Closed Irrigation System Research Articles

Treatment of intractable septic ankle arthritis with a continuous closed irrigation system.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a continuous closed irrigation system (CCIS) after open debridement for patients with intractable septic ankle arthritis. The retrospective study analyzed the intractable septic arthritis of 12 (6 males, 6 females; mean age: 64.1±14.7 years; range, 33 to 80 years) patients managed by CCIS between July 2015 and July 2020. All patients had previously undergone operations to treat septic ankle arthritis without resolution of the infection. After open debridement, the CCIS was usually equipped with two outflow tubes and one inflow tube. Saline inflow was about 1 L per day. The mean follow-up period was 30.8±14.9 (range, 15 to 70) months. The CCIS was maintained for a mean of 5.1±2.1 (range, 3 to 7) days. The mean number of operations the patients had previously undergone was 2.83±1.5 (range, 1 to 6). For 11 (91.6%) out of 12 patients, infection did not recur after one-time CCIS, and laboratory test results remained normal. Six patients had previously undergone total ankle replacement arthroplasty. These patients underwent antibiotics-mixed cement arthroplasty after CCIS. For five of six with infected total ankle replacement arthroplasty, infection did not recur after CCIS. However, one patient without the removal of both implants experienced recurrence at the same site after four postoperative months. In the reoperation, after the removal of both implants and the application of antibiotics-mixed cement arthroplasty, the infection was cleared. Use of CCIS after open debridement for intractable septic ankle arthritis is a good treatment option since it is relatively simple and safe, with good results.

Effect of two methods of irrigant agitation on the temperature and cleanliness of sodium hypochlorite associated or not with a chelator

Aim: This study investigated the influence in vitro of different sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) agitation protocols associated or not with DualRinse (HEDP) on the temperature of the solution. Methods: Forty-eight premolars were instrumented and their apical third sealed to allow a closed irrigation system. The teeth remained immersed in a basin of warm water (37°C). The teeth were divided into the groups: G1 (NaOCl+Passive Ultrasonic Irrigation (PUI)), G2 (NaOCl/HEDP + PUI), G3 (NaOCl + EasyClean (EC)) and G4 (NaOCl/HEDP + EC). The canals were filled with the respective solutions and after 180 seconds the first temperature measurement was taken (T0). Then, the solutions were agitated, following the different protocols, for 60 seconds and a new measurement was performed (T60). The temperature was measured using a digital thermometer for type “K” sensors that was inserted into the middle third of the teeth. At the end of the measurements, the teeth were sectioned and prepared for scanning electron microscopy. The dentinal wall of middle third was graded according to the amount of debris and smear layer remaining on the walls. The results were analyzed using ANOVA test and Tukey’s multiple comparisons (p<0.05). Results: G1 and G2 had an average increase in temperature of 1.1°C and 1.65°C, respectively (p>0.05). EasyClean caused a decrease in the temperature of the solutions in both groups, without a significant statistical difference with T0 (p>0.05). Regarding cleaning, it was only possible to observe clean dentinal tubules in the groups with the chelator. PUI discretely increased the temperature of the solution, regardless of the solution. The opposite effect was observed after activation with EasyClean. Conclusion: The association of NaOCl with a chelating agent promoted the cleaning of the dentinal tubules.

Decision support systems in irrigation management: Irrigation Facilities Spatial Information System

AbstractAgricultural production and food are strategically important for nutrition, which is the basic requirement of living. Adequate supply of food depends on the sustainability of agricultural activities. Despite the proportional increase in other sectors in water use on a global scale, agriculture is still the largest user. Since Türkiye is located in a semi‐arid climate region, most of the year is dry. Apart from the rainy period, there is not enough water in our streams, especially in periods when irrigation water is needed. For this reason, the water stored in the months when there is a lot of precipitation is used in the months when it is needed for irrigation. The main purpose of irrigation management is to ensure that irrigation water demands within the irrigated area are shared fairly from the spring to the downstream areas in the desired time and amount, in accordance with the current water potential, the capacity of the irrigation system and the actual needs. Although the initial establishment and facility costs of automation and related decision support systems are high, the benefits and added value provided in the medium‐ and long‐term result in the irrigation facilities being preferred more during the operation and maintenance process. Automation applications, especially in closed irrigation systems, can prevent external intervention and water can be supplied to the network according to the real needs. The web‐based application, the Irrigation Facilities Spatial Information System (SUTEM), is designed to monitor, evaluate and report on the operation, maintenance and management activities of the facilities operated by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works or whose operation, maintenance and management responsibilities are transferred. The requirements are met through a single application that saves time and labour, facilitates control and supervision, standardizes reports and enables transition to a centralized data security structure.

MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF THE CLOSED IRRIGATION SYSTEM AS THE CONTROL OBJECT

The article considers the scheme of relationships between the main components of a closed irrigation system such as pumping unit, distribution and irrigation pipeline, shut-off valves, universal sprinklers, control system with their subsequent mathematical description. The system as an object of control is analyzed, input, output and internal parameters of the system are revealed.

Mathematical model of closed irrigation system as an object of control

Irrigation machines of the Frigate series are mainly used in closed irrigation systems in the south of Ukraine. During the operation of such systems there are problems with pressure control in the system, the problem of remote control of irrigation. A possible solution to these problems is to control the pressure in the water supply line of sprinklers, by automatically controlling the pumping equipment and installing appropriate sensors (pressure, flow meters, etc.) for feedback to the control system. By controlling the pumping equipment that creates pressure in the mains, it is possible to ensure proper modes of operation in the water supply mains of the DMU. Appropriate software for statistical data collection and management is also needed to improve watering and remote monitoring of the system. The aim of the study is to build a mathematical model of a closed irrigation system as an object of management, which will analyze the processes occurring in the system and evaluate the effectiveness of management methods being developed. The article considers the scheme of relationships between the main components of a closed irrigation system such as pump unit, distribution and irrigation pipeline, shut-off valves, universal sprinklers, control system with further mathematical description of each component. The main parameters of the system that affect its operation are identified. Set quality indicators that are put forward to the control system. The system as an object of control is analyzed, input, output and internal parameters of the system are revealed. The mathematical model of ZSS is built from the considered models of components, gives the chance to analyze the processes proceeding in system, and to estimate efficiency of the management methods developed. To determine the adequacy of the mathematical model, which is created by the proposed approach, it is advisable to simulate the operation of the ZSS for real conditions in different modes of operation. To determine the properties of ZSS as an object of control, such as inertia, controllability, stability, observation, it is necessary to obtain a model of the complex in the space of states.

Research of transition processes in the operation of reclamation pumping stations

This paper presents the results of field studies carried out on existing pressure systems with pumping stations. The considered field experiments were carried out on a closed irrigation system, which includes a pumping station with a water intake, a closed irrigation pipeline network and sprinklers. On this system, field studies of transient processes were carried out with the simultaneous shutdown of all pumping units simulating emergency power outages of the motors, and with shutdown of one of the units simulating the automatic operation of the station. The presented results make it possible to carry out practical calculations of transient processes for pumping stations with different water supplies, heads, capacities, diameters and lengths of pressure pipelines and shockproof devices.

Die Spül-Saug-Drainage zur Therapie der septischen Tenosynovialitis der Fingerbeugesehnen

Pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis within the flexor tendon sheath requires urgent treatment to avoid tendon necrosis and loss of the finger. Objective of this article is the treatment by revision and postoperative continuous irrigation via a closed irrigation system. From 1.1.2007 to 31.12.2016 54 patients with a pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis were treated by revision and closed continuous irrigation. Besides the evaluation of the patient´s records with respect to the involved fingers and hand, duration of hospitalisation, and required revision surgery, 33 patients (19 males, 14 females) with an average age of 51 (8-85) years were re-examined on average after 21 (4-38) months. Re-examination included measurements of the mobility of the involved fingers and thumbs, grip and pinch strength, pain using the numeric rating scale (BRS), and DASH score. The overall result was graded according to the grading system by Buck-Gramcko for flexor tendon reconstruction. Hospital stay was 9 (3-26) days on average. In 11 patients revision surgery was required including 3 re-installations of the continuous irrigation system, 2 ray amputations, and 1 finger amputation at the level of the proximal interphalangeal joint. The re-examined patients averaged a grip strength of 84 (23-163) % of the unaffected side. On average pain at rest was 0,2 (0-4), pain at daily living activity 1,2 (0-8) on the NRS, the DASH score 16,8 (0-58) points. According to the rating system for flexor tendon function there were one poor, one fair, 5 good and 26 excellent results. Continuous irrigation by a closed irrigation system for pyogenic flexor tenosynovitis is a successful procedure with a low amputation rate. The functional results are predominantly good and excellent.

