To feedback results to the theatre team, promote infection prevention discussion and work with the team to implement workable and realistic goals to improve the intra-operative environment. Methodology: Samples were collected from theatre equipment available at the time of surgery, from theatre water and theatre air using passive air sampling techniques. Samples were immediately transferred to the Central Microbiology Laboratory for culture on basic culture media. Results: Bacterial contamination of theatre equipment, intra-operative theatre air and water was detected. Results were discussed with the theatre and infection prevention team who were receptive to feedback with regards to infection prevention strategies and keen to develop simple measures which could be put in place to change practice. Conclusions: In this setting, we suggest that implementing workable and realistic goals such as, establishing baseline rates of bacterial contamination and introduction of strict protocols for asepsis and theatre etiquette, may reduce bacterial contamination rates and subsequent intra-operative infection in the absence of expensive engineering solutions.

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Ralph Webber, Joan L., and Marie J. (Jay) Maningo-Salinas. "“Sticking It to Them”—Reducing Migration of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters." Journal of the Association for Vascular Access 25, no. 1 (March 1, 2020): 10–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.2309/j.java.2020.001.004.

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Highlights TA for stabilization and securement of PICCs reduced catheter migration. This solution to catheter migration was safe, inexpensive, and highly effective. TA reduced migration rates from 19.35% to 1.4% in more than 411 inpatients. There was no evidence of phlebitis, cellulitis, or microbial contamination. There also was no evidence of central line infections.

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Hasan, Md Masud, Zahirul Hoque, Enamul Kabir, and Shahadut Hossain. "Differences in levels of E. coli contamination of point of use drinking water in Bangladesh." PLOS ONE 17, no. 5 (May 11, 2022): e0267386. http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267386.

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This study aimed to quantify the inequalities and identify the associated factors of the UN sustainable development goal (SDG) targets in relation to safe drinking water. The concentration of the gut bacterium Escherichia coli in drinking water at the point of use (POU) and other information were extracted from the latest wave of the nationally representative Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2019). Bivariate and multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify potential predictors of contamination, whereas, classification trees were used to determine specific combinations of background characteristics with significantly higher rates of contamination. A higher risk of contamination from drinking water was observed for households categorized as middle or low wealth who collected water from sources with higher concentrations of E. coli. Treatment of drinking water significantly reduced the risk of higher levels of contamination, whereas owning a pet was significantly associated with recontamination. Regional differences in the concentrations of E. coli present in drinking water were also observed. Interventions in relation to water sources should emphasize reducing the level of E. coli contamination. Our results may help in developing effective policies for reducing diarrheal diseases by reducing water contamination risks.

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Chamblee, Tracy B., Lindsey J. Patton, Virginia B. Young, Jennifer Marusich, Cindy D. Bowens, and Darryl K. Miles. "Reducing central line-associated bloodstream infection in contaminated central venous catheters: case studies of a pediatric contamination guideline." British Journal of Nursing 30, no. 19 (October 28, 2021): S24—S29. http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjon.2021.30.19.s24.

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Healthcare organizations have prioritized patient safety and quality improvement efforts to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Implementation of central venous catheter (CVC) insertion and maintenance bundles have significantly reduced infection rates. Nevertheless, CLABSIs continue to be a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in hospitals, and further efforts are necessary to improve CVC care practices. A hospital-wide committee at a tertiary care pediatric hospital identified gaps in our CVC maintenance practices resulting from CVC contamination events from a patient's body fluids. A lack of published literature on the topic resulted in the need to create an institutional clinical practice guideline (CPG) to develop guidance to mitigate potential CLASBIs from CVC contamination. Utilization of the CVC CPG in all inpatient units and other reduction strategies resulted in a steady decline in our CLABSI rates, particularly in those related to CVC contamination events. Case reports illustrate the effectiveness of the CPG.

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Chamblee, Tracy B., Lindsey J. Patton, Virginia B. Young, Jennifer Marusich, Cindy D. Bowens, and Darryl K. Miles. "Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Contaminated Central Venous Catheters: Case Studies of a Pediatric Contamination Guideline." Journal of the Association for Vascular Access 26, no. 2 (June 1, 2021): 26–30. http://dx.doi.org/10.2309/java-d-20-00038.

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Highlights Abstract Healthcare organizations have prioritized patient safety and quality improvement efforts to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). Implementation of central venous catheter (CVC) insertion and maintenance bundles have significantly reduced infection rates. Nevertheless, CLABSIs continue to be a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in hospitals, and further efforts are necessary to improve CVC care practices. A hospital-wide committee at a tertiary care pediatric hospital identified gaps in our CVC maintenance practices resulting from CVC contamination events from a patient’s body fluids. A lack of published literature on the topic resulted in the need to create an institutional clinical practice guideline (CPG) to develop guidance to mitigate potential CLASBIs from CVC contamination. Utilization of the CVC CPG in all inpatient units and other reduction strategies resulted in a steady decline in our CLABSI rates, particularly in those related to CVC contamination events. Case reports illustrate the effectiveness of the CPG.

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Lin, Chun-Mei, Wen-Sen Lee, Fang-Yu Lin, Fang-Lan Yu, Tsong-Yih Ou, and Sing-On Teng. "Reducing Blood Culture Contamination Rates by Educational Intervention and one-on-one Feedback in the Emergency Department." Journal of Experimental & Clinical Medicine 4, no. 3 (June 2012): 154–56. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jecm.2012.04.005.

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VERHOEFF-BAKKENES, L., R. R. BEUMER, R. DE JONGE, F. M. van LEUSDEN, and A. E. I. de JONG. "Quantification of Campylobacter jejuni Cross-Contamination via Hands, Cutlery, and Cutting Board during Preparation of a Chicken Fruit Salad." Journal of Food Protection 71, no. 5 (May 1, 2008): 1018–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-71.5.1018.

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Using artificially contaminated chicken, the quantitative overall effect of Campylobacter jejuni cross-contamination, either via cutlery, cutting board, or hands, on the microbiological quality of a chicken salad was tested to identify the most critical transfer route. The end contamination level of salads prepared according to different scenarios, with or without cross-contamination, was compared. It was shown that the mean transfer rate calculated for all salads prepared allowing cross-contamination was 0.12% of the initial number of C. jejuni on the chicken fillet (8.8 ± 0.2 log CFU). The difference in calculated transfer rates for the tested cross-contamination routes was not significantly different (P > 0.05). The prevention of cross-contamination by replacing cutlery and cutting board after handling raw chicken and the prevention of hand contact resulted in considerably reduced end contamination levels (<2.4 log CFU) or noncontaminated end products. The results of this study emphasize the importance of preventing cross-contamination during food handling in reducing the risks of foodborne infections, and they provide useful data for quantitative microbiological risk assessment.

