Distilled Water Washing Research Articles

Physico-Chemical Alternatives for Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Using Fusarium Chlamydosporum

Abstract Introduction/Objective Background: Synthesizing metal nanoparticles (NPs) by chemical or physical methods is difficult due to energy and time consumption, equipment costs, and chemical toxicity. Chemosynthesis-derived NPs are unstable, limiting their biological applications. Thus, identifying alternative green sources to address these drawbacks is difficult scientifically. The hardest part of green metal nanoparticle synthesis is finding a nontoxic natural product and an eco-friendly solvent. Objectives: Isolation of fungal endophytes from Eucalyptus sideroxylon leaves to synthesize ZnO and Au nanoparticles. Methods/Case Report Materials and methods: We used healthy Eucalyptus sideroxylon plant samples from the desert research center to separate endophytes. All fungi were grown on malt extract broth on a rotary shaker at 28 °C (120 rpm) for 96 hours after isolation. Biomass components were removed by filtration and washing in distilled water. Nanoparticles came from biomass cell filtrate. 0.1 M, 1 mL of Zn SO4, and HAuCl4 were added to 10 mL of fungal filtrate and agitated for 24 hours in the dark at room temperature to make Zn and Au nanoparticles separately. Characterization of nanoparticles shows a green synthesis of ZnONPs and AuNPs. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Results: Fungal endophytes' filtrates were mixed with 1mM Zn SO4 and HAuCl4 solutions to test their extracellular biosynthesis of ZnO and Au NPs. The fungal filtrate became colorless and violet after mixing with Zn SO4 and HAuCl4. Only FI-03 is from 13 (FI-01 to FI-013). The most potent fungal strain for Zn O NP and Au NP nanoparticle synthesis was Fusarium Chlamydosporum. Pure, mostly spherical ZnO and Au NPs averaged 19.3 and 22.1 nm. UV-Vis absorption: Excitonic absorption peaks of ZnO NPs were between 300 and 400 nm. ZnO NPs' maximum absorption peak was 305 nm, while Au NPs' peak was 520 nm. One absorption peak indicates metallic gold nanoparticles. Au and ZnO NPs aggregate the most due to their hydrophilicity, HD of 34.88 and 15.77 nm, and PdI of 0.77, 1.00, and 0.952. Gold face-centered cubic fcc structure dominates Au NPs' XRD pattern. EDX shows 64.61 and 35.39 percent Zn and O, respectively, in both nanoparticles. The optical absorption band of gold nanocrystallites peaked at 2.2 keV in energy-dispersive X-rays. Conclusion Endophytic fungus biosynthesizes ZnO and Au NPs, which are bioactive compounds for medicine and food without toxic chemicals and are environmentally friendly.

Comparison of different preparation methods for oxygen isotope determination of phosphate in mammal tooth enamel

AbstractWe tested several sample pre-treatment protocols for the study of oxygen isotope ratios in the phosphate phase of mammalian enamel of ten different fossil samples. We investigated the effect of different pre-treatment methods and the duration of the hydrogen fluoride treatment on enamel samples from skeletal phosphate with known δ18O values. The samples had been measured previously, so we could compare the ratios measured in our laboratory with the previous values to choose the best chemical preparation procedure. Four pre-soaking methods and two different time intervals of 2 mol dm−3 hydrogen fluoride treatment were compared during our experiments. In our experimental conditions, the distilled water wash and the 6 h of soaking in hydrogen fluoride gave the closest results to the expected δ-values. The steps of the tested preparation processes were repeated at least three times on each sample, so the reproducibility of the process could be also investigated.

A Comparative Analytical Study on Medicated Vegetable Washes with Distilled Water Wash w.s.r to Cypermethrin and Chlorpyriform Pesticide Residue in Coccinia Grandis

Fresh vegetables and fruits are the main sources of micro-nutrients and macro nutrients for health. Pesticides are mainly used to increase the yield. Pesticides are potentially toxic to humans and can have both acute and chronic health effects, depending on the nature of exposure and duration exposure and the quantity of exposure. This study was done to evaluate the efficacy of medicated vegetable wash comparison. Two samples of Medicated water were prepared according to the Kshara preparation of Ayurveda classics. In Samhitas various decontamination have been explained for various types of pollution. Two commonly used pesticides, Cypermethrin and chlorpyrofos were taken in this study. For this study organic vegetable ivy gourd (Coccinia grandis) were selected and treated with the pesticides as per QuEChERs method (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) method. The analysis was done GCMS/MS. The results depicted reduction of pesticide residue by medicated water decontamination process with distilled water. Although it varied in different in the two samples, overall medicated water 2 is having more effect on both pesticide residues over medicated water 1and distilled water.

