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Disposable surgical face masks for preventing surgical wound infection in clean surgery.

BACKGROUND: Surgical face masks were originally developed to contain and filter droplets of microorganisms expelled from the mouth and nasopharynx of healthcare workers during surgery, thereby providing protection for the patient. However there are several ways in which surgical face masks could potentially contribute to contamination of the surgical wound. OBJECTIVES: To identify and review all randomised controlled trials evaluating disposable surgical face masks worn by the surgical team during clean surgery to prevent post-operative surgical wound infection. SEARCH STRATEGY: All relevant publications about disposable surgical face masks were sought through the Specialised Trials Register of the Cochrane Wounds Group (March 2001). Manufacturers and distributors of disposable surgical masks as well as professional organisations including the National Association of Theatre Nurses and the American Operating Room Nurses Association were contacted for details of unpublished and ongoing studies. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing the use of disposable surgical masks with the use of no mask were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were extracted independently by AL and PE. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomised controlled trials were included involving a total of 1453 patients. In a small trial there was a trend towards masks being associated with fewer infections, whereas in a large trial there was no difference in infection rates between the masked and unmasked group. Neither trial accounted for cluster randomisation in the analysis. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS: From the limited results it is unclear whether wearing surgical face masks results in any harm or benefit to the patient undergoing clean surgery.

Disposable Equipment↗

Mucositis as a biological process: a new hypothesis for the development of chemotherapy-induced stomatotoxicity.

Mucositis induced by antineoplastic drugs is an important, dose-limiting and costly side effect of cancer therapy. The ulcerative lesions which result are frequent systemic portals of entry for microorganisms which inhabit the mouth and consequently are often sources of systemic infection in the myelosuppressed patient. A number of clinical observations and the inconsistency of responses to a broad range of treatment modalities suggests a physiological complexity to mucositis which has not previously been comprehensively considered. We now propose a hypothesis as to the mechanism by which mucositis develops and resolves, which is based on four phases: an initial inflammatory/vascular phase; an epithelial phase; an ulcerative/bacteriological phase; and a healing phase. The role of cytokines as initiators and ampliers of the process is discussed, as is the potential influence of genetic factors in establishing risk and modifying the course of stomatotoxicity.

Antineoplastic Agents↗

Fiber and gastrointestinal microecology.

The gastrointestinal tract contains a unique microecology. Microorganisms living in the mouth, stomach, and most importantly in the small and large intestines produce enzymes which help metabolize certain ingested foods, as well as maintain important body homeostatic mechanisms such as the bile salt enterohepatic circulation. Recent awareness of the importance of poorly digested foods such as cellulose, hemicellulose, pectins, and lignins, as well as selectively absorbed long-chain polysaccharides, has stressed the importance of the relationship of food to the microflora. This intestinal microecology has definite effects on the human host in cholesterol metabolism, glucose tolerance, and may explain such diseases as carcinoma. The exacting details of the intestinal microecology need further elaboration.

Bile Acids and Salts↗

W. D. Miller. The pioneer who laid the foundation for modern dental research.

Toothache has been the most ubiquitous ailment to plague mankind from time immemorial. Until the late 1700s, it was thought that the cause of this torment was the wriggling, in a carious tooth, of a worm. And early attempts at treatment were focused on driving the "worm" out. It was one of the world's greatest scientists, the dentist W. D. Miller, who, after extensive research, in 1891 published his epochal work, The Microorganisms of the Human Mouth, which set forth a new theory regarding the cause of dental caries. His postulating a "chemico-parasitic" origin of caries laid the basis for all the modern research in dentistry aimed at wiping this scourge out. Contemporary research has proven the worth of Miller's groundbreaking theory.

Bacteriology↗

Microbiological basis of oral infections and sensitivity to antibiotics.

