Regular Cotton Research Articles

Impact of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy on Perfusion Dynamics in Free Latissimus Dorsi Muscle Flaps.

Background: Free muscle flaps can develop significant postoperative edema and wound exudation, thereby increasing interstitial pressure and potentially compromising microcirculation. While concerns exist regarding negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) to compress free flaps and hinder monitoring, recent studies have indicated a reduction in edema and an increase in blood flow. Objective: To compare microcirculation in free latissimus dorsi muscle (LDM) flaps dressed with and without NPWT. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed prospectively collected data of patients who received free LDM flap reconstruction. Patients were separated into two groups according to management with or without NPWT. Microcirculation was evaluated continuously for up to 72 h utilizing laser doppler flowmetry and tissue spectrometry. Results: In total, n = 61 patients (26 females, 35 males) with an average age of 56.90 (17.4) years were included. NPWT was applied in 12 patients, while a regular cotton dressing was used in 49 patients. Overall, no significant differences in the number of minor and major complications were observed between groups. Both groups showed an increase in microvascular flow over the investigated time period. The flow showed higher absolute values in the NPWT group, reaching statistical significance at 12 h post-anastomosis, p = 0.038. There was a tendency for lower rHb values in the NPWT group, without reaching statistical significance. Conclusions: The presented study confirms the increase in microvascular flow after NPWT application. Whilst ensuring continuous free flap monitoring utilizing laser doppler flowmetry and spectrometry, the data further support the safety of NPWT application without risking vascular compromise due to external compression.

Investigation of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy potential in cotton fiber micronaire measurement and distribution

Cotton micronaire is an essential fiber quality attribute that characterizes both fiber maturity and fineness components. Micronaire and other attributes are measured on fiber lint routinely in laboratories under controlled environmental conditions following a well-established high-volume instrument protocol. In this study, the attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, characterizing fundamental group vibrations in fiber cellulose from 4000 to 400 cm−1, and using an attenuated total reflection device, was explored for fiber micronaire assessment, especially for seed cotton locule fibers that were mingled with nonlint materials, and varied in fiber maturity within a naturally variable sample. Partial least squares multivariate regression models and the algorithmic infrared maturity approach were developed and then applied to predict micronaire values of validation samples and independent seed cotton samples for comparison. Unlike partial least squares models that showed worse in the coefficient of determination, bias, and percentage of samples within the 95% agreement range for independent samples than for validation samples, the algorithmic infrared maturity approach indicated a similarity in the coefficient of determination, bias, and percentage of samples within the 95% agreement range between the validation samples and independent samples. In particular, the algorithmic infrared maturity approach avoided the need to re-calibrate the model with new samples. Therefore, the development of a robust and effective Fourier transform infrared technique combined with the infrared maturity approach for rapid laboratory micronaire assessment and distribution demonstrated a great potential for its extension to the early micronaire testing in remote/breeding locations, and also to regular cotton fibers, processed cotton yarns and fabrics.

Health risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in baby clothes. A preliminary study

Clothes may contain a large range of chemical additives and other toxic substances, which may eventually pose a significant risk to human health. Since they are associated with pigments, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may be especially relevant. On the other hand, infants are very sensitive to chemical exposure and they may wear some contact and colored textiles for a prolonged time. Consequently, a specific human health risk assessment is required. This preliminary study was aimed at analyzing the concentrations of PCBs in ten bodysuits purchased in on-line stores and local retailers. The concentrations of 12 dioxin-like and 8 non-dioxin-like PCB congeners were determined by gas chromatography coupled to high resolution mass spectrometry, with detection limits ranging between 0.01 and 0.13 pg/g. The dermal absorption to PCBs of children at different ages (6 months, 1 year and 3 years old) was estimated, and the non-cancer and cancer risks were evaluated. Total levels of PCBs ranged from 74.2 to 412 pg/g, with a mean TEQ concentration of 13.4 pg WHO-TEQ/kg. Bodysuits made of organic cotton presented a total mean PCB concentration substantially lower than clothes made of regular cotton (11.0 vs. 15.8 pg WHO-TEQ/kg). The dermal absorption to PCBs for infants was calculated in around 3·10−5 pg WHO-TEQ/kg·day, regardless the age. This value is > 10,000-fold lower than the dietary intake of PCBs, either through breastfeeding or food consumption. Furthermore, this exposure value would not pose any health risks for the infants wearing those bodysuits. Anyhow, as it is a very preliminary study, this should be confirmed by analyzing larger sets of textile samples. Further investigations should be also focused on the co-occurrence of PCBs and other toxic chemicals (i.e., formaldehyde, bisphenols and aromatic amines) in infant clothes.

