Standard Cotton Research Articles

Integrating high electrical conductivity and photocatalytic activity in cotton fabric by cationizing for enriched coating of negatively charged graphene oxide

Electroconductive textiles have attended tremendous focus recently and researchers are making efforts to increase conductivity of e-textiles, in order to increase the use of such flexible and low cost textile materials. In this study, surface conductivity and photo catalytic activity of standard cotton fabric (SCF) was enhanced by modifying its surface charge, from negative to positive, using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) as a cationic agent, to convert it into cationised cotton fabric (CCF). Then, both types of fabrics were dip coated with a simple dip and dry technique for the adsorption of negatively charged graphene oxide (GO) sheets onto its surface. This resulted in 67.74% higher loading amount of GO on the CCF making self-assembly. Finally, this coating was chemically converted by vapor reduction using hydrazine hydrate to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) for restoration of a high electrical conductivity at the fabric surface. Our results revealed that with such high loading of GO, the surface resistance of CCF was only 40Ω/sq as compared to 510Ω/sq of the SCF and a 66% higher photo catalytic activity was also achieved through cationization for improved GO coating. Graphene coated SCF and CCF were characterized using FE-SEM, FTIR, Raman, UV–vis, WAXD, EDX and XPS spectroscopy to ascertain successful reduction of GO to rGO. The effect of BSA treatment on adsorption of cotton fabric was studied using drop shape analyzer to measure contact angle and for thermal and mechanical resistance, the fabric was tested for TGA and tensile strength, respectively. rGO coated fabric also showed slightly improved thermal stability yet a minor loss of strength was observed. The high flexibility, photocatalytic activity and excellent conductivity of this fabric suggests that it can be used as an electrode material for various applications.

Construction of a high-density linkage map and mapping quantitative trait loci for somatic embryogenesis using leaf petioles as explants in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.).

The first high-density linkage map was constructed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for somatic embryogenesis (SE) in cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) using leaf petioles as explants. Cotton transformation is highly limited by only a few regenerable genotypes and the lack of understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of somatic embryogenesis (SE) in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). To construct a more saturated linkage map and further identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for SE using leaf petioles as explants, a high embryogenesis frequency line (W10) from the commercial Chinese cotton cultivar CRI24 was crossed with TM-1, a genetic standard upland cotton with no embryogenesis frequency. The genetic map spanned 2300.41 cM in genetic distance and contained 411 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. Of the 411 mapped loci, 25 were developed from unigenes identified for SE in our previous study. Six QTLs for SE were detected by composite interval mapping method, each explaining 6.88-37.07% of the phenotypic variance. Single marker analysis was also performed to verify the reliability of QTLs detection, and the SSR markers NAU3325 and DPL0209 were detected by the two methods. Further studies on the relatively stable and anchoring QTLs/markers for SE in an advanced population of W10 × TM-1 and other cross combinations with different SE abilities may shed light on the genetic and molecular mechanism of SE in cotton.

Influence of Special Clays as Builder in Ecological Detergents

Abstract The aim of this work is to determine the influence of certain clay micro particles added to detergent formulation to act as builders in removal of impurities (detersive power) during the washing of a standard cotton fabric (EMPA), and also to determine the whiteness of the fabric and its softness after washing. Sepiolite was used separately and together with bentonite, in the form of micro particles. Bentonite is held to have a softening effect on cotton. A whitener was added to the detergent formulations to compensate for a possible effect of diminished whiteness in the washed fabric. Scanning electron microscope images of the fibres were taken to show deposition of the builders on the fabric. A non-toxic microemulsified solvent, dimethylsulfoxide (DMS), suitably microdispersed with use of an amphoteric surfactant as emulsifier, was added to improve the performance of the detergent formulations used, notably enhancing the detergency obtained in the presence of the clay microparticles tested.

