Analysis of latrine fecal odor release pattern and the deodorization with composited microbial agent

As an important source of malodor, the odor gases emitted from public toilet significantly interfered the air quality of living surroundings, resulting in environmental problem which received little attention before. Thus, this paper explored the odor release pattern of latrine feces and deodorization effect with composited microbial agent in Chengdu, China. The odor release rules were investigated in sealed installations with a working volume of 9 L for 20 days. The odor units (OU), ammonia (NH3), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) were selected to assess the release of malodorous gases under different temperature and humidity, while the highest malodor release was observed under 45℃, with OU and TVOC concentration was 643.91 ± 2.49 and 7767.33 ± 33.50 mg/m3, respectively. Microbes with deodorization ability were screened and mixed into an agent, which composited of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Lactobacillus plantarum, Enterococcus faecalis and Pichia fermentans. The addition of microbial deodorant could significantly suppress the release of malodor gas during a 20-day trial, and the removal efficiency of NH3, H2S, TVOC and OU was 81.50 %, 38.31 %, 64.38 %, and 76.86 %, respectively. The analysis of microbial community structure showed that temperature was the main environmental factor driving the microbial variations in latrine feces, while Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were the main bacteria phyla involved in the formation and emission of malodorous gases. However, after adding the deodorant, the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were decreased, while the abundance of Firmicutes was increased. Furthermore, P. fermentans successfully colonized in fecal substrates and became the dominant fungus after deodorization. These results expanded the understanding of the odor release from latrine feces, and the composited microbial deodorant provided a valuable basis to the management of odor pollution.

Effects of microbial deodorizer on pig feces fermentation and the underlying deodorizing mechanism

Microbial deodorization is a novel strategy for reducing odor in livestock and poultry feces. Herein, 12 strains of ammonia (NH3) and 15 hydrogen sulfide (H2S) removing bacteria were obtained with a removal efficiency of 65.20-79.80% and 34.90-79.70%, respectively. A novel bacteria deodorant named MIX (Bacillus zhangzhouensis, Bacillus altitudinis, and Acinetobacter pittii at a ratio of 1:1:2) were obtained. MIX can shorten the temperature rising stage by 2 days and prolong the thermophilic stage by 4 days. The ability of MIX to remove NH3, H2S, and volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and the underlying removal mechanism were analyzed during pig feces fermentation. MIX can significantly reduce the concentrations of NH3 and H2S by 41.82% and 66.35% and increase the concentrations of NO3--N and SO42- by 7.80% and 8.83% (P < 0.05), respectively, on the 25th day. Moreover, the concentrations of acetic, propionate, iso-valerate, and valerate were significantly reduced. The dominant bacteria communities at the phylum level were Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Spirochaetes. B. zhangzhouensis and B. altitudinis could convert NH4+-N to NO3--N, and A. pittii could transfer H2S to SO42-. This study revealed that bacteria deodorant can reduce the concentrations of NH3, H2S, and VFAs in pig feces and increase those of NH4+, NO3-, and SO42- and has excellent potential in deodorizing livestock and poultry feces composting.

Antibacterial and deodorizing effects of cold atmospheric plasma-applied electronic deodorant

Axillary odor is a malodor produced by bacterial metabolism near the apocrine glands, which often causes discomfort in an individual's daily life and social interactions. A deodorant is a personal care product designed to alleviate or mask body odor. Currently, most deodorants contain antimicrobial chemicals and fragrances for odor management; however, direct application to the underarm skin can result in irritation or sensitivity. Therefore, there is a growing interest in technologies that enable disinfection and odor control without the antiperspirants or perfumes. The cold atmospheric plasma temporally generates reactive radicals that can eliminate bacteria and surrounding odors. In this study, cultured Staphylococcus hominis and Corynebacterium xerosis, the causative bacteria of axillary bromhidrosis, were killed after 90% plasma exposure for 3 min. Moreover, the electronic nose system indicated a significant reduction of approximately 51% in 3-hydroxy-3-methylhexanoic acid and approximately 34% in 3-methyl-3-sulfanylhexan-1-ol, the primary components of axillary odor, following a 5-min plasma exposure. These results support the dual function of our deodorant in eliminating bacteria and axillary odors without the chemical agents. Therefore, cold atmospheric plasma-applied deodorant devices have great potential for the treatment and management of axillary odors as a non-contact approach without chemical use in daily life.