Effects of cleaning sports mouthguards with ethylene-vinyl acetate on oral bacteria.

Sports mouthguards, worn in the oral cavity to prevent sports injuries, are constantly exposed to various microorganisms that cause oral infections. Hence, the optimal cleaning methods for sports mouthguards have been thoroughly examined. In this study, we evaluated the efficiency of cleaning effects with a mouthguard cleaner (MC) on microbial biofilm formation in sports mouthguards in vitro and in vivo. We evaluated the cleaning effects of the discs produced by ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) on bacterial biofilms formed by the commensal bacterium Streptococcus oralis, the cariogenic bacterium Streptococcus mutans, and the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. EVA discs with biofilm were subjected to sterile distilled water (CTRL) and ultrasonic washing (UW), followed by treatment with MC and sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) as positive controls. Thereafter, the viable bacterial cell counts were determined. The bacteria adhering to the sheets before and after the treatment were observed under an electron microscope. The degree of cleanliness and measurement of viable microbial cell counts for total bacteria, Streptococci and Candida, opportunistic fungi, were evaluated on the used experimental sports mouthguards with and without UW and MC treatment in vivo. The number of bacterial cells significantly decreased against all the tested biofilm bacteria upon treatment with MC, compared with CTRL and UW. Electron microscopy analysis revealed the biofilm formation by all bacteria on the EVA discs before cleaning. We observed fewer bacteria on the EVA discs treated with MC than those treated with CTRL and UW. Furthermore, the degree of cleanliness of the used experimental sports mouthguards cleaned using MC was significantly higher than that of the CTRL-treated mouthguards. Moreover, the viable microbial cell counts on the used experimental sports mouthguard were considerably lower than those on the CTRL ones. The cleaning effect of MC against oral bacteria was more effective than that of UW. MC treatment might have a potential future application as a cleaning method for sports mouthguards to protect athletes from oral infection.

In vitro Callus Induction of Catunaregam spinosa Using Leaves as Explant

Aims: C. spinosa (Family Rubiaceae) is a valuable medicinal since years ago. A protocol was developed including best sterilization and best medium for callus induction of C. spinosa using leaf discs as explants.
 Methodology: Sterilization protocol optimized using different concentrations of Carbendazim® (0.2,
 0.3%) and Clorox (10, 15%) exposing to different time intervals (10, 15 min). Percentage survival and contaminations were calculated. Best medium was optimized using different concentrations of 6-Benzyl Amino Purine (BAP) and Naphthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) (1.0-6.0 mg L-1). Growth regulators free Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium was used as control. Completely randomized design was followed with ten replicates in each concentration. Days taken to initiate calli, morphological characteristics and mean dry weights of calli were evaluated after 3 months of incubation.
 Results: Leaf discs sterilization with 0.3% Carbendazim for 10 min, 10 % Clorox for 10 min and 70% ethanol for 30 sec followed by two washings in sterile distilled water was found to be best sterilization protocol. It recorded lowest percentage contamination (13.34%) and highest percentage survival (86.66%) after 8 weeks. No observable changes were found in calli grown in growth regulators free MS medium. Calli growth and morphologies were significantly affected by the type of growth regulator and their concentrations in MS medium. Color of the calli varied from white opaque to yellow brown to green and the texture from foamy, loose, and friable to compact. Best medium with 1.0 mg L-1 BAP and 3.0 mg L-1 NAA produced green friable calli with 0.0969±0.01 g mean dry weight after 3 months. Some traits were found to be depended on synergetic effect of growth regulators and genotypic characteristics of explant.
 Conclusion: The study provides a better sterilization protocol and medium for in vitro calli induction and growth of C. spinosa.

Reduction of Bacterial Enteric Pathogens and Hygiene Indicator Bacteria on Tomato Skin Surfaces by a Polymeric Nanoparticle-Loaded Plant-Derived Antimicrobial.

This study determined Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium survival on tomato skins as a function of sanitization treatment, under three differing contamination and sanitization scenarios. Sanitizing treatments consisted of the plant-derived antimicrobial (PDA) geraniol (0.5 wt.%) emulsified in the polymeric surfactant Pluronic F-127 (GNP), 0.5 wt.% unencapsulated geraniol (UG), 200 mg/L hypochlorous acid at pH 7.0 (HOCl), and a sterile distilled water wash (CON). Experimental contamination and sanitization scenarios tested were: (1) pathogen inoculation preceded by treatment; (2) the pathogen was inoculated onto samples twice with a sanitizing treatment applied in between inoculations; and (3) pathogen inoculation followed by sanitizing treatment. Reductions in counts of surviving pathogens were dependent on the sanitizing treatment, the storage period, or the interaction of these independent/main effects. GNP treatment yielded the greatest reductions in pathogen counts on tomato skins; pathogen survivor counts following GNP treatment were consistently statistically lower than those achieved by HOCl or UG treatments (p < 0.05). GNP treatment provided greatest pathogen reduction under differing conditions of pre- and/or post-harvest cross-contamination, and reduced hygiene-indicating microbes the most of all treatments on non-inoculated samples. Encapsulated geraniol can reduce the risk of pathogen transmission on tomato fruit, reducing food safety hazard risks for tomato consumers.

Encapsulated Plant-Derived Antimicrobial Reduces Enteric Bacterial Pathogens on Melon Surfaces during Differing Contamination and Sanitization Treatment Scenarios

This study aimed to quantify survival in Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium isolates on melon rind surface samples achieved by sanitizer treatment under three differing melon contamination and sanitization scenarios. Sanitizing treatments consisted of the plant-derived antimicrobial (PDA) essential oil component (EOC) geraniol (0.5 wt.%) entrapped in the polymeric surfactant Pluronic F-127 (GNP), 0.5 wt.% unencapsulated geraniol (UG), 200 mg/L hypochlorous acid at pH 7.0 (HOCl), and a sterile distilled water wash (CON). The experimental contamination and sanitization scenarios tested were: (1) pathogen inoculation preceded by treatment; (2) the pathogen was inoculated onto samples twice with sanitizing treatment applied in between inoculation events; or (3) pathogen inoculation followed by sanitizing treatment. Reductions in the numbers of surviving pathogens were dependent on the sanitizing treatment, the storage period, or the interaction of these effects. GNP treatment provided the greatest reductions in surviving pathogen counts on melon rinds, but these did not regularly statistically differ from those achieved by HOCl or UG treatment. GNP treatment provided the best pathogen control under differing conditions of pre- and/or post-harvest cross-contamination and can be applied to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission on melon rinds.

A critical look into different salt removal treatments for the production of high value pigments and fatty acids from marine microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (NIOT-74)

The prime challenge in seawater culture of microalgae for high value biomolecules production is presence of salt. Hence, twelve different salt removal treatments were evaluated for their impact on the lutein, total carotenoid, chlorophyll yields and fatty acid profile of marine microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (NIOT-74). The effectiveness of different treatments on salt removal was also visualized with the aid of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Among the tested treatments, washing the algal biomass with 0.5 % HCl augmented the lutein (11.56 mg/g) and total carotenoid yield (60.88 mg/g) 1.82 and 1.86 fold respectively, in comparison to untreated control. Highest chlorophyll content (30.64 mg/g) was noticed in the distilled water wash treatment. Different salt removal treatments also impacted the fatty acid profile and degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids significantly. This study thus, signified the importance of salt removal treatments for the commercial production of biomolecules from marine microalgae cultured in natural seawater.

In vivo evaluation of the virucidal efficacy of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine mouthwashes against salivary SARS-CoV-2. A randomized-controlled clinical trial

