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The most common skin disorder is acne (Acne vulgaris) which is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs in the pilosebaceous unit. Infection can be caused by Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus aureus. Moringa leaves are known to inhibit acne growth. Piper crocatum leaves are also thought to have antibacterial activity. The study aims to determine the effect of the combination of the two extracts in inhibiting the growth of acne-causing bacteria, also tested the gel formula to meet physical and chemical parameters as well as stability to temperature and storage, also to test the acute dermal irritation against rabbit. Each extract with a concentration of 0.3%; 0.6%; 1.25%; 2.5%; 5%; 10%; 20%, incubated then measured the inhibition zone, then determined the minimum inhibition zone concentration of the two extracts to determine the lowest levels of the extracts which still gave antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria by the well diffusion method. The extract combination was formulated in a gel preparation with the excipients Carbopol 940, PG, Phenoxyethanol, TEA, CMC, and Aquadest. Antibacterial activity test for gel preparations used the well method with positive control Medi-Klin® gel. Then the formula evaluation includes physical, chemical, and microbiological evaluations. The results showed that the combination gel form had activity against P. acne and S. aureus at concentrations of 2.5% : 2.5%. The combination gel preparation of the two extracts also has synergistic effect in inhibiting acne bacteria. The formula can meet physical and chemical parameters and is stable to temperature and storage.

Embalming fixatives such as formaldehyde and phenol have been associated with occupational health hazards. While anatomists aim at replacing these chemicals, this seems presently unfeasible in particular for formaldehyde. Furthermore, fixation protocols usually require well‐equipped facilities with highly experienced staff to achieve good fixation results in spite of only a minimal use of formaldehyde. Combining these aspects, a technique robust enough to be carried out by morticians is presented, resulting in durable tissues with minimal formaldehyde use. An embalming protocol involving phenoxyethanol was established, using concentrations of 7 and 1.5 Vol% of phenoxyethanol in the fixative and the conservation fluid, respectively. Visual, haptic, histological, and biomechanical properties and their perceived potential to positively influence student learning outcomes were compared to standard embalming techniques. The phenoxyethanol technique provides esthetic, durable, and odorless tissues. Bleaching is less pronounced compared to ethanol‐ or formaldehyde‐based protocols. The tissues remain pliable following the phenoxyethanol‐based embalming and can be used for biomechanical experiments to some extent. Phenoxyethanol‐fixed tissues are well suited for undergraduate teaching with perceived positive learning outcomes and partly for postgraduate training. Phenoxyethanol tissues provide the option to obtain well‐preserved histology samples, similar to those derived from formaldehyde. The provided protocol helps replace the use of phenol and formaldehyde for conservation purposes and minimizes the use of formaldehyde for the initial injection fixation. Phenoxyethanol‐based embalming forms an effective alternative to standard embalming techniques for human cadavers. It is simple to use, allowing fixation procedures to be carried out in less sophisticated facilities with non‐anatomy staff.

The advantages and disadvantages of modern antiseptics for local treatment and prevention of wound infections are considered. On the basis of data of comparative clinical studies the advantages of topical drugs based on octenidine dihydrochloride in combination with phenoxyethanol are presented. The advantages of octenidine dihydrochloride/ phenoxyethanol as a local antiseptic for treatment and prevention of wound infections in case of wound defects, burns are described.

Over the last two decades, significant advances have been made in developing disposable baby wet wipes. Wet wipes consist of two main components: nonwoven fabric and liquid. Being more than 90% water, wet wipes are more susceptible to microbial growth than typical personal care products, hence, high concentrations of preservative compounds are often used to ensure extended protection against contamination. However, there is an obvious tendency to minimize the concentration of irritating actives. Baby wet wipes should contain particularly mild surfactants, well-tolerated preservatives, and a buffer system maintaining the formulation pH at a suitable level for the infant’s skin. Efforts have been centered on removing ingredients with irritation potential, such as phenoxyethanol. In addition, a move towards more natural fabrics is occurring. However, these modifications provoke new challenges in preserving the final products. The nature and composition of the fiber can influence the interactions between the preservative and the wipe, subsequently affecting the performance of the preservative system. In this study, we analyzed the causes of the challenge in preserving wet wipes. We found that fabrics containing natural fibers are the main source of contamination, promoting the generation of biofilms on their surfaces. Moreover, the hydrophilic–lipophilic balance (HLB) was utilized to rationalize the physicochemical interactions between the fabric and the preservatives.

