Number Of Washes Research Articles

Antimicrobial activity of β-CD finished and apricot kernel oil applied fabrics

β-CD, which is composed of glucopyranose, is nontoxic and environmentally friendly. In addition, β-CD has a troidal shape and hydrophobic internal cavity that can form a host-guest complex with hydrophobic materials. Apricot kernel oil (AKO) is used as a food that it contains amygdalin and exhibits high antimicrobial activity compared to many other types of seed oil. In this study, the fabrics finished with β-CD and then applied with AKO were examined for their antibacterial effects against gram-positive C. xerosis and S. aureus as well as gram-negative K. pneumoniae. The β-CD finished fabric exhibited antimicrobial activity due to the unreacted carboxyl groups located in the supramolecular nano-assembled polymer. Moreover, the fabrics finished with β-CD followed by AKO showed bactericidal activity against most microbes. In regard to the durability of the antimicrobial property against washing, β-CD finished only and together with AKO included fabrics lost their antibacterial property as the number of washes was increased. The excellent antimicrobial activity of the β-CD finished fabrics was regained by spraying with an AKO-containing ethanol solution. β-CD finishing and application of AKO simultaneously can ensure antimicrobial activity against a variety of microbes.

Comparison of the Laboratory Standard Washing Using CIPAC Washing Agent and the Domestic Washing on Three Recommended Types of Long-Lasting Insecticidal Mosquito Nets

BackgroundOne of the best ways to prevent malaria is the use of insecticide-treated bed nets. Manufacturers pursue easier, safer and more efficient nets. Hence, many studies on the efficacy and wash resistance using World Health Organization standards have been reported. The commonly used detergent is “Savon de Marseille”, because it closely resembles actually used soaps. At the 54th Collaborative International Pesticides Analytical Council (CIPAC) Technical Meeting in 2010, it was suggested to replace it by a standardized “CIPAC washing agent”. The aim of this study was to investigate the difference between a laboratory hand washing simulation using the CIPAC washing agent (method-1) and a domestic washing (method-2) on different bed nets, as well as the effect of the drying process on the release of active ingredient.MethodsInterceptor®, Permanet®2.0 and Netprotect® nets were used in three treatments, each repeated 20 times. The first treatment included method-1 washing and indoor drying. The second treatment included method-2 washing and indoor drying. The third treatment used method-2 washing and UV-drying. The residual insecticide contents were determined using gas chromatography.ResultsThe washing procedure and the number of washes have a significant effect on the release of active ingredient. Statistically, the two washing methods have the same effect on removing the active ingredient from the Interceptor® and Permanet®2.0 net, but a significantly different influence on the Netprotect® nets. The drying process has no significant effect on the insecticide.ConclusionBoth washing procedures affected the amount of insecticide remaining on nets independently of the impregnation technology. The active ingredient decreases with the number of washing cycles following an exponential or logarithmic model for coated nets. The laboratory hand washing simulation had more impact on the decrease of active ingredient content of the Netprotect® nets. All net types seemed to be effectively protected against UV-light.

Wash resistance and repellent properties of Africa University mosquito blankets against mosquitoes

The effect of permethrin-treated Africa University (AU) mosquito blankets on susceptible female <em>Anopheles gambiae</em> sensu lato mosquitoes was studied under laboratory conditions at Africa University Campus in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Wash resistance (ability to retain an effective dose that kills ≥80% of mosquitoes after a number of washes) and repellence (ability to prevent ≥80% of mosquito bites) properties were studied. The AU blankets were wash resistant when 100% mortality was recorded up to 20 washes, declining to 90% after 25 washes. Untreated AU blankets did not cause any mortality on mosquitoes. However, mosquito repellence was 96%, 94%, 97.9%, 87%, 85% and 80.7% for treated AU blankets washed 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 times, respectively. Mosquito repellence was consistently above 80% from 0-25 washes. In conclusion, AU blankets washed 25 times were effective in repelling and killing <em>An. gambiae</em> sl mosquitoes under laboratory conditions.