ObjectivesThe oral cavity is potentially high-risk transmitter of COVID-19. Antimicrobial mouthrinses are used in many clinical preprocedural situations for decreasing the risk of cross-contamination in the dental setting. It is important to investigate the efficacy of mouthwash solutions against salivary SARS-CoV-2 in order to reduce the exposure of the dental team during dental procedures. AimsThe aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the efficacy of 2 preprocedural mouthrinses in the reduction of salivary SARS-CoV-2 viral load and to compare the results of the mouthwashes to a control group. Materials and MethodsIn this randomized-controlled clinical trial, studied group comprised laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 positive patients through nasopharyngeal swabs. Participants were divided into 3 groups. For 30 s, the control group mouthrinsed with distilled water, the Chlorhexidine group mouthrinsed with 0.2% Chlorhexidine and the Povidone-iodine group gargled with 1% Povidone-iodine. Saliva samples were collected before and 5 min after mouthwash. SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR was then performed for each sample. Evaluation of the efficacy was based on difference in cycle threshold (Ct) value. The analysis of data was carried out using GraphPad Prism version 5 for Windows. Kristal wullis and Paired t-test were used. A probability value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. ResultsSixty-one compliant participants (36 female and 25 male) with a mean age 45.3 ± 16.7 years-old were enrolled. A significant difference was noted between the delta Ct of distilled water wash and each of the 2 solutions Chlorhexidine 0.2% (P = .0024) and 1% Povidone-iodine (P = .012). No significant difference was found between the delta Ct of patients using Chlorhexidine 0.2% and 1% Povidone-iodine solutions (P = .24). A significant mean Ct value difference (P < .0001) between the paired samples in Chlorhexidine group (n = 27) and also in Povidone-iodine group (n = 25) (P < .0001) was found. In contrast, no significant difference (P = .566) existed before and after the experiment in the control group (n = 9). ConclusionChlorhexidine 0.2% and 1% Povidone-iodine oral solutions are effective preprocedural mouthwashes against salivary SARS-CoV-2 in dental treatments. Their use as a preventive strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 during dental practice should be considered.

Characterization of cultivable endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Senna reticulata (Willd.) H. S. Irwin &amp; Barneby

The objective of this work was to characterize the endophytic fungi community of the medicinal plant S. reticulata. Vegetable tissue samples from S. reticulata plants, stems and leaves, were collected, washed and disinfected by immersion in 70% etanol, 2% sodium hypochlorite, 70% alcohol, and washing in sterile distilled water. The samples were fragmented and inoculated in PDA and Sabouraud culture media, with and without plant extract. After inoculation, the plates were incubated at 18 ºC or 28 ºC for 30 days. The isolated fungi were characterized in terms of their macromorphology and micromorphology. A total of 309 S. reticulata endophytic fungi, 178 stem fungi and 131 leaf fungi, were isolated. A greater number of isolates was obtained in plant I, totaling 194. Sabouraud medium with plant extract at 18 oC, were the best conditions for isolation of endophytic fungi of S. reticulata. 27 morphospecies were identified, distributed in ten genera, Phomopsis (32.4%), Penicillium (13%), Aspergillus (5.8%), Acremonium (2.6%), Colletotrichum (1.6%), Curvularia (1.6%), Alternaria (0.3%), Trichoderma (0.3%), Cladosporium (0.3%) and Xylaria (0.3%). Senna reticulata has a diverse community of endophytic fungi, with Phomopsis as dominant. This is the first report of endophytic fungi from the medicinal plant Senna reticulata. &nbsp; Keywords: Pasture killer; Medicinal plants; Phomopsis.

Oxidising agents and its effect on human dentine fluorescence diagnostic measurements.

The ability to determine the effectiveness of root canal disinfection in real-time prior to the final root filling could significantly influence the management and treatment outcomes of root canal therapy. Laser fluorescence devices can detect bacterial fluorescence in real-time, however since quenching of fluorescence is a possible confounding factor, this study explored the effects of oxidising endodontic irrigants on laser fluorescence in dentine. A total of 78 transverse 2 mm thick sections were prepared from the crowns of sterilised extracted non-functional third molars that had been embedded in acrylic resin. The dentine sections where then treated with different concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide, with or without further rinsing with distilled water wash. Fluorescence values were recorded over 24 h using the DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence device. Both sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide cause quenching of fluorescence readings of human dentine, with reductions of 30-60% in fluorescence readings. The quenching effect occurred quickly, and recovery to baseline readings took from 1 h to 24 h. Rinsing with water reduced but did not eliminate the quenching effect. The use of laser fluorescence to reliably detect root canal bacteria porphyrins in real-time could significantly influence the management of teeth needing root canal therapy. This study highlighted the quenching effects of some root canal irrigants on human teeth root dentine, a variable that should be considered and controlled prior to using lasers to assist in assessing root canal sterility.

