Polycarbonate Membrane Research Articles

Growth of soil ammonia-oxidizing archaea on air-exposed solid surface.

Soil microorganisms often thrive as microcolonies or biofilms within pores of soil aggregates exposed to the soil atmosphere. However, previous studies on the physiology of soil ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms (AOMs), which play a critical role in the nitrogen cycle, were primarily conducted using freely suspended AOM cells (planktonic cells) in liquid media. In this study, we examined the growth of two representative soil ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA), Nitrososphaera viennensis EN76 and "Nitrosotenuis chungbukensis" MY2, and a soil ammonia-oxidizing bacterium, Nitrosomonas europaea ATCC 19718 on polycarbonate membrane filters floated on liquid media to observe their adaptation to air-exposed solid surfaces. Interestingly, ammonia oxidation activities of N. viennensis EN76 and "N. chungbukensis" MY2 were significantly repressed on floating filters compared to the freely suspended cells in liquid media. Conversely, the ammonia oxidation activity of N. europaea ATCC 19718 was comparable on floating filters and liquid media. N. viennensis EN76 and N. europaea ATCC 19718 developed microcolonies on floating filters. Transcriptome analysis of N. viennensis EN76 floating filter-grown cells revealed upregulation of unique sets of genes for cell wall and extracellular polymeric substance biosynthesis, ammonia oxidation (including ammonia monooxygenase subunit C (amoC3) and multicopper oxidases), and defense against H2O2-induced oxidative stress. These genes may play a pivotal role in adapting AOA to air-exposed solid surfaces. Furthermore, the floating filter technique resulted in the enrichment of distinct soil AOA communities dominated by the "Ca. Nitrosocosmicus" clade. Overall, this study sheds light on distinct adaptive mechanisms governing AOA growth on air-exposed solid surfaces.

A Mem-dELISA platform for dual color and ultrasensitive digital detection of colocalized proteins on extracellular vesicles

Accurate, multiplex, and ultrasensitive measurement of different colocalized protein markers on individual tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) and dimerized proteins with multiple epitopes could provide insights into cancer heterogeneity, therapy management and early diagnostics that cannot be extracted from bulk methods. However, current digital protein assays lack certain features to enable robust colocalization, including multi-color detection capability, large dynamic range, and selectivity against background proteins. Here, we report a lithography-free, inexpensive (< $0.1) and ultrasensitive dual-color Membrane Digital ELISA (Mem-dELISA) platform by using track-etched polycarbonate (PCTE) membranes to overcome these shortcomings. Their through-pores remove air bubbles through wicking before they are sealed on one side by adhesion to form microwells. Immunomagnetic bead-analyte complexes and substrate solution are then loaded into the microwells from the opposite side, with >80% loading efficiency, before sealing with oil. This enables duplex digital protein colorimetric assay with beta galactosidase and alkaline phosphatase enzymes. The platform achieves 5 logs of dynamic range with a limit of detection of 10 aM for both Biotinylated β-galactosidase (B-βG) and Biotin Alkaline Phosphatase Conjugated (B-ALP) proteins. We demonstrate its potential by showing that a higher dosage of paclitaxel suppresses EpCAM-positive EVs but not GPC-1 positive EVs from breast cancer cells, a decline in chemo-resistance that cannot be detected with Western blot analysis of cell lysate. The Mem-dELISA is poised to empower researchers to conduct ultrasensitive, high throughput protein colocalization studies for disease diagnostics, treatment monitoring and biomarker discovery.

Convenient rapid prototyping microphysiological niche for mimicking liver native basement membrane: Liver sinusoid on a chip