Modeling of the scheme of location of active raining equipment of the closed irrigation system

The purpose of the study is to develop a procedure for determining the parameters of the layout of active sprinkler equipment in closed irrigation systems. This paper presents the importance of transforming agricultural production into a highly developed sector of the economy which is impossible without reducing its dependence on adverse climatic conditions. The introduction of modern computer-integrated technologies, including precision farming, due to the need for economic use of visible and energy resources, is considered. Closed irrigation systems with the use of reclamation equipment such as universal sprinklers have become widespread. The existing fleet of efficient sprinklers will consist of 64% of frigate sprinklers. The article considers a complex of sprinklers, which will consist of eight irrigation fields, the total number of sprinklers in the system is eight. The article discusses in detail the principle of operation of the presented closed irrigation system, namely the system of water supply pipelines to sprinklers, and equipment that controls the operation of this system, such as booster pumps, hydrants, transformers, valves, communication lines. The article considers the process of calculating the total number of options for connecting sprinklers. In the considered system 4 sprinkler installations which are connected and disconnected in pairs can be in work at the same time. Consider problems that arise in the system due to pressure jumps in the hydraulic system. Schematically, the options for placing active sprinkler equipment are presented. The possibility of specifying the structure of the connection scheme of active sprinkler equipment using a matrix is considered. The procedure of definition of parameters of the scheme of placement of the active sprinkler equipment is offered. Timely switching of modes of operation of the pumping equipment of ZSS, is possible in the presence of correctly working control system, the confirmed efficiency. The work must be based on the results of computer simulations.

Closed Irrigation System for Wound Management of Complicated Ischial Pressure Ulcers

In patients with complicated ischial pressure ulcers, surgical repair is often delayed until the general condition of the patient improves, and in extremely ill patients, surgery might never be performed. Since deep ischial ulcers are usually associated with a profuse discharge, large sinus cavity, and are adjacent to the anus, maintaining effective dressing is challenging for surgeons. In order to manage such ischial ulcers, we devised a closed irrigation system using the Barovac (50–90 mmHg) wound drainage device and a saline infusion set. The system was applied to a 50-year-old paraplegic man who was diagnosed with impending sepsis due to a longstanding ischial ulcer with secondary infection. Using the saline infusion set, we infused 200 mL of saline into the ischial cavity every 6 hours in the ward. After a 10-minute dwell time, the fluid in the cavity, including the exudate and wound debris, was drained continuously through the wound drainage device. This system was very helpful in keeping the patient’s ischial wound clean until his general condition improved and surgical repair could be undertaken. We therefore believe that our closed irrigation system provides an effective, convenient, and inexpensive dressing method for patients with complicated ischial wounds.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ РАБОТЫ НАСОСНЫХ СТАНЦИЙ НА ЗАКРЫТЫХ ОРОСИТЕЛЬНЫХ СИСТЕМАХ

The creation of modern reclamation systems is accompanied by the emergence of new technical solutions, the complexity of the design of individual elements and, as a result, an increase in labor and money costs for their design, construction and subsequent operation. There are also requirements for reducing the construction time of these facilities, and improving the efficiency of agricultural production on reclaimed lands. The creation of modern reclamation systems needs to clarify the traditional methodological approaches to solving a number of problems. In reclamation construction, closed irrigation systems are becoming increasingly widespread, the main elements of which are: a stationary or mobile pumping station, a closed irrigation network and sprinkler equipment. The experience of operating modern closed irrigation systems has shown that due to changes in the operating modes of pumping stations and sprinkler equipment, sharp pressure fluctuations (hydraulic shocks) occur in pipelines during certain periods, which can lead to network destruction, failure of pipeline valves and pumps. Hydraulic engineering and reclamation facilities must meet certain requirements for reliability and environmental safety. First of all, this is achieved by protecting pipelines from an unacceptable increase in pressure that occurs during hydraulic shocks caused by changes in the operation of pumping units. Damage and accidents in the pressure systems of a closed irrigation network can also occur during transients that occur when pumping units are started up in accordance with the work schedule. The purpose of the work is to clarify the calculation justification, design and safe operation of closed irrigation systems with pumping stations.

