Knowledge regarding reverse osmosis (R.O) waste water utilization among general public in urban areas

Introduction: Reverse osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that uses a partial permeable membrane to remove ions, unwanted molecules and larger particles from drinking water. In reverse osmosis, an applied pressure is used to overcome osmotic pressure, a colligative property that is driven by chemical potential differences of the solvent, a thermodynamic parameter. In the process of reverse osmosis the amount of water that is drained is a concern area for the people using the R.O. filtration device in their household because it wasted about 70% of the water to purify just one liter of water. This R.O. waste water can be utilized for various purposes such as washing vehicle like car bike etc, cleaning toilet this study is aimed to assess the knowledge reverse osmosis waste water utilization among general public at Indore. Objectives: 1. To assess the pretest knowledge regarding reverse osmosis (R.O) waste water utilization among general public. 2. To assess the posttest knowledge regarding reverse osmosis waste water utilization among general public. 3. To evaluate the effectiveness of structured teaching program on reverse osmosis (R.O) waste water utilization among general public. Hypothesis: H1- there will be significant difference between pretest and posttest knowledge who received structured teaching program regarding the utilization of waste R.O water. Materials and Methods: Quantitative, pre-experimental, one group pretest posttest design was adopted for the study. Total of 60 general public selected by using simple randomized sampling technique was used. Description of Tools: Structured knowledge questionnaire. Result: Data was analyzes using descriptive and inferential statistics. Major Finding: In the pre-test majority of the sample (44 out of 60, 73.3%) had inadequate knowledge and in the post-test, majority (54 out of 60, 90%) had adequate knowledge regarding reverse osmosis. A paired‘t’ test was done and it showed a‘t’ value of 22.34 at 0.05 level of significance, this indicates the effectiveness of structured teaching programme in enhancing the knowledge of the general public. There was no association found between the mean pre-test knowledge of the general public. There was no association found between the mean pre-test knowledge scorer with the selected socio-demographic variable such as age (?2 = 8.643), gender (?2 = 4.455), education qualification (?2 = 4.706), Occupation (?2 = 2.531), number of family member (?2 = 5.653) and previous knowledge about reverse osmosis filter water (?2 =0.393). Conclusion: There is a significant difference between the mean pre-test and post-test knowledge score among general public regarding reverse osmosis waste water utilization.

Performance of Holstein-Friesian calves drinking desalinated water in the preweaning period

Background: High salinity of drinking water can adversely affect health and productive performance of calves during artificial rearing. Objective: To evaluate the effect of drinking water total dissolved salts (TDS) content on productive performance of Holstein-Friesian calves during artificial rearing. Methods: Twenty-nine newborn Holstein-Friesian calves weighing 39±0.94 kg at birth were randomly assigned to two treatment groups for 56 d. Treatment 1 (n=14) consisted of drinking water with 1,469±75 mg L-1 TDS, while treatment 2 (n=15) used drinking water from the same source but filtered by reverse osmosis to contain 107±31 mg L-1 TDS. Results: Water intake was numerically affected by TDS concentration, increasing 13% (p>0.08) when drinking low-TDS water (3,554 versus 3,088 ml d-1). Feed intake (dry basis) decreased 26% (500 versus 676 g d-1; p0.05) by TDS content in the drinking water. Conclusion: Desalinated water improves productive performance of Holstein-Friesian calves during artificial rearing.

Antecedentes: Una alta salinidad del agua de bebida puede afectar negativamente la salud y el comportamiento productivo de los terneros durante la crianza. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto del contenido de sales disueltas totales (SDT) en el agua de bebida sobre el comportamiento productivo de los terneros durante la crianza artificial. Métodos: Veintinueve terneros Holstein- Friesian recién nacidos, con 39±0,94 kg de peso vivo fueron asignados aleatoriamente a dos tratamientos. El tratamiento 1 consistió de 14 terneros que bebieron agua con 1.469±75 mg L-1 de SDT; mientras que al tratamiento 2 se asignaron 15 terneros que recibieron agua de la misma fuente, pero filtrada mediante el procedimiento de ósmosis inversa y conteniendo 107±31 mg L-1 de SDT. Resultados: La concentración de SDT afectó numéricamente el consumo de agua durante los 56 días de lactancia (p>0,08), incrementándose 13% cuando los terneros bebieron agua con bajo contenido de sales (3.554 vs 3.088 ml d-1). El consumo de alimento (base seca) disminuyó 26% (500 vs 676 g d-1; p0,05). Conclusión: El agua de bebida desalinizada mejora el comportamiento productivo de terneros Holstein durante la crianza artificial.