Study on Continuous Leaching Process of Vanadium Bearing Clinker

The continuous leaching conditions was simulated by means of laboratory equipments based on industrial production, some single factor tests were performed to investigate the effects of soaking time, the number of washing, washing liquid to solid ratio and temperature of the continuous leaching on the soluble vanadium (SV) content of residue. The results show that the SV content residues could reduce to 0.17% after optimization of process parameters in comparison with industrial production, furthermore the results have good stability and repeatability.

Evaluation of glove integrity after multiple washes with disinfectant

Background: In an academic setting due to financial constrain, it is not uncommon during non-surgical procedures dental students and clinical supervisors wash their gloved hands with disinfectants in between patients or when touching on non-contaminated objects. Whether this practice could cause any deterioration of the glove and expose clinicians and patients to infectious micro-organisms was a concern. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of multiple washes of gloved hands with a disinfectant on the integrity of the gloves. Methods: Three brands of commonly used gloves in a dental school were tested for leaks after multiple washes with a disinfectant. Thirty pairs of each type of gloves were subjected to 0, 1, 5, 10, 20 and 30 washes with a disinfectant solution at a 5-minute interval between each wash. After each washing cycle, the gloves were filled with 1L of water and hanged for 2 minutes to observe any signs of water leaks. Results: The results showed that the type of gloves and number of washes were significantly associated with the leakage rates (p<0.001). Washing of gloves for more than 5 times were at least 6 times higher to suffer from leakage (OR=6.23, 95% CI=2.14–18.08). Powdered gloves were almost 13 times higher to leak in all washes (OR=12.78, 95% CI= 4.40–37.14) and were almost 25 times more likely to leak when washed for more than 5 times (OR = 24.92, 95% CI = 5.79 – 107.21) when compared to the non-powdered gloves. Conclusion: The practice of washing gloved hands with a disinfectant deteriorates the integrity of the gloves.

Dyeing and Functional Finishing of Silk, Nylon 6 and Polyester Fabrics with Baicalin

Natural dye baicalin was applied to dye silk, nylon 6 and polyester fabrics. The dosages of baicalin on K/S value and UV protection properties of silk, nylon 6 and polyester fabrics were analyzed. The washing number on K/S value and UV protection properties of dyed fabrics also investigated. It was found that, the K/S value and UV protection properties of dyed fabrics increased with the increasing of dosage of baicalin. The K/S value and UV protection properties of dyed fabrics decreased with the increasing of washing number, but after 50 times of washing the dyeings also have good UV protection properties.

The variability in tissue proteomics

Variability is one of the most critical issues of concern in clinical proteomics. In this issue of Proteomics Clinical Applications, Yoshida et al. [Proteomics Clin. Appl. 2012, 6, 412-417] describe the effects of blood and number of washes on the human glomerular proteome isolated from the kidney by laser microdissection. The blood-derived proteins occupied almost 50% of all the identified proteins in the unwashed samples, whereas varying the number of washes (from 1-5) with PBS yielded only 43-80% of the proteins identified in each sample that were common in all samples. This urges caution to all proteomists to carefully consider sample preservation and preparation for tissue proteome analysis.

Leaching of heavy metals by citric acid from fly ash generated in municipal waste incineration plants

The leaching behavior of heavy metals from municipal waste incineration (MWI) fly ash was investigated in this study. The leaching process includes two steps, i.e., fly ash was firstly washed with water, and then subjected to citric acid leaching. The main parameters of the washing process such as liquid/solid ratio, washing time, and number of washing were tested. The optimum conditions for water washing were found as follows: washing time 5–10 min, liquid/solid ratio 10:1 (ml:g), and number of washing was twice; under these conditions, 86% Na, 70% K, 12% Ca, 1.2% Al, and 0.5% Pb were removed from the fly ash in the prewashing. From the results of screening tests of leaching lixiviants, citric acid was found to be the most effective leaching agent, taking account of its environmentally benign characteristics. Optimum metal extraction can be achieved with citric acid under the following conditions: pH 3.0, liquid/solid ratio 40 (ml:g), citric acid concentration 0.10 mol/dm3, contact time 20 min at room temperature.

