Use Of Hand Sanitizers Research Articles

Physical test and irritation test of water guava leaf extract (Syzygium aqueum) as a natural spray hand sanitizer

This study explores the manufacture of water guava (Syzygium aqueum) leaf extract-based hand sanitizers as an effective and safe natural alternative for maintaining hand hygiene. Given the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of disease, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the use of hand sanitizers has increased significantly. However, alcohol-based products are often irritating to the skin. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the potential of water guava leaf extract to improve the effectiveness and convenience of hand sanitizers. Water guava leaves contain active compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, and phenolics with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The research method includes extracting water guava leaves, hand sanitizer formulation, and organoleptic, pH, homogeneity, and irritation testing. The tests carried out were physical tests, including organoleptic tests (shape, smell, and colour), pH, homogeneity, spreadability, adhesiveness, and product irritation tests. The research was designed with a posttest-only control group design with true experimental by analyzing the test object after being given treatment. This research is expected to produce products that are useful for the community. The results showed that all hand sanitizer formulas tested had a pH within the safe range of pH 5 for the skin without irritating the skin of the test animals. Formulas with added guava extract showed improved aroma and anti-irritation, with formulas F1 and F2 gaining the highest preference in aroma and colour. This study concludes that water guava leaf extract can be effectively used in the manufacture of hand sanitizers, providing a gentler and skin-friendly alternative to alcohol-based synthetic products.

A Disturbing Emerging Trend of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizer Burns in Northern Ghana: A Case Series

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic and in the aftermath of it, there was a surge in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS). This was because the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization recommended it as an essential commodity for hand hygiene and the reduction of infection transmission. However, alcohol is flammable and has the potential to cause burns if ignited. There are few reports of ABHS-related burns in literature. We aim to report 8 cases of ABHS burns in Northern Ghana and sound a clarion call to stakeholders on a disturbing emerging trend. Case Presentation: About 62.5% of the victims were children and 75% were female with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3. The mean age of victims was 13.25 years while the mean total burn surface area was 29.8%. All victims in this study sustained their injuries because of an attempt by either them or their collaborators to use ABHS as fuel to light a fire for domestic purposes. Most of the burns sustained were second-degree (75%). The case fatality rate of ABHS burns was 25%. Conclusion: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer, though effective for hand hygiene, is flammable and can cause burns when used injudiciously. ABHS burn is an emerging public health problem. There is a need for public education to curb this emerging trend and forestall future incidents. The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should consider the addition of warning labels for flammability on the containers and instruction manuals of sanitizers.

COVID-19-Related Risk Factors for Developing Occupational Contact Dermatitis Along With Its Incidence, Prevention, and Management: A Systematic Review.

Occupational contact dermatitis (OCD) is an eczematous local inflammatory skin irritation caused by repeated use of hand sanitizer and other chemical substances. Occupational irritant contact dermatitis (OICD) and occupational allergic contact dermatitis (OACD) are the two variants of CD that cannot be identified clinically. Hand dermatitis (HD) is typically assessed as a clinical consequence because it affects the hands most frequently at work as per epidemiological studies on OCD. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 standards were followed when conducting this umbrella review. We used the search terms "Occupational Contact Dermatitis AND COVID-19" to search forthe most pertinent papers in full text on the databasesPubMed/MedLine, ScienceDirect, and PubMed Central (PMC). Additionally, the reference section of the papers was used to find more articles. A total of 11,646results were found, and eight papers remained after applying the inclusion criteria (full-text papers, English language, studies published in the previous 10 years, involving humans, and only systematic reviews). After completing the title and abstract screening, we obtained five papers. Next, the full-text screening and AMSTAR quality check were completed, yielding the same five papers. After searching ScienceDirect, five papers that met the inclusion criteria were included, and six papers were selected from the references, yielding a total of 11 papers. The causes of occupational dermatitis from protective face masks are discussed in this review. We anticipate an increase in the incidence of occupational dermatitis linked to face mask use given that a large segment of healthcare workers (HCWs) wear protective face masks. To understand the prevalence and available therapies for mask-related occupational dermatitis, further well-designed research is required.