Antecedentes: Alta salinidade da água potável pode afetar adversamente a saúde e o desempenho produtivo de bezerros durante o acasalamento. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do total de sais dissolvidos (TSD) na água potável sobre o comportamento dos bezerros durante a lactação. Métodos: Vinte e nove terneiros Holstein-Friesian recém-nascidos, com 39±0,94 kg de peso vivo, foram designados aleatoriamente a dois tratamentos. O tratamento 1 considerou 14 terneiros os quais beberam água com 1.469±75 mg L-1 do total de sais dissolvidos (TSD); enquanto ao tratamento 2 se designaram 15 terneiros bebendo água da mesma fonte filtrada através do procedimento de osmose inversa e contendo 107±31 mg L-1 de TSD. Resultados: O consumo de água de bezerros durante os 56 dias de lactação artificial foi ligeiramente afetado pela concentração de TDS na água potável (p>0,08) e aumentou em 13% quando os bezerros beberam água com baixo teor de sal (3.554 vs 3.088 ml d-1); o consumo de alimento sólido (base seca) diminuiu em 26% (500 vs 676 g d-1; p0,05) pelo conteúdo de TSD na água de beber. Conclusão: A dessalinização da água de beber melhora o comportamento produtivo de terneiros Holstein durante o período de lactação artificial..

Eficiência de um sistema piloto de dessalinização de água salobra / Efficiency of a brackish water desalination pilot system

RESUMO Com a escassez da disponibilidade de água doce e o aumento da demanda de água no mundo e no Brasil, uma das alternativas são os sistemas de dessalinização de água, que removem os sais das águas salobra ou salgada. Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a eficiência de um sistema piloto de dessalinização de água salobra a qual foi obtida a partir da mistura de águas do mar e de rio até atingir concentração de sólidos dissolvidos totais (SDT) de 1.500 mg.L-1. O sistema piloto de dessalinização, com capacidade de 1,0 m3.h-1, é composto de ultrafiltração (UF) e abrandamento como pré-tratamento à osmose reversa (OR). Foram realizadas análises de qualidade da água na entrada e saída das unidades de tratamento relativas a SDT, condutividade elétrica, turbidez, pH, cor aparente, alcalinidade, dureza total, cálcio, magnésio, cloreto, sulfato e temperatura. Foram avaliadas a pressão osmótica, o fluxo de filtração e a taxa de recuperação de água no sistema de OR. Com os resultados obtidos, conclui-se que a eficiência de remoção de SDT e condutividade foi de 99%. A UF foi eficiente na remoção de turbidez, enquanto a OR apresentou maiores eficiências de remoção de sais. O sistema piloto de tratamento foi capaz de remover todos os parâmetros estudados. A taxa de recuperação na OR foi de 74,64%.

ABSTRACT Considering the shortage of fresh water availability and an increased demand for water in the world, including Brazil, one of the alternatives for water supply are water desalination systems, which remove salts from brackish or seawater. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of pilot water desalination system treating brackish water which was obtained mixing fresh water and seawater up to reach 1,500 mg L-1 of total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration. The pilot desalination plant with production capacity of 1.0 m3 h-1 is composed of ultrafiltration (UF) and softener working as a pre-treatment to reverse osmosis (RO). Experiments were performed to analyze some water quality parameters as TDS, electrical conductivity, turbidity, pH, apparent color, alkalinity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, chlorides, sulfates, and temperature. Osmotic pressure, filtration flow and water recovery rate were also measured for the RO. Analyzing the result obtained, it can be concluded that the efficiency of TDS removal and conductivity were 99%. UF was efficient in removing turbidity, whereas RO reached higher salt removal efficiencies. The pilot plant system could remove all water quality parameters studied. Recovery rate in RO was 74.64%.

Quantitative analysis of vascular permeability surface area product in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis with whole brain CTP / 中国医学影像技术

Objective: To observe vascular permeability surface area product (PS) and hemodynamic status of brain tissue in patients with intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) and the changes after stent implantation with whole brain computed tomography perfusion (CTP). Methods: Totally 59 patients with ICAS (implantation group)and 16 volunteers(control group) were collected. All subjects underwent whole brain CTP, and 17 ICAS patients among them underwent responsible vascular stent implantation. Quantitative analysis software was used to measure vascular PS, hemodynamic parameters (cerebral blood flow [CBF], cerebral blood volume [CBV] and mean transit time [MTT]) in the responsible artery blood supply area, and the healthy side mirror values were obtained. The differences of vascular PS and hemodynamic parameters were compared between 2 groups. The changes of vascular PS and hemodynamic parameters before and after stent implantation in ICAS group and the correlations of vascular PS and hemodynamic parameters were analyzed. Results: Compared with control group, ICAS group had higher vascular PS value, lower CBF and longer MTT (t=7.77, -4.84, 7.47, all P<0.05). Compared with the healthy side, increased vascular PS value, decreased CBF, increased CBV and MTT were observed on the affected side in ICAS group (t=-4.38, -4.48, 4.49, 8.35, all P<0.05). After stent implantation, statistical differences of vascular PS value, CBF, MTT of the affected side were found compared with those before (t=0.95, -4.05, 3.50, all P<0.05). There was slight negative correlation between PS value and atrial fibrillation (P<0.05). Vascular PS was highly and moderately positively correlated with MTT and CBV, respectively (r=0.86, 0.59, both P<0.05), and negatively correlated with CBF (r=-0.31, P<0.05). Conclusion: Vascular PS value can be used as an imaging marker to quantitatively evaluate the therapeutic effect of ICAS. Vascular PS value of the affected brain tissue of ICAS patients increased significantly, but significantly decreased after stent implantation. Vascular PS value combined with hemodynamic parameters can more accurately reflect the pathophysiological changes of brain tissue, therefore providing references for individualized treatment of ICAS and evaluation of efficacy.