ОСОБЕННОСТИ РАБОТЫ НАСОСНЫХ СТАНЦИЙ НА ЗАКРЫТЫХ ОРОСИТЕЛЬНЫХ СИСТЕМАХ

The creation of modern reclamation systems is accompanied by the emergence of new technical solutions, the complexity of the design of individual elements and, as a result, an increase in labor and money costs for their design, construction and subsequent operation. There are also requirements for reducing the construction time of these facilities, and improving the efficiency of agricultural production on reclaimed lands. The creation of modern reclamation systems needs to clarify the traditional methodological approaches to solving a number of problems. In reclamation construction, closed irrigation systems are becoming increasingly widespread, the main elements of which are: a stationary or mobile pumping station, a closed irrigation network and sprinkler equipment. The experience of operating modern closed irrigation systems has shown that due to changes in the operating modes of pumping stations and sprinkler equipment, sharp pressure fluctuations (hydraulic shocks) occur in pipelines during certain periods, which can lead to network destruction, failure of pipeline valves and pumps. Hydraulic engineering and reclamation facilities must meet certain requirements for reliability and environmental safety. First of all, this is achieved by protecting pipelines from an unacceptable increase in pressure that occurs during hydraulic shocks caused by changes in the operation of pumping units. Damage and accidents in the pressure systems of a closed irrigation network can also occur during transients that occur when pumping units are started up in accordance with the work schedule. The purpose of the work is to clarify the calculation justification, design and safe operation of closed irrigation systems with pumping stations.

Hydrodynamic Cavitation Efficiently Inactivates Potato Virus Y in Water

In the midst of the global water crisis, irrigation is still the largest contributor to global water consumption. One of the contingency measures to cope with this burden is the reuse of wastewater or the implementation of closed irrigation systems that recycle water. These solutions have a positive effect on water use, but can also facilitate the spread of various plant pathogens, including viruses. Plant viruses can destroy entire crops, leading not only to high financial losses but also to food shortages. Potato virus Y (PVY) is the most important potato viral pathogen that can also affect other valuable crops. Recently, it has been confirmed that this virus is capable of infecting host plants via water, emphasizing the relevance of using proper strategies to treat recycled water in order to prevent the spread of the infectious agents. Emerging environmentally friendly methods such as hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) provide a great alternative for treating recycled water used for irrigation. In the experiments conducted in this study, HC inactivated PVY in water samples after 500 HC passes or less. The HC treatment disrupted the integrity of viral particles, which also led to a minor damage of viral RNA. Reactive species, including singlet oxygen, hydroxyl radicals, and hydrogen peroxide, were not primarily responsible for PVY inactivation during HC treatment, suggesting that mechanical effects are likely the driving force of virus inactivation. This pioneering study, the first to investigate eukaryotic virus inactivation by HC, will inspire additional research in this field enabling further improvement of HC as a water decontamination technology.

The efficiency of modernization of the on-farm irrigation network based on the principle of self-regulation

Relevance of research. The research is aimed at substantiating the effectiveness of the principle of self-regulation on closed irrigation systems (CIS) with sprinkling machine (SM) with the use of daily regulation pools (DRP) and "pull" pressure regulators when modernizing them.
 Aim and objectives of research. The aim of the research is to reduce the energy intensity of water supply for irrigation by increasing pump load rates (PLR) of pumping stations (PS) and expanding the area of ​​irrigation when modernizing and reconstructing closed irrigation networks (CIS). The construction of self-regulating CIS reduces accidental disturbances in the form of discrete changes in volumetric water flow rates generated by pumping units (PU) of PS, which minimizes unproductive discharges of water from distribution canals when performing inter-farm water distribution.
 Research methods: experimental, mathematical modeling and mathematical statistics.
 Research results. To substantiate the effectiveness of self-regulation, the results of experimental studies conducted in the operating area of ​​the distribution canal R-1 with machine water supply of Kakhovska Irrigation System, aimed at determining the hydraulic characteristics of existing CIS, energy characteristics of PU of PS. Statistical characteristics of water supply and power consumption processes on CIS equipped with SM from the PS13-R-1, which is equipped with four PU of 250QVD570-50 brand with diameters of rotor wheels Drw = 540 mm and drive motors of 1N435Z-4 brand with a capacity of 400 kW. PS operates on the CIS equipped with SM "Frigate" and drip irrigation system and serves two water users on a total area of ​​1036.0 hectares.
 To determine the statistical characteristics of the processes of water supply and power consumption, the graphs of pumped water volumes and the graphs of electricity obtained using electricity meters "ORION-01", as well as the graphs of planned water supply, built on daily applications for water use, are used. The logical-mathematical model of operative control of water supply on self-regulating CIS with application of DRP and “pull” pressure regulators is given. The substantiation of the efficiency of water supply management on the modernized CIS from PS13-R-1 was carried out using a mathematical model. Key words: self-regulation, modernization, closed irrigation system, daily regulation pool, statistical characteristics, water supply process, pump unit.
 Conclusions: The efficiency of the construction of self-regulating CISs with SMs with the use of daily regulation pools (DRP) and "pull" pressure regulators has been proved. Modernization and reconstruction of CISs on the principles of self-regulation provides: expansion of irrigation areas, reduction of energy consumption in water supply, coordination of water distribution management on open inter-farm and closed in-farm irrigation network, which enables to minimize non-technological water discharges from distribution channels and to prevent wasteful consumption of electricity for its pumping by the main water intake pumping stations.

