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[Display omitted] SERS measurements for monitoring bactericides in dairy products are highly desired for food safety problems. However, the complicated preparation process of SERS substrates greatly impedes the promotion of SERS. Here, we propose acoustofluidic one-step synthesis of Ag nanoparticles on paper substrates for SERS detection. Our method is economical, fast, simple, and eco-friendly. We adopted laser cutting to cut out appropriate paper shapes, and aldehydes were simultaneously produced at the cutting edge in the pyrolysis of cellulose by laser which were leveraged as the reducing reagent. In the synthesis, only 5 μL of Ag precursor was added to complete the reaction, and no reducing agent was used. Our recently developed acoustofluidic device was employed to intensely mix Ag+ ions and aldehydes and spread the reduced Ag nanoparticles over the substrate. The SERS substrate was fabricated in 1 step and 3 min. The standard R6G solution measurement demonstrated the excellent signal and prominent uniformity of the fabricated SERS substrates. SERS detection of the safe concentration of three bactericides, including tetracycline hydrochloride, thiabendazole, and malachite green, from food samples can be achieved using fabricated substrates. We take the least cost, time, reagents, and steps to fabricate the SERS substrate with satisfying performance. Our work has an extraodinary meaning for the green preparation and large-scale application of SERS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this study, a cost-effective way to deposit the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on paper egg trays was developed, which proved suitable for prolonged storage of table eggs for house-hold use without deterioration of egg quality. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized based on chemical reduction approach and mixed with gelatin-chitosan mixer used as a colloidal stabilizer as well as fixing agent. AgNPs-doped paper egg trays were characterized by TEM, SEM, FTIR, EDX and XRD. AgNPs containing egg trays were tested for its bactericidal effect against commonly found bacteria on egg shells, E. coli, S. aureus, Streptococcus spp and Salmonella spp. Storing of eggs in the AgNPs-deposited paper egg trays improved the shelf-life of the eggs by more than 14 days compared to controls (eggs stored in conventional trays). In conclusion, the developed paper trays possessed strong antimicrobial activity and it could be an effective storage material for eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

There is an urgent need for cheap point-of-use methods to purify drinking water. We describe a method to deactivate pathogenic bacteria by percolation through a paper sheet containing silver nanoparticles. The silver nanoparticles are deposited by the in situ reduction of silver nitrate on the cellulose fibers of an absorbent blotting paper sheet. The aim is to achieve inactivation of bacteria during percolation through the sheet, rather than removal of bacteria from the effluent by filtration. The silver-nanoparticle containing (AgNP) papers were tested for performance in the laboratory with respect to bacteria inactivation and silver leaching as suspensions of bacteria percolated through the paper. The AgNP sheets exhibited antibacterial properties toward suspensions of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, with log reduction values in the effluent of over log 6 and log 3, respectively. The silver loss from the AgNP sheets was minimal, with values under 0.1 ppm (the current US EPA and WHO limit for silver in drinking water). These results show promise that percolation of bacterially contaminated water through paper embedded with silver nanoparticles could be an effective emergency water treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrophilic knotwood extracts from 18 wood species were assessed in disc diffusion and liquid culture tests for antibacterial effects against three species of paper mill bacteria. The Pinus sylvestris, P. resinosa, P. contorta, and P. banksiana extracts decreased or inhibited bacterial growth. The susceptibility order was P. sylvestris > P. resinosa > P. contorta > P. banksiana, correlating with the concentrations of pinosylvin and pinosylvin monomethyl ether in these wood species. Also, Pseudotsuga menziesii and Thuja occidentalis extracts had a small inhibitory effect. The Gram-positive Bacillus coagulans was more susceptible to the extracts than the Gram-negative Burkholderia multivorans and Alcaligenes xylosoxydans. The main components in the Pinus knotwood extracts were pinosylvin monomethyl ether and pinosylvin, suggesting these to be the active components. Therefore, pure pinosylvin, pinosylvin monomethyl ether, and dihydro-pinosylvin monomethyl ether were also tested. All compounds showed antibacterial effects. However, higher concentrations were needed for these pure compounds than for the knotwood extracts. Pinosylvin had stronger antibacterial effects than pinosylvin monomethyl ether. This work shows that knotwood extracts, especially from Pinus species, have a potential for use as natural biocides in papermaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to define suitable conditions for sample handling and storage of urine samples in order to ensure reliable analysis of selenium-containing volatile metabolites. Short-term stability testing (from sample collection to 30–35 hours) included: temperature (room, i.e.22 ± 2 °C, refrigerator (4 °C)), the presence and absence of light, and addition of a bactericide (0.05% NaN3). The long-term stability study evaluated urine storage at −20 and −80 °C over a period of 4 weeks. This work was conducted with normal urine samples, i.e.from non-supplemented human volunteers, in order to profile baseline metabolites and corresponding concentration levels. The results indicate that urine samples should be maintained in the dark immediately after collection and preferably analyzed within the day of collection. If temporary storage cannot be avoided, it should be at 4 °C after addition of NaN3. For longer period, urine samples can be stored at −20 or −80 °C without measurable changes respectively for 2 to 4 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we report a simple, feasible and low-cost method to fabricate self-standing metallic materials using cellulose-based biomass as sacrificial templates. This process involves the impregnation of metallic precursors to the cellulose fibers of biomass templates and the transformation of the precursors to corresponding metals or metal oxides (as well as the removal of the cellulose framework) at an elevated temperature. The structures of the metallic materials as fabricated take the form of architectures of biomass templates (e.g., chromatography paper, medical absorbent cotton, catkins of reed, seed balls of oriental plane, and petals of peach blossom), and the various kinds of metals and metal oxides fabricated with these templates include silver, gold, anatase, cupric oxide, zinc oxide, etc. We have demonstrated photocatalytic and bactericidal applications of such metallic materials, and they should find more applications in electronics, catalysis, energy storage, biomedicine and so