Effects of Ankaferd Blood Stopper and calcium alginate in experimental model of hepatic parenchymal bleeding

This experimental study compared the hemostatic effects of calcium alginate and Anka-ferd Blood Stopper in hepatic parenchymal bleedings. The study comprised 39 male Wistar albino rats (weight 230±30 g). Laceration model was created in the left lateral lobe of the liver. Standard cotton gauze that was impregnated 0.9% NaCl solution and Calcium alginate cover was compared to ABS tampon. The amount of preoperative bleeding, preoperative and postoperative Day 1 hematocrit levels, and the difference between them were assessed and statistically analyzed. Comparing the hematocrit levels between the groups, we found that the amount of bleeding was significantly higher in the control group versus the study groups (p<0.001). Histopathological examination revealed the portal area enlargement and biliary canaliculi proliferation. In the Ca2+ Alginate group, it was observed that the fibres were still present in the incision line with massive fibrotic area around. In the Ankaferd group, examination of the preparations revealed patchy focal necrosis areas but no fibrotic area. With this study, we demonstrated that both calcium alginate and Ankaferd have hemostatic effect in preventing hepatic parenchymal bleeding and that calcium alginate causes fibrosis in the liver, where ABS causes focal necrosis areas(Tab. 2, Fig. 4, Ref. 19).

저산소 농도 살충처리가 직물, 염색 직물, 종이, 염색지 및 채색편의 색상 및 기계적 성질에 미치는 영향

Fabrics, natural dyed fabrics, papers, natural dyed papers and paints were examined effects of colors and mechanical properties for materials of museum collections under anoxic treatment. Anoxic conditions using nitrogen and argon were oxygen concentration 0.01%, temperature(20°C, 25°C, 30°C), 50% RH and exposure time 30 days. Examined fabrics were raw silk fabric, UV irradiated raw silk fabric, degummed silk fabric, UV irradiated degummed silk fabric, cotton fabric, and UV irradiated cotton fabric. Natural dyed silk and cotton fabrics were dyed with fresh indigo, 220 | 보존과학회지 Vol.30, No.2, 2014 indigo, safflower, gromwell, madder sappanwood, amur cork tree, turmeric, gardenia, barberry root, pagoda tree flower, cochineal, lac, alnus japonica, gallnut, chestnut shell, and combination(indigo and safflower, indigo and amur cork tree, indigo and pagoda tree flower, indigo and sappanwood). Papers were Korean papers(mulberry paper, mulberry(70%) and rice straw(30%) mixed paper), Japanese paper(gampi paper), cotton paper, refined linen paper, cotton, linen & manila mixed fibre furnish, copy paper, news print, and alum sized mulberry paper. Natural dyed papers were dyed with indigo, sappanwood, madder, safflower, gardenia, amur cork tree, and pagoda tree flower. Paints were painted on alum-sized papers and silk fabrics using glue and pigments(azurite, malachite, cinnabar, vermilion, orpiment, gamboge, red lead, haematite, iron oxide red, indigo(lake), lac, cochineal, safflower, madder root lake, celadonite, smalt, ultramarine blue, lapis lazuli, prussian blue, kaolin, lead white, oyster-shell white, and clam-shell white). The color differences(△E*) of all examined materials were below 1.5 or lowered than control samples after anoxic treatment. The variations of tenacity of yarns of fabrics and natural dyed fabrics after anoxic treatment were within that of standard silk and cotton fabrics. Gases(nitrogen and argon) and temperatures of anoxic treatment did not also affected color differences and variations of tenacity of materials.