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Trautner, Barbara W., Jill E. Clarridge, and Rabih O. Darouiche. "Skin Antisepsis Kits Containing Alcohol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate or Tincture of Iodine are Associated With Low Rates of Blood Culture Contamination." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 23, no. 7 (July 2002): 397–401. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/502073.

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Objective:Skin preparation is an important factor in reducing the rate of blood culture contamination. We assessed blood culture contamination rates associated with the use of skin antisepsis kits containing either 2% alcoholic chlorhexidine gluconate or 2% alcoholic tincture of iodine.Design:Prospective, blinded clinical trial.Setting:Tertiary-care teaching hospital.Patients:Adult patients in medical wards, the medical intensive care unit, and the cardiac intensive care unit who needed paired, percutaneous blood cultures.Interventions:House officers, medical students, and healthcare technicians drew the blood for cultures. We prepared sacks containing all of the necessary supplies, including two different types of antiseptic kits. In each sack, one kit contained 2% chlorhexidine in 70% isopropyl alcohol and the other contained 2% tincture of iodine in ethyl alcohol and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Each patient received chlorhexidine at one site and tincture of iodine at the other.Results:Four (0.9%) of 430 blood culture sets from 215 patients were contaminated. The contamination rate when using alcohol and chlorhexidine (1 of 215, 0.5%) did not differ significantly from the contamination rate when using tincture of iodine (3 of 215,1.4%;P= .62, McNemar test). There was an 87% probability that the two interventions differed by less than 2% in their rate of contamination.Conclusions:Both of these antiseptic kits were highly effective for skin preparation prior to drawing blood for cultures. The use of these kits may have contributed to the low contamination rate observed in this study.

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Nuntnarumit, Pracha, and Nartsiri Sangsuksawang. "A Randomized Controlled Trial of 1% Aqueous Chlorhexidine Gluconate Compared with 10% Povidone-Iodine for Topical Antiseptic in Neonates Effects on Blood Culture Contamination Rates." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 34, no. 4 (April 2013): 430–32. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/669863.

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We conducted a randomized controlled trial in neonates with birth weight greater than or equal to 1,500 g that compared 1% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) with 10% povidone–iodine (PI) as a topical antiseptic. We found 1% CHG to be more effective than 1% PI in reducing blood culture contamination rates, and no contact dermatitis was observed.

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Madeo, M., and G. Barlow. "Reducing blood-culture contamination rates by the use of a 2% chlorhexidine solution applicator in acute admission units." Journal of Hospital Infection 69, no. 3 (July 2008): 307–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2008.03.009.

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Ryan, Christina. "Implementation of the Theory of Planned Behavior to Promote Compliance with a Chlorhexidine Gluconate Protocol." Journal of the Association for Vascular Access 22, no. 2 (June 1, 2017): 64–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.java.2017.01.002.

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Abstract Introduction: Blood cultures are critical values for identifying the source of an infection in patients seeking medical treatment for an acute illness. False-positive cultures can negatively influence patient care when physicians use inaccurate information to prescribe treatment. Inaccurate prescribed treatment negatively influences the quality of patient care related to prolonged medical treatment and hospital stay and unnecessary repetition of diagnostic tests. Purpose: The purpose of this project was to determine if blood culture contamination rates would be decreased if improved availability of CHG products was provided in all emergency department patient care areas would reduce the contamination rates of blood cultures. Methodology: The Theory of Planned Behavior provided the theoretical framework for this descriptive correlational project to examine barriers to following the procedural guidelines to cleanse venipuncture sites with a chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) product before venipuncture Alcohol preparation pads were removed from the emergency department and a CHG product packaged similar to the alcohol preparation pads was placed in the department procedure trays and bedside carts. Results: During the first 2 weeks of the pilot project, blood culture contamination rates were reduced from 4.5% to 1.5%. The following month, rates remained low at 1.9%. Conclusion: Placement of CHG products at the bedside will improve patient safety and quality of care by reducing the incidence of inaccurate diagnosis and treatment based on false-positive blood cultures.

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Schaefer, Connie. "Antimicrobial Stewardship Standards and Patient Safety: A Case Study in Blood Culture Contamination." Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology 1, S1 (July 2021): s36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/ash.2021.66.

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Background: Blood culture is a crucial diagnostic tool for healthcare systems, but false-positive results drain clinical resources, imperil patients with an increased length of stay (and associated hospital-acquired infection risk), and undermine global health initiatives when broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered unnecessarily. Considering emerging technologies that mitigate human error factors, we questioned historically acceptable rates of blood culture contamination, which prompted a need to promote and trial these technologies further. In a 3-month trial, 3 emergency departments in a midwestern healthcare system utilized an initial specimen diversion device (ISDD) to draw blood cultures to bring their blood culture contamination rate (4.4% prior to intervention) below the 3% benchmark recommended by the Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute. Methods: All emergency department nursing staff received operational training on the ISDD for blood culture sample acquisition. From June through August 2019, 1,847 blood cultures were drawn via the ISDD, and 862 were drawn via the standard method. Results: In total, 16 contamination events occurred when utilizing the ISDD (0.9%) and 37 contamination events occurred when utilizing the standard method (4.3%). ISDD utilization resulted in an 80% reduction in blood culture contamination from the rate of 4.4% rate held prior to intervention. Conclusions: A midwestern healthcare system experienced a dramatic reduction in blood culture contamination across 3 emergency departments while pilot testing an ISDD, conserving laboratory and therapeutic resources while minimizing patient exposure to unnecessary risks and procedures. If the results obtained here were sustained and the ISDD utilized for all blood culture draws, nearly 400 contamination events could be avoided annually in this system. Reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in this manner will lower rates of associated adverse events such as acute kidney injury and allergic reaction, which are possible topics for further investigation. The COVID-19 pandemic has recently highlighted both the importance of keeping hospital beds available and the rampant carelessness with which broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered (escalating the threat posed by multidrug-resistant organisms). As more ambitious healthcare benchmarks become attainable, promoting and adhering to higher standards for patient care will be critical to furthering an antimicrobial stewardship agenda and to reducing treatment inequity in the field.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

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Lv, Wei, Xue-Ying Liu, Xin-Jian Xu, and Jie Lou. "Vaccination of a multi-group model of zoonotic diseases with direct and indirect transmission." International Journal of Biomathematics 12, no. 06 (August 2019): 1950068. http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/s1793524519500682.