Application of vaginal tampon as an alternative to nasal swabs for higher recovery of DNA from sheep and goats for PCR based diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis

A study was conducted to find the applicability of vaginal tampons as an alternative to regular cotton swabs as a nasal secretion collection tool for the higher recovery of DNA. Nasal secretions were collected from sheep and goats using regular cotton swab and tampon swab. The mean yield and purity of the DNA extracted from tampon were significantly higher than that of the DNA extracted from cotton swab. The tampon swabs resulted higher DNA recovery than the cotton swabs after they were allowed to absorb M. bovis culture. The tampon swab was also found to be more sensitive in detecting M. bovis by PCR. This study concluded that vaginal tampons are having a higher absorption capacity with more DNA yield and can be used as a nasal swab in the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis.

현대 패션 트렌드를 반영한 한국 복식 디자인

This study aims to design traditional Korean clothing that reflects modern fashion trends. To get closer to the needs of the public, we investigated the fashion trends for 2021 using YouTube, the current representative information sharing platform. As a result of analyzing the top 20 videos by listing the collected data in the order of inquiry, several keywords were derived, including Printing, Crop-Top, Quilting, Oversize, Faux fur, See-through, knit, and netting. Therefore, based on the derived trend keywords, we would like to suggest a design for Korean clothing. First, it is padding applied with a long coat, which has an oversized silhouette similar to traditional attires. The splendor was emphasized by printing colorful floral patterns that applied traditional folk tales to the entire costume on a contrasting blue background. Then, the glamorous feeling of the pattern is added by putting cotton inside through the quilting technique. Second, it is a modern everyday wear design that applies the basics of Korean clothing: jeogori, trousers, and baeja. A crop-style turtleneck inspired by a jeogori jacket, high-waisted pants reminiscent of hanbok pants, and a vest applied with was matched over the top. The cute flower embroidery in black and white color tone is the point. The third one is an off-shoulder dress in a hanbok skirt with a vest waist attached. A comfortable and abstract image was printed on the silhouette closest to Korean clothing and partially decorated with gold leaf. The matching cardigan made of netting material applied Queza(快子) of the Korean clothing to eliminate the collar, hem, and sleeves and gave a side slit. Lastly, the coat made of artificial fur applies the durumagi of Korean clothing. In order to add a feeling of Korean clothing, we gave a line that falls almost in a straight line. The splendor of the entire costume was maximized with artificial fur with leopard pattern, and a leather belt with gold decorations on the waist added urban sophistication. Based on the keywords that have recently emerged as a trend in modern fashion, new Korean articles of clothing are designed and presented in this study. The most attention was paid to was to design hanbok as a modern fashion. The focus was on whether it could be matched with a regular cotton T-shirt, cotton pants, or jeans, but at the same time, there was a limitation in the ambiguous standard between tradition and modernity. This study will be a simple design and valuable primary data for finding the sustainable development potential of Korean clothing and establishing a position as a particular fashion rather than a passing trend.

