Cost-effective fabrication, antibacterial application and cell viability studies of modified nonwoven cotton fabric.

In the present work, nonwoven cotton fabric was modified for antibacterial applications using low-cost and eco-friendly precursors. The treatment of fabric with alkali leads to the formation of active sites for surface modification, followed by dip coating with silver nanoparticles and chitosan. The surface was chlorinated in the next step to transform amide (N-H) groups in chitosan into N-halamine (N-Cl). The modified and unmodified surfaces of the nonwoven cotton fabric have been characterized by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. The active chlorine loading is measured with iodine/sodium thiosulphate. The antimicrobial activity and cell toxicity assay were carried out with and without modifications of nonwoven cotton fabric. The antimicrobial efficacies of loaded fabric were evaluated against four bacterial species (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and E.coli). It was found that modified fabric exhibited superior efficiency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains as compared to their bulk counterparts upon exposure without affecting strength and integrity of fabric. The overall process is economical for commercial purposes. The modified fabric can be used for antimicrobial, health, and food packaging industries, and in other biomedical applications.

Octylamine as environment friendlier colorimetric detection probe for hazardous 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol from wastewater samples.

The precise detection of hazardous 2,4,6-Trinitrophenol (TNP) is essential for the environment and human health. TNP is used as a precursor in whistling fireworks in ammunition, mining, agriculture and is a hazardous environmental pollutant generated from leather, chemical, and dye industries. Exploring rapid and low-cost approaches for the detection and quantification of TNP has attracted many scientists nowadays. The proposed chemosensor utilizes the concept of dispersive liquid-liquid micro-extraction coupled with a UV-visible spectrophotometer for its sensing at the ultra-trace level. Significant changes based on intramolecular interactions followed by a distinct color change to orange-red from yellow in the presence of TNP is an attractive feature for the present study. The successive addition of TNP shows ultra-trace sensitivity (3.9831 µA µM-1 cm-1) at detection limit (LOD) of 0.0015 ± 0.03 µM (S/N = 3), a linear range of 0 µM-70 µM, and a response time of <5 min. Different types of real samples such as creatinine testing kit reagent, fireflies crackers, serum, and water samples were used and recovery of TNP was calculated by spiking the known concentration of the standard analyte. The obtained recovery was 93.6-103.6% with RSD range of 1.6-4.53% (n = 3) in different samples. The analytical performance of the colorimetric Chemoprobe in terms of its recovery, linearity range, and limit of detection offers an excellent platform for monitoring hazardous TNP. The results show that the proposed colorimetric chemosensor is easy to use, low-cost, environmentally friendly and offers an easily observable visual color change. Based on these features, the chemosensor can be used for large-scale applications for the detection of TNP in water and other samples.

The Effect of Electroencephalography Abnormalities on Cerebral Autoregulation in Sedated Ventilated Children.

Purpose: To determine the effects of non-ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) changes on cerebrovascular autoregulation (AR) using the cerebral oximetry index (COx). Materials and Methods: Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), cerebral tissue oxygenation (CrSO2), and EEG were acquired for 96 h. From all of the EEG recordings, 30 min recording segments were extracted using the endotracheal suction events as the guide. EEG recordings were classified as EEG normal and EEG abnormal groups. Each 30 min segment was further divided into six 5 min epochs. Continuous recordings of MAP and CrSO2 by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) were extracted. The COx value was defined as the concordance (R) value of the Pearson correlation between MAP and CrSO2 in a 5 min epoch. Then, an Independent-Samples Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the number of epochs within the 30 min segments above various R cutoff values (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) in normal and abnormal EEG groups. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant, and all analyses were two-tailed. Results: Among 16 sedated, mechanically ventilated children, 382 EEG recordings of 30 min segments were analyzed. The proportions of epochs in each 30 min segment above the R cutoff values were similar between the EEG normal and EEG abnormal groups (p > 0.05). The median concordance values for CSrO2 and MAP in EEG normal and EEG abnormal groups were similar (0.26 (0.17−0.35) and 0.18 (0.12−0.31); p = 0.09). Conclusions: Abnormal EEG patterns without ictal changes do not affect cerebrovascular autoregulation in sedated and mechanically ventilated children.

Chlorfenapyr containing anions uptake from industrial wastewater by ethylene glycol functionalized benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium bromide membrane.

The preservation of water and wastewater treatment has become a global challenge. The concentration of anions such as chlorides, fluorides, cyanides, and perchlorates above the permitted levels in water is harmful to human and aquatic life. Chlorfenapyr is an insecticide that contains the aforesaid anions and is abundantly present in industrial wastewater. This research is focused on the removal of these anions from wastewater by ethylene glycol functionalized benzyl dimethyl tetradecyl ammonium bromide immobilized on soluble polymer anion exchange membrane. The real wastewater samples rich in chlorfenapyr from two different sources (industrial and pond) were analyzed. Membrane efficiency was more than 50 ppm for each anion in a single fold. The double folds of membrane showed enhanced uptake and separation efficiency for chloride, fluoride, and cyanide from wastewater samples between 0.01 and 0.02 ppm down to lethal concenetrations values (LD 50). The membrane shows maximum separation efficiency between the pH ranges of 6-7. The interference effect on membrane separation efficiency showed that the replacement ability of sample anions was in the order of fluoride > chloride > perchlorate > cyanide. This high replacement efficiency of fluoride and chloride is attributed to the more chemical interactions of these anions with membrane.

