Objectives: There are no standard infection control regulations in transvaginal ultrasound probe disinfection followed in the most prominent local public tertiary referral hospital. Likewise, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of the current method that uses an inexpensive multipurpose antiseptic spray solution. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of the current practice of manual disinfection of TVS probes and compare it with the performance of an acceptable manual reprocessing method. Methods: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was carried out using a crossover, quasi-experimental design, collecting 119 total samples from the ultrasound transducers before (35 samples) and after disinfection with two manual reprocessing methods, either a locally manufactured multipurpose antiseptic spray (A-Septic® Multipurpose Antiseptic Spray) that is currently used for disinfection or Mikrozid Sensitive®, a ready to use impregnated wipes (42 samples each arm). Disinfection efficacy was evaluated based on microbial culture results. Results: Before disinfection, bacterial growth was observed in 77.1% (27/35) of the probes. After disinfection, 80.95% (34/42) remained contaminated with the antiseptic spray and 21.43% (9/42) with the wipes. The cultures revealed many environmental and pathogenic bacterial isolates, including Burkholderia, Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Diphtheroids, and Pseudomonas. Conclusions The currently used method for disinfecting transvaginal transducers in the division is not adequate for decontamination and decreasing the risk of cross contamination among patients. The results call for aggressive disinfection measures and highlight the need to update local standards and formulate and institutionalize these recommendations.
2-Propanol

OBJECTIVES: To establish the ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to detect ethanol metabolites phosphatidylethanol (PEth) in whole blood. METHODS: An appropriate amount of aqueous solution including 1% formic acid was added to 100 μL whole blood, the protein was precipitated with acetone, centrifuged and the supernatant was purified and enriched by using Bond Elut Certify column. The eluent was redissolved with 1/1 isopropanol/acetonitrile (v/v) solution after nitrogen blowing and then tested by UPLC-MS/MS. Selective reaction monitoring scanning was carried out in negative ionization mode, and quantitative analysis was performed by external standard method. RESULTS: PEth showed a linear relationship over the concentration range of 1-160 ng/mL in whole blood (r=0.999 9) with peak area. The detection limit was 0.2 ng/mL, the quantification limit was 1 ng/mL, the recovery rate was 97.43%-103.61%, the accuracy was 0.99%-1.77%, the intra-day precision was 0.4%-2.4%, and the inter-day precision was 1.1%-3.3%, and the matrix effect was 91.00%-99.55%. PEth was not detected in the in vitro blood samples supplemented with ethanol. PEth was detected positive in three drunk driving cases, and the concentration were 195.49, 83.67 and 876.12 ng/mL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The established method has high sensitivity and specificity and the analysis results are accurate. It is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of PEth in whole blood.
2-Propanol ; Acetone ; Acetonitriles ; Biomarkers ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid/methods* ; Chromatography, Liquid ; Ethanol ; Glycerophospholipids ; Nitrogen ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry/methods*

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of disinfectant (Cavicide) with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients disinfectant on dental impression accuracy. METHODS: The effect of Cavicide on three impression materials (alginate, polyether and vinylpolysiloxane) were assessed using a standard model. The standard model was digitized by an extraoral scanner (IScan D103i, Imetric). For each kind of impression materials, thirty impressions were taken following the manufactures' instruction in the same conditions. Subsequently, the impressions were randomly divided into three groups, with ten impressions in each group. After the impression taking was completed, the three groups underwent pure water rinse for 1 min (blank control, BC), 2% glutaraldehyde solution immersion disinfection for 30 min (glutaraldehyde, GD), and Cavicide solution spray disinfection for 5 min (Cavicide, CC), respectively. All the impressions were digitized by the extraoral scanner (IScan D103i, Imetric) after disinfection and exported to a dedicated three-dimensional analysis software (Geomagic Qualify 2014, Geomagic, USA). In the software, the digital models of the impressions were trimmed to teeth and then superimposed with the digitized standard model via best-fit alignment. Root mean square (RMS) was used to evaluate the deviations between the impression and the standard model. The deviation in the anterior and posterior regions was evaluated respectively. One-way ANOVA test and the LSD post-hoc test were used to compare the deviations between the three groups (P < 0.05). The color map of each superimposition was saved for visual analysis. RESULTS: For the polyether and vinylpolysiloxane materials, the difference between the three groups was not statistically significant (P=0.933, P=0.827). For the alginate material, the difference in posterior region between group GD and group BC, as well as group GD and group CC were statistically significant (GD vs. BC, P=0.001; GD vs. CC, P=0.002), while the difference between group BC and group CC was not statistically significant (P=0.854). The visual analysis showed an obvious deviation in the buccal-lingual direction in group GD. CONCLUSION Disinfectant (Cavicide) with benzethon chloramine and isopropanol as main active ingredients using spray disinfection has no effect on the accuracy of the alginate, polyether and vinylpolysiloxane impressions.
2-Propanol ; Chloramines ; Dental Impression Materials ; Dental Impression Technique ; Disinfectants ; Disinfection ; Models, Dental

