Min Pause Research Articles

The Production of Water Kefir Drink with the Addition of Dried Figs in the Horizontal Rotating Tubular Bioreactor.

Water kefir is a product obtained through the fermentation of sucrose solution, usually with some kind of dried fruit addition, by a combined culture of micro-organisms which are contained within kefir grains. Its popularity is rising because of the simplicity of its preparation and its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, probiotic, and antibacterial effects. In this research, the water kefir production was studied in 250 mL jars, as well as in a horizontal rotating tubular bioreactor (HRTB). The first part of the research was conducted in smaller-scale (jars), wherein the optimal fruit and fruit portions were determined. These experiments included the addition of dried plums, apricots, raisins, dates, cranberries, papaya, and figs into 150 mL of initial sugar solution. Also, the optimal ratio between dried fruit and sucrose solution (0.2) at the beginning of the bioprocess was determined. The second part of this research was conducted using HRTB. The experiments in the HRTB were carried out by using different operational modes (constant or interval bioreactor rotation). A total of six different bioreactor setups were used, and in all experiments, figs were added at the beginning of the bioprocess (0.2 ratio between dried figs and sucrose solution). On the basis of the obtained results, the interval bioreactor rotation mode proved to be the better HRTB mode for the production of the water kefir, as the yield of the main fermentation products was higher, and their ratios were the most adequate for the quality of water kefir drink. The optimal results were obtained via HRTB setup 3/57 (3 min rotation, 57 min pause within 1 h) and rotation speed of 3 rpm. Furthermore, it is clear that HRTB has great potential for water kefir production due to the fact that HRTB experiments showed shorter fermentation times (at least five times) than water kefir production in jars.

Fentanyl activates opposing opioid and non-opioid receptor systems that control breathing.

Fentanyl elicits profound disturbances in ventilatory control processes in humans and experimental animals. The traditional viewpoint with respect to fentanyl-induced respiratory depression is that once the effects on the frequency of breathing (Freq), tidal volume (TV), and minute ventilation (MV = Freq × TV) are resolved, then depression of breathing is no longer a concern. The results of the present study challenge this concept with findings, as they reveal that while the apparent inhibitory effects of fentanyl (75μg/kg, IV) on Freq, TV, and MV in adult male rats were fully resolved within 15 min, many other fentanyl-induced responses were in full effect, including opposing effects on respiratory timing parameters. For example, although the effects on Freq were resolved at 15 min, inspiratory duration (Ti) and end inspiratory pause (EIP) were elevated, whereas expiratory duration (Te) and end expiratory pause (EEP) were diminished. Since the effects of fentanyl on TV had subsided fully at 15 min, it would be expected that the administration of an opioid receptor (OR) antagonist would have minimal effects if the effects of fentanyl on this and other parameters had resolved. We now report that the intravenous injection of a 1.0mg/kg dose of the peripherally restricted OR antagonist, methyl-naloxone (naloxone methiodide, NLXmi), did not elicit arousal but elicited some relatively minor changes in Freq, TV, MV, Te, and EEP but pronounced changes in Ti and EIP. In contrast, the injection of a 2.5mg/kg dose of NLXmi elicited pronounced arousal and dramatic changes in many variables, including Freq, TV, and MV, which were not associated with increases in non-apneic breathing events such as apneas. The two compelling conclusions from this study are as follows: 1) the blockade of central ORs produced by the 2.5mg/kg dose of NLXmi elicits pronounced increases in Freq, TV, and MV in rats in which the effects of fentanyl had apparently resolved, and 2) it is apparent that fentanyl had induced the activation of two systems with counter-balancing effects on Freq and TV: one being an opioid receptor inhibitory system and the other being a non-OR excitatory system.

Mitigation of Aerosol and Microbial Concentration in a Weaning Piggery by Spraying Nanobubble Ozone Water with an Ultrasonic Sprayer.