Exploring Embryo-Ototoxic Effects: Insights into Deodorant-Induced Hair Cell Damage in Zebrafish

Our study investigated the embryo-ototoxic effects of deodorant2 (DA2) on zebrafish embryos, which serve as valuable model organisms due to genetic and physiological similarities to humans. We focused on understanding DA2's impact on zebrafish hair cells, which are vital for sensory perception and balance regulation. DA2, provided by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea, was used at 460 μg/mL in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), with a 0.43% DMSO solvent control group. Three experiments, each using 10 zebrafish specimens from each group, showed an initial 13% hair cell count reduction in the DA2-exposed group. Subsequent experiments demonstrated reductions of 37% and 22%, each with one mortality case. Statistical analysis revealed a significant 24% hair cell count reduction in the DA2-exposed group. We also assessed DA2's impact on zebrafish behavior. Although not statistically significant, differences in distances traveled (0.33-0.39, 95% confidence interval: -0.46-1.1, p = 0.2033) and latencies (-0.016-0.018, 95% confidence interval: -0.052-0.021, p = 0.1917) hinted at negative effects. These results highlight DA2's ototoxic properties affecting zebrafish auditory systems and behavior. Further investigation into DA2's effects on aquatic organisms and potential mitigation strategies are essential. These findings contribute to understanding DA2's safety profile, benefiting aquatic ecosystems and human health assessments.

Risk assessment, surveillance, and nonpharmaceutical prevention of acute radiation dermatitis: results of a multicentric survey among the German-speaking radiation oncology community

PURPOSE

Radiation dermatitis (RD) represents one of the most frequent side effects in radiotherapy (RT). Despite technical progress, mild and moderate RD still affects major subsets of patients and identification and management of patients with a high risk of severe RD is essential. We sought to characterize surveillance and nonpharmaceutical preventive management of RD in German-speaking hospitals and private centers.

METHODS

We conducted a survey on RD among German-speaking radiation oncologists inquiring for their evaluation of risk factors, assessment methods, and nonpharmaceutical preventive management of RD.

RESULTS

A total of 244 health professionals from public and private institutions in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland participated in the survey. RT-dependent factors were deemed most relevant for RD onset followed by lifestyle factors, emphasizing the impact of treatment conceptualization and patient education. While a broad majority of 92.8% assess RD at least once during RT, 59.0% of participants report RD at least partially arbitrarily and 17.4% stated to classify RD severity solely arbitrarily. 83.7% of all participants were unaware of patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Consensus exists on some lifestyle recommendations like avoidance of sun exposure (98.7%), hot baths (95.1%), and mechanical irritation (91.8%) under RT, while deodorant use (63.4% not at all, 22.1% with restrictions) or application of skin lotion (15.1% disapproval) remain controversial and are not recommended by guidelines or evidence-based practices.

CONCLUSION

Identification of patients at an increased risk of RD and subsequent implementation of adequate preventive measures remain relevant and challenging aspects of clinical routines. Consensus exists on several risk factors and nonpharmaceutical prevention recommendations, while RT-dependent risk factors, e.g., the fractionation scheme, or hygienic measures like deodorant use remain controversial. Surveillance is widely lacking methodology and objectivity. Intensifying outreach in the radiation oncology community is needed to improve practice patterns.

[ANAPHYLACTIC REACTION TO LYSOZYME CHLORIDE-INCLUDING DEODORANT SPRAY IN A CHILD WITH EGG ALLERGY]

BACKGROUND

Lysozyme chloride is a bactericidal substance that is included as an active ingredient in many medicines and quasi-drugs. We experienced a case of anaphylactic reaction caused by deodorant spray-containing lysozyme chloride.