Liver is responsible for the metabolization processes of up to 90 % of compounds and toxins in the body. Therefore liver-on-a-chip systems, as an in vitro promising cell culture platform, have great importance for fundamental science and drug development. In most of the liver-on-a-chip studies, seeding cells on both sides of a porous membrane, which represents the basement membrane, fail to resemble the native characteristics of biochemical, biophysical, and mechanical properties. In this study, polycarbonate (PC) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) membranes were coated with gelatin to address this issue by accurately mimicking the native basement membrane present in the space of Disse. Various coating methods were used, including doctor blade, gel micro-injection, electrospinning, and spin coating. Spin coating was demonstrated to be the most effective technique owing to the ability to produce thin gel thickness with desirable surface roughness for cell interactions on both sides of the membrane. HepG2 and EA.HY926 cells were seeded on the upper and bottom sides of the gelatin-coated PET membrane and cultured on-chip for 7 days. Cell viability increased from 90 % to 95 %, while apoptotic index decreased. Albumin secretion notably rose between days 1–7 and 4–7, while GST-α secretion decreased from day 1 to day 7. In conclusion, the optimized spin coating process reported here can effectively modify the membranes to better mimic the native basement membrane niche characteristics.

Study on gas permeability and selectivity in metal oxide-doped g-C3N4/PC membranes with metal-doped fillers

This investigation explores the permeation characteristics of hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and oxygen (O2) using metal oxide@g-C3N4/polycarbonate (M@CN/PC) membranes. This study involves the testing of various metals, namely lithium (Li), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si), with different filler percentages of M@g-C3N4 (3% and 10%). The permeability assessments were carried out at room temperature under a 40 psi pressure. The characterization of fillers and membranes was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Furthermore, we have also measured the permeability of H2, CO2, and O2, and evaluated the selectivity ratios of H2/CO2, H2/O2, and CO2/O2. Both permeability and selectivity were found to increase with M@CN content.

Assembly of ITO Nanocrystals into Nanotubes Using Polycarbonate Membranes for Dual-Band Electrochromic Modulation

Assembly of ITO Nanocrystals into Nanotubes Using Polycarbonate Membranes for Dual-Band Electrochromic Modulation

Survey of Schistosoma haematobium and Environmental Factors in Donga Local Government Area, Taraba State, Nigeria

Schistosoma haematobium infection is known to be endemic especially among residents along Rivers, This study was conducted to establish the preval_ence of urinary schistosomiasis in relation to some epidemiological factors among elementary pupils in Donga Local Government Area. Urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters was employed to check the presence of Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine and questionnaires were administered. Overall preval_ence of 8.94% (21) was recorded out of the 235 urine examined. Chi square analysis showed insignificant association of the infection with the various schools (χ²= 6.192, P = 0.185). Similarly, ANOVA revealed no significant difference in the mean egg intensity (27.29 eggs/10ml of urine) among the schools (p = 0.293). Males were more infected 13.33%(16) than females 4.50%(5) with a significant difference (P=0.020). However, there was no statistical significant difference in their mean egg intensities (30.3 eggs/10ml of urine in male and 17.6 eggs/10ml of urine in female) (p = 0.27). The age-related preval_ence was higher 11.82% (13) in 10-15 years children while children aged 16-20 had the least preval_ence 0.01% (1). Chi square showed statistical significant association between infection and age (χ²=12.964, P=0.002). But there was a statistical insignificant difference between their mean egg intensities; 10-15, 4-9 and 16-20 (31.08, 23.4, 5 eggs/10ml of urine respectively) with p=0.462. Children who fish had the highest preval_ence 16.67% and children that do not partake in any of these activities had no case of infection 0%(64). Chi square revealed a statistical significant association between participant's water contact activities and infection (χ² =11.21; p = 0.024). However, ANOVA showed statistical insignificant difference in the mean egg intensity among these activities (p = 0.486). This findings indicates that urinary schistosomiasis has low endemicity in this area which could be due to the fact that It was concluded that the overall low preval_ence could be attributed to improved environmental hygiene among others.

A bovine oviduct microfluidic platform to evaluate the effects of cisplatin and hormones on cilia beating frequencies

