The effects of Jawoongo soap on skin improvement.

BACKGROUND: Jawoongo is used to treat and prevent skin issues such as dry and keratinization disorders, burns, trauma, pigmentation, scarring, and inflammatory skin conditions. In this study, the efficacy and safety of 0.47% Jawoongo extract-containing soap (JAUN-CS) were assessed in terms of skin improvement effects such as cleansing, moisturizing, sebum secretion management, and skin elasticity enhancement. METHODS: Twenty healthy adult men and women aged 20-60 years old took part in the study. Before and after using JAUN-CS, the participants were divided into groups, and various skin improvement effects were measured utilizing machines such as the Corneometer, Tewameter TM 300, and Visioscan. A dermatologist analyzed the product's safety in accordance with Frosch & Kligman and the Cosmetic, Toiletry, and Fragrance Association (CTFA) rules. RESULTS: Using JAUN reduced the amount of base and point makeup by 25.7% and 76.7%, respectively. Also, JAUN showed a great facial exfoliation effect by removing the old and lifted skin keratins by 84.7% and 20.3%, respectively. Impurities in facial pores decreased by 58%, too. Furthermore, JAUN increased the moisture content of deep skin and skin surface by 3.5% and 74.0%, and skin elasticity by 2.8%. Skin tone, skin texture, skin radiance, and skin barrier all showed improvements of 3.3%, 20.0%, 15.0%, and 115.2%, respectively. Lastly, cleansing with JAUN successfully enhanced the condition of the youth triangle by 7.6%, while TEWL significantly decreased by 52.7%. Neither the JAUN nor the control group soap showed any adverse reactions, such as erythema or allergies, during the testing period. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrated that JAUN is safe for human use and has various skin-improving properties, making Jawoongo a promising natural material for the development of functional cosmetics in the future.

Development and stability of intimate soap formulations using Sapindus saponaria L. extract as a natural surfactant.

The use of synthetic surfactants reflects the high demand in the hygiene and cleaning sector for products with low-cost and good-effectiveness. These ingredients are the main components of intimate soap formulations. Sapindus saponaria L. is a plant rich in saponins, with the potential to be used as a natural surfactant due to its amphiphilic character and its foam-forming properties. Therefore, this study aimed to develop intimate soap formulations using S. saponaria extract as a natural surfactant and analyze its stability and surfactant characteristics. Preliminary and accelerated stability parameters, rheological characteristics, surface tension, foaming power, foam stability and emulsification potential were evaluated. The formulations were stable at a pH suitable for the intimate region (4.0 to 4.5), the presence of S. saponaria extract provided greater reduction of surface tension, better foaming and foam stability and greater emulsification power, desirable characteristics for an intimate liquid soap. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of S. saponaria extract into liquid soap formulations is an excellent option as a natural surfactant to reduce the use of synthetic anionic surfactants such as SLES.

Vegetable oil-based surfactants are adjuvants that enhance the efficacy of neonicotinoid insecticides and can bias susceptibility testing in adult mosquitoes.

BACKGROUND: The standard operating procedure for testing the susceptibility of adult mosquitoes to neonicotinoid or butenolide insecticides recommends using a vegetable oil ester (Mero) as a surfactant. However, there is growing evidence that this adjuvant contains surfactants that can enhance insecticide activity, mask resistance and bias the bioassay. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using standard bioassays, we tested the effects of commercial formulations of vegetable oil-based surfactants similar to Mero on the activity of a spectrum of active ingredients including four neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam) and two pyrethroids (permethrin and deltamethrin). We found that three different brands of linseed oil soap used as cleaning products drastically enhanced neonicotinoid activity in Anopheles mosquitoes. At 1% (v/v), the surfactant reduced the median lethal concentration, LC50, of clothianidin more than 10-fold both in susceptible and in resistant populations of Anopheles gambiae. At 1% or 0.5% (v/v), linseed oil soap restored the susceptibility of adult mosquitoes fully to clothianidin, thiamethoxam and imidacloprid and partially to acetamiprid. By contrast, adding soap to the active ingredient did not significantly affect the level of resistance to permethrin or deltamethrin suggesting that vegetable oil-based surfactants specifically enhance the potency of some classes of insecticides. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings indicate that surfactants are not inert ingredients, and their use in susceptibility testing may jeopardize the ability to detect resistance. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential, the limitations and the challenges of using some surfactants as adjuvants to enhance the potency of some chemicals applied in mosquito control.

