This study evaluated the use of udder wipes and aggregated nasal wipes as group sampling methods to detect influenza A virus (IAV) in swine breeding herds. Five breeding herds were selected and sampled from 2022 to 2024. At each sampling, six pigs in five due-to-wean litters were selected and sampled using oropharyngeal swabs (one per pig) and nasal wipes (one nasal wipe for three pigs). Additionally, an udder wipe sample was collected for each litter. Overall, 26.1% (89/341) of the oropharyngeal samples were IAV RT-qPCR positive. At the litter level, 43.9% (25/57) had at least one positive oropharyngeal swab, 33.3% (19/57) had a positive udder wipe, and 26.7% (12/45) had at least one positive nasal wipe. When compared to the oropharyngeal litter-level classification, the sensitivity and specificity of udder wipes were estimated at 68.0% (46.5-85.1%) and 93.8% (79.2-99.2%), respectively. For nasal wipes, the estimated values were 75.0% (47.6-92.7%) and 100.0% (88.1-100.0%), respectively. Udder wipes and nasal wipes can be used for IAV monitoring in breeding herds. However, false-negative results may be of concern at the litter level. These estimates can be used to implement a sampling strategy that maximizes the room- and herd-level sensitivity.
This study aimed to investigate the impact of different types of baby wipes on the barrier recovery of compromised skin after repeated wiping. The forearm skin of adult females was compromised through repeated tape-stripping. Baby wipes with different compositions and water and cloth were used to repeatedly wipe the compromised forearm skin. The health of the skin barrier was evaluated by transepidermal water loss and erythema over the course of 5 days. Skin wiped with pH-buffered baby wipes containing emollients had better barrier health in comparison to skin wiped with baby wipes lacking these features. Additionally, one of the pH-buffered wipes with emollients was gentler on compromised skin than the other baby wipes, as well as water and cloth and performed similarly to unwiped skin. Baby wipes composition can affect the barrier health of compromised skin after wiping.
Microplastics (MPs) in wastewater are increasingly recognised as potential vectors for pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), yet their role across treatment remains poorly understood. This study tracked viral, bacterial, and AMR associations with MPs from hospital wastewater through to coastal receiving waters, including simulated combined sewer overflow (CSO) events, using quantitative real-time PCR, and shotgun metagenomics. MP concentrations found naturally in the wastewater matrix, declined from 467 to 33 particles L⁻¹ during WWTP passage, achieving 93% removal. Norovirus (GI and GII) and bacteria colonised beads and wet wipes throughout, with wet wipes retaining higher viral and AMR loads than plastic beads, likely due to structural complexity. Sequential sampling across treatment stages showed a reduction in norovirus and bacterial loads by ∼1 log, yet pathogens remained detectable on beads and wet wipes in final effluent. NoV GI predominated, while NoV GII concentrations and the class I integron-integrase (intI1) gene varied by treatment stage and sample type. Metagenomics showed enrichment of potentially pathogenic genera (Aeromonas, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium) in bead and wet wipe biofilms, and network analysis identified associations between Aeromonas and clinically relevant beta-lactam resistance genes (OXA, CTX). Shifts at the activated sludge stage indicated bead and wet wipe associated communities in effluent reflect treatment microbiota rather than influent sources. Environmental MP concentrations are below those required to deliver an infectious viral dose, suggesting MP-mediated transmission is unlikely under normal conditions. However, during CSO events, beads and wet wipes retained high viral loads and may act as pathogen transport vectors. These findings highlight CSO management as a priority for reducing MP-associated pathogen risks in receiving waters.
