-
Toxics Nov 2023Guanidine disinfectants are important chemical agents with a broad spectrum of activity that are effective against most microorganisms. Chlorhexidine, one of the most...
Guanidine disinfectants are important chemical agents with a broad spectrum of activity that are effective against most microorganisms. Chlorhexidine, one of the most used guanidine disinfectants, is added to shampoo and mouthwash and applied in medical device sterilization. During the use of chlorhexidine, aerosols with micron particle size may be formed, which may cause inhalation toxicity. To assess the toxicity of inhaled chlorhexidine aerosol, mice underwent the intratracheal instillation of different concentrations of chlorhexidine (0, 0.125%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 1%) using a MicroSprayer Aerosolizer. The mice were exposed for eight weeks and then sacrificed to obtain lung tissue for subsequent experiments. Histopathology staining revealed damaged lung tissues and increased collagen exudation. At the same time, pulmonary function tests showed that chlorhexidine exposure could cause restrictive ventilatory dysfunction, consistent with pulmonary fibrosis. The results of transcriptome analyses suggest that chlorhexidine may trigger an inflammatory response and promote the activation of pathways related to extracellular matrix deposition. Further, we identified that chlorhexidine exposure might enhance mucus secretion by up-regulating and genes, thereby inducing fibrosis-like injury. These findings underscore the need for standardized use of disinfectants and the assessment of their inhalation toxicity.
PubMed: 37999562
DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110910 -
Veterinary Journal (London, England :... Apr 2024Malassezia are members of the mycobiome of dogs and cats. In the presence of an underlying disease, these yeasts can proliferate, attach to the skin or mucosa to induce... (Review)
Review
Malassezia are members of the mycobiome of dogs and cats. In the presence of an underlying disease, these yeasts can proliferate, attach to the skin or mucosa to induce a secondary Malassezia dermatitis, otitis externa or paronychia. Since allergic dermatitis is one of the most common underlying causes, diagnostic investigation for allergy is often indicated. Cats may suffer from various other underlying problems, especially where Malassezia dermatitis is generalised. Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats is chronic, relapsing and pruritic. Direct cytology from dermatological lesions and the ear canal, showing "peanut-shaped" budding yeasts, facilitates a rapid and reliable diagnosis. Topical treatment includes antiseptic and antifungal azole-based products. Systemic treatment with oral antifungals is indicated only in severe or refractory disease. Identification and treatment of the underlying cause is essential for an optimal response. In this evidence-based narrative review, we discuss the clinical presentation of Malassezia dermatitis in dogs and cats, underlying comorbidities, and diagnostic considerations. Treatment is discussed in light of emerging evidence of antifungal resistance and the authors' clinical experience.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Dogs; Malassezia; Dermatomycoses; Cat Diseases; Antifungal Agents; Dog Diseases; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Dermatitis
PubMed: 38431127
DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2024.106084 -
Allergy, Asthma & Immunology Research Nov 2023Allergic diseases are a major public health problem with increasing prevalence. These immune-mediated diseases are characterized by defective epithelial barriers, which... (Review)
Review
Allergic diseases are a major public health problem with increasing prevalence. These immune-mediated diseases are characterized by defective epithelial barriers, which are explained by the epithelial barrier theory and continuously emerging evidence. Environmental exposures (exposome) including global warming, changes and loss of biodiversity, pollution, pathogens, allergens and mites, laundry and dishwasher detergents, surfactants, shampoos, body cleaners and household cleaners, microplastics, nanoparticles, toothpaste, enzymes and emulsifiers in processed foods, and dietary habits are responsible for the mucosal and skin barrier disruption. Exposure to barrier-damaging agents causes epithelial cell injury and barrier damage, colonization of opportunistic pathogens, loss of commensal bacteria, decreased microbiota diversity, bacterial translocation, allergic sensitization, and inflammation in the periepithelial area. Here, we review scientific evidence on the environmental components that impact epithelial barriers and microbiome composition and their influence on asthma and allergic diseases. We also discuss the historical overview of allergic diseases and the evolution of the hygiene hypothesis with theoretical evidence.
PubMed: 37957791
DOI: 10.4168/aair.2023.15.6.705 -
Chemical Science Jun 2023Polymers in liquid formulations, or PLFs, are present in many of the products we use, from the shampoo we use to wash our hair, to the paint on the walls, and the...
Polymers in liquid formulations, or PLFs, are present in many of the products we use, from the shampoo we use to wash our hair, to the paint on the walls, and the lubricants in our car. They provide high functionality in these and a multitude of other applications, delivering many positive benefits to society. They are essential to global markets worth more than $1 trillion and so large quantities of these materials are made and sold each year - 36.3 million metric tonnes, the volume of 14 500 Olympic sized swimming pools! The chemical industry and the wider supply chain therefore have a responsibility to ensure that the way PLFs are made, used and disposed of at their end of life has a minimal effect on the environment. To date this seems to be a 'hidden problem', not receiving the same attention as other polymer related products, such as plastic packaging waste, yet there are clear challenges to address the sustainability concerns for these materials. To ensure that the PLF industry is economically and environmentally sustainable in the future, some key challenges need to be addressed, ensuring that new approaches to PLF production, use and end-of-life treatment are developed and utilised. Collaboration is key here, and with the UK already possessing a wealth of world-leading expertise and capability, there is an opportunity to leverage this in a coherent, focussed way to improve the overall environmental profile of these products.
PubMed: 37389259
DOI: 10.1039/d3sc90086j -
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology Apr 2024This narrative review explores alternative non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents for CRS management in adults. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
This narrative review explores alternative non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents for CRS management in adults.
METHODS
Alternative antimicrobial agents using EPOS 2020 guidelines as reference were selected, and articles dated from 2003 to 2022 in English, Portuguese, or Spanish using PubMed and EMBASE databases. The parameters analyzed included study design, evidence level, population characteristics, CRS characteristics, interventions, outcomes, sample size, randomization, blinding, and side effects. Reviews, unrelated contexts,in vitro experiments, and duplicates were excluded.
RESULTS
148 articles were screened; 19 articles were selected for analysis. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies assessing non-antibiotic antimicrobial treatments for CRS were included. Xylitol demonstrated effectiveness in reducing CRS symptoms, particularly SNOT-22 scores, surpassing saline irrigation benefits. Manuka honey showed potential microbiological benefits in recalcitrant CRS, but symptomatic and endoscopic improvements remained inconclusive. Baby shampoo irrigation improved nasal mucociliary clearance and postoperative outcomes. Colloidal silver nasal irrigation showed limited efficacy in reducing CRS symptoms or endoscopic scores. Povidone-Iodine (PI) nasal irrigation yielded mixed results, with varying effects on culture negativity and SNOT-20 scores. Bacteriophage treatment exhibited promise in decreasing specific bacterial strains and cytokine levels.
CONCLUSION
Non-antibiotic antimicrobial therapies, including xylitol, manuka honey, baby shampoo, colloidal silver, PI, bacteriophages, lactoferrin, and carrageenan offer potential alternatives for CRS in adult patients. Xylitol, baby shampoo, and PI presented benefits in improving symptoms and nasal endoscopic scores, however, the number of studies is limited for conclusive recommendations and safety assessments. CRS management should adopt a comprehensive approach, particularly for non-infectious or immune-related cases, moving beyond antibiotics. Antibiotics should be reserved for confirmed bacterial infections. Overall, this review shows the importance of exploring non-antibiotic therapies to enhance the management of CRS.
PubMed: 38696892
DOI: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2024.101436 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2023Selenium (Se), as one of the essential and nutrient components of living organisms and plants, plays an important role in life activities, while excessive selenium is...
Selenium (Se), as one of the essential and nutrient components of living organisms and plants, plays an important role in life activities, while excessive selenium is hazardous to human health. So, the establishment of an effective method for simple, rapid, and highly sensitive determination of selenium content is crucial in the field of food composition analysis and other areas. In this paper, a novel and simple ratiometric fluorescence method for the determination of Se has been developed using 9-anthracenemethanol (AM) as the ratiometric fluorescence reagent on the basis of the conventional fluorometric assay which utilized 2,3-diaminonapthalene (DAN) as fluorescent ligand. The ratiometric method was compared with the conventional method with respect to precision and accuracy. The inter-day and intra-day precisions (RSDs) of the ratiometric fluorescence method ranged from 2.08 to 2.78% and 1.28 to 1.84%, with mean recoveries of 93.2~98.0% and limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of 0.0016 and 0.0049 μg/mL, respectively. This method was successfully applied to the determination of total selenium in selenium-enriched milk and selenium-supplemented shampoo, with the results in agreement with those obtained by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results demonstrated that the precision and accuracy of the ratiometric fluorescence method were superior to those of the conventional fluorescence method, and the interferences of various environmental factors were effectively eliminated. The precision and accuracy of the conventional method can be significantly improved by simply adding an elaborately selected ratiometric fluorescence reagent, and the new method will have broader practical applications.