on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite progress in antimicrobial drug development, a critical need persists for new, feasible pathways to develop antibacterial agents to treat people infected with drug-resistant bacteria. Infections due to resistant gram-negative bacilli continue to cause unacceptable morbidity and mortality rates. Antibacterial agents have been historically studied in noninferiority clinical trials that focus on a single site of infection (eg, complicated urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections), yet these designs may not be optimal, and often are not feasible, for study of infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Over the past several years, multiple stakeholders have worked to develop consensus regarding paths forward with a goal of facilitating timely conduct of antimicrobial development. Here we advocate for a novel and pragmatic approach and, toward this end, present feasible trial designs for antibacterial agents that could enable conduct of narrow-spectrum, organism-specific clinical trials and ultimately approval of critically needed new antibacterial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mineralize their shells, molluscs secrete a complex cocktail of proteins—collectively defined as the calcifying shell matrix—that remains occluded in the exoskeleton. Nowadays, protein extracts from shells are recognized as a potential source of bioactive substances, among which signalling molecules, bactericides or protease inhibitors offer the most tangible perspectives in applied sciences, health, and aquaculture. However, one technical obstacle in testing the activity of shell extracts lies in their high insolubility. In this paper, we present a protocol that circumvents this impediment. After an adapted shell protein extraction and the production of two organic fractions—one soluble, one insoluble—we employ a hand-operated tablet press machine to generate well-calibrated tablets composed of 100% insoluble shell matrix. FT-IR monitoring of the quality of the tablets shows that the pressure used in the press machine does not impair the molecular properties of the insoluble extracts. The produced tablets can be directly tested in different biological assays, such as the bactericidal inhibition zone assay in Petri dish, as illustrated here. Diverting the use of the hand-operated tablet press opens new perspectives in the analysis of insoluble shell matrices, for discovering novel bioactive components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: There is uncertainty regarding the safety of surgical antiseptic preparations in the ear. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to assess the evidence regarding ototoxicity of surgical antiseptic preparations. Methods: A literature search was conducted using the PRISMA methods. Key words included "ototoxicity" "hearing loss", "antiseptic", "surgical preparation", "tympanoplasty", "vestibular dysfunction", "chlorhexidine", "iodine", "povidone", "ethanol", and "hydrogen peroxide" using Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science. We included peer-reviewed papers that 1) objectively measured ototoxicity in humans or animals through hearing, vestibular function or histologic examination, 2) studied topically applied surgical antiseptic preparations, 3) were either in English or had an English abstract. We excluded papers that were 1) in vitro studies, 2) ear trauma studies, 3) studies of ototoxic ear drops intended for therapy, or 4) case reports. Studies included in the final review were screened using the PRISMA method. Current systematic review registration number pending: 83,675. Results: Fifty-six papers were identified as using PRISMA criteria. After applying our exclusion criteria, 13 papers met overall study criteria. Of these, six papers reported ototoxicity of iodine based solutions, five papers reported ototoxicity of chlorhexidine and ethanol and two papers assessed hydrogen peroxide. All papers reviewed were animal studies. Iodine based solutions show least harm overall, while chlorhexidine and high concentrations of alcohol based solutions showed most harm. The evidence on hydrogen based solutions was inconclusive. Conclusions: The overall evidence for anyone antiseptic solution is weak. There is some evidence that iodine, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and alcohol based antiseptics have ototoxicity. Conclusive evidence for human ototoxicity from any solution is not strong. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with premature failure of two well fluid lines of an offshore asset. The well fluid lines leaked due to internal corrosion. In the internal surface of the failed pipes, longitudinal groove and holes were observed at the 6 o'clock position. The superficial liquid velocity of both the lines was significantly low which resulted in settling, deposition and accumulation of suspended solids, and biomass as a result of proliferation of bacterial colonies. These conditions made the site prone to microbial-induced corrosion and under deposit corrosion. Apart from low velocity, lack of required cleaning pigging, inadequate dosing of corrosion inhibitor and bactericide caused premature failure of the pipes. The details of tests carried out with their results and suitable recommendations have been provided in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Due to the urgent need to develop innovative, environmentally sustainable bactericides, we use the natural product isoquinoline as a lead compound to discover highly active bactericides from isoquinoline derivatives. Methods: In this paper, the antibacterial activity of 49 isoquinoline derivatives was evaluated against three plant bacteria in vitro. Results: Among all the derivatives, isoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid (IQ3CA) demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Ralstonia solanacearum (Rs), Acidovorax citrulli (Ac), X. oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc), X. campestris pv. campestris (Xcc), P. carotovorum subsp. carotovorum (Pcc), and X. fragariae (Xf), with EC50 values ranging from 8.38 to 17.35 μg/mL. Furthermore, IQ3CA exhibited a potent protective effect against Ac, with an efficacy of 68.56% at 200 μg/mL, which was not significantly different from that of the positive control kasugamycin (72.48%) and was superior to that of the positive control thiosen copper (64.62%). The scanning electron microscopy observations revealed that treatment of Ac cells with IQ3CA at a concentration of 25 μg/mL resulted in a curved and sunken cell morphology, along with destroyed cell membrane integrity. Additionally, the motility and exopolysaccharides production of Ac were inhibited, and biofilm formation was prevented. Conclusion: These results suggest that IQ3CA holds promise as a lead compound with antibacterial properties against plant diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The dominant route of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 is airborne, through respiratory transmission by aerosols or droplets which can be measured by viral load in exhaled air. Several natural substances have shown antiviral activity. The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the effect of a chewing gum