Preservative efficacy testing (PET) is a fundamental practice in industrial microbiology used to ensure product shelf-life and quality. To improve on current growth-based PET, bioluminescence was evaluated as a real-time bacterial viability indicator using Pseudomonas aeruginosa . Random mutagenesis of an industrial P. aeruginosa strain with a promoter-less luxCDABE mini-Tn5 was used to select a stable reporter (LUX12H5) with an un-altered growth and preservative susceptibility phenotype. Bioluminescence and viability were measured with and without preservatives (isothiazolinones, phenoxyethanol, and dimethyl dimethylol hydantoin) and an antibiotic comparator (ciprofloxacin). In the absence of antimicrobials, a good correlation between bioluminescence and viability (r2=0.92) was established. However, metabolic inhibition by isothiazolinone preservatives caused a rapid decline in light output that did not correlate to a reduced viability. Conversely, after ciprofloxacin exposure, the decline in viability was greater than that of bioluminescence. A positive attribute of the bioluminescence was the early detection of metabolic recovery and re-growth of preservative injured bacteria. Overall, while initial bioluminescence read-outs were less suited to current PET requirements, it shows promise as an early, direct indicator of bacterial regrowth in the context of long-term evaluation of preservative efficacy.

Pharmaceutical grade bentonite, containing a high amount of montmorillonite, enriched with zinc (Zn) or copper (Cu) (ZnBent and CuBent, respectively) was used as the main component for the creation of formulations for cutaneous use and tested for their antimicrobial capacity. Bentonite (Bent) with added phenoxyethanol (PH) as a preservative and unmodified bentonite were used as control groups. The mineralogical composition, structural state, and physical or chemical properties, before and after the modification of the samples, were characterized utilizing X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques, and Scanning Electron Microscope-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM, SEM-EDS) analyses. In addition, the profile of zinc and copper concentration from two types of surfaces ZnBent and CuBent, and into Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) are discussed. Finally, the formulations in the form of basic pastes were challenged against bacteria, molds, and yeasts, and their performance was evaluated based on the European Pharmacopeia criteria. The Cu-modified bentonite performed excellently against bacteria and yeasts, while the Zn-modified bentonite only showed great results against yeasts. Therefore, Cu-modified bentonite formulations could offer antimicrobial protection without the use of preservatives.