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Vaccination plays an important role in preventing or reducing the spread of zoonotic diseases. In this paper, we develop a susceptible-vaccinated-exposed-infectious-pathogen multi-group epidemic model of zoonotic diseases incorporating nonlinear direct and indirect incidence rates, nonlinear pathogen shedding rates, and common environmental contamination. Under certain assumptions, we first obtained the basic reproduction number of the model. Then, we utilized the comparison principle and global Lyapunov function method to prove global stability of dynamical equilibria. Finally, we analyzed optimal vaccination strategy. All the theoretical predictions were verified by numerical simulations.

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Souza Silva, Ákylla Fernanda, Camila Ananias de Lima, José Jeyvson Florencio Queiroz, Paula Regina Luna de Araújo Jácome, and Agenor Tavares Jácome Júnior. "Bacteriological analysis of horticultural irrigation water." Ambiente e Agua - An Interdisciplinary Journal of Applied Science 11, no. 2 (April 15, 2016): 428. http://dx.doi.org/10.4136/ambi-agua.1798.

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This study analyzed the quality of water used for the irrigation of five crops based upon microorganism indicators of fecal contamination (group coliforms) and contamination by organic material (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) in both the water and in the irrigated food. The study also verified the decrease in the activity of these microorganisms by heterotrophic bacterial count before and after treatment with three different sanitizers. The presence of coliform (NMP > 1600) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was observed in both the irrigation water and in the irrigated food, and the coefficient of variation (R2) revealed a strong correlation between the rates of contamination of the water and food. All of the sanitizers evaluated reduced the bacterial load of the food, especially sanitization with vinegar at 200 ppm, which, in addition to greatly reducing food contamination, is also considered a low-cost and toxicologically safe product, and therefore may be indicated for this purpose. Thus, the use of poor quality water in the irrigation of vegetables may directly contribute to food contamination, with serious implications for the health of consumers.

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Claraz, Pauline, Isabelle Riff, Charlotte Vert, Elina Wolff, Sophie Perriat, Anaïs Grand, Yann Cretu, Isabelle Hennebelle, Jean-Marie Canonge, and Florent Puisset. "Assessment of efficacy of postinfusion tubing flushing in reducing risk of cytotoxic contamination." American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy 77, no. 22 (October 30, 2020): 1866–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ajhp/zxaa357.

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Abstract Purpose Infusion of cytotoxic drugs carries the risk of occupational exposure of healthcare workers. Since disconnecting an infusion line is a source of contamination, flushing of tubing after infusion of cytotoxic agents is recommended, but the optimal volume of rinsing solution is unknown. The objective of this study was to assess whether postinfusion line flushing completely eliminates cytotoxics. Methods Infusions were simulated with 3 cytotoxics (gemcitabine, cytarabine, and paclitaxel) diluted in 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride injection in 250-mL infusion bags. Infusion lines were flushed using 5% dextrose injection or 0.9% sodium chloride solution at 2 different flow rates. The remaining concentration of cytotoxics in the infusion line was measured by a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method after passage of every 10 mL of flushing volume until a total of 100 mL had been flushed through. Results All cytotoxics remained detectable even after line flushing with 80 mL of flushing solution (a volume 3-fold greater than the dead space volume within the infusion set). Gemcitabine and cytarabine were still quantifiable via HPLC even after flushing with 100 mL of solution. Efficacy of flushing was influenced by the lipophilicity of drugs but not by either the flushing solvent used or the flushing flow rate. After 2-fold dead space volume flushing, the estimated amount of drug remaining in the infusion set was within 0.19% to 0.56% of the prescribed dose for all 3 cytotoxics evaluated. Conclusion Complete elimination of cytotoxics from an infusion line is an unrealistic objective. Two-fold dead space volume flushing could be considered optimal in terms of administered dose but not from an environmental contamination point of view. Even when flushed, the infusion set should still be considered a source of cytotoxic contamination.

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Paparozzi, Ellen T. "1033 REDUCING NITROGEN FERTILIZER APPLICATIONS BY BALANCING THE NITROGEN SULFUR RATIO." HortScience 29, no. 5 (May 1994): 576d—576. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.29.5.576d.

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Fertilizer particularly nitrogen is part of the concern about groundwater contamination. Many floricultural and ornamental plants do not need the high rates of nitrogen that are typically recommended. However, whenever one alters the quantity of a given nutrient the overall nutrient balance, as well as other physiological processes, changes. A brief overview of our research on poinsettias, roses, and chrysanthemums will be presented. Suggested ratios, critical S levels and nutrient problems associated with incorrect balances will be shared. Limitations due to statistical methods and the impact nutrient balance has on certain plant processes such as flowering and coloring and thus, consumer acceptance will be summarized. Future plans in this area may focus on the need for new statistical techniques, nutrient acquisition by roots and consumer perceptions of plant quality.

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Jafri, Anwar Abbas, Sanjay Gupta, Zaki Ibrahim, Paul Baker, Tamsin Oswald, and Mike R. Reed. "Assessing the efficacy of photocatalytic oxidation on bacterial contamination in a clinical setting – a randomised controlled trial." Journal of Infection Prevention 12, no. 6 (October 4, 2011): 251–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1757177411415447.

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Airborne contamination has been shown to be a significant source of wound contamination in orthopaedic surgery. This is the first reported study looking at the efficacy of ActivTek 300, a portable UV/TiO2-based air purifier unit to reduce airborne contamination in a clinical setting. In this randomised study the investigator was blinded as to whether the unit had been on or off for the previous seven days. Air contamination was measured weekly using a validated technique in ward treatment rooms using a Mini Air Sampler (MAS-100) and agar plates, over a period of 12 weeks. The agar plates were then incubated for 24 hours and the results were expressed as number of colony forming units per plate (cfu). The biomedical scientist who manually counted the number of cfus was blinded as to whether the unit was on or off. Measurements were duplicated to improve the accuracy of the study, and in addition to this an identical experiment was set up in a second treatment room on a separate randomisation schedule. Analysis of the data demonstrated median colony count was significantly lower with the unit on (Median = 43 interquartile range (IQR) 30 to 83) than when it was off (median = 95 IQR 44 to 143) ( p < 0.01). This represents a 55% mean reduction in the colony count. This study suggests that the portable UV/TiO2-based air purifier unit is efficacious in reducing airborne contamination in the clinical environment and may have a promising role in reducing overall infection rates in surgical patients.