OBJECTIVE: Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is a common and effective treatment for hydrocephalus and cerebrospinal fluid disorders. Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after a VP shunt. There is evidence that a deep skin flora microbiome may have a role to play in post-operative infections. In this technical note, we present a skin preparation technique that addresses the issue of the skin flora beyond the initial incision.METHODS: The patient is initially prepped, as standard, with. a single layer of 2% CHG+70% isopropyl alcohol. The novel stage is the ‘double incision’ whereby an initial superficial incision receives a further application of povidone-iodine prior to completing the full depth incision.RESULTS: Of the 84 shunts inserted using the double-incision method (September 2015 to September 2016), only one developed a shunt infection.CONCLUSION: The double incision approach to skin preparation is a unique operative stage in VP shunt surgery that may have a role to play in reducing acute shunt infection.
2-Propanol ; Cerebrospinal Fluid ; Humans ; Hydrocephalus ; Methods ; Microbiota ; Mortality ; Povidone-Iodine ; Skin ; Surgical Wound Infection ; Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect on Total Aerobic Count (TAC) of application of Isopropyl alcohol, Chlorhexidine, and povidone iodine plus alcohol prior to venipuncture and development of phlebitis in children admitted at a tertiary hospital.

METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial in a tertiary hospital in Quezon City. A total of 129 patients one-year old and above with physician orders for IV insertion and extractions. Pre and post swabbing of the venipuncture site was done and placed on a blood agar plate. The three antiseptic solutions were applied over the venipuncture site and swabbed and placed on the agar plate. The primary outcome measure was the TAC in each blood agar of the tested antiseptic solution and correlation to developing phlebitis.

RESULTS: The CFU/mL after disinfection was significantly different between groups, with the lowest CFU/mL observed among patients disinfected with Chlorohexidine. Phlebitis was only noted in the alcohol group. No reactions were observed from patients who were disinfected with povidone iodine and chlorohexidine.

CONCLUSIONS: Single application of Chlorhexidine is the optimal method to be used as antisepsis prior to procedures like venipuncture. However, the use of povidone iodine plus 70% isopropyl alcohol also has comparable effect to Chlorhexidine.

Human ; Phlebotomy ; Antisepsis ; 2-propanol ; Chlorhexidine ; Povidone-iodine ; Phlebitis ; Anti-infective Agents, Local ; Philippines

Aqueous extraction of Citrus unshiu peels (AECUP) is mainly comprised with pro-angiogenichesperidin and narirutin. In this study, we report approaches to increasing the yields of extracted hesperidin and narirutinfrom Citrus unshiu peels using proper solvents. Significantly improved yields of both compounds were obtained using methanol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) compared to acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, ethanol, and isopropyl alcohol. Especially, effect of DMSO was by far the better of the two solvents in extraction of hesperidin. In addition, the DMSO extracted hesperidin significantly induced the pro-angiogenic effects of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and markedly up-regulated phosphorylation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. These results demonstrate that pro-angiogenic inducer; hesperidin and narirutin can be simply, easily, and effectively extracted from Citrus unshiu peels.
2-Propanol ; Citrus* ; Dimethyl Sulfoxide* ; Ethanol ; Hesperidin ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; Methanol ; Phosphorylation ; Solvents

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An otoscope is a basic instrument used by otorhinolaryngologists. An inappropriately sterilized otoscope has been reported to be a possible bacterial vector for infection. In this regard, we decided to investigate contaminated otoscopes for possible bacterial contamination and evaluate the efficacy of the otoscope disinfection methods. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We randomly drew 22 otoscope cones from university hospitals and 10 from private hospitals. Cones were divided into three groups accordingly to their sterilization methods: group 1 was wiped with 70% isopropyl alcohol, group 2 was soaked for 20 min in 70% isopropyl alcohol, and group 3 was soaked in CIDEX solution. The samples were cultured twice, first before the disinfection process and then after the disinfection process. Otoscopes were cleaned for a week by employing these techniques. RESULTS: Most of the pre-sterilized otoscopes (20/22) were obtained from the hospitals which demonstrated contamination with microorganisms. Staphylococcus was the most common bacteria found (16/22). After a week of cleansing, no bacteria were seen in group 1 (0%, 0/8), whereas group 2 (14.3%, 1/7), and group 3 (28.6%, 2/7) still showed remaining microorganisms. The three methods were significantly effective on sterilizing microorganisms. CONCLUSION: An otoscope can be a vector for spreading infection. We found that disinfection by alcohol-swabbing alone is sufficient for sterilizing otoscope cones. Clinically, this information may be useful to otorhinolaryngologists. However, further studies are required to establish the most appropriate disinfection protocol to prevent infection from microorganisms.
2-Propanol ; Bacteria ; Disinfection ; Glutaral ; Hospitals, Private ; Hospitals, University ; Methods ; Otoscopes* ; Staphylococcus ; Sterilization