CASE

The patient was a 10-year-old girl who had an egg allergy. She visited an emergency department because of urticaria, wheezing, dyspnea, and pallor after she used deodorant spray that contained lysozyme chloride derived from hen's egg white. Results for deodorant spray and lysozyme chloride were positive in both skin prick tests and basophil activation tests. According to the medical history and the results, her condition was diagnosed as an anaphylactic reaction to lysozyme chloride in the deodorant spray.

DISCUSSION

Although ingredient labelling is obligatory for lysozyme chloride in quasi-drugs, lysozyme chloride is not often described to be derived from egg white. It is important to alert patients with egg allergy to avoid lysozyme chloride-containing products.

Droplets generated from toilets during urination as a possible vehicle of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae

BACKGROUND

In the health care setting, infection control actions are fundamental for containing the dissemination of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR). Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), especially Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-KP), can spread among patients, although the dynamics of transmission are not fully known. Since CR-KP is present in wastewater and microorganisms are not completely removed from the toilet bowl by flushing, the risk of transmission in settings where toilets are shared should be addressed. We investigated whether urinating generates droplets that can be a vehicle for bacteria and explored the use of an innovative foam to control and eliminate this phenomenon.

METHODS

To study droplet formation during urination, we set up an experiment in which different geometrical configurations of toilets could be reproduced and customized. To demonstrate that droplets can mobilize bacteria from the toilet bowl, a standard ceramic toilet was contaminated with a KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae ST101 isolate. Then, we reproduced urination and attached culture dishes to the bottom of the toilet lid for bacterial colony recovery with and without foam.

RESULTS

Rebound droplets invariably formed, irrespective of the geometrical configuration of the toilet. In microbiological experiments, we demonstrated that bacteria are always mobilized from the toilet bowl (mean value: 0.11 ± 0.05 CFU/cm2) and showed that a specific foam layer can completely suppress mobilization.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that droplets generated from toilets during urination can be a hidden source of CR-KP transmission in settings where toilets are shared among colonized and noncolonized patients.

The Morphological Effects of ZnO Upon the Antimicrobial and Deodorant Activities of Polyethylene Terephthalate/ZnO Composite Filaments

In this study, the morphological effects of ZnO on the antimicrobial and deodorant activities of synthetic fibers were investigated. Three different polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/ZnO filaments were prepared by incorporating various ZnO nanostructures (rods, plates, and spheres) into PET filaments via a melt-spinning process. The antimicrobial activity of the as-prepared fibers was evaluated by the shake-flask method using two types of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The deodorant activity of the as-prepared fibers was evaluated by the gas detection tube method. All the PET/ZnO filaments exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity with a bacterial reduction value of 99.9%. The PET/ZnO rod filament showed the best deodorant performance of 60.0%. Both the antimicrobial and deodorant activities of the PET/ZnO filaments were influenced by the morphology of ZnO. However, the morphology of ZnO had a different effect on each functionality of the PET/ZnO filaments. The antimicrobial activity of the PET/ZnO filaments was mainly affected by the physical properties of ZnO rather than its morphology. By contrast, the deodorant activity of the PET/ZnO filaments was highly influenced by the morphology of ZnO.

Functional characterisation of a SNP in the ABCC11 allele - effects on axillary skin metabolism, odour generation and associated behaviours

BACKGROUND

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), 538G→A, leading to a G180R substitution in the ABCC11 gene results in reduced concentrations of apocrine derived axillary odour precursors.

OBJECTIVE

Determine the axillary odour levels in the SNP ABCC11 genotype variants and to investigate if other parameters associated with odour production are affected.

METHODS

Axillary odour was assessed by subjective quantification and gas chromatography headspace analysis. Metabolite profiles, microbiome diversity and personal hygiene habits were also assessed.

