Use Of Hand Sanitizers Research Articles

Impacts of hand sanitizer on human health and environment: a review

Although the use of sanitizer starts around the middle of twentieth century but it becomes popular in early twenty first century (second decade of twenty first century during COVID-19 pandemic). To prevent the spread of COVID-19, World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the use of sanitizers made up with different combinations of isopropyl alcohols, ethanol and hydrogen peroxides. Literature suggests some toxic effect of use and misuse of these components of sanitizers. Therefore, in the present study an attempt has been made to investigate the use of available hand sanitizers and their adverse effects on human body as well as to collect and correlate the gathered information with their occupation which may further trigger the adverse effect of sanitizer on human being. Out of the total respondents, 98% are using but very few (2%) are not using any type of sanitizer. Age group 2 (16-25 years) is the largest user of hand sanitizer which shows the maximum awareness of this age group related to sanitation and hygiene. Data obtained suggests that males (57.5%) are more aware to sanitization in comparison to female (41.8%). Among the total respondents, house wives were very few (0.8%) which shows lack of awareness among them may be due to their busy schedule and household works. The obtained data revealed that education plays a key role in the spread of sanitation and hygiene awareness. Most of the peoples are using the sanitizers of established brands (Dettol). The data also revealed that 88% of the respondents were observing the various impacts on the body (49% skin dryness, 16% skin allergy 12% skin irritation and itching while 12% respondents are not sure about the impacts). Only 12% peoples responded that they are not observing any impacts of sanitizer. Besides this, different components used in sanitizers pose threat to the different spheres of the environment. Based on the findings of the present study, we can conclude that sanitizer is impacting the human health and environment in various. Therefore there is a need of mass awareness regarding the use and disposal of disinfectants.

Artificial intelligence-based stratification of demographic, ocular surface high-risk factors in progression of keratoconus.

The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the clinical and ocular surface risk factors influencing the progression of keratoconus (KC) using an artificial intelligence (AI) model. This was a prospective analysis in which 450 KC patients were included. We used the random forest (RF) classifier model from our previous study (which evaluated longitudinal changes in tomographic parameters to predict "progression" and "no progression") to classify these patients. Clinical and ocular surface risk factors were determined through a questionnaire, which included presence of eye rubbing, duration of indoor activity, usage of lubricants and immunomodulator topical medications, duration of computer use, hormonal disturbances, use of hand sanitizers, immunoglobulin E (IgE), and vitamins D and B12 from blood investigations. An AI model was then built to assess whether these risk factors were linked to the future progression versus no progression of KC. The area under the curve (AUC) and other metrics were evaluated. The tomographic AI model classified 322 eyes as progression and 128 eyes as no progression. Also, 76% of the cases that were classified as progression (from tomographic changes) were correctly predicted as progression and 67% of cases that were classified as no progression were predicted as no progression based on clinical risk factors at the first visit. IgE had the highest information gain, followed by presence of systemic allergies, vitamin D, and eye rubbing. The clinical risk factors AI model achieved an AUC of 0.812. This study demonstrated the importance of using AI for risk stratification and profiling of patients based on clinical risk factors, which could impact the progression in KC eyes and help manage them better.

코로나19 유행에 대한 염려가 방역수칙 실천 및 일상생활 변화에 미치는 영향

The infection of COVID-19 gradually has increased in recent years and high degree of social distancing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has been implementing. This study sought to identify demographic characteristics associated with concerns about COVID-19 and changes related to concerns. We selected data from the Community Health Survey Data on 2020. We conducted a frequency analysis to analyze demographic characteristics associated with concerns about COVID-19. In addition, we performed a survey logistic regression analysis to identify precautionary behaviors and daily life changes related to concerns about COVID-19. The concerns about COVID-19 are higher among women, the elderly, the Married, those who low education level, poor subjective health status(p.001). It was found that concerns about infection, death, criticism and economic damage have a significant influence on quarantine rules(precautionary behavior, social distancing, refrain from going out, washing hands and use of hand sanitizer) and daily life changes(physical activity, instant food intake, delivery food intake, drinking and smoking). This study suggests that concerns about COVID-19 are associated with precautionary behaviors and daily life changes. It is necessary to efficiently manage concerns about infectious disease in the future by considering the social environment factors identified in our study.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols: Do Commuters Prefer Public Transport after Relaxation of Safety Protocol Enforcement?