Discrimination and authentication of lard blending with palm oil in cosmetic soap formulations.

BACKGROUND: The employment of Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for determination and quantification of lard in a binary blend with palm oil in a cosmetic soap formulations. OBJECTIVE: To determine and quantify lard as an adulterant in a binary blend with palm oil in a cosmetic soap formulations by FT-IR and multivariate analysis. METHODS: Fatty acids in lard, palm oil and binary blends were extracted via liquid-liquid extraction and were subjected to FTIR spectrometry, combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant analysis (DA) for the classification of lard in cosmetic soap formulations via two DA models: Model A (percentage of lard in cosmetic soap) and Model B (porcine and non-porcine cosmetic soap). Linear regression (MLR), partial least square regression (PLS-R) and principal components regression (PCR) were used to assess the degree of adulteration of lard in the cosmetic soap. FINDINGS: The FTIR spectrum of palm oil slightly differed from that of lard at the wavenumber range of 1453 cm -1 and 1415 cm -1 in palm oil and lard, respectively, indicating the bending vibrations of CH2 and CH3 aliphatic groups and OH carboxyl group respectively. Both of the DA models could accurately classify 100% of cosmetic soap formulations. Nevertheless, less than 100% of verification value was obtained when it was further used to predict the unknown cosmetic soap sample suspected of containing lard or a different percentage of lard. The PCA for Model A and Model B explained a similar cumulative variability (CV) of 92.86% for the whole dataset. MLR and PCR showed the highest determination coefficient (R2) of 0.996, and the lowest relative standard error (RSE) and mean square error (MSE), indicating that both regression models were effective in quantifying the lard adulterant in cosmetic soap. CONCLUSION: FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics with DA, PCA and MLR or PCR can be used to analyse the presence of lard and quantify its percentage in cosmetic soap formulations.

CONTEXTE: Combinée à la chimiométrie, la spectroscopie infrarouge à transformée de Fourier (SI-TF) permet de déterminer et de quantifier la présence du saindoux dans un mélange binaire avec de l'huile de palme parmi des formulations de savon cosmétique. OBJECTIF: Déterminer et quantifier le saindoux comme adultérant dans un mélange binaire avec de l'huile de palme parmi des formulations de savon cosmétique par SI-TF et analyse multivariée. MÉTHODES: Les acides gras dans le saindoux, l'huile de palme et les mélanges binaires ont été extraits par extraction liquide-liquide, puis ont été soumis à une SI-TF. Ils ont également fait l'objet d'une analyse en composantes principales (ACP) et d'une analyse discriminante (AD) pour la classification du saindoux dans les formulations de savons cosmétiques via deux modèles d'AD : le modèle A (pourcentage de saindoux dans le savon cosmétique) et le modèle B (savon cosmétique de porc et non de porc). Le degré d'altération du saindoux dans le savon cosmétique a été évalué selon une régression linéaire (régression L), une régression des moindres carrés partiels (régression PLS) et une régression sur composantes principales (régression CP). RÉSULTATS: Le spectre SI-TF de l'huile de palme différait légèrement de celui du saindoux sur la plage de nombre d'ondes de 1 453 cm −1 et 1 415 cm −1 dans l'huile de palme et le saindoux, respectivement, et indiquait les vibrations de flexion des groupes aliphatiques CH2 et CH3, et du groupe carboxyle OH, respectivement. Les deux modèles d'AD ont permis de classer avec précision 100 % des formulations de savon cosmétique. Néanmoins, la valeur de vérification obtenue s'est avérée inférieure à 100 % une fois les modèles utilisés pour prédire l'échantillon de savon cosmétique inconnu suspecté de contenir du saindoux ou un pourcentage de saindoux différent. L'ACP du modèle A et du modèle B expliquait une variabilité cumulée (VC) similaire de 92,86 % pour l'ensemble de l'ensemble des données. La régression L et la régression PLS ont montré le coefficient de détermination le plus élevé (R2), soit 0,996, ainsi que l'erreur type relative (ETR) et l'erreur carrée moyenne (EMM) les plus faibles, indiquant que les deux modèles de régression ont été efficaces pour quantifier le saindoux adultérant dans le savon cosmétique. CONCLUSION: Couplée à la chimiométrie avec une AD, une ACP et une régression L ou une régression PLS, la SI-TF permet d'analyser la présence de saindoux et de quantifier son pourcentage dans les formulations de savon cosmétique.

