Evaluation of reactive oxygen species generating AirOcare system for reducing airborne microbial populations in a meat processing plant

The microbial contamination of meat and meat products is of continuing concern to the meat industry and regulatory agencies. Air has been established as a source of microbial contamination in slaughter and processing facilities. The objective of this research was to determine the efficacy of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating AirOcare equipment in reducing airborne bacteria in a meat processing environment. Bacterial strains found in ground beef were used to artificially contaminate the air using a 6-jet Collison nebulizer. Airborne bacterial populations in the meat processing room were monitored every 24 h at multiple locations using a Staplex 6 stage air sampler. Total aerobic, Gram-negative, and lactic acid bacterial populations were determined by sampling on R₂A agar, MacConkey agar and Lactobacilli MRS agar, respectively. Approximately 3 log reductions of lactic acid bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria were observed after 24 h of treatment (p < 0.05) compared to ~1.5 log reduction in the control treatment. Further exposure with ROS significantly reduced lactic acid bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria in the air at 48 and 96 h sampling intervals. These findings reveal that reactive oxygen species treatment using AirOcare unit significantly reduces airborne contamination in a meat processing environment. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not imply recommendation or endorsement to the exclusion of other products by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.     

Carotid-jugular arteriovenous fistula: a case report of an iatrogenic complication following internal jugular vein catheterization for hemodialysis access

We report a case of diabetic end-stage renal disease patient who presented with a right common carotid artery jugular arteriovenous fistula as a complication of the insertion of a polyurethane double-lumen hemodialysis catheter into the right internal jugular vein .On physical examination of the neck, a pulsating mass with a palpable thrill and a bruit was noted in the right subclavicular region. The diagnosis was confirmed by color doppler ultrasonography of the neck and carotid angiography. The review of the literature suggests the occurrence of this complication as rather rare. The fistula was successfully repaired surgically. It is emphasized that while securing the access, a thorough physical examination with a special emphasis on seeking any neck swellings, thrill, and bruit along with routine use of vascular doppler for securing dialysis access is recommended.     

Influence of birth rates and transmission rates on the global seasonality of rotavirus incidence

Rotavirus is a major cause of mortality in developing countries, and yet the dynamics of rotavirus in such settings are poorly understood. Rotavirus is typically less seasonal in the tropics, although recent observational studies have challenged the universality of this pattern. While numerous studies have examined the association between environmental factors and rotavirus incidence, here we explore the role of intrinsic factors. By fitting a mathematical model of rotavirus transmission dynamics to published age distributions of cases from 15 countries, we obtain estimates of local transmission rates. Model-predicted patterns of seasonal incidence based solely on differences in birth rates and transmission rates are significantly correlated with those observed (Spearman''s ρ = 0.65, p < 0.05). We then examine seasonal patterns of rotavirus predicted across a range of different birth rates and transmission rates and explore how vaccination may impact these patterns. Our results suggest that the relative lack of rotavirus seasonality observed in many tropical countries may be due to the high birth rates and transmission rates typical of developing countries rather than being driven primarily by environmental conditions. While vaccination is expected to decrease the overall burden of disease, it may increase the degree of seasonal variation in the incidence of rotavirus in some settings.     

A study on adsorption of poly(methyl methacrylate) on aluminium silicate

Effect of temperature, solvent power, and molecular weight on the adsorption of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) on aluminium silicate has been studied. Kinetics of adsorption have been also investigated at 30° and 45 °C. The values of rate constants at these temperatures are 1.4 · 10^?2 and 1.0 · 10^?2 min^?1 respectively. The adsorption data have been analysed according to the Langmuir and the Simha -Frisch -Eirich (SFE) isotherms. The results could be adequately explained in terms of the Langmuir isotherm.     

Light-dependent effects of alpha-terthienyl in eggs,larvae, and pupae of mosquitoAedes aegypti

Alpha-terthienyl is toxic toAedes aegypti larvae in the dark, but its activity is much enhanced in the presence of ultraviolet light. The development of first-instar larvae treated with alpha-terthienyl and ultraviolet light was followed until the emergence of adults. The LC₅₀ value for first instars was about 0.002 ppm. Practically all the larvae which survived 24 hr reached adulthood. Fourth-instar larvae were also sensitive to photochemical treatment. When their development into adults was followed, the LC₅₀ value was 0.45 ppm. Contrary to earlier reports, alpha-terthienyl was also phototoxic in pupae, but not when the adults were about to emerge. The LC₅₀ value was ca. 0.06 ppm for pupae which were 1 or 2 days old. This is the first example where the activity of a photoinsecticide has been demonstrated in pupae. Alpha-terthienyl did not affect the hatching of eggs.     

Studies on physico-mechanical properties of some new light weight engineering materials

Industrial, agricultural, and naturally occurring waste materials in conjunction with liquid epoxy resin, silica and asbestos were employed to make light weight engineering composite materials. To bring down the cost of the expensive resin, additives such as linseed oil and urea formaldehyde were added to replace the bulk of epoxy resin. Various physico-mechanical properties of these composites were studied. In comparison with ordinary cement concrete, properties such as water absorption and fire resistance improved substantially for the majority of mixes, whereas other physico-mechanical properties did not improve greatly in many cases. Such composites, which are similar to (and in some cases better than) ordinary cement concrete can be of use in building technology because of substantially lower prices.     

Thermal degradation of methoxyanisole-1,2-dichloroethane resins

Thermal behaviour of m-methoxyanisole-1,2-dichloroethane resins was studied at different heating rates. Kinetic parameters for the decomposition of the resins have been determined from TG and DTA studies using various methods of thermal analysis. The first stage of degradation had E₁ ～ 3, the second stage had E₂ ～ 28 and the overall degradation had E₁₂ ～ 36 kcal·mol^?1, respectively.     

New organic polymers,II. Synthesis and characterization of poly[3,3′-(6,6′-bis-(2-substituted-4-quinazolonediyl)) alkylene]s

Poly[3,3′-(6,6′-bis-(2-substituted-4-quinazolonediyl))alkylene]s have been synthesized by reacting 6,6′-bis-(2-R-3,1,4-benzoxazinone) (R = Me, Ph, and ? CH₂Ph) with aliphatic diamines H₂N(CH₂)_nNH₂ with n = 0, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 in m-cresol. These polymers are insoluble in all common organic solvents but are fairly soluble in concentrated sulfuric acid. The polymers were characterized by IR spectral study, viscometric measurements and thermal analysis. IR spectra of the polymer samples have been compared with those of their model compounds.     

INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF LASER-DOPPLER VELOCIMETRY IN TWO-PHASE BUBBLY FLOWS

Understanding the dynamic phenomena of viability loss of shear sensitive cells and bubble breakage and coalescence within airlift reactors requires knowledge of local, liquid-phase hydrodynamics. The laser-Doppler velocimeter (LDV) is a non-invasive instrument which may be used to obtain this information. Experimental procedures and software were developed to detect and measure Doppler bursts in two-phase flow in a split-cylinder airlift reactor. Off-line analysis of the data indicated a detection rate approximately one order of magnitude greater than that observed using an available commercial frequency tracker. Approximately 400 to 500 observations are needed for the ensemble mean to characterize the local mean velocity to within ±5% for a superficial gas velocity of 10.4 cm/s, the highest superficial gas velocity used in these studies. The limitations, prospects, and signal-processing options for LDV in this application are also discussed