Preliminary study of triclosan analysis: A GC/ECD optimization

Abstract Triclosan is one of emerging contaminants with antimicrobial and disinfection properties. It is commonly used in soaps, toothpastes, detergents, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and other personal care products. Triclosan is ubiquitous in environmental samples and its concentration in natural waters is drastically increase owing to the use of hand-sanitizer during COVID-19 pandemic. Triclosan cancer classification has not been determined yet, but recent studies and government assessments had shown its adverse effect, including as endocrine disruptor compound (EDC) to living things even at relatively low concentration. Triclosan analysis in environmental samples are mostly performed on LC/MS or GC/MS instruments. However, these instruments are relatively expensive. This study was aimed to optimize GC/ECD for triclosan quantification as an alternative to MS based instruments. Triclosan standard solutions at several concentrations were injected into the GC/ECD and the result is evaluated. The result showed that GC/ECD was able to detect triclosan at 0.1 ppb with good repeatability showed by %RSD of 0.48 %. The calibration curve at range of 0.1 to 1000 ppb showed a good linearity (r=0.99999).

Implementation of COVID-19 infection control best practices in nursing homes amid the pandemic

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic has claimed around 170,000 lives among nursing home residents and staff in the United States through April 2023. In a cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with 136 nursing homes, we delivered training to improve COVID-19 infection control best practices. We sought to assess the implementation of infection control practices in participating nursing homes.MethodsConcurrent with the delivery of the RCT (January-November 2021), we surveyed nursing home administrators (NHAs, n = 38) at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Using validated items from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the surveys inquired about 80 infection control best-practice activities (yes/no). The survey also asked seven scales corresponding to inner setting factors that may have impacted implementation. We assessed changes in infection control practices and inner setting factors between baseline and 6-month follow-up.ResultsOverall, the implementation of 11 best practices changed over time. NHAs reported an increase in the availability of informational materials for residents and families (84% vs. 100%, p = 0.031), the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer over soap (76% vs. 97%, p = 0.008), and the development of contingency plans for increased postmortem care (53% vs. 82%, p = 0.013). The implementation of four best-practice visitation policies and three communal restrictions decreased between baseline and 6-month follow-up (all p < 0.05). Regarding inner setting factors, only culture stress (perceived strain, stress, and role overload) increased between surveys (mean scores: 3.14 vs. 3.58, p = 0.004).ConclusionThis study was among the first to report changes in implementing COVID-19 infection control best practices in nursing homes amid the pandemic. Culture stress was an important inner setting factor that may have impacted implementation activities.Trial registrationNCT04499391Date of registrationAugust 3rd, 2020

Changes in complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health after COVID-19 vaccination among medical and dental healthcare professionals

ABSTRACT Medical and dental professionals should continue to adhere to preventive measures after COVID-19 vaccination due to their increased risk of exposure to the virus, particularly as new variants emerge that may heighten their risk perception and susceptibility. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the effects of COVID-19 vaccination on complacency to adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures and mental health among medical and dental professionals. In this cross-sectional study 410 medical and dental professionals were recruited from different medical and dental hospitals in Islamabad, Pakistan. The data was collected using a valid and reliable questionnaire comprising of three sections (socio-demographic, information of preventive behaviors performance against COVID-19 after vaccination, mental health status). A chi-square test and ordinal logistic regression were used for analysis. Post COVID-19 vaccination there was decrease in the frequency of use of hand washing, sanitizers (70.2%), and social distancing (60.5%), however greeting with a handshake (58.8%) and use of public transport (45.9%) seen upward trend among participants. Only face mask usage post-vaccination was statistically significant (p < .05) in association with age, marital status, and years of working Experience. The greatest decrease in the usage of masks after COVID-19 vaccination was seen in age group of 10–30 (41.7%) and working experience group of 0–5 years (39.7%). All the preventive behaviors are statistically significant (p < .05) associated with the mental status of the participants except online shopping and use of public transport. These results indicate the presence of vaccination-induced complacency in adherence to COVID-19 preventive behavioral measures among healthcare professionals.