WoundClot® Hemostatic Gauze Reduces Bleeding Time after Arterial Venous Fistula Decannulation

Introduction: Decannulation of the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) after each hemodialysis session requires a precise compression on the needle puncture site. The objective of our study was to evaluate the bleeding time (BT) needed to achieve hemostasis using WoundClot, an innovative hemostatic gauze, and to assess whether its long-term use can improve AVF preservation. Methods: This is a prospective single center study. Initially, the time to hemostasis after AVF decannulation was compared between WoundClot and cotton gauze in 24 prevalent hemodialysis patients. Thereafter, the patients continued to use WoundClot for 12 months and were compared to a control group consisting of 25 patients using regular cotton gauze. Follow-up data included parameters of dialysis adequacy, AVF interventions, and thrombotic events. Results: WoundClot use shortened significantly the time needed for hemostasis. Mean venous BT decreased by 3.99 (±4.6) min and mean arterial BT by 6.38 (±4.8) min when using WoundClot compared to cotton gauze (p < 0.001). At the end of the study, dialysis adequacy expressed by spKt/V was higher in the WoundClot group compared to control (1.73 vs. 1.53, respectively, p = 0.047). Although patients in WoundClot group had a higher baseline BT, arterial and venous pressures did not differ between the groups after a median follow up of 10.8 months. AVF thrombosis rate was similar between the groups. Conclusions: WoundClot hemostatic gauze significantly reduced the time required for hemostasis after AVF decannulation and may be associated with better AVF preservation. We suggest using WoundClot for arterial BT longer than 15 min and for venous BT longer than 12.5 min.

Standardization of Operator-Dependent Variables Affecting Precision and Accuracy of the Disk Diffusion Method for Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing.

Parameters like zone reading, inoculum density, and plate streaking influence the precision and accuracy of disk diffusion antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST). While improved reading precision has been demonstrated using automated imaging systems, standardization of the inoculum and of plate streaking have not been systematically investigated yet. This study analyzed whether photometrically controlled inoculum preparation and/or automated inoculation could further improve the standardization of disk diffusion. Suspensions of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 of 0.5 McFarland standard were prepared by 10 operators using both visual comparison to turbidity standards and a Densichek photometer (bioMérieux), and the resulting CFU counts were determined. Furthermore, eight experienced operators each inoculated 10 Mueller-Hinton agar plates using a single 0.5 McFarland standard bacterial suspension of E. coli ATCC 25922 using regular cotton swabs, dry flocked swabs (Copan, Brescia, Italy), or an automated streaking device (BD-Kiestra, Drachten, Netherlands). The mean CFU counts obtained from 0.5 McFarland standard E. coli ATCC 25922 suspensions were significantly different for suspensions prepared by eye and by Densichek (P < 0.001). Preparation by eye resulted in counts that were closer to the CLSI/EUCAST target of 10(8) CFU/ml than those resulting from Densichek preparation. No significant differences in the standard deviations of the CFU counts were observed. The interoperator differences in standard deviations when dry flocked swabs were used decreased significantly compared to the differences when regular cotton swabs were used, whereas the mean of the standard deviations of all operators together was not significantly altered. In contrast, automated streaking significantly reduced both interoperator differences, i.e., the individual standard deviations, compared to the standard deviations for the manual method, and the mean of the standard deviations of all operators together, i.e., total methodological variation.

A Linear Wide-Range Textile Pressure Sensor Integrally Embedded in Regular Fabric

This letter presents an improved design of a textile pressure sensor. The sensor is constructed of conductive yarns and a dual-layer piezoresistive polymer as the sensing material. By using intarsia knitting technique, this sensor can be integrally embedded in regular cotton fabric. Experimental results show a linear sensing response over a wide pressure range up to 1000 kPa.

Comparative Study of Organic and Regular Cotton Knitted Fabrics

Organic cotton, which is produced without any chemical fertilizers and pesticides, is playing a vital role in creating a less harmful environment. An investigation of the properties of weft knitted fabrics produced from organically made cotton vis-à-vis regular cotton knitted fabric is reported. The yarn is made with both organically produced and regular cotton, and the fabric is knitted by using single jersey machines. The fabrics are subsequently dyed by using natural dyes. The naturally dyed knitted fabrics are examined for shrinkage, bursting strength, abrasion resistance, and colour fastness properties. The result shows that the knitted fabrics produced from organically grown cotton is superior in performance in comparison with fabrics produced from regular cotton.

