Influence of Surface Wettability on Microbubble Formation

The production and utilization of microbubbles are rapidly becoming of major importance in a number of global applications, from biofuel production to medical imaging contrast agents. Many aspects of bubble formation have been studied, with diffuser characteristics (such as pore size, pore orientation) and gas flow rate all being shown to influence the bubble formation process. However, very little attention has been paid to the influence of surface wettability of the diffuser and the detailed role it plays at the triple interface of gas–liquid–diffuser. Here, we investigate how the wettability of the diffuser surface impacts upon the dynamics of the bubble formation process and examine the effect both at the orifice and upon the bubble cloud produced as a result of the engineered wetting variations. Experimental data shown here indicate the presence of a switching point at a contact angle of θ = 90°, where bubble size vastly changes. When a surface exhibits a contact angle below 90°, bubbles emitted from it are considerably smaller than those emitted from a surface with an angle in excess of 90°. This effect is observable over flow rates ranging from 2.5 to 60 mL min^–1 from a single pore, an array of controlled pores, and the industrially relevant and commercially available sintered metals and sintered ceramic diffusers. It is also observed for both thiol and silane modified surfaces, encompassing a range of contact angles from 10° to 110°. In addition, the importance of the diffuser plate’s surface topography is discussed, with elevated roughness acting to reduce the effect of surface chemistry in some instances

Initial therapy received by <i>Cryptococcus gattii</i> patients.

<p>Initial therapy received by <i>Cryptococcus gattii</i> patients.</p

Three-month mortality among patients by site of infection and by initial therapy received^*.

<p>*Mortality measured from date of diagnosis; 4 patients died prior to diagnosis and receipt of antifungal therapy and are not included in this table.</p

Characteristics of patients with invasive <i>Cryptococcus gattii</i> infection in United States Pacific Northwest who survived to diagnosis (N = 70).

a<p>VGII molecular type isolates include isolates from the three outbreak genotypes, VGIIa, VGIIb, and VGIIc.</p>b<p>n = 69.</p>c<p>Categories not mutually exclusive.</p

Participants’ self-reported knowledge of PICC topic area subcategories (<i>n</i> = 338).

Participants’ self-reported knowledge of PICC topic area subcategories (n = 338).</p

Midwives’ self-reported knowledge of pre and interconception care topics and preferred topics for further education.

Midwives’ self-reported knowledge of pre and interconception care topics and preferred topics for further education.</p

Characteristics of participants associated with overall knowledge of PICC.

Characteristics of participants associated with overall knowledge of PICC.</p

Survey.

Preconception and interconception care improves health outcomes of women and communities. Little is known about how prepared and willing Australian midwives are to provide preconception and interconception care. The aim of this study was to explore midwives’ knowledge, perspectives and learning needs, and barriers and enablers to delivering preconception and interconception care. We conducted a cross-sectional exploratory study of midwives working in any Australian maternity setting. An online survey measured midwives’ self-rated knowledge; education needs and preferences; attitudes towards pre and interconception care; and views on barriers, enablers; and, future service and workforce planning. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively and demographic characteristics (e.g., years of experience, model of care) associated with knowledge and attitudes regarding pre- and interconception care were examined using univariate logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data were captured through open-ended questions and analysed using inductive content analysis. We collected responses from (n = 338) midwives working across all models of care (full survey completion rate 96%). Most participants (n = 290; 85%) rated their overall knowledge about pre and interconception health as excellent, above average or average. Participants with over 11 years of experience were more likely to report above average to excellent knowledge (OR 3.11; 95% CI 1.09, 8.85). Online e-learning was the most preferred format for education on this topic (n = 244; 72%). Most (n = 257; 76%) reported interest in providing pre and interconception care more regularly and that this is within the midwifery scope of practice (n = 292; 87%). Low prioritisation in service planning was the most frequently selected barrier to providing preconception and interconception care, whereas continuity models and hybrid child health settings were reported as enablers of pre and interconception care provision. Findings revealed that midwives are prepared and willing to provide preconception and interconception care. Pre and post registration professional development; service and funding reform; and policy development are critical to enable Australian midwives’ provision of pre and interconception care.</div

Costs associated with cryptococcal meningitis diagnosis, treatment and a cryptococcal screening program in Vietnam, in US dollars.

*<p>Inclusive of: CSF culture, cell count, glucose, protein, India Ink, and LFA.</p

Number Needed to Screen (NNS), by prevalence of serum CrAg-positive persons in Vietnam.

<p>Number Needed to Screen (NNS), by prevalence of serum CrAg-positive persons in Vietnam.</p