Background Preservatives are often necessary components of commercial products. Large-scale North American studies on preservative allergy are limited. Objective To evaluate demographics, positive patch test reactions (PPTRs), clinical relevance, and trends for preservatives tested by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. Methods We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of North American Contact Dermatitis Group patch testing results of preservatives from 1994 through 2016. Results A total of 50,799 patients were tested; 11,338 (22.3%) had a PPTR to at least 1 preservative. The most frequent reactions were to methylisothiazolinone 0.2% aqueous (aq) (12.2%), formaldehyde 2% aq (7.8%), formaldehyde 1% aq (7.8%), quaternium-15 2% petrolatum (pet) (7.7%), and methyldibromo glutaronitrile/phenoxyethanol 2% pet (5.1%). Paraben mix 12% pet (1%), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate 0.1% pet (0.4%), benzyl alcohol 1% pet (0.3%), and phenoxyethanol 1% pet (0.2%) had the lowest PPTRs. Linear regression analysis of preservatives tested showed that only methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone 0.01% aq (parameter estimate, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.17-0.66; P Limitations Collected variables are dependent on clinical judgment. Results may be prone to referral selection bias. Conclusions This large North American study provides insight on preservative PPTRs and trends from 1994 through 2016.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:12:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 The safety assessment of cosmetic products is based on the safety of the ingredients, which requires information on chemical structures, toxicological profiles, and exposure data. Approximately 6% of the population is sensitized to cosmetic ingredients, especially preservatives and fragrances. In this context, the aim of this study was to perform a hazard assessment and risk characterization of benzalkonium chloride (BAC), benzyl alcohol (BA), caprylyl glycol (CG), ethylhexylglycerin (EG), chlorphenesin (CP), dehydroacetic acid (DHA), sodium dehydroacetate (SDH), iodopropynyl butylcarbamate (IPBC), methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MIT), methylisothiazolinone (MIT), phenoxyethanol (PE), potassium sorbate (PS), and sodium benzoate (SB). Considering the integrated approaches to testing and assessment (IATA) and weight of evidence (WoE) as a decision tree, based on published safety reports. The hazard assessment was composed of a toxicological matrix correlating the toxicity level, defined as low (L), moderate (M), or high (H) and local or systemic exposure, considering the endpoints of skin sensitization, skin irritation, eye irritation, phototoxicity, acute oral toxicity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity/genotoxicity, and endocrine activity. In a risk assessment approach, most preservatives had a margin of safety (MoS) above 100, except for DHA, SDH, and EG, considering the worst-case scenario (100% dermal absorption). However, isolated data do not set up a safety assessment. It is necessary to carry out a rational risk characterization considering hazard and exposure assessment to estimate the level of risk of an adverse health outcome, based on the concentration in a product, frequency of use, type of product, route of exposure, body surface location, and target population. Department of Safety Assessment Grupo Boticário School of Pharmaceutical Sciences UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista School of Pharmaceutical Sciences UNESP - Univ Estadual Paulista

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Parabens are widely used as preservatives in the last decades. Others preservatives such as 2-phenoxyethanol, which in addition to his good antimicrobial activity, has low allergenic potential as well others properties of interest to the cosmetic industry. In this work was developed a method for determination of methylparaben (MP), propylparaben (PP) and 2-phenoxyethanol (FE) in cosmetic products by HPLC-DAD using QuEChERS as sample preparation. For application in cosmetic samples, the original QuEChERS method was modified and optimized by evaluate of different solvents for extraction and sorbents for clean up step. Increases at recoveries of analytes were obtained employing acetone as solvent and PSA for clean up step, showed recoveries between 83.7% and 88.6% for all analytes. The method was validated according to ANVISA (linear range: 0.1 to 2.5 µg mL-1 for MP and PP, and 1.5 to 6.0 µg mL-1 for FE). Precision was evaluated by repeatability and intermediate precision with coefficients of variation (%) lower than 10% in all concentrations analysed, and accuracy was evaluated, with values ranging from 93.77% to 108.13%. The QuEChERS-HPLC-DAD method was tested in real samples (moisturizing cream and lotion, cleansing gel), where the concentration values were found below the maximum limit established by ANVISA.

Introduction and objectives Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common skin disease among pediatric patients, which affects up to 20% of children worldwide. Characterized by pruritus and eczema, it is also associated with improper skin barrier function and allergen sensitization. Here, we aimed to assess the presence of haptens in emollients marketed in two European countries: in Poland and Spain, as, firstly, these products are considered to be AD's basic therapy, and, secondly, frequent application of potent sensitizers on atopic skin may result in contact dermatitis. Materials and methods We systematically searched for moisturizers explicitly described as “Atopic skin care” products in the most frequently visited online pharmacies in Poland and Spain. Subsequently, we created a database of all products and compared their composition with 139 contact haptens listed in the European Baseline Series (EBS), Fragrance and Cosmetic Series. Results As of December 2018, our list comprised 159 and 111 emollients available on the Polish and Spanish markets, respectively. There were no ingredients listed in 28 (17.5%) products in Poland and 24 (21.6%) in Spain. Only 23 (17.5%) and 13 (14.8%) products were hapten free. The pattern of most common haptens was similar in both countries, including phenoxyethanol, tocopherol and tocopheryl acetate, undefined parfum in Poland and tocopherol, phenoxyethanol, tocopheryl acetate and undefined parfum in Spain. Conclusions This study shows that a vast majority of products taken into consideration contain at least one potential contact hapten. These findings indicate a need for patient education about potentially allergenic ingredients and stronger cooperation between academia and cosmetic manufacturers.