Because oral infections are common, the physician must understand the underlying etiology, pathogeny, and other variables that determine how these processes evolve in order to choose the most appropriate antibiotic drug. The special characteristics of the oral cavity determine the make-up of the microflora that lives there. Different anaerobic species belonging to the Peptostreptococcus, Prevotella, Fusobacterium, Gemella, and Porphyromonas genera are of particular interest, as are the aerobic species Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and Corynebacterium. Each of these microorganisms occupies a different microniche within the oral cavity, and the prevailing balance is upset when conditions become modified as a result of illness or due to dental interventions such as tooth extraction or tooth scaling and polishing. Pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria (Actinomyces, Prevotella intermedia species, etc.) can develop in these conditions, as can yeasts (Candida sp., Histoplasma capsulatum), virus (herpes simplex, papilomavirus), and parasites (Entamoeba gingivalis, Trichomonas tenax). When infection occurs, the patients s immune system reacts by means of inborn immunity (non-specific) and acquired immunity (specific). Empirical treatment is administered that should be based on etiological data and on the antimicrobial sensitivity of the pathogen that is causing the infection. However, oral microflora sensitivity to different antibiotics is currently declining and there is a noticeable trend towards resistances. As a consequence of all this, the treatment of oral infections must also aim to restore the ecological balance of the oral cavity and to minimize the emergence of resistance in the microorganisms present in the mouth. Hence, epidemiological oral pathogen sensitivity studies must be conducted, fostering the administration of appropriate antibiotics at proper doses and keeping specialists abreast of the latest trends. In recent decades, oral infections comprise one of the most common pathologies in the general population, due in large part to infectious complications associated with poor oral hygiene. This in turn, translates into an increased need and demand for dental care, while at the same time, it requires that the professional accurately understand the etiological factors involved, as well as the pathogeny and different variables that determine the specificity of these kinds of infections, so as to be able to choose the appropriate antimicrobial drugs for proper treatment.

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗

Disposable surgical face masks: a systematic review.

UNLABELLED: Surgical face masks were originally developed to contain and filter droplets of microorganisms expelled from the mouth and nasopharynx of healthcare workers during surgery, thereby providing protection for the patient. However, there are several ways in which surgical face masks could potentially contribute to contamination of the surgical wound. Surgical face masks have recently been advocated as a protective barrier between the surgical team and the patient, but the role of the surgical face mask as an effective measure in preventing surgical wound infections is questionable. The aim of the systematic review is to identify and review all randomised controlled trials evaluating disposable surgical face masks worn by the surgical team during clean surgery to prevent postoperative surgical wound infection. All relevant publications about disposable surgical face masks were sought through the Specialised Trials Register of the Cochrane Wounds Group (March 2001). Manufacturers and distributors of disposable surgical masks as well as professional organisations including the National Association of Theatre Nurses and the Association of Operating Room Nurses were contacted for details of unpublished and ongoing studies. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing the use of disposable surgical masks with the use of no mask were included. MAIN RESULTS: Two randomised controlled trials were included involving a total of 1453 patients. In a small trial there was a trend towards masks being associated with fewer infections, whereas in a large trial there was no difference in infection rates between the masked and unmasked group. Neither trial accounted for cluster randomisation in the analysis. REVIEWERS' CONCLUSIONS: From the limited results it is unclear whether wearing surgical face masks results in any harm or benefit to the patient undergoing clean surgery.

Antisepsis↗

Oral malodor: philosophical and practical aspects.

Although oral malodor or bad breath is an unpleasant condition experienced by most individuals, it typically results in transient discomfort. At least 50 per cent of the population suffer from chronic oral malodor, however, and approximately half of these individuals experience a severe problem that creates personal discomfort and social embarrassment. The mouth air of chronic malodor sufferers is tainted with compounds such as hydrogen sulphide, methyl mercaptan and organic acids, which produce a stream of foul air that is gravely offensive to the people in their vicinity. Sufferers often make desperate attempts to mask their oral malodor with mints and chewing gum, compulsive brushing, and repeatedly rinsing with commercial mouthwashes. While dental diseases have been strongly associated with this condition, there is considerable evidence that dentally healthy individuals can exhibit significant levels of mouth odor. Proteolytic activity by microorganisms residing on the tongue and teeth results in foul-smelling compounds, and is the most common cause of oral malodor. A specialized device called the halimeter is available to measure the volatile sulphur compounds in mouth air. Many of the manufacturers of bad breath remedies claim that their products contain antibacterial mechanisms with sufficient strength to control oral malodor over long periods of time. None, however, effectively eliminate the problem. Interest in oral malodor research and clinical treatment has increased in the last few years, and this distressing problem is finally getting the attention it deserves.

Breath Tests↗

In vitro evaluation of the retention of three species of pathogenic microorganisms by three different types of toothbrush.

The retention and survival of microorganisms on toothbrushes pose a threat of recontamination for certain patients at risk. In order to measure the influence of brush design and optimize the choice of toothbrush model for complementary studies, the in vitro retention of three microbial species (Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277, Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 and Candida albicans ATCC 26555) was evaluated for three types of toothbrush. Two series of standardized experiments were carried out for each brush and microorganism. The first series tested the retention of the microorganisms on the head portion of the brush, while the second measured retention on the head of the brush and the part of the handle inserted in the mouth during brushing. For each series, the microorganisms were counted at T0 and T24 (after storage of the brushes at room temperature for 24 h). Depending on the microorganism studied, from 0.2% to 2% of the initial inoculum was retained on the brush. The number detected increased with the size of the exposed area. After 24 h, P. gingivalis and S. mutans were found on only one type of brush. C. albicans survived on all three. These results confirm that microorganisms can quickly colonize toothbrushes.