Enhancing biosecurity measures in livestock is an essential prerequisite for producing animal products with the highest levels of safety and quality. In Japan, 70% of the mortalities post-weaning are attributed to respiratory pathogens. The research has shown that microorganisms, including both viruses and bacteria, do not merely float in the air independently. Instead, they spread by adhering to aerosols. Therefore, improving the control of aerosol dissemination becomes a critical strategy for reducing pathogenic loads and boosting the overall efficiency of livestock production. This study focused on reducing concentrations of aerosol particles, airborne microbial concentrations, and airborne mass concentrations by spraying ozone solution with an ultrasonic sprayer. The experiments were conducted at a farm in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, known for its integrated management system, overseeing a herd of 200 sows. Nanobubble ozone water particles were dispersed using an ultrasonic sprayer, which allowed the particles to remain airborne significantly longer than those dispersed using a standard nozzle, at a rate of 30 mL per weaning pig 49 days old, for a 10 min period. This procedure was followed by a 10 min pause, and the cycle was repeated for 17 days. Measurements included concentrations of airborne bacteria, aerosol mass, and aerosol particles. The findings demonstrated a substantial reduction in airborne microbial concentrations of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in the treated area compared to the control, with reductions reaching a peak of 85.7% for E. coli and 69.5% for S. aureus. Aerosol particle sizes ranging from 0.3-0.5 µm, 0.5-1.0 µm, 1.0-2.0 µm, 2.0-5.0 µm, to 5.0-10.0 µm were monitored, with a notable decrease in concentrations among larger particles. The average aerosol mass concentration in the test area was over 50% lower than in the control area.

Micron porous copper powder through vacuum dealloying

The development of low-cost and high-efficiency catalysts is of great significance (Sun et al., 2016) [1]. Herein, nanoporous catalysts were synthesized by vapor phase dealloying. Vapor phase dealloying (VPD) is an environmentally friendly method for fabricating nanoporous materials by utilizing the saturated vapor pressure difference of elements to selectively evaporate of one or more components from an alloy (Lu, 2021) [2]. These mechanisms were initially studied for thin films evaporation processes. In the present study we use recycled brass turning chips as starting materials to help the transition from the linear to the circular economy. We combined vacuum dealloying, with a complex characterization from a morphological, structural, and application-oriented point of view to demonstrate the efficacy of the product at the laboratory level. The turning chips were cleaned, dried, and milled in a planetary mill at 400 rpm, 4 cycles of 15 min milling 15 min pause, in air. The milled powders had a diameter of less than 400 µm as presented in Fig. 1. These powders were than subjected to vacuum dealloying at 500–600 °C, for different durations. These samples were be characterized by electron microscopy (SEM-EDS, image analysis and measurements of the photocatalytic activity)

Developing the technology of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery and assessing its clinical effectiveness

Objective: development of the technology of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISВCS) and assessment of its clinical effectiveness. Materials and Methods. Our study was conducted in two stages. At stage I, we reviewed the published materials on traditional algorithm of conducting ISВCS, as a result of which, a modified algorithm for performing surgical intervention (mоISBCS) was developed. At stage II, 130 patients (mean age of 58.4±1.8 years) with uncomplicated binocular cataract were under observation. Patients were divided into two groups of similar age and eye condition. The main group included 67 people (134 eyes), who underwent mоISBCS. The control group comprised 63 subjects (126 eyes), who underwent surgery on the second eye (delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery, DSВCS) 21–28 days after the first operation. Results. The analysis of traditional provisions served the basis for improving ISВCS technology by including a long (at least 60 min) pause between operations with a comprehensive examination of the patient in the algorithm of surgical intervention. The obtained data demonstrated similar clinical effectiveness of mоISBCS and DSВCS. Conclusion. The mоISBCS technology can be considered an effective and safe method of cataract surgical treatment, which is especially important for patients with occupation yielding a visual stress.

Supplemental Blue Light Frequencies Improve Ripening and Nutritional Qualities of Tomato Fruits.

Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L. Micro-Tom) were grown in a plastic greenhouse. When plants anthesis, the 100 μmol m–2 s–1 blue light-emitting diode (LED) light (430 ± 10 nm) was supplemented from 6:00 to 18:00. There were 5 treatments, which contained different blue light frequencies with the same intensity: S6 (30 min blue light and 30 min pause), S8 (30 min blue light and 15 min pause), S10 (30 min blue and 8 min pause), S12 (continuous blue light for 12 h), and control (CK) (natural light, without any supplemental light). Agronomic traits and nutritional qualities of tomato fruits were measured at 30, 34, 38, 42, and 46 days after anthesis (DAA), respectively. Different frequencies of supplemental blue light could accelerate flowering of tomato plants and promote fruit ripening about 3–4 days early via promoting ethylene evolution of fruits, which significantly facilitated the processes of color change and maturity in tomato fruits. The contents of lycopene, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoids, vitamin C, and soluble sugar, as well as the overall antioxidant activity of tomato fruits were significantly enhanced by all the supplemental blue light treatments. In all, different frequencies of supplemental blue light prominently reinforced the antioxidant levels and nutritional qualities of tomato fruits, especially lycopene content, and S10 was more optimal for tomato fruits production in a plastic greenhouse.

