Antimicrobial performance of methanol extract of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. as a sanitizer agent

In food industry, microbial contamination poses a big challenge. Chemicals used for disinfection compromise food safety and therby health. ofThere is an urgent need for effective safe sanitizers for the inhibition of pathogens in agricultural and food products. In this context, here, we investigated the possibility of using the Foeniculum vulgare methanol extract (ME) in the fight against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans as natural a sanitizer agent candidate. The components of F. vulgare ME were analyzed by GC-MS. Broth microdilution method and Surface disinfection test were used for antimicrobial activity and logarithmic inhibition, respectively. The main substances were anethole (50.44%), estragole (13.59%) and benzoic acid (13.58%). Minimum ?nhibitory concentrations (MICs) of F. vulgare were 0.1 g/mL for S. aureus and C. albicans while it was >0.1 g/mL for E. coli. In surface disinfection test which investigated the survival of E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans exposure to F. vulgare sanitizer (F-SAN: 10%), F. vulgare at 50, 100 and 150 ?L caused an almost 8-log reduction in E. coli in clean condition (0.3 g/mL BSA). In S. aureus, 150 ?L of F. vulgare caused about 4.8 and 4.7 log reduction in clean and dirty surface (3 g/mL BSA), respectively. The highest colony reduction was in C. albicans with ?4.93 log reduction in both environments. The results suggest that F. vulgare methanol extract could be a strong natural sanitizer against pathogens.

Reduced norovirus epidemic follows increased sales of hand hygiene products in Japan, 2020-2021

During the recent emergence of COVID-19, an increased practice of hand hygiene coincided with the reduced incidence of the norovirus epidemic in Japan, which is similar to experience with the pandemic flu in 2009. We investigated the relationship between the sales of hand hygiene products, including liquid hand soap and alcohol-based hand sanitizer, and the trend of norovirus epidemic. We used national gastroenteritis surveillance data across Japan in 2020 and 2021 and compared the base statistics of incidence of these two years with the average of the previous 10 years (2010-2019). We calculated the correlations (Spearman's Rho) between monthly sales of hand hygiene products and monthly norovirus cases and fitted them to a regression model. In 2020, there was no epidemic, and the incidence peak was the lowest in recent norovirus epidemics. In 2021, the incidence peak was delayed for five weeks to the usual epidemic seasons. Correlation coefficients between monthly sales of liquid hand soap and skin antiseptics and norovirus incidence showed a significantly negative correlation (Spearman's Rho = -0.88 and p = 0.002 for liquid hand soap; Spearman's Rho = -0.81 and p = 0.007 for skin antiseptics). Exponential regression models were fitted between the sales of each hand hygiene product and norovirus cases, respectively. The results suggest hand hygiene using these products is a potentially useful prevention method against norovirus epidemics. Effective ways of hand hygiene for increasing the prevention of norovirus should therefore be studied.

Impact of an Alcohol-based hand sanitizer usage during COVID-19 pandemic on disulfiram treatment: A South Indian psychiatrist's practice experiences

Background: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer (ABHS) usage has become one of the COVID-19 pandemic-related adapted responses. Some disulfiram-ethanol reactions are reported in people who use alcohol-based hand rub/sanitizer and take Disulfiram as a treatment for their alcohol use disorders. Aim & Objective: To determine the practice experiences of psychiatrists on disulfiram prescription to alcohol use disorder victims. Methodology: A cross-sectional study on the psychiatrists to find the experiences of disulfiram prescription to their clients with alcohol use disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results: Nearly 84 (51%) were reverted with a completed questionnaire. Among the respondents, 28 (33.3%) of the respondents decreased to prescribe Disulfiram, 48 (57.1%) reported that their patients stopped using ABHS due to fear of Disulfiram-Ethanol Reaction (DER), and 20 (23.8%) responders notified that their patients were expressed their worry on DER with Disulfiram and ABHS. Conclusion: Disulfiram prescribed for alcohol use disorders; treatment got peculiar experiences with the incidences of DER reported with Alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Many practitioners were scared to prescribe disulfiram due to DER with ABHS. The prevailing evidence that there is no possibility of cutaneous application of ABHS producing enough significant DER. Hence using ABHS is not a contraindication for disulfiram prescription.

Semiautomated disinfection of ophthalmic contact lenses

The ophthalmic lenses that come in contact with the eyes pose a high risk for the transmission of bacterial and viral infections in eye clinics. Disinfecting these lenses does not happen stringently in a busy practice. We describe a novel method of disinfecting ophthalmic contact lenses using a semiautomated lens disinfector equipment, semiautomated lens disinfector. The equipment has motors to pump in and pump out water and disinfecting solution into a reservoir bath. The used ophthalmic lenses will be placed in a tray that partially dips into the bath for disinfection. Microbiology tests that were done to check the quality of the disinfection cycle showed good outcomes. Disinfection of ophthalmic contact lenses with the new equipment appeared to effectively eliminate contaminant microorganisms. This equipment can be used in busy ophthalmic clinics to alleviate the chances of cross-infection.