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Story-Roller, Elizabeth, and Melvin P. Weinstein. "Chlorhexidine versus Tincture of Iodine for Reduction of Blood Culture Contamination Rates: a Prospective Randomized Crossover Study." Journal of Clinical Microbiology 54, no. 12 (October 5, 2016): 3007–9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/jcm.01457-16.

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Blood cultures (BCs) are the standard method for diagnosis of bloodstream infections (BSIs). However, the average BC contamination rate (CR) in U.S. hospitals is 2.9%, potentially resulting in unnecessary antibiotic use and excessive therapy costs. Several studies have compared various skin antisepsis agents without a clear consensus as to which agent is most effective in reducing contamination. A prospective, randomized crossover study directly comparing blood culture contamination rates using chlorhexidine versus iodine tincture for skin antisepsis was performed at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH). Eight nursing units at RWJUH were provided with blood culture kits containing either chlorhexidine (CH) or iodine tincture (IT) for skin antisepsis prior to all blood culture venipunctures, which were obtained by nurses or clinical care technicians. At quarterly intervals, the antiseptic agent used on each nursing unit was switched. Analyses of positive BCs were performed to distinguish true BSIs from contaminants. Of the 6,095 total BC sets obtained from the participating nursing units, 667 (10.94%) were positive and 238 (3.90%) were judged by the investigators to be contaminated. Of the 3,130 BCs obtained using IT, 340 (10.86%) were positive and 123 (3.93%) were contaminated. Of 2,965 BCs obtained using CH, 327 (11.03%) were positive and 115 (3.88%) were contaminated. The rates of contaminated BCs were not statistically significant between the two antiseptic agents (P= 1.0). We conclude that CH and IT are equivalent agents for blood culture skin antisepsis.

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WILSON, I. G. "Salmonella and campylobacter contamination of raw retail chickens from different producers: a six year survey." Epidemiology and Infection 129, no. 3 (December 2002): 635–45. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0950268802007665.

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Between 1995 and 2000, a prospective survey was undertaken to investigate the levels of contamination of raw retail chickens (n=1127) with salmonella and campylobacter. The levels of contamination over the 6-year period were 11% (95% CI±6·5%) for salmonella, and 57% (95% CI±9·5%) for campylobacter. S. Bredeney (20%) and S. Enteritidis (18%) were the dominant serovars. Although salmonella contamination was higher than in an earlier survey we conducted (7%), since 1998 it has declined to 6%. Many S. Enteritidis isolates (43%) were associated with one large integrated poultry organization that appears to have successfully managed the contamination, and the serovar has not been isolated since 1998. Contamination ranged from 0 to 44% between different producers. There was no significant difference between producers contributing large and small numbers of samples, although some small producers had much poorer contamination rates than others. S. Bareilly, S. Bredeney, S. Enteritidis and S. Virchow showed associations with particular producers. Campylobacter contamination remains high. Contamination ranged from 47 to 81% between different producers. This study did not show a temporal association between contamination of chickens and human campylobacter infections, indicating that many cases of human campylobacteriosis, particularly during seasonal peaks, do not originate from chickens. Control measures that have reduced salmonella contamination have been largely ineffective against campylobacter and new interventions are needed. Most raw chickens are contaminated with these pathogens, and communicating the importance of minimizing this risk to caterers and the public is vital in reducing human infections.

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Kim, Hyun-Woo, Seong Hwan Hong, and Hyeoksun Choi. "Carbon Source Competition in Biological Selenate Reduction under Other Oxyanions Contamination." Processes 8, no. 12 (December 13, 2020): 1645. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/pr8121645.

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Selenate removal in drinking water is being vigorously debated due to the various health issues concerned. As a viable treatment option, this study investigated a fixed-bed biofilm reactor (FBBR) with internal recycling. The experimental design tested how hydraulic loading rate and electron donor affect selenate reduction together with other oxyanions. The tested accompanying oxyanions were nitrate and perchlorate and experiments were designed to test how an FBBR responded to the limited electron donor condition. The results showed that the reactor achieved almost complete selenate reduction with the initial hydraulic loading rate of 12 m3/m2/day (influent concentration of 1416 µg SeO42−/L). Increasing the hydraulic loading rates to 16.24 and 48 m3/m2/day led to a gradual decline in selenate removal efficiency. A sufficient external carbon source (C:N of 3.3:1) achieved an almost complete reduction of nitrate as well as selenate. The FBBR acclimated to selenate instantaneously and reduced nitrate via synergistic denitrification. An experiment with another oxyanion addition, perchlorate (459 µg ClO4−/L), revealed that perchlorate-reducing bacteria were more strongly associated with carbon limitation than selenate-reducing bacteria, which can help us to understand parallel reactions in FBBRs. This research provides a framework to further study the use of electron donor-controlled FBBRs for simultaneous reduction of selenate and other oxyanions threatening the drinking water-related environment and public health.

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P. Bachewar, Narendra, Durgesh Deshmukh, Sachin R. Choudhari, and R. S. Joshi. "Evaluation of used eye drop containers for microbial contamination in outpatient department of tertiary care teaching hospital." International Journal of Basic & Clinical Pharmacology 7, no. 5 (April 23, 2018): 895. http://dx.doi.org/10.18203/2319-2003.ijbcp20181631.

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Background: Contaminated eyedrops are considered as serious risk factor for many iatrogenic ocular infections. Apart from the risk of infection, microbial contamination may alter the pH of the solution thereby reducing the efficacy of drugs. Presently many preservatives are added to these eye drops preparations to extend the duration of use. Hence authors aimed this study to find the contamination rates in such eye drop preparations.Methods: This was a prospective observational research conducted at Ophthalmology OPD, of tertiary care teaching hospital for the period of 2 months. Total fifty five used eyedrops were collected.Results: Authors found that 25.45% of the collected eye drops were contaminated with various organisms, viz. E. coli (10.90%), Staphylococcus aureus (9.09%), Pseudomonas aerugenosa (1.81%), Bacillus subtilis (1.81%) and Candida albicans (1.81%). Among various eyedrops, mydriatic (60%) eyedrops had the highest rate of contamination. We also found that, different preservatives in the eye drops were presents with different level of microbial contamination.Conclusions: The present study showed that there is a definite co-occurrence between eyedrop contamination and ocular infections irrespective of preservatives. This research raises a concern about questionable efficacy of preservatives.