Blue and green cosmetics are sensitive products for microbial contamination and reducing the contamination producing according to Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice (ISO 22716), providing proper storage condition and packaging are effective factors. In addition antimicrobial effective preservatives can be added to protect the cosmetic products. 1,2 Generally, preservatives are chemical substrates that are effective on cytoplasm (conjugation mechanism, ribosomes, nucleic acids, thiol groups, amino groups), cell wall and cytoplasm membrane (membrane potential, enzymes, membrane penetration). 3 The neutralization of the antimicrobial effect of the preservatives in microbiological quality control of cosmetics is essential for the safety of the tests. The antimicrobial preservative in the cosmetic which is transferred to the medium affects the test negatively. The neutralization process can be carried out according to international standards used in microbiological analysis of cosmetic products. The neutralization of preservatives in cosmetics can be performed by adding of neutralizing agents in solvent, medium and/or washing solution. The agents which are reacted with the preservative groups for the removal of antimicrobial affect are used for this neutralization process which is necessary for the removal of antimicrobial effect. According to European Pharmacopeia 2.6.12. sodium bisulfite for glutaraldehyde and mercury compounds; dilution for sorbates and aldehydes; lecithin, polysorbate 80, saponin for quaternary ammonium compounds, parabens and iodines; thioglycollate for mercurial; thiosulfate for halogens can be used as neutralizing agents. 4 Lecithin, polysorbate 80 for parabens, phenoxyethanol, phenylethanol; Lecithin, saponin, polysorbate 80, sodium dodecyl sulphate for quaternary ammonium compounds and cationic surfactants; glycine, histidine for aldehydes formaldehyde - release agents; sodium thiosulphate for oxidizing agents; sodium bisulphate, L-cysteine and thioglycollic acid for metallic salts can be added to the medium, solvent and/or washing solutions according to ISO 21149. 5 For the removal of antimicrobial effect, neutralizing agents in proper concentrations should be added to medium, solvents and washing solutions. The addition of these agents with antimicrobial effect should be proved by the studies of conformity. Neutralizing agents react with antimicrobial agents to eliminate the antimicrobial effect.

Parabens usage as preservatives in cosmetics and personal care products have been debated among scientists and consumers. Parabens are easy to production, effective and cheap, but its safety status remains controversial. Other popular cosmetics preservatives are formaldehyde, triclosan, methylisothiazolinone, methylchloroisothiazolinone, phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol and sodium benzoate. Although their high antimicrobial effectiveness, they also exhibit some adverse health effects. Lately, scientists have shown that natural substances such as essential oils and plant extracts present antimicrobial potential. However, their use in cosmetic is a challenge. The present review article is a comprehensive summary of the available methods to prevent microbial contamination of cosmetics and personal care products, which can allow reducing the use of parabens in these products.