Prevention of Healthcare Associated Infections as an Effort to Increase Knowledge on How to Wash Hands for Patients of Grandmed Lubuk Pakam Hospital

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Hand hygiene must be carried out before and after contact with patients, before carrying out aseptic procedures, after exposure to body fluids, and after touching objects around the patient, which is a crucial step in maintaining the safety of patients, health workers, visitors and the community around health care facilities. This activity took place at Grandmed Lubuk Pakam Hospital. This activity was aimed at 96 patients in the hospital, with the aim of increasing knowledge regarding preventing HAIs by washing hands properly. One very effective method for preventing the spread of infection is washing hands with soap and using hand sanitizer. Lack of knowledge about efforts to prevent exposure to infectious diseases can influence the frequency of disease occurrence. This activity is carried out through counseling which involves the use of learning videos and direct practice using hand sanitizer. In service activities by providing education related to material on the meaning of hand washing, the importance of washing hands in hospitals, the right time and mandatory hand washing for hospital patients, correct hand washing techniques, use of hand sanitizer, visuals and demonstrations, and education for families and visitors. In this activity, patients are asked to practice correct hand washing procedures. The results of the activity were obtained from 96 people, 85 people (89%) understood how to wash their hands properly as an effort to prevent and prevent the risk of infection while in hospital or after leaving the hospital. It is hoped that hospital management will work together with the Infectious Disease Prevention Committee (PPI) officers periodically to prevent and overcome the occurrence of nosocomial infections (HAIs) in the hospital.

Microbial Carriage of Shuttle Door Handles and Campus Bank’s Automated Teller Machines

Microorganisms are ubiquitous organisms that can cause microbial contamination in both indoor and outdoor settings, with frequently touched surfaces acting as environmental reservoirs that increase the ability of pathogens to be transferred from host to host. This study was aimed at isolating, identifying and characterizing bacteria and fungi present on frequently used Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and campus shuttle bus handles at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. Swab samples were obtained from the keypads of ATMs and door handles of campus shuttle buses. Enumeration of total microbial counts was carried out using the pour plating technique. The bacterial isolates were identified using Bergey's Manual of Determinative Bacteriology based on the results obtained from microscopic examination, cultural and morphological examination and biochemical tests. Meanwhile, the fungal isolates were identified using the Atlas and Compendium of Soil Fungi, based on the results obtained from cultural and morphological examination, as well as microscopic examination. The antibiotic and antifungal susceptibility pattern of the isolated microorganisms was also determined. Results showed that the ATM keypads and shuttle door handles contained Staphylococcus aureus (8.82%), Bacillus spp. (32.35%), Proteus mirabilis (8.82%), Escherichia coli (5.88), Salmonella spp. (5.88%), Enterobacter cloacae (5.88%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (2.94%), Citrobacter freundii (2.94%), Vibrio cholerae (2.94%), Serratia marcescens (2.94%), Aspergillus spp. (5.88%), Cladosporium sp. (2.94%), Geomyces sp. (2.94%), Oidiodendron griseum robak (2.94%), Penicillium paneum (2.94%) and Fusarium culmorum (2.94%). The zone of inhibition for the bacteria and fungi isolates ranged from 4mm to 36 mm, with ciprofloxacin being the most effective antibiotic. This study shows that campus shuttles and ATMs, aside from their primary functions, could also serve as a means of transmitting both pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms, which pose public health risks. Personal hygiene and sanitation, such as hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer to clean hands, could serve as a means of reducing the incidence of microbial transmission.