Removal of residual colonic ciprofloxacin in the rat by activated charcoal entrapped within zinc-pectinate beads

Residual antibiotics reaching the colon have many deleterious effects on the colonic microbiota including the selection of new antibiotic resistances. In order to avoid the selection of ciprofloxacin resistance, intestine or colon-targeted zinc-pectinate beads containing activated charcoal (AC) were designed for the inactivation of residual ciprofloxacin in the gastrointestinal tract of rats. Bead stability after oral administration was adjusted by tuning the concentration of zinc in the gelling bath and the number of washings. Intestine and colon-targeted beads were administered along with 50 mg/kg of ciprofloxacin and ciprofloxacin was dosed in the plasma and the feces using HPLC. Ciprofloxacin pharmacokinetics was not affected by the oral co-administration of beads. The co-administration of intestine-targeted beads led to a significant decrease of the residual fecal free ciprofloxacin with a pronounced dose effect. Our study suggests the rat model is not appropriate for the investigation of bacteria responsive colon-targeted beads probably due to the important anatomical and physiological differences between human and rat gastrointestinal tracts. The ability of AC loaded zinc-pectinate beads to selectively decrease the intestinal residual fraction of ciprofloxacin could provide a better protection of the intestinal microbiota and may prevent the emergence of ciprofloxacin resistance in the gastrointestinal tract.

Selection of single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies from a hyperimmunized phage display library for the detection of the antibiotic monensin

Concerns over the occurrence of the veterinary antibiotic monensin (MW 671 Da) in animal food products and water have given rise to the need for a sensitive and rapid detection method. In this study, four monensin-specific single chain variable fragments (scFvs) were isolated from a hyperimmunized phage-displayed library originating from splenocytes of a mouse immunized with monensin conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA). The coding sequences of the scFvs were engineered in the order 5′-V L-linker-V H-3′, where the linker encodes for Gly 10Ser 7Arg. Three rounds of selection were performed against monensin conjugated to chicken ovalbumin (OVA) and keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH), alternately. In the third round of selection, two different strategies, which differed in the number of washes and the concentration of the coating conjugates, were used to select for specific binders to monensin. A total of 376 clones from round two and three were screened for their specific binding to monensin conjugates and positive clones were sequenced. It was found that 80% of clones from round three contained a stop codon. After removing the stop codon by site-directed mutagenesis, ten binders with different amino acid sequences were subcloned into the vector pMED2 for soluble expression in Escherichia coli HB2151. Four of these scFvs bound to free monensin as determined using competitive fluorescence polarization assays (C-FPs). IC 50 values ranged from 0.031 and 231 μM. A cross-reactivity assay against salinomycin, lasalocid A, kanamycin and ampicillin revealed that the two best binders were highly specific to monensin.

Development of an EliSPOT assay for detection of CMV-specific immune response

Introduction: The Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ (SOT) and bone marrow (BMT) transplantation. An early reconstitution of immune response is crucial in limiting CMV replication; on the other hand, a late reconstitution may determine CMV reactivation with possible evolution to symptomatic phase.The Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot (EliSPOT) assay is a useful tool for monitoring the CMV-specific immune response recovery in transplant patients.This study propose the development and optimization of a interferon-gamma-(IFN-γ)-based EliSPOT assay for the detection of CMV immune response. Methods: CD3 + lymphocytes were separated using Robosep (negative selection, HLA ® EasySep WB Human T Cell Enrichment Kit, Stemcell Technology,Vancouver, Canada).The EliSPOT assay was optimized using the Human IFN gamma ELISPOT Kit and a modified protocol provided by Nanogen Advanced Diagnostics (Buttigliera Alta, Italy). Different parameters were analyzed: number of cells (200,000 - 300,000), antigens (CMV peptide mix and whole CMV antigen), incubation time (18 - 20 - 22 - 24h), number of washes, incubation conditions with secondary antibody and conditions of substrate development. Results: Herein we report the optimal conditions identified. 200,000 CD3+ cells per well were stimulated with CMV peptide mix antigens. Cells were stimulated for 18h at 37 °C in humidified atmosphere; wells were washed and secondary antibody was added and incubated at room temperature for 2h.After incubation a second series of washes were performed. Substrate was added and incubation for 15 minutes was carried out.The reaction was detected by plate reader AID ELISPOT (Strassberg, Germany). Conclusions:We developed an EliSPOT assay for the detection of CMV-immune response and reconstitution.All variables were compared to previous published protocols.The improvement of the EliSPOT assay for the detection of CMV-specific immune response represents the first step for result evaluation in clinical practice.