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Harbage, James F. "Micropropagation of Echinacea angustifolia, E. pallida, and E. purpurea from Stem and Seed Explants." HortScience 36, no. 2 (April 2001): 360–64. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.36.2.360.

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Micropropagation of three Echinacea species, E. angustifolia DC., E. pallida Nutt., and E. purpurea Moench., was investigated as a potential means of germplasm preservation of species faced with overcollection in the wild and rapid clonal propagation of elite individuals with unique medicinal or ornamental properties. Very high contamination rates occurred with shoot-tip explants but not with nodal segments. Contamination rates for seed explants were inversely related to the number of seedcoat layers removed, ranging from 100% contamination from intact seeds to near 0% contamination from excised embryos. Dormancy of seed explants was also eliminated when the pericarp and integument were removed. Addition of benzyladenine (BA) to the culture medium induced shoot multiplication and inhibited root formation in all three species. Shoot multiplication rates were low (1-3 shoots per culture) when seed explants were placed on a medium with BA levels low enough to avoid adventitious shoot formation (0.45 μm). Shoot count was higher on half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) minerals, while leaf size was greater on full-strength MS minerals. Cultures did not perform well in Woody Plant Medium. Reducing subculture frequency from 4 to 2 weeks increased shoot multiplication from 1.4 to 1.8 shoots per subculture and total shoots produced per subculture after 12 weeks from 2.8 to 23.9. Rooting occurred readily on shoots isolated from E. purpurea cultures and was not promoted by addition of IBA to the rooting medium. Rooting was low and nil on shoots from cultures of E. angustifolia and E. pallida, respectively. Methods described in this study allow rapid multiplication of three Echinacea species and subsequent rooting of E. purpurea. Future improvements in root induction treatments will allow these methods to be used effectively for micropropagation and maintenance of disease-free germplasm of Echinacea species. Chemical names used: N-(phenylmethyl)-1H-purine-6-amine (BA); 1H-indole-3-butyric acid (IBA).

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KUSUMANINGRUM, H. D., E. D. VAN ASSELT, R. R. BEUMER, and M. H. ZWIETERING. "A Quantitative Analysis of Cross-Contamination of Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. Via Domestic Kitchen Surfaces." Journal of Food Protection 67, no. 9 (September 1, 2004): 1892–903. http://dx.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-67.9.1892.

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Epidemiological data indicate that cross-contamination during food preparation in the home contributes noticeably to the occurrence of foodborne diseases. To help prevent such occurrences, the inclusion of a cross-contamination model in exposure assessments would aid in the development and evaluation of interventions used to control the spread of pathogenic bacteria. A quantitative analysis was carried out to estimate the probability of contamination and the levels of Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. on salads as a result of cross-contamination from contaminated chicken carcasses via kitchen surfaces. Data on the prevalence and numbers of these bacteria on retail chicken carcasses and the use of unwashed surfaces to prepare foods were collected from scientific literature. The rates of bacterial transfer were collected from laboratory experiments and literature. A deterministic approach and Monte Carlo simulations that incorporated input parameter distributions were used to estimate the contamination of the product. The results have shown that the probability of Campylobacter spp. contamination on salads is higher than that of Salmonella spp., since both the prevalence and levels of Campylobacter spp. on chicken carcasses are higher than those of Salmonella spp. It is realistic to expect that a fraction of the human exposure to Campylobacter spp., in particular, originates from cross-contamination in private kitchens during food handling. The number of human campylobacteriosis cases could be reduced either by reducing the degree of Campylobacter spp. contamination on chicken carcasses or by improving the hygiene in private kitchens. To eliminate the cross-contamination route, it is important to use separate surfaces or to properly wash the surfaces during the preparation of raw and cooked foods or ready-to-eat foods.

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Dickinson, G. R., H. M. Wallace, and D. J. Lee. "Controlled Pollination Methods for Creating Corymbia Hybrids." Silvae Genetica 59, no. 1-6 (December 1, 2010): 233–41. http://dx.doi.org/10.1515/sg-2010-0028.

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AbstractInter-specific Corymbia hybrids are of increasing interest to plantation forestry, yet there is little knowledge of the most suitable controlled pollination methods for this genus. Inter-specific crosses were made between C. torelliana [CT(maternal parent)] and C. citriodora subsp. variegata (CCV), C. henryi (CH) and C. citriodora subsp. citriodora (CCC) using conventional pollination, one-stop pollination (OSP) and artificially-induced protogyny on yellow buds (AIP Y) pollination methods. Additional treatments included AIP on green buds (AIP G) and the use of exclusion bags for the OSP and AIP methods. Inter-specific hybrids (CT x CCV, CT x CH and CT x CCC) were successfully created using all three pollination methods. The AIP Y treatment provided the highest seed yields and achieved time savings of >41% over the conventional and OSP methods, resulting in up to five-fold increases in operator productivity. However, the AIP Y treatment also had the highest C. torelliana contamination levels (9.3-13.2%). The use of exclusion bags with the AIP method had minimal effect on contamination rates, indicating a high proportion of selfpollen contamination. Contamination rates varied between maternal parents, suggesting variation in selfcompatibility for C. torelliana individuals. AIP using semi-ripe green buds was not effective at reducing selfing and had low operator productivity. The AIP method is suitable for use in a large-scale hybrid breeding program for C. torelliana. When self-pollination effects are managed, it could greatly reduce the costs associated with the production of seed of elite family crosses for commercial forestry deployment.

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Yoshikawa, Hideki, Kazuki Iijima, Hiroshi Sasamoto, Kenso Fujiwara, Seiichiro Mitsui, Akira Kitamura, Hiroshi Kurikami, Takayuki Tokizawa, Mikazu Yui, and Shinichi Nakayama. "Decontamination of School Facilities in Fukushima-city." MRS Proceedings 1518 (2013): 269–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1557/opl.2013.75.

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ABSTRACTFollowing the release of radionuclides into the environment as a result of the accident at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) had to develop an immediate and effective method of reducing the dose rate received by students in school facilities. A demonstration of a reducing method was carried out by JAEA at a junior high school ground and kindergarten yard in the center of Fukushima-city. Dose rates of the released radionuclides are largely controlled by the ground level contamination and accumulation of mainly Cesium137 (Cs-137) and Cesium 134 (Cs-134) in populated areas. An effective means of reducing dose rate was to remove the surface soil and to bury it on-site under fresh uncontaminated soil or soil collected under deep depth at the site for shielding. The dose rate at1 m above ground level was reduced from 2.5 µSv/h to 0.15 µSv/h.