Chemotherapeutics such as cisplatin modulate the function of cells in fallopian tubes (oviducts) reducing the formation of sperm reservoirs that promote gamete interaction during the fertilization process. The mechanisms behind these resulting deficiencies must be better understood to improve fertility for cancer patients. A microfluidic platform was developed by immobilizing a transparent polycarbonate membrane between two poly(dimethyl siloxane) molds to make channels for the growth of a functional monolayer of oviduct cells on one side and medium on the other side. Freshly isolated bovine oviduct epithelial cells were cultured on the membrane with an air-liquid interface after 5 days, and the resulting cells had consistent cilia beating frequencies (CBF) for 12 weeks between 4.92 ± 0.59 Hz and 5.76 ± 0.94 Hz. Incubation with 75 pg ml−1 17-beta-estradiol and 100 ng ml−1 progesterone increased the CBF from 4.62 ± 0.16 Hz to 7.61 ± 0.41 Hz. When incubated with 50 µM of cisplatin, the CBF dropped by 40 ± 19 % without hormones and 52 ± 9 % with hormones, with similarly decreased CBFs. Short 2-h incubations of bovine oviduct cells with cisplatin directly reduced the beating of ciliated cells, illustrating that the short-term effects (hours) of chemotherapeutics should be considered in oncofertility.

Removal of carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole and aspirin at municipal wastewater treatment plant of Astana, Kazakhstan: paths to increase the efficiency of the treatment process

AbstractBACKGROUNDMedical substances are utilized around the world, and their accumulation in nature is a global concern. This work aimed to identify three priority pharmaceuticals discharged into the domestic sewage stream of Astana city (Kazakhstan). Samples of municipal wastewater were taken before and after the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over a period of 13 months. The performed experiments demonstrated that there are seasonal variations in the priority pharmaceuticals – carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and aspirin (ASP) – identified in the wastewaters.RESULTSThe non‐conventional WWTP of Astana city, which includes a sequence of treatment processes, showed 2–100% removal of these compounds with the following influent concentrations from the entering stream: 12.5–185.6 ppb (μg L−1) for CBZ, 2.6–51.2 ppb for SMX and 1.9–199.8 ppb for ASP. Laboratory‐scale experiments revealed that the application of the membrane separation technique, i.e. ultrafiltration, is able to provide improved removal of these pharmaceuticals. The removal of ASP, CBZ and SMX by phase inversion polyethersulfone and track etch (TE) polycarbonate membranes was investigated. Filtration with TE membrane demonstrated 39–97% removal of the primary pharmaceuticals from the wastewater.CONCLUSIONFiltration with TE membrane was recognized as an affordable and efficient supplementary treatment step. The addition of the TE separation process in the Astana WWTP could potentially improve the removal of the studied pharmaceuticals along with other medical substances. The reported results hold substantial significance, particularly for rapidly expanding urban centers and developing nations. This is especially crucial as there is a scarcity of data regarding the treatment of pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater for these regions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

Activity concentration of indoor radon and its short-lived progeny (218Po, 214Pb, and 214Po) and their effect on atmospheric ionization rate in Sana'a, Yemen

Exposure to ionizing radiation inside houses, especially radionuclides of radon and its progeny, poses serious health risks that can be exacerbated when inhaled as a result of interaction with human lung tissue. Also, air ionization is mainly due to these radionuclides. Therefore, accurate measurements of radon activity concentrations and its short-lived progeny are required to assess dose and environmental pollution and estimate ionization rates in indoor environments. For this purpose, we employed a previously tested and approved reliable method, following the three-count procedure. This method is based on airborne radon progeny sampling on polycarbonate membrane filters and alpha counting using a passive α-dosimetry technique with CR-39 detectors. The method also relies on a PC-based software we developed for solving mathematical equations and calculating all the necessary physical quantities. In this study, the concentrations of radon and individual short-lived radon progeny were measured in 20 houses in Sana'a, Yemen. Measurement conditions and meteorological variables were considered. The average activity concentrations of 222Rn, Equilibrium-Equivalent Concentration (EEC), 218Po, 214 Pb, and 214Po were 73.1 ± 6.0, 29.2 ± 2.4, 44.4 ± 3.6, 30.5 ± 2.5, and 23.2 ± 1.9 Bq.m-3, respectively. The calculated average unattached fractions f1(218Po), f2(214 Pb), and fp were found to be 0.24, 0.04, and 0.07 % respectively. The annual average values of ion-pair production rate caused by 222Rn and their progeny and air ion concentration, were 27.25 ions.cm-3s-1 and 1829 ions.cm-3 respectively. The annual effective dose was estimated to be 1.93 ± 0.16 mSv.y−1, well lower than the recommended 10 mSv.y−1.