Chemical vs. Physical Methods to Improve Dermal Drug Delivery: A Case Study with Nanoemulsions and Iontophoresis.

So far, various approaches have been proposed to improve dermal drug delivery. The use of chemical penetration enhancers has a long history of application, while methods based on the electrical current (such as iontophoresis) stand out as promising “active” techniques. Aiming to evaluate the contribution of different approaches to dermal delivery, in this work curcumin-loaded nanoemulsions with and without monoterpenes (eucalyptol or pinene) as chemical penetration enhancers, and a custom-made adhesive dermal delivery system based on iontophoresis were designed and assessed. In an in vivo study applying skin bioengineering techniques, their safety profile was proven. Three examined iontophoresis protocols, with total skin exposure time of 15 min (continuous flow for 15 min (15-0); 3 min of continuous flow and 2 min pause (3-2; 5 cycles) and 5 min of continuous flow and 1 min pause (5-1; 3 cycles) were equally efficient in terms of the total amount of curcumin that penetrated through the superficial skin layers (in vivo tape stripping) (Q3-2 = 7.04 ± 3.21 μg/cm2; Q5-1 = 6.66 ± 2.11 μg/cm2; Q15-0 = 6.96 ± 3.21 μg/cm2), significantly more efficient compared to the referent nanoemulsion and monoterpene-containing nanoemulsions. Further improvement of an efficient mobile adhesive system for iontophoresis would be a practical contribution in the field of dermal drug application.

Interval aeration improves degradation and humification by enhancing microbial interactions in the composting process

Five full-scale food waste composts were conducted under different aeration frequencies (no aeration, aeration at different intervals, and continuous aeration) to reveal the optimal strategy and its microbial mechanisms. The highest degradation rate (77.2%) and humus content (29.3%) were observed in Treatment D with interval aeration (aeration 20 min, pause 10 min). Aeration influenced the degradation and humification rate by regulating microbial interactions. The microbial interactions peaked in Treatment D, with a 1.30-fold increase. In terms of the microbial community, Thermobifida was a key genus for improving positive cohesion, fulfilling three criteria (high abundance, high occurrence frequency, and significant differences between treatments). The aeration strategy employed in Treatment D not only increased relative abundance of Thermobifida (1.2 times higher) but also strengthened interaction between it and functional genera (34 nodes). Overall, interval aeration, featured by 20 min aeration and 10 min pause, could increase microbial interactions and improve composting efficiency.

Effects of Minor Elements Additions to the Nanocrystalline FeAl Alloy Produced by Powder Metallurgy

Mechanical alloying has recently attracted considerable attention as researchers try to improve materials properties. The process can be performed at room temperature and homogeneous alloys can be produced. In this work Fe–28 wt. % Al; Fe–26 wt. % Al–2 wt. % Sn and Fe–26 wt. % Al–2 wt. % V alloys were synthesized by mechanical alloying to investigate the effects of tin and vanadium additions on the structural and microstructural properties of Nanocrystalline FeAl Alloy. Fe72Al28, Fe72Al26Sn2 and Fe72Al26Sn2 were ball milled for 30 h under argon atmosphere using a rotating speed of 200 rpm with 15 min pause time after every 15 min running time. The structural and microstructural properties of the ball milled powders were analyzed using X-ray diffraction (DRX) and Mössbauer spectroscopy techniques. The final powders are characterized by an average crystallite size of 10 nm for the Fe72Al28 alloy, 6 nm for the Fe72Al26Sn2 alloy and 19 nm for the Fe72Al26V2, accompanied by the introduction of a lattice strain of order of 1.55 %, 0.78 % and 0.80% respectively. The Mossbauer study of the Fe72Al26V2 samples showed doublet with isomer shift IS= 0.17 mm/s and three magnetically split sextet.