An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability.

AIM: This study aims to assess the antimicrobial efficacy and impact on color stability of Thymus (T.) vulgaris solution compared to conventional disinfectants on maxillofacial silicones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various solutions were evaluated, including T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10%, saline (control), chlorhexidine (4%), and soap water. The substrates were MDX4-4210 silicone elastomers, and the microorganisms tested were Candida (C.) albicans and Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The viability of microorganisms was determined through an 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction assay, and color stability was measured using a spectrophotometer with X-Rite Europe software. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U post hoc test, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. RESULTS: Soap water demonstrated superior disinfectant action against both microorganisms, while T. vulgaris solutions at 5 and 10% exhibited comparable antimicrobial efficacy. Chlorhexidine and 10% T. vulgaris solution showed minimal color changes in the silicone material. In contrast, soap water and the 5% T. vulgaris solution resulted in clinically unacceptable color alterations. CONCLUSION: This study underscores the potential of T. vulgaris as an herbal disinfectant for combating microbial biofilms on maxillofacial silicones, particularly at concentrations of 5 and 10%. The importance of maintaining color stability is emphasized, with Chlorhexidine and the 10% T. vulgaris solution demonstrating effective preservation of esthetics. These findings suggest the viability of considering T. vulgaris as an alternative disinfectant in clinical settings for maxillofacial silicone prostheses. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Maxillofacial silicones are vital in restoring aesthetic features for individuals with facial trauma, congenital deformities, or post-surgical interventions. Yet, biofilm-related infections jeopardize their durability and visual integrity. Clinically, T. vulgaris signifies a potential advance in prosthodontic care, offering valuable insights for improving antimicrobial performance and aesthetic durability in maxillofacial prostheses. How to cite this article: Peter M, Kanathila H, Bembalagi M, et al. An In Vitro Comparative Evaluation of Conventional and Novel Thymus vulgaris Derived Herbal Disinfectant Solutions against Pathogenic Biofilm on Maxillofacial Silicones and Its Impact on Color Stability. J Contemp Dent Pract 2023;24(12):967-973.

Synthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles stabilized with cocamidopropyl betaine.

In this work, selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) stabilized with cocamidopropyl betaine were synthesized for the first time. It was observed that Se NPs synthesized in excess of selenic acid had a negative charge with ζ-potential of -21.86 mV, and in excess of cocamidopropyl betaine-a positive charge with ξ = + 22.71 mV. The resulting Se NPs with positive and negative charges had a spherical shape with an average size of about 20-30 nm and 40-50 nm, respectively. According to the data of TEM, HAADF-TEM using EDS, IR spectroscopy and quantum chemical modeling, positively charged selenium nanoparticles have a cocamidopropylbetaine shell while the potential- forming layer of negatively charged selenium nanoparticles is formed by SeO32- ions. The influence of various ions on the sol stability of Se NPs showed that SO42- and PO43- ions had an effect on the positive Se NPs, and Ba2+ and Fe3+ ions had an effect on negative Se NPs, which corresponded with the Schulze-Hardy rule. The mechanism of coagulating action of various ions on positive and negative Se NPs was also presented. Also, influence of the active acidity of the medium on the stability of Se NPs solutions was investigated. Positive and negative sols of Se NPs had high levels of stability in the considered range of active acidity of the medium in the range of 1.21-11.98. Stability of synthesized Se NPs stability has been confirmed in real system (liquid soap). An experiment with the addition of Se NPs stabilized with cocamidopropyl betaine to liquid soap showed that the particles of dispersed phases retain their initial distributions, which revealed the stability of synthesized Se NPs.

Identification and Safety Evaluation of Ochratoxin A Transformation Product in Rapeseed Oil Refining Process.