SUBSTANTIATION OF ENERGY EFFICIENT WATER SUPPLY IN CLOSED IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Relevance of research. The research is aimed at improving the energy efficiency of automated water supply in irrigation systems. The purpose and objectives of research. The purpose of the research is to reduce the specific energy consumption for pumping water by pumping stations (PS) in closed irrigation systems (CIS). The task is to substantiate the efficiency of the method of automated control of water supply to the CIS when regulating the pressure at the outlet of the pumping station, which is set by the sum of hydraulic losses in the network from the pumping station to irrigation equipment (IE), static and free pressure at the dictating hydrant of CIS. The logical-mathematical model and technological conditions of energy-efficient water supply management "when it need" in CIS are given. The technical requirements for pumping units (PU) and auxiliary technological equipment of PS are presented in the application of automated water supply control with the use of frequency converters (FC).Research methods: experimental, mathematical modeling. Substantiation of the feasibility of introduction of automated electric drive with FC, as one of the measures of energy efficiency improvement, was carried out based on the results of energy audits of the PU and the CIS with the use of measuring equipment on the request of inter-district water management administration. The object of the energy audit is the CIS, which has been in operation since 1979. The PS is equipped with four PU with centrifugal section pumps 150-CVE-350-23/3 (D = 350 mm) and drive motors of the brand MAF315SK-4 with a rated power of 132 kW. During the period of operation the reconstruction and restoration of the CIS took place. “Dnepr” sprinkling machines have been replaced by modern low pressure SM and drip irrigation systems. With the replacement of irrigation equipment, asbestos-cement field pipelines with diameters D = 400 mm were replaced too with the plastic ones of D = 200 mm. The configuration, hydraulic characteristics of the CIS and modes of operation of the PU were changed. The efficiency of the pumps 150-CVE-350-23/3 decreased by 10-15% during the long-term operation of the PU. Research results. For energy efficient water supply management, it is proposed to: replace four worn pumps 150-CVE-350-23/3 with three pumps of domestic production ЦН400-105б; implement a system of automated water supply management at the CIS with the use of FC. Conclusions. The effectiveness of the application of a new method of water supply control in the CIS, which provides for automatic control of the pressure at the outlet of the PS, is given by the sum of hydraulic losses in the network from the PS to the IE, static and free pressure at the dictating inlet of the operating IE, using the proven FC. Introduction of automated electric drive with the FC on the PS-4 of the “Repin” CIS enables to reduce the daily power consumption from 12% to 25%.

МАТЕМАТИЧНА МОДЕЛЬ АВТОМАТИЗОВАНОГО УПРАВЛІННЯМ ВОДОПОДАЧЕЮ НА ЗРОШУВАЛЬНІЙ СИСТЕМІ

Дослідження спрямовані на створення математичної моделі, що застосовується для обґрунтування алгоритмів автоматизованого управління водоподачею на закритій зрошувальній системі (ЗЗС) при застосуванні на насосній станції (НС) насосного агрегату (НА) з перетворювачем частоти (ПЧ).Метою досліджень є зменшення енергоємності машинної водоподачі на ЗЗС шляхом ефективного застосування ПЧ на НС. Поставлено завдання: створення моделі автоматизованого управління водоподачею за блок-схемою ЗЗС; проведення ідентифікації параметрів типових блоків моделі за результатами експериментальних досліджень; аналіз якості системи автоматичного регулювання (САР) напору води на виході НС.Створено математичну модель ЗЗС, як об’єкту розосередженого контролю та автоматизованого управління водоподачею, за її блоксхемою із застосуванням програми MATLAB/Simulink. Отримано динамічні та гідравлічні характеристики об’єктів за результатами експериментальних досліджень, проведених на ЗЗС із застосуванням сучасних засобів вимірювальної техніки (ЗВТ). Здійснено ідентифікацію параметрів типових блоків математичної моделі – асинхронних електродвигунів, відцентрових насосів, засувок та іншихблоків за перехідними характеристиками та функціональними залежностями, отриманими експериментально. Визначено гідравлічні характеристики закритої зрошувальної мережі (ЗЗМ) із застосуванням розрахунково-експериментального методу. Розроблено математичну модель САР напору на виході НС для аналізу перехідних процесів автоматичного регулювання водоподачі та оптимізації параметрів пропорційно-інтегрального (ПІ) регулятора.

