The Use of Nanoscale Visible Light-Responsive Photocatalyst TiO2-Pt for the Elimination of Soil-Borne Pathogens

Exposure to the soil-borne pathogens Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia cenocepacia can lead to severe infections and even mortality. These pathogens exhibit a high resistance to antibiotic treatments. In addition, no licensed vaccine is currently available. A nanoscale platinum-containing titania photocatalyst (TiO2-Pt) has been shown to have a superior visible light-responsive photocatalytic ability to degrade chemical contaminants like nitrogen oxides. The antibacterial activity of the catalyst and its potential use in soil pathogen control were evaluated. Using the plating method, we found that TiO2-Pt exerts superior antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli compared to other commercially available and laboratory prepared ultraviolet/visible light-responsive titania photocatalysts. TiO2-Pt-mediated photocatalysis also affectively eliminates the soil-borne bacteria B. pseudomallei and B. cenocepacia. An air pouch infection mouse model further revealed that TiO2-Pt-mediated photocatalysis could reduce the pathogenicity of both strains of bacteria. Unexpectedly, water containing up to 10% w/v dissolved soil particles did not reduce the antibacterial potency of TiO2-Pt, suggesting that the TiO2-Pt photocatalyst is suitable for use in soil-contaminated environments. The TiO2-Pt photocatalyst exerted superior antibacterial activity against a broad spectrum of human pathogens, including B. pseudomallei and B. cenocepacia. Soil particles (<10% w/v) did not significantly reduce the antibacterial activity of TiO2-Pt in water. These findings suggest that the TiO2-Pt photocatalyst may have potential applications in the development of bactericides for soil-borne pathogens

Targeting buyers of counterfeits of luxury brands: a study on attitudes of Singapore consumers

The paper examines the factors that influence Singaporean consumer's attitudes towards counterfeits of luxury brands. Data was collected from a convenience sample of postgraduate students of a large university using a self-administered questionnaire. Social influence, brand consciousness and price quality inference were found to significantly influence attitudes towards counterfeits of luxury brands. There is no significant relationship with personal gratification, value consciousness, and brand prestige. Attitudes towards counterfeits of luxury brands were found to influence purchase intention

Vibrio Zinc-Metalloprotease causes photoinactivation of\ud coral endosymbionts and coral tissue lesions

Background: Coral diseases are emerging as a serious threat to coral reefs worldwide. Of nine coral infectious diseases,\ud whose pathogens have been characterized, six are caused by agents from the family Vibrionacae, raising questions as to\ud their origin and role in coral disease aetiology.\ud Methodology/Principal Findings: Here we report on a Vibrio zinc-metalloprotease causing rapid photoinactivation of\ud susceptible Symbiodinium endosymbionts followed by lesions in coral tissue. Symbiodinium photosystem II inactivation was diagnosed by an imaging pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer in two bioassays, performed by exposing Symbiodinium cells and coral juveniles to non-inhibited and EDTA-inhibited supernatants derived from coral white syndrome pathogens.\ud Conclusion/Significance: These findings demonstrate a common virulence factor from four phylogenetically related coral pathogens, suggesting that zinc-metalloproteases may play an important role in Vibrio pathogenicity in scleractinian corals