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is an important mycotoxin detected in edible oil, and it can be effectively removed by classical edible oil refining processes. However, the fate of OTA in the refining process has not been reported. In this study, we systematically tracked the OTA changes during the oil refining process by fortifying 100 µg/kg OTA in crude rapeseed oil. Results showed that about 10.57%, 88.85%, and 0.58% of OTA were removed during the degumming, deacidification, and decolorization processes. Among them, 16.25% OTA was transferred to the byproducts, including 9.85% in degumming wastewater, 5.68% in soap stock, 0.14% in deacidification wastewater, and 0.58% in the decolorizer; 83.75% OTA was found to transform into the lactone ring opened OTA (OP-OTA) during the deacidification stage, which is attributed to the hydrolysis of the lactone ring of OTA in the alkali refining. The OP-OTA was verified to distribute in the soap stock, and small amounts of OP-OTA could be transferred to deacidified wastewater when the OTA pollution level reached 500 µg/kg in crude rapeseed oil. The OP-OTA exhibited strong toxicity, especially nephrotoxicity, as reflected by the cell viability assay and in silico toxicity. Therefore, the safety of the soap stock processing products from OTA-contaminated rapeseed deserves attention.

Standardization proposal to quality control of propolis extracts commercialized in Brazil : A fingerprinting methodology using a UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS approach.

Propolis is a rich source of known and largely explored bioactive compounds with many pharmacological properties. It is used in several commercialized products, such as propolis-enriched honey, candies, mouth and throat sprays, soaps, toothpaste, and skin creams. However, the great diversity of propolis products and different types make the standardization of realistic quality control procedures challenging. Moreover, the extraction of propolis bioactive compounds depends on the technique and the solvent used. In Brazil, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA) set standards to establish commercialized propolis extracts' identity and quality. In addition, according to legislation, propolis extracts must present the main classes of phenols at 200 and 400 nm on the UV spectrum. Still, it is not specified which analysis method should be used to guarantee feasible quality control of the commercialized samples. For this, we proposed a new fast UHPLC-PDA-MS/MS method for analysis and quantification of propolis phenolic compounds. Moreover, we hypothesize that there is no efficient monitoring regarding the quality of the propolis extracts sold in Brazilian stores. Therefore, the present study aimed to perform quality control of 17 Brazilian propolis extracts produced in the Southeast region (green or brown - the most representative samples). The dry extract content (% g/mL), oxidation index (seconds), total flavonoids, and phenolics (% m/m) of each sample were compared with legislation. We conclude that using the UHPLC-PDA method and the investigation that allowed the comparison with the current legislation efficiently practical problems in the commercialization of propolis extracts. However, of the 17 analyzed samples, 6 did not meet the desired the recognized standards, denoting a lack of supervision and efficient quality control, which highlights a dangerous situation regarding the commercialization of this critical product used in several industrial fields, mainly in the food and pharmaceutical sector.

Does Poor Mental Health Impair the Effectiveness of Complementary Food Hygiene Behavior Change Intervention in Rural Malawi?

Mental disorders have the potential to affect an individual's capacity to perform household daily activities such as water, sanitation, and hygiene (food hygiene inclusive) that require effort, time, and strong internal motivation. However, there is limited detailed assessment about the influence of mental health on food hygiene behaviors at household level. We conducted a follow-up study to detect the effects of mental health on food hygiene behaviors after food hygiene intervention delivery to child caregivers in rural Malawi. Face-to-face interviews, based on the Risk, Attitude, Norms, Ability, and Self-regulations (RANAS) model, were conducted with 819 participants (control and intervention group) to assess their handwashing and food hygiene-related behaviors. Mental health was assessed using the validated Self-Reporting Questionnaire. Study results showed a significant negative relationship between mental health and handwashing with soap behavior (r = -0.135) and keeping utensils in an elevated place (r = -0.093). Further, a significant difference was found between people with good versus poor mental health on handwashing with soap behavior (p = 0.050) among the intervention group. The results showed that the influence of the intervention on handwashing with soap behavior was mediated by mental health. Thus, integration of mental health in food hygiene interventions can result in improved outcomes for caregivers with poor mental health.