Rainwater harvesting in petrol stations in Brasília: Potential for potable water savings and investment feasibility analysis

Rainwater harvesting is an important way of optimizing the usage of water resources and promoting sustainable development. The objective of this article is to evaluate the potential for potable water savings by using rainwater for washing vehicles in petrol stations located in Brasília, Brazil. An investment feasibility analysis was also performed. The study was carried out by using Neptune, a computer programme for rainwater harvesting analysis. Rainfall data from two meteorological stations were considered, as well as different rainwater collecting areas, tank capacities, number of washings, and potable and rainwater demands. As for the rainwater demands, they were considered as a percentage of the potable water demand, varying according to the day of the week. The tank capacities were varied at increments of 1000 L. The investment feasibility analysis was performed for three different cases, taking into account the potential for potable water savings. It was observed that the average potential for potable water savings by using rainwater is 32.7%, but it can vary from 9.2% to 57.2%. The main conclusion obtained from this work is that using rainwater for washing vehicles in petrol stations in Brasília is a feasible investment for most cases as the net present value is positive for an interest rate of 1% per month.

Evaluation of the wash resistance of three types of manufactured insecticidal nets in comparison to conventionally treated nets

The present study evaluated the efficacy and wash resistance of several commercial deltamethrin-treated nets (PermaNet™, from factory (PN-F) and market (PN-M), Yorkool (Y) and AZ net) that were claimed by the manufacturers to be Long-Lasting Insecticide Treated Nets (LLITNs), compared to ITNs conventionally treated with deltamethrin (23–27 mg/m 2, using one K-O Tab ® tablet (KO) per net). Montpellier washing technique was used for washing the pieces of the nets. Insecticidal activity was assessed on dried pieces of nets after 0, 2, 5, 8, 11, 15, 18 and 21 washes, using two types of bioassay (mean median knock down times and mortality 24 h after a 3-min exposure) and reared female Anopheles stephensi. To evaluate the effect of heat on diffusion of insecticide from inside of the nets to the surface of them, some Permanet nets were heated. For all the types of nets tested the median knock down time (MKDT) increased approximately linearly with number of washes. The slopes of the lines (increase of MKDT per wash) were low with the PN-F and PN-M, intermediate with Y and equally high with KO and AZ. No significant differences can be claimed with the 3-min exposure tests. The slopes of the regression lines did not differ significantly between the heated and unheated samples. It is concluded that diffusion at ambient temperature is fast enough to rapidly compensate for the loss of insecticide on the surface with no need to artificially stimulate diffusion by heating.

Effects of Number of Washes and pH Adjustment on Characteristics of Surimi-like Materials from Pork Leg Muscle

The effects of different washing time and pH adjustment of surimi-like materials from pork leg on quality characteristics were investigated. Surimi was made from pork leg by washing two or four times with water, as well as by pH adjustments of 3.0 or 11.0. The control surimi was made by two times washing from Alaska pollock. The content of crude protein was higher in the surimi manufactured from pork leg with pH adjustments. The highest gel strength was found in the control, and the control had greater lightness and whiteness value. The control had higher texture attributes than the other samples, whereas the surimi from pork leg made by a pH 11.0 adjustment had higher texture attributes than the pH 3.0 adjustment. The sensory color was higher in the control compared to other surimi samples, whereas aroma was lower in the control. However, there were no significant differences in overall acceptability among the surimi samples.

Median knock-down time as a new method for evaluating insecticide-treated textiles for mosquito control

BackgroundInsecticide treated bed nets are major tools for the Roll Back Malaria campaign. There are two types of Long-Lasting Insecticide-treated Nets (LNs) on the market: coated nets and insecticide-incorporated nets. Nets provided to this market need a recommendation from the World Health Organization to be purchased by donors and NGOs. During laboratory study (phase I), the first step consists in evaluating the wash resistance of a new LN product. When insecticide-incorporated nets are washed, it takes time to regenerate the insecticidal activity, i.e. insecticide must migrate to the net surface to be accessible to mosquitoes. The interval of time required for regeneration must be carefully determined to ensure the accuracy of further results. WHOPES procedures currently recommend the determination of the regeneration time by using mortality data. However, as mortality cannot exceed 100%, a LN that regenerates a surface concentration exceeding the dosage for 100% mortality, will have its regeneration time underestimated.MethodsThe Median Knock Down Time (MKDT) was determined as function of insecticide dosage on an inert surface, glass, and on polyester nettings using an acetone solution or a simple emulsion. Dosage response was also established for mortality data. The same method was then applied to a commercially polyethylene netting, currently under WHOPES evaluation, to determine the dynamics of regeneration as function of repeated washings. The deltamethrin content of these nets was estimated by Capillary Gas Chromatography (GC-ECD).ResultsMKDT was a linear function of log insecticide dosage on glass as on nettings. Mortality data were either 0 or 100% for most concentrations except for a narrow range. MKDT was log linear function of total deltamethrin content in a commercial polyethylene net exposed to washings. The regeneration time of this net increased with the number of washes and MKDT became higher. A new, easy and rapid method to determine MKDT is suggested.DiscussionThe MKDT is linearly correlated to log dosage on a given substrate and shows no saturation as mortality data do. It is suited to determine regeneration time of a product that is exposed to a stress, like washing or heating, where the process impacts on the bio-availability of the insecticide. Mortality data are useful for measuring product efficacy, whereas MKDT are better to measure dynamics of surface concentration like regeneration after a stressing process. Change in MKDT can be used to illustrate the loss of insecticide due to washing, but the slope of the curve is product and surface-dependent.

Mathematical evaluation of activated carbon adsorption for surfactant recovery in a soil washing process

The performances of various soil washing processes, including surfactant recovery by selective adsorption, were evaluated using a mathematical model for partitioning a target compound and surfactant in water/sorbent system. Phenanthrene was selected as a representative hazardous organic compound and Triton X-100 as a surfactant. Two activated carbons that differed in size (Darco 20–40 mesh and >100 mesh sizes) were used in adsorption experiments. The adsorption isotherms of the chemicals were used in model simulations for various washing scenarios. The optimal process conditions were suggested to minimize the dosage of activated carbon and surfactant and the number of washings. We estimated that the requirement of surfactant could be reduced to 33% of surfactant requirements (from 265 to 86.6 g) with a reuse step using 9.1 g activated carbon (>100 mesh) to achieve 90% removal of phenanthrene (initially 100 mg kg-soil −1) with a water/soil ratio of 10.

The Beneficial Influence of Enzymatic Scouring on Cotton Properties

Enzymatic scouring has been investigated for over two decades as an environmentally friendly process. Replacement of harsh alkalis by enzymes minimizes not only the COD and BOD in effluents, but also the amount of effluents, because the rinsing step may be omitted. However, advantages of enzymatic scouring on treated fabrics should also be highlighted. The benefits provided by enzymatic scouring are introduced in this paper. Enzymatic scouring was conducted under optimized conditions established previously. The weight loss, damage to fiber surface, softness, and pilling tendency of enzymatically treated fabrics were measured and compared with alkali scoured fabrics. Furthermore, K/S values of the scoured and dyed fabrics were measured before and after a number of washes in order to investigate the effect of residual enzymes on dye-ability and colorfastness.

Integrated microfluidic biochips for DNA microarray analysis

A fully integrated and self-contained microfluidic biochip device has been developed to automate the fluidic handling steps required to perform a gene expression study of the human leukemia cell line (K-562). The device consists of a DNA microarray semiconductor chip with 12,000 features and a microfluidic cartridge that consists of microfluidic pumps, mixers, valves, fluid channels and reagent storage chambers. Microarray hybridization and subsequent fluidic handling and reactions (including a number of washing and labeling steps) were performed in this fully automated and miniature device before fluorescent image scanning of the microarray chip. Electrochemical micropumps were integrated in the cartridge to provide pumping of liquid solutions. A micromixing technique based on gas bubbling generated by electrochemical micropumps was developed. Low-cost check valves were implemented in the cartridge to prevent cross-talk of the stored reagents. A single-color transcriptional analysis of K-562 cells with a series of calibration controls (spiked-in controls) was performed to characterize this new platform with regard to sensitivity, specificity and dynamic range. The device detected sample RNAs with a concentration as low as 0.375 pM. Detection was quantitative over more than 3 orders of magnitude. Experiments also demonstrated that chip-to-chip variability was low, indicating that the integrated microfluidic devices eliminate manual fluidic handling steps that can be a significant source of variability in genomic analysis.

Physico-Chemical and Functional Properties of Proteins from Pelagic Fatty Fish (Sardinella longiceps) as a Function of Water Washing

The minced meat from oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) was subjected to once, thrice, and five water washings. The changes in proximate composition of meat, physico-chemical and functional properties of proteins as affected by number of washings were investigated. A positive correlation (p < 0.05) existed between number of washings and fat content, water absorption capacity, gel strength, expressible water content and emulsion capacity of meat. A reduction in low molecular weight components of proteins during different washings was evident from gel filtration profile. The sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis patterns of total proteins revealed that increase in myosin heavy chain content and decrease in the concentration of 55 and 36 kD components with number of washings. The dynamic visco-elastic behavior of once washed sardine meat in the temperature range of 30–90°C had higher ability to form elastic component (G′) than thrice and five times washed meat.

Aural irrigation using the OtoClear ® Safe Irrigation System in children

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the OtoClear Safe Irrigation System for removing cerumen from the external auditory canal in children. Eligible subjects were 6 months-17 years of age with cerumen obstructing > or = 50% of the tympanic membrane (TM) from view (by otoscopy). Pneumatic otoscopy, tympanometry, and audiometry were performed followed by cleansing of the affected ear canal(s) with the OtoClear Safe Irrigation System and warm tap water. Otoscopy was performed after each wash of the canal. A curette or small alligator forceps was used to remove remaining cerumen if necessary. Tympanometry and audiometry were repeated after all procedures were completed. Telephone contact was made 1 week later regarding symptoms of acute otitis externa or any other problems. Eighteen children (28 ears) ages 1-10/12 to 11-2/12 years were entered. Four had previously had tympanostomy tubes. At entry, there was no visible TM in 19 ears, 5-10% visible TM in 5 ears, 20% in 1 ear, and 30-40% of the TM in 3 ears. The number of washes needed per ear was: 1 wash--16 ears, 2 washes--8 ears, 3 washes--1 ear, 4 washes--2 ears; washing was stopped in 1 ear because of pain. After irrigation, a curette or forceps was used in 6 ears. Following the procedures, > or = 95% of the TM was visible in 24 ears, and > or = 80% was visible in all ears. Six ears (4 children) with flat tympanograms at entry became normal after irrigation. On audiometry, a conductive loss in 2 ears at entry resolved after irrigation. The mean change in pure tone average (PTA) was -2.9 dB. Three subjects were noted to have hearing losses >5 dB at some frequencies which on review by audiologists were deemed non-significant. No perforations of the TM occurred. There were no reports of otitis externa or any other adverse events occurring after leaving the clinic. We found the OtoClear Safe Irrigation System to be safe and effective in our small sample of children. It was well tolerated in most and provided a non-traumatic method for the removal of obstructing cerumen.