containing natural antiseptic ingredients (cinnamon-, peppermint- and lemon-oil, quercetin, spermidine, ginger and ginseng) on viral load in exhalative air in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: Nine patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled and exhaled forcefully into a special mouthpiece at different time points before and after chewing the antiseptic gum. The mouthpiece contained a filter paper serving for extraction of coronaviruses following real-time PCR to quantify the viral load. Results and conclusion: Cycle threshold (Ct) values of all patients increased after chewing the gum. The mean difference between the Ct values at baseline (before chewing the antiseptic gum) and time point 30 min (15 min after chewing) was 3.8 ± 2.6; (93% viral load reduction; p = 0.002). Time point 15 min (2.7 ± 1.7 (83% viral load reduction; p = 0.003)), 60 min (3.0 ± 3.4 (88% viral load reduction; p = 0.028)), 90 min (3.7 ± 1.8 (92% viral load reduction; p = 0.004)) and 120 min (3.0 ± 3.7 (91% viral load reduction; p = 0.05)) showed similar results. The antiseptic chewing gum demonstrated a significant potential to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in exhalative air and, in this way, reduce further spread and infection risk. Larger placebo-controlled clinical trials are required to confirm these findings further. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ongoing influx of information regarding the presence of ethylene oxide in food requires the implementation of a simple and quick analytical procedure. This paper propounds one such effective procedure for the analysis of ethylene oxide (EtO) bactericides by GC-MS/MS in food. The presented method is based on the derivatization of ethylene oxide to 2-chloroethanol, with both the number of extraction steps and the volume of extraction solvent having been minimized. The purification of the final extract through a syringe filter has proved to significantly reduce the amount of recovery obtained. Since the definition of residue pesticide ethylene oxide, according to the directive 868/2015, states that ethylene oxide is the sum of ethylene oxide and 2-chloroethanol expressed as ethylene oxide, the validated method allows for the determination of this definition. The presented method has turned out to be faster than other methods and it complies with the latest European guidelines for the analysis of pesticide residues outlined in the SANTE/11312/2021 document. Linearity, limits of detection and quantification, matrix effects, accuracy, and precision of the method have been assessed with respect to the above-mentioned document. Expanded uncertainty RSDr was less than or equal to 20%, while the recovery achieved oscillated within the range of 70–120%. The laboratory has been accredited for using the described procedure of the chromatographic method, the competence of which has been confirmed by numerous proficiency tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents overviews of several research and reports on wound healing published in various scientific journals. Topics discussed include a study on effect of topical antiseptics on microcirculation of intact human skin by J. Rothenberger and others; another study on diagnosing surgical site infection by P. Sanger and others and a report on advanced wound care market growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3% during 2016-2022.

The results of the study of the effect of water and oxygen on copper-containing composites [Cu(HM)(H2O)]· x CuO are presented in the paper. Composites were products of reduction of Cu2+-ions by zinc in the presence of maleic acid (H2M). The effect of these composites' suspensions on bacteria strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis has been studied as well. It was found that the composites [Cu(HM)(H2O)]xCu0 contain copper maleate complexes of two modifications: mononuclear [Cu(HM)(H2O)] and binuclear [Cu(HM)(H2O)]Cu0. [Cu(HM)(H2O)] complex is the soluble form as a result of its significantly higher hydrophilicity. This complex is also the main bioactive component, which is proved by the fact that the antibacterial effect of the composites on staphylococcus strains changes synchronously with the change of their solubility in the x-interval from 0 to 1. The absence of atomic copper π-complexes [Cu(H2M)(H2O)] in composites with x > 1 leads to a sharp decrease in their bactericidal activity. Last fact confirms the conclusion about the nature of the bioactive substance and indicates that bioactive metal nanodispersion does not formed in composites concentrated by copper atoms. It was shown that the optimal composition of the copper-containing composite corresponds to the formula [Cu(HM)(H2O)] 0.5Cu0. This substance has a sufficiently high level of bactericidal activity but it is highly resistant to the oxidation by atmospheric oxygen in combination with water unlike [Cu(HM(H2O)] complexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Challenges in the investigation of major antiseptics using an experimental spectrophotometric device operating in the wavelength range 200–1100 nm are considered. Spectrometry is a reliable, informative, and highly accurate tool for capturing information on study objects, so identifying the optical parameters of antiseptics is a promising and relevant task. Objectives and tasks are defined and objects and methods of research for the addressing the questions posed are given. This paper presents the appearance, optical design, and technical characteristics of an experimental spectrophotometric device. The spectral dependences of transmittance in the operating wavelength range were determined. Spectral peaks for the transparency of test substances in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum were determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial antagonists are effective as an alternative to synthetic bactericides in the control of potato soft rot. The use of bioagents reduces the application of synthetic bactericides, which are harmful to humans and the environment. However, the mechanisms of some bioagents, such as some fungi and bacteria, are not yet understood. This paper reviews the current situation of potato soft rot, biological controls, antagonistic bioagents and their mechanisms, application strategies and future directions in today's agriculture. These mechanisms include mycoparasitism, competition, rhizosphere colonisation, synthesis and release of metabolites. Bioagents increased the defensive system of plants by increasing the antioxidants genes, such as superoxide dismutase, peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT), and eventually increased the plant growth and yield production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To review the effectiveness of antiseptic oral sprays on oral health. Methods and materials: Three electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of oral sprays to placebo/control spray or mouthrinse on dental plaque and gingival inflammation were included. Results: Among a total of 996 papers, 20 effective studies fulfilled the selection criteria, and 8 studies were suitable for inclusion in meta‐analyses. A meta‐analysis of three studies using a 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) spray