Efficacy of Nanosil and Listerine Antiseptics for Infection Control in Dental Unit Waterline

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of two antiseptic agents namely Nanosil and Listerine for controlling water contamination.Methods A In this experimental study, six dental units were divided into three groups of A, B, and C. First, sampling of the water from the turbines’ water ducts and the dental air-water sprays was performed early in the morning during two consecutive weeks on Saturdays (the first working day) and Wednesdays (the last working day). The samples were sent to a laboratory in sterile containers for bacterial colony counting. Next, group A and B units underwent decontamination once a week by Nanosil (1% hydrogen peroxide + silver ion) and Listerine, respectively. Group C was the control group. Afterwards, sampling was conducted again as in stage 1 to determine the bacterial colony count.Results The Wilcoxon test indicated a statistically significant difference in the mean bacterial count between the samples taken before and after decontamination in Nanosil and Listerine groups, and the mean bacterial count was lower in the Nanosil group than in the Listerine group (P<0.001). A statistically significant difference was also found in the mean bacterial count between samples taken on Saturdays and Wednesdays before decontamination, and the mean bacterial count was higher on Saturdays than on Wednesdays (P<0.001).Conclusion Both Listerine and Nanosil were effective in decreasing the microbial colony count in the dental unit water lines (DUWLs). The mean bacterial count was lower in the Nanosil group than in the Listerine group

DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW INDEX FOR METHANE DRAINAGEABILITY OF A COAL SEAM USING THE FUZZY ROCK ENGINEERING SYSTEM

Ugljeni plin jedan je od najvažnijih izvora energije iz nekonvencionalnih plinskih ležišta. Prepoznavanje varijabli koji utječu na propusnost metana važno je za sve buduće projekte iskorištavanja takvih ležišta. K od crpenja takvih metanskih ležišta efikasnost je određena prirodnim i operacijskim čimbenicima. Prikazan je novi metanski indeks crpenja (MIC, engl. skr. CMDI) kao vrijednost za uporabu u rudarskim zahvatima. Razmatrano je 17 glavnih parametara koji utječu na crpenje metana iz ugljena, svrstanih u matricu kreiranu na temeljima neizravne logike stijenskoga sustava. Zatim je analiziran odnos parametara koji utječu na crpenje. Budući da odnosi u neizravnim logičkim modelima nisu jedinstveni, takav sustav pažljivo je prilagođen kako bi minimizirao subjektivnost u određivanju težinskih faktora pojedinačnih parametara. Primjer uporabe modela prikazan je za rudnik ugljena Tabas u Iranu. Na uzorcima iz sloja C1 toga prostora primijenjen je izračun indeksa crpenja. Rezultati su pokazali kako takav indeks može vrlo uspješno predvidjeti moguću proizvodnju metana te biti uporabljen kao varijabla za donošenje odluka i smanjenje rizika negativnih događaja u takvim projektima.Coal seam gas is one of the most significant energy resources in unconventional gas fields. The identification of influencing parameters and methane drainage assessment are, thus, a prime geotechnical focus for all potential methane drainage projects. In methane drainage operations of coal seams, many factors, such as natural factors and operational factors affect the drainage efficiency. In this paper, a new coal seam methane drainageability index (CMDI) is introduced for pre-drainage techniques in a working mine. In this approach, seventeen parameters are considered as the main factors affecting the methane drainage form coal seam, and the interaction matrix based on the fuzzy rock engineering system (FRES), which analyzes the interrelationship between the parameters affecting methane drainage activities, are used to study coal seam methane drainageability. Since the value of interaction in the RES method is not unique, the fuzzy system is used to minimize subjectivity of the weights which are computed in the RES method. The Tabas coal mine (Iran) was selected as a case study and the proposed index was used to rank the C1 seam in this mine. It was observed that the methane drainageability index could suitably predict the potential of the methane drainage of coal seam. The newly proposed index can be used as a basis for decision-making when uncertainties about the evaluation of the parameters affect the methane drainage of a coal seam and reduce the risk of methane drainage projects

Istraživanje utjecaja uporabe aktivnog mulja tretiranog octenom kiselinom na fizička svojstva i čvrstoću reciklirane celuloze