BACKGROUND: Xylitol is widely used in caries prevention and has been shown to reduce cariogenic activity in children. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of xylitol wipes in infants and toddlers. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of xylitol wipes on cariogenic activity in infants and toddlers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective, longitudinal, single–arm interventional study included 20 healthy, caries–free children aged 9 months to 1.5 years. Mothers were instructed to wipe their children’s teeth with xylitol wipes (Spiffies Baby Tooth Wipes™) three times daily for four weeks. Salivary samples were collected at baseline and weekly follow–up visits. Cariogenic activity was assessed by measuring lactic acid production using a chairside kit (Clinpro Cario L–Pop), and salivary mutans streptococci (MS) levels were determined using the CRT bacteria caries risk test. RESULTS: A highly significant reduction in salivary lactic acid levels was observed after one week of xylitol wipe use (P < 0.0001). A significant reduction in MS counts was observed by the fourth week (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Daily application of xylitol wipes reduced cariogenic activity in young children, suggesting that this delivery method may be a practical preventive approach during early childhood. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07245433) on 14 November 2025.
The microbiome is increasingly recognized as a key factor in health. Intestinal microbiota modulates gut homeostasis via a range of diverse metabolites. In particular, molecules such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), the microbial fermentation products of dietary fiber, have been established to be reflective of microbiome and/or dietary shifts, and SCFAs alterations have been linked to multiple gastrointestinal disorders, from cancer to colitis. Despite their potential as biomarkers, technical challenges in stool collection have limited clinical translation. Here, we present Stool Wipe (S'Wipe), an ultra-low-cost fecal collection method using lint-free, mass spectrometry (MS)-compatible cellulose wipes as toilet paper. Specimens are preserved in ethanol without refrigeration and can be shipped via regular mail. Mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that S'Wipe captures both volatile and non-volatile metabolites with reproducibility and stability validated for diagnostically relevant molecules. We show that S'Wipe performs equivalently to direct stool collection, enabling interchangeable use and comparison with existing studies. This methodology is ideally suited for large-scale population studies, longitudinal tracking, and personalized medicine applications. Gut microbiome and intestinal metabolome present invaluable diagnostic and therapeutic targets. However, conventional stool testing has several barriers, limiting bioassessment from populations. Routine, high-temporal-resolution monitoring of stool metabolome, including extensively validated and broadly informative biomarkers such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), is not implemented due to relatively high cost and inconvenience of sampling, possible need for clinical setting for sample collection, difficulty in collecting samples reproducibly-especially due to potential for user errors-requirement for freezer storage and maintenance of the cold chain during shipment. We present a sampling strategy specifically designed to overcome these obstacles. We demonstrate how this method can enable capturing accurate molecular snapshots at massive scales, at ultra-low cost. The approach collapses complex medical-grade collection into easy self-administration. Individuals can thereby self-monitor therapeutic responses through routine metabolome tracking, including the volatilome, otherwise hindered by infrastructure restrictions. Ultimately, this sampling approach is intended to enable participatory wellness transformation through practical high-frequency self-sampling.
Introduction/Rationale for Study: This retrospective, observational analysis evaluated real-world hazardous drug (HD) surface wipe test data collected from U.S. healthcare facilities following implementation of a closed-system transfer device (CSTD). Methods: Wipe test submissions collected between 2018 and 2022 were analyzed to characterize the frequency, magnitude, and distribution of HD contamination across hospital systems, care locations, and drug analytes under routine clinical practice conditions. Although pre-implementation (baseline) wipe data were not available, this analysis reflects real-world effectiveness of CSTD use in minimizing detectable HD surface contamination within participating facilities. Results: Among 5531 wipe samples analyzed, 4.45% demonstrated measurable contamination, with the majority originating from two hospital systems. Higher contamination frequencies were observed in patient administration rooms and infusion areas compared with other locations, with 5-fluorouracil demonstrating higher contamination frequency relative to other analytes. Conclusion: An independent statistical analysis corroborated the initial Sponsor findings, confirming that using the CSTD significantly minimizes contamination and the potential for HD exposure risks. Variability in contamination across facilities and locations highlights the need for standardized cleaning protocols and clear standards for acceptable limits in hazardous drug handling. Overall, these data provide insight into HD contamination patterns observed during routine clinical use of a CSTD and support continued optimization of handling practices, along with prospective studies employing standardized wipe protocols and pre/post implementation designs.