An FGD Report on Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Medical Professionals.

Introduction: Vitamin B12 Deficiency has become animportant health concern in the recent times. Acknowledgingthe health of medical professionals shall improve the healthstatus of the community as they form a classified population ofthe society. The present study was done with an aim to assessthe treatment seeking behavior of the doctors in RNT MedicalCollege, Udaipur who were found deficient in Vitamin B12levels.Material and methods: Two focused group discussionswere conducted in the department of Community Medicinewith a strength of 13 and 17 each, few pre-decided questionswere asked to the groups by the moderator and answers werereported by the recorder in the form of tally sheets.Results: Maximum doctors were interested in taking Oraltreatment by self, most of them were consuming ReverseOsmosis water and most common clinical feature theyexpressed were weakness and fatigue.Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency is becoming a silentepidemic which needs to be addressed as it is affecting all thegroups of the society and thus further large scale multicentricstudies are needed to address this issue at the global level.

Analysis on rationalization process of project implementation of water processing machine installation in blood purification centre / 中国医学装备

Objective: To explore the rationalization process of the project implementation and acceptance of water processing machine equipment installation so as to establish standardized installation acceptance system. Methods:Through combined the practices of medical equipment management of medical equipment department of hospital and blood purification centre in recent years, the installation and acceptance of water processing machine equipment was divided into 7 parts included 1)technical support pre-installation, 2)multi-party coordination, 3)implementation, inspection and confirmation of infrastructure projects, 4)achievement, hoisting and carrying of equipment, 5)installation and implementation of water processing machine, 6)acceptance of equipment, and 7)delivery of equipment to clinical usage. Besides, the whole process of installation and implementation was normalized. Results: Through the construction of institutionalization and processize for water processing machine of hospital, the efficiency and quality of the installation and acceptance for the equipment of water processing machine of blood purification centre were enhanced and improved. Conclusion: The institutionalization and processize of installation of water processing equipment in blood purification centre has important significance for giving full play to the function of equipment of water processing machine and quality control of equipment. And it can guarantee the medical quality of hospital, and contribute to effectively enhance the curative level of blood purification centre of hospital.

The measurement of serum osmolality and its application to clinical practice and laboratory: literature review / A medida da osmolalidade sérica e sua aplicação na prática clínica e laboratorial: revisão da literatura

ABSTRACT Introduction: Serum osmolality is an essential laboratory parameter to understand several clinical disorders such as electrolyte disturbances, exogenous intoxication and hydration status. Objective: This study aims to update knowledge about the osmolality examination through research papers published to date. Materials and methods: The survey was conducted on PubMed database. It highlights main concepts, both historical and physiological aspects, and the clinical applications of the serum osmolality test. In addition, an extensive survey of formulas for the serum osmolality calculation was conducted. Discussion: The measurement of serum osmolality is relevant in changes in intracellular and extracellular balance, as a trusted and valuable indicator of solute concentration in the blood. The mathematical equations for serum osmolality calculation acquire relevance in health services where serum is not available, and situations in which calculation of the osmolal gap is necessary, but the variability of the formulas is a significant bias. Conclusion: The measurement of serum osmolality is useful in cases of dehydration, sodium and potassium disorders, glucose alteration, exogenous poisoning, adrenal insufficiency, neurological injury, physical exercise and others.

RESUMO Introdução: A osmolalidade sérica constitui um parâmetro laboratorial importante para compreensão de diversas desordens clínicas, como os distúrbios eletrolíticos, as intoxicações exógenas e o status de hidratação. Objetivo: Este trabalho visa atualizar os conhecimentos acerca do exame de osmolalidade por meio da pesquisa de artigos científicos publicados até a presente data. Materiais e métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada no banco de dados do PubMed. Este artigo de atualização aborda os principais conceitos, aspectos históricos, aspectos fisiológicos e aplicações clínicas do exame de osmolalidade sérica. Foi também realizado um levantamento das diferentes fórmulas propostas para o cálculo da osmolalidade sérica. Discussão: A medida da osmolalidade sérica é pertinente nas alterações do equilíbrio intra e extracelular, sendo um bom indicador para avaliar as concentrações de solutos no sangue. As fórmulas matemáticas para o cálculo da osmolalidade sérica são úteis quando a medida laboratorial não está disponível, bem como nas situações em que o cálculo do gap osmolal se faz necessário, mas a variabilidade das fórmulas é um viés significativo. Conclusão: A medida da osmolalidade sérica é útil na avaliação de diversas condições clínicas, como na desidratação, nos distúrbios dos íons sódio e potássio, nas disglicemias, nas intoxicações exógenas, na insuficiência adrenal, nas lesões neurológicas, nos exercícios físicos, entre outras.