Minimally invasive salvage of infected breast tissue expanders: A continuous closed irrigation technique based on surface biofilm disruption

Removal of the infected device has been the general treatment for device-associated infection in antibiotic failure. There have been anecdotal attempts to salvage infected medical devices by introducing a continuous closed irrigation system. This study examines whether continuous closed irrigation of an infected device is a successful alternative to removal in patients with recalcitrant device-associated infection. Patients who were diagnosed with recalcitrant periexpander infections during the course of expander-implant breast reconstruction from 2010 to 2018 were enrolled in a retrospective case-control study. Patients who failed antibiotics before 2017 underwent expander removal, but patients since 2017 underwent continuous closed irrigation of the infected expanders. Treatment details and clinical outcomes were compared. Rationale for expander irrigation was based on review of the current literature on biofilm research. During the study period, 21 out of the 1176 patients were diagnosed with periexpander infection recalcitrant to antibiotic therapy. Among the 21 patients, 16 underwent expander removal and five underwent expander irrigation. Clinical outcomes were comparable in terms of resolution of infection signs. The irrigation group showed fewer patients who abandoned reconstruction after infection treatment (removal=11/16, irrigation=1/5). Literature review revealed that expander irrigation might have induced hydrodynamic disruption of the biofilm structure. Expander irrigation was less invasive than removal and effective in suppressing severe recalcitrant periexpander infection. Continuous closed irrigation of infected expander devices may be a successful antibiofilm strategy in treating device-associated infections in select patients.

Cold Atmospheric Plasma as a Novel Method for Inactivation of Potato Virus Y in Water Samples

While one of the biggest problems we are facing today is water scarcity, enormous quantities of water are still being used in irrigation. If contaminated, this water can act as an effective pathway for the spread of disease-causing agents, like viruses. Here, we present a novel, environmentally friendly method known as cold atmospheric plasma for inactivation of viruses in water used in closed irrigation systems. We measured the plasma-mediated viral RNA degradation as well as the plasma-induced loss of viral infectivity using potato virus Y as a model virus due to its confirmed water transmissibility and economic as well as biological importance. We showed that only 1 min of plasma treatment is sufficient for successful inactivation of viruses in water samples with either high or low organic background. The plasma-mediated inactivation was efficient even at markedly higher virus concentrations than those expected in irrigation waters. Obtained results point to reactive oxygen species as the main mode of viral inactivation. Our laboratory-scale experiments confirm for the first time that plasma has an excellent potential as the eukaryotic virus inactivation tool for water sources and could thus provide a cost-effective solution for irrigation mediated plant virus transmission. The outstanding inactivation efficiency demonstrated by plasma treatments in water samples offers further expansions of its application to other water sources such as reused wastewater or contaminated drinking waters, as well as other plant, animal, and human waterborne viruses, ultimately leading to the prevention of water scarcity and numerous human, animal, and plant infections worldwide.

Impact of UV-C radiation on growth of micro and macro algae in irrigation systems