Development of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in direct, non-destructive, and rapid determination of cotton fiber maturity

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of seed and lint cottons were collected to explore the potential for the discrimination of immature cottons from mature ones and also for the determination of actual cotton maturity. Spectral features of immature and mature cottons revealed large differences in the 900—1200 cm1 region, and such spectral distinctions formed the basis on which to develop a simple three-band ratio algorithm for classification analysis. Next, an additional formula was created to assess the degree of cotton fiber maturity by converting the three-band ratios into an appropriate FTIR maturity (MIR) index. Furthermore, the MIR index was compared with parameters derived from traditional image analysis (IA) and advanced fiber information system (AFIS) measurements. Results indicated strong correlations (R2 &gt; 0.89) between MIR and M AFIS and between MIR and MIA among either International Cotton Calibration standards or selected cotton maturity references. On the other hand, low correlations between the pairs were observed among regular cotton fibers, which likely resulted from the heterogeneous distribution of structural, physical, and chemical characteristics in cotton fibers and subsequent different sampling specimens for individual and independent measurement.

A comparative study of nonwoven fabrics made with two distinctly different forms of greige cotton lint

Two sets of nonwoven fabrics of nominal density, 80 g/m2, have been produced on the pilot plant equipment comparable to that used in commercial production, using two different forms of greige (non-bleached) cotton lint. One was regular cotton taken from a randomly picked classical bale and the other was mechanically pre-cleaned cotton produced by a well known US cotton producer and ginner. The fabrics were produced by using a pre-needling, needlepunch system and a hydroentanglement system. Some of the fabric in each set was scoured only and some was both scoured and bleached. All the fabrics were tested for a comparison of their typical physical and mechanical properties, which, along with the fiber and fabric processing metrics, are discussed in this article. The information obtained from this comparative study has shown that although both the regular and the pre-cleaned greige cottons can be satisfactorily processed on the conventional cotton opening, cleaning and carding equipment to ultimately produce acceptable nonwoven fabrics, the pre-cleaned cotton may be processed without the traditional cotton cleaning/carding equipment that is not available at almost all nonwovens manufacturing entities today. A ‘nonwovens card’ (i.e., without the revolving flats) should be adequate to efficiently card the pre-cleaned greige cotton, since the latter is indeed very clean to start with.

Stylet penetration behaviors of the cotton aphid Aphis gossypii on transgenic Bt cotton

AbstractStylet penetration behaviors of cotton aphids Aphis gossypii Glover on a transgenic cotton line “GK‐12” expressing Bt toxic protein of Cry1A (Bt cotton) and a non‐Bt conventional cotton line “Simian‐3” (CK cotton) were recorded with the direct current electrical penetration graph (DC‐EPG) technique. Cotton aphids reared on Bt cotton (abbreviated as Bt‐aphids) and its parental non‐Bt control line (CK‐aphids) for more than 20 generations each, were used for recordings on two cotton lines. Among 47 selected parameters reflecting the activities of aphid stylets within plant tissues, there were eight parameters of CK‐aphids showing significant differences between the performances of CK‐aphids on Bt cotton and CK cotton, while for Bt‐aphids, all the parameters were statistically equal between the performances on the two cotton lines. All parameters with significant differences indicated that CK‐aphids could penetrate into Bt cotton more easily, but the phloem saps of Bt cotton were not as good as those of regular cotton for CK‐aphids. Based on the present results, we concluded that there were some factors in Bt cotton affecting penetration behaviors of CK‐aphids, but it just took several generations for CK‐aphids to completely adapt Bt cotton, and Bt‐aphids could feed on two cotton lines without difficulty.

Domestic sampling: Exposure assessment to moth repellent products using ultrasonic extraction and capillary GC–MS

Moth repellent agents are considered major contributors to indoor air pollution. In this study, the chemical contamination of clothes due to their direct or indirect exposure to moth repellent agents such as p-dichlorobenzene, naphthalene and camphor were investigated. Cotton cloths were used as clothing simulant. They were analyzed using ultrasonic extraction followed by GC–MS analysis. Extrapolated results indicate that a regular cotton shirt indirectly exposed to these chemicals in a storage cabinet can contain up to 7, 3 and 7.5 mg of p-dichlorobenzene, naphthalene and camphor, respectively, even after one-hour of airing. Passive sorptive sampling using polydimethylsiloxane-coated stir-bars and ultrasonic extraction followed by GC–MS analysis was used to monitor the concentration distribution in a wardrobe.