This study aimed to scrutinize chemical treatment of Mazandaran Wood and Paper mill activated sludge with 3 % acetic acid for the manufacture of environmentally eco-friendly bio composite. In this study, the paper pulp required was obtained from the waste newsprint paper. The activated sludge was treated in a beaker for 3 min in 3 % acetic acid and then in a water bath at 75 and 100 °C for 45 and 90 min. After that, the treated activated sludge was mixed and refi ned with waste newsprint paper pulp at ratios of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 %. The test specimens were prepared according to TAPPI standard and the physical properties (water absorption and porosity) and mechanical (tensile strength, tear strength, ring crush test, burst strength and folding strength) were measured. The results showed that the activated sludge treatment caused the increase in tear strength, ring crush test, burst strength and porosity as well as the decrease in water absorption, tensile strength and folding strength. FT-IR spectrum of the treated samples showed that the treatment with acetic acid strengthened and activated the functional groups on the surface of activated sludge fi bers. The activated sludge added at a level of 5 % at 100 °C for 90 min as well as at a level of 20 % at 75 °C for 45 min was more suitable than other treatments.Cilj ovog rada bio je proučiti kemijsku obradu aktivnog mulja proizvedenog u tvornici drva i papira Mazandaran izvedenu 3 %-tnom octenom kiselinom za proizvodnju ekološki prihvatljivog biokompozita. Celulozna kaša potrebna za istraživanje dobivena je od otpadnoga novinskog papira. Aktivni mulj obrađen je 3 %-tnom octenom kiselinom u čaši, i to u trajanju 3 minute, a zatim u vodenoj kupelji temperature 75 i 100 °C u trajanju od 45 i 90 min. Nakon toga taj je aktivni mulj pomiješan i rafiniran s celuloznom kašom od otpadnoga novinskog papira u omjerima od 0, 5, 10, 15 i 20 %. Ispitni su uzorci pripremljeni prema TAPPI normi, nakon čega su izmjerena njihova fizička svojstva (upijanje vode i poroznost) te mehanička svojstva (vlačna čvrstoća, čvrstoća na kidanje, tlačna čvrstoća prstena, čvrstoća na pucanje i preklopna čvrstoća). Rezultati su pokazali da je kemijska obrada aktivnog mulja pridonijela povećanju čvrstoće uzoraka na kidanje, otpornosti na tlačnu silu, čvrstoći na pucanje i poroznost te smanjenju upijanja vode, kao i vlačne i preklopne čvrstoće. FT-IR spektri tretiranih uzoraka pokazali su da obrada octenom kiselinom ojačava i aktivira funkcionalne skupine na površini vlakana aktivnog mulja. Aktivni mulj dodan u omjeru od 5 % pri 100 °C i u trajanju 90 minuta te u omjeru od 20 % pri 75 °C i tijekom 45 minuta bio je prikladniji od ostalih uzoraka

Under- and overreporting of energy in a group of candidates for CABG surgery and its association with some anthropometric and sociodemographic factors, Tehran, Iran

Bahareh Amirkalali1, Mehdi Najafi2, Asal Ataie-Jafari1, Saeed Hosseini1, Ramin Heshmat11Nutrition Department, The Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre (EMRC) of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran; 2Tehran Heart Center, Tehran, IranIntroduction: Numerous studies have documented a high prevalence of misreporting energy intakes. This paper examines the prevalence of under- and overreporting of energy intake in a group of candidates for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery and its association with body mass index (BMI) and some sociodemographic factors.Subjects and methods: Dietary assessment (using a food frequency questionnaire) and demographic evaluation of 449 CABG surgery candidates was performed. Weight and height was also measured. McCrory equation was used to identify inaccurate records of energy intake. With this equation, reporting energy intake less than 78% and more than 122% of predicted energy expenditure was considered as under- and overreporting, respectively.Results: Less than half of the participants reported energy intakes within the plausible limits. There were more overreporters than underreporters in this sample. The only significant association between misreporting and related factors was seen in BMI groups. As BMI increased, the number of underreporters increased significantly. Expressed as a percentage of total energy, mean carbohydrate intake was significantly lower and mean fat and protein intake was significantly higher in underreporters compared to overreporters.Conclusion: The high prevalence of misreporting suggests more research to examine the characteristics of misreporters. Calibrating data with these characteristics can help to improve intake estimates.Keywords: underreporting, overreporting, energy intake, CABG candidate