Topic usage of kaolin-impregnated gauze as a hemostatic in tonsillectomy

BackgroundThe main postoperative complications after tonsillectomy are due to bleeding, and effective hemostasis may lead to a reduction of overall postoperative morbidity. This study was undertaken to determine the efficacy and safety of a novel kaolin-based hemostatic dressing in tonsillectomy. MethodsA pilot, single-blind, open label study was performed in patients aged 3–20 y with history of chronic or hypertrophic tonsillitis. Cold dissection tonsillectomy (CDT) + ligature was performed by the same surgeon. Hemostasis on each tonsillar fossa was achieved using kaolin-impregnated gauze (KG; study group) or standard surgical cotton gauze (CG; control). Time to complete hemostasis, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, pain score, analgesic use, and return to normal diet and activity were recorded for all children. ResultsA total of 230 patients with a mean age of 8.0 y (138 in the study group and 92 in the control group) were included in the study. Both operative time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly reduced in the KG group (P < 0.0001) versus the CG group. At 5 min, 84.8% patients using the KG successfully achieved complete hemostasis versus 34.8% in the CG group where standard gauze controlled bleeding only partially. Results show significantly less pain for the KG group at 6- and 12-h postoperative when compared with the CG group (P < 0.0001). Also, the KG group required less analgesic medications, returned to normal diet and normal activities faster than the CG group (P < 0.01). ConclusionsPreliminary findings show that the KG is effective and safe in managing surgical bleeding after tonsillectomy. In addition to rapid bleeding control, the dressing causes minimal inflammation and pain and allows patients to quickly return to normal activities. This novel dressing is a promising tool for ear, nose and throat surgical hemostasis.

Registration of a Tufted-Naked Seed Upland Cotton Germplasm, 9023n4 t

A tufted-naked cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) mutant, 9023n4t (Reg. No. GP-971, PI 667553) was developed from the cultivar SC 9023 (9023) (PI 590933) through chemical mutagenesis. Germplasm line 9023n4t was developed by the Department of Plant and Soil Science, Texas Tech University, and released in 2013. This mutant has reduced density of short fibers (fuzz) remaining attached to the seed after spinnable fibers lint, are removed, with only a small amount of fuzz attached to the micropylar end of the seed. In 1997, seed of 9023 was treated with 2.45% ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). The treated seed was hand planted in the field at Lubbock, TX, in 1997. In 1999, one M3 plant was identified that produced seed with the tufted-naked trait. An M6:7 progeny uniform for the trait was identified in 2003 and designated as 9023n4t. During 2004 to 2007 and in 2011, the mutant, along with 9023 and USDA Cotton Collection accession 143 (n2n2) (PI 528543) and accession 243 (N1N1) (PI 528610), both having no fuzz remaining after removal of spinnable fibers, were tested in replicated tests. The lint percentage of 9023n4t was not significantly lower than that of the wild-type and was 39% higher than the lint percentage of accession 143 (n2n2) and 57% higher than accession 243 (N1N1). The mutant had 15% lower high volume instrument (HVI) short fiber content and 45% lower seed coat neps. Germplasm 9023n4t required less net energy to gin and ginned faster compared with some standard cotton cultivars.

A Novel Revision to the Classical Transnasal Topical Sphenopalatine Ganglion Block for the Treatment of Headache and Facial Pain