Biomembrana de látex: novo método para o revestimento da cavidade aberta nas timpanomastoidectomia

As neocavidades pós-timpanomastoidectomias de cavidade aberta (TMCA) são normalmente preenchidas por cadarço ou fita cardíaca untados com pomada antibiótica. A remoção deste tampão usualmente causa sangramento e desconforto para o paciente. Propomos para tanto a utilização de uma biomembrana de látex natural para forrar a neocavidade, servindo como uma interface entre o osso cruento e o material de tamponamento. FORMA DE ESTUDO: Clínico prospectivo. OBJETIVOS: Estudar o desempenho da biomembrana como uma interface entre o osso cruento e o material de tamponamento e analisar seu papel na epitelização da neocavidade. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Foram analisadas 64 orelhas de pacientes submetidos à TMCA e meatoplastia. A biomembrana foi utilizada em 54 das orelhas operadas, sendo que nas outras 10 orelhas o tamponamento da cavidade foi realizado somente com fita cardíaca. RESULTADOS: Na maioria das 54 orelhas onde a biomembrana foi utilizada observou-se maior facilidade na remoção do curativo tampão (sem sangramento ou desconforto para o paciente), menor demanda de tempo para sua retirada, além da epitelização mais precoce da neocavidade. CONCLUSÃO: A utilização da biomembrana de látex revelou-se método eficaz no revestimento da neocavidade, facilitando a remoção do tampão e a epitelização da neocavidade.

IR sightglasses protect against arc-flash exposure

The intense energy and duration of an electric arc flash represents a very unique exposure. Everyday work clothes made from regular cotton or polyester cotton blended fabrics, regardless of weight, can be readily ignited at some exposure level. Once ignited, the clothing will continue to burn, adding to the extent of the injury sustained from the arc alone. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 70E) standard for electrical safety requirements for employee workplaces now requires employees to wear flame-resistant (FR) protective clothing wherever there is possible exposure to an electric arc flash. This clothing must meet the requirements of ASTM International, formally known as the American Society for Testingand Materials (ASTM) document reference F1506. It also requires employers to perform a flash hazard analysis to determine the flash protection boundary distance.

Latex biomembrane: A new method to coat the open cavity in tympanomastoidectomies

SummaryThe new cavity created after an open cavity tympanomastoidectomy (OCTM) is filled with an antibiotic impregnated cotton pack (cotton tape, umbilical tape, gauze). The removal of this pack usually causes some bleeding and discomfort for the patient. We propose the use of a latex biomembrane to cover the cavity, which will act as an interface between the raw bone surface and the packing. Study design: clinical prospective. Aim: To study the performance of the latex biomembrane as an interface between the raw bone surface and the pack, and to analyze its role in cavity epithelization. Material and Methods: 64 ears of patients submitted to OCTM were studied. The biomembrane was used in the packing of 54 ears and in the 10 remaining ears the regular cotton tape packing was used. Results: In the majority of the cases where the biomembrane was used the packing was removed much easier with no bleeding or pain for the patient and also showed an earlier cavity epithelization. Conclusion: The use of the latex biomembrane has proven to be an effective method to cover the mastoid cavity facilitating epithelization and removal of mastoid cavity packing.

Effect of Pollen of Regular Cotton and Transgenic &lt;I&gt;Bt&lt;/I&gt;+CpTI Cotton on the Survival and Reproduction of the Parasitoid Wasp &lt;I&gt;Trichogramma chilonis&lt;/I&gt; (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) in the Laboratory

Abstract The effects of pollen of regular cotton and transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton expressing the Cry1Ac protein of Bacillus thuringiensis and cowpea trypsin inhibitor (CpTI) as a food source for Trichogramma chilonis (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) were assessed in the laboratory by studying longevity, parasitization rate, progeny survival, and sex ratio. Females fed on suspension of pollen of regular cotton or transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton in water lived as long as those fed on water alone or those that were unfed. However, the females’ longevity was significantly reduced compared with that of females fed on 10% honey alone or suspension of pollen of regular cotton or transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton in 10% honey, either with or without eggs of rice moth (Corcyra cephalonica). T. chilonis females fed on suspension of pollen of regular cotton or transgenic Bt+CpTI cotton in 10% honey parasitized more eggs and produced significantly more offspring than those fed on 10% honey or water alone, suspension of pollen of regu...