In tissue engineering, alginate has been an attractive material due to its biocompatibility and ability to form hydrogels, unless its uncontrollable degradation could be an undesirable feature. Here, we developed a simple and easy method to tune the degradation profile of the fibrous alginate scaffolds by the microfluidic wet spinning techniques, according with the use of isopropyl alcohol for dense packing of alginate chains in the microfiber production and the increase of crosslinking with Ca²⁺ ion. The degradation profiling was analyzed by mass losses, swelling ratios, and also observation of the morphologic changes. The results demonstrated that high packing density might be provided by self-aggregation of polymer chains through high dipole interactions between sheath and core fluids and that the increase of crosslinking rates could make degradation of alginate scaffold controllable. We suggest that the tunable degradation of the alginate fibrous scaffolds may expand its utilities for biomedical applications such as drug delivery, in vitro cell culture, wound healing, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
2-Propanol ; Cell Culture Techniques ; Hydrogel ; Hydrogels ; In Vitro Techniques ; Methods ; Microfluidics* ; Polymers ; Regenerative Medicine ; Tissue Engineering ; Wound Healing

Abstract: Access to handwashing areas is not as convenient as having alcohol in one’s pocket or bedside. Alternatively, cleaning the hands with alcohol can save us a lot of time and effort in disinfecting our hands thus giving us more time for patient care. If alcohol can be proven as effective as soap and water in hand disinfection, then residents and nurses may use this method of hand hygiene instead. Objective: To compare the efficacy of 70% isopropyl alcohol against standard handwashing in hand hygiene among medical residents and nurses at a tertiary hospital. Methods: Seventy-six doctors and nurses were randomly assigned to two groups with 38 subjects each. Group 1 used plain soap and water while group 2 used 70% isopropyl alcohol hand rub. hand swabbing was done before and after hand hygiene. The presence or absence of bacteria was compared for the same subject, before and after hand disinfection. The mean decrease in colony count in group 1 was compared to group 2. Results: Both groups were successful in reducing the mean colony count. Handwashing group had a decrease from 27.34 34 +33.17to 3.58+ 6.63 CFU, while the alcohol group from 21.5 + 31.13 to 0.76 + 1.48 CFU, both with p values <0.05. But in comparison, the mean changes for both groups were not statistically significant, therefore no intervention was superior to the other and both were equally effective. Conclusion Seven percent isopropyl alcohol is as effective as standard handwashing in disinfection. It is recommended to have 70% isopropyl alcohol at bedside/individually carried by doctors/nurses for easy access. Observation of proper hand washing technique should always be emphasized. Bacterial colony identification is ideal for future studies.
Hand Disinfection ; 2-Propanol ; Hand Hygiene

OBJECTIVETo develop a solvent desorption gas chromatographic method for determination of n-pentanol in the workplace air.

METHODSn-Pentanol in the workplace air was collected with activated carbon tubes, desorbed with 2% 2-propanol in carbon disulfide, separated with a nitroterephthalic acid-modified FFAP capillary column, and detected with flame ionization detector.

RESULTSThe limit of detection was 0.2 mg/L; the lower limit of quantification was 0.6 mg/L; the linear range was 0.6-4072.0 mg/L. The minimum detectable mass concentration was 0.2 mg/m3 for 1.5 L of air sample. This method was highly repeatable. The relative standard deviations were 2.3%-5.4%. The average desorption efficiencies were 86.9%-94.2%. The absorption efficiencies were 100%. The breakthrough volume was above 8.0 mg in 100-mg activated carbon. The samples in activated carbon tubes could be stored for at least 14 days at room temperature.

CONCLUSIONThe method is feasible for determination of n-pentanol in the workplace air.

2-Propanol ; Air Pollutants, Occupational ; analysis ; Carbon Disulfide ; Charcoal ; Chromatography, Gas ; Limit of Detection ; Pentanols ; analysis ; Solvents ; Workplace