RESULTS

Axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes was significantly lower compared to the G/A and G/G genotypes. However, the perception-based measures still detected appreciable levels of axillary odour in the A/A subjects. Metabolomic analysis highlighted significant differences in axillary skin metabolites between A/A subjects compared to those carrying the G allele. These differences resulted in A/A subjects lacking specific volatile odourants in the axillary headspace, but all genotypes produced odoriferous short chain fatty acids. Microbiomic analysis revealed differences in the relative abundance of key bacterial genera associated with odour generation between the different genotypes. Deodorant usage indicated a high level of self awareness of axillary odour levels with A/A individuals less likely to adopt personal hygiene habits designed to eradicate/mask its presence.

CONCLUSIONS

The SNP in the ABCC11 gene results in lower levels of axillary odour in the A/A homozygotes compared to those carrying the G allele, but A/A subjects still produce noticeable amounts of axillary odour. Differences in axillary skin metabolites, bacterial genera and personal hygiene behaviours also appear to be influenced by this SNP.

Re-examining the evidence in radiation dermatitis management literature: an overview and a critical appraisal of systematic reviews

PURPOSE

To provide an overview and a critical appraisal of systematic reviews (SRs) of published interventions for the prevention/management of radiation dermatitis.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We searched Medline, CINAHL, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. We also manually searched through individual reference lists of potentially eligible articles and a number of key journals in the topic area. Two authors screened all potential articles and included eligible SRs. Two authors critically appraised and extracted key findings from the included reviews using AMSTAR (the measurement tool for "assessment of multiple systematic reviews").

RESULTS

Of 1837 potential titles, 6 SRs were included. A number of interventions have been reported to be potentially beneficial for managing radiation dermatitis. Interventions evaluated in these reviews included skin care advice, steroidal/nonsteroidal topical agents, systemic therapies, modes of radiation delivery, and dressings. However, all the included SRs reported that there is insufficient evidence supporting any single effective intervention. The methodological quality of the included studies varied, and methodological shortfalls in these reviews might create biases to the overall results or recommendations for clinical practice.

CONCLUSIONS

An up-to-date high-quality SR in the prevention/management of radiation dermatitis is needed to guide practice and direction for future research. We recommend that clinicians or guideline developers critically evaluate the information of SRs in their decision making.

Two episodes of axillary granular parakeratosis triggered by different causes: case report

Granular parakeratosis is an acquired disorder of keratinization characterized by keratotic papules and plaques located in the intertriginous areas. Its etiology is unknown. Some cases have been related to the application of deodorants and antiperspirants, local irritation or increased sweating; in other cases no precipitant factors have been found. We report a case of axillary granular parakeratosis in an adult male in whom the lesions appeared twice under different circumstances: the first time the lesions appeared after local irritation produced by an antiperspirant and/or the use of a paste containing zinc oxide; two years later, an identical eruption reappeared in both axillae, while using his habitual deodorant and without a preceding irritation of the zone; only excessive sweating was mentioned this time after a weight gain of 20 kg. On both occasions, the lesions disappeared completely a few days after using topical calcipotriol. A constitutional factor may predispose the development of granular parakeratosis, which must be considered a reaction pattern that can be induced by multiple different causes.

Treatment of unpleasant odors in municipal wastewater treatment plants

The purpose of this paper to present a case study on how to address the odor problem from secondary sources within a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) by first identifying the locations of the problem and second by evaluating alternative treatment technologies. The WWTP of Chania is a typical 100,000 equivalent inhabitants-facility in a warm semi-arid environment which is located close to residential areas. The installation of a chemical scrubber to control major odor sources within the plant did not succeed in eliminating complaints by nearby residents, and additional measures were required. In this case study we identify all major secondary sources of odor within the plant and evaluate the effectiveness of the different technologies that were employed to address this problem (cover installation, gas and liquid phase oxidation, activated carbon/permanganate absorption, FeCl(3) addition). In particular, we found that installation of covers and reduction of turbulence at two key locations within the WWTP was the best strategy to combat unpleasant odors. Furthermore, when the central chemical scrubber was near capacity the installation of an auxiliary system of activated carbon absorption coupled to permanganate oxidation was deemed to be a safe approach. However, despite the very high removal efficiency (>99.5%) of the unit, the addition of FeCl(3) in the liquid phase was required in order to achieve complete deodorization (below the human odor threshold level).