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant threat to patient safety, particularly for vulnerable populations such as critically ill patients, the elderly, and individuals with multiple comorbidities. Hospital surfaces often act as reservoirs for pathogens, including multidrug-resistant strains, yet conventional disinfectants frequently lack sustained activity. We evaluated the real-world effectiveness of a novel disinfectant wipe combining low-concentration didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) and organosilane quaternary ammonium compound (Si-QAC) for its immediate and persistent antimicrobial properties across multiple hospitals. A multi-center, paired-design study was conducted at five university-affiliated hospitals between March and April 2025. Eight high-touch surfaces were categorized into dry zones (e.g., bed rails, nurse station desks) and wet zones (e.g., ward sinks, toilet lids). We compared the disinfection effectiveness of DDAC+Si-QAC wipes (experimental group) against each hospital's standard disinfection protocol (control group). Microbial samples were collected at baseline and at 1, 6, and 24 hours post-disinfection. Effectiveness was measured by the change in microbial load (Δ colony-forming unit/mL) from baseline. A total of 640 specimens were analyzed from 160 surfaces. To ensure rigorous analysis, pairs containing "zero-point" baseline surfaces were excluded, resulting in 39 pairs (78 surfaces) for final evaluation. The experimental group showed significant reductions from baseline at 1, 6, and 24 hours (P<0.001), whereas the control group failed to exhibit significant changes. In comparative analysis, the experimental group demonstrated superior effectiveness over the control group at 1 hour (P=0.041) and 6 hours (P=0.042). Although the difference at 24 hours (P=0.276) was not statistically significant, the experimental group maintained a lower median microbial load. Sub-group analysis revealed that the experimental group's potency was most pronounced in wet zones at 1 hour (P=0.004), where the bioburden was highest. The DDAC+Si-QAC wipe provides superior and sustained antimicrobial activity compared to standard hospital protocols, particularly in challenging high-bioburden wet environments. While the statistical advantage diminished at 24 hours, the persistent coating effect of Si-QAC offers a robust alternative to conventional point-in-time disinfection. Integrating these wipes into routine environmental management may help prevent the formation of microbial reservoirs and contribute to reducing HAIs.
Blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) commonly cause ocular surface symptoms, but comparative evidence for commonly used eyelid-cleansing strategies remains limited. We compared the 4-week efficacy of preformulated eyelid cleansing wipes, hypochlorous acid-assisted cleansing, and saline-assisted cleansing in adults with blepharitis-associated ocular surface disease. In this single-center, randomized, assessor-masked, parallel-group trial, adults aged 18-70 years were assigned to one of three cleansing interventions for 4 weeks. The primary endpoint was the baseline-adjusted Week 4 visual analog scale (VAS) score for the selected study eye in the full analysis set. Pairwise comparisons were performed only after a significant overall test, with Holm adjustment. Seventy-two participants were randomized; 64 were included in the full analysis set, and 59 had observed Week 4 VAS data. The overall between-group difference in baseline-adjusted Week 4 VAS was significant (P = 0.007). Adjusted mean Week 4 VAS values were 27.47 (95% CI, 22.18-32.76) in the wipe group, 33.16 (95% CI, 27.80-38.51) in the hypochlorous acid group, and 40.83 (95% CI, 34.93-46.72) in the saline group. The wipe group had lower Week 4 VAS than the saline group (adjusted difference, - 13.35; 95% CI, - 21.51 to - 5.20; Holm-adjusted P = 0.005). No other pairwise comparison remained significant. Between-group differences in Schirmer test result, corneal fluorescein staining, and MGD expressibility were interpreted as supportive secondary findings. In this single-center, assessor-masked randomized trial, preformulated eyelid cleansing wipes were associated with a lower baseline-adjusted Week 4 VAS symptom score than saline-assisted mechanical lid cleansing. Confirmatory superiority over hypochlorous acid was not established, and sign-based secondary findings should be interpreted as supportive.