There is a current discourse on how COVID-19 will impact future use of public services by people. At the time of writing this paper, most countries around the globe have relaxed safety protocol enforcement. This may change individual use of public transport, and policy implementations. The study mainly used Multinomial Logistic Regression (MLR) to examine the use of public transport ridership after the relaxation of COVID-19 safety protocol enforcement. A survey was used to collect data from 1692 respondents across Ghana partly online and partly face-to-face interviews from April 20^th, 2022 to June 5^th, 2022. The preliminary findings show that the use of private cars declined during the enforcement of safety protocols. However, after relaxation of safety protocol enforcement, the use of private transport increased more than public transport. The Relative Importance Index revealed that 'facemask wearing covering both nose and mouth', 'reduction in the number of occupants per vehicle', 'the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer', and 'vehicles cleaned after every trip' were the most important safety protocols perceived to prevent infection of virus. However, the MLR model shows that largely, relaxation of mandatory facemask wearing, social distancing, hand hygiene, and disinfection of transport could decrease public transport ridership. These findings suggest that the COVID-19 infection anxiety has not faded and could decrease public transport ridership. To relieve the anxiety regarding virus infection through the use of public transportation, the government needs to take appropriate measures to lower the perceived risk of infection.

Evaluation of infection control at Butiru Chrisco Hospital in Manafwa District, Eastern Uganda

Infection prevention and control is important for the improvement of quality care in hospital. This study aimed to identify risk associated with infection control, and to determine which infection control measures are available at Butiru Chrisco hospital and how these measures are put to use by the staff working in the hospital. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Butiru Chrisco hospital in Manafwa District. The study involved 100 respondents who were staff employed by Butiru Chrisco hospital. With different educational standards, awareness of infection control was assessed through a structured questionnaire that was administered to those who consented to participate. Random sampling was done on 10 staff, this helped correct the questionnaire making it suitable for the study but the results were not included in this study. The study revealed that out of 100 respondents, 72(72%) were nurses, 60(60%) were females and 78(78%) had been employed by the hospital for less than four years. Half 50(50%) revealed that airborne infections are the commonest infections in the hospital. The study also reveals that more than 80% reported positive response to infection control tasks with 80(80%) agreeing that practice of infection control reduces likelihood of infection spread to patients. From the study, it was concluded that, there is moderate awareness of infection control with more than half of the respondents having positive ideas about infection control and use of available measures like glove, apron, and hand washing. However, practice and compliance with standard precautions was less than optimal. The researcher recommends continuous health visits by ministry of health (MOH) of Uganda to the hospital and evaluation of the practices to ensure that the health workers practice infection control following the standard guidelines. Also, hand washing or use of hand sanitizers with alcohol or other antiseptics as a measure of disinfecting the hands before or after handling a patient is encouraged. Keywords: Infection, health workers, hand washing, Manafwa District

Bir Üniversite Hastanesinin Sağlık Çalışanlarında COVID-19 Korkusu ve El Hijyeni Uygulamalarının Değerlendirilmesi

Objective: The research aimed to analyze healthcare professionals’ “levels of COVID-19 fear and hand hygiene practice” and “the correlation between COVID-19 fear and hand hygiene practices” in a university hospital.
 Methods: The population of this descriptive and correlational research comprised 150 professionals, that is, 50 doctors and 100 nurses working in various units at a university hospital. The number of healthcare professionals who voluntarily took part in the research was 97. The data were collected through the “Healthcare Professional Introduction Form, COVID-19 Fear Scale, and Hand Hygiene Practices Inventory”.
 Results: The female professionals’ mean COVID-19 fear level score and hand hygiene practice level score were higher than those of males (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference among the mean COVID-19 fear scores with reference to the education level (p < 0.05). Of the professionals, 96.9% had at least one problem after hand hygiene. It was determined that there was a very weak, positive, and significant correlation between the level of COVID-19 fear and that of hand hygiene performance (r= 0.224; p < 0.05).
 Conclusion: The research reveals that hand hygiene practices and the COVID-19 fear are affected by gender, as well as the fact that frequent handwashing and hand sanitizer use play a role in skin problems.

Human personal air pollution clouds in a naturally ventilated office during the COVID-19 pandemic

Personal cloud, termed as the difference in air pollutant concentrations between breathing zone and room sites, represents the bias in approximating personal inhalation exposure that is linked to accuracy of health risk assessment. This study performed a two-week field experiment in a naturally ventilated office during the COVID-19 pandemic to assess occupants’ exposure to common air pollutants and to determine factors contributing to the personal cloud effect. During occupied periods, indoor average concentrations of endotoxin (0.09 EU/m3), TVOC (231 μg/m3), CO2 (630 ppm), and PM10 (14 μg/m3) were below the recommended limits, except for formaldehyde (58 μg/m3). Personal exposure concentrations, however, were significantly different from, and mostly higher than, concentrations measured at room stationary sampling sites. Although three participants shared the same office, their personal air pollution clouds were mutually distinct. The mean personal cloud magnitude ranged within 0–0.05 EU/m3, 35–192 μg/m3, 32–120 ppm, and 4–9 μg/m3 for endotoxin, TVOC, CO2, and PM10, respectively, and was independent from room concentrations. The use of hand sanitizer was strongly associated with an elevated personal cloud of endotoxin and alcohol-based VOCs. Reduced occupancy density in the office resulted in more pronounced personal CO2 clouds. The representativeness of room stationary sampling for capturing dynamic personal exposures was as low as 28% and 5% for CO2 and PM10, respectively. The findings of our study highlight the necessity of considering the personal cloud effect when assessing personal exposure in offices.

Assessment of Abattoir Workers’ Knowledge, Perceptions and Preventive ‎Preparedness during COVID-19 Pandemic in North-central Nigeria: The ‎Health Belief Model

Abattoirs have been risk points for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 with far-reaching implications. We assessed abattoir workers’ knowledge and risk perceptions in line with the Health Belief Model premise, and preventive preparedness towards the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as identified factors associated with its spread at slaughterhouses. A structured questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected workers (n=660) in 11 conveniently selected abattoirs in North-central Nigeria, between January and December 2021. Statistical analysis was performed at a 95% confidence level using OpenEpi 3.1. The majority (96.1%, n=634) of selected workers participated. Most workers (88.9%) were males, and 56.5% were married. Only 24.6% had tertiary education and 48.4% were butchers. Only 33.4% of the workers mentioned that COVID-19 can affect animals, while all (100.0%) reported that it can affect humans. Few of the workers practice handshake avoidance (46.1%), handwashing with soap and water (26.5%), use of hand sanitizer (21.3%), physical distancing (16.6%), and PPE (28.5%) as preventive measures, while the majority use face masks (76.8%). Age, gender, formal education, and occupation were significantly associated with knowledge, perceptions, and preventive practices toward COVID-19. Lack of physical distancing was more likely (OR=6.36; 95% CI: 3.76–10.76) to influence COVID-19 spread, while lack of PPE was 12 times more likely (OR=12.53; 95% CI: 8.01–19.63) to influence the spread of the disease in slaughterhouses. The study highlighted overall poor knowledge, perceptions, and preventive practices regarding the COVID-19 pandemic amongst surveyed workers. Application of the ‘One Health’ approach mitigation would assure food safety, food security, public and environmental health.

Association between Compliance with COVID-19 Restrictions and the Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Poland.

During the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic it has become very important to comply with preventive measures. We aimed to assess compliance with applicable restrictions and to explore the links between the level of compliance and the risk of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study included Polish adults who were asked to complete a validated questionnaire. The study period was from 1 November 2020 to 31 January 2021 and a computer-assisted web interview method was chosen to perform the survey. The study involved 562 women and 539 men. COVID-19 was reported in 11.26% of participants. A good level of compliance with the sanitary restrictions was reported for 38.87% of participants, an average level of compliance for 47.96%, and a low level of compliance for 13.17%. A reduced risk of COVID-19 was associated with the following preventive measures: regular use of protective masks, social and physical distancing in public places, regular use of hand sanitizers with high ethanol content, and the use of disposable gloves in public places. Our survey revealed satisfactory public compliance with the pandemic restrictions. Sanitary and epidemiologic measures to prevent the pandemic were shown to be adequate and effective.

Effect of Long-Term Use of Alcohol-Containing Handwashing Gels on the Biofilm-Forming Capacity of Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has promoted the use of hand sanitizers among the general population as recommended by health authorities. Alcohols, which are used in many hand sanitizers, have been shown to promotes the formation of biofilms by certain bacteria and to increase bacterial resistance to disinfection. We investigated the effect of continued use of alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer on biofilm formation by the Staphylococcus epidermidis resident strain isolated from the hands of health science students. Hand microbes were counted before and after handwashing, and the ability to produce biofilms was investigated. We found that 179 (84.8%) strains of S. epidermidis isolated from hands had the ability to form biofilm (biofilm-positive strains) in an alcohol-free culture medium. Furthermore, the presence of alcohol in the culture medium induced biofilm formation in 13 (40.6%) of the biofilm-negative strains and increased biofilm production in 111 (76.6%) strains, which were classified as low-grade biofilm-producing. Based on our findings, there is no clear evidence that the continued use of alcohol-based gels results in the selection of strains with the capacity to form biofilms. However, other disinfectant formulations that are more commonly used in clinical settings, such as alcohol-based hand-rub solutions, should be tested for their long-term effects.

Alterations in faecal microbiome and resistome in Chinese international travellers: a metagenomic analysis.

International travel increases the risk of acquisition of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Previous studies have characterized the changes in the gut microbiome and resistome of Western travellers; however, information on non-Western populations and the effects of travel-related risk factors on the gut microbiome and resistome remains limited. We conducted a prospective observational study on a cohort of 90 healthy Chinese adult residents of Hong Kong. We characterized the microbiome and resistome in stools collected from the subjects before and after travelling to diverse international locations using shotgun metagenomic sequencing and examined their associations with travel-related variables. Our results showed that travel neither significantly changed the taxonomic composition of the faecal microbiota nor altered the alpha (Shannon) or beta diversity of the faecal microbiome or resistome. However, travel significantly increased the number of ARGs. Ten ARGs, including aadA, TEM, mgrB, mphA, qnrS9 and tetR, were significantly enriched in relative abundance after travel, eight of which were detected in metagenomic bins belonging to Escherichia/Shigella flexneri in the post-trip samples. In sum, 30 ARGs significantly increased in prevalence after travel, with the largest changes observed in tetD and a few qnrS variants (qnrS9, qnrS and qnrS8). We found that travel to low- or middle-income countries, or Africa or Southeast Asia, increased the number of ARG subtypes, whereas travel to low- or middle-income countries and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) or doxycycline as antimalarial prophylaxis during travel resulted in increased changes in the beta diversity of the faecal resistome. Our study highlights travel to low- or middle-income countries, Africa or Southeast Asia, a long travel duration, or the use of ABHS or doxycycline as antimalarial prophylaxis as important risk factors for the acquisition/enrichment of ARGs during international travel.

Dermatological conditions associated with dental professionals in Saudi Arabia.

Dental professionals and students are commonly exposed to occupation-related skin lesions, characterized as contact dermatitis (like allergic and irritant contact dermatitis, contact urticaria), that are commonly observed on hands and fingers. The present study evaluated the prevalence of skin lesions, knowledge about risk factors, and prevention of dermatological lesions among dental students and dental professionals. The present observational study was carried out on 100 study subjects, including dental students and staff, using a self-administered and structured questionnaire to assess demographic variables, awareness information, and knowledge about work-related skin lesions. The data was subjected to statistical analysis using IBM's Statical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Sixty percent of the total number of subjects were dental students and 40% were dentists. 56.8% of the subjects were female and 43.2% were male, with a maximum of 0-5 years of practice/experience. The most common symptoms of skin lesions were itching and erythema, especially on the hands and fingers. Only 15.6% had their treatment done by dermatologists, and 7% underwent skin prick tests. Latex allergy was most familiar with feature of facial edema. The use of hand sanitizers, soaps, and protective cream was limited among the subjects. There was a lack of awareness among both the dentists and students regarding work-related skin lesions and getting them treated by dermatologists at the earliest, though the dentists' level of knowledge was better than that of the students. Thus, various educational programs on dermatological lesions should be implemented so that dental professionals and students take necessary precautions and seek treatment for skin disorders.

Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) as Effective Disinfectants with Natural Source: a New Inspiration

The antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles have been well-proven. Various ways of modifying nanoparticles to get better activity have been reported. Metal crystals from micro to nano size produce excellent and promising properties in a wide range of applications. Various methods have been used in the production of nanoparticles, ranging from chemical to biological methods (green synthesis). Synthesis of metal nanoparticles with plant media brings advantages, one of which is not damaging the environment. The antibacterial ability of silver nanoparticles has been promised, so it is necessary to study its prospects as a disinfectant, especially in the use of plant-based hand sanitizers that are more skin-friendly. In this review, the potential of silver nanoparticles using the green synthesis method is described as a natural material-based disinfectant that is more environmentally friendly.

Impact on touch DNA of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer used in COVID-19 prevention

In the last years, forensic research has been focused on touch DNA in order to improve its evidential value in criminal activity investigations as well as to understand the variables impacting touch DNA. One of the emerging variables is represented by the use of alcohol-based sanitizers, which was suggested for hand hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aims of the present study were to assess the effect of a hand sanitizer on touch DNA deposition, transfer, and recovery and also to evaluate STR typing success, quality of DNA profiles, and personal identification. Before and after the use of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, 20 volunteers deposited on glass surfaces 120 fingerprints, containing skin-derived or salivary DNA. Samples were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR (q-PCR), and 76 samples yielding > 15 pg/μl were typed for 21 autosomal STRs by GlobalFiler® PCR Amplification Kit. DNA profiles were classified into single source, mixed, and inconclusive profiles, and a LR assessment was performed by comparison to the reference samples using LRmix Studio software. After the use of hand sanitizer, samples yielded lower quantities of recovered transferred DNA, especially considering samples containing salivary DNA (p < 0.05 by Friedman test). All the 76 amplified samples (63.3% of the total) showed at least 10 typed loci, and 83–100% of profiles were consistent with the reference ones on the basis of a LR value ≥ 106. Results showed that, although the hand sanitizer reduces the DNA recovering, touch DNA samples might still be useful for forensic personal identification even when hand sanitizers are used.

Perbandingan Aktivitas Antibakteri Berbagai Produk Hand Sanitizer terhadap Escherichia coli dan Staphylococcus aureus In Vitro

Background: Hand hygiene is very important because human hands are often contaminated with microorganisms, so that it becomes an intermediary for the entry of disease-causing microorganisms into the body, especially Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The use of hand sanitizer has shown an increase in society. Hand sanitizers are available with various types of packaging, dosage forms, variations in the composition of active ingredients and their carriers at quite competitive prices.Objective: To determine the antibacterial effect of various hand sanitizers available in the market and their comparison with antiseptic handwash soap.Methods: Antibacterial effectiveness test using the Kirby Bauer method by measuring the diameter of the clear zone produced on Muller Hinton media by diffusion discs tested with four hand sanitizer products available in the market compared with antiseptic hand soap as positive control and akuades as negative control.Results: Various hand sanitizer products containing 70% alcohol showed moderate to strong inhibition against E. coli and S.aureus. Analysis of differences in the activities of various hand sanitizer products using the KruskalWallis non-parametric method showed a difference with p= 0.003 against E. coli and p=0.002 against S.aureus. Alcohol denatures bacterial proteins so that it interferes with the metabolic processes of bacterial cells which causes bacterial cell death.Conclusion: Hand sanitizer is effectively used to inhibit the growth of E. coli and S.aureus bacteria.

Perspectives of dairy employees at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey of health risks and educational needs

Our objective was to understand dairy employees' perceptions and educational needs at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A bilingual (English and Spanish), anonymous survey targeted at dairy employees was circulated nationwide via university and allied industry media outlets. Responses (n = 63) from 11 states were received (May–Sep. 2020). Respondents worked in herds ranging from 50 to 40,000 animals in size. Dairy managers (33%) responded mostly to the English survey (52%), whereas entry-level workers (67%) chose the Spanish format (76%). Survey results highlighted different perspectives, educational needs, and preferred sources of information between English- and Spanish-speaking dairy workers. Overall, 83% of the respondents were somewhat concerned or very concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic. Respondents (51%) indicated that their main concern was “to bring the virus from work to home and make my family sick.” Most dairy employees (83%) perceived that their employers were somewhat or very concerned about the pandemic. Respondents (65%) indicated that COVID-19 informative training was provided at the workplace, but training was more frequently undertaken among dairy managers (86%) than entry-level workers (53%). Most trainings (72%) were limited to posters on walls. The preferred means of information delivery was through in-person meetings at work (35%), with YouTube (29%) and on-demand videos (27%) as second and third options. The main source of information regarding the pandemic was social media (52%). Frequent handwashing (81%), limiting on-farm visits (70%), limiting agglomeration in break rooms (65%), hand sanitizer use (60%), and social distancing (60%) were the most common safety measures implemented at the workplace among the options given to respondents. Few respondents (38%) indicated that face-covering was required at work. Successful emergency plans on dairies should consider the outreach needs and preferences of dairy workers.

Uji Efektivitas Handsanitizer Terhadap Daya Hambat Pertumbuhan Bakteri Staphylococcus sp dan Pseudomonas sp pada Layar Smartphone

Smartphone is a communication tool that has the potential to be contaminated with microorganisms that can be transmitted through direct contact, especially on the skin. Microbes can survive on the surface of mobile phones and serve as potential transporters of microorganisms. The use of hand sanitizer is useful for inhibiting and even killing microorganisms. Thus, the study focused on isolating bacteria from smartphone screens, especially Stappylococcus sp and Pseudomonas sp bacteria and looking at the effectiveness of hand sanitizers in inhibiting bacterial growth. This study aims to isolate Staphylococcus sp and Pseudomonas sp bacteria on smartphone screens and test the ability to use hand sanitizers against bacteria attached to smartphone screens. This type of research uses the bacterial isolation method. The target population is the academic community of the Polytechnic of St Paul Surakarta totaling 30 cell phones. The object of the research was the smartphone screen swab of the academic community for the presence of Staphylococcus sp and Pseudomonas sp bacteria and hand sanitizer as an inhibitor of bacterial growth. In 30 smartphone samples, Stapylococcus sp and Pseudomonas sp were found. This study uses the chard chart method. Hypothesis H0 did not find Staphylococcus sp and Pseudomonas sp bacteria while Ha was found Staphylococcus sp and Pseudomonas sp bacteria on the smartphone screen. In this study, the smartphone screen contained Stapylococcus sp and Pseudomonas sp bacteria, the use of hand sanitizer was effective in inhibiting bacterial growth.

PREVALENCE AND DETERMINANT FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH SARS-COV-2 AMONG STUDENTS OF PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN RIVERS STATE

Background: Despite the upsurge of the disease across the states of the federation poor compliance with the guidelines has been reported in various states across the federation. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence, and factors associated with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among students in private universities in Rivers State. Method: The study was carried out using a descriptive cross-sectional design, with data collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire, administered to students in a Private University in Rivers State. Results: Findings from this study showed that from the 431 students tested, 425(98.6%) were negative while 6(1.4%) were positive bringing the prevalence rate to 6(1.4%). The study also found that (90.3%) do non-use of face masks when a lecturer is not in class, (60.6%) inadequate provision for hand washing equipment, and sanitizers in the laboratories for students, (3.2%) reported overcrowding to be the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 prevalence among students in private universities in Rivers State Conclusion: Conclusively, the prevalence of SARS CoV-2 among students in private University is low. This study findings have shown that private University students demonstrated poor preventive practices in some areas like,strict adherence to use of face masks, hand washing, use of hand sanitizers and overcrowd are very important among private university students in Rivers state.

Moisturizer and COVID-19: Are We Missing a Trick?

Abstract: Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is reported to be transmitted predominantly by respiratory droplets and fomites. The regular use of a mask can mitigate the airborne transmission of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), but comprehensive prevention of the virus is possible only when the contact spread of the virus is also addressed. The recommended use of soap and hand sanitizer (alcoholic hand rub) is effective only until subsequent contact with the virus. Furthermore, regular and repeated application of these disinfectants is impractical and harmful to the skin. The damage to the outermost epidermal layers of the skin exposes the Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor rich keratinocytes, enhancing the scope for percutaneous transmission of virus. Moisturizers, composed of fatty acids, fatty alcohols, mineral oils, petrolatum, etc., are generally considered cosmetics used to maintain and enhance skin condition. At very low concentrations, several of these components are found to neutralize enveloped viruses, indicating their potential antiviral activity. Soaps also generally contain many of these constituents, making them effective against viruses. Petrolatum, a key component of occlusive moisturizers, is also said to enhance innate immunity. Additionally, moisturizers also alleviate inflammation and prevent skin dryness and damage. The periodic and regular application of an appropriate moisturizer on hand and palm can play a significant role in curtailing the transmission of infectious agents, including (SARS-CoV-2), and could act as an extra line of defense against microbial infections.

Antimicrobial Efficacy Assessment and Rheological Investigation of Two Different Hand Sanitizers Compared with the Standard Reference WHO Formulation 1

(1) Background: recently, the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) has become very frequent, and an evaluation of the stability and effectiveness of their formulations is a critical topic which should be carefully considered. (2) Methods: starting from the characterization of the hand sanitizers object of the study, our interest was focused on their rheological behavior in order to confirm their intrinsic features, but also the stability of each formulation in different conditions of shear and temperature; the second aspect concerns the antimicrobial assessment through a panel of in vitro and in vivo experimental trials. (3) Results: rheological investigation confirmed good stability for the two hand sanitizers in gel formula with respect to the reference in liquid formula; the antimicrobial activity evaluation showed good efficacy of each formulation both in vitro and in vivo. (4) Conclusions: altogether, our overview presents a valid quality control assessment to ensure the stability and efficacy of an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.