Removal of trimethylamine by adsorption over zeolite catalysts and deodorization of fish oil

Trimethylamine (TMA) is the main agent for the odor often associated with fouling fish, some infections, and bad breath. This study focused on the adsorption of TMA over various microporous zeolites for application in the low-temperature deodorization of fishy odor from raw fish oil. The faujasite (Si/Al=3) zeolite exhibited the high adsorption ability, which, in combination with its wide surface area and pore volume, may have induced the high adsorption ability. The H-mordenite (Si/Al=10) zeolite exhibited a large TMA adsorption. It was considered to have generated more attractive adsorption with TMA ions, because TMA interacted briskly with cations of acid sites on the zeolites. The fishy odor of raw fish oil was considerably reduced by low-temperature adsorption on the zeolites. The surface area of the zeolites retained most of the TMA adsorption ability, and their acid strength further enhanced the adsorption ability.

Under the influence of the active deodorant ingredient 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol, the skin bacterium Corynebacterium jeikeium moderately responds with differential gene expression

A 70mer oligonucleotide microarray was constructed to analyze genome-wide expression profiles of Corynebacterium jeikeium, a skin bacterium that is predominantly present in the human axilla and involved in axillary odor formation. Oligonucleotides representing 100% of the predicted coding regions of the C. jeikeium K411 genome were designed and spotted in quadruplicate onto epoxy-coated glass slides. The quality of the printed microarray was demonstrated by co-hybridization with fluorescently labeled cDNA probes obtained from exponentially growing C. jeikeium cultures. Accordingly, genes detected with different intensities resulting in log(2) transformed ratios greater than 0.8 or smaller than -0.8 can be regarded as differentially expressed with a confidence level greater than 99%. In an application example, we measured global changes of gene expression during growth of C. jeikeium in the presence of different concentrations of the deodorant component 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol that is active in preventing body odor formation. Global expression profiling revealed that low concentrations of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol (0.5 and 2.5mg/ml) had almost no detectable effect on the transcriptome of C. jeikeium. A slightly higher concentration of 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzyl alcohol (5mg/ml) resulted in differential expression of 95 genes, 86 of which showed an enhanced expression when compared to a control culture. Besides many genes encoding proteins that apparently participate in transcription and translation, the drug resistance determinant cmx and the predicted virulence factors sapA and sapD showed significantly enhanced expression levels. Differential expression of relevant genes was validated by real-time reverse transcription PCR assays.

Current Therapeutic Options for Treating Primary Hyperhidrosis

Severe hyperhidrosis can cause extreme embarrassment that may lead to social and professional isolation. Therapeutic strategies to hyperhidrosis should employ the least invasive treatment that provides effective symptom control. The treatment options available for control of hyperhidrosis, non-surgical or surgical, differ in their invasiveness and efficacy. Mechanisms of action of antiperspirants, iontophoresis, cholinergic inhibitor drugs, botulinum toxin, and surgical sympathectomy are reviewed. There is little published evidence in the form of comparative randomised trials to support the use of one treatment over another. However, authors have tended to recommend those therapies that are available to their speciality. Specific therapies should be tailored to the patient's symptoms to gain maximum symptomatic improvement with minimum invasiveness and side-effects. To achieve this, the full range of treatment options should be available to, or accessible by the consulting doctor in order for the patient to have a meaningful choice.

Variation in feminine hygiene practices as a function of age

OBJECTIVE

To examine variation in feminine hygiene practices as a function of increasing age.

DESIGN

A nonexperimental, descriptive research design with study sample stratified by age.

PARTICIPANTS

Women over 18 years of age. Of 713 women who completed and returned the feminine hygiene practices questionnaire, 180 were younger than 41 years, 171 were 41-48 years, 184 were 49-57 years, and 178 were 58 years or older. All participants were members of a California professional home economics organization.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

A 40-item feminine hygiene practices questionnaire dealing with body cleansing practices, feminine products usage, and both general and specific menses collection and protection practices.