Topics: Humans; Selenium; Mass Spectrometry; Limit of Detection; Fluorometry; Coloring Agents
PubMed: 38005573
DOI: 10.3390/s23229187 -
Heliyon Nov 2023Hair shampoos containing botanical ingredients without synthetic additives, such as parabens, petrochemicals, sulfates and silicones are more skin- and environmentally... (Review)
Review
Hair shampoos containing botanical ingredients without synthetic additives, such as parabens, petrochemicals, sulfates and silicones are more skin- and environmentally friendly. In recent years, there is a growing demand for shampoo products with botanical extracts. Shampoos with botanical extracts are well-known for their perceived health benefits. They are also generally milder, non-toxic, natural, and less likely to disrupt the hair and scalp's natural pH and oil balance. Many also believe that shampoos with botanical origins have higher standards of quality. Numerous botanical extracts had been used as natural active ingredients in cosmetic formulations to meet consumer demands. In this review, we have revisited six tropical plants commonly added as natural active ingredients in shampoo formulations: . These plants have been traditionally used for hair care, and scientific research has shown that they exhibit relevant physicochemical properties and biological activities that are beneficial for hair care and scalp maintenance.
PubMed: 38034771
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21876 -
Toxics Nov 2023Cosmetic residues have been found in water resources, especially trace elements of precursors, couplers, and pigments of hair dyes, which are indiscriminately disposed...
Cosmetic residues have been found in water resources, especially trace elements of precursors, couplers, and pigments of hair dyes, which are indiscriminately disposed of in the sewage system. These contaminants are persistent, bioactive, and bioaccumulative, and may pose risks to living beings. Thus, the present study assessed the ecotoxicity of two types of effluents generated in beauty salons after the hair dyeing process. The toxicity of effluent derived from capillary washing with water, shampoo, and conditioner (complete effluent-CE) and effluent not associated with these products (dye effluent-DE) was evaluated by tests carried out with the aquatic organisms , , and . The bioindicators were exposed to pure samples and different dilutions of both effluents. The results showed toxicity in (CE of 3.43% and 0.54% for CE and DE, respectively); (LC 8.327% and 3.874% for CE and DE, respectively); and (LC of 4.25-4.59% and 7.33-8.18% for CE and DE, respectively). Given these results, we can infer that hair dyes, even at low concentrations, have a high toxic potential for aquatic biota, as they induced deleterious effects in all tested bioindicators.
PubMed: 37999563
DOI: 10.3390/toxics11110911 -
Advances in Colloid and Interface... Jun 2024Complex fluids encompass a significant proportion of the materials that we use today from feedstocks such as cellulose fibre dispersions, materials undergoing processing...
Complex fluids encompass a significant proportion of the materials that we use today from feedstocks such as cellulose fibre dispersions, materials undergoing processing or formulation, through to consumer end products such as shampoo. Such systems exhibit intricate behaviour due to their composition and microstructure, particularly when analysing their texture and response to flow (rheology). In particular, these fluids when flowing may undergo transitions in their nano- to microstructure, potentially aligning with flow fields, breaking and reassembling or reforming, or entirely changing phase. This manifests as macroscopic changes in material properties, such as core-annular flow of concentrated emulsions in pipelines or the favourable texture of liquid soaps. Small-angle scattering provides a unique method for probing underlying changes in fluid nano- to microstructure, from a few angströms to several microns, of complex fluids under flow. In particular, the alignment of rigid components or shape changes of soft components can be explored, along with local inter-particle ordering and global alignment with macroscopic flow fields. This review highlights recent important developments in the study of such complex fluid systems that couple flow or shear conditions with small-angle scattering measurements, and highlights the physical insight obtained by these experiments. Recent results from neutron scattering measurements made using a simple flow cell are presented, offering a facile method to explore alignment of complex fluids in an easily accessible geometry, and contextualised within existing and potential future research questions.
PubMed: 38728771
DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2024.103161