Three-Axis’ Heat Loss Anemometer Comprising Thick-Film Segmented Thermistors

NTC thick-film segmented thermistors were used as anemometer sensing devices. They were screen printed of thick-film thermistor paste based on modified NiMn2O4 fine powder, organic vehicle, and glass frit. Their electrical properties, such as resistance vs. temperature R(T) and thermistor exponential factor B were obtained using measurements in the climatic test chamber. A uniaxial anemometer was formed using a thick-film segmented thermistor, which was placed in the hole drilled in rectangular piece of thermally insulating material. The uniaxial anemometer was used for the optimization of operating point of segmented thermistors as self-heating/wind sensing devices. The dc supply voltage was correlated with the air temperature sub-ranges (RCV). The power save mode such as 30s self-heating/5 min pause was used to measure the thermistor response on stable wind blow. The three-axis’ anemometer was formed using five sensor devices placed in five holes drilled in the cubical piece of thermally insulating material: three thermistor sensors measure wind speed on the x, y, z – axes, the fourth sensor Pt 1000 measures the air temperature T, while the fifth sensor (capacitive type) measures humidity H. The obtained sensitivity and inaccuracy were compared with respective ones of other anemometers.

The long-term protective effect of hypothermia and gradual detorsion on ovarian tissue in adnexal torsion/detorsion model in rats

IntroductionIschemia in ovarian torsion and subsequent reperfusion has significant effects on fertility in the long term. The most important reason for these changes is thought to be a reperfusion injury rather than ischemia. We aimed to evaluate whether the reperfusion injury following ovarian detorsion could be reduced by hypothermia and intermittent reperfusion. Materials and MethodsForty adult female rats were divided into five groups as follows: Sham (Sh) (n = 8), torsion detorsion (control TD) (n = 8), progressive reperfusion “gradual detorsion” (GD) (n = 8), hypothermia (H) (n = 8) and the progressive reperfusion + hypothermia (GD + H) (n = 8). In all rats, except for the Sh group, the left ovary was rotated counter clockwise 1080° and fixed to the abdominal wall by three 5–0 non-absorbable sutures followed by the closure of the laparotomy. After 30 h, reperfusion was achieved following the detorsion of the ovaries. In both the control TD and H groups, the torsed ovaries were detorsed. H group, however, was subjected to hypothermia with ice packs 30 min before and during the detorsion. Tissue temperature was kept constant at 4 °C, controlled by a digital thermometer. In the GD group, the torsed ovary and pedicle were detorsed by 360°, followed by a 5 min pause. This procedure was repeated twice until a complete detorsion was achieved. GD + H group underwent hypothermia with ice packs 30 min before the procedure and the torsed ovary and pedicle were detorsed by 360°. After a 5 min pause, we repeated this process twice to provide full detorsion. The tissue temperature was constantly held at 4 °C. In the hypothermia groups, we applied hypothermia for an additional 30 min after detorsion and then left the rats at normal body temperature during reperfusion. We followed the rats in all groups for 60 days. Then we excised the left ovaries of all rats through laparotomy and spared some of the ovaries for biochemical and pathological examination. Intracardiac blood was taken at the end of the procedure and it was sent to the biochemical laboratory to assess oxidative stress markers. Finally, all the animals were sacrificed with high-dose of anesthesia. ResultsEvaluation of the results revealed that oxidative stress markers were significantly lower, and antioxidant parameters were higher in the experimental groups compared with the control TD group (p < 0.05). Histopathologically, we found that tissues were preserved in GD, H, GD + H groups (p < 0.05). When we compared the groups among each other, both biochemical and histopathological values in GD + H group showed that the tissue was preserved from oxidative damage, albeit the difference did not reach a level of significance. DiscussionSeveral studies have shown that both hypothermia and intermittent reperfusion protect tissue from IR damage in the early period. However, as far as we know there is no study on long-term outcomes of both practices. Our study showed that both hypothermia and intermittent reperfusion alone protect tissue from IR damage in the long term. However, it did not show the superiority of the combination of both methods compared to that of individual application. The advantages of these methods lie in their easy application and cost-effectiveness. We believe that our study will serve as a base for future studies on the subject.

In-vitro assessment of the thrombolytic efficacy of therapeutic ultrasound

BackgroundUltrasound is mainly used as a diagnostic tool. Several studies demonstrated that therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) can enhance thrombolysis, but the optimal mechanical parameters to achieve this biological effect are still unknown. MethodsWe assembled 46 blood clots in a closed in-vitro circulatory model. Clots were randomly divided into 7 groups, control group and six TUS groups of three frequencies (0.3, 0.5, 0.7 MHz) and six intensities (0.75, 1.5, 3, 237.7, 475, 950 W/cm2). Treatment was composed of 12 repetitions, 5 min US application and 3 min pause, lasting 93 min in total. Clots' weight and flow rate were measured before and after the treatment. ResultsMean initial clot weight (0.318 ± 0.129 g) and flow (0.53 ± 0.31 ml/min) were comparable among the experimental groups. We found a final clot weights reduction (0.15 ± 0.05, 0.16 ± 0.06, 0.09 ± 0.07, 0.21 ± 0.09, 0.17 ± 0.09, 0.17 ± 0.07 and 0.18 ± 0.02 g in groups 1 through 6, respectively) and a flow increase (30.61 ± 19.76, 52.1 ± 25.44, 28.78 ± 8.15, 43.93 ± 20.03, 40.86 ± 18.25 and 45.10 ± 22.20 ml/min in groups 1–6, respectively) in all TUS groups. Clot weight change (%) and flow increase reveals that the TUS profile f = 0.5 MHz I = 1.5 W/cm2 was most efficacious. In the control group, clot weight change was +6.3% of baseline and flow increase of 4.4% of baseline, whereas −75.4% of baseline and 209.3% of baseline in the f = 0.5 MHz I = 1.5 W/cm2 profile were noted, respectively. ConclusionsOur study proved that TUS at low frequency (0.5 MHz) is most effective, whereas changing the intensity of TUS has only a minor effect on clot lysis magnitude.

OneED: Embedding a mindfulness-based wellness programme into an emergency department.

ED staff are subject to many stressors, but there are few descriptions of collective approaches to enhancing wellness in this setting. We aim to describe a programme developed to address these issues at department level, to report the feasibility and sustainability of the programme, and its impact on staff. The oneED programme was developed and delivered in a tertiary ED. The programme included a 1 day mindfulness workshop, followed by ongoing mindfulness activities embedded in clinical areas over the subsequent 12 months. A mixed-methods evaluation of the programme was conducted, which included quantitative validated psychological tools to measure anxiety, depression and emotional exhaustion, and pragmatic evaluation using surveys of participants and iterative appreciative inquiry. Eighty staff members attended the mindfulness workshop; 66 from ED. Following the workshop, understanding and frequency of mindfulness practice increased significantly in 47% of participants. Free-text survey results demonstrated that staff found the programme to be acceptable (80% survey participants) and of perceived value to themselves (50%) and the ED (60%). Appreciative inquiry led to modification of the programme: the 4 min pause is now conducted weekly rather than daily, the pause consists of a variety of activities, and group activities are made more overtly optional. A departmental wellness programme embedding mindfulness practice is feasible and sustainable. Potential for success is enhanced by an approach that is open to modification according to each institution's culture.

Dynamic retinal vessel analysis using a spatial light modulator for stimulation

Purpose : Dynamic vessel analysis (DVA) with the Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems UG) is the Gold standard to measure alterations in retinal vessel diameter in health and disease. The DVA guidelines provide flicker stimulation of 12.5 Hz in a 30° field of view [1] (fixed full-field). However, to investigate local effects in the regulation of retinal perfusion, e.g. neuro vascular coupling, spatially varying stimuli are required. We introduce and validate a spatial light modulator (SLM) based setup for DVA providing arbitrary stimuli in location and size. Methods : We studied 15 volunteers (8m, 7f, 24.7±1.1 yr) to investigate the repeatability of the novel setup and to compare the new setup with the Gold standard. The relative vaso-dilatation value was determined for both. We measured four primary vessels: one superior temporal artery and vein (STa/STv), one inferior temporal artery and vein (ITa/ITv). All subjects were free of ocular and systemic diseases. A high-power LED (515 nm) and a transmissive liquid crystal SLM were connected to a mydriatic fundus camera. The field of view was set to 30°. The SLM was controlled via standard graphics card and a customized software (60 Hz refresh rate / 15 Hz flicker frequency). Each volunteer was measured three times. One measurement with the Gold standard and two with the new setup, in a random order (10 min pause time). Repeatability and comparison of the two setups were analyzed using the Bland-Altmann method. To value the differences among the group means we performed the t-test. For groups that did not meet the normality assumption we employed the Mann-Whitney U test. Results : The repeatability analysis showed the following mean differences (MD), Limits of Agreement (LoA), both in %, and p-values. STa: MD=-0.78, LoA=-4.35/+2.79, p=0.134. ITa: MD=-0.67, LoA=-3.82/+2.48, p=0.131. STv: MD=-0.69, LoA=-4.30/+2.92, p=0.186. ITv: MD=-0.03, LoA=-3.00/+2.94, p=0.947. Comparing the two different setups the p-values were 0.545 (STa), 0.405 (ITa), 0.05 (STv), and 0.137 (ITv). Conclusions : We realized a working experimental setup and applied a new approach of Dynamic Vessel Analysis using a spatial light modulator. Validation was realized in comparison to the Gold standard. The agreement between the two different setups was predominantly good. Neither the repeatability analysis nor the comparison of the two setups showed significant differences.

P207 Affecting declarative long-term memory with transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS)

Introduction and objective Previous studies imply that tACS can entrain the ongoing physiological neuronal oscillations depending on the targeted function and the parameters (frequency, intensity and phase) of the stimulation. The aim of the present study was to clarify if tACScould influence the performance of healthy subjects on a verbal paired-associate learning paradigm. Methods For that, we conducted three different crossover, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled studies, using a battery-driven Starstim stimulator system (Neuroelectrics, Barcelona, Spain). In the first study ( n = 6), we applied 100 Hz tACS with 1.5 mA (active electrode T7, return Fpz and T8); in the second one ( n = 6), 1.0 mA, 6 Hz (3 s) followed by 80 Hz (5 s) tACS during ISI and Stimulus presentation using the same electrodes configuration; in the third one ( n = 15), we combined a temporal- and pre-frontal stimulation using 7 electrodes. Here the stimulation intensity was 1 mA at 6 Hz (temporal) and 80 Hz (pre-frontal) combined stimulation. For all the studies, we used 8 cm 2 round rubber electrodes inside a saline-soaked sponge pocket, applying 10 min stimulation during the word-pairs learning phase. After the learning phase, the subjects had a 10 min pause, followed by a test phase with a cued recall. The subjects returned after 24 h for a second cued-recall test. All subjects receivedactive and sham tACS in a counterbalanced, randomized-manner. Results In the first two studies, no significant difference were found in the accuracy performance between days across conditions, as well as between days within conditions; in the third study, we found no significant difference between days across conditions, but significant difference between days in the active ( t = 2.98, p = 0.010) and sham ( t = 2.52, p = 0.024) stimulation. Conclusion The stimulation parameters tested could not influence the memory performance assessed by this memory task with the present number of subjects in the first two studies. Further variations of waveforms, intensity and stimulation parameters should be tested with the same task in order to probe the possible influence of tACS on episodic long-term memory. The final results will be presented in the conference.

Comparison of the effect of negative pressure wound therapy with and without installation of polyhexanide on the bacterial kinetic in chronic wounds

Abstract Background Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has established successfully as a treatment option for acceleration of wound healing in a broad range of clinical indications. Systematic research investigating the bacterial kinetics on wounds is lacking and no studies are available comparing the microbiological difference of repeated instillation of polyhexanide (PHMB) against continuous NPWT without instillation of an antiseptic. The aim of this study was to investigate the bacterial bio-burden on wounds and to measure the bacterial kinetic during application of NPWT with and without intermitted instillation of 0.02% PHMB. Methods A cohort of 18 patients with chronic (n = 16) and acute (n = 2) wounds was treated either with NPWT alone or with additional intermitted instillation of 0.02% PHMB. Wound healing and bacterial load were assessed at every dressing change. All wounds were closed by split-thickness skin grafts or local Reverdin flaps. According to the manufacturer of the investigated NPWT system (V.A.C. therapy unit, Kinetic Concepts Inc. KCI) wounds were filled with a polyurethane sponge (pore size 0.4–0.6 mm) and occluded with a polyurethane foil (KCI Inc., USA). The NPWT-device was connected to the wound and operated at 100 mm Hg sub-atmospheric pressure utilizing an alternating pressure cycle of 5 min of suction followed by 2 min pause. The automated intermittent instillation lasted for 4–20 s, the exposure time was 20 min. After 60 min of NPWT, the instillation was started again. Results Seven split-thickness skin grafts, 3 Reverdin-flaps and one combined closure (Reverdin + split-thickness skin grafts) exhibited excellent wound healing after successful transplantation 4 weeks after intervention. The quality of wound granulation was excellent in all wounds, regardless of NPWT application with or without instillation of 0.02% PHMB. The bacterial spectrum remained mostly unchanged after treatment and had no influence on the outcome. Conclusion It was demonstrated that management of infected wounds with NPWT, with or without instillation of 0.02% PHMB, did not reduce the number of bacteria on wounds. Bacteria proliferate below a NPWT dressing and increase in numbers. Independently of bacterial kinetics, all wounds showed excellent granulation and healed with no complications. This observation challenges the concept that bacterial bioburden correlates with impaired wound healing.

Long-term Listeria monocytogenes proliferation control in milk by intermittently delivered pulsed electric fields, implications for food security in the low-income countries

Microbial density control is a major challenge for food preservation especially in the low-income countries, where 850 million undernourished people live. In this work, we report on non-thermal, chemical-free microbial cell density control by intermittently delivered pulsed electric fields (IDPEF). We show that IDPEF allows for precise control of L. monocytogenes density in contaminated milk, an essential product for small farmers in low-income countries. Using L. monocytogenes growth kinetics, we designed an IDPEF protocol that consists of 2 sequences of 10 square wave pulses, 50 μ s duration, 12.5 kV cm-1 electric field strength, delivered at 0.5 Hz and 1 min pause between the sequences applied every 1.5 hours. In a 12 hours experiment at 32 °C, L. monocytogenes density of untreated samples reached (9.1 ± 0.6) ⋅ 107 CFU ml-1 and (7.1 ± 0.3) ⋅ 108 CFU ml-1 for initial load of (1.4 ± 0.2) ⋅ 103 CFU ml-1 and (3.1 ± 0.3) ⋅ 106 CFU ml-1 respectively; the final density in the IDPEF treated samples, however, was 120 ± 44 CFU ml-1 and (1.1 ± 0.3) ⋅ 105 CFU ml-1. The energy required for IDPEF storage of milk in the low-income countries could be generated by a small-scale 2kW solar energy system operating 5.5 hours per day in combination with small-scale energy storage system. We believe that IDPEF storage technology can empower millions of small farmers in the low-income countries by providing them a simple and energy efficient technology for milk preservation.

Shockwave lithotripsy with renoprotective pause is associated with vasoconstriction in humans

A pause early in shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) increased vasoconstriction as measured by resistive index (RI) during treatment and mitigated renal injury in an animal model. The purpose of our study was to investigate whether RI rose during SWL in humans. Prospectively recruited patients underwent SWL of renal stones with a Dornier Compact S lithotripter. The renal protective protocol consisted of treatment at 1 Hz and slow power ramping for the initial 250 shocks followed by a 2 min pause. RI was measured using ultrasound prior to treatment, after 250 shocks, after 750 shocks, after 1500 shocks, and after SWL. A linear mixed-effects model was used to compare RI at the different time points and to account for additional covariates in fifteen patients. RI was significantly higher than baseline for all time points 250 shocks and after. Age, gender, body mass index, and treatment side were not significantly associated with RI. Monitoring for a rise in RI during SWL is possible and may provide real-time feedback as to when the kidney is protected. [Work supported by NIH DK043881, NSBRI through NASA NCC 9-58, and resources from the VA Puget Sound Health Care System.]

Focused ultrasound treatment of abscesses induced by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: feasibility study in a mouse model.

To study the therapeutic effect of focused ultrasound on abscesses induced by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a major nosocomial pathogen where immunocompromised patients are prone to develop infections that are less and less responsive to regular treatments. Because of its capability to induce a rise of temperature at a very precise location, the use of focused ultrasound represents a considerable opportunity for therapy of localized MRSA-related infections. 50 μl of MRSA strain USA400 bacteria suspension at a concentration of 1.32 ± 0.5 × 10(5) colony forming units (cfu)/μl was injected subcutaneously in the left flank of BALB/c mice. An abscess of 6 ± 2 mm in diameter formed after 48 h. A transducer operating at 3 MHz with a focal length of 50 mm and diameter of 32 mm was used to treat the abscess. The focal point was positioned 2 mm under the skin at the abscess center. Forty-eight hours after injection four ultrasound exposures of 9 s each were applied to each abscess under magnetic resonance imaging guidance. Each exposure was followed by a 1 min pause. These parameters were based on preliminary experiments to ensure repetitive accurate heating of the abscess. Real-time estimation of change of temperature was done using water-proton resonance frequency and a communication toolbox (matMRI) developed inhouse. Three experimental groups of animals each were tested: control, moderate temperature (MT), and high temperature (HT). MT and HT groups reached, respectively, 52.3 ± 5.1 and 63.8 ± 7.5 °C at the end of exposure. Effectiveness of the treatment was assessed by evaluating the bacteria amount of the treated abscess 1 and 4 days after treatment. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay evaluating the neutrophil amount was performed to assess the local neutrophil recruitment and the white blood cell count was used to evaluate the systemic inflammatory response after focused ultrasound treatment. Macroscopic evaluation of treated abscess indicated a diminution of external size of abscess 1 day after treatment. Treatment did not cause open wounds. The median (lower to upper quartile) bacterial count 1 day after treatment was 6.18 × 10(3) (0.76 × 10(3)-11.18 × 10(3)), 2.86 × 10(3) (1.22 × 10(3)-7.07 × 10(3)), and 3.52 × 10(3) (1.18 × 10(3)-6.72 × 10(3)) cfu/100 μl for control, MT and HT groups, respectively; for the 4-day end point, the count was 1.37 × 10(3) (0.67 × 10(3)-2.89 × 10(3)), 1.35 × 10(3) (0.09 × 10(3)-2.96 × 10(3)), and 0.07 × 10(3) (0.03 × 10(3)-0.36 × 10(3)) cfu/100 μl for control, MT and HT, showing a significant reduction (p = 0.002) on the bacterial load four days after focused ultrasound treatment when treating at high temperature (HT). The MPO amount remained unchanged between groups and days, indicating no change on local neutrophil recruitment in the abscess caused by the treatment. The white blood cell count remained unchanged between groups and days indicating that no systemic inflammatory response was caused by the treatment. Focused ultrasound induces a therapeutic effect in abscesses induced by MRSA. This effect is observed as a reduction of the number bacteria without significantly altering the amount of MPO at the site of a MRSA-induced abscess. These initial results suggest that focused ultrasound is a viable option for the treatment of localized MRSA-related infections.

돈분뇨의 호기적 액비화 과정에서 암모니아 휘산량 평가

BACKGROUND: Composting is the most frequently used waste management process for animal manure in Korea’s livestock industry. In the composting process, a large amount of nitrogen (N) is volatilized to the atmosphere as amonia (NH3). However, quantitative information of NH3 emission from composting of liquid manure is required to obtain emission factors for management of livestock manure in Korea. METHODS AND RESULTS: To evaluate the NH3 emission from composting of liquid manure affected by aeration, we conducted composting of liquid pig manure with three forced aeration systems. The aeration conditions were continuous (A60), cycle of 30 min aeration and 30 min pause (A30S30) and without aeration(A0). All treatments were aerated 12 hour per day with these aeration systems. The total ratio of NH3 volatilization loss to total N content in liquid manure throughout composting period was estimated to 19.9% for A0 treatment, 25.9% for A30S30 treatment and 36.3% for A60 treatment. The A30S30 and A60 aeration systems increased NH3 volatilization by 30.2 and 82.3% compared with systems without forced aeration. CONCLUSION(S): Ammonia emission during liquid pig manure composting was highly affected by forced aeration. The development of liquid pig manure composting systems with forced aeration would be considered both reducing ammonia emission and efficiency of composting.