Hygiene Products Research Articles

First Report of Leaf Spot Caused by Corynespora cassiicola on Pogostemon cablin in Guangdong, China.

Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth. is a vital source of patchouli oil, utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, cosmetics, and hygiene products(Swamy et al. 2016). In 2022, a leaf spot disease outbreak on patchouli plants occurred nearly 10 acres in Yunfu, Guangdong (21°2' N; 110°3' E), with an average incidence rate of 50%. Infected leaves initially showed circular spots with tan centers and yellow halos. Within five to ten days, these spots expanded, crossed leaf veins, and became polygonal with rough surfaces. As the disease progressed, the spots merged, darkening the veins and eventually causing leaf loss. Five symptomatic leaves were soaked in 75% ethanol for 10 s, and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite for 30 s, followed by a final rinse in sterile water. These samples were then placed on potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. After 3-5 days of incubation at 28 °C, the mycelial growth was transferred to fresh PDA plates and purified by isolating the hyphal tip three times. Four of the five isolates had similar morphology and caused leaf spot symptoms upon inoculation. During culture on PDA, these isolates formed colonies with downy, gray-brown mycelium and darker centers. Microscopic examination revealed branched, septate mycelium; solitary, erect, unbranched grayish-brown conidiophores; and club-shaped conidia. Conidia were faint brown, segmented, contained 2 to 15 septa(predominant number being 3 to 4), ranged from 32 to 220 μm in length and 8.4 to 22.4 μm in width (n = 30). The morphology of these isolates was identical to that of Corynespora cassiicola (Ellis 1971). Pathogenicity tests were conducted on 3-month-old seedlings of P. cablin using the conidium infection method. A suspension of conidia (1 × 106 conidia/ml) was prepared from cultures induced to sporulate by 90-minute near-UV exposure followed by 2-day dark incubation at 28 °C, and 30 ml of this suspension was sprayed onto leaves of each seedling. Inoculated plants were incubated at 28 °C in an incubator. Potted plants treated only with sterile water were used as controls. Each treatment was inoculated into five potted plants. After seven days, all the inoculated leaves displayed symptoms similar to those observed in the fields, whereas the control leaves did not exhibit these symptoms. The pathogenicity test was repeated three times. Following Koch's postulates, the pathogen was re-isolated and identified as C. cassiicola through morphological and ITS sequence each time. To further identify, we selected a representative isolate, LD-TJ, for multi-locus sequence analysis of its ITS, LSU, and TEF1-α genes (GenBank Accession Nos. PQ042036, PQ035023, PQ060235)(Voglmayr et al. 2017). BLASTN analysis of the sequences obtained showed a high similarity of 99 to 100% with the ITS (JAEMHE010000031.1:51214-51777, 481/481 nucleotides), LSU (JAEMHE010000018.1:728464-729373, 910/910 nucleotides), and TEF1-α (JAEMHE010000005.1:656736-657712, 969/970 nucleotides) sequences of C. cassiicola CC01. The phylogenetic tree showed that the LD-TJ strain, C. cassiicola CC01(isolated from rubber trees), and C. cassiicola CC_29(isolated from soybean leaves) clustered into a clade with a 99% bootstrap value. C. cassiicola was identified as the cause of patchouli leaf spot in Hainan(Chen et al. 2010), but it has not yet been reported in Guangdong. Identifying P. cablin leaf spot disease is crucial in Guangdong Province because it is the main growing area for P. cablin in China (Yan et al. 2021).

