Characterization of Amino-Functionalized Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles with Glutaraldehyde Cross-linking

Characterization of amino-functionalised magnetic nanoparticles (FMNs) modified surfaces with glutaraldehyde cross linker, which enables the attachment to a specific antibody against Salmonella was examined using FTIR spectroscopy. The magnetism property of the particles before and after attachment to the target cells was studied. Synchrotron FTIR spectroscopy technique was employed to investigate the chemistry of the crosslinking reaction to amino-functionalized ferromagnetic nanoparticles. Results indicated that the bonding pattern imine bond (C=N) and amide bond (-CONH-) were detected. The finding indicated the attachment of aldehyde group (CHO) to amino region of the particle and the other free end to link to the antibodies against Salmonella.  The bonding allowed the antibodies to bear reactive sites to catch the target Salmonella in food samples. The FMNs demonstrated hysteresis characteristics that could be changed due to cell attachment that caused reduction of loop coercive force (H). Results showed evidence of glutaraldehyde crosslinking that could be also used as quality control for immobilization of antibodies to the particles. Magnetism properties (the coercive force H) and FTIR characteristics could be further used for signal of attachment of cells to the FMNs as well

Sol–gel chemistry mediated Zn/Al-based complex dispersant for SWCNT in water without foam formation

We report a bimetallic Zn/Al complex as an efficient inorganic dispersant for SWCNT, synthesized from Zn(CH3COO)(2) and Al(NO3)(3). The Zn/Al complex shows more than four times greater efficiency at dispersing SWCNT than widely used surfactants (CTAB and SDS). Besides remarkable dispersibility, the Zn/Al complex does not foam upon any shaking treatment and it can be used just after quick dissolution of the powdered form, which is a marked advantage over surfactants. The Zn/Al complex, containing amorphous Al(CH3COO)(3) and a complex of Zn2+ and NO3- ions, should have a unique dispersion mechanism, differing from the surfactants. Al(CH3COO)(3) has higher affinity for SWCNT than ions, adsorbing onto its surface in the first layer and attracting Zn2+ and NO3- ions. Charge transfer interactions between the Zn/Al complex and SWCNT, as evidenced by optical absorption spectroscopy, should induce a charge on SWCNT; the zeta potential of such coated SWCNT was +55 mV, indicating a high dispersion stability in aqueous media. Hence, the Zn/Al complex can widen the applications of SWCNT to various technologies such as the transparent and conductive films, as well as high performance composite polymers. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.ArticleCARBON. 94:518-523 (2015)journal articl

Effects of promoting smoking cessation program in drug dependence disorder patients at the national institute on drug abuse treatment in Thailand

Background Drug dependence disorder patients are strongly associated with a high rate of smoking. Hospitalization aiming to drug abstinence will increase chance of quitting successfully. Moreover, smoking cessation intervention providing during hospitalization will also associated with the increased rate of long-term abstinence from any drug abuse. Methods This quasi-experimental research aimed to examine the effects of promoting smoking cessation program in drug dependence disorder patients at the national institute on drug abuse treatment in southern Thailand applying the Social Cognitive Theory. The samples comprised of 23 current smokers with drug dependence who were admitted at rehabilitation unit, at the institute. This program was conducted over a period of 8 weeks and composed of 6 activities including self-observation, judgment process, self-reaction, motivation, individual counseling and assigned the smoke-free environments in accordance with the laws. Data were collected by interviews at pre and post intervention on the 4th and 8th week. Statistics analysis was performed by using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, i.e., Paired Sample t-test, Cochran's Q test and Friedman test. Results The results showed that the samples had significantly higher mean scores of perceived self-efficacy to quit smoking and outcome expectation of smoking cessation at post intervention on the 4 th week (p < 0.05). In addition, 5 in 23 current smokers (21.7%) and 9 in 23 current smokers (39.1%) were able to quit smoking, at post intervention on the 4th and 8th week, respectively. Conclusions The smoking cessation program can help smokers with drug dependence to stop smoking so it should further apply to any similar health service facilities

Additional file 2 of Key population-led community-based same-day antiretroviral therapy (CB-SDART) initiation hub in Bangkok, Thailand: a protocol for a hybrid type 3 implementation trial

Additional file 2. SPIRIT 2013 Checklist: Recommended items to address in a clinical trial protocol and related documents*