Contribution of Farm-level Hygiene and Handling Practices to Microbial Safety Profiles in the Informal Dairy Sector in Zimbabwe

The current study assessed (i) the microbiological safety level profiles (MSLPs) of milkmen’s hands and milking containers and (ii) the influence of hygiene and handling practices on MSLPs of raw and cultured milk, from six informal dairy farms in Zimbabwe. Interviews and direct observations were carried out during the assessment of hygiene and handling practices at six farms designated A to F. Microbiological criteria of the following six microbiological parameters: Total Bacterial Counts (TBCs), Coliform Counts (CCs), Total Escherichia coli Counts (TECs), Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Klebsiella pneumonia, were used to determine contamination level (CL) at four different critical sampling locations (CSLs). The CSLs were raw milk (CSL1), cultured milk (CSL2), milkmen’s hands (CSL3), and milking containers (CSL4). The microbiological criteria of the six microbiological parameters were used to score CLs as: intolerable (0), poor to average (1), average (2), and good (3). MSLPs at each CSL for the six farms were computed based on the CL scores to a maximum score of 18. A total of 192 samples were collected and analyzed. Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were not detected at all the CSLs. All the farms failed to achieve a maximum MSLP score of 18 at all the CSLs. The relationship between MSLPs and hygiene and handling practices was tested using point-biserial correlation coefficients. The correlation study revealed that handling and hygiene practices (such as the duration between milking and storage, the type of milking container utilized at farms, the frequency of cleaning the milking parlor, the water source for hand and equipment washing, and the use of hand sanitizers) generally influenced the MSLPs on the farms. Both training and improvement in infrastructure are needed to improve the quality of milk and its products produced and sold in the informal value chain in Zimbabwe.

Hand Sanitizer: Stopping the Spread of Infection at a Cost.

The recent rise in hand sanitizer use due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had a beneficial impact on stopping the spread of disease, but the potential negative implications of its overuse on the body and the microbiome have yet to be thoroughly reviewed. Epidermal layers absorb hand sanitizer from direct application to the skin, making them some of the most susceptible cells to the adverse effects of overuse. The increased usage of hand sanitizer can affect the variation, quantity, and diversity of the skin microflora, leading to conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, and even systemic toxicity due to colonization of the skin with pathogenic bacteria. Due to the close-knit relationship between the skin and gut, the gastrointestinal system can also incur disruptions due to the negative effects on the skin as a result of excessive hand sanitizer use, leading to gut dysbiosis. Additionally, the accidental ingestion of hand sanitizer, and its abuse or misuse, can be toxic and lead to alcohol poisoning, which is an issue most commonly seen not only in the pediatric population but also in adolescents and adults due to aberrant recreational exposure. As a vulnerable body system, the eyes can also be negatively impacted by hand sanitizer misuse leading to chemical injury, visual impairment, and even blindness. In this review, we aim to highlight the variations in hand sanitizer formulation, the benefits, and how misuse or overuse may lead to adverse effects on the skin, gut, and eyes. In particular, we review the advantages and disadvantages of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) and non-alcohol-based hand sanitizers (NABHSs) and how the components and chemicals used in each can contribute to organ dysbiosis and systemic damage.

A critical evaluation of contents, labeling, and cost of hand sanitizers marketed in India during COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Background: Antiseptics were introduced a long time ago, but their significance was noteworthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hand sanitizer plays a pivotal role as a preventive measure. Multiple national authorities have advocated for the application of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers (ABHS). During the pandemic, a surge in demand and limited supply prompted numerous manufacturers to ramp up production. Consequently, it is imperative to scrutinize the composition, labeling, and price of hand sanitizers. Aims and Objective: To assess the contents, labeling, and price of hand sanitizers available in the Indian market. Methodology: Hand sanitizers, both online and offline, marketed in India between May 2019 and May 2022 were included. Hand sanitizers by local manufacturers without labeling were excluded. Contents and labeling of hand sanitizers were evaluated as per World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations. Price was assessed as a percentage cost variation. Result: Out of 79, the majority (98.73%) were ABHS, and 28.20% of them met the recommended criteria for “Adequate” alcohol concentration. Ethyl alcohol emerged as the most prevalent (69.23%), often accompanied by emollients, humectants, fragrances, and color additives. Notably, 69.62% of the hand sanitizers featured comprehensive labeling, while incomplete labels lacked essential details under “Warning and Cautions.” The average price of hand sanitizers was Rs 505.11 ± 255.36. Conclusion: Choosing ABHS with appropriate alcohol concentrations in line with recommendations is crucial. To ensure the proper and safe use of hand sanitizers, individuals should follow the instructions provided on the product labels; both manufacturers and regulators are responsible for adhering to standards for hand sanitizers made available to the public.

