Search

Anodic decolorization of reactive dyes like Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CB), a triphenylmethane dye, Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) and Reactive Black 5 (RB 5), azo dyes, was investigated in a 300-ml H-type dual chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) using monoculture of a novel strain Pseudomonas gessardii DD1. The MFC setups were evaluated for power generation, electrochemical activity, dye decolorizing efficiency, and COD removal efficiency. The study revealed a maximum power density 474.06 mW/m2 for RB 5 at 100 ppm concentration with 98.5% dye decolorization, while the maximum COD removal efficiency of 70% ± 2.9 was obtained. Cyclic voltammetry curves indicated the highest peak current of 1.8 mA for MFC operated using RB5. Maximum power density, in case of RR 120 and CB was 262.5 and 225.5 mW/m2, with 63 and 65% COD removal, respectively. Efficient power generation and dye removal is seldom reported in the literature, as the electrons generated by exoelectrogens are consumed for dye reduction and subsequent breakdown or decolorization. The findings indicate that the MFC technology can be an easy and economical option for bioelectricity generation using dye-contaminated wastewater with simultaneous detoxification of toxic pollutants and hence sustainable treatment of industrial wastewater.

El 2020 y parte del 2021 fue golpeado por el COVID 19, restringiendo las actividades de los diferentes sectores de la economía, dando como resultado una severa contracción económica en muchos países, entre ellos Ecuador. Los negocios que pudieron salir adelante, tuvieron que implementar cambios drásticos ayudados de la tecnología; las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC) se constituyeron en la clave para dar continuidad a la actividad empresarial. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar si el teletrabajo ayudó a mejorar la productividad en las Pymes en un sector de la ciudad de Guayaquil. Es una investigación cuantitativa, correlacional y transversal realizada en el período pos pandemia. Los resultados comprueban la hipótesis de que el teletrabajo contribuyó al desarrollo de las operaciones de la empresa y a mejorar su productividad, lo que es consistente con otros estudios realizados dentro y fuera del país; por tanto, se concluye que el teletrabajo puede constituirse en una modalidad de trabajo para ser implementado en el período pos pandemia, lo que aporta al desarrollo sostenible.

Abstract Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can be produced from red blood cells (RBCs) on a large scale and used to deliver therapeutic payloads efficiently. However, not much is known about the native biological properties of RBCEVs. Here, we demonstrate that RBCEVs are primarily taken up by macrophages and monocytes. This uptake is an active process, mediated mainly by endocytosis. Incubation of CD14+ monocytes with RBCEVs induces their differentiation into macrophages with an Mheme‐like phenotype, characterized by upregulation of heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and the ATP‐binding cassette transporter ABCG1. Moreover, macrophages that take up RBCEVs exhibit a reduction in surface CD86 and decreased secretion of TNF‐α under inflammatory stimulation. The upregulation of HO‐1 is attributed to heme derived from haemoglobin in RBCEVs. Heme is released from internalized RBCEVs in late endosomes and lysosomes via the heme transporter, HRG1. Consequently, RBCEVs exhibit the ability to attenuate foam cell formation from oxidized low‐density lipoproteins (oxLDL)‐treated macrophages in vitro and reduce atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE knockout mice on a high‐fat diet. In summary, our study reveals the uptake mechanism of RBCEVs and their delivery of heme to macrophages, suggesting the potential application of RBCEVs in the treatment of atherosclerosis.

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the major pathogen causing infections in human ranging from mild to severe life-threatening conditions. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important nosocomial pathogen with high morbidity and mortality in both hospital and community settings. Total 600 nasal swabs were collected from patient visitors and Healthcare workers. Of these, 184 S.aureus (30.66%) were isolated. All S.aureus isolates screened for MRSA and 73 (39.67%) isolates showed MRSA by Cefoxitin disc diffusion method and PCR. 21 (28.76%) isolates detected pvl gene of the 73 isolated MRSA i.e., CA-MRSA. All MRSA isolates were typed into SCCmec element (I to V). Of these SCCmec type III was found more prevalent than other SCCmec types and 3 isolates were not typeable. MRSA still remains a significant problem in public Healthcare settings. Screening of MRSA among Healthcare Workers and patient visitors is mandatory to prevent the spread of CA-MRSA in hospitals.

Pada era sekarang berpacaran adalah hal yang umum terjadi di kalangan siswa sekolah dasar. Terjadinya trend berpacaran menyebabkan hal-hal yang berdampak negatif. Perilaku seksual tersebut dapat terjadi karena kurangnya pembatas diri seperti rendahya karakter religius siswa. Artikel ini ditujukan untuk menyelidiki pengaruh karakter religius terhadap perilaku seksual siswa sekolah dasar. Jenis penelitian ini field research menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif dan mengambil subjek siswa kelas 6 SD Islam AlBayan Wiradesa Pekalongan. Terdapat populasi dari kelas 6 (6A dan 6B) yang berjumlah 47 siswa, yang seluruh populasinya digunakan menjadi sampel (total sampling). Data-data dikumpulkan menggunakan pernyataan angket skala likert. Hasil dari data-data diproses melalui perhitungan statistik dari analisis pendahuluan, uji prsayarat, dan uji hipotesis menggunakan SPSS V.26. Didapat data karakter religius siswa yang sangat tinggi sebesar 107,87, perilaku seksual yang sangat rendah sebesar 30,38, dan adanya pengaruh signifikan yang negatif antara karakter religius terhadap perilaku seksual sebesar 95,4%.