Contactless automotive tailgate activation relies on recognizing intentional lower-limb gestures near the rear bumper, yet these systems are developed and evaluated from sensor-specific recordings rather than from the underlying human movement, so quantitative, sensor-independent kinematic reference profiles for these gestures are lacking. This study establishes wearable inertial measurement unit (IMU)-derived reference profiles of two tailgate-activation gestures: a forward kick and a lateral wipe. Lower-body motion was recorded in 56 adult participants using a seven-sensor Xsens Awinda configuration under application-oriented conditions, yielding 6879 segmented movements. To the best of our knowledge, this is among the most extensive of such datasets, providing a sensor-independent, joint- and segment-level movement reference. Both gestures shared a common sagittal structure dominated by knee, ankle, and hip flexion/extension, with mean knee flexion/extension of 45.9∘ for kick and 42.3∘ for wipe movements. Wipe gestures differed through markedly larger non-sagittal components, with hip abduction/adduction of 17.2∘ versus 7.7∘ and ankle internal/external rotation of 16.6∘ versus 8.7∘, confirmed in every participant (p<0.001). Foot-segment kinematics showed the highest velocities, with a mean resultant foot velocity of approximately 1.8m/s. These profiles provide a quantitative biomechanical basis for benchmarking gesture-recognition sensor systems, informing detection-window and threshold selection, and enabling standardized, repeatable testing of contactless automotive HMI systems.
To evaluate the effectiveness of a twice-daily application of a wipe impregnated with emollient and barrier ingredients in reducing incidence of pressure injury (PI) in aged care consumers. A single-blinded, multicentre randomised controlled trial. Randomisation was stratified by facility, using simple 1:1 randomisation within each stratum. 20 residential aged care facilities in Rural and Metropolitan New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, Australia. 858 aged care consumers aged ≥65 years at risk of developing a PI. Participants were randomised 1:1 to receive either standard hygiene practices, repositioning and use of pressure redistribution surfaces (standard care) or twice-daily applications of a pre-packaged wipe impregnated with emollient and barrier ingredients (Contiplan) to the sacrum, buttocks and heels in addition to standard care for the study duration. The primary outcome was the incidence of PIs per 1000 consumer days. Treatment effects were estimated using an intention-to-treat approach, with the absolute difference and 95% CI estimated using the Wald method. The relative difference in the incidence of PIs was estimated using a negative binomial regression model (with log link). 858 participants were included in the study. There was a 50% relative reduction in the incidence of PI in the intervention compared with the control (95% CI 0.31 to 0.81, p=0.005), with an absolute rate difference of 0.31 fewer PIs per 1000 consumer days (95% CI 0.11 to 0.51). The use of wipes with emollient and barrier properties significantly reduced the incidence of PIs and prolonged the time to first PI, demonstrating efficacy as a PI preventive strategy in aged care. Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12622001360707.
Decontamination of working dogs at the point of exposure is critical for military, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations in austere or hazardous environments where water may be scarce and conventional wet decontamination poses logistical and safety challenges. Prototype dry (waterless) wipe decontamination kits were evaluated for efficacy in removing a surrogate contaminant (GloGerm™) when used by canine handler teams performing total body field decontaminations. The prototype kit procedures employed a sequence of three microfiber towel types: (1) dry, to remove gross contaminants; (2) wet, saturated with a surfactant to clean away residual contaminants; and, (3) dry, to remove final contamination and residual surfactant. Several variables were investigated to refine the final design, test the effectiveness of decontamination at different anatomical locations on the canine, and evaluate the handlers' success in removing the surrogate contaminant after reading the instructional pamphlet alone versus having the instructions and receiving in-person training on kit use. Three form factors (single towel, multi-towel small, and multi-towel large) and simulated contamination at three anatomical regions (back, inguinal, and forelimb) were tested by 64 canine handler teams randomized to "trained" (15-min verbal instruction plus pamphlet) or "untrained" (pamphlet only) groups. Across all form factors and training groups, mean removal efficiencies were highest on the back (91.38% ± 0.18), followed by the forelimb (82.04% ± 0.26) and inguinal region (70.15% ± 0.31). No statistically significant differences were observed among the form factors or training variables. Average decontamination time was 9 min and 24 s (range = 3 min 4 s to 26 min 0 s). Dry wipe decontamination can provide rapid and effective removal of contaminants without water, improving canine and handler safety and enabling early intervention at the point of exposure prior to additional wet decontamination or medical treatment when necessary. Personnel with minimal training can effectively conduct dry wipe decontamination.