SEIR Mathematical Model with the Use of Hand Sanitizers to Prevent the Spread of Covid-19 Disease

The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces. The use of hand sanitizer is claimed to reduce the risk of transmission. For this reason, this study aims to develop a model of the spread of COVID-19 using the SEIR model with the use of hand sanitizer for infected individuals. The individual population is divided into six compartments, namely two compartments for susceptible individuals who using hand sanitizer and not, one compartment for exposed individuals, two compartments for infected individuals who using hand sanitizer and not, and one compartment for individuals died and recovered. The results obtained two equilibrium points: the disease-free and endemic equilibrium point, and also the basic reproduction number. The existence of a disease-free equilibrium point is unconditional, while the endemic there exist when the basic reproduction number is more than one. Stability analysis of the disease-free equilibrium point is locally asymptotic stable when the basic reproduction number is less than one. Numerical simulations carried out also strengthen them. Finally, the results of basic reproduction number sensitivity analysis show that the basic reproduction number is strongly influenced by contact of the susceptible individuals with exposed and infected individuals, neglecting of hand sanitizer use, mortality and cure rates.

Skin- and Eco-Friendly Hand Sanitizer: A Novel Composition of Natural Extracts to Prevent the Spread of Respiratory Viruses.

Respiratory diseases caused by viruses are a serious global health threat. Although the use of hand sanitizers containing alcohol and synthetic antiseptic agents is recognized as an effective, simple, and low-cost measure to combat viral transmission, they can harm human health and the environment. Thus, this work aimed to study the efficacy of combining Camellia sinensis and Chamomilla recutita extracts in a skin- and eco-friendly leave-on hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. An oil-in-water emulsion containing C. recutita oily extract (5.0%), C. recutita glycolic extract (0.2%) and C. sinensis glycolic extract (5.0%) showed virucidal activity against HAdV-2 (respiratory virus) and two surrogate viruses of SARS-CoV-2 (HSV-1 and MVH-3), showing great potential to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These natural extracts combined are also promising to combat a broad spectrum of other viruses, in the form of antiseptic mouthwashes or throat sprays, surface disinfectants, and veterinary products, among others. Complementally, the developed hand sanitizer demonstrated efficacy against bacteria and fungus.

Development and Characterization of a Hand Rub Gel Produced with Artisan Alcohol (Puntas), Silver Nanoparticles, and Saponins from Quinoa.

The emergence of the global pandemic (COVID-19) has directed global attention towards the importance of hygiene as the primary defense against various infections. In this sense, one of the frequent recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) is regular hand washing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Ethanol is the most widely used alcohol due to its effectiveness in eliminating pathogens, ease of use, and widespread production. However, artisanal alcohol, generally used as a spirit drink, could be a viable alternative for developing sanitizing gels. In this study, the use of alcohol "Puntas", silver nanoparticles, and saponins from quinoa was evaluated to produce hand sanitizer gels. The rheological, physicochemical, and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. In the previous assays, the formulations were adjusted to be similar in visual viscosity to the control gel. A clear decrease in the apparent viscosity was observed with increasing shear rate, and an inversely proportional relationship was observed with the amount of ethyl alcohol used in the formulations. The flow behavior index (n) values reflected a pseudoplastic behavior. Oscillatory dynamic tests were performed to analyze the viscoelastic behavior of gels. A decrease in storage modulus (G') and an increase in loss modulus (G″) as a function of the angular velocity (ω) was observed. The evaluation of pH showed that the gels complied with the requirements to be in contact with the skin of the people, and the textural parameters showed that the control gel was the hardest. The use of artisan alcohol could be an excellent alternative to produce sanitizer gel and contribute to the requirements of the population.

Hand Hygiene Knowledge and Practices Among Visitors to the Holy Masjid (Masjid Al-Haram) During the Month of Ramadan in 2023.

Introduction Visits to the Holy Masjid are considered mass gatherings (MGs), defined as concentrations of people at a specific location for a certain objective over a predetermined amount of time. Such gatherings might strain the host nation's preparation and reaction capabilities, increasing the chances of spreading infectious diseases. Aim To evaluate the comprehension of hand hygiene (HH) and proper HH habits among visitors to the Holy Masjid during the month of Ramadan in 2023. Methods A total of 690 visitors to the Holy Masjid were interviewed for this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was developed using model questions from another published survey. Results Of the participants, 541 (78.4%), predominantly female, had generally good knowledge about HH. A total of 282 (40.9%) participants used nothing to clean their hands after shaking hands with someone. Four hundred and eighty (69.6%) participants were aware that poor HH does not spread HIV/AIDS, and 504 (73%) stated that consistent HH does not reduce the body's natural immunity. A total of 530 (76.8%) participants with good knowledge about HH cleaned their hands before meals, compared to 131 (19%) participants with poor knowledge of HH. Conclusion Based on the results of our study, the participants' awareness of HH was generally high, with most recognizing the role of good HH in preventing common infectious diseases, such as gastrointestinal and respiratory infections. However, certain aspects of HH, such as the necessity and proper use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, were not well understood. Regular, focused awareness-raising initiatives are recommended to enhance HH knowledge and practices among visitors to the Holy Masjid.

PEMBERDAYAAN MASYARAKAT DALAM PEMBUATAN HAND SANITIZER BERBASIS KEARIFAN LOKAL EKSTRAK DAUN CENGKEH

&lt;em&gt;The Covid-19 pandemic that hit all countries, including Indonesia, resulted in major changes, especially in the health sector. There is an appeal for social distancing and also more health consciousness such as washing hands or using hand sanitizer every time you want to and after activities, such as eating. Washing hands or using hand sanitizer aims to kill bacteria and viruses. The use of hand sanitizer can be a solution if there is no clean water that is easily accessible or more practical to use wherever you are. However, with the increasing need for hand sanitizers, there is a scarcity of hand sanitizers on the market. This requires the community to be creative in finding solutions to the scarcity. One of the efforts that can be made is to make a hand sanitizer based on local wisdom of clove leaf extract, where Blimbing Village has natural products of clove leaf extract that have not been optimally utilized. In this community empowerment PkM activity, residents are given education about the benefits, and how to use, and make hand sanitizers. In Mini PkM activities, the results showed that residents were enthusiastic about participating in PkM activities and were able to make hand sanitizers using available materials well, as well as an increase in knowledge about hand sanitizers. The increase in residents' knowledge can be seen from the statistical analysis of the pretest and posttest results. Based on the above, it can be concluded that community empowerment in making hand sanitizers based on local wisdom of clove oil extract can increase residents' knowledge and can be an alternative amid the scarcity of hand sanitizers on the market.&lt;/em&gt;

Analysis of disinfectant use by medical organizations of the Republic of Tatarstan in the context of changes in the epidemiological situation 2019–2022

BACKGROUND: Disinfection is an important aspect of ensuring epidemiological safety in medical organizations, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.&#x0D; AIM: To analyze the disinfectant use in state medical organizations of the Republic of Tatarstan from 2019 to 2022, considering changes in the epidemiological situation related to COVID-19, and provide recommendations based on the analysis.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic auction data from zakupki.gov.ru were used to analyze disinfectant purchases by state medical organizations in the Republic of Tatarstan from 2019 to 2022. Data analysis involved the application of descriptive statistical methods.&#x0D; RESULTS: A total of 118 electronic auctions were analyzed. A relationship between the nature of the epidemiological situation and the selection of disinfectants for purchase based on their chemical composition and intended use was identified. Before the pandemic, medical organizations preferred quaternary ammonium compound disinfectants and antibacterial soaps for hand hygiene. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their use of chlorine-based disinfectants, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers containing 60–69% ethanol increased. As the epidemiological situation stabilized, a discernible shift in preferences toward compound disinfectants was noted. Antiseptics with an alcohol content 70% are increasingly sought after.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: Medical organizations in the Republic of Tatarstan promptly respond to changes in the epidemiological situation by implementing necessary modifications to antiepidemic measures. When developing procurement strategies, not only the requirements of sanitary legislation but also the latest scientific findings in the field of disinfectology must be considered.