Silver nanopopcorns decorated on flexible membrane for SERS detection of nitrofurazone.

Thesynthesis of three-dimensional silver nanopopcorns (Ag NPCs) onto a flexible polycarbonate membrane (PCM) for the detection of nitrofurazone (NFZ) on the fish surface by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS)is presented. The proposed flexible Ag-NPCs/PCM SERS substrate exhibits significant Raman signal intensity enhancement with the measured enhancement factor of 2.36 × 106. This is primarily attributed to the hotspots created on Ag NPCs, including numerous nanoscale protrusions and internal crevices distributed across the surface of Ag NPCs. The detection of NFZ by this flexible SERS substrate demonstrates a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.7 × 10-9M and uniform and reproducible Raman signal intensities with a relative standard deviation below 8.34%. It also exhibits excellent stability, retaining 70% of its efficacy even after 10days of storage. Notably, the practical detection of NFZ in tap water, honey water, and fish surfaces achieves LOD values of 1.35 × 10-8M, 5.76 × 10-7M, and 3.61 × 10-8M,respectively, which highlights its effectiveness across different sample types. The developed Ag-NPCs/PCM SERS substrate presents promising potential for sensitive SERS detection of toxic substances in real-world samples.

Large-Area Silicon Nitride Nanosieve for Enhanced Diffusion-Based Exosome Isolation.

Nanoporous membranes have a variety of applications, one of which is the size-selective separation of nanoparticles. In drug delivery, nanoporous membranes are becoming increasingly important for the isolation of exosomes, which are bio-nanoparticles. However, the low pore density and thickness of commercial membranes limit their efficiency. There have been many attempts to fabricate sub-micrometer thin membranes, but the limited surface area has restricted their practicality. In this study, large-area silicon nitride nanosieves for enhanced diffusion-based isolation of exosomes are presented. Notably, these nanosieves are scaled to sizes of up to 4-inch-wafers, a significant achievement in overcoming the fabrication challenges associated with such expansive areas. The method employs a 200nm porous sieve (38.2% porosity) for exosome separation and a 50nm sieve (10.7% porosity) for soluble protein removal. These 300nmthick nanosieves outperform conventional polycarbonate membranes by being 50 times thinner, thereby increasing nanoparticle permeability. The method enables a 90% recovery rate of intact exosomes from human serum and a purity ratio of 3 × 107 particles/µg protein, 4.6 times higher than ultracentrifugation methods. The throughput of the method is up to 15mL by increasing the size of the nanosieve, making it an ideal solution for large-scale exosome production for therapeutic purposes.

AlveoMPU: Bridging the Gap in Lung Model Interactions Using a Novel Alveolar Bilayer Film.

The alveoli, critical sites for gas exchange in the lungs, comprise alveolar epithelial cells and pulmonary capillary endothelial cells. Traditional experimental models rely on porous polyethylene terephthalate or polycarbonate membranes, which restrict direct cell-to-cell contact. To address this limitation, we developed AlveoMPU, a new foam-based mortar-like polyurethane-formed alveolar model that facilitates direct cell-cell interactions. AlveoMPU features a unique anisotropic mortar-shaped configuration with larger pores at the top and smaller pores at the bottom, allowing the alveolar epithelial cells to gradually extend toward the bottom. The underside of the film is remarkably thin, enabling seeded pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells to interact with alveolar epithelial cells. Using AlveoMPU, it is possible to construct a bilayer structure mimicking the alveoli, potentially serving as a model that accurately simulates the actual alveoli. This innovative model can be utilized as a drug-screening tool for measuring transepithelial electrical resistance, assessing substance permeability, observing cytokine secretion during inflammation, and evaluating drug efficacy and pharmacokinetics.