Alcohol-based hand sanitizer-induced burns: A harsh reality in current times

ue to the recent coronavirus pandemic, there is a steep rise in the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) over the past few months. For them to be effective against microorganisms, the minimum recommended concentration of alcohol is 60%. This high alcohol content makes the sanitizers easily flammable. Although, they are extremely convenient to use, they can also prove to be a hazard if used in an improper manner. Guidelines have been published for safe manufacturing and distribution of these sanitizers. There are recommendations for storage and use, which should be adhered to in a strict manner. Their use by children should always be supervised. We report four cases of burn injuries caused by injudicious use of alcohol-based sanitizers. The flammable nature of ABHSs can also be exploited as witnessed in one of our cases. With this report, we wish to emphasize that judicious and correct use of these seemingly benign products is essential.

Scope of herbal disinfectants to fight against SARS-CoV2 virus

@#Globally, COVID-19 outbreak is a major social issue in the current trend. SARS-CoV2 is a novel coronavirus causing Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome in human and it is spreading rapidly among human population. In order to prevent SARS-CoV2 infection and managing this corona disease, WHO formula based alcoholic hand sanitisers are being widely used as one of the primary preventive agent and the demand is increasing worldwide. Herbal extracts and/or their phytochemicals have been considered as natural sources for formulating herbal hand sanitizers as alternative to alcoholic products. In this correspondence, we have described about the probable mechanistic action of herbal bioactives to fight against COVID-19 virus. Understanding of mechanistic action of bioactives could be useful to formulate herbal hand sanitizers and the products have high demand in the global sanitizer market.

Effects of some common additives on the antimicrobial activities of alcohol-based hand sanitizers

Objective: To study the effects of some common additives on the antimicrobial activities of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Methods: The antibacterial activities of varying aqueous concentrations of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol were tested by the agar well diffusion method. The influences of different concentrations of glycerin was similarly tested. Finally, isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride were combined in different ratios within the safe use concentrations of each, and the effects of these combinations were compared with values obtained for the two agents used alone. Statistical methods, such as student t test and one-way ANOVA were used when appropriate to evaluate the differences in activity. Results: The activities of the alcohols showed marked concentration dependence, and both showed peak activity at 85%-95% concentration range. Over the concentration range of 60%-100%, isopropyl alcohol inhibited more bacterial and fungal organisms than ethanol, though the inhibition zone diameters it produced were not statistically different from those of ethanol for organisms which were sensitive to both of them. Addition of glycerin reduced the antimicrobial activities of the isopropyl alcohol, as shown by reduction in the inhibition zone diameters produced in vitro, which may be due to reduced drug diffusion with increase in viscosity. Addition of benzalkonium to isopropyl alcohol systems improved the activity of the alcohol, but the overall activity of the combination was not superior to that seen in the use of benzalkonium alone. Conclusion: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should not be used outside the concentration range of 85%-95% and isopropyl alcohol inhibits more bacterial and fungal organisms than ethanol for most concentrations. Inclusion of benzalkonium improves the antimicrobial spectrum and activity of isopropyl alcohol, and the combination may justifiably be used to achieve both immediate and long lasting effect. Glycerin may adversely affect the antimicrobial activities of isopropyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers and should be used with caution.

Effects of some common additives on the antimicrobial activities of alcohol-based hand sanitizers

Objective:To study the effects of some common additives on the antimicrobial activities of alcohol-based hand sanitizers.Methods:The antibacterial activities of varying aqueous concentrations of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol were tested by the agar well diffusion method. The influences of different concentrations of glycerin was similarly tested. Finally, isopropyl alcohol and benzalkonium chloride were combined in different ratios within the safe use concentrations of each, and the effects of these combinations were compared with values obtained for the two agents used alone. Statistical methods, such as student t test and one-way ANOVA were used when appropriate to evaluate the differences in activity.Results:The activities of the alcohols showed marked concentration dependence, and both showed peak activity at 85%–95% concentration range. Over the concentration range of 60%–100%, isopropyl alcohol inhibited more bacterial and fungal organisms than ethanol, though the inhibition zone diameters it produced were not statistically different from those of ethanol for organisms which were sensitive to both of them. Addition of glycerin reduced the antimicrobial activities of the isopropyl alcohol, as shown by reduction in the inhibition zone diameters produced in vitro, which may be due to reduced drug diffusion with increase in viscosity. Addition of benzalkonium to isopropyl alcohol systems improved the activity of the alcohol, but the overall activity of the combination was not superior to that seen in the use of benzalkonium alone.Conclusion:Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should not be used outside the concentration range of 85%–95% and isopropyl alcohol inhibits more bacterial and fungal organisms than ethanol for most concentrations. Inclusion of benzalkonium improves the antimicrobial spectrum and activity of isopropyl alcohol, and the combination may justifiably be used to achieve both immediate and long lasting effect. Glycerin may adversely affect the antimicrobial activities of isopropyl alcohol-based hand sanitizers and should be used with caution.

Comparison of Bacterial Counts on the Hand Surface Based on Various Hand Washing Methods

The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of different methods of hand washing by counting the number of bacteria on the hand surface. Eighteen clinicians were chosen and divided into three groups, consisting of six clinicians each. Culturing of the right raw palms of all individuals was performed. Individuals in the control group washed hands for 5 seconds with antimicrobial soap. Group 1 washed their hands for 10 seconds with antimicrobial soap. Group 2 washed with an instant alcohol-based hand sanitizer. After the respective washes, re-culturing of the right raw palm was done for each member of all groups. The colony-forming units (CFU) were calculated at each time point, and the reduction rate of CFU among the three groups were statistically evaluated using student t-test. All groups showed a significant decrease in CFU, according to the time applied (P<0.01). In addition, the reduction rate of CFU between the groups were statistically evaluated with ANOVA (P<0.01). It showed statistically difference between the control group and group 1, control group and group 2. The present study confirmed that the hand washing method with antimicrobial soap for 10 seconds and hand sanitizer, including alcohol, were excellent for decreasing the number of bacteria on the hand surface.

EVALUACIÓN DEL EFECTO SANITIZANTE DE UN EXTRACTO BIODEGRADABLE OBTENIDO DE LA ESPECIE Solanum marginatum, DE USO ETNOBOTÁNICO EN BOYACÁ / EVALUATION OF THE SANITIZER EFFECT OF A BIODEGRADABLE EXTRACT OF ETHNOBOTANICAL USE IN BOYACÁ, OBTAINED FROM THE Solanum marginatum SPECIES

Las plantas del género Solanum, dentro del que se encuentra el "lulo de perro" (Solanum marginatum), especie considerada una maleza, contienen saponinas, las cuales tienen propiedades de emulsionar la grasa, similares al jabón. Esta característica fue aprovechada para evaluar el poder sanitizante del extracto alcohólico del fruto, en calidad de limpiador biodegradable, de gran utilidad en la industria. El potencial sanitizante del limpiador preparado se evaluó según el procedimiento descrito por Carrascal, Páez y Burbano (1998), y se encontró como condiciones óptimas de efectividad antimicrobial: una concentración del 10% y un tiempo de contacto de 6 minutos sobre microorganismos bacilos gram negativos, que presentan un máximo de inhibición de 99,58%. Al comparar la efectividad del producto obtenido contra la de dos conocidos sanitizantes comerciales (Mat-98® y Germigel®), se encontró una respuesta similar. Por hidrólisis del crudo de saponina se liberaron las sapogeninas presentes, los cristales obtenidos se analizaron por espectroscopía infrarroja y se les determinó el punto de fusión, coincidiendo los resultados con la Hecogenina.

Plants of the genus Solanum, within which the "Lulo perro" (Solanum marginatum) is found and is considered as a weed species, contain saponins which have fat emulsifying properties similar to soap. This feature was used to evaluate the sanitizing power of the alcoholic extract of the fruit as a biodegradable cleaner which is very useful for industrial purposes. The sanitizing potential of the cleaner preparation was assessed using the procedure described by Carrascal, Páez y Burbano (1998), and it was found to have optimum antimicrobial effectiveness conditions: a 10% concentration and a 6 minute contact time over gram negative bacilli microorganisms which represent a maximum inhibition of 99 58%. When comparing the effectiveness of the product against two well-known commercial sanitizers. (Mat-98® and Germigel®), a similar response was found. Using crude hydrolysis of saponin, present sapogenins were released, the crystals obtained were analyzed using infrared spectroscopy, and melting point was determined. These results coincided with the Hecogenin.

Acute ethanol poisoning in a 6-year-old girl following ingestion of alcohol-based hand sanitizer at school / 世界急诊医学杂志（英文）

BACKGROUND: Alcohol-based hand sanitizers (ABHSs) have been widely used in homes, workplaces and schools to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We report a young child unintentionally ingested ABHS at a school, resulting in intoxication. METHODS: The child was a 6-year-old girl who had been brought to the emergency department (ED) for hypothermia, altered mental status (AMS), periods of hypoventilation, hypothermia and vomiting. Computed tomography of her head revealed nothing abnormal in intracranial pathology. Urine drug screening was negative. Alcohol level was 205 mg/dL on admission. Other abnormal values included potassium of 2.8 mEq/L, osmolality of 340 mOsm/kg and no hypoglycemia. Further investigation revealed that the patient had gone frequently to the class restroom for ingestion of unknown quantities of ABHSs during the day. The patient was admitted for one day for intravenous fluid hydration and close observation of her mental status. RESULTS: The patient was discharged from the hospital the next day without any complications. CONCLUSION: Despite the large safety margin of ABHSs, emergency physicians need to be aware of the potential risk of ingestion of a large amount of such products in children and consider it in the assessment and management of school-age children with acute AMS.