scholarly journals Preparation and Characterization of Photocatalytically Active Antibacterial Surfaces Covered with Acrylic Matrix Embedded Nano-ZnO and Nano-ZnO/Ag

Nanomaterials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 3384
Author(s):  
Merilin Rosenberg ◽  
Meeri Visnapuu ◽  
Kristjan Saal ◽  
Dmytro Danilian ◽  
Rainer Pärna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nano Zno ◽  
Log Reduction ◽  
Relative Air Humidity ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Healthcare Acquired Infections ◽  
Efficacy Assessment ◽  
End Use ◽  
Antibacterial Surfaces

In the context of healthcare-acquired infections, microbial cross-contamination and the spread of antibiotic resistance, additional passive measures to prevent pathogen carryover are urgently needed. Antimicrobial high-touch surfaces that kill microbes on contact or prevent their adhesion could be considered to mitigate the spread. Here, we demonstrate that photocatalytic nano-ZnO- and nano-ZnO/Ag-based antibacterial surfaces with efficacy of at least a 2.7-log reduction in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus viability in 2 h can be produced by simple measures using a commercial acrylic topcoat for wood surfaces. We characterize the surfaces taking into account cyclic wear and variable environmental conditions. The light-induced antibacterial and photocatalytic activities of the surfaces are enhanced by short-term cyclic wear, indicating their potential for prolonged effectivity in long-term use. As the produced surfaces are generally more effective at higher relative air humidity and silver-containing surfaces lost their contact-killing properties in dry conditions, it is important to critically evaluate the end-use conditions of materials and surfaces to be tested and select application-appropriate methods for their efficacy assessment.

scholarly journals Chemical characterization of faecal sludge in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ato Fanyin-Martin ◽  
Wilson Tamakloe ◽  
Edward Antwi ◽  
Johannes Ami ◽  
Emmanuel Awarikabey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phosphorus Content ◽  
Oxygen Demand ◽  
Chemical Characterization ◽  
Total Solids ◽  
Typical Treatment ◽  
End Use ◽  
Solids Content ◽  
Faecal Sludge

Background: Faecal sludge (FS) represents a huge resource, which when tapped and made use properly can be of great benefit to many. However, the key to tapping this resource lies in proper characterisation, in order to make known the constituents and thereby determine the end-use. Methods: Three sources of FS from 43 communities in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana were characterised in terms of their total solids content, chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, nitrogen, phosphorous and lipid contents. FS from pit latrines, public septage and private septage were analysed. Results: On average, lipid content was found to be in the range of 8.82 – 9.66% of dry FS depending on the source of FS. Total solids were between 0.79 and 4.68%, while the COD was between 9495 and 45611mg/L. Phosphorus content was in the range of 137 – 520mg/L, while nitrogen was 649 – 4479mg/L. Most FS samples were generally alkaline in nature. Conclusions: These results are amongst the first long-term characterization efforts for FS in terms of conventional and non-conventional characteristics, tailored towards typical treatment and novel resource recovery options, respectively.

Enhancing the power generation of Rhodopseudomonas palustris-based MFC

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1-4) ◽  
pp. 1261-1268
Author(s):  
Shu Otani ◽  
Dang-Trang Nguyen ◽  
Kozo Taguchi
Keyword(s):  
Activated Carbon ◽  
Rhodopseudomonas Palustris ◽  
Ozone Treatment ◽  
Maximum Power Density ◽  
On Demand ◽  
Long Time ◽  
Dry Conditions ◽  
Carbon Sheet ◽  
Uv Ozone

In this study, a portable and disposable paper-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) was fabricated. The MFC was powered by Rhodopseudomonas palustris bacteria (R. palustris). An activated carbon sheet-based anode pre-loaded organic matter (starch) and R. palustris was used. By using starch in the anode, R. palustris-loaded on the anode could be preserved for a long time in dry conditions. The MFC could generate electricity on-demand activated by adding water to the anode. The activated carbon sheet anode was treated by UV-ozone treatment to remove impurities and to improve its hydrophilicity before being loaded with R. palustris. The developed MFC could generate the maximum power density of 0.9 μW/cm2 and could be preserved for long-term usage with little performance degradation (10% after four weeks).

