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Biomedical subjects

J A Molinari

Publications and source records attributed to J A Molinari.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed1991

Effectiveness of dental office instrument sterilization procedures.

To evaluate instrument sterilization procedures in Minnesota, biological indicators were used to monitor 406 sterilizers in 381 dental offices. Findings suggest a general improvement in instrument performance over that of a decade ago, but sterilization failure rates are still too high. Sterilizer operator errors are a major cause of sterilization failures. BIs are useful in monitoring sterilization performance only when sterilization procedures are performed consistently and competently by well-trained staff using adequately maintained equipment.

Bacillus subtilis↗
PubMed1991

Epidermal toxicity of disinfectants.

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the capacity of various disinfectant chemicals to cause epithelial toxicity with repeated exposure. The abdominal area of 3-month old, experimental ICR/CD-1 mice was initially shaved, denuded with a depilatory agent and allowed to rest for 24 hours. Commercial preparations of iodophors, bleach, synthetic phenols, phenolic/alcohols, and glutaraldehydes were then sprayed onto the exposed abdominal tissue 8 times/day (0.8 ml spray) for 2 consecutive days. The applied disinfectant was allowed to dry between procedures. In comparison to controls sprayed with distilled water, each disinfectant stimulated some degree of epidermal changes. Resultant multiple brownish lesions showed local thickening and hardening. Histologically, epidermal changes ranged from mild hypertrophy to extensive epithelial erosion. A few inflammatory cells were occasionally detected in the epithelium. When present, dermal reactions ranged from a mild inflammation to focal areas of collagen degeneration. The results indicated that iodophors stimulated the mildest reactions, followed by the synthetic phenol preparations, bleach, phenolic/alcohols, and glutaraldehyde sprays. Similar assays using glutaraldehyde immersion sterilants/disinfectants produced marked tissue destruction.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Role of disinfectants in infection control.

The ADA Council on Dental Therapeutics recognizes many commercial products as effective for use in dentistry as disinfectants or sterilants. Some of the products act only as disinfectants and do not sterilize; some have an odor that is unpleasant; others stain or bleach surfaces; and some of the formulations are corrosive to metallic surfaces. Therefore, it is essential that, before purchasing a chemical sterilant/disinfectant or a surface disinfectant for routine use, the practitioner, dental hygienist, and assistant obtain as much detailed information as possible. With sufficient information, subsequent decisions may be used on appropriate efficacy criteria, and the potential for product misuse may be reduced.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1990

Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus infection among parenteral drug abusers in a low-prevalence area.

Information is scant regarding epidemiologic risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among parenteral drug abusers (PDAs) residing in areas of low seroprevalence. A detailed interview and HIV serologic testing were conducted among PDAs hospitalized at Detroit Receiving Hospital for reasons unrelated to HIV infection. The study involved 22 seropositive (17 men, 5 women) and 52 seronegative (34 men, 18 women) drug abusers in Detroit, Michigan, an area of relatively low HIV prevalence. The interviews included inquiries regarding risk factors such as duration of drug abuse, visits to "shooting galleries," use of "hit men," needle sharing, sterile injection techniques, use of "street" antibiotics, promiscuity, visits to prostitutes, homosexuality, history of sexually transmitted diseases, and history of travel to areas of high HIV prevalence. A strong association was noted between the number of risk factors present and HIV seropositivity. The presence of any three or more risk factors was significantly associated (P less than .05) with seropositivity. Awareness of epidemiologic risk factors for HIV infection among PDAs in a low-prevalence area is useful in identification of seropositive drug abusers and is crucial in designing educational interventional strategies to interrupt viral transmission.

Adult↗
PubMed1990

Continuing progress in infection control in U.S. dental schools.

A survey was mailed to the deans of all U.S. dental schools in November 1988 requesting information regarding infection control instruction and protocols within the school. Fifty-five of 59 surveys were returned. Compared to results of previous surveys, schools are paying increased attention to infection control and the application of recommended protocols. The paper contrasts the 1988 data with those of surveys conducted in 1982, 1986, and 1987, and highlights remaining obstacles to implementation of infection control programs within the dental school environment.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1990

Controversies in infection control.

Dentistry has made great strides in infection control over the past 10 years. An effective asepsis program is part of "the standard of care" in dental practice as we approach the twenty-first century. Several areas of dental infection control are undergoing change as new information is obtained, thereby providing points for discussion and some controversy. An effective vaccine to protect against hepatitis B viral infection is available but has met with indifference on the part of many. This readily available protection should be obtained by all health care providers. Surface disinfection is another area of controversy. A variety of chemical agents with differing properties are available for use in dentistry. Many of these are effective as disinfectants but have limited cleansing action, and this must be considered in their application. The practice of prosthodontics also presents numerous opportunities for cross-contamination. The sterilization and disinfection of dental impressions, prostheses, appliances, and a variety of plastic and wooden items provide a challenge for future research as newer products and techniques are developed. Infection control has literally been placed in the hands of health professionals. We, our patients, and families will continue to benefit from our positive efforts in this area.

Communicable Disease Control↗
PubMed1989

Hepatitis, HIV infection and AIDS: some issues for the practitioner.

Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus among the viral causes of hepatitis are of principal concern to the dentist. A dentist previously infected with HBV is at risk from HDV for there are reservoirs of this infection in the population. Dentists will be most at risk from HBV because of per cutaneous inoculation but in the general population there is emphasis on the non-percutaneous transmission of the virus perinatally. Numerous carriers of HBV are being added to the population annually but their identification is often difficult. Immunization with a hepatitis B vaccine is a protection which all dentists should seek. A booster dose at 5 years is recommended. There is no evidence that hepatitis B vaccine transmits HIV. Transmission of this virus intraoperatively is much less likely than the transmission of HBV but a slight risk is there. To avoid the risk of HBV and HIV infections, full infection control precautions should be observed at all times.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗
PubMed1988

Cleaning and disinfectant properties of dental surface disinfectants.

The appropriate use of disinfectants for operatory surfaces constitutes a major component of a routine infection control protocol. Both the cleaning and the disinfection abilities of the various available products are important to consider when selecting a surface disinfectant. This study shows the importance of initial surface cleaning as a mandatory first step in surface asepsis. All manufacturers emphasize this in their written directions by stating that the products should be used on precleaned surfaces. Based on the inability to remove dried organic material and a lack of effective antimicrobial activity in the presence of accumulated bioburden, preparations containing high concentrations of alcohols (greater than or equal to 70%) should not be used as the sole agent for routine precleaning and disinfection. Properly diluted iodophor, sodium hypochlorite, and complex phenol preparations are superior in comparison with other disinfectants in accomplishing the initial precleaning of surfaces.

Communicable Disease Control↗