intervention, without prophylaxis at baseline, showed reductions in Plaque Index (PI) (Silness and Löe) and Gingival Index (GI) (Silness and Löe) scores of 0.74 (95% CI: −1.03 to −0.45) and 0.22 (95% CI: −0.38 to −0.06), respectively. Five studies provided a prophylaxis for subjects before study initiation. Three of these five studies used 0.2% CHX spray. A meta‐analysis demonstrated an increase of 0.18 (95% CI: −0.01 to 0.37) in PI (Silness and Löe) scores. Two RCTs compared 0.12% and 0.2% CHX spray, and a meta‐analysis showed increases of 1.71 (95% CI: 1.27 to 2.14) and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.23 to 1.93), respectively, in PI (Quigley and Hein) scores. Of the RCTs not amenable to meta‐analysis, eight studies reported significant improvements in PI and GI scores. Conclusions: Available evidence suggests that oral sprays are an acceptable delivery method for antiseptic agents. Further high‐quality studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of alternative chemotherapeutic agents delivered via oral sprays on oral health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome of management of diabetic foot ulcers remains a challenge, and there remains continuing uncertainty concerning optimal approaches to management. It is for these reasons that in 2008 and 2012, the International Working Group of the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) working group on wound healing published systematic reviews of the evidence to inform protocols for routine care and to highlight areas, which should be considered for further study. The same working group has now updated this review by considering papers on the interventions to improve the healing of chronic ulcers published between June 2010 and June 2014. Methodological quality of selected studies was independently assessed by two reviewers using Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network criteria. Selected studies fell into the following ten categories: sharp debridement and wound bed preparation with larvae or hydrotherapy; wound bed preparation using antiseptics, applications and dressing products; resection of the chronic wound; oxygen and other gases, compression or negative pressure therapy; products designed to correct aspects of wound biochemistry and cell biology associated with impaired wound healing; application of cells, including platelets and stem cells; bioengineered skin and skin grafts; electrical, electromagnetic, lasers, shockwaves and ultrasound and other systemic therapies, which did not fit in the aforementioned categories. Heterogeneity of studies prevented pooled analysis of results. Of the 2161 papers identified, 30 were selected for grading following full text review. The present report is an update of the earlier IWGDF systematic reviews, and the conclusion is similar: that with the possible exception of negative pressure wound therapy in post-operative wounds, there is little published evidence to justify the use of newer therapies. Analysis of the evidence continues to present difficulties in this field as controlled studies remain few and the majority continue to be of poor methodological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The present paper aimed to clarify the species and the virulence of soft rot pathogens in major Pinellia ternata production areas of China, and provide technical support for P. ternata production, disease prevention and control. [Method] The disease occurrence of soft rot was investigated in national P. ternata production areas firstly. Then, the study of isolation, identification, pathogenicity test and the biological characteristics of these soft rot pathogens were performed according to Koch's postulation. In addition, the pathogenicity of three dominant pathogens of soft rot was compared and analyzed by inoculating the leaves and tubers in vitro, and the bactericides of the three dominant pathogens were screened by using antibacterial circle measurement algorithm. [Result] P. carotovorum, P. aroidearum and D. fangzhongdai were the dominant pathogens of P. ternata in China. Among them, P. carotovorum and P. aroidearum were widely distributed and could be detected in the four major P. ternata production areas in China, while D. fangzhongdai was found only in Tianmen city of Hubei province. The virulence of P. carotovorum was better than D. fangzhongdai and P. aroidearum was the worst, and they were more easily to infect the P. ternata from the backside of the leaves. Culturing 3 strains in different conditions showed that the optimal growth temperature was 28-30 °C and the optimal pH was 8.0. Laboratory bactericides screening experiment showed that the chemical bactericides thiamoxidone, sodium dichloroisocyanurate and biogenic bactericide ethicallin among 26 kinds of bactericides could significantly inhibite the growth of these three dominant soft rot pathogens with the EC50 value of them less than 50 µg/mL. [Conclusion] P. carotovorum, P. aroidearum and D. fangzhongdai were the main pathogens of soft rot of P. ternata, and P. carotovorum was the most virulent strain. Thiazolidone, sodium dichloroisonitrile and ethyl allicin had significant inhibitory effects on the three kinds of soft rot of P. ternata. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Showering preoperatively with chlorhexidine gluconate is an issue that continues to promote debate; however, many studies demonstrate evidence of surgical site infection risk reduction. Methodological issues have been present in many of the studies used to compile guidelines and there has been a lack of standardisation of processes for application of the active agents in papers pre-2009. This review and commentary paper highlights the potential for enhancing compliance with this low-risk and low-cost intervention and provides some guidance for enhancing implementation of preoperative showering with both chlorhexidine in solution and impregnated wipes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polish Journal of Wound Management / Leczenie Ran is the property of Evereth Publishing Ltd. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper describes the low-temperature polymer-salt synthesis of ZnO–Ag nanopowders and presents the results of studying their structure, morphology, and properties. The methods of X-ray phase analysis and electron microscopy are used to study the structure and morphology of materials. It is found that the resulting nanopowders consist of nanoparticles of about 30 nm. The experiments show that the resulting nanopowders have antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: The 6-wheel general purpose autonomous mobile robot can be used for various material transport tasks. Fully autonomous disinfection of large areas is provided with optional UV+ germicide add-on. This paper describes the development of Phollower—an autonomous mobile robot intended to perform various logistical tasks in both industrial and civil environments. Phollower is equipped with the latest types of industrial components and sensors. It also employs advanced embedded navigation and localization software to create its own virtual maps and thereby to navigate autonomously within the mapped area. The whole development process has been focused on building a device that meets European safety standards. Phollower is a universal mobile platform that can be quickly expanded with specialized add-ons. A germicidal add-on for disinfection of indoor areas using UV-C light is described as a technology that helps to battle with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The hardware topology combined with the proposed open Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) code and open-Powerlink communication bus creates a unique and easily extendable robot platform. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper explores the perspectives of health care providers regarding the use of 7.1% Chlorhexidine Digluconate (CHX) gel that releases 4% chlorhexidine for newborn umbilical cord care under a managed access program (MAP) implemented in Bungoma County of Kenya. Understanding the perspectives of providers regarding CHX is important since they play a key role in the health system and the fact that their views could be influenced by prior beliefs and inconsistent practices regarding umbilical cord care.Methods: Data are from in-depth interviews conducted between April and June 2016 with 39 service providers from 21 facilities that participated in the program. The data were transcribed, typed in Word and analyzed for content. Analysis entailed identifying recurring themes based on the interview guides.Results: Use of CHX gel for cord care in neonates was acceptable to the health care providers, with all of them supporting scaling up its use throughout the country. Their views were largely influenced by positive outcomes of the medication including fast healing of the cord as reported by mothers, minimal side effects, reduced newborn infections based on what their records showed and mothers' reports, ease of use that made it simple for them to counsel mothers on how to apply it, positive feedback from mothers which demonstrated satisfaction with the medication, and general acceptance of the medication by the community. They further noted that successful scale-up of the medication required community sensitization, adequate follow-up mechanisms to ensure mothers use the medication correctly, addressing issues of staffing levels and staff training, developing guidelines and protocols for provision of the medication, adopting appropriate service delivery approaches to ensure all groups of mothers are reached, and ensuring constant supply of the medication.Conclusion: Use of CHX gel for cord care in neonates is likely to be acceptable to health care workers in settings with high prevalence of neonatal morbidity and mortality arising from cord infections. In scaling up the use of the medication in such settings, some of the health systems requirements for successful roll-out can be addressed by programs while others are likely to be a persistent challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To establish the added effect of a chemotherapeutic cooling solution in an ultrasonic device on clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation following non-surgical periodontal therapy. Methods The MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane- CENTRAL, and the EMBASE databases were searched. Probing pocket depth ( PPD) and clinical attachment level ( CAL) and their changes were selected as outcome variables. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the following active ingredients: essential oils ( EO), povidone-iodine ( PVP), and chlorhexidine ( CHX). Results Screening of 100 unique papers resulted in 14 eligible publications, including 16 comparisons. The meta-analysis ( MA) showed that when the ultrasonic cooling solution had adjuvant chemotherapeutic properties, the difference of means (DiffM) for end value PPD-0.12 (95% CI: −0.42; 0.18) and for CAL the DiffM+-0.13 (95% CI: −0.39; 0.14). None of these were statistically significant, and the findings were supported by the overall descriptive analysis. Subgroup analysis only revealed a small effect for PVP on the difference (DiffM = −0.23, 95% CI: −0.43; −0.02) with respect to CAL ( p = 0.03). Conclusions The collective evidence indicates that overall, no additional effects were observed. There is a 'very weak' recommendation based on the sub-analysis showing that in conjunction with PVP, a very small gain in CAL may be expected. For the use of CHX or EO, the added effect can be considered to be 'zero.' Therefore, the strength and direction of the recommendation emerging from this review is against their use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper was to study some effective evaluation methods for the biocide performance on sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) biofilm.Design/methodology/approach The most probable number method, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), three-dimensional (3D) photos and epifluorescent microscopy were used in this study.Findings The results showed that the minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of them to sessile SRB were greatly more than planktonic SRB. The EIS of the two biocides indicated that the biofilm exposed to higher concentrations of biocide were much more compact and flat, which perfectly coincided with the SEM, 3D photos and the epifluorescent microscopies.Originality/value In this paper, it, thus, appears that these methods evaluating biocide performance on the SRB biofilm were really effective by comparing the performance of bis-quaternary ammonium salt (BAQS) and tetrakis hydroxymethyl phosphonium sulfate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Denture stomatitis is a common inflammation of the palatal mucosa beneath removable dentures. The objective of this article was to examine the systematic reviews and clinical trials pertaining to the treatment of denture stomatitis. For this research, electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science) were searched from January 2000 to June 2021 using specified MESH keywords. Irrelevant articles were eliminated in three steps based on their titles, abstracts, and body texts. In the final analysis, 47 papers were selected, which included 12 systematic reviews and 35 clinical trials. Herbal compounds and denture disinfection were the interventions most commonly indicated. We concluded that, possibly due to the complex nature of this lesion's etiology, there is no present definitive therapy guideline for this prevalent lesion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan (TCS) is a broad-spectrum bactericide that is used for a variety of antimicrobial functions. TCS is frequently detected in the terrestrial environment due to application of sewage sludge to agricultural land. In the present study, 48-h paper contact and 28-day spiked soil tests were conducted to examine the toxic effects of TCS on the antioxidative and genetic indices of earthworms ( Eisenia fetida). The activity of antioxidative enzymes (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT) and the content of the lipid peroxidation product (malondialdehyde, MDA) were determined as biomarkers of oxidative stress in E. fetida. Moreover, single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) was used as a biomarker of genotoxicity. The results showed that triclosan induced a significant increase ( P < 0.05) in antioxidative enzyme activities and MDA content. Of all of the biomarkers examined, CAT activity was most sensitive to TCS, and the CAT activity increased significantly ( P < 0.05) at bactericidal concentrations of 7.86 ng cm−2 in the contact test and 10 mg kg−1 in the spiked soil test. The comet assay showed that TCS treatments significantly induced ( P < 0.05) DNA damage in E. fetida, and that 78.6 ng cm−2 caused significant genotoxic effects in the acute test (48 h). Clear dose-dependent DNA damage to E. fetida was observed both in contact and spiked soil tests. These results imply that TCS may have potential biochemical and genetic toxicity toward earthworms ( E. fetida). A battery of biomarkers covering multiple molecular targets of acute toxicity can be combined to better understand the impacts of TCS on E. fetida. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel antimicrobials are urgently needed to combat drug-resistant bacteria and to overcome the inherent difficulties in treating biofilm-associated infections. Studying plants and other natural materials used in historical infection remedies may enable further discoveries to help fill the antibiotic discovery gap. We previously reconstructed a 1,000-year-old remedy containing onion, garlic, wine, and bile salts, known as 'Bald's eyesalve', and showed it had promising antibacterial activity. In this current paper, we have found this bactericidal activity extends to a range of Gram-negative and Gram-positive wound pathogens in planktonic culture and, crucially, that this activity is maintained against Acinetobacter baumannii, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Streptococcus pyogenes in a soft-tissue wound biofilm model. While the presence of garlic in the mixture can explain the activity against planktonic cultures, garlic has no activity against biofilms. We have found the potent anti-biofilm activity of Bald's eyesalve cannot be attributed to a single ingredient and requires the combination of all ingredients to achieve full activity. Our work highlights the need to explore not only single compounds but also mixtures of natural products for treating biofilm infections and underlines the importance of working with biofilm models when exploring natural products for the anti-biofilm pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Padina australis (P. australis) is one of the seaweed that have a potential as antibacterial Escherichia coli (E. coli). Triterpenoids and steroids are secondary metabolites compounds contained in seaweed, and has a variety of activities as bactericide, and hypo-allergenic. This study aims to establish tablet formulation and determine the activity and effectiveness against E.coli bacteria causing diarrheal disease. The formulation was prepared with these treatment: formula I (20 %), formula II (25 %), formula III (30 %), formula IV as negative control in the form of tablet with no active ingredient, and a positive control using amoxycillin (10 ppm). The activity and effectiveness was tested by calculating diameter of inhibition zone-a clear zone resulting from the three formulas, negative, and positive control using Kirby-Bauer method. The result shows that the formulation with active ingredient of 30 % of P. australis extract has an inhibitory activity of 7.7 mm and effective as antibacterial E. coli. Thus it can be concluded that the formulation of 30 % of P. australis extract tablet is the most effective formula as antibacterial E. coli causing diarrhea disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Of the Study: To report an observational study of Acanthamoeba Keratitis (AK) in University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire (UHCW), Coventry, UK and determine risk factors, outcomes as well as incidence rates.Methods: A retrospective analysis was done of consecutive patients who were treated for AK by the corneal service at UHCW from January 2017 to January 2018. Cases were identified from 2 sources; the department of microbiology and the hospital pharmacy. Patient data was collected by 3 of the authors using both paper and electronic medical records. Information was also gathered over the telephone using a predefined questionnaire. The primary endpoint used for assessing duration of disease was time to resolution after the initial diagnosis.Results: 9 eyes were identified over the 12-month period, a drastic increase from previous years. All were contact lens (CL) wearers and 3 used daily disposable CL's. 8 out of 9 patients had an improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) which was consistent with their baseline levels pre-infection. The average length of treatment was 107.25 days for the 8 resolved cases. 1 case is still having ongoing treatment. No case has required surgical treatment. Several patients admitted to exposing their CL to unsterile water either via swimming, showering or tap water. All patients had purchased their lenses from contact lens practitioners.Conclusion: Overall, our study shows excellent outcomes. Almost all patients had resolution of symptoms with medical treatment and an improvement in visual acuity. Several contributing factors have aided us in achieving this including early diagnosis, a robust treatment protocol and diagnostic modalities such as Polymer Chain Reaction (PCR) and Confocal Microscopy (CFM). However, the increased incidence compared to previous years is a worrying trend and there will be an ongoing analysis looking at patterns of incidence in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chelators were first introduced into endodontics by Nygaard-Ostby in 1957, who recommended the use of a 15% EDTA solution. A few years later, a detergent was added in order to increase the cleaning and bactericidal potential of the EDTA solution. Since then, the search for ideal chelating agents has continued and led to many new chelator preparations in endodontics. This paper reviews the relevant literature on chelating agents, presents an overview of their chemical and pharmacological properties and makes recommendations for their clinical use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, TiO2 fine particles, TiO2-P25, protonated trititanate (H2Ti3O7) nanorods and nanotubes were used as recyclable solid-acid catalysts for the solvent free synthesis of tertiary α-aminophosphonates through Kabachnik–Fields reaction. Among them, H2Ti3O7 nanotubes showed remarkable catalytic performance and it was due to strong and sufficient Lewis and Brønsted acid sites on a large nanotubular surface. More importantly, for the first time we reported some novel 5,8-dioxa-10-azadispiro[2.0.4.3]undecane bearing tertiary α-aminophosphonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most conventional organic coating resins typically have single anticorrosion function and additive bactericides are often needed to improve their antibacterial properties. In this paper, a waterborne acrylic coating (fluorine-silicon/N+ polyacrylate) with the chemically bonded antibacterial constitutional units have been successfully synthesized via simple soap free emulsion polymerization. The results showed that the antibacterial rate of fluorine-silicon/N+ polyacrylate coating against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were 99.99 % and 99.08 %, respectively. In addition, the