Background: The sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) is located with some degree of variability near the tail or posterior aspect of the middle nasal turbinate. The SPG has been implicated as a strategic target in the treatment of various headache and facial pain conditions, some of which are featured in this manuscript. Interventions for blocking the SPG range from minimally to highly invasive procedures often associated with great cost and unfavorable risk profiles. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to present a novel, FDA-cleared medication delivery device, the Tx360® nasal applicator, incorporating a transnasal needleless topical approach for SPG blocks. This study features the technical aspects of this new device and presents some limited clinical experience observed in a small series of head and face pain cases. Study Design: Case series. Settings: Pain management center, part of teaching-community hospital, major metropolitan city, United States. Methods: After Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval, the technical aspects of this technique were examined on 3 patients presenting with various head and face pain conditions including trigeminal neuralgia (TN), chronic migraine headache (CM), and post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). The subsequent response to treatment and quality of life was quantified using the following tools: the 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), Modified Brief Pain Inventory — short form (MBPI-sf), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and patient satisfaction surveys. The Tx360® nasal applicator was used to deliver 0.5 mL of ropivacaine 0.5% and 2 mg of dexamethasone for SPG block. Post-procedural assessments were repeated at 15 and 30 minutes, and on days one, 7, 14, and 21 with a final assessment at 28 days post-treatment. All patients were followed for one year. Individual patients received up to 10 SPG blocks, as clinically indicated, after the initial 28 days. Results: Three women, ages 43, 18, and 15, presented with a variety of headache and face pain disorders including TN, CM, and PHN. All patients reported significant pain relief within the first 15 minutes post-treatment. A high degree of pain relief was sustained throughout the 28 day follow-up period for 2 of the 3 study participants. All 3 patients reported a high degree of satisfaction with this procedure. One patient developed minimal bleeding from the nose immediately post-treatment which resolved spontaneously in less than 5 minutes. Longer term follow-up (up to one year) demonstrated that additional SPG blocks over time provided a higher degree and longer lasting pain relief. Limitations: Controlled double blind studies with a higher number of patients are needed to prove efficacy of this minimally invasive technique for SPG block. Conclusion: SPG block with the Tx360® is a rapid, safe, easy, and reliable technique to accurately deliver topical transnasal analgesics to the area of mucosa associated with the SPG. This intervention can be delivered in as little as 10 seconds with the novice provider developing proficiency very quickly. Further investigation is certainly warranted related to technique efficacy, especially studies comparing efficacy of Tx360 and standard cotton swab techniques. Key words: Trigeminal neuralgia, trigeminal neuropathy, migraine, headache, post-herpetic neuralgia, sphenopalatine ganglion block

A screen printable sacrificial fabrication process to realise a cantilever on fabric using a piezoelectric layer to detect motion for wearable applications

Freestanding cantilevers have been fabricated by screen printing sacrificial and structural layers onto a standard polyester cotton fabric. By screen printing additional conductive and piezoelectric layers on to the cantilever it is possible to detect its displacement due to the movement of the underlying fabric. This type of freestanding structure cannot currently be fabricated using more conventional smart fabric manufacturing processes (e.g. weaving and knitting). Compared to such processes, screen printing offers the advantages of geometric design flexibility and the ability to simultaneously print multiple devices of the same or different designs. Furthermore, an expanding range of active inks exists from the printed electronics industry which can potentially be applied to create many types of smart fabric.To demonstrate the potential of this technology, a six-layer structure design has been printed onto fabric using a sacrificial material underneath the cantilever. The sacrificial layer is subsequently removed at 160°C for 30min to achieve a freestanding cantilever above the fabric. The devices have been worn on a human forearm and connected to a charge amplifier provided an example of simple motion detection.

Screen printing of a capacitive cantilever-based motion sensor on fabric using a novel sacrificial layer process for smart fabric applications

Free-standing cantilevers have been fabricated by screen printing sacrificial and structural layers onto a standard polyester cotton fabric. By printing additional conductive layers, a complete capacitive motion sensor on fabric using only screen printing has been fabricated. This type of free-standing structure cannot currently be fabricated using conventional fabric manufacturing processes. In addition, compared to conventional smart fabric fabrication processes (e.g. weaving and knitting), screen printing offers the advantages of geometric design flexibility and the ability to simultaneously print multiple devices of the same or different designs. Furthermore, a range of active inks exists from the printed electronics industry which can potentially be applied to create many types of smart fabric. Four cantilevers with different lengths have been printed on fabric using a five-layer structure with a sacrificial material underneath the cantilever. The sacrificial layer is subsequently removed at 160 °C for 30 min to achieve a freestanding cantilever above the fabric. Two silver electrodes, one on top of the cantilever and the other on top of the fabric, are used to capacitively detect the movement of the cantilever. In this way, an entirely printed motion sensor is produced on a standard fabric. The motion sensor was initially tested on an electromechanical shaker rig at a low frequency range to examine the linearity and the sensitivity of each design. Then, these sensors were individually attached to a moving human forearm to evaluate more representative results. A commercial accelerometer (Microstrain G-link) was mounted alongside for comparison. The printed sensors have a similar motion response to the commercial accelerometer, demonstrating the potential of a printed smart fabric motion sensor for use in intelligent clothing applications.