Retention of nickel, cobalt and chromium in skin at conditions mimicking intense hand hygiene practices using water, soap, and hand-disinfectant in vitro.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased hand hygiene practices using water, soap and hand disinfectants, became prevalent, particularly among frontline workers. This study investigates the impact of these practices on the skin's ability to retain the allergenic metals nickel, cobalt, and chromium. The study constitutes three parts: (I) creating an impaired skin barrier, (II) exposing treated and untreated skin to nickel alone, and (III) in co-exposure with cobalt and chromium. Using full-thickness skin from stillborn piglets, in vitro experiments were conducted to assess retention of metals in skin at conditions mimicking intense hand hygiene practices. Treatment of skin with varying concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS), to impair its barrier integrity was assessed. This was followed by exposure of treated and untreated skin to the metals, that were dissolved in Milli-Q water, 0.5% SLS, and ethanol respectively. Results showed that pre-treatment with 5% SLS impaired the skin barrier with regards to the measure of trans epidermal water loss (TEWL). Metal amounts retained in the skin were generally higher in treated than untreated skin. The highest amounts of metal retained in skin were observed for exposure to nickel in ethanol. Co-exposure to nickel, cobalt, and chromium in 0.5% SLS resulted in the highest amounts of total metal retention. The in vitro findings highlight the increased risk of metal retention in skin due to an impaired barrier. The SLS concentration used in the current study corresponds to those used in many hand hygiene products. Hence, occupational settings with frequent exposure to water, soap and disinfectants need to consider protective measures not only for the irritant exposures themselves but also simultaneous exposure to allergenic metals.

Enhancing community potential to boost grassroots economy through value-added pickled bamboo shoots, Thailand

The objectives of this research article were: 1) to examine the community context, problems, and needs, 2) to enhance the community's capacity through the process of upgrading and adding value to fermented bamboo shoot products, and 3) to assess the capacity development of the Ban Sang Thor community, Phon Mueang Subdistrict, Lao Suea Kok District, Ubon Ratchathani Province. This study employed a mixed-methods research design. The key informants were 12 experts, 50 workshop participants selected through purposive sampling, and ten experts, 50 producers (selected through purposive sampling), and 100 consumers selected through accidental sampling for product development satisfaction evaluation. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including percentages, frequencies, means, and standard deviations. Qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis and descriptive explanations. The Ban Sang Thor community, characterized by a rich historical background and traditional Heet Sip Song Kong Sip Si customs, addressed socioeconomic challenges such as poverty, household indebtedness, and low income through the enhancement of fermented bamboo shoot products. The community engages in educational initiatives regarding hygienic production practices and participates in packaging design processes. The resulting products exhibit durability, aesthetic appeal, and consumer acceptance. High levels of satisfaction from experts and consumers culminate in the production of safe sanitary products with a distinct community-branded identity. Sustainable economic development contributes to the preservation of a community's cultural heritage.

Analysis of a survey of the adult population on oral hygiene products

Aim – to assess the use of oral hygiene products by consumers as a method of primary prevention of the development of dental diseases, as well as to study their motivation when choosing personal oral hygiene products. Materials and methods. The study was carried out using an individually developed and validated questionnaire. The questionnaire included 21 questions. Respondents were selected by random selection. Results. Established a low level of hygiene education of respondents (34% of respondents to the questionnaire visit a dentist twice a year or more, the main criterion for choosing toothpaste for 36% of respondents is the possibility of using the whole family, 53.5% of respondents do not matter the content of fluoride in the toothpaste, 89.1 do not use other sources of fluoride, less than 50% of those surveyed use additional means of oral hygiene. The results of the questionnaire showed that about 40% of respondents acquire oral hygiene products in a pharmacy and need professional consultations of specialists on the composition of toothpaste and its effectiveness, the right choice of toothbrush, which determines the area of knowledge, that a pharmaceutical worker should own. Conclusion. Have been identified the information needs on oral hygiene products. The need for training in proper oral care and orientation to timely treatment of the dentist for preventive purposes and at the first symptoms, as well as information on primary prevention measures to preserve the dental health of the population. It is important to raise public awareness of the role of fluoride in the prevention of the development of caries, as well as to use additional means of oral hygiene products and fluoride sources. One way to improve public hygiene awareness is for a pharmacist to provide competent advice to pharmacists and to increase the level of completeness in the use of oral hygiene products by the consumer.