Mathematical Model and Optimal Control of Covid-19 in Nigeria

The global pandemic, Covid-19, caused by corona virus disease is responsible for a significant number of deaths and huge economic losses in almost all the countries of the world, including Nigeria. In order to manage the spread of this disease in Nigeria, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control(NCDC) has proposed and implemented various control and preventive measures such as vaccination, use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, social distancing, and others. The aim of this paper is to model the transmission dynamics of Covid-19 in Nigeria, and obtain, by using Pontryagin Maximum Principle, the combination of these control strategies for effective control of the disease in Nigeria. Numerical experiments with Nigeria Covid-19 data show the effectiveness optimal use of these preventive and control measures for Covid-19.

Transmission of Viruses from Restroom Use: A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment.

Restroom use has been implicated in a number of viral outbreaks. In this study, we apply quantitative microbial risk assessment to quantify the risk of viral transmission by contaminated restroom fomites. We estimate risk from high-touch fomite surfaces (entrance/exit door, toilet seat) for three viruses of interest (SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus, norovirus) through eight exposure scenarios involving differing user behaviors, and the use of hand sanitizer following each scenario. We assessed the impacts of several sequences of fomite contacts in the restroom, reflecting the variability of human behavior, on infection risks for these viruses. Touching of the toilet seat was assumed to model adjustment of the seat (open vs. closed), a common touch point in single-user restrooms (home, small business, hospital). A Monte Carlo simulation was conducted for each exposure scenario (10,000 simulations each). Norovirus resulted in the highest probability of infection for all exposure scenarios with fomite surfaces. Post-restroom automatic-dispensing hand sanitizer use reduced the probability of infection for each virus by up to 99.75%. Handwashing within the restroom, an important risk-reduction intervention, was not found to be as effective as use of a non-touch hand sanitizer dispenser for reducing risk to near or below 1/1,000,000, a commonly used risk threshold for comparison.

GC-MS Analysis and Study of the Antimicrobial Activity of Citrus paradisi, Citrus aurantifolia, and Citrus sinensis Peel Essential Oils as Hand Sanitizer.

In the setting of healthcare, the use of hand sanitizers and antiseptics for hand hygiene is of paramount importance to avoid transfer of pathogenic microorganism through hand and skin contact. There is an increasing interest in the incorporation of essential oils in hand sanitizer's formula to avoid the adverse effect of conventional hand sanitizers on health. This study aimed to detect the chemical constituents of citrus peel essential oils and study their antimicrobial activity compared with commercial hand sanitizers. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of the hydrodistillated essential oils of peels of grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lime (Citrus aurantifolia), and orange (Citrus sinensis) were carried out using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. The disc diffusion method was used to screen the antibacterial activity of the essential oils against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans compared with a 78% alcohol-based commercial hand sanitizer. The antimicrobial testing results were statistically analyzed. The highest yield percentage of the obtained essential oils was 1.09% obtained by orange oil. The GC-MS analysis indicated that monoterpene and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons occupied the largest portion of the chemical composition of the three essential oils with D-limonene as the most predominant component. All essential oils showed activity against all tested organisms. Lime essential oil showed comparable antimicrobial activity relative to the commercial 78% alcohol hand sanitizer. In conclusion, essential oils obtained from citrus fruit peel represent a rich source of compounds possessing antimicrobial properties and could be an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents.