Polyethylene glycol rinse solution:An effective way to prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury

AIM: To test whether a new rinse solution containing polyethylene glycol 35 (PEG-35) could prevent ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) in liver grafts.

Cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinses alleviate experimental gingivitis by inhibiting dental plaque maturation

Oral rinses containing chemotherapeutic agents, such as cetylpyridinium chloride （CPC）, can alleviate plaque-induced gingival infections, but how oral microbiota respond to these treatments in human population remains poorly understood. Via a double- blinded, randomised controlled trial of 91 subjects, the impact of CPC-containing oral rinses on supragingival plaque was investigated in experimental gingivitis, where the subjects, after a 21-day period of dental prophylaxis to achieve healthy gingivae, received either CPC rinses or water for 21 days. Within-subject temporal dynamics of plaque microbiota and symptoms of gingivitis were profiled via 16S ribosomal DNA gene pyrosequencing and assessment with the Mazza gingival index. Cetylpyridinium chloride conferred gingival benefits, as progression of gingival inflammation resulting from a lack of dental hygiene was significantly slower in the mouth rinse group than in the water group due to inhibition of 17 gingivitis-enriched bacterial genera. Tracking of plaque a and β diversity revealed that CPC treatment prevents acquisition of new taxa that would otherwise accumulate but maintains the original biodiversity of healthy plaques. Furthermore, CPC rinses reduced the size, local connectivity and microbiota-wide connectivity of the bacterial correlation network, particularly for nodes representing gingivitis- enriched taxa. The findings of this study provide mechanistic insights into the impact of oral rinses on the progression and maturation of dental plaque in the natural human population.

A Retrospective Match Controlled Study of Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Oral Rinse vs. Supportive Care for Radiation Induced Oral Mucositis

Oral mucositis is a common morbidity induced by radiation therapy and chemo-radiotherapy for head and neck malignancies. This often results in treatment delays, premature treatment cessation and increased cost. New treatments of oral mucositis are emerging but effective remedies remain limited. Between February 2007 and May 2008, 21 patients with head and neck malignancies were treated with a supersaturated calcium phosphate oral rinse (Caphosol) that was performed for 4-10 times daily, each consisting of two one-minute rinses. There were 21 matched patients who received supportive care without the oral rinse. All patients in the two groups were treated with intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for average prescription doses of 66 Gy in 33 fractions. The effects of this rinse vs. supportive care on mucositis, PEG tube requirements, hospitalization, xerostomia, analgesic requirements and weight was respectively evaluated. We have observed statistically significant decreases in the incidence of radiation induced oral mucositis (p=0.0002) with WHO grade 3 (38% vs. 52%) and 4 mucositis (0% vs. 19%), need for PEG tube placement (33% vs. 57%) and hospitalization (0% vs 19%). There was also a favorable impact on the incidence of grade 3 (29% vs. 43%) xerostomia in the treated patients but it was statistically insignificant (p=0.58). Incremental costs related to treatment of oral mucositis were reduced considerably. Our data suggest that use of a supersaturated calcium phosphate oral rinse is an effective treatment for mucositis in patients undergoing IMRT. It may also be helpful in the reduction of hospitalization and PEG tube requirements.

Identification of microbial contaminants in sinus rinse squeeze bottles used by allergic rhinitis patients

Objective:To identify whether irrigation devices become contaminated when used by patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).Methods:Ten AR patients with no clinical or endoscopic evidence of active sinonasal infection were given a sinus rinse system and instructed on its proper use,cleaning,and storage.Two squeeze bottles (bottle A and bottle B) were given to each patient for twice-a-day rinsing.Bottle A was used in the morning and analyzed after four weeks.Bottle B was used in the evening and analyzed after 8 weeks of use.Microbial contaminants were cultured from the nose pieces and the inner surface of the bottles obtained from patients.Results:Seventeen sinus rinse devices (17/20) from all individuals in this study grew bacteria commonly in the nozzles.Twenty-four bacterial isolates consisting of 14 different species were cultured and identified with most common organisms being bacilli and staphylococcus.In addition,no correlation was apparent between the length of bottle use and the degree of contamination (r =0.13,p =0.76).During the study period,no patient developed acute sinus infections.Conclusion:Microbial contamination of the sinus rinse system occurs commonly,even in uninfected AR patients;however no evidence exists linking this to clinically relevant sinus infections.