low frequency impedance model value of coatings (at 0.01 Hz) maintained above 109 Ω cm2 during 10 d immersion in neutral 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. Thus, the fluorine-silicon/N+ polyacrylate coating possesses good antibacterial and anticorrosion performances. [Display omitted] • The synthetic resin possesses chemically bonded antibacterial units. • Synergistic antimicrobial effect of fluorosilicon and N+. • The coatings provide both good antibacterial and anticorrosion performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acid pollution produced from coal gangue piles is a global environmental problem. Terminal technologies, such as neutralization, precipitation, adsorption, ion exchange, membrane technology, biological treatment, and electrochemistry, have been developed for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment. These technologies for treating pollutants with low concentrations over a long period of time in coal gangue piles appear to be costly and unsustainable. Conversely, in situ remediation appears to be more cost-effective and material-efficient, but it is a challenge that coal producing countries need to solve urgently. The primary prerequisite for preventing acidic pollutants is to clarify the oxidation mechanisms of coal gangue, which can be summarized as four aspects: pyrite oxidation, microbial action, low-temperature oxidation of coal, and free radical action. The two key factors of oxidation are pyrite and coal, and the four necessary conditions are water, oxygen, microorganisms, and free radicals. The current in situ remediation technologies mainly focus on one or more of the four necessary conditions, forming mixed co-disposal, coverage barriers, passivation coatings, bactericides, coal oxidation inhibitors, microorganisms, plants, and so on. It is necessary to scientifically and systematically carry out in situ remediation coupled with various technologies based on oxidation mechanisms when carrying out large-scale restoration and treatment of acidic coal gangue piles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mafenide acetate is an effective but costly antimicrobial solution used for burn wounds. The package insert instructs the user to discard unused solution within 48 hours of opening. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of mafenide acetate beyond 48 hours after reconstitution, to possibly reduce cost by eliminating product waste. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were used to seed Mueller-Hinton agar plates. Filter paper disks were then saturated with 5% mafenide acetate at 0, 2, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days after reconstitution. Disks were then placed on the seeded agar plates and incubated. After incubation, the zone of inhibition around each plate was measured. A zone of inhibition of 2 mm or greater was indicative of susceptibility. Mafenide acetate remained efficacious, with a zone of inhibition of >2 mm to both organisms at 0, 2, 7, 14, 30, and 60 days after mafenide acetate reconstitution. This in vitro study demonstrates that the antimicrobial activity of mafenide acetate remains present for at least 60 days after reconstitution. Unused mafenide may not need to be discarded at 48 hours after opening. Reducing wasted product has the potential to translate into cost savings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of anti-plaque chemical formulations for managing gingivitis, in 6-month, home-use, randomised clinical trials ( RCTs). Material and Methods A protocol was designed, including inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify RCTs assessing gingival and/or bleeding indices. Electronic and hand-searches identified relevant papers, which were screened and evaluated for inclusion. Full-papers were retrieved and relevant information was extracted (also plaque indices), including quality and risk of bias. Mean treatment effects were calculated to obtain weighted mean differences ( WMD) and 95% confidence intervals. Results After the process of screening and selection, 87 articles with 133 comparisons, were included in the review. The additional effects of the tested products were statistically significant in terms of Löe & Silness gingival index (46 comparisons, WMD −0.217), modified gingival index ( n = 23, −0.415), gingivitis severity index ( n = 26, −14.939%) or bleeding index ( n = 23, −7.626%), with significant heterogeneity. For plaque, additional effects were found for Turesky (66 studies, WMD −0.475), Silness & Löe ( n = 26, −0.109), and plaque severity ( n = 12, −23.4%) indices, with significant heterogeneity. Conclusion Within the limitations of the present study, formulations with specific agents for chemical plaque control provide statistically significant improvements in terms of gingival, bleeding and plaque indices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare the frequency of immediate/short-term postoperative bleeding and occurrence of hematomas using tranexamic acid (TXA), bismuth subgallate (BS), or dry gauze (DG) as a local hemostatic agent, and to explore the relation between short-term bleeding and occurrence of intraoral and extraoral hematomas and length of incision, duration of surgery, and alveolar ridge recontouring in patients who were continued on oral anticoagulation therapy. Materials and Methods: Eighty surgical procedures performed in 71 patients were assigned to one of four groups (20 each): control group (patients not on oral anticoagulant therapy) and three experimental groups (patients on oral anticoagulation therapy managed with local hemostatic measures): TXAg, BSg, or DGg. Studied variables were length of incision, duration of surgery, and alveolar ridge recontouring. Short-term bleeding episodes and occurrence of intraoral and extraoral hematomas were recorded. Results: A total of 111 implants were placed. No significant differences in mean international normalized ratio, duration of surgery, and length of incision were observed among groups (P > .05). Short-term bleeding and intraoral and extraoral hematomas were observed in 2, 2, and 14 surgical procedures, respectively, and did not differ significantly among groups. Overall relation between variables showed no association between extraoral hematomas and duration of surgery/length of incision (P > .05). Association between extraoral hematomas and alveolar ridge recontouring was statistically significant (OR = 26.72). Association with short-term bleeding and intraoral hematomas was not studied due to the small number of events. Conclusion: Implant placement in warfarin anticoagulated patients without withdrawing oral anticoagulation therapy is a safe and predictable procedure, and different local hemostatic agents (TXA, BS, and DG) are effective in managing postoperative bleeding. Development of hematomas may be higher in patients undergoing alveolar ridge recontouring. Further studies are necessary to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A common problem in otological surgeries is the persistence of ear discharge in a patient who has undergone middle-ear reconstructive surgery, despite an intact graft. There is a dearth of knowledge in the literature on treatment strategies in such post-operative cases of recalcitrant