Avaliação da nanofiltração e da osmose inversa na remoção de carbofurano em águas de abastecimento / Evaluation of nanofiltration and reverse osmosis membranes on removal of carbofuran in drinking waters

RESUMO: A complexidade físico-química de micropoluentes, como os defensivos agrícolas, exige o uso de tecnologias avançadas de tratamento de água para abastecimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a remoção de carbofurano em nível de bancada (batelada) utilizando membranas comerciais de nanofiltração (NF90 - DowFilmtec (r)) e osmose inversa (HR - Koch Membrane Systems(r) ). Nos experimentos foi avaliada a influência da qualidade da matriz de alimentação (água ultrapura, bruta e pré-tratada) contendo carbofurano (50 µgL-1), e da pressão de operação (8 e 15 bar para a NF90 e 15 e 30 bar para a HR). Para a NF90, com a matriz de água ultrapura, as eficiências de remoção foram inferiores (89,8%), porém o fluxo permeado foi superior (132,1 Lm-2h-1) àquelas obtidas com a matriz de água bruta (98,4% - 94,7 Lm-2h-1) e água pré-tratada (95,2% - 95,3 Lm-2h-1) para a pressão de 15 bar. Para a membrana HR, remoções relativamente superiores foram observadas para a pressão de 30 bar para as três matrizes, com a água bruta apresentando os melhores resultados (99,7% - 49,7 Lm-2h-1). Concluiu-se, portanto, que o pré-tratamento da água bruta não acarretou diferença significativa na remoção do carbofurano e não influenciou no fluxo de permeado de acordo com a metodologia adotada (baixo tempo de separação em batelada com recirculação).

ABSTRACT: The physicochemical complexity of micropollutants such as pesticides requires the use of advanced technologies of drinking water treatment. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the removal of carbofuran using commercial nanofiltration (NF90 - DowFilmtec(r)) and reverse osmosis (HR - Koch Membrane Systems(r)) membranes in a bench-scale system (batch operation). The effect of feed matrix quality (ultrapure water, raw water and pretreated water) with carbofuran (50 µgL-1) and the applied pressure (8 and 15 bar for NF90 and 15 and 30 bar for HR) were studied. For NF90, with ultrapure water matrix, the removal efficiencies were lower (89.4%), but the permeate flow was higher (132.1 Lm-2h-1) than those obtained with the raw water (98.4% - 94.7 Lm-2h-1) and pretreated water (95.2% - 95.3 Lm-2h-1) to 15 bar of pressure. For HR membrane relatively higher removals were observed for 30 bar of pressure for the three matrices, with a better behavior for raw water (99.7% - 49.7 Lm-2h-1). In accordance to the methodology adopted (low separation time in batch with recirculation), it can be concluded, therefore, that the pretreatment of raw water did not caused significant difference in carbofuran removal and did not influenced the permeate flux.

Choroidal thickness variation in highly myopic eyes during the water drinking test / Variação da espessura de coroide em olhos alto míopes durante o teste de sobrecarga hídrica

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate variations in choroidal thickness (CT) during the water drinking test (WDT) in emmetropic eyes (EE) and highly myopic eyes (ME) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: Clinical trial performed at a tertiary care hospital comprising 30 randomly selected eyes. The WDT and SD-OCT macular scans were performed 10 and 45 min after water ingestion in 15 myopic and 15 EE of 15 healthy patients in each group. Primary study outcomes were average macular CT measured by SD-OCT and intraocular pressure (IOP) during the WDT. Results: The mean spherical equivalent refraction was 0.15 ± 0.24 D in emmetropic and -7.1 ± 1.75 D in ME (p<0.001). No statistical differences between EE and ME were observed during the WDT response. EE had higher CT compared with ME at the fovea (361.4 ± 55.4 vs 257.9 ± 95.3; p<0.001), 3 mm nasal to the fovea (158.0 ± 71.8 vs 122.5 ± 54.5; p =0.047), and 3 mm temporally to the fovea (310.6 ± 52.4 vs 247.6 ± 90.1; p=0.05). Regarding CT variation, significant differences in foveal CT at 10 min after water ingestion were observed in both EE and ME, with no statistically significant difference observed between groups. A moderate correlation between IOP peak during the WDT and CT was demonstrated in ME (r=0.52; p=0.04). Conclusions: No statistically significant differences in CT variation during the WDT were observed between EE and ME, indicating similar behavior of the choroidal bed during the WDT in both groups. Further, CT was thinner in highly ME, with CT variation unable to explain elevations in IOP observed during the WDT.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a espessura de coroide (EC) e sua variação durante o teste de sobrecarga hídrica (TSH) em olhos emétropes (EE) e míopes (ME) utilizando a tomografia de coerência óptica Spectral-Domain (SD-OCT). Métodos: Ensaio clinico realizado em um hospital terciário. 30 olhos selecionados randomizadamente, 15 míopes e 15 emétropes de 15 pacientes em cada grupo foram submetidos ao TSH e scans maculares com SD-OCT realizados 10 e 45 minutos após a ingestão de água. Os principais resultados avaliados foram média da EC na região macular pelo SD-OCT e pressão intraocular (PIO) durante o TSH. Resultados: O equivalente esférico médio foi de 0.15 ± 0.24 dioptrias em emétropes e -7,1 ± 1,75 dioptrias nos olhos míopes (p<0,001). Não foram encontradas diferenças estatísticas durante a resposta ao TSH entre EE e ME. EE apresentaram maior EC em comparação com ME, tanto na região foveal (361,4 ± 55,4 vs 257,9 ± 95,3; p<0,001), 3 milímetros nasal à fóvea (158,0 ± 71,8 vs 122,5 ± 54,5; p=0,047) e 3 mm temporal à fóvea (310,6± 52.4 vs 247,6 ± 90,1; p=0,05). Em relação à variação da EC, diferenças estatisticamente significativas foram demonstrados na região foveal, 10 minutos após a ingestão de água em ambos EE e ME, sem diferenças entre os grupos. Moderada correlação entre pico de PIO durante o TSH e EC foi demonstrada em ME ( r=0,52; p=0,04). Conclusão: A diferença na variação da EC provocada pelo TSH não foi estatisticamente diferente entre olhos emétropes e míopes, o que sugere um comportamento semelhante da coroide nestes dois grupos quando submetidos ao TSH. Além disso, a EC é mais fina nos olhos alto míopes, e a variação na EC não explica o aumento da PIO durante o TSH.

Reaproveitamento do concentrado gerado por sistema de tratamento de água por osmose reversa em uma clínica de hemodiálise / Reuse of concentrate generated from hemodialysis clinic water treatment reverse osmosis

RESUMO: O principal tratamento à doença renal crônica no Brasil, segundo o Censo Brasileiro de Nefrologia de 2013, é a hemodiálise, para a qual é necessária a utilização de água purificada em acordo com a Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA) e com os padrões internacionais do FDA, Food and Drugs Adminstration e da Association for Advancement of Medicine Instrumentation (AAMI). Para atender aos parâmetros estabelecidos, utiliza-se processo de purificação por osmose reversa (OR), onde ocorre a separação do afluente, através da membrana semipermeável, restando de um lado a água purificada e do outro lado o concentrado. O presente estudo visa abordar a viabilidade qualitativa e quantitativa do reaproveitamento deste concentrado, através de estudo de caso em unidade de OR instalada em uma clínica de hemodiálise na cidade de Curitiba. Foi realizada a avaliação experimental, através de análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas do concentrado, buscando atender as quatro classes de reuso sugeridas pela ABNT NBR 13969/97. Também foram analisados os parâmetros amônia, cloreto, cloro residual livre, dureza e ferro totais, fluoreto, nitratos, nitritos, sulfatos, sólidos totais dissolvidos e coliformes totais e comparados com o padrão de potabilidade. O volume de concentrado foi medido através do uso de hidrômetros em pontos estratégicos. Observou-se que a clínica reaproveita cerca de 23% do concentrado. Os resultados obtidos atendem às quatro classes de reuso, porém deve-se observar o parâmetro fluoreto cujo valor mostrou-se igual ao limite imposto pela norma de água potável.

ABSTRACT: According to the 2013 Brazilian Nephrology Census, the main chronic kidney disease treatment in Brazil is the hemodialysis, for which the use of purified water is needed according to the Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), the international standards from Food and Drug Administrations (FDA) and the Association for Advancement of Medicine Instrumentation (AAMI). The reverse osmosis process (RO) is used to achieve the established parameters where the feed is separated through a semipermeable membrane resulting in purified water in one side and the concentrate in the other one. The present study aims to evaluate the quantitative and the qualitative viability of reusing this concentrate through a case study in a Hemodialysis Clinic RO unit in the City of Curitiba. An experimental evaluation was carried out using the physical, chemical and microbiological analysis of the concentrate seeking to meet the four reuse classes according to ABNT NBR 13969/97. Also, the following parameters were analyzed according to the drinking pattern: ammonia, chloride, free chlorine, total hardness, total iron, fluoride, nitrates, nitrites, sulfates, total dissolved solids and total coliforms. The concentrate volume was measured through hydrometers at strategic points. A concentrate reuse of about 23% by the clinic was observed. The achieved results meet the four classes of reuse, but it was observed that the fluoride parameter result was equal to the drinking water standard limit.

Design of automatic reverse osmosis water system / 中国医学装备

Objective:To design automatic reverse osmosis water system with new design idea of reverse osmosis water system, to make sure of the procedure. Methods:During the design, using microcomputer technology to control water preparation and disinfection. Results:Using MCU to control preparation of water and disinfection, in order to monitor water quality. If water quality exceeds the standard, the system will alarm and generate records. Conclusion: Using microcomputer technology to design Reverse osmosis water system, not only reducing artificial, but also to improve the safety and controllability, even the quality control of reverse osmosis water system.

Role of water quality assessments in hospital infection control: Experience from a new oncology center in eastern India.

Water quality assessment and timely intervention are essential for health. Microbiology, total dissolved solids (TDS) and free residual chlorine were measured for water quality maintenance in an oncology center in India. Impact of these interventions over a period of 22 months has been demonstrated with four cardinal events. Pseudomonas in hospital water was controlled by adequate chlorination, whereas high TDS in the central sterile supply department water was corrected by the installation of electro-deionization plant. Contaminated bottled water was replaced using quality controlled hospital supply. Timely detection and correction of water-related issues, including reverse osmosis plant was possible through multi-faceted approach to water quality.

A review on recent innovation in osmotically controlled drug delivery system.

In recent years, oral controlled release (CR) system is most acceptable dosage form by the patients. Drugs having short biological half-life and poor water solubility are the suitable candidate for development of CR system. They include dosage forms for oral and transdermal administration as well as injectable and implantable systems. For most of drugs, oral route remains as the most acceptable route of administration. Certain molecules may have low oral bioavailability because of solubility or permeability limitations. Development of an extended release dosage form also requires reasonable absorption throughout the gastro-intestinal tract (GIT). Among the available techniques to improve the bioavailability of these drugs fabrication of osmotic drug delivery system is the most appropriate one. The release of drug(s) from osmotic systems follows zero order. It is mainly governed by various formulation factors such as solubility and osmotic pressure of the core component(s), size of the delivery orifice, and nature of the rate-controlling membrane. The present review highlights an overview of OCDDS. And new technologies, fabrication and recent clinical research in osmotic drug delivery. Further, the challenges of these technologies and its future perspective are also discussed at length.

Assessment of Municipal Effluent Reclamation Process Based on the Information of Cost Analysis and Environmental Impacts.

Water shortage has now become a global issue. Reclamation of the effluent from municipal wastewater treatment plant is feasible for supplying the quick growth of water requirement. The objective of this study was to conduct both the cost analysis and environmental impact evaluation of two reclamation processes: sand filter – ultrafiltration - reverse osmosis (SF-UF-RO) and sand filter - electrodialysis reversal (SF-EDR). The results will serve as a reference for selecting the process in the scale-up construction works. Two processes were installed in a reclamation pilot plant in Futian Water Resource Recycling Center (Taichung City, Taiwan) and operated in parallel to evaluate their stability and product quality. The cost analysis was conducted to estimate the capital requirement of building large-scale plant for reclaiming the effluent. The cost of land construction, mechanical with electronic equipment and operation with maintenance were all considered in the analysis. On the other hand, the environmental assessment of these processes has been realized by Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The software Sima Pro 7.3 was used as the LCA analysis tool. Four different evaluation methods, including Ecoindicator 99, Ecopoints 97, Impact 2002+ and CML 2 baseline 2000, were applied. The results show that the water quality of SF-EDR has similar potential in reclaiming the effluent from municipal water resource recycling center as SF-UF-RO. The cost of SFEDR is lower than that of SF-UF-RO. In the environmental analysis, the LCA demonstrates that SF-EDR may create more impacts on the environment due to more consumption on electricity and chemicals than SF-UF-RO. Using SF-UF-RO as the effluent reclamation process may be an option causing less impacts on climate change.

Effect of Replacement of New Reverse Osmosis Film of Water Purification System to Clinical Biochemistry / 现代检验医学杂志

Objective To test if the quality of produced water could come up to the standards of clinical biochemistry,and e-valuate the effect of the produced water after replacement of a new reverse osmosis film of the laboratory water purification system.Methods The ion concentration of the produced water was tested by ohmmeter in Beckman Coulter supporting TianChuang water purification system TCHS-RO/100A and HM COM-100 conductivity meter.The biochemical index ALT,AST,TBIL,ALP,GGT,TP,ALB,BUN,CR,UA,GLU,TC,TG,HDL,LDL,CK,LDH,P,Ca of mixed serum were tested 20 times by AU680 under the condition of normal purified water(control group),and the same operation were repeat-ed after changing to newly produced water(experimental group)to evaluate the effect of newly produced water to biochemi-cal analysis.The triglyceride (TG)reagent blank was tested 3times/d for 5 days to evaluate the glycerin level in the pro-duced water.Results The conductivity of purified water was reduced to (0.1±0.0)μS/cm 30 min after starting up by HM COM-100,and the electric resistance of purified water remained stable at 18.25MΩcm 50min after starting up.During the bi-ochemical analysis by AU680,the value of TG in control group=1.04 mmol/L,in experimental group=21.39 mmol/L,the differences showed statistical significance (P0.05).The reagent blank was stable at A660nm=0.015 6±0.000 4 in the fifth day.Conclusion After produced approximately 2 800 L purified water in the system,glycerine could be cleaned up in produced water.It is needed to continuously test the quality of produced water to evaluate the effect of which to clinical bio-chemistry after replacement of a new reverse osmosis film.

Effect of Varnish XT and ICON resin infiltration treatment on the microhardness of white spot lesions / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:In the treatment of early caries, fluoride can be used for remineralization of white spot lesions. Varnish XT (durable fluoride-releasing coating) and ICON penetration resins are two new materials. Varnish XT as a new type of resin reinforced glass ionomer can be selected as mineralized material. ICON penetration resin is a high-permeability resin with good liquidity that can infiltrate by capilary action into the pores created by enamel demineralization. Low-viscosity resin is used to replace the lost hard tissue due to demineralization and occupy the micropores, so as to fil the region of enamel demineralization and prevent further development of lesions. OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of two minimaly invasive surgical treatment materials, Varnish XT and ICON penetrating resin, on the microhardness of enamel caries white spot. METHODS:Totaly 100 incisors of cows were selected, embedded with ethoxyline resin and polished. The lip side facing down served as the observation side. An area of at least 6 mm×10 mm on the enamel face was exposed, and there were five regions from incisal to dental cervix, A, B, C, D, E. After demineralization liquid for artificial caries, no treatment was adopted in region A, treatment with Varnish XT was for region B, treatment with ICON penetrating resin for region C, treatment with fluoride for region D, and region E was sealed with antacid nail. Surface micro-hardness was detected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: After demineralization, surface micro-hardness of regions A, B, C, D decreases remarkably as compared with region E (P B and D for surface micro-hardness with statistical significance (P 0.05). ICON resin infiltration, Varnish XT and fluoride have obvious improvement effects on surface micro-hardness, and ICON resin infiltration is superior to Varnish XT and fluoride.

Avaliação clínica de formulação de efeito osmótico na redução da sintomatologia pós-queimaduras superficiais: estudo-piloto / Clinical evaluation of a formulation with osmotic effect in reducing symptoms after superficial burns: a pilot study

Introdução: Introdução: O tratamento das queimaduras superficiais é basicamente sintomático, visando reduzir o desconforto dos sinais e sintomas e promover a reparação cutânea. Alguns estudos vêm sendo desenvolvidos avaliando os mecanismos de ação osmótica no processo inflamatório. Formulações com ação osmótica têm a capacidade de reduzir o exsudato inflamatório, diminuindo a sintomatologia e mesmo o risco de infecções. Objetivo: Avaliar a ação de um hidrogel de ação osmótica de uso tópico na diminuição da sintomatologia da queimadura superficial, considerada de primeiro grau. Método: Foram avaliados 35 pacientes com quadro de queimadura de primeiro grau. O produto teste foi aplicado na área lesada como monoterapia, sendo analisados sintomas (ardência e/ou queimação) e sinais (eritema e edema), por questionário e avaliação clínica, em cinco, 15 e 30 dias. Para a avaliação do efeito restaurador da barreira cutânea, foram realizadas medidas de perda de água transepidérmica. Resultados: Trinta e três pacientes terminaram o estudo; não houve reações adversas; a redução dos sintomas e sinais foi significativa (p<0,001); a recuperação completa da barreira cutânea foi registrada ao final do estudo. Conclusão: O produto avaliado demonstrou eficácia na redução de sinais e sintomas decorrentes de queimaduras superficiais, exibindo perfil de segurança adequado.

Introduction: The treatment of superficial burns is largely symptomatic, aimed at reducing the discomfort arising from the signs and symptoms and promoting skin repair. Some studies have evaluated the osmotic action mechanisms in the inflammatory process. Formulations with osmotic action can decrease the inflammatory exudate, which reduces the symptoms and even the risk of infections. Objective: To evaluate the action of an osmotic action hydrogel for topical use in reducing the symptoms of a superficial, first-degree burn. Method: Thirty-five patients with signs of first-degree burn were evaluated. The study product was applied on the injured area as a monotherapy. The analysis of symptoms (burning sensation), signs (erythema and edema), and clinical evaluation questionnaire were conducted after 5, 15, and 30 days, respectively. To evaluate the skin barrier's restorative effect, transepidermal water loss measurements were also carried out. Results: Thirty-three patients completed the study. There were no adverse reactions. The reduction of symptoms and signs was significant (p <0.001).The complete recovery of the skin barrier was observed at the end of the study. Conclusion: The study product was effective and safe in reducing the signs and symptoms resulting from superficial burns.

Deformation analysis of red blood cells in osmosis experiment / 医用生物力学

Objective To numerically simulate the specific deformation and calculate the critical pressure of red blood cells in the osmosis experiment. MethodsThe shell model of red blood cells was established. Based on the constitutive hyperelastic model of the form Neo-hookean strain-energy potential and the experimental data for shear modulus of cell membrane provided by references, the red blood cell osmosis model was calculated in finite element software ABAQUS. Results The whole phases of red blood cell deformation when subjected to osmotic pressure were obtained. It was found that cell membrane rapidly changed from biconcave shape to oval shape when osmotic pressure was increased to 50-60 mPa, with the value of critical pressure falling in the scope provided by references. Meanwhile, the Mises stress distributions of cell membrane in different phases were also obtained. Conclusions The critical pressure for red blood cells changing from biconcave shape to oval shape is 50-60 mPa. The shell model and the constitutive hyperelastic model of the form Neo-hookean strain-energy potential can be used in the simulation of the osmosis experiment to provide a clear and reasonable phase of red blood cell deformation.

Conocimientos sobre el uso de soluciones parenterales en profesionales de la salud del municipio Boyeros / Knowledge about the use of parenteral solutions among health professionals of Boyeros municipality

El conocimiento del uso de soluciones parenterales, sus fundamentos fisiológicos y aplicación es importante; por ello, diseñamos un instrumento evaluativo para explorarlo. El examen fue distribuido entre médicos y enfermeros trabajadores de Boyeros divididos en dos grupos: núm.1: Master o maestrantes en Urgencias Médicas y núm. 2 los que no lo eran. Se recogieron, 14 exámenes del grupo 1 y 14 del grupo 2. Para las 5 preguntas y nota final, no hubo diferencias significativas entre grupos. Dos examinados del grupo 2 suspendieron. La pregunta de más dificultad fue la que explora conocimientos básicos; y la de mejores resultados la referida a conocimientos sobre el manejo práctico de esas soluciones. Resulta estimulante encontrar que no existen grandes dificultades en el manejo práctico de las soluciones, evidenciando buena capacidad de desempeño de nuestros profesionales en situaciones concretas, como expresión de su formación fundamentada en la educación en el trabajo.

The knowledge about parenteral solutions and the principles of their use for medical staff has great importance. Because of that we designed a test for its exploration and applied it to physicians and nurses with master degree in medical emergencies or studying for it (group 1), and those who were not (group 2) working at Boyeros Municipality. 14 tests were obtained from group 1 and 14 from group 2. No significant differences appeared for both groups with the 5 questions and final mark. 2 professionals of group #2 failed. The most difficult question was #1 dealing with basic knowledge and the one with best performance was #5 about practical issues. Although there are problems, it is stimulating to find that there are not great difficulties regarding the use of solutions, showing good practical education of the explored professionals.

Estudo da potencialidade de reuso da água descartada em sistema de purificação de água usada em tratamentos por hemodiálise / Study of the reuse potentiality of the discarded water in water purification system to hemodialysis treatments

A qualidade da água utilizada em tratamentos por hemodiálise é fundamental para a redução dos riscos à saúde dos pacientes que necessitam deste recurso terapêutico. Uma vez que várias fontes podem contaminar os mananciais de abastecimento, a água usada em aparelhos de hemodiálise deve ser purificada e submetida a um controle da qualidade rigoroso, desde o ponto da sua entrada nas clínicas de hemodiálise até o seu uso. Durante o processo de purificação, cerca de 40% dessa água é descartada. Visando o uso racional dos recursos hídricos, estudou-se a potencialidade do uso das águas descartadas durante a purificação das águas usadas em tratamentos por hemodiálise. Para isso foram determinadas as vazões descartadas e as amostras de água de descarte foram analisadas no Laboratório de Saneamento da Universidade Federal de Itajubá (LabSan/UNIFEI) com relação aos seguintes parâmetros: alcalinidade, condutividade, dureza, pH, sólidos totais, sólidos voláteis totais e turbidez. Com a realização deste estudo, verificou-se que em média 6.250 litros por dia de água são descartados na Clínica de Nefrologia e Hipertensão de Itajubá e que, ao invés de serem descartadas, estas águas podem ser usadas para diversas finalidades como, por exemplo, em lavanderia e limpezas em geral, dentre outros usos.

The quality of the water used in treatments for hemodialysis is crucial for the reduction of risks on patients who need this therapeutic approach. As several sources can contaminate the water supply, the water used in hemodialysis devices must be purified and submitted to a rigorous control of quality, from the point of its entrance at hemodialysis clinics until its use. During the purification process, approximately 40% of this water is discarded. Aiming the rational use of the water resources, the potentiality of the use of discarded waters was studied during the purification process used in hemodialysis facilities. For this, the discarded outflows were measured and the discarded water samples were analyzed in the Sanitation Laboratory of the Federal University of Itajubá (LabSan/UNIFEI) with regard to the following parameters: alkalinity, conductivity, hardness, pH, total solids, total volatile solids and turbidity. In this study, it was verified that 6,250 liters per day on average of water are discarded at the Nephrology and Hypertension Clinical of Itajubá and that, instead of being discarded, these waters could be used for several purposes as, for example, in laundry and general cleaning, among others.