Candida albicans↗

The evolution of the surgical mask: filtering efficiency versus effectiveness.

When originally introduced for use at the turn of the century, the primary function of the surgical mask was to prevent the migration of microorganisms residing in the nose and mouth of members of the operating team to the open wound of the patient. As technology developed new materials and designs, their filtering efficiencies gradually improved. However, there is no standard test method for assessing that capability, and its influence on the rates of surgical-wound infection has yet to be demonstrated. Quite to the contrary, both in-vitro and in-vivo studies indicate that a mask may not be universally necessary in today's surgical environment.

Equipment Design↗

[Dangerous sharks in tropical seas].

Sightseeing travel in tropical zones is a growing industry. The risks incurred by travelers depend on the destination, duration of stay, individual behavior, and type of leisure activity. Water sports expose visitors to encounters with dangerous marine animals. Shark attacks are rare but always serious occurrences. Divers should handle any shark, regardless of size, with due precaution. Prevention of shark attack depends on avoiding encounters by not attracting the attention of the shark and knowing the proper attitude to adopt in case an encounter should occur. Active and passive protection can be used, but each method has advantages and disadvantages depending on the situation. Rescue operations are difficult due to the gravity of injuries and their occurrence in a marine environment. This along with the nature of the aggressor explain that many attacks are immediately fatal. Wounds are often deep with involvement of bone, blood vessels, and nerves. A possible source of complication in survivors is infection, which can involve uncommon microorganisms associated with bacteria in sharks mouth or marine environment.

Animals↗

[Interaction of indigenous parietal microorganisms with cells of the digestive tract mucosa].

By means of light, electron microscopy and stereomorphometry the interaction of microorganisms (MO) and cells of the mouth, stomach and gut mucous membrane was studied in different pathologic conditions on clinic and experimental material. No penetration was noted of MO into cells of the keratinized squamous epithelium, they were present in intercellular spaces. In the stomach, MO as a rule interact with mucocytes altering their surface. Spirillum-like MO sometimes penetrate into the parietal cells. In the small bowel MO may penetrate the cells causing lysis of apical membranes and photocytosis changing the microvilli structure. MO may enter the goblet cells during the secretion. They may settle in the cell cytoplasm without causing its alteration. In crypts, near Paneth cells, MO were subjected to lysis. The peculiarities of MO interaction with cells depend on their structural-functional status.

Animals↗

[Treatment of swine cell line with antibiotics: effect on growth kinetics and susceptibility to foot-and-mouth disease virus and to mycoplasma-like organisms].

Cell cultures treated with tylosin tartrate and kanamycin sulphate antibiotics were studied in relation to the cell growth rate, the susceptibility to the foot-and-mouth disease virus and to the microorganism eradication. These treatments did not affect the cell growth rate and the cell behavior to the viral infection. On the other hand, the decontamination of the intracytoplasmatic formas of mycoplasma-like organism was not observed.

Animals↗

Chlorhexidine inactivation by saliva.

Chlorhexidine mouth rinsing is commonly used for oral flora reduction. Indigenous microorganisms (viridans streptococci) are significantly suppressed, while "hospital-acquired" gram-negative bacilli are not affected in vivo. To explain the discrepancies between good in vitro and poor in vivo activity of chlorhexidine, minimum bactericidal concentration values for 120 isolates were studied by means of a standard dilution method in fresh whole saliva, broth, and glucose 5%. Both saliva and broth significantly reduced the bactericidal activity of chlorhexidine against all microorganisms tested as compared to glucose 5% (p less than 0.01). Minimum bactericidal concentrations for indigenous flora were significantly lower than the values obtained for the "hospital-acquired" microorganisms (p less than 0.05). These observations of chlorhexidine inactivation by saliva may explain why chlorhexidine mouth rinsing is of limited value in decontaminating the oral cavity.

Analysis of Variance↗

Oropharyngeal microflora in Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australian children. An indicator of environmental contamination.

Faecal microorganisms, not normally resident in the oropharynx, were isolated much more often from Aboriginal than non-Aboriginal Australian children. This is almost certainly due to differences in standards of hygiene and living in these two groups, and is an important factor in contributing to the common and serious problem of gastrointestinal infections in young Aborigines. In the non-Aboriginal group, the isolations of faecal organisms were much more common from infants and from children under the age of two years when compared with older children; this is probably due to the readiness of spreading microorganisms from the gastrointestinal tract to the mouth in the younger children.

Australia↗

Evaluation and comparison of lactobacilli characteristics in the mouths of patients with or without cavities.