Efficacy of herbal anti-microbial soap in Tinea corporis: A randomized controlled study.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Curcuma longa L., Azadirachta indica A Juss. Cassia tora L. has been used in Unani medicine for various skin ailments. Several researches have been conducted on these plants which have shown anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antiviral, anti-oxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and immune modulation activities. Skin diseases and the use of these drugs are mentioned in classical Unani literature like The Canon of medicine, Continens Liber, Hippocratic treatments, The Complete Book of the Medical Art etc. AIM: The aim of the study was to formulate anti-microbial soap and to evaluate its clinical efficacy of in the management of Tinea corporis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anti-microbial soap was prepared by hydroalcholic extracts of Curcuma longa L., Azadirachta indica A Juss. and Cassia tora L. The prepared soap was evaluated for various physicochemical parameters, microbiological evaluation, stability study, skin irritation, In-vitro anti-microbial activity, GCMS analysis, and a clinical trial was carried out to evaluate its efficacy. A Single Blind Randomized Placebo Controlled trail on 30 patients aged between 18 and 60 years of either gender was carried out. The participants were randomly allocated to receive either anti-microbial soap or Placebo soap for 4 weeks. Subjective parameters including erythema, pruritis and desquamation were assessed weekly while as objective parameter including Photograph of lesion, Total Symptom Score (TSS) and KOH mount was assessed at baseline and at the end of the trial. RESULTS: The improvement in subjective parameters was found significant in test group. Erythema, scaling, and desquamation was completely relieved by 70%, 80% and 25% patients respectively in test group while as none of the patients got complete relief in control group. There was statistically significant reduction in average TSS 8.65 ± 0.6708 to 3.05 ± 1.35 p < 0.001. KOH mount turned negative in 80% patients in test group while as only 20% turned negative in control group. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that Unani drugs can be utilized in better way by modifying into a convenient dosage form. Anti-microbial soap was formulated by adding minimal additives to achieve effectiveness, with cost effective benefits and less or no side effects. Anti-microbial soap was effective in management of management of Tinea corporis. Moreover further studies on large sample size are required to fine-tune these observations.

Rosin Soap Exhibits Virucidal Activity.

Chemical methods of virus inactivation are used routinely to prevent viral transmission in both a personal hygiene capacity but also in at-risk environments like hospitals. Several virucidal products exist, including hand soaps, gels, and surface disinfectants. Resin acids, which can be derived from tall oil, produced from trees, have been shown to exhibit antibacterial activity. However, whether these products or their derivatives have virucidal activity is unknown. Here, we assessed the capacity of rosin soap to inactivate a panel of pathogenic mammalian viruses in vitro. We show that rosin soap can inactivate human enveloped viruses: influenza A virus (IAV), respiratory syncytial virus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). For IAV, rosin soap could provide a 100,000-fold reduction in infectivity. However, rosin soap failed to affect the nonenveloped encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV). The inhibitory effect of rosin soap against IAV infectivity was dependent on its concentration but not on the incubation time or temperature. In all, we demonstrate a novel chemical inactivation method against enveloped viruses, which could be of use for preventing virus infections in certain settings. IMPORTANCE Viruses remain a significant cause of human disease and death, most notably illustrated through the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Control of virus infection continues to pose a significant global health challenge to the human population. Viruses can spread through multiple routes, including via environmental and surface contamination, where viruses can remain infectious for days. Methods for inactivating viruses on such surfaces may help mitigate infection. Here, we present evidence identifying a novel virucidal product, rosin soap, which is produced from tall oil from coniferous trees. Rosin soap was able to rapidly and potently inactivate influenza virus and other enveloped viruses.

Embracing challenging complexity: exploring handwashing behavior from a combined socioecological and intersectional perspective in Sierra Leone.

BACKGROUND: Handwashing with soap is a cost-effective, efficient health behavior to prevent various diseases. Despite its immense health benefits, the lowest prevalence of handwashing is found in low-income countries. Here, its practice is not only determined by individual behavior, but also heavily shaped by deprivations in the social and structural ecology. Moreover, handwashing barriers are not equally experienced as overlapping social identities (e.g., age and gender) intersect and create inequities between members of different social groups. To embrace the complexities of handwashing beyond individual-level behavior and singular social identities, a combined socioecological and intersectional perspective is employed. This multi-level approach with regards to intersecting privileges and disadvantages serves as a basis to promote this highly important health behavior. METHODS: This study used a qualitative, theory-based approach and combined data from two samples: experts in health promotion (n = 22) and local citizens stratified by gender and rural/urban location (n = 56). Data was collected in face-to-face interviews in Sierra Leone between November 2018 and January 2019 and analyzed using thematic analysis and typology of the qualitative data. RESULTS: The conceptualization of multi-level determinants of handwashing within a socioecological model showed the high relevance of inhibiting social and structural factors for handwashing practice. By establishing seven distinguishing social identity dimensions, data demonstrates that individuals within the same social setting yet with distinct social identities experience strikingly differing degrees of power and privileges to enact handwashing. While a local leader is influential and may also change structural-level determinants, a young, rural wife experiences multiple social and structural constraints to perform handwashing with soap, even if she has high handwashing intentions. CONCLUSION: This study provides a holistic analytical framework for the identification of determinants on multiple levels and accumulating intersections of socially produced inequalities for handwashing and is applicable to other health topics. As the exploration of handwashing was approached from a solution-focused instead of a problem-focused perspective, the analysis can guide multi-level intervention approaches (e.g., using low-cost, participatory activities at the community level to make use of the available social capital).