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Buse, Ben, and Stuart Kearns. "Importance of Carbon Contamination in High-Resolution (FEG) EPMA of Silicate Minerals." Microscopy and Microanalysis 21, no. 3 (April 16, 2015): 594–605. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1431927615000288.

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AbstractThe effect of carbon contamination on the analysis of carbon-coated silicate minerals at 5 kV for X-ray energies 0.7–4 keV is examined. For individual spot analyses, carbon is found to deposit adjacent to the beam spot forming ring-shaped deposits with no impact on the analysis. Carbon contamination becomes important for closely spaced analyses such as multipoint transects, where each subsequent analysis overlaps the carbon ring of the previous analysis. X-ray intensity loss due to contamination is most severe for low-overvoltage elements such as Ca K consistent with carbon deposition effectively reducing beam energy. Rates of contamination are calculated and the use of a liquid nitrogen cold trap is shown to greatly reduce the amount of carbon deposited. A complimentary empirical correction is developed to correct for X-ray intensity loss from measured carbon, assuming the carbon is a film, and is compared with corrections derived from thin film calculations. PENELOPE electron probe microanalysis (PENEPMA) calculations confirm that asymmetry of the carbon deposition can be ignored for X-ray energies where intensity loss is predominantly through energy loss of beam electrons. Using a cold trap and/or an empirical correction high spatial resolution analysis (ca. 400 nm between points) is achievable with analytical errors of ca. 1–3%.

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Galani, Andriani, Constantinos Noutsopoulos, Petra Anastopoulou, Alexia Varouxaki, and Daniel Mamais. "Reductive Cr(VI) Removal under Different Reducing and Electron Donor Conditions—A Soil Microcosm Study." Water 14, no. 14 (July 10, 2022): 2179. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/w14142179.

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Increased groundwater and soil contamination by hexavalent chromium have led to the employment of a variety of detoxification methods. Biological remediation of Cr(VI) polluted aquifers is an eco-friendly method that can be performed in situ by stimulating the indigenous microbial population with organic and inorganic electron donors. In order to study the effect of different redox conditions on microbial remediated Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III), microcosm experiments were conducted under anaerobic, anoxic, and sulfate-reducing conditions and at hexavalent chromium groundwater concentrations in the 0–3000 μg/L range, with groundwater and soil collected from an industrial area (Inofyta region). As electron donors, molasses, emulsified vegetable oil (EVO), and FeSO4 were employed. To quantitatively describe the degradation kinetics of Cr(VI), pseudo-first-order kinetics were adopted. The results indicate that an anaerobic system dosed with simple or complex external organic carbon sources can lead to practically complete Cr(VI) reduction to Cr(III), while the addition of Fe2+ can further increase Cr(VI) removal rate significantly. Furthermore, Cr(VI) microbial reduction is possible in the presence of NO3− at rates comparable to anaerobic Cr(VI) microbial reduction, while high sulfate concentrations have a negative effect on Cr(VI) bioreduction rates in comparison to lower sulfate concentrations.

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Popovich, Kyle J., Bala Hota, Robert Hayes, Robert A. Weinstein, and Mary K. Hayden. "Effectiveness of Routine Patient Cleansing with Chlorhexidine Gluconate for Infection Prevention in the Medical Intensive Care Unit." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 30, no. 10 (October 2009): 959–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/605925.

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Background.Controlled studies that took place in medical intensive care units (MICUs) have demonstrated that bathing patients with Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) can reduce skin colonization with potential pathogens and can lessen the risk of central venous catheter (CVC)-associated bloodstream infection (BSI).Objective.TO examine, without oversight of practice by research study staff, the effectiveness or real-world effect of patient cleansing with CHG on rates of CVC-associated BSI.Design.In the fall of 2005, the MICU at Rush University Medical Center discontinued bathing patients daily with soap and water and substituted skin cleansing with no-rinse, 2% CHG-impregnated cloths. This change was a clinical management decision without research input.Setting.A 21-bed MICU at Rush University Medical Center.Patients.Patients hospitalized in the MICU during the period from September 2004 through October 2006.Methods.In a pre-post study design, we gathered data from administrative and laboratory databases, infection control practitioner logs, and patient medical charts to compare rates of CVC-associated BSI and blood culture contamination between the baseline soap-and-water bathing period (September 2004-October 2005) and the CHG bathing period (November 2005-October 2006). Rates of secondary BSI, Clostridium difficile infection (CDI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and urinary tract infection (UTI) served as control variables that were not expected to be affected by CHG bathing.Results.Bathing with CHG was associated with a statistically significant decrease in the rate of CVC-associated BSI (from 5.31 to 0.69 cases per 1,000 CVC-days; P = .006) and in the rate of blood culture contamination (from 6.99 to 4.1 cases per 1,000 patient-days; P = .04). Rates of secondary BSI, CDI, VAP, and UTI did not change significantly.Conclusions.In our analysis of real-world practice, daily bathing of MICU patients with CHG was effective at reducing rates of CVC-associated BSI and blood culture contamination. Controlled studies are needed to determine whether these beneficial effects extend outside the MICU.

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O. Ajibola, Olawale, and Peter A.Olubambi. "Comparative effects of corrosion on electroless -nickel plated A6061 alloys in DOT3 brake fluid." International Journal of Engineering & Technology 7, no. 2 (June 5, 2018): 927. http://dx.doi.org/10.14419/ijet.v7i2.9612.

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Aluminium alloys used in automobile brake master cylinder pistons wear by corrosion due to contamination and chemical reaction of the contacting brake fluid. The study investigates the corrosion of electroless-nickel (EN) deposition enhanced cast aluminium alloy master cylinder piston surfaces immersed in hydraulic brake oil. Cast specimens were produced from the as-received wrought A6061 alloy scrap by sand casting. EN plated as-received and cast aluminium alloys specimens were immersed fully in brake oil for 1680 hours and corrosion rates were determined every 24 hours. Test samples were characterised using the hardness tester, atomic absorption spectrometer, metallurgical photo-microscope, x-ray diffractometer; and SEM with EDX attachment. Both surfaces corroded in the order of electroless-nickel plated cast aluminium alloy (ENCA) < electroless-nickel plated as-received aluminium alloy (ENAA) at 0.0235 and 0.0251 rates (mg/mm2/y) results which showed improvement in the corrosion resistance with significant influence of electroless-nickel coating in reducing corrosion rates of aluminium alloy in brake oil.