Comparative Characterization of Different Samples Containing Nano-ZnO Particles with Applicability in Topical Therapies

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (3) ◽  
pp. 652-656
Author(s):  
Raul Chioibas ◽  
Florin Borcan ◽  
Ovidiu Mederle ◽  
Dana Stoian ◽  
Codruta Marinela Soica
Keyword(s):  
Synthesis Method ◽  
Pharmaceutical Preparations ◽  
Ultrasound Treatment ◽  
Heating Process ◽  
White Pigment ◽  
Nano Zno ◽  
Zno Particles ◽  
Repeated Freezing ◽  
Skin Healing

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is an inorganic compound used for its antiseptic and skin healing properties. It is an excellent protective filter against UV radiation and it can be used as white pigment in pharmaceutical preparations. In this study, nano-ZnO particles were obtained by ultrasound treatment, and respectively by repeated freezing/heating process. The influence of synthesis method and of ultrasound generator parameters on the particles size and stability was observed. The results reveal that were obtained samples with a very good stability and sizes between 15 and 96 nm. It was found that synthesis based on ultrasound treatment lead to the formation of nanoparticles with lower sizes.

scholarly journals Characterization of Highly Irradiated ALPIDE Silicon Sensors

Universe ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 91
Author(s):  
Valentina Raskina ◽  
Filip Křížek
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Physics ◽  
Detection Efficiency ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Physics Institute ◽  
Total Ionization ◽  
Silicon Sensors ◽  
Active Pixel ◽  
Academy Of Sciences

The ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) experiment at CERN will upgrade its Inner Tracking System (ITS) detector. The new ITS will consist of seven coaxial cylindrical layers of ALPIDE silicon sensors which are based on Monolithic Active Pixel Sensor (MAPS) technology. We have studied the radiation hardness of ALPIDE sensors using a 30 MeV proton beam provided by the cyclotron U-120M of the Nuclear Physics Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences in Řež. In this paper, these long-term measurements will be described. After being irradiated up to the total ionization dose 2.7 Mrad and non-ionizing energy loss 2.7 × 10 13 1 MeV n eq · cm - 2 , ALPIDE sensors fulfill ITS upgrade project technical design requirements in terms of detection efficiency and fake-hit rate.

Post-Operative Dysphagia in Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

2021 ◽  
pp. 000348942110155
Author(s):  
Leonard Haller ◽  
Khush Mehul Kharidia ◽  
Caitlin Bertelsen ◽  
Jeffrey Wang ◽  
Karla O’Dell
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Anterior Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Cervical Discectomy ◽  
Long Term Follow Up

Objective: We sought to identify risk factors associated with long-term dysphagia, characterize changes in dysphagia over time, and evaluate the incidence of otolaryngology referrals for patients with long-term dysphagia following anterior cervical discectomy with fusion (ACDF). Methods: About 56 patients who underwent ACDF between May 2017 to February 2019 were included in the study. All patients were assessed for dysphagia using the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) survey preoperatively and late postoperatively (≥1 year). Additionally, 28 patients were assessed for dysphagia early postoperatively (2 weeks—3 months). Demographic data, medical comorbidities, intraoperative details, and post-operative otolaryngology referral rates were collected from electronic medical records. Results: Of the 56 patients enrolled, 21 patients (38%) had EAT-10 scores of 3 or more at long-term follow-up. None of the demographics, comorbidities, or surgical factors assessed were associated with long-term dysphagia. Patients who reported no long-term dysphagia had a mean EAT-10 score of 6.9 early postoperatively, while patients with long-term symptoms had a mean score of 18.1 ( P = .006). Of the 21 patients who reported persistent dysphagia symptoms, 3 (14%) received dysphagia testing or otolaryngology referrals post-operatively. Conclusion: Dysphagia is a notable side effect of ACDF surgery, but there are no significant demographics, comorbidities, or surgical risk factors that predict long-term dysphagia. Early postoperative characterization of dysphagia using the EAT-10 questionnaire can help predict long-term symptoms. There is inadequate screening and otolaryngology follow-up for patients with post-ACDF dysphagia.