A Simplest Swimmer at Low Reynolds Number: Three Linked Spheres

We propose a very simple one-dimensional swimmer consisting of three spheres that are linked by rigid rods whose lengths can change between two values. With a periodic motion in a non-reciprocal fashion, which breaks the time-reversal symmetry as well as the translational symmetry, we show that the model device can swim at low Reynolds number. This model system could be used in constructing molecular-size machines

Cytotoxic activity of the genus Ferula (Apiaceae) and its bioactive constituents

Objective: The genus Ferula L. includes perennial flowering plants belonging to the Apiaceae family. This genus is a rich source of biologically active phytochemicals such as sulfur-containing derivatives, coumarins, sesquiterpenes, sesquiterpene lactones, sesquiterpene coumarins, glucuronic acid, galactose, arabinose, rhamnose, and daucane esters. Over the last decade, considerable attention has been paid to biological activities of these compounds; it is assumed that the most prominent biological features of the genus Ferula are their cytotoxic effects. This article discusses cytotoxic activity of the genus Ferula and their important compounds. Methods: In this mini-review article, papers published from 1990 to April 2016 were included and the following information was discussed; cytotoxic activity of the genus Ferula and their important compounds, the type of cell line used in vitro, concentrations of the extracts/active compound that were used, and the underlying mechanisms of action through which Ferula-related chemicals induced cytotoxicity. In addition, we explained different mechanisms of action through which the active constituents isolated from Ferula, could decrease cellular growth. Conclusion: It is highly recommended that potent and effective compounds that were isolated from Ferula plants and found to be appropriate as adjuvant therapy for certain diseases, should be identified. Also, the versatile biological activities of sesquiterpene coumarins suggest them as promising agents with a broad range of biological applications to be used in the future

Evaluation of mRNA Expressions of TOX and NR4As in CD8+ T cells in Acute Leukemia

Background: Thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box protein (TOX) and members of the nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) are known as transcription factors involved in T cell exhaustion.Objective: To evaluate the mRNA expression of TOX and NR4A1-3 in CD8+ T cells in acute leukemia.Methods: Blood samples were obtained from 21 ALL and 6 AML patients as well as 20 control subjects. CD8+ T cells were isolated using MACS. Relative gene expression of TOX and NR4A1-3 was then evaluated using qRT-PCR.Results: Comparison of mRNA expression of TOX in CD8+ T cells showed no significant difference among the study groups (p>0.05), while the expression of NR4A1 was significantly lower in AML patients than in the control group (p=0.0006). Also, the expression of NR4A2 and NR4A3 was significantly lower in both ALL (p=0.0049 and p=0.0005, respectively) and AML (p=0.0019 and p=0.0055, respectively) patients.Conclusion: NR4As expressions were found to be lower in CD8+ T cells from patients with AML and ALL compared to controls, whereas the mRNA expression of TOX showed no significant difference. Although TOX and NR4As are associated with CD8+ T cell exhaustion in solid tumors, they might play different roles in acute leukemia, which requires further investigation

Mechanisms behind temsirolimus resistance causing reactivated growth and invasive behavior of bladder cancer cells in vitro

Background: Although mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, such as temsirolimus, show promise in treating bladder cancer, acquired resistance often hampers efficacy. This study evaluates mechanisms leading to resistance. Methods: Cell growth, proliferation, cell cycle phases, and cell cycle regulating proteins were compared in temsirolimus resistant (res) and sensitive (parental—par) RT112 and UMUC3 bladder cancer cells. To evaluate invasive behavior, adhesion to vascular endothelium or to immobilized extracellular matrix proteins and chemotactic activity were examined. Integrin α and β subtypes were analyzed and blocking was done to evaluate physiologic integrin relevance. Results: Growth of RT112res could no longer be restrained by temsirolimus and was even enhanced in UMUC3res, accompanied by accumulation in the S- and G2/M-phase. Proteins of the cdk-cyclin and Akt-mTOR axis increased, whereas p19, p27, p53, and p73 decreased in resistant cells treated with low-dosed temsirolimus. Chemotactic activity of RT112res/UMUC3res was elevated following temsirolimus re-exposure, along with significant integrin α2, α3, and β1 alterations. Blocking revealed a functional switch of the integrins, driving the resistant cells from being adhesive to being highly motile. Conclusion: Temsirolimus resistance is associated with reactivation of bladder cancer growth and invasive behavior. The α2, α3, and β1 integrins could be attractive treatment targets to hinder temsirolimus resistance