Inkjet printed dipole antennas on textiles for wearable communications

This study presents an inkjet printed textile antenna realised using a novel fabrication methodology. Conventionally, it is very difficult to inkjet print onto textiles because of surface roughness. This study demonstrates how this can be overcome by developing an interface coated layer which bonds to a standard polyester cotton fabric, creating a smooth surface. A planar dipole antenna has been fabricated, simulated and measured. This study includes DC resistance, RF reflection coefficient results and antenna radiation patterns. Efficiencies of greater than 60% have been achieved with only one layer of conducting ink. The study demonstrates that the interface layer saves considerable time and cost in terms of the number of inkjet layers needed whilst also improving the printing resolution.

Comparative Biology of Euschistus heros (F.) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Feeding on Cotton and Soybean Reproductive Structures

The neotropical brown stink bug, Euschistus heros (F.), is a phytophagous pentatomid that causes considerable economic losses in soybean crop, but it has been recently reported using cotton as a new host plant. Nymphs and adults of E. heros were raised on six different food sources composed of the reproductive structures of cotton and soybean plants: a standard diet (green-bean pods + raw peanuts + privet fruits), soybean seeds, soybean pods, cotton seeds, cotton bolls, and cotton floral buds. The following biological parameters were evaluated: nymph developmental time, instar duration, and survivorship; adult weight at emergence; male and female longevity; duration of pre-oviposition and oviposition periods; and female fecundity and fertility. Nymphal development time and survival, as well as the adult weight and fecundity of E. heros fed on cotton bolls and seeds were reduced if compared to those fed on soybean pods. The cotton floral buds did not support the immature development nor the reproduction of adults of E. heros. Most of the cotton plant structures fed to E. heros caused high nymph mortality and low adult fertility. Cotton, therefore, appeared to be an unsuitable host for the development and reproduction of E. heros. Therefore, our data may allow us to suggest that the occurrence of E. heros on cotton may be due to occasional dispersion in search for shelter.

A Plantar Closing Wedge Osteotomy of the Medial Cuneiform for Residual Forefoot Supination in Flatfoot Reconstruction

Residual forefoot supination is commonly encountered during a flatfoot reconstruction, and a new technique for its treatment is described. Contrary to the standard Cotton osteotomy, a plantar closing wedge osteotomy of the medial cuneiform (PCWOMC) was performed, which has a number of advantages. We followed 10 feet in 9 patients who had a PCWOMC performed as the last step of a standard flatfoot reconstruction for the correction of residual forefoot supination. These patients were evaluated pre- and postoperatively by standardized radiographic parameters, Short Form-12 (SF-12), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). Patients were followed for an average of 25.8 months with final radiographic analysis performed at an average of 9.9 months. A significant difference (P < .001) between pre- and postoperative parameters was demonstrated for both lateral talus-first metatarsal angle and medial-cuneiform-to-ground distance. Likewise, there was a statistically significant improvement in the SF-12 score and 4 out of 5 components of the FAOS. One patient developed internal hardware-related symptoms, which were relieved following implant removal. All osteotomies healed uneventfully. A PCWOMC can be considered an alternative to the Cotton osteotomy for the treatment of forefoot supination deformity in adult flatfoot reconstruction. The main advantage of this technique over the Cotton osteotomy was simplicity, as an additional dorsal incision and bone graft were not required. Level IV, retrospective case series.