Introduction Preservatives are added to cosmetic, household cleaning, and other industrial products to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Unfortunately, exposure to these substances can cause sensitization. Material and methods Between January and June 2015, we analyzed the ingredients of 2300 products commercially available in Spain to identify the frequency of a wide variety of preservatives in different product categories. We analyzed 1093 skin care and cosmetic products sold exclusively in pharmacies (dermocosmetics), 458 household cleaning and personal hygiene and cosmetic products sold in supermarkets, 636 topical medications, and 113 cosmetic products sold in a herbal shop. Results Phenoxyethanol, citric acid, sodium benzoate, and potassium sorbate were very common in all the cosmetic product categories. Parabens were present in 16.1% of dermocosmetic products, 14.45% of cosmetic products available in supermarkets, 0.88% of cosmetic products available in the herbal shop, 5.18% of topical medications, and in none of the cleaning products. Isothiazolinones were identified in 2.56% of dermocosmetic products, 18% of cosmetic products in supermarkets, 7.9% of cosmetic products in the herbal shop, 63.63% of household cleaners, and in none of the topical medications. Formaldehyde releasers were detected in 5.76% of dermocosmetic products, 6.42% of cosmetic products sold in supermarkets, 7.96% of cosmetic products sold in the herbal shop, 3.93% of topical medications, and 16.74% of household cleaners. Conclusions Evaluation of the presence of preservatives in everyday products allows us to indirectly estimate exposure levels to each one. Measures restricting the use of the most problematic preservatives need to be strengthened.

Parabens and phenoxyethanol are chemical compounds widely used as preservatives and antimicrobial agents in cosmetic and personal care products. The issue of their effect on human and environmental health is a particularly topical and relevant one that many national and international agencies reported about the risk from the use of such compounds. In the present paper, iron doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthetized and characterized by morphological and spectroscopic techniques. The proposed synthesis was designed to improve the photocatalytic activity of the nanostructures towards the two preservatives compounds when irradiated by a visible light, in order to optimize the effect of natural irradiation on the photodegradation of the two compounds. Preliminary photocatalytic tests showed that the analytes’ concentration in water solutions under illumination in presence of both iron-doped TiO2 and pure TiO2 decreased. A sensible enhancement of photocatalysis of both propylparaben and phenoxyethanol was recorded in presence of the Fe-doped nanostructures as a consequence of the physical and chemical properties of the catalyst.

Phenoxyethanol, or 2-phenoxyethanol, has a large spectrum of antimicrobial activity and has been widely used as a preservative in cosmetic products for decades. It is effective against various Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as against yeasts, and has only a weak inhibitory effect on resident skin flora. According to the European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, phenoxyethanol is safe for all consumers - including children of all ages - when used as a preservative in cosmetic products at a maximum concentration of 1%. Adverse systemic effects have been observed in toxicological studies on animals but only when the levels of exposure were many magnitudes higher (around 200-fold higher) than those to which consumers are exposed when using phenoxyethanol-containing cosmetic products. Despite its widespread use in cosmetic products, phenoxyethanol is a rare sensitizer. It can be considered as one of the most well-tolerated preservatives used in cosmetic products.