Dechlorane Plus (DP) is a widely used flame retardant in various electronic devices. E-waste (EW) dismantling workers could be widely exposed to DP, but related studies are still limited. Therefore, we conducted an extensive study on the levels of DP and its dechlorinated derivatives (anti-Cl11-DP and Cl10-DP) in various environmental and human samples from a typical e-waste dismantling site located in China. Paired hair, hand wipe, indoor air, and indoor dust samples were collected from EW workers, non-EW workers and nearby residents. Hair was divided into an external fraction (hair-Ex) from surface washing and an internal fraction (hair-In) from digested washed hair. Our findings indicated that the DP concentrations in air and dust samples varied between 7.44 and 6200 pg m-3 and 0.355 and 7000 ng g-1, respectively. The DP concentrations in hair-internal, hair-external, and hand wipe samples varied between 0.896 and 39.9 ng g-1, 0.954 and 66.1 ng g-1, and 1.25 and 1080 ng g-1, respectively. The fractional abundance of anti-DP (fanti) in hair-internal samples was significantly lower than in other samples (P < 0.05). Concentrations of anti-Cl11-DP in both internal and external hair samples collected from EW recycling workers demonstrated statistically significant reductions relative to adult non-occupationally exposed individuals. This disparity may arise from the restricted metabolic clearance capacity of anti-Cl11-DP in human physiological systems. The median proportion of anti-Cl11-DP relative to ∑DPs was significantly elevated in hair-internal samples compared to both indoor dust samples (P < 0.05) and hair-external samples (P < 0.05), indicating a substantial enrichment of anti-Cl11-DP in humans.
Phthalates, widely used as plasticizers, pose significant health risks due to their endocrine-disrupting properties. This study aimed to determine the concentrations of 11 phthalate derivatives, including diethyl phthalate (DEP), bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate, and dimethyl phthalate, in wet wipe samples using LC-MS/MS. A total of 15 wet wipe samples were randomly selected from supermarkets and restaurants. DEP was detected in all samples, with the highest concentration observed in one sample, while five samples contained additional phthalate derivatives. A risk assessment was conducted to evaluate non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with dermal exposure to phthalates. The Margin of Safety values for non-carcinogenic effects were within acceptable limits, and the lifetime cancer risk for DEHP remained below the accepted safety threshold. LC-QTOF/MS analysis revealed additional undeclared compounds, including potential allergens and irritants, raising concerns about product safety. However, despite these risk-based findings, the detection of DEHP and DBP represents regulatory noncompliance, as these substances are explicitly prohibited in cosmetic products under European Union and Turkish regulations. Packaging assessment showed that six out of fifteen samples failed to meet national labeling requirements. Overall, the findings emphasize the need for stricter regulatory enforcement and transparent labeling to ensure consumer safety.