Hygienic Production Practices and Microbiological Quality of Sheep Milk in Ararso District of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia

This study was conducted to evaluate the hygienic production practices and microbiological quality of sheep milk in Ararso district of Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia. A stratified sampling strategy was used to choose 180 households specifically for this investigation. A total of 60 pooled raw sheep milk samples (each containing 200 mL) were collected from the udders and milk handling equipment of selected milk producers in the research area. The samples were examined to determine microbiological quality. The data were gathered via a questionnaire, field observation, key informant interviews, and focus group discussions. The vast majority of respondents in pastoral (86.7%) and agro-pastoral (64.4%) production systems were illiterate. The majority of respondents (70.6%) in the research area cleaned the sheep home (kraal) once every two days. The majority (98.3%) of respondents in the research area milk their sheep in open kraals with no roof or walls. As a consequence, 36.7% of pastoral and agro-pastoral respondents (81.1%) reported cleaning milk vessels on a regular basis. Almost all of the responders in the research area used plastic equipment for milking and handling. The majority of responders in pastoral and agro-pastoralist categories placed barn hygiene first, with indexes of 0.24 and 0.23, respectively. The average total bacterial count (TBC), coiform count (CC) and yeast and mould count (YMC) of raw sheep milk samples were 5.13±0.21, 2.89±0.27, and 0.77±0.21 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. Raw sheep milk samples taken from producers’ milk handling equipment had a substantially higher mean total bacterial count (5.78±0.32 log10 cfu/mL) compared to samples collected from the udder (4.48±0.23 log10 cfu/mL). Milk samples from pastoral and agro-pastoral households had an average coliform count of 3.18 and 2.60 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. The average YMC in milk samples from pastoralists and agro-pastoralists were 0.74 and 0.80 log10 cfu/mL, respectively. In general, pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the district do not practice hygienic milking and handling. Consequently, the implementation of hygienic milk production and handling practices is essential to enhance the safety and quality of sheep milk in the study area. Additionally, further research should be undertaken to investigate the microbiological aspects and assess the safety and quality parameters of sheep milk in greater detail.

Single Method for Determination of Biocides Benzalkonium Chloride, Chloroxylenol and Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Cosmetics, Hygiene and Health Care Products by Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography.

Benzalkonium chloride (BKC), chloroxylenol (PCMX) and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) are widely recognized biocidal compounds that require precise control and monitoring in various applications, including cosmetics, hygiene, health and ophthalmic products. In this study, we present a straightforward and highly sensitive high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for the detection of these substances. The HPLC method we developed allows for the detection of BKC at concentrations as low as 1.0ppm, PCMX at 1.0ppm and CHG at 2.0ppm, all with a signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio exceeding 3.0. Additionally, the method enables quantification up to 2.0ppm for BKC, 2.0ppm for PCMX and 5ppm for CHG, with an S/N ratio surpassing 10.0. This validated method serves as a versatile tool for the accurate quantification of BKC, PCMX and CHG in cosmetics, hygiene products, health products and ophthalmic products. Its applicability extends across a wide range of industries, ensuring the reliable assessment of these critical biocides.

UNDERSTANDING THE PERCEPTION OF MENSTRUAL POVERTY IN HOMELESS WOMEN

Brazil faces profound social inequalities that impact millions of individuals, especially homeless women, who are subjected to conditions of heightened vulnerability. This study aimed to understand the perceptions and biopsychosocial repercussions of menstrual poverty in women living on the streets. A descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using a qualitative approach with semi-structured interviews. Four homeless women, selected through an active search in Goiânia/GO, were interviewed between April and June 2024. The interviews were analyzed according to Grounded Theory. The analysis of the interviews revealed four explanatory categories: (1) History before and after arriving on the streets; (2) Challenges related to living on the streets and health care; (3) Challenges for menstrual hygiene and coping with menstrual symptoms; and (4) Perception of the consequences of living and menstruating on the streets for health: a vision of the future. Period poverty is identified as a serious public health problem that affects the well-being of homeless women, with direct implications for their physical and mental health. There is an urgent need for public policies that guarantee access to hygiene products and health care, in addition to promoting the visibility and dignity of this group. The implementation of comprehensive support and assistance programs is crucial to mitigate the repercussions of period poverty and other vulnerabilities faced by these women, ensuring their dignity and quality of life.