RESULTS

Significant age-related differences were found in several areas of body cleansing and feminine products usage, including sponge bathing and use of feminine and deodorant spray, wet wipes, and panty liners. In all age groups, 20-30% of women reported douching, even in the face of continued reports of the dangers in this practice. In addition, reduced numbers of women (n = 245) in all age groups reported washing hands before using tampons or pads, although more (n = 314) reported washing their hands afterward.

CONCLUSIONS

Continuing education about proper feminine hygiene practices, especially regarding douching and handwashing before and after genitourinary contact, will be important across all age groups.

The effects of antimicrobial mouthrinses on oral malodor and their status relative to US Food and Drug Administration regulations

This study was undertaken to review the rationale behind the usage of antibacterial mouthrinses to control oral malodor and to evaluate the claims made for antibacterial mouthrinses against the statements of US Food and Drug Administration regulations. The literature from 1960 to August 1997, found in a MEDLINE search on oral malodor, halitosis, and tongue microbiology, was examined. Clinical trials that were double blind and had selected subjects who exhibited a detectable level of oral malodor were evaluated. Individuals who experience oral malodor resulting from the overgrowth of proteolytic, anaerobic bacteria on their tongue surfaces can be successfully treated by a regimen that includes tongue brushing and toothbrushing, often in combination with use of a mouthrinse containing an antibacterial agent. Several candidate mouthrinses containing essential oils, zinc chloride, or an oil-water-cetylpyridinium chloride mouthrinse have reduced the organoleptic scores of individuals with moderate levels of oral malodor in the absence of tongue brushing. Very little long-term data beyond 6 weeks of usage are available. These mouthrinses should be marketed as oral deodorants that are analogous in purpose to the usage of deodorant soaps to control and/or eliminate body malodors.

La roca magica: uses of natural zeolites in agriculture and industry

For nearly 200 years since their discovery in 1756, geologists considered the zeolite minerals to occur as fairly large crystals in the vugs and cavities of basalts and other traprock formations. Here, they were prized by mineral collectors, but their small abundance and polymineralic nature defied commercial exploitation. As the synthetic zeolite (molecular sieve) business began to take hold in the late 1950s, huge beds of zeolite-rich sediments, formed by the alteration of volcanic ash (glass) in lake and marine waters, were discovered in the western United States and elsewhere in the world. These beds were found to contain as much as 95% of a single zeolite; they were generally flat-lying and easily mined by surface methods. The properties of these low-cost natural materials mimicked those of many of their synthetic counterparts, and considerable effort has made since that time to develop applications for them based on their unique adsorption, cation-exchange, dehydration-rehydration, and catalytic properties. Natural zeolites (i.e., those found in volcanogenic sedimentary rocks) have been and are being used as building stone, as lightweight aggregate and pozzolans in cements and concretes, as filler in paper, in the take-up of Cs and Sr from nuclear waste and fallout, as soil amendments in agronomy and horticulture, in the removal of ammonia from municipal, industrial, and agricultural waste and drinking waters, as energy exchangers in solar refrigerators, as dietary supplements in animal diets, as consumer deodorizers, in pet litters, in taking up ammonia from animal manures, and as ammonia filters in kidney-dialysis units. From their use in construction during Roman times, to their role as hydroponic (zeoponic) substrate for growing plants on space missions, to their recent success in the healing of cuts and wounds, natural zeolites are now considered to be full-fledged mineral commodities, the use of which promise to expand even more in the future.

Deodorants, value, and performance

For the health-care market, like the deodorant market, the message is clear: Add value or your product will not be competitive. For physicians of all specialties, the best way to add value is to measure and improve performance. Performance measurement is critical to improvement in health care. Without measurement, there can be no improvement in quality. Without improvement in quality, there is no added value. Oncologists can take at least two actions to add value for their health plans: (1) measure practice performance and demonstrate a quality improvement; and (2) become the personal-care physician for cancer patients.