Analytical sample preparation by electrospun solid phase microextraction sorbents.

Microscale extraction has gained attention in sample preparation due to its features like high throughput analysis, low solvent and sample consumption, easy operation, eco-friendliness, automation and miniaturization. Sorbents of versatile natures have diversified the applications. A variety of extraction sorbents have been fabricated and used in microextraction with varying efficiency. Electrospinning has emerged as a unique method to fabricate nanofibers with high surface area and excellent thermal and mechanical stability. Various types of electrospun fibres with controlled morphology, diameter and compositions have been introduced as solid phase microextraction sorbents. In this review, the applications of electrospun fibres have been highlighted as microextraction sorbents in fields including environment, food, protein and metabolite analysis and drug monitoring. The electrospinning technology improves analytical performance of microextraction analysis. Factors contributing towards the efficiency of electrospun fibers in separation science have been encompassed. Key parameters like versatility and selectivity towards variety of samples using electrospun fibers in microextractions are explored.

Synthesis, design and sensing applications of nanostructured ceria-based materials.

Cerium-based materials possess redox properties due to the presence of dual valence states of Ce3+ and Ce4+. In the last few years, the scientific community has paid much attention to designing and synthesizing cerium-based materials through advantageous routes for widespread catalytic and sensing applications in many fields. Cerium materials have been synthesized in many different forms, shapes and sizes. The catalytic and sensing capabilities of cerium nanostructures are highly dependent on their morphologies and can be improved significantly by modifying the sizes and shapes of the nanostructures to develop sensing scaffolds with improved sensing performance. These nanostructures provide a basis for applications in many fields. From a literature survey (2010 to 2015), it can be concluded that the fundamental morphologies, ratios, and capping of cerium nanostructures (CeNSs) constructively affect their properties and applications. Designed sensors utilizing CeNSs exhibit outstanding stability, high selectivity and eminent reproducibility in relation to time and temperature. This review will provide a perspective insight on the future trends in the design of different morphologies of CeNSs and their promising applications.

Heart Rate Variability in Children Following Drowning Injury.

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used as prognostic tool in various disorders in pediatric and adult patients. In our study we aimed to evaluate heart rate variability indices and their association with neurological outcome in three children with anoxic brain injury following drowning. Three children included in the study were admitted following drowning and required mechanical ventilation and targeted temperature management. All physiologic data, including electrocardiography (ECG) and EEG were collected for a period of 3-5 days after enrollment. ECG signals were analyzed in both time and frequency domains. The spectral power of the low-frequency (LF) band (0.04-0.15 Hz) and that of the high-frequency (HF) band (0.15-0.4 Hz), the standard deviation of the average R to R ECG intervals (SDANN) were calculated. Mean low-frequency/high-frequency power ratios (LF/HF) were compared using a two-tailed t-test and ANOVA with Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons. The power in the LF band, the LF/HF power ratio, and the SDANN, were lower in children who had a poor outcome, and during periods of isoelectric or burst suppression EEG patterns.

Effects of Closed Endotracheal Suctioning on Systemic and Cerebral Oxygenation and Hemodynamics in Children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of closed endotracheal tube suctioning on systemic oxygen saturation, cerebral regional oxygen saturation, and somatic regional (renal) oxygen saturation and hemodynamic variables in children. DESIGN: Prospective observational. SETTING: A tertiary care PICU. SUBJECTS: Children aged 0-18 years, requiring invasive mechanical ventilation and with an arterial line. INTERVENTIONS: Closed endotracheal suction. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The study included 19 sedated and intubated children, 0-18 years old. They were enrolled in an ongoing prospective observational study. We used near-infrared spectroscopy for cerebral regional oxygen saturation and somatic regional (renal) oxygen saturation. The timing of each closed endotracheal tube suctioning event was accurately identified from video recordings. We extracted systemic oxygen saturation, cerebral regional oxygen saturation, somatic regional (renal) oxygen saturation, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure for 5 minutes before and 5 minutes after each event and used these data for analysis. One-minute average values of these variables were used for repeated-measures analysis. We analyzed 287 endotracheal tube suctioning episodes in 19 children. Saline was instilled into the endotracheal tube during 61 episodes. The mean heart rate (107.0 ± 18.7 vs 110.2 ± 10.4; p < 0.05), mean arterial blood pressure (81.5 ± 16.1 vs 83.0 ± 15.6 mm Hg; p < 0.05), and the mean cerebral regional oxygen saturation (64.8 ± 8.3 vs 65.8 ± 8.3; p < 0.05) were increased after suctioning. The mean systemic oxygen saturation (96.9 ± 2.7 vs 96.7 ± 2.7; p = 0.013) was decreased, whereas the mean somatic regional (renal) oxygen saturation was not significantly different after endotracheal tube suctioning. Repeated-measures analysis revealed transient increases in heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure; a sustained increase in cerebral regional oxygen saturation; and transient decreases in systemic oxygen saturation and somatic regional (renal) oxygen saturation. Saline instillation did not affect oxygenation or hemodynamic variables. CONCLUSIONS: Closed endotracheal tube suctioning in sedated children is associated with transient but clinically insignificant changes in heart rate, blood pressure, cerebral regional oxygen saturation, systemic oxygen saturation, and somatic regional (renal) oxygen saturation. Saline instillation during endotracheal tube suctioning had no adverse effects on systemic or cerebral oxygenation.

Complications during the management of pediatric refractory status epilepticus with benzodiazepine and pentobarbital infusions.

The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate complications in the management of refractory status epilepticus (RSE) treated with benzodiazepine and pentobarbital infusions. Of 28 children with RSE, eleven (39%) were treated with a pentobarbital infusion after failure to control RSE with a benzodiazepine infusion; while17 children (61%) required only a benzodiazepine infusion. The mean maximum pentobarbital infusion dosage was 5.2 ± 1.8 mg/kg/h. Twenty-five patients received a continuous midazolam infusion with an average dosage of 0.41 ± 0.43 mg/kg/h. The median length of stay was longer for the pentobarbital group. Children requiring pentobarbital therapy were more likely to develop hypotension, require inotropic support, need intubation, mechanical ventilation, peripheral nutrition, and blood products; furthermore, they were more likely to develop hypertension and movement disorder after or during weaning. In conclusion, children with RSE who required pentobarbital therapy had a longer hospital stay with more complications.

Effect of aspirin on the developing teeth of neonates / Efecto de la aspirina en el desarrollo de los dientes de neonatos

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of aspirin (Acetyl Salicylic Acid) on the developing teeth of the fetus while the mothers were treated through out the pregnancy. Aspirin is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug used for symptomatic treatment. However, recent animal studies have indicated a potent teratogenicity of Acetyl Salicylic Acid. Its easy availability without prescription has been associated with high possibility of misuse, especially in the developing world. An experimental control study was carried out where female rabbits being treated with aspirin were taken as mammalian model, and their offspring were used to evaluate the developmental defects in teeth. Quantitative analysis of minerals in three types of the sample teeth, was done using scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). Calcium was the most affected mineral and incisors and mandibular molars were found to be the most affected teeth. Voluminous variations were observed in the mineral contents of samples from the treated and control group, however, significant results could not be achieved. A larger sample size could possibly be needed to produce more conclusive results.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la aspirina (ácido acetilsalicílico) sobre el desarrollo de los dientes en fetos de conejos, cuyas madres fueron tratadas durante toda la gestación. La aspirina es un fármaco ampliamente utilizado como analgésico y antipirético para el tratamiento sintomático. Sin embargo, estudios recientes en animales han indicado una teratogenicidad potente por parte del ácido acetilsalicílico. Su fácil disponibilidad, sin la necesidad de receta médica, se ha asociado con una alta posibilidad de su mal uso, especialmente en el mundo desarrollado. Se diseñó un estudio de control experimental, donde conejos hembras fueron tratadas con aspirina, tomándose como modelo de mamíferos, y sus crías fueron utilizadoa para evaluar los defectos en el desarrollo de los dientes. Se realizó el análisis cuantitativo de tres tipos de minerales en los dientes de la muestra mediante microscopio electrónico de barrido y espectroscopía de rayos X por dispersión de energía (SEM-EDX). El calcio fue el mineral más afectado y los incisivos y molares inferiores fueron como los dientes más afectados. Grandes variaciones se observaron en el contenido mineral de las muestras de los grupos tratado y control, sin embargo, no se lograron resultados significativos. Un tamaño de muestra más sería necesario para producir resultados más concluyentes.

Recurrent reciprocal 1q21.1 deletions and duplications associated with microcephaly or macrocephaly and developmental and behavioral abnormalities.

Chromosome region 1q21.1 contains extensive and complex low-copy repeats, and copy number variants (CNVs) in this region have recently been reported in association with congenital heart defects, developmental delay, schizophrenia and related psychoses. We describe 21 probands with the 1q21.1 microdeletion and 15 probands with the 1q21.1 microduplication. These CNVs were inherited in most of the cases in which parental studies were available. Consistent and statistically significant features of microcephaly and macrocephaly were found in individuals with microdeletion and microduplication, respectively. Notably, a paralog of the HYDIN gene located on 16q22.2 and implicated in autosomal recessive hydrocephalus was inserted into the 1q21.1 region during the evolution of Homo sapiens; we found this locus to be deleted or duplicated in the individuals we studied, making it a probable candidate for the head size abnormalities observed. We propose that recurrent reciprocal microdeletions and microduplications within 1q21.1 represent previously unknown genomic disorders characterized by abnormal head size along with a spectrum of developmental delay, neuropsychiatric abnormalities, dysmorphic features and congenital anomalies. These phenotypes are subject to incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity.