Antifungal susceptibility testing for dermatophytes isolated from clinical samples by microbroth dilution method

Background: The cases of dermatophytoses have increased over the past few decades. Dermatophytoses affect the outer layers of skin, nails and hairs without tissue invasion. These infections are mostly not dangerous but, are important as public health problem particularly in the immunocompromised. The increased use of antifungal drugs for prolonged periods may lead to acquired antifungal resistance among previously susceptible strains. With this background present study was conducted to know the susceptibility pattern of dermatophytes.Methods: A total 35 isolates of dermatophytes isolated from clinically suspected cases of dermatophytoses were examined. Broth microdilution method M38-A2 approved protocol of CLSI (2008) for filamentous fungi was followed for determining the susceptibility of dermatophyte species to antifungal agents- itraconaole, fluconazole and ketoconazole.Results: Itraconazole minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) varied from 0.0156 to 1 µg/ml for all dermatophytes. T. rubrum species showed higher MIC range for Ketoconazole than T. mentagrophytes and T. tonsurans. Fluconazole had poor susceptibility for all dermatophytes by having higher MIC values.Conclusions: The MIC values observed in present study will help clinician to select an appropriate antifungal agent with minimal side effects. The data from present study can be useful as reference for future studies covering large no. of isolates and more drugs

Sputter Deposition and Thallination of Ti-Ba-Ca-Cu-O Superconducting Thin Films

Thallination techniques used for the fabrication of sputter-deposited TI2Ba2CaCu 2Ox and TI2Ba2Ca2Cu3Ox superconducting thin films were investigated. Differences in elemental composition of precursor Ba-Ca-Cu-O sputtering targets were found to yield different superconducting phases. Thallination conditions which yielded transition temperatures as high as 122 K for samples annealed in air are described. Finally, reactive ion etching of films using a mixture of chlorine and argon gases is discussed

Physical Simulations in Classroom as a Pedagogical Tool for Enhancing Manufacturing Instruction in Engineering Technology Programs

Lean is a powerful philosophy that advocates minimization of waste within an organization. The adoption of Lean Manufacturing philosophy by major manufacturers has created a demand for qualified personnel in this area. Higher education is not far behind in incorporating this philosophy into their curriculum. A number of universities have started offering both graduate and undergraduate courses in Lean Manufacturing. Physical simulations are often an integral part of these courses. Simulation based Lean enterprise concepts have been introduced in an undergraduate course in mechanical engineering technology program at Old Dominion University. Results show increased student participation and better understanding of Lean concepts. This paper examines the use of simulations as a pedagogical tool and studies their impact on student learning in an undergraduate engineering technology course. The paper also discusses the assessment process to measure the impact of simulation-based instruction. An attitudinal survey has also been developed to assess the impact of the training program on student\u27s thinking

Screwing process analysis using multivariate statistical process control

Screws are widely used for parts joining in industry. The definition of effective monitoring strategies for screwing processes can help to prevent or significantly reduce ineffective procedures, defective screwing and downtime. Monitoring several correlated variables simultaneously in order to detect relevant changes in manufacturing processes is an increasingly frequent practice furthered by advanced data acquisition systems. However, the monitoring approaches currently used do not consider the multivariate nature of the screwing processes. This paper presents the results of a study performed in an automotive electronics assembly line. Screwing process data concerning torque and rotation angle were analyzed using multivariate statistical process control based on principal component analysis (MSPC-PCA). The main purpose was to extract relevant information from a high number of correlated variables in order to early detect undesirable changes in the process performance. A PCA model was defined based on three principal components. The physical meaning of each component was identified, and underlying causes were inferred based on technical knowledge about the process. Monitoring tools, such as score plots and multivariate control charts allowed to detect the defective screwing cases included in the analyzed data set. Furthermore, eight periods of instability were identified. Considering that the out-of-control signals detected in these periods mainly correspond to delays at the beginning of the tightening operation, four potential causes to explain this behavior were ascertained and analyzed. This research allowed to acquire a deeper understanding on the screwing process behavior and about the causes with higher impact on its stability. Due to its flexibility and versatility, it is considered that this approach can be applied to effectively monitor screwing pCEC - Clinical Excellence Commission(undefined

Synthesis of ZnO mesoporous powders and their application in dye photodegradation

Mesoporous ZnO materials have been synthesized through chemical deposition of different precursors from aqueous or water-ethanol solutions followed by their thermal decomposition at 400°C in air. The microstructure and morphology of the precursors and obtained ZnO powders were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and nitrogen adsorption-desorption (BET) methods. The structure of the precursor and physico-chemical properties of final zinc oxide powders were shown to be considerably influenced by the presence of Cl– ions and ethanol in solution. In water-ethanol solutions, Zn5(OH)8Cl2∙H2O or Zn5(OH)8(NO3)2∙(H2O)2 precursors are formed, while ZnO particles are directly deposited from aqueous solution. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized ZnO materials was evaluated by the decolorization of Rhodamine B (RhB) upon UV irradiation. The ZnO powders have demonstrated high photocatalytic efficiency, enabling decomposition of 81.497.4 % RhB within 3 hours. The increased photocatalytic efficiency of ZnO prepared by annealing of Zn5(OH)8Cl2∙H2O precursor or deposited directly from aqueous chloride-containing solutions can be originated from the presence of Cl-containing compounds remaining after thermal treatment of simonkolleite as well as from introduction of Cl-dopant in ZnO.publishe

A Case Report of a Child with Treacher Collins Syndrome Posted for Craniofacial Reconstruction

We describe anaesthesia in a child suffering from Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) posted for craniofacial reconstruction by mandibular distraction with external fixato