Rinse aid with bischofite: prevention of caries and gingivitis in adolescents

The frequency of using liquid complementary hygiene products has been increasing significantly in recent years. This trend is typical not only for adults, but also for children. The ease of use of rinses, foams, suspensions largely contributes to the growth of their popularity. As substances having a complex effect, researchers have long been interested in mineral complexes, among which calciumand magnesium-containing compounds are of particular importance [2, 3]. Such natural minerals as carnalite, kieserite, and bischofite are of particular interest. The effectiveness of the anti-carious, anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory effects of preventive drugs was evaluated: irrigator liquid + mouthwash WATERDENT Anti-caries and baby foam for the oral cavity WATERDENT Happy Smile during the rehabilitation period in children with permanent bite. Materials and methods. An open comparative study of the effectiveness of the use of liquid for the irrigator + mouthwash WATERDENT «Anticaries» and baby foam for the oral cavity WATERDENT Happy Smile was conducted. To assess the effectiveness of the hygiene products used, the following clinical indicators were selected: the caries intensity index (KPI), the Green – Vermillion simplified index (IG-U), the PMA index and the Mulleman – Cowell index. Clinical parameters were determined before and after the use of the compared hygiene products in groups after 1 month. During the study, laboratory saliva parameters were monitored: saliva pH, total protein, determination of saliva Ca and Md. 3 groups of participants were recruited from among those who applied for help at the UMMU dental clinic. All volunteers were somatically healthy children aged 12–18 years with different caries activity and catarrhal gingivitis, randomly distributed by gender and age. Statistical data processing was carried out in Microsoft Excel and Statist programs. Results. The evaluation of clinical tests in the groups showed a significant change in the indices of PMA and Grinn – Vermilion (р ≤0,05) in patients of the main group and a statistically significant improvement in the index of Grinn – Vermilion (р ≤ 0,05) in patients using foam (comparison group), while in the control group there were no dynamics of statistically significant changes in clinical indicators. An increase in the level of calcium in saliva in patients who used Irrigator Liquid + mouthwash WATERDENT Anti-caries from 2.30 to 2.95 characterizes the high mineralizing potential of bischofite, which is part of its composition, and its karyoprophylactic property. An assessment of laboratory data in the main and comparison groups at the beginning of the experiment and after 1 month showed a significant change in total protein values from 2.94 to 2.26 and 2.72 to 2.09 g/l, respectively, for these groups (p <0.05), which shows the positive effect of these products on hygiene, on changes in saliva properties and karyoprophylactic potential. Conclusions. Clinical and laboratory studies of the use of Liquid for irrigator + rinse WATERDENT Anti-caries and baby Foam for the oral cavity Waterdent Happy Smile confirm the claimed consumer properties of these products: anti-carious, anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory effects and can be recommended in comprehensive individual hygienic oral care for children.