otorrhoea. Method: This was a retrospective observational descriptive study conducted on 45 patients who fitted the criteria for recalcitrant post-operative otorrhoea. All 45 patients showed no response to conservative treatment for 14 days from onset of discharge. Therefore, these patients were then given antiseptic ear drops. Results: Thirty patients out of 45 showed a good response to antiseptic ear drops and achieved a dry ear at the end of the treatment. Conclusion: In patients with recalcitrant otorrhoea with or without granulations after middle-ear reconstruction surgery, this study found that topical antiseptic ear drops, particularly those using boric acid powder, are more effective than topical antibiotic drops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bactericidal/permeability increasing protein (BPI) gene polymorphisms have been extensively investigated in terms of their associations with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with contradictory results. The aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate associations between BPI gene polymorphisms and the risk of IBD, Crohn's disease (CD), and ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods: Eligible studies from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases were identified. Results: Ten studies (five CD and five UC) published in five papers were included in this meta-analysis. G645A polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of UC in allele model, dominant model, and homozygous model. Conclusions: Our data suggested that BPI G645A polymorphism was associated with a decreased risk of UC; the BPI G645A polymorphism was not associated with the risk of CD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with molecular docking studies of some synthesized sulfonamide derivatives with the penicillin-binding protein 2X (PBP-2X) protein. The simulation was done using a software package from Schrödinger (LLC, New York). The docking score is analyzed in comparison with the score of cefuroxime used as reference. The most promising derivatives present a score very close to that of cefuroxime. Hydrogen-bonding interactions of the studied sulfonamide compounds with the amino acids of the target protein have been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial infection and the increasing resistance of bacteria to commercially available antibiotics have long become a threat to global human health. Therefore, it is an urgent scientific issue to explore nonantibiotic antibacterials. In this paper, a mannose-decorated spermine derivative (PBI-spm-Man) was synthesized, which formed a self-assembled glycocluster with multivalent mannose moieties and concentrated cations. PBI-spm-Man as a nonantibiotic antibacterial agent showed potent antibacterial activity towards Escherichia coli (E. coli) through both mannose-FimH targeting and non-specific electrostatic interaction and functioned by damaging bacterial membrane. PBI-spm-Man also demonstrated antibacterial activity against representative Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and intrinsically resistant bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). What is more exciting is that PBI-spm-Man could eliminate three clinical-isolated E. coli strains that are resistant to different antibiotics at around 20 μ M. In vivo full-thickness wound healing results showed that the self-assembly of PBI-spm-Man not only reduced the residual bacteria at the wound site, but also promoted wound healing. This work represents a universal design strategy for nonantibiotic antibacterial agents based on multivalent glycoconjugates. [Display omitted] • Non-antibiotic bactericide with multivalent mannose-FimH recognition for E. coli targeting. • Antibacterial activity against clinical isolated drug-resistant E. coli strains. • Reduced cytotoxicity by mannose moieties to counterbalance spermine moieties. • Novel supramolecular strategy as an alternative to antibiotics and to avoid drug resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antiseptics, with a broader spectrum of antimicrobial efficacy, lower risk of antibiotic resistance development, and minimal collateral damage to host tissues, are important alternatives to control the bioburden in wounds. Povidone iodine (PVP-I), in use for several decades, has the broadest spectrum of activity, a persistent antimicrobial effect, an ability to penetrate biofilms, and a lack of acquired or cross-resistance. It demonstrates good skin tolerance and low cytotoxicity. However, some reports on PVP-I have raised concerns over allergy, ineffective penetration, and toxic effects on host cells. The majority of these concerns are based on in vitro or rodent wound studies with diverse study designs and outcomes; these results may not be directly applicable in the clinical reality in humans. In this paper, we discuss the efficacy and safety of PVP-I and outline its place in wound healing in Asia, based on an appraisal of recent literature and clinical practice across the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper brings together the study of transnational flows in global health and the gendering of technological artefacts. It does so through a case study of vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention, which have commonly been advocated for as a tool for women’s empowerment in parts of the world where HIV is most prevalent, namely sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing on fieldwork in the UK and Zambia, I argue that there is nothing inherently gendered about this ‘woman-controlled’ technology. Combining the notions of scripting and ‘making things public’, I demonstrate the political nature of transnational technology design and testing in the field of sexual health. Rather than framing this in terms of ethical debates, as is frequently the case in studies about the ‘global South’, I ground the analysis in the scripting and de-scripting of technologies and users. By focusing on how things are made public in HIV prevention, I draw attention to the normative, transformative and political potentials of new technologies, such as microbicides, and discuss the implications for their therapeutic success. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

National guidelines do not support preoperative body washing to reduce surgical site infections, instead recommending bathing or showering with soap. Yet preoperative body washing continues to be widely used in many hospitals across Europe. This paper suggests that existing trials of preoperative body washing, upon which guidelines are based, are dated and proposes a new investigation of preoperative body washing using modern definitions of surgical site infection with standardised patient follow up, modern surgical techniques and well designed trials. This paper provides a critique of existing guidelines and describes a randomised trial with 60 participants to compare the effect of soap and two antiseptic washing products on colony forming units (CFUs) for up to six hours. Chlorhexidine gluconate and octenidine were significantly more effective than soap in reducing CFUs in the underarm, and chlorhexidine was significantly more effective than soap in reducing CFUs in the groin. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]