Sustainability of irrigation systems is crucially important for both economical and efficient usage of natural water sources. Irrigation system efficiency could be negatively affected by some natural flora such as micro (Arthrospira maxima) and macro (Cladophora sp.) algae. In this study, efficiency of UV-C radiation, which has been proven effectiveness in demolishing of bacteria and microbes in medicine, for micro and macro algae. Our study was performed under laboratory conditions and was carried out in two main phases. In the first phase, spectral absorbance curves were established for micro and macro algae, the greatest absorbance value was determined in UV region (300 nm to 450 nm). In the second phase, to analyze the growth of algae species depending on UV-C illumination, micro algae within three different basins with the same cross-sectional area and different water depths (D1:12.5 cm, D2:25 cm, D3:45cm) were exposed to UV-C radiation for different durations (2, 4, 6, 8 and 16 s). The maximum inhibition on the growth rate of A. maxima was observed in 16 s UV-C radiation treatment groups of D1 and D2 basins. Since Cladophora sp. macro algae are aquatic weeds floating over the water surface, they were exposed to UV-C radiation similar to micro algae only in D1 basin. The greatest reduction rate in biomass values of Cladophora sp. was observed in 16 s UV-C exposed groups.The experimental findings showed that UV-C radiation could be used to reduce growth of micro and macro algae. It was concluded based on present findings that UV-C radiation could reliably be used for efficient water use in open or closed irrigation systems.

Management of wound infection after lumbar arthrodesis maintaining the instrumentation

<sec><title>OBJECTIVE:</title><p> To determinate whether a surgical protocol with immediate extensive debridement, closed irrigation system and antibiotic therapy would be effective to achieve healing of deep wound infection without removing the instrumentation.</p></sec><sec><title>METHODS:</title><p> Prospective cohort study with 19 patients presenting degenerative spinal stenosis or degenerative spondylolisthesis, who developed infection after posterior lumbar arthrodesis. The diagnosis was confirmed by a microbial culture from subfascial lumbar fluid and/or blood. Patients were treated with a protocol of wound exploration, extensive flushing and debridement, placement of a closed irrigation system that was maintained for five days and intravenous antibiotics. The instrumentation system was not removed.</p></sec><sec><title>RESULTS:</title><p> Mean age was 59.31 (±13.17) years old and most patients were female (94.7%; 18/19). The mean period for the identification of the infection was 2 weeks and 57.9% underwent a single wound exploration. White blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein showed a significant decrease post-treatment when compared to pre-treatment values. A significant reduction of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein was also observed at the final evaluation. No laboratory test was useful to predict the need for more than one debridement.</p></sec><sec><title>CONCLUSION:</title><p> Patients with wound infection after instrumentation can be treated without removal of the instrumentation through wound exploration, extensive flushing, debridement of necrotic tissue, closed irrigation system during 5 days and proper antibiotic therapy. The blood tests were not useful to predict surgical re-interventions.</p></sec>

Effective Protocol to Treat Patients with Deep Wound Infection after Spinal Lumbar Fusion

Introduction Deep wound infection (DWI) is a complication associated with poorer outcome and increased costs. The DWI rates increased in the last decade especially because of the use of spinal instrumentation. Although this condition is important for the surgical outcome, there is still no agreement about the about the need to remove the instrumentation. The objective is to describe the authors' experience in managing DWI without the removal of instrumentation after performing a procedure on the lumbar spine and the clinical and functional long-term course of these patients. Patients and Methods A prospective cohort study with the patients who presented deep infection of the surgical wound. All the patients with a clinical suspicion of this complication were submitted to an aggressive protocol of wound opening, collection of material for a microbiological examination, exhaustive washing, debridement, implementation of a continuous washing system, primary suturing of the wound, and treatment with antibiotics IV and then orally. The instrumentation was not removed from any patient. The patients were evaluated radiologically, clinically, functionally, and by blood test examination, white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein, during the follow-up. Paired analyses were performed using the Wilcoxon test to evaluate changes in the instrument scores. Results The mean age was 59.31 ( ± 13.17) and most of the patients were female (94.7%; 18/19). At least one comorbidity was observed in 68.4% of the patients, the most frequent being obesity, present in 26.3% of the patients. The mean period for the identification of DWI was 2 weeks and 57.9% underwent only one wound exploration. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common microorganisms ( n = 13 cases, 68.4%). Blood tests showed a significant decrease of the WBC, ESR, and CRP 6 weeks' posttreatment when compared with pretreatment values. Comparing the 6 weeks' posttreatment evaluation and the final evaluation, a significant reduction of ESR and CRP was also observed. Conclusion Patients with DWI after posterior lumbar spinal instrumentation fusion can be treated without removal of the instrumentation through an aggressive protocol of wound exploration, extensive washing, debridement of necrotic tissue, closed irrigation system during 5 days, and proper antibiotic therapy. The WBC, ESR, and CRP blood tests were not useful to predict the need for surgical reinterventions. Despite the complication, the patients presented improvement with respect to pain, functional capacity, and preoperative quality of life.