Relationship between physical activity and oral frailty among older adults in Korea

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of physical activity on oral frailty in older Korean adults. Methods: The data from 1,320 individuals aged 65 years and older, derived from the 8th Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2019), were subjected to complex sample statistical analysis. Oral frailty was assessed based on the presence of one or more functional impairments according to the following five criteria: difficulty chewing, difficulty speaking, number of natural teeth, brushing frequency, and use of oral hygiene products. Results: Chewing discomfort and difficulty speaking were highest in the 76-80 age group at 44.5% and 18.1%, respectively (p<0.01). The proportion of patients with 20+ natural teeth decreased from 72.2% (65-70) to 45.3% (75-80) (p<0.001). The daily brushing rate was 50.2% in the 65-70 group. Chewing discomfort was reported by 26% of those who walked 4-6 days a week (p<0.01). Moderate-intensity activity was linked to lower chewing discomfort (22.9%) and speaking difficulty (7.4%) compared with higher levels in inactive individuals (30.4%, 14.9%) (p<0.01). Brushing three times daily was observed in 52.9% of walkers and 33.9% of non-walkers (p<0.001). Oral hygiene product use varied significantly according to activity level (p<0.05). Conclusions: Physical activity significantly affects oral frailty, highlighting the need for targeted training and policy development.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF THE "BELEZAS DO AGRESTE" SKINCARE KIT IN THE SKIN CARE ROUTINE OF A GROUP OF UPE VOLUNTEERS

Highlighting the importance of the skin and its protective and thermoregulatory functions, skin conditions and their psychosocial effects, and the increase in the search for hygiene and beauty products, the following study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the skincare kit distributed to volunteers by the Belezas do Agreste 3.0 extension project. The interactions of Instagram® users with the extension project page, which publishes reliable information on skin care on a weekly basis, were analyzed, and a beauty kit consisting of moisturizing gel and neutral and exfoliating soaps was distributed to volunteers who freely agreed to participate in the research. The kit was produced by the members of the extension project under the best hygienic and sanitary conditions, and personalized instructions for use were distributed to the participants according to their skin type assessment. The research, approved by the Ethics and Experimentation Committee with Human Beings of UPE, was conducted based on the collection of participants' responses to a structured online questionnaire to evaluate the products, respecting the privacy and integrity of the data obtained. The results are presented in the form of graphs and report positive evaluations regarding the information published on the project's social network and the products present in the beauty kit; specifically in relation to Instagram®, an increase of just over 1000% was recorded in the reach of the extension project's page. Considering the distribution of the beauty kit and the evaluation of its products, the participants claimed an improvement in the appearance of their skin, in addition to the reduction of oiliness and promotion of softness. Thus, this work can be considered productive and satisfactory in terms of reaching the general population on the subject of aesthetics through the dissemination of quality information on a social network, in addition to distributing a beauty kit to participants who voluntarily joined the Belezas do Agreste extension project and evaluated the products in the kit as efficient in improving the general appearance of the skin.

Genipap Oil as a Natural Cross-Linker for Biodegradable and Low-Ecotoxicity Porous Absorbents via Reactive Extrusion.

Proteins derived from agroindustrial coproducts and a natural cross-linking agent (genipap oil containing genipin) were used to develop porous materials by reactive extrusion for replacing fossil-based absorbents. Incorporating genipap oil allowed the production of lightweight structures with high saline uptake (above 1000%) and competing retention capacity despite their porous nature. The mechanical response of the genipap-cross-linked materials was superior to that of the noncross-linked ones and comparable to those cross-linked using commercial genipin. The extruded products were hemocompatible and soil-biodegradable in less than 6 weeks. The compounds generated by the degradation process were not found to be toxic to the soil, showing a high bioassimilation capacity by promoting grass growth. The results demonstrate the potential of biopolymers and new green cross-linkers to produce fully renewable-based superabsorbents in hygiene products with low ecotoxicity. The study further promotes the production of these absorbents using low-cost proteins and continuous processing such as reactive extrusion.