Lactobacilli were considered the prime cariogenic microorganisms until phylogenetic related bacteria, mutans streptococci, were associated with caries. Today, lactobacilli are still considered a factor in determining the predisposition to develop cavities. As a first step in colonization, microorganisms adhere to oral tissues. Based on this fact, the purpose of our study was to determine if there was a statistical association or difference related to the state of oral health with the surface characteristics of lactobacilli. Patients were classified as caries-free and caries-active. Interviews were performed to establish the nutritional and oral hygiene habits. The previously reported characteristics of isolated lactobacilli's quantification and association to dental tissues were determined. Although the nutritional habits for caries-free and caries-active patients were similar, the patients' oral hygiene and dental care determined differences in risk indices. The number of lactobacilli was statistically lower in saliva of subjects with good oral health. Certain species of lactobacilli could not be associated to specific areas of the mouth, although some species could be localized. Lactobacilli from caries active (CA) subjects showed a greater ability to adhere to hydrophobic substances, had a greater salt agglutination property, and showed lower production of inhibitory substances. Lactobacilli from caries free (CF) subjects were better able to inhibit oral, potentially pathogenic, microorganisms. These studies prove that preliminary differences between oral lactobacilli in CF and CA patients exist. Non-specific and specific adhesion mechanisms in bacteria should be further demonstrated.

Analysis of Variance↗

[Occurrence of oral subclinical infections in insulin treated diabetics].

The purpose of this study was to examine oral cavity condition, identify microorganisms and evaluate interrelation between protozoans, bacteria and fungi occurring in mouths of insuline treated diabetics. 30 men and women, 25-60 years old, were clinically assessed for their oral cavity condition including pH range. Fifteen of them were the insuline treated diabetics. Swabs taken of different sites of periodontium, dental plaques and dental pockets collected from each patients were used for detection and identification of protozoans, bacteria and fungi. Mucosal inflammation, dental caries, loose teeth, periodontitis were observed in the diabetic patients, whereas the oral cavities were generally in better condition in the control patients. Prevalence of the protozoan parasites Entamoeba gingivalis and Trichomonas tenax was higher in the control patients than in the diabetics (26.6% and 13.3%, respectively). Fecal bacteria Enterococcus fecalis, E. faecium, Klebsiella pneumoniae occurred with significantly higher frequency in the insuline treated patients (60%) than in the control (6.6%). Various Candida albicans strains were more often found in the diabetic (53.2%) than in the control patients (13.3%). The results of our studies show a clear interrelation between alteration of oral health and the occurrence of microorganisms in the insuline treated diabetics. Metabolic disease that causes serious multi-organ disturbances as well as insulinotherapy are the very important factors changing oral cavity ecology of the persons with diabetes mellitus; decresed pH (the average 5.5) may inhibit development of infection with protozoans in the oral cavity of these patients and favour subclinical infections with other microorganisms. Thus, in the insuline treated diabetics, examination of mouths with regard to the occurrence of opportunistic fecal bacteria and fungi, particularly before a therapy with antibiotics is strongly recommended.

Adult↗

The effectiveness of an aerosol reduction device for ultrasonic scalers.

Intraoral use of ultrasonic scalers may generate aerosols that contain infectious microorganisms and therefore pose a hazard to the health of the dental professional. The purpose of this in vivo study was to determine if an aerosol reduction device for an ultrasonic scaler would be effective in reducing the amount of contaminated aerosols produced during ultrasonic instrumentation. Twelve adult subjects participated in the study. A split-mouth design was utilized, and two treatments (in separate rooms) were performed on each subject: 1) ultrasonic scaling for 5 minutes with the aerosol reduction device; and 2) ultrasonic scaling for 5 minutes without the aerosol reduction device. The right or left side of the subject's mouth was randomly assigned to one of the two treatment groups. After instrumentation, the subject and operator remained motionless for 25 minutes during collection of aerosol particles. Air samples were collected on blood agar plates 6 inches from the subject's mouth. Replicate organism detection and counting plates were used to sample microorganisms present on the investigator's face shield. All plates were incubated for 3 days at 37 degrees C. The results, using the paired t-test (P < 0.001), indicate that the ultrasonic scaler without the aerosol reduction device had a significantly greater quantity of mean colony forming units (CFUs) 6 inches from the subject's mouth (45.1 +/- 28.9) than the ultrasonic scaler with the aerosol reduction device (2.6 +/- 3.6). No significant difference was evident in the number of CFUs found on the investigator's face shield. These data suggest that an aerosol reduction device is effective in reducing the number of microorganisms generated during ultrasonic scaling, therefore decreasing the risk of disease transmission.

Adult↗