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黃沛榆, 黃沛榆, 洪敏慧洪敏慧, 沈郁惠沈郁惠, 謝嘉琪 Yu-Hui Shen, and 朱志民 Chia-Chi Hsieh. "降低急診室血液培養汙染率." 秀傳醫學雜誌 21, no. 1 (June 2022): 015–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.53106/156104972022062101003.

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血液培養採檢為急診室常見的護理技術,然而血液培養汙染容易間接造成病人傷害,鑑於單位血液培養污染率高達 7.77%,遠超出設定之閾值 <3%,需立即改善為專案成立動機,為降低血液培養汙染率,專案小組人員分析發現護理人員執行血液培養採檢技術錯誤率高、認知測驗答對率低、採血工具不符需求且未稽核,經安排在職教育課程、引進 3M 低敏護手乳(Cavilon)提高洗手遵從性、針對特定族群增加皮膚清潔次數、導入讀秒機制概念、稽核和回饋機制,成功降低血液培養污染率至 2.3%、血液培養採檢錯誤率降至 3%、血液培養認知測驗答對率提升至 100%達專案目的,經由本專案推行針對特定族群較年長者和長照機構住民,增加皮膚清潔次數與運用讀秒機制,落實等待消毒液乾燥,推行成效良好,建議可平行展開至其他科室,提升病人照護品質。  Blood culture sampling is a common nursing technique in emergency rooms. However, blood culture contamination is likely to indirectly cause patient harm. Given that the unit blood culture contamination rate is as high as 7.77%, which far exceeds the set threshold of <3%, it needs to be immediately improved as the motivation for project establishment. To reduce the contamination rate of blood cultures, the task force analysis found that the nursing staff had a high error rate in performing blood culture sampling, a low rate of correct answers to cognitive tests, and blood sampling tools that did not meet the requirements and were not audited. After arranging an on-the-job education course, providing 3M hyposensi-tive hand cream (Cavilon), increasing the frequency of skin cleansing for specific ethnic groups, introducing the concept of the countdown mechanism, and devel-oping an audit and feedback mechanism, we successfully reduced the blood culture contamination rate to 2.3%, the blood culture sampling error rate to 3%, and increased the blood culture cognitive test answer rate to 100% of the project purpose, This project was aimed at older people and residents of long-term care institution. We aimed to increase the frequency of skin cleaning and used a count- down mechanism to wait for the disinfectant to dry. According to our findings, the improvement effect was good. Currently, the plan is being implemented in other parallel wards.

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Alva, A. K., and D. P. H. Tucker. "593 PB 167 EFFECTS OF REDUCED RATES OF NITROGEN ON GROWTH AND MINERAL NUTRITION OF YOUNG `PINEAPPLE' ORANGE TREES." HortScience 29, no. 5 (May 1994): 517a—517. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.29.5.517a.

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Recent trends in increased nitrate contamination of groundwater in parts of Central Florida have prompted this study to evaluate the potential for reducing the rates of nitrate (N) fertilizer to citrus. `Pineapple' orange trees on Swingle citrumelo rootstock growing on Candler fine sand were selected for the study. Fertilizer blends were applied using N as: (1) soluble ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate in 4 applications per year and (2) controlled-release sources (Meister, Osmocote, Escote in one application per year and IBDU and Neutralene in 2 applications per year). Nitrogen rates varied 18-154, 36-308, and 57-454 g/tree/year during the first, second and third year after planting, respectively. Tree growth and leaf mineral concentrations (during the first 3 years) and fruit size and juice quality (second and third years) were not adversely affected by application of reduced N rates. Fruit yield (third year) was lower in the trees which received ≤ 114 g N/tree/year than in those which received higher rates of N.

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Valchev, Dobril, Irina Ribarova, Blagoy Uzunov, and Maya Stoyneva-Gärtner. "Photo-sequencing batch reactor with Klebsormidium nitens: a promising microalgal biotechnology for sustainable phosphorus management in wastewater treatment plants." Water Science and Technology 83, no. 10 (April 16, 2021): 2463–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2021.149.

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Abstract This study aims at improving the existing algal-based wastewater treatment technologies by overcoming some of the major drawbacks of these systems such as large required land area, culture contamination, and energy-intensive algal harvesting. The experiments were carried out in an open photo-sequencing batch reactor at a laboratory-scale for nearly 2 months. A specific strain ACUS00207 of the aeroterrestrial green microalga Klebsormidium nitens (Kützing) Lokhorst was used. The strain is native to Bulgaria and belongs to a species that has never been used before in suspended growth systems for wastewater treatment for phosphorus removal. The culture of K. nitens showed promising results: phosphorus removal rates ranging from 0.4 to 1 mg total phosphorus L−1 d−1, efficient settling properties, and resistance to culture contamination with native microalgae. On the basis of the observed phosphorus removal mechanism of biologically mediated chemical precipitation/phosphorus precipitation, an innovative working mode of the sequencing batch reactor is suggested for reducing the hydraulic retention time and the required land area.

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DORNER, JOE W. "Efficacy of a Biopesticide for Control of Aflatoxins in Corn." Journal of Food Protection 73, no. 3 (March 1, 2010): 495–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-73.3.495.

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A 2-year study was carried out to determine the efficacy of a biopesticide in reducing aflatoxin contamination in corn. The biopesticide, afla-guard, delivers a nontoxigenic strain of Aspergillus flavus to the field where it competes with naturally occurring toxigenic strains of the fungus. Afla-guard was applied to entire fields in two areas of Texas at either 11.2 or 22.4 kg/ha. Specific nontreated fields in close proximity to treated fields were designated as controls. Samples of corn were collected at harvest and analyzed for aflatoxins and density of toxigenic and nontoxigenic isolates of A. flavus. Aflatoxin concentrations were generally quite low in 2007, but the mean concentration in treated samples (0.5 ppb) was reduced by 85% compared with controls (3.4 ppb). In 2008, samples from treated and control fields averaged 1.5 and 12.4 ppb, respectively, an 88% reduction. There were no significant differences between the two afla-guard application rates. In conjunction with the reductions in aflatoxin contamination, treatments produced significant reductions in the incidence of toxigenic isolates of A. flavus in corn.

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Somers, George H., and Martine M. Savard. "Considerations for the mitigation of nitrate contamination: stable isotopes and insights into the importance of soil processes." Water Science and Technology 64, no. 6 (September 1, 2011): 1254–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2011.719.

