In situ green synthesis of antibacterial copper nanocomposite cotton fabrics using Achyranthes aspera leaf extract

Nanomaterials are finding the diversity of application at the leading edge in emerging field of nanotechnology. Coppernanoparticles (CuNPs) were in situ generated on the surface of cotton fabrics, using Achyranthes aspera leaf extract byenvironmentally benign green synthesis. The structural and morphological properties of synthesized nanocompositecotton fabrics (NCFs) were characterized by different spectral studies such as Fourier-transformation infrared (FTIR),scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray primary and derivative thermogravimetric(TG-DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The molecular functionalitiesof hydroxyl groups in polyphenols of A. aspera leaf extract were identified from FTIR absorption spectrum, and theyare responsible for the bioreduction of Cu+2 into Cu0 for the formation of CuNPs. The average size of the formedCuNPs from SEM studies was found to be 95 nm. The formed CuNPs were exhibited Face centered cubic (FCC)crystalline structure, and it was confirmed by XRD studies. TG-DTG analysis publicized the thermal stability ofNCFs. The tensile strength of NCFs was higher than normal cotton fabrics. These NCFs exhibited good antibacterialproperties which considered for making aprons and wound dressing materials in medicine and for packing materials

Forensic Analysis of Accelerant on Different Fabrics Using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Chemometrics Techniques

@#Introduction: Accelerants and fabrics are commonly used to spread fire attributable to their highly flammable properties. Hence, having the ability to discriminate the different types of accelerants on various types of fabrics after fire and/or arson using the non-destructive Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy coupled with chemometric techniques appears forensically relevant. Methods: Six types of fabrics viz. cotton, wool, silk, rayon, satin, and polyester, were burnt completely with RON95 and RON97 gasoline as well as diesel. Subsequently, the samples were analyzed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy followed by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) for discriminating the different types of accelerants on such burned fabrics. Results: RON95 showed the fastest rate of burning on all fabric types. Results also revealed that while wool had the slowest burning rate for all the three different accelerants, polyester, cotton, and satin demonstrated the highest rate of burning in RON95, RON97, and diesel, respectively. FTIR spectra revealed the presence of alkane, alcohol, alkene, alkyne, aromatic, and amine compounds for all fabrics. The two dimensional PCA (PC1 versus PC2) demonstrated 71% of variance and it was improved by cross-validation through the three dimensional LDA technique with correct classification of 77.8%. Conclusion: ATR-FTIR spectroscopy coupled with chemometric techniques had enabled identification of the functional groups, as well as statistically supported discrimination of the different accelerants, a matter of relevance in forensic fire and arson investigations.

Historia de los cultivos de células animales in vitro y su importancia en la actualidad / History of cultured animal cells in vitro and its significance at present

El cultivo de células animales in vitro es un área de la biotecnología que en actualidad avanza a pasos agigantados debido a su gran campo de acción; la investigación médica, estudio de efectos fármacos y ambientales, trasplantes de tejidos y cirugías reconstructivas, en técnicas de fusión y manipulación genética, productos y subproductos celulares. Y sus grandes ventajas y beneficios que comprende el uso de esta técnica como: su facilidad de recrear condiciones controladas para el desarrollo celular, el potencial para desarrollar investigación que permite trabajar en pequeña, media y gran escala en pequeña y gran escala, la alternativa al uso de animales, y la reducción de costos entre otros, desde los primeros ensayos de sobre vida de células fuera de organismos, hasta el establecimiento de las primeras líneas celulares, y ya en la actualidad modificación genética controlada de células, el desa-rrollo de medios de cultivo libres de suero y el desarrollo de medios de cultivo libres de componentes animales que se desarrollan con técnicas asépticas de trabajo y material específico. Que permiten brindar una solución real a muchas enfermedades, lesiones, y alteraciones a las cual está expuesto el hombre, de allí la importancia de conocer su historia y su posible prospección.

The in vitro cell culture animals is an area of biotechnology that currently making strides due to its large field of action; medical research, drug research and environmental effects, tissue transplants and reconstructive surgeries in fusion techniques and genetic engineering, cell products and byproducts. And its great advantages and benefits comprising the use of this technique as: ease of recreating controlled conditions for cellular development, the potential for developing research that can work in small, medium and large scale in small and large scale, the alternative to use of animals, and cost reduction among others, from the first tests on living cells outside agencies, until the establishment of the first cell lines, and already today GM controlled cells, the development of media serum-free culture media and development of animal-free culture components that develop with aseptic working techniques and specific material. They allow provide a real solution to many diseases, injuries and disorders to which man is exposed, hence the importance of knowing their history and possible exploration

Production of anticandidal cotton textiles treated with oak gall extract / Producción de tejidos de algodón con actividad anticandidiásica tratados con extracto de agallas de roble

Candida albicans, one of the most dreadful fungal pathogens threatening humans, could not be easily prevented. The anticandidal activity of oak gall extract, Quercus infectoria (QIE), was investigated as a potential natural alternative to synthetic and chemical fungicides. QIE anticandidal potentiality was confirmed using both qualitative and quantitative assays. Cotton textiles were treated with QIE and then evaluated as anticandidal fabrics. QIE-treated textiles had a potent anticandidal activity, which could completely inhibit the inoculated C. albicans cells. The durability of anticandidal activity in QIE-treated textiles almost completely disappeared after the fourth laundering cycle. QIE could be recommended, however, as a potent anticandidal agent for preparing antiseptic solutions and emulsions and as a finishing agent for manufacturing anticandidal disposable diapers and hygienic clothes.

Candida albicans es uno de los patógenos fúngicos más terribles que amenazan la salud humana, y su prevención no resulta sencilla. En este trabajo se investigó la actividad anticandidiásica del extracto de agallas de roble (Quercus infectoria extract; QIE) como una posible alternativa natural a los fungicidas sintéticos y químicos. El potencial anticandidiásico del QIE se confirmó mediante análisis cualitativos y cuantitativos. Se trató tejido de algodón de uso textil con QIE y se lo evaluó como tela anticandidiásica. Se verificó que dichos tejidos exhibían una potente actividad anticandidiásica y que podían inhibir completamente a células de C. albicans inoculadas. La actividad anticandidiásica, sin embargo, desapareció por completo después del cuarto ciclo de lavado. Se concluye que se podría recomendar QIE como un agente anticandidiásico potente para la preparación de soluciones antisépticas y emulsiones, y como un agente de acabado para fabricar pañales desechables y ropa de higiene con propiedades anticandidiásicas.

Ação microbicida do ozônio sobre tecidos hospitalares / Antimicrobial action of ozone on hospital fabrics

Lavanderias hospitalares lavam e desinfetam tecidos contaminados consumindo grandes quantidades de água, energia e produtos químicos. Sua água de efluxo contém medicamentos, produtos químicos e grande carga microbiológica. No presente trabalho foi realizada análise microbiológica em Columbia Ágar acrescido de sangue de amostras de tecido hospitalar e de um tecido novo submetido à lavagem sob a ação antimicrobiana do ozônio (12 g/h). Os resultados mostraram grande quantidade de micro-organismos na água antes da aplicação do ozônio. Após a aplicação do ozônio houve redução gradativa da carga microbiana nos tecidos, entretanto não houve completa eliminação de fungos e leveduras após o processo de lavagem completo. Os resultados evidenciam a viabilidade do uso do ozônio como agente desinfectante nos tecidos processados em lavanderias.

Evaluation of image quality and radiation dose in maramography: a comparison among digital radiography, computed radiography and film-screen systems / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To compare the image quality, radiation dose and diagnostic accuracy on film-screen, digital radiography (DR) and computed radiography (CR) mammography. Methods Three different kinds of mammography machines (film-screen, DR and CR) were tested to make sure they were qualified and comparable. Radiographies were taken on Mammo-152 phantom and ACR phantom using filmscreen, DR and CR systems with the same radiation dose. Next, radiographies were taken on two phantoms using DR and CR systems with classic mode or AEC and the radiation dose was recorded. The images were numbered and scored by eight independent experienced radiologists under the same reading condition according to ACR method. Statistics was performed with the randomized complete-block design variance analysis. The diagnostic accuracy of three kinds of mammography methods were compared with Kappa test in clinical cases who had pathologic results. Results The spacial resolution of film-screen system was the highest (7.0-8.0 Lp/mm) and that of CR was the lowest (2.5 Lp/mm). When the radiation dose was increased (27. 0%-30. 0% ), the resolution was improved with DR ( +11. 0% ) but almost no change with CR ( +1.5%). The radiation dose of DR was the lowest on ACR phantom. The delineation of mass was better on film-screen than on CR, but the delineation of fibers and speck was better on CR. When the radiation dose of CR was increased (25. 0% ), the delineation of fibers and speck on CR was similar to that on DR and the delineation of mass was similar to that on film-screen. There was a good correlation between the mammography diagnosis and pathological results (film-screen is 50/56, DR is 83/90 and CR is 61/69,P < 0. 01 and Kappa value > 0. 75) . The diagnostic accuracy of three mammography systems had no statistical difference [film-screen 89. 3% (50/56), DR 92. 2% (83/90) and CR 88. 4% (61/69),Pearson X 2=0. 722 ,P =0. 697]. Conclusion Film/screen system has the highest space resolution and DR has the lowest radiation dose. Three mammography systems have the same diagnostic accuracy for breast disease.