Efficacy in allergen control and air permeability of different materials used for bed encasement.

Different types of textile are used for the preparation of covers for bed encasement. The aim of the present study was to evaluate different fabrics employed for mattress covers regarding their efficacy in blocking Der p 1 and Fel d 1 as well as their air permeability. Eleven different commercially available fabrics manufactured for allergen avoidance have been tested and compared with regular cotton. Dust samples titered for Der p 1 and Fel d 1 were pulled through the different fabrics using a modified Fussnecker dust trap and collected by a filter located downstream. Airflow through the dust trap was controlled by a vacuum pump operating for 5 min and measured at the beginning (T0) and at the end (T1) of the test. All the tightly woven and laminated materials were able to control mite allergen permeability allowing air passage but they significantly differed in Fel d 1 permeability. Laminated tissues and laminated tissue not tissued were effective in controlling both the allergens but they did not allow air permeability. Detailed knowledge about the actual properties of the products for bed encasement needs to be considered in order to optimize allergen avoidance, disease control and sleep comfort.

Antennal response of cotton bollworm (Heliocoverpa armigera) to volatiles in transgenic Bt cotton

Abstract: Volatile compositions in transgenic Bt cotton variety ‘GK‐97’ and its parental variety ‘Simian No. 3’ were analysed, and antennal response of cotton bollworm (Heliocoverpa armigera) to the volatiles were investigated. Volatile components in Bt cotton and regular cotton were almost same, except for absence of a sesquiterpene and a minor unknown compound in regular cotton. The results of gas chromatography‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) experiments showed that cotton bollworm antennae responded to seven compounds and two minor unknown compounds in Bt volatiles, among which concentrations of α‐pinene and β‐pinene in Bt cotton were relatively higher than those in regular cotton, and one minor unknown compound was absent in regular cotton.

Influence of Cotton and Spandex Shorts on Air Displacement Plethysmography Estimates of Percent Body Fat

0490 Air displacement plethysmography (ADP) is gaining broad acceptance as an alternative to more traditional body composition methods (i.e. hydrostatic weighing and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry). Several studies have shown that certain types of clothing can affect ADP estimates of body fat. In spite of this evidence, it has become common practice to use clothing schemes that deviate from the manufacturer's recommendation of a tight fitting swimsuit. However, no study has specifically investigated the effect of regular cotton gym shorts and biking shorts on ADP estimates of body fat. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of wearing cotton gym shorts and biking shorts on estimates of body fat. METHODS: Twenty-five healthy adult females, (24.8 ± 5.6 years; 163.4 ± 7.5 cm; 56.9 ± 7.4 kg) had their percent body fat measured by ADP. In random order each subject was tested in the following clothing schemes which were provided by the University of Oklahoma body composition laboratory: 1) a tight fitting swimsuit (the criterion clothing condition – CR); 2) normal cotton gym shorts (GS); and 3) bicycle shorts (BS). All thoracic gas volumes were measured and percent fat (%fat) was determined using the Siri equation. RESULTS: GS %fat (21.3 ± 5.3%) and BS %fat (23.4 ± 5.6%) were significantly lower (P< 0.01) than the CR %fat (25.7 ± 5.4%), with their regressions significantly deviating from the line of identity. GS had an R2 0.98 and an SEE of 1.2%fat, while BS had an R2 of 0.98 and an SEE 1.1%fat. Bland Altman analysis revealed no bias in estimates of percent body fat across the range of body fatness for either GS or BS. CONCLUSION: These results indicate testing in cotton gym shorts or bicycle shorts can result in 2% – 4% under-estimation in percent body fat. Therefore, it is recommended that only a tight fitting swimsuit be worn when using ADP in the assessment of body fat.