Reliable surface disinfection of biosafety cabinets is essential to prevent contamination in pharmaceutical, clinical, and laboratory environments. However, manual cleaning using ethanol (ETH) and wiping is subject to operator variability, making objective verification of disinfection quality difficult. This paper proposes an integrated disinfection-validation system that combines thermal imaging, visual tracking, and pressure sensing to objectively assess the adequacy of ETH spraying and pressure-based wiping. The proposed system integrated three sensing modalities: Red-green-blue (RGB) imaging, thermal sensing, and pressure detection. The RGB and thermal cameras (placed outside the biosafety cabinet) monitored the stainless steel (SUS) work surface, and the flexible pressure sensors (embedded in the wiping tool) detected the applied force. The system was biologically validated using Bacillus subtilis spores on SUS plates, using ETH spraying only, wiping only, and combined spraying and pressure-based wiping. Reproducibility was evaluated under different wiping speeds and operator techniques, using time-series and endpoint analyses. The system successfully visualized the sprayed, wiped, and untreated areas in real time. Only the combined treatment resulted in complete inhibition of bacterial growth, demonstrating the synergistic effect of chemical and mechanical actions in achieving effective disinfection. The classification accuracy and quantitative detection of the cleaned areas were consistent across the trials, confirming their reproducibility under variable wiping patterns. This integrated sensing system provides a reliable and objective method for validating surface disinfection in biosafety cabinets. By enabling the real-time, recordable, and quantitative assessment of manual cleaning, it bridges the gap between procedural operations and verifiable decontamination, supporting standardized and data-driven hygiene management in biosafety and cell processing environments.
Environmental services programs may choose dilutable or ready-to-use (RTU) disinfectants. Dilutable products are generally less expensive but may have greater potential for incorrect use. We conducted a time and motion evaluation of environmental services post-discharge and daily room cleaning and disinfection practices before and after a facility-wide switch from dilutable to RTU quaternary ammonium disinfectants. Observations were completed to determine the time required for tasks, appropriateness of product use, and percentage of high-touch sites wiped. Personnel were graded using a standardized compliance scale (17-20, highly compliant). We observed 40 total hours of post-discharge room cleaning and disinfection by 10 personnel before and 9 after the product substitution. After the substitution, mean compliance scores increased from 11.5 to 17.7 (P = .003) and there was a reduction in time gathering supplies (3.8 vs 13.2 minutes; P = .002) but not in total time per post-discharge room (50.8 vs 65.2 minutes; P = .08). Noncompliance with dilutable disinfectants was often due to incorrect product use, including inappropriate mixing of disinfectants. For daily rooms, less than 3 minutes was spent wiping high-touch surfaces. In our facility, switching from dilutable to RTU disinfectants was associated with reduced time gathering supplies and improved compliance with recommended practices.
This study developed a highly sensitive, reproducible, and flexible SERS sensing platform based on an ordered silver nanoparticle (Ag NPs)-coated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) hemispherical array. A dense and uniform Ag NPs film was fabricated via a Marangoni effect-driven interfacial self-assembly strategy and subsequently transferred onto a micro-replicated PDMS hemispherical array to create a hierarchical 3D plasmonic architecture. This design significantly increases the density of "hotspots" and the effective surface area compared to flat substrates, achieving a high analytical enhancement factor (AEF) of 2.89 × 105. The flexible nature of the Ag/PDMS substrate allows for efficient, direct "touch-and-wipe" sampling from irregular surfaces, such as fish skin, apple peels, and chili peppers. Furthermore, by coupling the substrate with a portable 1064 nm Raman spectrometer, fluorescence background from real-world samples was effectively suppressed, enabling reliable on-site quantification. The platform demonstrated excellent reproducibility with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 8.52% and achieved low detection limits for crystal violet (CV), thiram, and rhodamine B (RhB) in the range of 10-9 M. Practical applications revealed robust linear correlations for contaminant detection on diverse food surfaces. These results highlight the immense potential of this sensor for rapid, non-destructive, and quantitative food safety monitoring in field environments.
