Hygiene, Volume 5, Issue 4 (December 2025) – 5 articles

Background: With the increasing popularity and diversification of cosmetic products, an expanding number of retail stores are providing in-store testers to allow consumers to try products before purchasing. However, growing concerns have been raised about microbial contamination and the associated risk of infection due to the shared use of these testers. This study aimed to investigate consumer awareness and perceived susceptibility to microbial infection associated with the use of lip cosmetic testers, and to identify major pathogenic bacteria, thereby offering evidence to support the need for improved hygiene management practices. Methods: The survey examined the use of lip cosmetic testers and related side effects, as well as perceptions of product hygiene and microbial contamination. Awareness of microbial infection and consumer sensitivity to product safety were measured using a five-point Likert scale. Microorganisms were detected through PCR analysis of genomic DNA. Results: Among 134 respondents, 95% had previously used lip cosmetic testers, and 90% recognized the potential for microbial contamination. Sensitivity to product safety was not significantly associated with sociodemographic factors. However, susceptibility to microbial infection from tester use was significantly higher among participants of older age and with higher education levels. PCR analysis of lip cosmetic testers revealed frequent detection of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Other detected bacteria included Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, all of which are known to cause oral and respiratory infections. Conclusions: The analysis revealed that the majority of individuals who have used lip cosmetic testers expressed a high level of concern regarding product contamination and the potential for infection. Multiple pathogenic bacteria linked to oral and respiratory diseases were identified in the opened tester products. These findings underscore the necessity of establishing regulatory guidelines for the management of lip cosmetic testers and highlight the importance of enhancing consumer awareness regarding hygiene practices. Full article

Breastfeeding is a complex biological system and a bidirectional physiological dialogue in which the infant may contribute to maternal breast health. This review synthesizes current evidence, clearly separating established findings from emerging hypotheses, to examine the possible infant-driven mechanisms that influence hormonal and immune homeostasis in the mammary gland. We evaluate how neonatal suckling coordinates interconnected hormonal reflexes and immune activity, and we explore the hypothesis that the retrograde flow of infant saliva to the breast tissue could activate maternal enzymatic defenses, particularly the xanthine oxidase and lactoperoxidase systems. We also consider the activation of antimicrobial peptides through direct contact at the nipple and areola, including cathelicidin and defensins, as well as the potential roles of fetal microchimerism and microbial transfer from the infant’s mouth in strengthening breast resilience. Although much of the evidence remains indirect and based on in vitro and animal models, the convergence of data supports a reformulated conceptual model that presents the infant as an active physiological partner rather than a passive recipient of milk. Recognizing this shift has important clinical implications for the prevention of inflammatory conditions such as mastitis, the improvement of breastfeeding support strategies, and the optimization of maternal and infant health outcomes. The review also identifies significant gaps in current knowledge and cautiously proposes hypotheses to explore these mechanisms. While preliminary, this framework offers an original perspective that may guide future research and open new paths in the study of human lactation biology. Full article

Oral hygiene protocols and basic oral care (BOC) are paramount for patients undergoing cancer treatment, although based upon limited evidence from clinical trials. There are a range of oral care guidelines proposed in the literature mainly focusing on oral mucositis prevention. This systematic review aimed to define the best procedures and practices in the scope of oral hygiene protocols and BOC interventions for the prevention and/or treatment of oral complications in patients under cancer treatment. This systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and the methods were previously established and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022319455). A systematic search was completed in six databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, and the Cochrane Library, and gray literature). Eleven studies were included in the qualitative analysis including non-randomized (n = 1) and randomized clinical trials (n = 6), and cohort studies (n = 4). The included studies showed the effectiveness of soft brushes for daily oral hygiene with topical fluoride, and the use of mouthwashes with 0.12% chlorhexidine, doxepin, and benzydamine and saline solutions, as well as dental scaling/prophylaxis in decreasing the severity of oral toxicities. Although not well-explored by well-designed clinical studies, BOC protocols may be effective in prevention oral toxicities from cancer therapy and are supported in multiple guidelines. This review synthesized available evidence on BOC in head and neck cancer patients, focusing on the effectiveness of hospital-based dental protocols during cancer treatment. Full article

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressively being utilized in the healthcare sector to enhance efficiency, alleviate administrative burdens, and improve patient care outcomes. In the secondary healthcare sector, AI presents a range of opportunities as well as challenges. This study investigates the viewpoints of healthcare professionals regarding the adoption of AI in Greece, emphasizing the anticipated advantages and apprehensions associated with its integration. A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out to collect responses from healthcare professionals at the General Hospital of “Evangelismos”, which is the largest hospital in Athens, Greece. A questionnaire was utilized and distributed over a period of four months, involving 513 registered healthcare professionals (comprising 136 physicians, 235 nursing staff, and 142 other healthcare personnel). Each participant had a minimum of one year of clinical experience and was selected using a convenience sampling method. The questionnaire comprised two parts: one focused on evaluating the AI knowledge and attitudes of healthcare professionals, and the other collected demographic data. The overall comprehension of knowledge pertaining to AI among healthcare professionals was evaluated as moderate, resulting in a mean score of 3.39. A distinction exists among different personnel categories, with physicians (M = 3.73) demonstrating a greater understanding of AI and a firm conviction that AI cannot supplant human positions. Conversely, nursing personnel appear to express apprehension regarding the implications of AI on the human experience, with a notable concern about potential replacement and job loss (M = 2.63), which was identified as the lowest-ranked issue. This latter concern is also echoed by other healthcare personnel (M = 2.90). Nevertheless, the majority of participants regard the prospective use of AI favorably, demonstrate confidence in its application, and contend that the benefits outweigh the possible risks. Sufficient training and ongoing updates would enhance employees’ comprehension of AI and their awareness of its potential benefits within the healthcare sector. Full article

This study aimed to explore psychosocial factors in a sample of Peruvian workers, examine their convergence with the PROPSIT model, and identify the emergence of new or idiosyncratic psychosocial dimensions. At the same time, the quality and efficiency of the categorization process were evaluated. n = 48 workers were contacted by a non-probabilistic sampling method and asked to fill out a form with open-ended questions that explored negative stressors and positive engaging factors. Some strategies were used to assess the quality and efficiency of the categorization process. The results showed that the quality, speed, and reliability of the categorization procedure were satisfactory, and several categories were aligned with the PROPSIT model and other literature, both in their negative aspects (workload and rhythm, working hours, shifts, etc.) and positive aspects (rewarding tasks, atmosphere of unity, etc.). The emerging new categories were confined to aspects of teamwork and conflict climate, as well as topics such as order, cleanliness, and recreation. These findings underline the need to adapt existing models and instruments to capture idiosyncratic aspects of the Peruvian work environment. In conclusion, this study validated an efficient mixed approach for categorizing psychosocial work factors in Peru, revealing both PROPSIT-aligned and novel context-specific categories, and highlighting the need for culturally adapted tools and broader validation. Full article