TEZ12271 Tez (Yüksek Lisans) -- Çukurova Üniversitesi, Adana, 2019. Kaynakça (s. 35-42) var. IX, 43 s. :_tablo ;_29 cm. Bu çalışmada fenoksietanolün juvenil japon balığında (3.87 cm ve 4.05 g ) 30 dakika ve 15 saat süreli uygulamalarındaki optimal doz tespit edilmiştir. Ayrıca, japon balığının 1/4 su ve 3/4 oksijen basılmış naylon torbalarda 15 saat taşınmasında, fenoksietanol ve açlık süresinin balığın stok miktarına etkileri belirlenmiştir. Balıkların anesteziye giriş süresi doza bağlı olarak 3 ile 11 dakika, anesteziden çıkış süresi ise 5 ile 15 dakika arasında gerçekleşmiştir. Fenoksietanolün balık üzerindeki anestezik etkisi 100 ?l/L' dozdan itibaren başlamıştır. Derin anestezi için fenoksietanolün uygun dozları 30 dakika süre için 250 ?l/L, 15 saat süre için 200 ?l/L' dir. Balıkların naylon torbalarda taşınmasında 4 gün aç bırakılması 2 gün aç bırakılmasına göre daha yüksek bir stoklamaya olanak sağlamış (P0.05). Açlık süresi, anestezik uygulaması ve stoklama oranları arasında bir intereaksiyon bulunamamıştır (P>0.05). Fenoksietanol kullanmaksızın 4 gün aç bırakılan japon balıklarının oksijen basılmış naylon torbalarda 40, 60 ve 80 adet/L stoklama koşullarında % 100, 98.33 ve 91.87 yaşama oranı tespit edilmiştir. Birim hacimde taşınacak balık sayısı ve yaşama oranı birlikte ele alındığında, juvenil japon balıkları için optimal stoklama oranı litreye 60 adet balık uygun gözükmektedir. In this study, the optimum dose of phenoxyethonol in juvenile goldfish (3.87cm and 4.05 g) between 30 minutes and 15 hours application was determined. In addition, the effects of phenoxyethanol and starvation time on the fish were determined in the transport of goldfish in 1/4 water and 3/4 oxygen compressed nylon bags for 15 hours. The anesthesia time of the fish was between 3 and 11 minutes depending on the dose and the exit time from the anesthesia was between 5 and 15 minutes. The anesthetic effect of phenoxyethanol on fish started from the dose of 100 ?l / L. Suitable doses of phenoxyethanol for deep anesthesia are 250 ?l / L for 30 minutes and 200 ?l / L for 15 hours. Starving the fish in nylon bags for 4 days provided a higher storage opportunity than fasting for 2 days (P 0.05). There was no interaction between starvation time, anesthetic administration and stocking rates (P> 0.05). 100%, 98.33 and 91.87% survival rates were determined in 40, 60 and 80 pcs / L stocking conditions of oxygen fished nylon bags which were starved for 4 days without using phenoxyethanol. When the number of fish to be transported in mass and survival rate are taken together, the optimal stocking rate for juvenile goldfish is 60 fish per liter. Bu çalışma Ç.Ü. Bilimsel Araştırma Projeleri Birimi tarafından desteklenmiştir. Proje No: SÜF2013YL5.

Blue and green cosmetics are sensitive products for microbial contamination and reducing the contamination producing according to Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practice (ISO 22716), providing proper storage condition and packaging are effective factors. In addition antimicrobial effective preservatives can be added to protect the cosmetic products. 1,2 Generally, preservatives are chemical substrates that are effective on cytoplasm (conjugation mechanism, ribosomes, nucleic acids, thiol groups, amino groups), cell wall and cytoplasm membrane (membrane potential, enzymes, membrane penetration). 3 The neutralization of the antimicrobial effect of the preservatives in microbiological quality control of cosmetics is essential for the safety of the tests. The antimicrobial preservative in the cosmetic which is transferred to the medium affects the test negatively. The neutralization process can be carried out according to international standards used in microbiological analysis of cosmetic products. The neutralization of preservatives in cosmetics can be performed by adding of neutralizing agents in solvent, medium and/or washing solution. The agents which are reacted with the preservative groups for the removal of antimicrobial affect are used for this neutralization process which is necessary for the removal of antimicrobial effect. According to European Pharmacopeia 2.6.12. sodium bisulfite for glutaraldehyde and mercury compounds; dilution for sorbates and aldehydes; lecithin, polysorbate 80, saponin for quaternary ammonium compounds, parabens and iodines; thioglycollate for mercurial; thiosulfate for halogens can be used as neutralizing agents. 4 Lecithin, polysorbate 80 for parabens, phenoxyethanol, phenylethanol; Lecithin, saponin, polysorbate 80, sodium dodecyl sulphate for quaternary ammonium compounds and cationic surfactants; glycine, histidine for aldehydes formaldehyde - release agents; sodium thiosulphate for oxidizing agents; sodium bisulphate, L-cysteine and thioglycollic acid for metallic salts can be added to the medium, solvent and/or washing solutions according to ISO 21149. 5 For the removal of antimicrobial effect, neutralizing agents in proper concentrations should be added to medium, solvents and washing solutions. The addition of these agents with antimicrobial effect should be proved by the studies of conformity. Neutralizing agents react with antimicrobial agents to eliminate the antimicrobial effect.