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Cross-contamination from contaminated wiping cloths is an underrecognized route of pathogen transmission in healthcare settings. Reused, misapplied, or ineffective disinfectants can transfer viable bacteria between surfaces. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa persist under hospital conditions and are frequently isolated in healthcare environments. While many studies assess bacterial inactivation, few examine how chemistry and wipe material influence transfer when bacterial inactivation is incomplete. Hydrogen peroxide (HP), a quaternary ammonium compound (QAC), and an ethoxylated alcohol (EA) cleaner were tested with cotton, microfiber, and meltblown polypropylene wipes. Wipes inoculated with ∼ 7 log10 CFU of S. aureus or P. aeruginosa were used on 1 ft2 Formica. Bacterial transfer to surfaces and gloves was quantified between the chemistry and material combinations using single- and multi-layer setups. HP-based wipes demonstrated the highest bactericidal efficacy, transferring little to no viable bacteria. Polypropylene wipes consistently transferred fewer bacteria than cotton or microfiber wipes. Wipes with QAC or EA, particularly those made of cotton, transferred significantly more bacteria to surfaces and gloves. Adding layers of wipe material reduced bacterial transfer, especially for microfiber. Chemistry and wipe material both significantly impact bacterial transfer during cleaning. HP with polypropylene wipes offered the most effective reduction in cross-contamination. Cotton and microfiber wipes paired with QAC or EA exhibited higher transfer risks, likely due to electrostatic interactions contributing to reduced antimicrobial activity. These findings emphasize the need for optimized wipe-chemistry combinations to ensure effective surface decontamination.
Clostridioides difficile spores remain viable in the environment for months to years. To detect C. difficile spores in the environment, many studies have used Polywipe™ sponges to wipe surfaces and subsequently extract and culture C. difficile. This study aimed to evaluate a new simpler, cheaper method utilising an alcohol wipe, suitable for low-resource settings. From February to March 2022, Polywipe™ sponges and alcohol wipes were used to swab surfaces in a microbiology laboratory that specialised in working on C. difficile. Culture in Robertson's cooked meat broth (CMB) and supplemented brain heart infusion broth (BHIB-S), both incubated aerobically to mimic conditions in low resource settings where neither anaerobe jars nor chambers were available, was compared. The overall prevalence of C. difficile contamination in the anaerobe laboratory was 3.4% (17/500). Recovery for alcohol wipes and Polywipe™ sponges was 3.2% and 3.6%, respectively, not significantly different. Alcohol wipes inoculated into CMB recovered 80% of C. difficile when there was ∼100 CFU inoculated, and recovery was 100% with a 300 CFU inoculum. BHIB-S recovered only 40% of C. difficile with a 300 CFU inoculum. While BHIB-S successfully recovered C. difficile from all known positive human stool samples (100%, 10/10), outperforming CMB which recovered 80% (8/10), the observed difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.143). Alcohol wipes could be used in low resource settings to recover C. difficile spores from the environment. CMB is a good enrichment medium to use with alcohol wipes as it is transportable around the world at ambient temperature with little impact.
To evaluate the effect of daily eyelid wipes on ocular-surface health and comfort during the early adaptation period of orthokeratology (Ortho-K) wear in children. This single-masked, randomized clinical study was conducted at a tertiary eye hospital from July to October 2025. Fifty-eight myopic children (aged 8-12 years) initiating Ortho-K were randomly assigned to an eyelid-wipe group or a control group. The examiner was masked to group allocation. Baseline and 1-month measurements included noninvasive tear breakup time, lipid-layer thickness, tear meniscus height, meibomian gland expressibility, corneal fluorescein staining, matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels, and Ocular Surface Disease Index. After 1 month, noninvasive tear breakup time and lipid-layer thickness showed no significant between-group differences in change ( P =0.12 and P =0.07, respectively). Meibomian gland expressibility improved more in the eyelid-wipe group (2.5±0.9-1.9±0.8) than in controls (2.4±0.8-2.3±0.9), with a significant between-group difference in change ( P =0.002). Corneal fluorescein staining at the 1-month visit was lower in the eyelid-wipe group than in controls (0.9±0.8 vs. 1.3±0.9, P =0.03). Ocular Surface Disease Index scores showed a greater reduction in the eyelid-wipe group than in controls ( P =0.02). Tear meniscus height and matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels did not differ significantly between groups. All participants continued wipe use, and no adverse events were reported. Daily sterile eyelid wipes safely improved meibomian gland function and comfort without inducing inflammation, suggesting a simple adjunctive approach to enhance early ocular-surface adaptation in pediatric Ortho-K wearers.