A standardized cotton-strip assay for measuring organic-matter decomposition in streams

Assessment of stream ecosystem ‘health’ traditionally uses structural indicators (e.g., invertebrate community composition) but often neglects indicators of ecosystem processes (e.g., decomposition rates), providing an incomplete picture of overall ecosystem condition. Given a lack of standardized process-based indicators, we present a protocol for measuring organic-matter decomposition, represented by the breakdown of cellulose in the form of woven cotton fabric. The material, used more conventionally as artists’ fabric, has been suggested as a replacement for a standard cotton material (Shirley Burial Test Fabric) that had been widely used in decomposition studies for decades but is no longer manufactured. In field trials, we incubated cotton strips made of artists’ fabric in 49 streams in the Midwest (USA), northern Michigan (USA), and in New Zealand to: (1) test the assay under field conditions, (2) provide an initial population of data to which future studies can be compared, and (3) assess some environmental conditions that might influence cotton-strip decay. Decomposition of the strips, as loss of tensile strength, differed among regions and, in some cases, among streams within regions, suggesting that the assay is sensitive to differences in environmental conditions at regional and watershed scales. Mean rates (and standard deviation) of tensile-strength loss across streams of tensile-strength loss were 2.3%/d (0.4), 1.8%/d (0.7), and 1.5%/d (1.0) for the midwestern, Michigan, and New Zealand streams, and 1.7%/d (0.8) overall. Principal components analysis indicated that stream water ammonium and soluble reactive phosphorus explained a small but significant amount of variation (R2=0.12) in tensile-strength loss among streams. Rates of respiration of cotton strips incubated in Michigan streams were positively related to tensile-strength loss (R2=0.70). When streams were classified by substrate size, cotton-strip tensile strength (but not respiration) differed among substrate size classes. We conclude that a cotton-strip assay based on the artists’ fabric holds promise for replacing the assay based on the Shirley material, and as a process-based indicator for assessing the condition of stream ecosystems.

Novel keratin (KeraStat™) and polyurethane (Nanosan®-Sorb) biomaterials are hemostatic in a porcine lethal extremity hemorrhage model

Traumatic injury is the leading cause of death in people aged 44 or less in the US. It is also estimated that 82% of deaths from battlefield hemorrhage may be survivable with better treatment options. In this study, two biomaterial hemostats having disparate mechanisms were evaluated in a large animal lethal hemorrhage model and compared to a commercial product and standard cotton gauze. We hypothesized that the biomaterial with a biologically active mechanism, as opposed to a mechanical mechanism, would be the most effective in this model. Using a published study protocol, the femoral artery in swine was punctured and treated. KeraStat™ (KeraNetics) and Nanosan®-Sorb (SNS Nano) hemostats were compared to a commercial chitosan dressing (second generation Hemcon®) and cotton gauze. Both KeraStat and Nanosan increased survival, significantly increased mean arterial pressure (MAP), and significantly decreased shock index compared to both controls. The Hemcon dressing was no different than gauze. Platelet adhesion assays suggested that the KeraStat mechanism of action involves β1 integrin mediated platelet adhesion while Nanosan-Sorb operates similar to one reported mechanism for Hemcon, absorbing fluid and concentrating clotting components. The Nanosan also swelled considerably and created pressure within the wound site even after direct pressure was removed.

The method of assessment of salivary glands secretory function

Aim. To develop a method for the assessment of the secretory function of salivary glands. Methods. BK-300.1 («MASSA-K», Russia) weighting machine (presicion ±0,01 g), two standard cotton swabs and two absorbent dental pads «Dry Tips» («Mölnlycke Health Care», Sweden) were used for the assessment of the secretory function of salivary glands. Each absorbent pad and cotton swabs were weighted before the procedure. The examination was performed at morning hours on a fasting patient seated on a dentist’s chair without salivation stimulation. Absorbent pads were placed on the buccal mucosa with parotid orifice at the centre of the pad. Absorbent pads and cotton swabs soaked with saliva were re-weighted after 5 minutes. The examination was repeated thrice at different visits, the mean weight of saliva from major salivary glands was calculated. Salivary function of submandibular and sublingual salivary glands was also assessed. Saliva weight was assessed for each parotid gland separately. Results. The advantages of the offered method are: ease of use, opportunity to assess each parotid, submandibular and sublingual gland separately, express evaluation, good tolerance. Conclusion. The developed method allows to get the precise result and to assess the secretory function of salivary glands accurately.

The Effect of Air Permeability Characteristics of Protective Garments on the Induced Physiological Strain under Exercise-Heat Stress

The high values of thermal resistance (Rct) and/or vapor resistance (Ret) of chemical protective clothing (CPC) induce a considerable thermal stress. The present study compared the physiological strain induced by CPCs and evaluates the relative importance of the fabrics' Rct, Ret, and air permeability in determining heat strain. Twelve young (20-30 years) healthy, heat-acclimated male subjects were exposed fully encapsulated for 3h daily to an exercise-heat stress (35°C and 30% relative humidity, walking on a motor-driven treadmill at a pace of 5 km h(1) and a 4% inclination, in a work-rest cycle of 45 min work and 15 min rest). Two bipack CPCs (PC1 and PC2) were tested and the results were compared with those attained by two control suits-a standard cotton military BDU (CO1) and an impermeable material suit (CO2). The physiological burden imposed by the two bilayer garments was within the boundaries set by the control conditions. Overall, PC2 induced a lower strain, which was closer to CO1, whereas PC1 was closer to CO2. Air permeability of the PC2 cloth was almost three times higher than that of PC1, enabling a better heat dissipation and consequently a lower physiological strain. Furthermore, air permeability characteristic of the fabrics, which is associated with its construction and weave, significantly correlated with the physiological strain, whereas the correlation with Rct, Ret, and weight was poor. The results emphasize the importance of air permeability in reducing the physiological strain induced by CPCs.

Strippable Coatings for Forensic Collection of Trace Chemicals from Surfaces

Surface sampling for chemical analysis plays a vital role in applications like environmental monitoring, industrial hygiene, homeland security, and forensics. The standard surface sampling tool is a simple cotton gauze pad, but as techniques become more sensitive and the variety of analytes increases, gauze is failing to meet the needs of the community. Here, the collection of eight small molecules from glass surfaces with three different commercial spray-on, strippable coatings was demonstrated and their collection efficiency, as measured by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, was compared to that of a standard cotton gauze. The three coating systems recovered 87-95% of the each compound, on average, from a nominal initial surface coverage of 0.1 g/m(2) per analyte. These recoveries were 3-fold better than the cotton gauze which had an average collection efficiency of 31%.

Improved Recovery of Bacillus Spores from Nonporous Surfaces with Cotton Swabs over Foam, Nylon, or Polyester, and the Role of Hydrophilicity of Cotton in Governing the Recovery Efficiency

Evaluating different swabbing materials for spore recovery efficiency (RE) from steel surfaces, we recorded the maximum RE (71%) of 10(7) Bacillus subtilis spores with Tulips cotton buds, followed by Johnson's cotton buds and standard Hi-Media cotton, polyester, nylon, and foam (23%) swabs. Among cotton swabs, instant water-absorbing capacity or the hydrophilicity index appeared to be the major indicator of RE, as determined by testing three more brands. Tulips swabs worked efficiently across diverse nonporous surfaces and on different Bacillus spp., registering 65 to 77% RE.

Double-blind, within-patient, randomized, clinical trial comparing fluorine-synthetic fiber socks with standard cotton socks in improving plantar psoriasis

Background: Rubbing the skin and trauma may influence the persistence of psoriasis over time. Objectives: To assess the impact of a new fabric made with a special fluorine-synthetic fiber in improving plantar psoriasis. Methods: A total of 20 patients with symmetrical lesions were randomized to receive on one side a sock made of fluorine-synthetic fiber and on the other side a sock made of cotton fabric for 4 weeks. The main outcome was the percentage reduction of lesional area. Results: In an intention-to-treat analysis, the median lesion reduction was 11.95% in fluorine-synthetic fiber arm and 11.89% in cotton arm (p = 0.776). Among secondary outcomes, patient global satisfaction showed a statistically significant median score of 32 toward fluorine-synthetic fiber arm (p = 0.011). Conclusion: In spite of our main negative results, it is important to continue investigating on the relation between textiles and skin disorders to improve patient well-being.