Semisolid dosage forms are recommended for the dermal care of babies and children. If we look at the ingredients of these preparations, there are still many cases in which there are substances (occlusive agents, preservatives) that no longer meet certain requirements of the modern age, so it is timely to replace them with other substances. The aim of this work was to formulate a science-based formulation with new components that keep or improve its moisturizing properties, rheological parameters, and microbiological stability. Occlusive oils, like white petrolatum and liquid paraffin and the preservative parabens are traditional ingredients in oil in water creams, were replaced with white beeswax, sunflower oil, and phenoxyethanol, respectively. Cocoa butter, urea, and glycerol were added to improve long-lasting hydration and support the barrier function of the reformulated creams. The rheological properties of the formulations were determined. The effects of the preparations on skin hydration and on the barrier function of the skin were tested. Furthermore, microbiological stability was investigated. The result of the reformulation was an o/w cream that provided a good longer-lasting hydration effect, supported the barrier function of the baby skin without occlusion, and had adequate consistency, easy spreading, a pleasant skin feeling, proper pH, and good microbiological stability.

The aim was to investigate first-care procedures for the newborn's umbilical cord at maternity hospitals in Slovenia and Croatia. The study was based on an empirical survey research approach and quantitative research paradigms and included all Slovenian (n=14) and all Croatian (n=35) maternity hospitals. Leaders of midwifery team of 14 Slovenian and 35 Croatian labor wards were invited to participate. The study was conducted in 2013, with 67% of Slovenian and 66% of Croatian maternity hospitals having responded. A causal and non-experimental method of empirical research was used. The research instrument was a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics was used on data analysis. The independence hypothesis was tested with the χ2-test or Kullback 2I-test. A vast ma-jority of study wards employed delayed umbilical cord clamping, i.e. clamping the cord after pulsa-tion had ceased. Only 10% of Slovenian in comparison with 36.4% of Croatian maternity hospitals practiced dry cord care. Others applied disinfectant on the cord, in Slovenia most frequently 6% po-tassium permanganate, and in Croatia a combination of octenidine and phenoxyethanol. Most Croa-tian -maternity wards (95.7%) still covered the stump, while it was not regular practice in Slovenia. The authors estimate that the prevailing Slovenian and Croatian practices in regard to cord clamping are in accordance with the evidence, while improvements could be made regarding stump care, since dry cord care is the recommended method.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common contaminant associated with product recalls in the home and personal care industry. Preservation systems are used to prevent spoilage and protect consumers, but greater knowledge is needed of preservative resistance mechanisms used by P. aeruginosa contaminants. We aimed to identify genetic pathways associated with preservative exposure by using an industrial P. aeruginosa strain and implementing RNA-Seq to understand gene expression changes in response to industry relevant conditions. The consistent differential expression of five genetic pathways during exposure to multiple industrial growth conditions associated with benzisothiazolone (BIT) and phenoxyethanol (POE) preservatives, and a laundry detergent (LD) formulation, was observed. A MexPQ-OpmE Resistance Nodulation Division efflux pump system was commonly upregulated in response to POE, a combination of BIT and POE, and LD together with BIT. In response to all industry conditions, a putative sialic acid transporter and isoprenoid biosynthesis gnyRDBHAL operon demonstrated consistent upregulation. Two operons phnBA and pqsEDCBA involved in Pseudomonas quinolone signaling production and quorum-sensing were also consistently downregulated during exposure to all the industry conditions. The ability to identify consistently differentially expressed genetic pathways in P. aeruginosa can inform the development of future targeted preservation systems that maintain product safety and minimise resistance development., Exposing an industrial Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain to multiple industry relevant conditions associated with the preservatives benzisothiazolone and phenoxyethanol, and a laundry detergent, results in the consistent differential expression of five genetic pathways.