Mario Caccese,1 Silvia Imbevaro,2 Alessandra Feltrin,3 Daniela Costardi,4 Nadia Giordano,5 Maristella Maran,1 Rosalba Martino,1 Ketti Ottolitri,6 Malihe Shams,3 Federica Vascon,7 Anna Roma,5 Antonella Galiano,1 Marco Maruzzo,1 Dario Marino,1 Giuseppe Lombardi,1 Sara Lonardi,5 Antonella Brunello,1 Vittorina Zagonel1 1Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy; 2General Directorate, Accreditation and Acknowledgment Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncolog IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy; 3Health Department, Psycho-Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy; 4Scientific Directorate, Patient Education and Empowerment, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy; 5Department of Oncology, Oncology 3, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy; 6Health Department, Clinical Risk Office, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, Italy; 7Department of Imaging and Health Physics, Radiotherapy Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Padua, ItalyCorrespondence: Mario Caccese, Department of Oncology, Oncology 1, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV - IRCCS, Via Gattamelata, 64, Padua, 35128, Italy, Email mario.caccese@iov.Veneto.itPurpose: The SARS-CoV-2 spread has impacted Healthcare systems. COVID-19 pandemic has had consequences for patients with cancer, being associated with delays in diagnosis, in treatment And follow-up care, increase in overall infection rates and higher mortality. A survey on COVID-19 and a vaccination-questionnaire were developed at different times of the outbreak, to evaluate cancer patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) on the policies implemented to reduce the infection from SARS-CoV-2 and on the timing and methods of COVID-19 vaccination.Patients and Methods: The survey was distributed to all patients accessing the Institute during the “first-wave” Of the pandemic, evaluating patients’ concerns about the pandemic, the pandemics’ consequences on their cancer care, and their perception Of the measures adopted to limit the infection spread. The vaccination-questionnaire was proposed to 10% of the first 5297 cancer patients vaccinated with two doses of the Pfizer-BioNTechCOVID-19 vaccine. This questionnaire aimed at assessing the degree Of satisfaction with the Institutional vaccination campaign and vaccination-related adverse events.Results: From May 18th 2020 to June 15th 2020 the survey was completed by 3238 patients. Most of the responders expressed concern on the pandemic yet acknowledging their oncological disease as a priority. Measures implemented were appreciated by patients. Telemedicine was positively evaluated and the absence of the caregiver during the visit did not determine discomfort for two thirds of patients. From March 6th 2021 to May 8th 2021 the vaccination-questionnaire was completed by 357 patients. The 98.8% were satisfied with the vaccination campaign. No serious vaccination-correlated adverse events were reported. No patient had to delay/discontinue chemotherapy due to vaccination.Conclusion: PREMs during COVID-19 pandemic and related vaccination can provide important information to help reorganization of the health care systems for cancer care. Patients’ feedback on the organizational changes implemented in the emergency period are essential for healthcare improvement and to help informed choices that are consistent with patients’ needs.Keywords: patients’ perspective, PREMs, COVID-19, survey, SARS-CoV-2, cancer patients

Abstract Background Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and often emerge before the age of 6 years. Yet, only a few studies have examined anxiety treatment for this group. Preliminary evidence from these studies suggests that utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as strategies to target intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and parental accommodation, known mechanistic and maintaining factors of anxiety may improve anxiety and optimize outcomes in this age group. Main body To meet this need, we developed an integrated treatment called DINO Strategies for Anxiety and intolerance of Uncertainty Reduction (DINOSAUR), a 12-week group telehealth treatment for 4- to 6-year-old children with ASD. DINOSAUR works with young children and their parents to deliver CBT along with interventions targeting IU and parental accommodation. In this paper, we first discuss the rationale for developing this treatment and then describe a pilot study of its feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Conclusions There is a great need to develop anxiety treatments for young children with ASD. We proposed a novel integrated treatment approach that aims to alter the way young children and parents respond to fear, which could potentially improve short- and long-term mental health outcomes for this age group. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04432077 on June 03, 2020

To minimize exposure to hazardous biological materials, all doctors, nurses, technicians and in general all the healthcare personnel as well as researchers wear a knee-length, long-sleeved, elastic-cuffed laboratory coat while working with hazardous materials. A white coat provides a protective layer and can be easily removed if contaminated. White coats act as mechanical vectors in transmission of pathogenic and non-pathogenic bacteria to the people who are associated with health care workers. A total of 120 specimens were collected by using sterile cotton swabs. Of these, 88 (73%) white coats were contaminated. At the same time, a pre-validated and semi-structured questionnaire (containing questions regarding usage of white coat, purpose, hygiene, and perception about contamination of white coats, etc) was distributed. Gram positive cocci 64 (72.72%) were isolated more than gram negative bacilli 24 (27.28%). Most of the tested antibiotics showed resistance to isolated gram positive and gram negative bacteria. 10 (41.66%) isolates of gram negative bacilli were resistant to extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and 10 (6.4%) of staphylococcal isolates showed Methicillin resistance. Therefore, a much more attention to wear a clean white coat should be required.

The fabrication of nanocomposites has played role to the development of the nanotechnology and the technology of advanced composite materials. Thermoset polymers are used in engineering applications widely. Their mechanical properties can be change with adding particles. The mechanism of toughening polymers has been suggested recently by reinforcing well dispersed particles to the plain polymer. Nano-silica particles were added to thermoset polymer of polyester to evaluate their influence on the mechanical properties of the toughened polymer using both experimental and numerical methods. The Representative Volume Element (RVE) approach, which employs finite element models, has been developed to achieve that aim numerically for various types of nano-particle reinforcement ratios. In each case, the stiffness has been calculated with using the equivalent homogeneous material concept. Experimentally, toughened thermoset polymers of polyester reinforced with nano-silica were prepared with different particle content ratio. Several tests were conducted on the nanocomposite, and it was observed increasing nano-silica ratio caused increase in Young’s modulus and decrease in ductility.

The incidence of allergic disease has grown tremendously in the past three generations. While current treatments are effective for some, there is considerable unmet need. Mast cells are critical effectors of allergic inflammation. Their secreted mediators and the receptors for these mediators have long been the target of allergy therapy. Recent drugs have moved a step earlier in mast cell activation, blocking IgE, IL-4, and IL-13 interactions with their receptors. In this review, we summarize the latest therapies targeting mast cells as well as new drugs in clinical trials. In addition, we offer support for repurposing FDA-approved drugs to target mast cells in new ways. With a multitude of highly selective drugs available for cancer, autoimmunity, and metabolic disorders, drug repurposing offers optimism for the future of allergy therapy.

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) struggle to access high-quality health care due to the shortage of trained providers. ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) Autism is a unique educational program that allows ASD experts to provide knowledge and skills to professionals in local communities to deliver evidence-based care to children with ASD and their families. The model teaches clinicians how to screen and diagnose ASD, as well as manage common co-occurring medical and mental health issues. ECHO Autism is particularly useful for addressing the complex needs of children with ASD and reducing disparities often present in rural and underserved communities. The model can be disseminated globally due to its flexibility in accommodating local and regional differences in social norms and constructs. This article provides an overview of the format of the ECHO Autism model, data supporting the model’s efficacy, and discusses future research directions.

To determine the effect of distributed practice (spacing out of study over time) and retrieval practice (recalling information from memory) on academic grades in health professions education and to summarise a range of interventional variables that may affect study outcomes. A systematic search of seven databases in November 2022 which were screened according to predefined inclusion criteria. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI) and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale-Education (NOS-E) were used to critically appraise eligible articles. A summary of interventional variables includes article content type, strategy type, assessment type and delay and statistical significance. Of 1818 records retrieved, 56 were eligible for inclusion and included a total of 63 experiments. Of these studies, 43 demonstrated significant benefits of distributed practice and/or retrieval practice over control and comparison groups. Included studies averaged 12.23 out of 18 on the MERSQI and averaged 4.55 out of 6 on the NOS-E. Study designs were heterogeneous with a variety of interventions, comparison groups and assessment types. Distributed practice and retrieval practice are effective at improving academic grades in health professions education. Future study quality can be improved by validating the assessment instruments, to demonstrate the reliability of outcome measures. Increasing the number of institutions included in future studies may improve the diversity of represented study participants and may enhance study quality. Future studies should consider measuring and reporting time on task which may clarify the effectiveness of distributed practice and retrieval practice. The stakes of the assessments, which may affect student motivation and therefore outcomes, should also be considered.

Introduction: Intentional and accidental poisoning of animals is often caused by readily available commercial pesticides, such as the molluscicide metaldehyde. A retrospective analysis of suspected metaldehyde poisonings between 2014 and 2016 in Italy was conducted. Material and Methods: Biological matrices were collected for toxicological analyses in the course of routine Institute activity. A total of 183 organs from dogs and cats and 49 pieces of bait, here specificall y poisoned food used to lure animals, were analysed and the presence of metaldehyde was confirmed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Results: A high content of metaldehyde was demonstrated in the analysed samples from dogs and cats: 50 (27.3%) animals were found positive for metaldehyde intoxication together with 17 pieces of bait. Conclusion: The study emphasised the need for the control of metaldehyde use by the veterinary service.