Emerging pollutants: Risks in salmon fish migration. A review

The release of pollutants into the environment is a serious ecological problem due to the significant risks they pose both to ecosystems and to human health. The review considers the issues of detection and distribution of new pollutants, as well as sources of their entry into the environment and potential impact on ecosystems. The problem of wastewater pollution is especially urgent in the context of conservation of salmonid fish species. Pharmaceutical and veterinary drugs, components of personal hygiene products, microplastics, per- and polyfluorinated substances, brominated flame retardants, oil and a number of other toxicants enter freshwater bodies, which are especially important for the early stages of the salmon development and its following migration. The presence of pollutants in the aquatic environment depends on a source, their ability to bioaccumulate, as well as to degrade in the processes of biological and abiotic purification. High-resolution mass spectrometry in combination with gas or liquid chromatography can be recommended for detection of new pollutants. Due to high mass measurement accuracy and high specificity, this method is able to effectively identify pollutants even in the complex fish matrix. When conducting non-targeted and targeted screening with highly sensitive full scanning, it is advisable to use high-resolution mass analyzers (TOF, Q-TOF, Q-Orbitrap), which allow determining a number of new compounds. A promising direction in the complex assessment of the impact of pollutants on salmon fish species and the identification of indicators characterizing this impact is metabolomics. It is based on the study of low-molecular organic compounds — metabolites, both intermediate and final metabolic products in body fluids and tissues. Metabolomic profiling allows identifying important markers of the state of a water body under the influence of pollutants, which is necessary for the development of comprehensive regulations and guidelines for the effective handling of these pollutants.

"We pray for the night to be shorter, so we can change our menstrual pads": A qualitative exploration of menstrual hygiene challenges among internally displaced adolescent girls in Northern Ethiopia, 2023.

Menstrual hygiene management is a critical aspect of adolescent health. However, access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and sanitation facilities is severely restricted during times of war. There is a dearth of information about the menstrual hygiene needs of adolescent girls during humanitarian crises. This study investigated the menstrual hygiene management needs of the internally displaced adolescent girls in the war-torn region of Tigray, Ethiopia. A qualitative study was conducted in three centers for internally displaced people in Mekelle, Tigray Region. Four focus-group discussions and six in-depth interviews were conducted using the local language among 39 adolescent girls aged 13-19 years. The collected data were recorded, transcribed, translated, and analyzed using the ATLAS.ti-7.5.18 software through a qualitative thematic analysis approach. Six primary themes were identified: 1) shortage of menstrual pads; 2) poor accommodation of latrine facilities; 3) silence around menstruation; 4) exchange of menstrual pads for life-saving commodities, 5) lack of privacy; 6) menstruation is a "curse" for adolescent girls living in displaced people's camps. The study highlights the significant challenges faced by internally displaced adolescent girls in managing their menstrual hygiene while living in camps for internally displaced people. Lack of access to adequate menstrual hygiene management supplies often leads them to use rags or worn-out clothing instead of menstrual pads. Access to adequate menstrual hygiene products and sanitation facilities is severely limited among displaced adolescent girls in Tigray. The findings emphasize the urgent need to address menstrual hygiene issues during emergencies. Supplying essential items such as sanitary pads, soap, water, sanitation infrastructure, and improved information on menstrual hygiene management should be prioritized.

Physiological characteristics of microbial transformation during chronic exposure to triclosan as a hydrophobic antibacterial agent and post-antibacterial cessation

ABSTRACT The use of triclosan (TCS) in hygiene products and other materials raises concerns about increased antimicrobial resistance. Research has shown that bacteria can develop resistance to TCS, but there is limited understanding of how bacterial behavior changes after TCS is removed. This study focuses on how bacteria adapt to prolonged TCS exposure and recover after its removal. It aims to improve practices for using antimicrobial agents in sanitation products and emphasize the importance of understanding exposure and recovery times to prevent resistance development. The study evaluated the bacterial behavior, determining the minimum inhibition concentration of TCS that 90% of Escherichia coli was inhibited (MIC90), predicting bacterial growth kinetics using the Modified Gompertz model and membrane permeability recovery. Bacteria showed a significant increase in resistance levels during exposure, with the MIC90 steadily increasing over 30 days and peaking at 16 mg/L. Upon removal, there was a notable 2-fold decrease in resistance after 10 days of reculturing in a non-chemical medium, likely due to restructuring changes in cell membranes. Therefore, in addition to reducing the occurrence of antibacterial agents in the environment, advanced treatments for eliminating antibacterial resistance should be performed on wastewater before being discharged into the environment.