First report of Boeremia exigua var. exigua causing Black Spot-like symptoms on commercially grown soybean in Germany.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is economically the most important protein crop grown worldwide. However, Europe largely depends on soybean imported from the Americas (European Commission 2019; Haupt and Schmid 2020). In Germany, soybean production was not formally recorded before 2016, but since then a steady increase along with an expansion of the growing area from the south of Germany to northern states occurred. In 2019 an area of 29,000 hectares was under soybean cultivation (Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (Germany) 2019). In the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW, western part of Germany) farmers have started in recent years to cultivate soybean, making it increasingly important to monitor pathogens associated with this new crop. At the beginning of October 2019, shortly before harvest, rows of black spots on pods and stems of soybean plants cv. Viola throughout a field site near Jülich (NRW) were observed. Close observation identified them as pycnidia with similarity to symptoms reported from soybean in Austria in 2015 (Hissek and Bedlan 2016). The collected samples were thoroughly surface sterilized (two washes with 70 % EtOH, a rinse in 0.5 % sodium hypochlorite solution and a final wash in sterile double distilled water) and placed on plates containing potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 22 °C in the dark. Fungal colonies were transferred to malt extract agar plates (MEA) and examined by microscopy. Thus, 34 of 41 isolates looked morphologically similar, producing colonies that appeared dark grey with white aerial mycelium and round to irregular margins. A single spore isolate was generated and designated IPP1903. Spores derived from IPP1903 were unicellular and mostly oblong to cylindrical with a mean width of 2.6±0.3 µm and a mean length of 5.9±0.8 µm (N=50, mean value ± standard deviation). Colonies on MEA were 5.4 to 5.8 cm in diameter after growth for seven days at 20 to 25°C with a photoperiod of 12 h and 3.3 to 3.7 cm in diameter after growth for seven days in the dark at 22°C. These morphological observations led to the conclusion that the isolate may belong to the genus Phoma. To test this hypothesis, we performed a drop test with 5 M NaOH which is used routinely to check for the presence of a genus-specific metabolite. We observed a change in color, indicating a positive test result. The color change was even more pronounced on the plates incubated in the light, further confirming the presence of "metabolite E" (Boerema et al. 2004; Kövics et al. 2014). Next, DNA was extracted and PCR was performed with primers specific for ITS regions (GenBank MT397284), LSU (MT397285), rbb2 (MT414713) or tub2 (MT414712). Sequencing results of PCR products were used to create a combined phylogenetic tree, including sequences published previously (Chen et al. 2015). Our sequencing results together with the morphological observations clearly identified the fungal isolate to be Boeremia exigua var. exigua. The isolate is publicly available in the CBS collection of the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute with the accession no. CBS 146730. Koch's postulates were fulfilled by inoculating a spore suspension of the isolate IPP1903 (5x105 ml-1 in 0.05% Tween 20 solution in distilled water) onto healthy primary leaves of twenty 14 days old soybean plants of the cultivar Abelina. While the mock-inoculated plants (inoculated with 0.05% Tween 20 solution in distilled water) stayed healthy, the inoculated plants developed lesions on the leaves after seven days. Six weeks after inoculation the fungus could be reisolated from cuttings of the infected leaves after surface-sterilization. Fungal colonies were confirmed to be B. exigua var. exigua by morphological examination and via NaOH drop test. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. exigua var. exigua causing disease on commercially grown soybean in Germany.

Two-dimensional metal (oxy)hydroxide and oxide ultrathin nanosheets via liquid phase epitaxy

Single- or few-layer transition metal (TM) (oxy)hydroxide and oxide nanosheets are promising two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials for catalysis and energy storage owing to their plentiful active sites. Facile and scalable synthesis of these 2D ultrathin nanosheets, however, is still a great challenge. Here, we report a liquid phase epitaxy (LPE) method to synthesize single- and few-layer TM (oxy)hydroxide and oxide nanosheets (β-Ni(OH)2, δ-FeOOH, β-CoOOH, and monoclinic LixMnO2) with high-yield and rapid procedure. In the LPE synthesis, the preformed Li2O2 nanosheets with (001) exposed planes function as substrates, enabling the epitaxial growth of TM hydroxides with coherent interface. The final TM (oxy)hydroxides and oxides ultrathin nanosheets can be obtained by in situ oxidation and removal of Li2O2 with simple distilled water washing. To demonstrate their potential applications, the obtained single- and few-layer β-Ni(OH)2 ultrathin nanosheets are coupled with functionalized graphene sheets (FGS), and tested as catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and as cathodes for alkaline Ni/Fe battery. Importantly, the single-layer β-Ni(OH)2/FGS composite electrode exhibits excellent catalytic performance for OER and superior charge storage capability for Ni/Fe battery. The present work provides new opportunity for the high-yield synthesis of 2D materials for energy-related applications and beyond.

MASSIVE IRRIGATION DURING ENDOSCOPIC UROLOGIC SURGERY NORMAL SALINE VERSUS DISTILLED WATER; A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL

Background: Benign prostatic hyperplasia is the most prevalent non-malignant prostate disease affecting over 50% of the aging male population. Transurethral prostate resection (TURP) is the standard reference (i.e. the most effective endoscopic surgical procedure for this disorder). Aim of the study: To compare the effectiveness and safety of normal saline vs sterile distilled water in massive irrigation in urological endoscopic surgery (TURP) as regards electrolytedisturbance (Na+ level), serum creatinine and occurrence of TURP syndrome. Patients and Methods: This study included fifty male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, aging 50-70 years old, admitted to operating room in Ain Shams University hospitals for TURP. The patients were divided into two equal groups, Group 1: underwent endoscopic urological surgery (TURP) with normal saline wash using bipolar resectoscope, Group 2: underwent endoscopic urological surgery (TURP) with distilled water wash using monopolar resectoscope. Results: The current study showed significant decrease in serum Na+ level in distilled water group than in normal saline group in both postoperative and 24 hr later. Also, we found significant decrease in hemoglobin level at 24hr postoperative in distilled water group compared to saline group.Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that normal saline wash during TURP causes less drop-in serum sodium and Hb level, less fluid overload, less incidence of TURP syndrome and decreased need for blood transfusion than using distilled water as irrigant.

Hydrolysates from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) processing by-product with different pretreatments: Antioxidant activity and their effect on lipid and protein oxidation of raw fish emulsion

Rainbow trout by-product was minced and subjected to different preparing methods including simple distilled water washing, calcium chloride + citric acid washing or their combinations, prior to hydrolysis. Particle diameter and zeta potential of the homogenized by-product were ∼45 nm and −23 mV, respectively. Less thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls were formed during hydrolysis when minces were washed with distilled water (BPW-FPI) or distilled water prior to calcium chloride + citric acid washing (W-CaCi-BPFPI) (P < 0.05). The extent of oxidation was reduced by addition of pistachio green hull extract (P < 0.05). BPW-FPI showed high ABTS radical cation scavenging activity, metal chelating activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The addition of BPW-FPI (1–3 g/100g) also decreased the oxidation of raw fish emulsion during 6 days of refrigerated storage in a dose dependent manner (P < 0.05). Thus, BPW-FPI could serve as the alternative antioxidant in raw fish emulsion.

Facile and Versatile Modification of Cotton Fibers for Persistent Antibacterial Activity and Enhanced Hygroscopicity.

Natural fibers with functionalities have attracted considerable attention. However, developing facile and versatile strategies to modify natural fibers is still a challenge. In this study, cotton fibers, the most widely used natural fibers, were partially oxidized by sodium periodate in aqueous solution, to give oxidized cotton fibers containing multiple aldehyde groups on their surface. Then poly(hexamethylene guanidine) was chemically grafted onto the oxidized cotton fibers forming Schiff bases between the terminal amines of poly(hexamethylene guanidine) and the aldehyde groups of oxidized cotton fibers. Finally, carbon-nitrogen double bonds were reduced by sodium cyanoborohydride, to bound poly(hexamethylene guanidine) covalently to the surface of cotton fibers. These functionalized fibers show strong and persistent antibacterial activity: complete inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was maintained even after 1000 consecutive washing in distilled water. On the other hand, cotton fibers with only physically adsorbed poly(hexamethylene guanidine) lost their antibacterial activity entirely after a few washes. According to Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and hemolytic analysis, toxicity did not significantly increase after chemical modification. Attributing to the hydrophilicity of poly(hexamethylene guanidine) coatings, the modified cotton fibers were also more hygroscopic compared to untreated cotton fibers, which can improve the comfort of the fabrics made of modified cotton fibers. This study provides a facile and versatile strategy to prepare modified polysaccharide natural fibers with durable antibacterial activity, biosecurity, and comfortable touch.

Combined effect of a positively charged cinnamon leaf oil emulsion and organic acid on the inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh-cut Treviso leaves

This study was performed to examine the inhibitory effect of combined treatments with a positively charged cinnamon leaf oil (P-CL) emulsion and various organic acids against Listeria monocytogenes inoculated on fresh-cut Treviso leaves. Combined treatments with a P-CL emulsion and an organic acid exhibited a higher inhibitory effect than treatment with each alone or NaOCl. The highest inhibitory effect was achieved by combined treatment with the P-CL emulsion and lactic acid (LA), which showed a 2.85-log reduction compared to distilled water washing. In addition, the inhibitory effect of the combined treatment was maintained during 6 days of subsequent storage, and showed a 3.24–3.39-log reduction compared to unwashed samples. Treviso leaves treated with the P-CL emulsion and LA also maintained their sensorial properties, including appearance, odor, hardness, freshness, and overall acceptability, during subsequent storage. Therefore, combined treatment with a P-CL emulsion and LA can be used to effectively ensure the microbial safety and organoleptic quality of fresh-cut Treviso leaves.

Preparation of biodiesel by three step method followed purification by various silica sources

The preparation of biodiesel by three step transesterification three-step method consists of Saponification followed by acidification to produce KOME (Karanja Oil Methyl Ester)and finally esterification of KOME to produce biodiesel.The objective of this research is the comparison among different adsorbents such as Ludox (Colloidal Silicate) and Fumed silica which were used for the purification of biodiesel. Used adsorbents werereused again as adsorbents for the removal of glycerin from biodiesel and evaluate the effectiveness of biodiesel purity. Furthermore, this study compared the results of distilled water washing also. It was observed that Ludox, fumed silica gel and distilled water produced yield about 93%, 91% and 83% respectively. Highest yield was obtained with Ludox at 100°C temperature with H3PO4 as acid catalyst and NaOH as base catalyst with methanol, (3:1) alcohol to oil molar ratio in 90 min.

Screening of heavy metal containing waste types for use as raw material in Arctic clay-based bricks.

In the vulnerable Arctic environment, the impact of especially hazardous wastes can have severe consequences and the reduction and safe handling of these waste types are therefore an important issue. In this study, two groups of heavy metal containing particulate waste materials, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly and bottom ashes and mine tailings (i.e., residues from the mineral resource industry) from Greenland were screened in order to determine their suitability as secondary resources in clay-based brick production. Small clay discs, containing 20 or 40% of the different particulate waste materials, were fired and material properties and heavy metal leaching tests were conducted before and after firing. Remediation techniques (washing in distilled water and electrodialytical treatment) applied to the fly ash reduced leaching before firing. The mine tailings and bottom ash brick discs obtained satisfactory densities (1669-2007kg/m3) and open porosities (27.9-39.9%). In contrast, the fly ash brick discs had low densities (1313-1578kg/m3) and high open porosities (42.1-51.%). However, leaching tests on crushed brick discs revealed that heavy metals generally became more available after firing for all the investigated materials and that further optimisation is therefore necessary prior to incorporation in bricks.

Clinical performance evaluation of total protein measurement by digital refractometry and characterization of non-protein solute interferences

ObjectivesRefractometric methods to measure total protein (TP) in serum and plasma specimens have been replaced by automated biuret methods in virtually all routine clinical testing. A subset of laboratories, however, still report using refractometry to measure TP in conjunction with serum protein electrophoresis. The objective of this study was therefore to conduct a modern performance evaluation of a digital refractometer for TP measurement. Design and methodsPerformance evaluation of a MISCO Palm Abbe™ digital refractometer was conducted through device familiarization, carryover, precision, accuracy, linearity, analytical sensitivity, analytical specificity, and reference interval verification. Comparison assays included a manual refractometer and an automated biuret assay. ResultsCarryover risk was eliminated using a demineralized distilled water (ddH2O) wash step. Precision studies demonstrated overall imprecision of 2.2% CV (low TP pool) and 0.5% CV (high TP pool). Accuracy studies demonstrated correlation to both manual refractometry and the biuret method. An overall positive bias (+5.0%) was observed versus the biuret method. On average, outlier specimens had an increased triglyceride concentration. Linearity was verified using mixed dilutions of: a) low and high concentration patient pools, or b) albumin-spiked ddH2O and high concentration patient pool. Decreased recovery was observed using ddH2O dilutions at low TP concentrations. Significant interference was detected at high concentrations of glucose (>267mg/dL) and triglycerides (>580mg/dL). Current laboratory reference intervals for TP were verified. ConclusionsPerformance characteristics of this digital refractometer were validated in a clinical laboratory setting. Biuret method remains the preferred assay for TP measurement in routine clinical analyses.