scholarly journals Clinical characterization of 266 patients and family members with cleft lip and/or palate with associated malformations and syndromes

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Theodosia Bartzela ◽  
Björn Theuerkauf ◽  
Elisabeth Reichardt ◽  
Malte Spielmann ◽  
Charlotte Opitz
Keyword(s):  
Early Identification ◽  
Congenital Malformations ◽  
Cleft Lip ◽  
Phenotypic Variability ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Pierre Robin Sequence ◽  
Associated Malformations ◽  
Pierre Robin

Abstract Objectives To clinically characterize patients and family members with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) and associated congenital malformations or syndromes and propose possible inheritance patterns. Materials and methods An observational study of patients with CL/P, including medical and family history and intra- and extra-oral examination of their family members, was performed. Results Two hundred sixty-six patients, 1257 family members, and 42 pedigrees were included in the study. The distribution of patients according to the cleft type was 57.9% with CLP, 25.2% with cleft palate (CPO), and 12.8% with cleft lip with/without alveolus (CL/A). Seventy-four (27.8%) patients had associated malformations, and 24 (9.2%) a syndrome. The skeletal (27.7%), cardiovascular (19.3%) systems, and eyes (22.9%) were most commonly affected. Pierre Robin Sequence (7 patients) and van der Woude (4) were the most common syndromes. The majority of patients with CPO (19/24) had an associate syndrome. The families had an average of 2.45 affected members. Conclusion Individual and interfamilial phenotypic variability in patients with CL/P makes the understanding of etiopathogenesis challenging. Clinical relevance The overall prevalence of individuals with CL/P and their pedigrees with associated malformations and syndromes emphasize the need for early identification, interdisciplinary, and long-term planning.

scholarly journals Characterization of Postharvest Fungicide-Resistant Botrytis cinerea Isolates From Commercially Stored Apple Fruit

2017 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wayne M. Jurick ◽  
Otilia Macarisin ◽  
Verneta L. Gaskins ◽  
Eunhee Park ◽  
Jiujiang Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Botrytis Cinerea ◽  
Gray Mold ◽  
Apple Fruit ◽  
Sublethal Dose ◽  
Long Term Storage ◽  
Pose Control ◽  
First Time

Botrytis cinerea causes gray mold and is an economically important postharvest pathogen of fruit, vegetables, and ornamentals. Fludioxonil-sensitive B. cinerea isolates were collected in 2011 and 2013 from commercial storage in Pennsylvania. Eight isolates had values for effective concentrations for inhibiting 50% of mycelial growth of 0.0004 to 0.0038 μg/ml for fludioxonil and were dual resistant to pyrimethanil and thiabendazole. Resistance was generated in vitro, following exposure to a sublethal dose of fludioxonil, in seven of eight dual-resistant B. cinerea isolates. Three vigorously growing B. cinerea isolates with multiresistance to postharvest fungicides were further characterized and found to be osmosensitive and retained resistance in the absence of selection pressure. A representative multiresistant B. cinerea strain caused decay on apple fruit treated with postharvest fungicides, which confirmed the in vitro results. The R632I mutation in the Mrr1 gene, associated with fludioxonil resistance in B. cinerea, was not detected in multipostharvest fungicide-resistant B. cinerea isolates, suggesting that the fungus may be using additional mechanisms to mediate resistance. Results from this study show for the first time that B. cinerea with dual resistance to pyrimethanil and thiabendazole can also rapidly develop resistance to fludioxonil, which may pose control challenges in the packinghouse environment and during long-term storage.

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