P22 A single-cell map of the epigenomic landscape in keratinocytes exposed to the cytokine milieu of atopic dermatitis

Abstract Introduction and aims In atopic dermatitis (AD), induction of inflammatory responses regulated by cytokines such as of thymic stromal lymphopoietin exacerbate the disrupted integrity of the skin barrier. Cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 and IL-22, present in the skin milieu, bind to their corresponding receptors on the cell surface of keratinocytes, activating multiple signal transduction pathways that lead to changes in the gene expression profile of keratinocytes, in part, by modulating chromatin structure. Understanding the intricate interplay between cytokine-mediated signalling pathways in keratinocytes and the resulting epigenetic changes is essential for elucidating the pathogenesis of AD. In this study, we utilized high-throughput technology to examine the effects of cytokines on modulation of the epigenetic landscape at the keratinocyte single-cell level, and subsequent effects on the gene expression. Methods We utilized the reconstructed human epidermis model, an in vitro three-dimensional human epidermis model consisting of a polycarbonate membrane and keratinocytes mimicking the structure of native human epidermis. Following exposure to AD cytokine(s), the model gene expression and chromatin accessibility of target cells were analysed using single-cell multiomics approaches. Results Our preliminary data show that IL-4, IL-13 and IL-22 reduce the expression levels of the barrier-related gene filaggrin in keratinocytes. Conclusions Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic alterations are dynamic and can be restored to their normal state, which has major implications for the development of therapeutics for various diseases. This study will provide valuable insights into the epigenetic mechanisms underlying AD and present potential targets for epigenetic-related therapeutic interventions. These interventions can be used in combination with available compounds to reduce the recurrence of AD and improve the treatment efficiency.

Optimizing preparation conditions and characterizing for CoxPt1-x alloy cylindrical nanowires fabricated by electrodeposition on nanoporous polycarbonate membranes

This study investigated the influence of the preparation conditions on the Co composition, crystal structure, and magnetic and electric conduction properties of cylindrical CoxPt1-x alloy nanowires having 0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.90, which were electrodeposited on nanoporous templates. When prepared with an optimal concentration ratio of Co and Pt aqueous solutions and electrodeposition potentials, highly oriented crystal structures of fcc Co-Pt (111) was obtained in CoxPt1-x nanowires (0.58 ≤ x ≤ 0.80). Nanowires with (111)-oriented fcc Co-Pt crystals exhibited average lengths and diameters of 5.8–10.8 μm and 130 nm, respectively, and showed an easy axis of magnetocrystalline anisotropy in the longitudinal direction of the nanowire. These results indicate a direct correlation between the crystal structure and magnetic properties. The concentration ratio of Co and Pt in the electrolytes and the electrodeposition potentials for fabricating CoxPt1-x alloy nanowires using the diluted Co composition (0.08 ≤ x ≤ 0.25) were determined. These nanowires were polycrystalline and had a small saturation magnetization. Furthermore, the anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) for a single CoxPt1-x nanowire was measured to estimate the domain wall (DW) width in the single CoxPt1-x nanowire. The value of the magnetoresistance (MR) ratio for the single nanowire (0.58 ≤ x ≤ 0.80) with highly (111)-oriented fcc Co-Pt crystal was 0.082–0.23 %, and the estimated value of DW width was 17–25 nm. These findings provide valuable information for constructing three-dimensional magnetic memory devices.

The Effects of the Coating and Aging of Biodegradable Polylactic Acid Membranes on In Vitro Primary Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium Cells.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most frequent cause of blindness in developed countries. The replacement of dysfunctional human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE) cells by the transplantation of in vitro-cultivated hRPE cells to the affected area emerges as a feasible strategy for regenerative therapy. Synthetic biomimetic membranes arise as powerful hRPE cell carriers, but as biodegradability is a requirement, it also poses a challenge due to its limited durability. hRPE cells exhibit several characteristics that putatively respond to the type of membrane carrier, and they can be used as biomarkers to evaluate and further optimize such membranes. Here, we analyze the pigmentation, transepithelial resistance, genome integrity, and maturation markers of hRPE cells plated on commercial polycarbonate (PC) versus in-house electrospun polylactide-based (PLA) membranes, both enabling separate apical/basolateral compartments. Our results show that PLA is superior to PC-based membranes for the cultivation of hRPEs, and the BEST1/RPE65 maturation markers emerge as the best biomarkers for addressing the quality of hRPE cultivated in vitro. The stability of the cultures was observed to be affected by PLA aging, which is an effect that could be partially palliated by the coating of the PLA membranes.

Synthesis of cationic liposome nanoparticles using a thin film dispersed hydration and extrusion method.

Liposome nanoparticles can carry a wide range of therapeutic molecules including small molecules and nucleic acid-based therapeutics. Potential benefits include translocation across physiological barriers, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced pharmacokinetic parameters such as absorption, distribution, selective release and optimal elimination kinetics. Liposome nanoparticles can be generated with a wide range of natural and synthetic lipid-based molecules that confer desirable properties depending on the desired therapeutic application Nel et al (2023), Large (2021), Elkhoury (2020). This protocol article seeks to detail the procedures involved in the production of cationic liposomes using thin-film dispersed hydration method with an estimated uniform size of 60-70 nm for targeted drug administration in tumor cells, by modifying the previous one also published by the same authors cited here. The method was carrying out using N-[1-(2,3-dioleoyloxy)propyl]-N,N,N-trimethylammonium methyl (DOTAP, 2 mg) as cationic lipid and cholesterol (0.5 mg) in a molar ratio of 7:3 respectively. The liposomal suspension was obtained and its physical, chemical and biological properties were determined. A two-step extrusion process, using 100 nm and 50 nm polycarbonate membranes, was carried. The results demonstrate generation of liposome nanoparticles with a size of 60-70 nm stable for at least 16 weeks and with an encapsulation efficiency of approximately 81% using Doxorubicin.

Naphthalene Tetrazole-Based Nickel Metal-Organic Framework as a Filler of Polycarbonate Membranes to Improve CO2 and H2 Separation.

A tetrazole-naphthalene linker was used to prepare a nickel MOF (metal-organic framework) (NiNDTz) with interesting properties: a specific surface area SBET of 320 m2g-1 (SLangmuir 436 m2g-1), high thermal stability (Tdonset = 300 °C), and CO2 uptake of 1.85 mmolg-1, attributed to the tetrazole groups to be used as fillers in gas separation membranes. The role of these groups was crucial in the mechanical properties of mixed membranes prepared using polycarbonate as a polymer matrix, providing a very homogeneous filler distribution and also in the gas separation properties since a simultaneous increase in permeability and selectivity was achieved, especially in the hybrid membrane containing 20% filler (PC@NiNDTz-20%). This membrane exhibited an excellent balance between permeability (P) and selectivity (α) with an increase in the permeability of CO2 and H2, 177 and 185%, respectively, and improvements in the selectivity of these gases against greenhouse gases such as methane and ethylene (between 15 and 28% improvement). These results make this membrane competitive to deal with separations in which these gases are involved, and are of special interest for the H2/CH4 separation since it clearly improves the performance of pure PC and no better PC-based membranes have been reported in the literature for this separation.

Prevalence and Intensity of Urinary Schistosoma Haematobium Eggs Among the School Aged Children in Kona Ward, Ardo Kola Lga, Taraba State, Nigeria

The study was conducted to examine the prevalence and intensity of urinary Schistosomiasis haematobium in two Kona ward settlement of Ardo kola local government, area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The study employed urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine. Standard culture techniques to isolate urinary tract pathogens with their susceptibility patterns were carried out. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on socio-demographic data on the children. A total of 1153 urine samples were collected and analysed for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium, Out of 675 children infected with urinary schistosomiasis, the highest occurrence of bacteriuria (61.3%) was recorded in the heavy intensity (&gt;50 eggs/10ml urine) while low intensity (1 – 50 eggs/10ml urine) recorded the lowest occurrence of bacteriuria (59.2%). Chi square analysis showed significant association between intensity and bacteriuria (χ2 = 309.5, p = 0.000). Spearman’s correlation coefficient for bacteriuria also showed significant relationship between urinary schistosomiasis and bacteriuria (r = 0.518, p&lt;0.001). The percentage occurrence of E. coli in heavy ova intensity (&gt;50 eggs/10ml urine) is slightly higher (56.9%) than in light intensity (55.0%). Occurrence of Klebsiella spp in heavy intensity is slightly above (24.9%) that of light intensity (24.4%). P aeroginosa and Proteus spp occur more in light intensity (24.9%) and (28.9%) respectively than in heavy intensity (14.2%) and (14.6%) respectively. Occurrence of S. aureus is significantly higher in heavy intensity (4.2%) than in light intensity (1.7%). In subjects negative for urinary schistosomiasis, occurrence of bacteria isolates follows similar pattern with Klebsiella spp occurring more (3.3%) than the other isolates. These findings indicate that the areas is endemic to urinary schistosomiasis and therefore prompt intervention in the study areas is needed. Keywords: prevalence, intensity, Schistosoma haematobium, school aged children, kona ward, Ardo kola, Taraba State, Nigeria

Occurrence and Isolation of Urinary Tract Bacteria Associated with Urinary Schistosomiasis Among the School Aged Children in Sorbai and Murbai Area of Kona Ward, Ardo Kola Lga, Taraba State, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the occurrence and isolation of urinary Schistosomiasis and co-infection with bacteria among the school aged children in two Kona settlements. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by blood flukes (trematode worms) of the genus Schistosoma and is common among the rural community dwellers that have occupation or recreation activities that link them with infected water bodies. The disease wreak a lot of havoc in the victims which range from anaemia, increase risk of liver fibrosis and bladder cancer, enlarged liver, difficult and painful urination, infertility etc. Nigeria has been reported to be the most endemic country in the world for schistosomiasis with about 29 million infected cases. However, people with urinary schistosomiasis are vulnerable to secondary infections caused by bacteria as a result of the break down in the mucosa barrier occasioned by the wear and tear of the spiny eggs of the schistosomes. The study employed urine filtration technique using polycarbonate membrane filters to detect Schistosoma haematobium eggs in urine. Standard culture techniques to isolate urinary tract pathogens with their susceptibility patterns were carried out. Questionnaires were administered to collect information on socio-demographic data on the children. Of the 1153 urine samples examined, 675 (58.4%) were infected with Schistosoma haematobium, out of whom 405 (60.0%) were positive for bacteriuria. Bacteriuria differed significantly between the two settlements (χ2 =25.55, p=0.000) and sexes (χ 2 =29.55, p=0.000) with females recording high occurrence (84.6%) than males (39.2%). Similarly, significant association in prevalence was observed in the different age groups (χ 2 =92.97, p=0.000) with the 1-5years old being the highest, while the 11-15years the lowest. Spearman correlation coefficient showed significant association between urinary Schistosomiasis and bacteriuria (r=0.518, p˂0.01). The different bacterial pathogen isolated in urine samples include: Escherichia coli (33.9%), Klebsiella spp (15.5%), Proteus sp (14.5%) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.8%) Staphylococcus aureus (2.0%). This study revealed a high occurrence of schistosomiasis and significant bacteriuria in the study areas which suggests that bacterial presence may be a potent complication in the management of urinary schistosomiasis. Keywords: Schistosomiasis, isolation, bacteria, school aged children, antibiotic urinary tract, sorbai, murbai, kona, ardo kola, Taraba state, Nigeria

A Bifunctional Wearable Sensor Based on a Nanoporous Membrane for Simultaneous Detection of Sweat Lactate and Temperature.

Wearable sensors for non-invasive, real-time detection of sweat lactate have far-reaching implications in the fields of health care and exercise physiological responses. Here, we propose a wearable electrochemical sensor with gold nanoelectrode arrays fabricated on the nanoporous polycarbonate (PC) membrane by encapsulating lactate oxidase (LOx) in chitosan (CS) hydrogel for detecting body temperature and sweat lactate concurrently. Flexible gold nanoporous electrodes not only enhance electrode area but also offer a nanoconfined space to accelerate the catalytic reaction of LOx and control substrate concentration on the surface of LOx to decrease substrate inhibition. The proposed sensor has a long durability of 13 days and better selectivity for the detection of sweat lactate over a wide linear range (0.01-35 mM) with a low detection limit (0.144 μM). Furthermore, temperature-dependent transmembrane currents passing through the sensor are used to estimate body temperature. We then use multiple linear regression to adjust the effect of temperature on lactate detection and succeed in monitoring lactate molecules in sweat and body temperature during exercise.