Effects of the supplementation of a calcium soap containing medium-chain fatty acids on the fecal microbiota of pigs, lactating cows, and calves.

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) have antialgal, antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoan, and antiviral activities. However, antibacterial activities of MCFAs in the hindgut of pigs and cattle are still unknown. We report the effects of the supplementation of MCFAs on fecal bacteria of pigs, lactating cows, and Japanese Black calves. Lactobacillus spp., Bifidobacterium spp., eaeA(+) Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Campylobacter jejuni, and Clostridium perfringens in the feces of animals were quantified by real-time PCR assay. There was no significant increase or decrease in Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. in the three animals. In the pig feces, eaeA(+) E. coli was reduced to less than a third in the treatment group (P < 0.01). C. jejuni in the pig feces was also significantly less in the treatment group compared with the control (P < 0.01). In the lactating cow, eaeA(+) E. coli was reduced to one fifth of that in the control (P < 0.01). Salmonella spp. was halved in calf feces (P < 0.01). Thus, a reduction in Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria was observed. In conclusion, supplementation of a MCFA calcium soap in the diet would be beneficial to growing pigs, lactating cow, and calves by reducing pathogenic bacteria.

Skin decontamination procedures against potential hazards substances exposure.

Decontamination of unprotected skin areas is crucial to prevent excessive penetration of chemical contaminants after criminal or accidental release. A review of literature studies was performed to identify the available decontamination methods adopted to treat skin contamination after chemical, radiological and metal exposures. In this bibliographic review, an overview of the old and recent works on decontamination procedures followed in case of potential hazards substances contaminations with a comparison between these systems are provided. Almost all data from our 95 selected studies conducted in vitro and in vivo revealed that a rapid skin decontamination process is the most efficient way to reduce the risk of intoxication. The commonly-used or recommended conventional procedures are simple rinsing with water only or soapy water. However, this approach has some limitations because an easy removal by flushing may not be sufficient to decontaminate all chemical deposited on the skin, and skin absorption can be enhanced by the wash-in effect. Other liquid solutions or systems as adsorbent powders, mobilizing agents, chelation therapy are also applied as decontaminants, but till nowadays does not exist a decontamination method which can be adopted in all situations. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more efficient and successful decontaminating formulations.

Impact of an Infant Formula Containing a Novel Fat Blend (Cow's Milk Fat, Fish and Vegetable Oil) and Prebiotics on Stool Fatty Acid Soaps and Erythrocyte Fatty Acid Profiles in Full-Term Healthy Newborns.