Applications of bioactive glass: A review

The scope of research on dental materials has significantly increased throughout the last century. Bioactive glass has become an attractive option in biomaterials because of its unique qualities that promote advantageous biological responses. Compared to traditional dental glasses, bioactive glasses are innovative dental materials. As bioactive glass can form bonds with live tissues, mainly composed of calcium, phosphorus, and silicon, it is an excellent choice for many biomedical uses. At the vanguard of biomaterials, bioactive glass provides a unique blend of bioactivity, flexibility, and versatility. The bioactivity of bioactive glass is one of its primary characteristics. Bioactive glass generates a hydroxyapatite coating on its surface when it comes into contact with physiological fluids. The potential for introducing growth factors and bioactive substances to enhance the material's capacity to communicate with biological tissues has been studied. Various uses of bioactive glass have been discovered, including wound healing, bone grafts, dentin hypersensitivity, regeneration, implant devices, etc. Cement was used for dental applications, and the attachment of joint prostheses to bone was also made using bioactive glass. Bioactive glasses are present in the composition of several dental and oral hygiene products. Because of their many benefits—such as their capacity to maintain biological tissues' structural integrity, their usefulness as scaffolds, and their capacity to inhibit bacterial growth—bioactive glasses are becoming increasingly valuable in several dental specialties.

One health: the impact of environment, detergents and hygiene on barrier, microbiome and allergy

SummaryA variety of body surfaces, such as skin and mucosal membranes—from the nasopharyngeal area to the lungs, uterus, vaginal area, and digestive tract—contain complex microbial ecosystems that are tailored to the specifics of the respective niche [1].The so-called dysbiosis—a disadvantageous change in the composition of the microbiome—is associated with the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases [2]. Gastrointestinal as well as cardiovascular, metabolic, neurodegenerative, psychological, oncological, and also allergic diseases have been linked to microbial dysbiosis. Susceptibility to allergies can be due to genetic predisposition; in addition, extrinsic factors from today’s lifestyle increasingly contribute to microbiome changes, but also to the disruption of the skin and mucosal barrier and thus to the development of allergies [3].Gisela, a fictional farmer, guides us through this review. She is representative of adults and children of all genders in industrialized countries. During her daily routine, the skin and mucosal microbiome is influenced by a variety of exogenous factors. These include everyday personal hygiene products, detergents for laundry and dishes, food, medication, animal contact, and exposure to various outdoor environments. Gisela’s daily routine will illustrate how the human microbiome and the skin barrier are modified in positive or negative ways, and how this could influence the development of allergies. Furthermore, potential measures for the prevention and management of dysbiosis will be discussed in terms of examples of alternative products and behaviors.

Urogynecologic Care for Women Who Are Incarcerated

In the United States, approximately 180,700 women are incarcerated across jails and prisons, comprising a demographic with an aging population and a higher growth rate compared to men. Despite this demographic trend, research into urogynecologic care for women who are incarcerated is notably lacking, with few studies addressing pelvic floor disorders such as incontinence, and even fewer focusing on access to treatment options like vaginal pessaries or surgical interventions. Women who are incarcerated may face unique challenges in obtaining urogynecologic care, including limited access to medical evaluations, invasive search procedures affecting intravaginal device use, and inadequate hygiene resources, all of which hinder effective management strategies. Barriers to nonsurgical treatments like pelvic floor physical therapy are exacerbated by transportation logistics, while access to surgical interventions is impeded by complex approval processes within correctional facilities. In addition, managing incontinence with limited access to hygiene products and bathroom facilities further compromises the health and dignity of incarcerated women. Urgent attention and advocacy are needed to address disparities in research and clinical care for incarcerated populations. As a first step, we urge clinicians to acquaint themselves with the correctional facilities in their areas and the current health care pathways for women incarcerated in these facilities. It is our collective responsibility to ensure equitable and compassionate care for this vulnerable population.