Measurement of 6-MV X-ray surface dose when topical agents are applied prior to external beam irradiation

PURPOSE

Radiation therapy patients are typically warned not to apply lotions, deodorants, or powders to the skin within the treatment area because of the possible increase in surface dose due primarily to a bolus effect. This study investigates the effect of 15 products, with and without high atomic number components, on surface dose.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A Markus-type parallel plate ionization chamber in a polystyrene phantom was used to measure surface doses for normal applications of the products for a small (5 x 5-cm2) and a large (25 x 25-cm2) field size.

RESULTS

The greatest surface dose increase for any product was 5.4% (21.8-27.2%) of the d(max) dose for the small field and 1.0% (43.6-44.6%) for the large field. Products with high-atomic-number components did not increase the surface dose relative to radiation therapy specialty products.

CONCLUSION

No large increase in surface dose was detected with a normal application of the products. However, the possibility exists that an increase in skin reaction may occur owing to chemical irritants in the applied product.

Risk factors for hypoplastic left heart syndrome

A case-control study was performed in Finland to investigate the etiology of the lethal heart malformation, hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). The cases represented all verified HLHS (n = 34) in Finland during 1982-1983, and controls (n = 756) were randomly selected from all babies born during the same period. Both case and control mothers were interviewed by midwives approximately 3 mo after delivery. Maternal upper respiratory infection during the first trimester of pregnancy was a significant risk factor for HLHS (OR = 2.5, Cl95 = 1.2-5.4). Maternal exposures at work to factors such as disinfectants, pesticides, dyes, lacquers or paints, and anesthetic gases were rare and failed to indicate any risk for HLHS. Maternal use of deodorants or hairsprays during the first trimester of pregnancy was not a significant risk factor for HLHS (OR = 1.8, Cl95 = 0.9-3.6). The risk of HLHS was not associated with seasonal variation, maternal smoking, alcohol or coffee consumption, or use of acetosalicylic acid. Because the study material is limited in size, the power of this investigation is weak for testing the teratogenicity of specific chemicals on the risk of HLHS. Thus, conclusions from the negative findings of this study should be drawn very carefully.

Self-reported awareness of the presence of product warning messages and signs by Hispanics in San Francisco

This study investigated the self-reported awareness of the presence of product warning messages and signs among random samples of Hispanics in San Francisco surveyed in 1990 and in 1991. The messages that were tested related to cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, and other consumer products. A random sample of 1,204 Hispanics (43.5 percent males) were interviewed by telephone in 1990. The corresponding figure for the second survey in 1991 was 1,569 Hispanics (41.1 percent males). In general, respondents reported low levels of awareness of the presence of product warning messages and signs. The exception was warning messages on cigarette packets which approximately 70 percent of the respondents reported having seen within the 12 months before the survey. There was an increase from 1990 to 1991 in the reported awareness of warning messages for wine, beer, and cigarettes. Smokers and drinkers of alcoholic beverages reported the highest levels of awareness of the relevant warning messages and signs. Length of exposure to warning messages and multiplicity of sources (for example, advertisements and products) seem to produce greater levels of awareness of the presence of product warning messages. Less acculturated, Spanish-speaking Hispanics are less likely to report being aware of the warnings, particularly those that appear only in English (for example, alcoholic beverages).

The relationship between tooth brushing frequency and personal hygiene habits in teenagers

A survey of 904, 14-17 year old school children from secondary schools around Nairobi was done to find out if there was any relationship between toothbrushing frequency and personal hygiene habits. The students completed a questionnaire anonymously in class. Female students brushed their teeth more often than the male students. 62.2% of the females and 50.1% of the males brushed their teeth more than once a day. Of those students who brushed their teeth more than once a day, 52% bathed daily, 22% used perfumes/deodorants daily and 50.1% always washed their hands after visiting the lavatory. No relationship was found between washing of hair and toothbrushing frequency. 69.7% males and 53.2% females gave toothache and tooth decay as the main reasons for mouth care. Those who brushed their teeth more frequently also visited the medical doctor regularly for routine check-ups. These findings indicated that toothbrushing was closely related to personal hygiene habits.