INTRODUCTION: Recently, new commercial infant formulas have been composed considering novel fat blends and oligosaccharides to better resemble the fatty acid (FA) composition and stereospecific distribution (e.g., increased amount of ß-palmitate) as well as probiotics content of human breast milk. We hypothesized that these newly composed infant formulas may decrease fecal FA soap excretion and may positively affect erythrocyte FA profiles compared with regular formulas. METHODS: Healthy infants were randomly assigned to receive a high-sn-2-palmitate formula (>25% of the PA is esterified to the sn-2 position of the glycerol backbone, verum: n = 30) or a "standard" formula containing <10% of PA in sn-2 position and no oligosaccharides (control: n = 27); a non-randomized group of breast-fed infants served as control. Anthropometric data of the infants (body weight, recumbent length, and head circumference) were recorded at inclusion (visit 1) and 6 and 12 weeks after onset of intervention (visits 2 and 3). Blood samples for erythrocyte FA analysis (gas chromatography) were taken at visits 1 and 2; stool samples were collected at visit 2. RESULTS: Quantitative formula intake (mL/kg body weight × day) at visit 2 (verum: 155 ± 30, control: 164 ± 30) and visit 3 (verum: 134 ± 26, control: 134 ± 21) was comparable. Six weeks after onset of intervention, stool total FA soaps, palmitate soaps, and total FAs were similar in both formula-fed groups but significantly higher than in breast-fed infants. During the 6-week intervention, erythrocyte palmitate decreased significantly from baseline in all 3 groups with no group differences (verum: 29.20 ± 1.17 to 27.12 ± 0.66, control: 29.88 ± 2.00 to 27.01 ± 0.94, breast-fed: 30.20 ± 0.86 to 26.84 ± 0.98). For selected FAs, significant changes over time in verum and control group were obvious but without formula effects. Some variations in the FA profile of breast-fed infants compared to both verum and control groups were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to our hypothesis, feeding a newly composed infant formula based on a fat blend with 25% of PA in the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols and supplemented with a prebiotic could not decrease insoluble FA soap excretion compared with a standard product; in this respect, breastfeeding is obviously the best choice. Surprisingly, erythrocyte FA profiles were comparable in formula-fed and breast-fed infants; obvious alterations in FA composition of the respective fat sources and structure did not affect FA incorporation into membranes. Caution should be, however, exercised in drawing robust conclusions in the absence of larger, adequately powered intervention studies.

Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil soap: a potential alternative for hand hygiene.

This study aimed to compare the antimicrobial action of three soaps for hand hygiene (HH): 2.0% Tea Tree Oil (TTO); 0.5% triclosan; 2.0% chlorhexidine, and to explore the perception of healthcare professionals about TTO. Two-step study: a quantitative, to determine the logarithmic reduction of Escherichia coli K12 colony-forming units before and after HH of 15 volunteers and quali-quantitative, through interviews with 23 health professionals. All the three products demonstrated antimicrobial action (a log10 reduction factor of 4.18 for TTO, 4.31 for triclosan, 3.89 for chlorhexidine, and 3.17 for reference soap). Professionals remarked the pleasant aroma and non-dryness of skin when using soap containing TTO.

Effect of zinc pyrithione shampoo treatment on skin commensal Malassezia.

Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa are lipid dependent commensal yeasts associated with dandruff. Antifungal actives such as zinc pyrithione are commonly used in antidandruff shampoos, although their efficacy is not clearly demonstrated. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of antifungal treatments on scalp Malassezia via a combination of culturomic and genomic detection methods. Zinc pyrithione inhibited Malassezia growth at low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). In a longitudinal pilot study, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis showed a decrease in M. restricta on the scalp after zinc pyrithione treatment. These findings validate the antifungal efficacy of zinc pyrithione as a dandruff treatment. LAY ABSTRACT: Malassezia yeasts are associated with dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Zinc pyrithione is effective against Malassezia growth in vitro and when tested on human skin as a shampoo. These findings will be useful for investigating the role of Malassezia in skin microbiome intervention studies.

Remote psychophysical evaluation of olfactory and gustatory functions in early-stage coronavirus disease 2019 patients: the Bologna experience of 300 cases.

BACKGROUND: An objective evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 in the first days of infection is almost impossible, as affected individuals are generally in home quarantine, and there is limited accessibility for the operator who should perform the test. To overcome this limitation, a recently validated psychophysical self-administered test was used, which can be performed remotely in the assessment of early-stage coronavirus disease 2019 patients. METHODS: Olfactory and gustatory functions were objectively assessed in 300 patients in the first 7 days from coronavirus disease 2019 symptom onset. RESULTS: Seventy per cent of the patients presented olfactory and/or gustatory disorders. The dysfunctions detected were mainly complete anosmia (47 per cent) or ageusia (38 per cent). A significant correlation was found between taste dysfunction and female gender (odds ratio = 1.936, p = 0.014) and fever (odds ratio = 2.132, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: The psychophysical evaluation protocol proposed is an effective tool for the fast and objective evaluation of patients in the early stages of coronavirus disease 2019. Chemosensitive disorders have been confirmed to be frequent and early symptoms of the coronavirus infection, and, in a significant number of cases, they are the first or only manifestation of coronavirus disease 2019.