Bridging the GAP: Probiotic Douches Redefining the Feminine Hygiene.

Vaginal douching is a centuries-old practice which is still in use, especially among adolescents. "Probiotic douches" are the vaginal douches that are formulated with probiotics and are intended to restore or maintain the vaginal microbiome balance. Probiotic douches are a new type of feminine hygiene product that claims to promote a balanced vaginal microbiome and improve overall well-being. However, the evidence supporting the use of probiotics for vaginal health is limited because of the variability in probiotic strains and dosages studied, and the lack of more comprehensive, long-term clinical trials. Most of the existing scientific literature on probiotics focuses on oral probiotic supplements and vaginal probiotic suppositories. Some potential benefits of probiotic douches include restoring a balanced vaginal microbiota, preventing, or managing infections, supporting local immune function, reducing odor and discharge, and enhancing overall vaginal comfort. However, it is important to note that these benefits have not been definitively proven and remain a subject of ongoing research. There are also potential risks associated with their use including disruption of the natural vaginal ecosystem by introducing foreign substances, risk of infection, and stability issues with the formulation that may lead to negative consequences. This review attempts to comprehend the critical need for robust scientific research to guide the safe and effective incorporation of probiotic douches into modern feminine hygiene practices, revolutionizing women's health, and well-being.

Period poverty behind the numbers: gender, race, and class in the menstrual experiences of girls from an urban periphery in Brazil

ABSTRACT This article analyzes period poverty based on interviews with six girls living in a region on the outskirts of the city of Porto Alegre (Brazil). The results of the qualitative study reveal some realities that are behind the numbers. The lack of information about menstrual health, menstrual cycles, and the limited self-awareness about the body became evident. All the interviewed adolescents who sought health services due to any menstrual or body-related issues during puberty received a racist, sexist, or ageist treatment or a combination of these prejudices. Their accounts regarding access to menstrual hygiene products and sanitation infrastructure do not fully correspond to the data on period poverty: the girls have access to disposable sanitary pads during menstruation, clean water, and bathrooms in usable conditions. The stories told by the teenagers expand the discussion about period poverty as they highlight cultural factors related to their menstrual experiences. Their accounts also show that initiatives and public policies to combat menstrual precariousness cannot be limited to the material field and point to the need for systemic cultural changes to combat racism, sexism, and ageism.

Is fluoride the best we've got? The most common toothpaste active ingredients and their influence on caries and oral health: A brief review of the literature

Aim of the study Toothpaste is a paste or gel to be used with a toothbrush to maintain and improve oral health and aesthetics. Nowadays there is a great variety of ingredients that might have different effects on caries development or oral health in general. Society continues to seek ways to replace fluoride or include more natural ingredients in everyday hygiene products. The aim of our study is to present current knowledge of various ingredients in toothpastes regarding their influence on teeth and intraoral soft tissues and the possibility of replacing fluoride with other substances. Material and methods Our review is based on the analysis of materials collected in„Pubmed”, „Google Scholar” and other scientific articles using keywords: „toothpaste”, „fluoride”, „ingredients”, “hydroxyapatite”, „chlorhexidine”, “triclosan”, “propolis”, “aloe vera”, “charcoal”, “oleanolic acid”, “SLS”, “xylitol” Conclusions Despite numerous studies, there is space for further research in finding substances that might improve toothpastes with or without extracting fluoride from them. Fluoride has the most proven effectiveness in caries prevention, with fluorosis as its most damaging side effect, while hydroxyapatite shows promising results. Although, there are many substances that might be useful in oral health care products.