Factors affecting plasma aluminum concentrations in nonexposed workers

In this study, the distribution and determinants of plasma aluminum concentrations were examined in 71 office employees not occupationally exposed to aluminum. The samples were analyzed by Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy and were found to be log normally distributed. After using the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) recommended procedure for removal of likely aberrant values, the 95th percentile value was 198 nmol/L (90% CI:165-238); when those using antacids were also excluded, the 95th percentile value fell to 175 nmol/L (90% CI:147-208). Multiple regression analysis indicated that the factors most predictive of log plasma aluminum were the batch in which the sample was analyzed and the use of antacids containing aluminum. The statistical significance of the batch variable likely indicates the well-recognized problem of contamination in sampling and analyzing aluminum.

Health effects of indoor odorants

People assess the quality of the air indoors primarily on the basis of its odors and on their perception of associated health risk. The major current contributors to indoor odorants are human occupant odors (body odor), environmental tobacco smoke, volatile building materials, bio-odorants (particularly mold and animal-derived materials), air fresheners, deodorants, and perfumes. These are most often present as complex mixtures, making measurement of the total odorant problem difficult. There is no current method of measuring human body odor, other than by human panel studies of expert judges of air quality. Human body odors have been quantitated in terms of the "olf" which is the amount of air pollution produced by the average person. Another quantitative unit of odorants is the "decipol," which is the perceived level of pollution produced by the average human ventilated by 10 L/sec of unpolluted air or its equivalent level of dissatisfaction from nonhuman air pollutants. The standard regulatory approach, focusing on individual constituents or chemicals, is not likely to be successful in adequately controlling odorants in indoor air. Besides the current approach of setting minimum ventilation standards to prevent health effects due to indoor air pollution, a standard based on the olf or decipol unit might be more efficacious as well as simpler to measure.

A newly designed deodorant pad for urinary incontinence

The authors designed a new pad for urinary incontinence. It is composed of a cloth of acrylonitrile copper sulfide and another cloth of iron-phthalocyanine. In vitro experiments showed that acrylonitrile copper sulfide cloth inhibited the growth of most bacteria causing urinary tract infection, and that iron-phthalocyanine cloth effectively eliminated bad-smelling gases. The use of this pad relieved diaper-dermatitis and diminished offensive smells from feces and urine. This pad was well received by nurses and helpers taking care of incontinent elderly people.

[Deodorant gaskets for colostomy patients]

The results of the experiments for the objective evaluation on a model system of the protective effect of deodorant gaskets on colostomy patients are given. It has been determined that the deodorant capacity of the above gaskets is more than two times higher than that of its "washer filter" analog manufactured by the foreign "Coloplast" company.

Antiperspirants and deodorants

Since the introduction of the first commercial deodorant and antiperspirant, use of underarm products has assumed an increasing role in individual personal care habits. This paper reviews the physiology of human perspiration and describes the function and classification of antiperspirants and deodorants.

Properties of thirteen kinds of adsorbents for removal of hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, methyl sulfide, trimethylamine, and ammonia

Adsorption of hydrogen sulfide, methanethiol, methyl sulfide, trimethylamine, and ammonia on thirteen kinds of adsorbents (5 kinds of silicate, 4 kinds of activated carbon, and 4 kinds of zeolite) was measured by gravimetry, at 30 degrees C and 50 Torr, using an adsorption apparatus with a spring balance in order to find the most suitable adsorbent for the removal of these gases by dry process. The relations between the amount of these gases adsorbed (mmol/cm2) on the adsorbent and the surface properties or the porous structure were examined to clarify the mechanism of adsorption of these gases on them through surface pH, pore size distribution, and area of an adsorbed particle of these gases. Among the thirteen adsorbents, the activated carbon Nos. 6 and 7 were the most suitable adsorbent for methanethiol, methyl sulfide, and trimethylamine whose area of an adsobed particle (wrho) was larger than about 17 A2, and zeolite Nos. 12 and 13 were most suitable for removal of hydrogen sulfide and ammonia (wrho less than about 17A2). The amount of these gases adsorbed (mmol/cm2) on these adsorbents was mainly determined by their porous structure rather than by their surface properties.