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Nutrient management is widely promoted to minimize the impact of intensive fertilizer use on groundwater quality, however watershed-scale stable isotope studies in eastern North America suggest nitrogen transport to groundwater is dominated by non-growing season fluxes derived principally from the mineralization and nitrification of soil organic matter. In the current field scale study, δ15N ratios of nitrate in tile drain effluents from experimental potato plots treated with 300 kg/ha ammonia nitrate and those with no fertilizer both average +4.7‰, close to the +4.0‰ ratios observed in soils of the same plots, and distinct from values near 0‰ for inorganic fertilizer. A source apportionment model using δ15N and δ18O in nitrate suggests that even with heavy fertilizer application, less than 10% of non-growing season N flux is derived from direct leaching of fertilizer, the remainder representing N from various sources, including residual fertilizer that has been assimilated into the broader soil organic matter pool and subsequently released via mineralization and nitrification. Factors controlling these losses could be as closely related to cropping practices as initial N application rates, providing potential opportunities for more efficiently utilizing N available in the soil profile and reducing initial N application rates.

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Otter, Jonathan A., Saber Yezli, and Gary L. French. "The Role Played by Contaminated Surfaces in the Transmission of Nosocomial Pathogens." Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology 32, no. 7 (July 2011): 687–99. http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/660363.

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Studies in the 1970s and 1980s suggested that environmental surface contamination played a negligible role in the endemic transmission of healthcare-associated infections. However, recent studies have demonstrated that several major nosocomial pathogens are shed by patients and contaminate hospital surfaces at concentrations sufficient for transmission, survive for extended periods, persist despite attempts to disinfect or remove them, and can be transferred to the hands of healthcare workers. Evidence is accumulating that contaminated surfaces make an important contribution to the epidemic and endemic transmission ofClostridium difficile,vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and norovirus and that improved environmental decontamination contributes to the control of outbreaks. Efforts to improve environmental hygiene should include enhancing the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection and reducing the shedding of pathogens. Further high-quality studies are needed to clarify the role played by surfaces in nosocomial transmission and to determine the effectiveness of different interventions in reducing associated infection rates.

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Slastya, I. V. "Hazard assessment of pesticides’ application in agroecosystems." IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science 1043, no. 1 (June 1, 2022): 012050. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/1043/1/012050.

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Abstract The danger assessment of using pesticides and the effectiveness of reducing the pesticide load in agrocenoses of grain crops and fodder beet according to the indicators of predicted pollution and agro-eco-toxicological index (AETI) was carried out. A significant decrease in the predicted agrocenoses' contamination indicators with pesticides and AETI was found with a decrease in the fungicides consumption rates by 50% and insecticides by 20% when combined with silicon compounds. The comparison of indicators of predicted pollution and AETI for grain crops agrocenoses in different natural and climatic zones was carried out. The greatest danger is the use of pesticides in the dry-steppe zone of chestnut soils due to their low self-cleaning ability.

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Li, Min, Yong Zhang, Qian-Yu Zhang, Wen-Li Bai, Sheng-Guo He, Wen-Cui Peng, and Xin Tong. "An efficient method for producing ⁹Be⁺ ions using a 2 + 1 resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization process." Journal of Physics B: Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics 55, no. 3 (February 2, 2022): 035002. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1361-6455/ac4c8f.

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Abstract We report a method of creating pure 9Be+ ions by a 2 + 1 resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization for the ionization potential of 75 192.64(6) cm−1 (133 nm). The efficient generation of 9Be+ ions has been realized in a segmented linear ion trap. The average loading rates with a 10 ns, 1 mJ laser at 310 nm and 306 nm are 3.8 and 1.3 ions per pulse, respectively. This method has the advantage of reducing the electron contamination to the ion trap electrodes greatly. It also reduces the requirement of single-photon energy while satisfying the need for ionization probability and can be applied to other atoms with high ionization thresholds.

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Sierra-Alvarez, R., S. Karri, S. Freeman, and J. A. Field. "Biological treatment of heavy metals in acid mine drainage using sulfate reducing bioreactors." Water Science and Technology 54, no. 2 (July 1, 2006): 179–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.2166/wst.2006.502.

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The uncontrolled release of acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned mines and tailing piles threatens water resources in many sites worldwide. AMD introduces elevated concentrations of sulfate ions and dissolved heavy metals as well as high acidity levels to groundwater and receiving surface water. Anaerobic biological processes relying on the activity of sulfate reducing bacteria are being considered for the treatment of AMD and other heavy metal containing effluents. Biogenic sulfides form insoluble complexes with heavy metals resulting in their precipitation. The objective of this study was to investigate the remediation of AMD in sulfate reducing bioreactors inoculated with anaerobic granular sludge and fed with an influent containing ethanol. Biological treatment of an acidic (pH 4.0) synthetic AMD containing high concentrations of heavy metals (100 mg Cu2+l−1; 10 mg Ni2+l−1, 10 mg Zn2+l−1) increased the effluent pH level to 7.0–7.2 and resulted in metal removal efficiencies exceeding 99.2%. The highest metal precipitation rates attained for Cu, Ni and Zn averaged 92.5, 14.6 and 15.8 mg metal l−1 of reactor d−1. The results of this work demonstrate that an ethanol-fed sulfidogenic reactor was highly effective to remove heavy metal contamination and neutralized the acidity of the synthetic wastewater.

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MELDRUM, RICHARD J., and IAN G. WILSON. "Salmonella and Campylobacter in United Kingdom Retail Raw Chicken in 2005." Journal of Food Protection 70, no. 8 (August 1, 2007): 1937–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.4315/0362-028x-70.8.1937.

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The United Kingdom Food Standards Agency commissioned a survey of Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw, whole chickens at retail in Wales and Northern Ireland between March and December 2005 to measure the baseline prevalence rates of these two significant pathogens. In total, 877 retail samples were examined for Campylobacter and Salmonella by enrichment methods. Overall contamination rates of 70.2% for Campylobacter and 4.0% for Salmonella were found. There was a statistically significant difference in Campylobacter rates between fresh and frozen samples, with fresh samples having a higher rate. There was no statistically significant difference between samples taken from retailers and butchers. Campylobacter was significantly more common in Northern Ireland than in Wales. Salmonella was significantly more common in Wales. The findings indicate the need for further investigation to explore why measures that have been successful in reducing Salmonella in the United Kingdom in recent years have failed to contribute to the control of Campylobacter. Identifying the factors responsible could lead to the introduction of more effective controls throughout the industry.

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Journal articles on the topic 'Reducing contamination rates'

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