Optimizing the component ratio of PEDOT:PSS by water rinse for high efficiency organic solar cells over 16.7%

For the state-of-the-art organic solar cells(OSCs),PEDOT:PSS is the most popularly used hole transport material for the conventional structure.However,it still suffers from several disadvantages,such as low conductivity and harm to ITO due to the acidic PSS.Herein,a simple method is introduced to enhance the conductivity and remove the additional PSS by water rinsing the PEDOT:PSS films.The photovoltaic devices based on the water rinsed PEDOT:PSS present a dramatic improvement in efficiency from 15.98%to 16.75%in comparison to that of the untreated counterparts.Systematic characterization and analysis reveal that although part of the PEDOT:PSS is washed away,it still leaves a smoother film and the ratio of PEDOT to PSS is higher than before in the remaining films.It can greatly improve the conductivity and reduce the damage to substrates.This study demonstrates that finely modifying the charge transport materials to improve conductivity and reduce defeats has great potential for boosting the efficiency of OSCs.

Nigella sativa oil as a treatment for gingivitis: A randomized active-control trial

Objective: To assess the clinical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Nigella sativa oil compared with chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis. Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients having chronic generalized gingivitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Nigella sativa oil(n=18) or chlorhexidine(n=19). The following assessments were made on day 0 and day 15: plaque index, gingival index, gingival IL-6 and IL-18 levels were measured using ELISA, plaque colony-forming units, and alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus strains. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests and Fisher’s exact test.Results: Both interventions reduced plaque index and gingival index scores(P<0.000 1). The Nigella sativa oil group was better at lowering IL-6(P=0.007 6) than the chlorhexidine group(P=0.145), although there was no change in IL-18 levels(P>0.05). The post-intervention plaque index and gingival index scores and inflammatory cytokine levels between the two groups were not significantly different. Both interventions caused a significant reduction in the plaque colony-forming units(P<0.000 1), reducing pathogenic bacteria: Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus parasanguinis in the chlorhexidine group(50%)(P=0.103 1), and the Nigella sativa oil group(20%)(P=0.739 5). Conclusions: Nigella sativa oil had anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, reducing biofilm formation and disrupting the colonization of pathogenic bacteria essential for the progression of periodontal disease. Nigella sativa oil could offer an alternative therapy for treating gingivitis and may prevent associated systemic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.

Polyethylene glycols: An effective strategy for limiting liver ischemia reperfusion injury

Liver ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI) is an inherent feature of liver surgery and liver transplantation in which damage to a hypoxic organ(ischemia) is exacerbated following the return of oxygen delivery(reperfusion). IRI is a major cause of primary nonfunction after transplantation and may lead to graft rejection, regardless of immunological considerations. The immediate response involves the disruption of cellular mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and the accumulation of metabolic intermediates during the ischemic period, and oxidative stress during blood flow restoration. Moreover, a complex cascade of inflammatory mediators is generated during reperfusion, contributing to the extension of the damage and finally to organ failure. A variety of pharmacological interventions(antioxidants, anticytokines, etc.) have been proposed to alleviate graft injury but their usefulness is limited by the local and specific action of the drugs and by their potential undesirable toxic effects. Polyethylene glycols(PEGs), which are non-toxic water-soluble compounds approved by the FDA, have been widely used as a vehicle or a base in food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, and also as adjuvants for ameliorating drug pharmacokinetics. Some PEGs are also currently used as additives in organ preservation solutions prior to transplantation in order to limit the damage associated with cold ischemia reperfusion. More recently, the administration of PEGs of different molecular weights by intravenous injection has emerged as a new therapeutic tool to protect liver grafts from IRI. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge concerning the use of PEGs as a useful target for limiting liver IRI.

SEM Comparison of Penetration in Artificial White Spots Lesion between an Infiltrant Resin and Two Adhesive Systems

White spot infiltration emerged as an alternative of non-invasive treatment to halt progression of the lesion, through the use of low viscosity resins that would permeate the porous enamel and form a physical barrier that would prevent the acid diffusion produced by micro-organisms. Purpose: To compare penetration levels in artificial white spot lesions, of infiltrant resin ICON&trade;and 2 conventional adhesives systems, XP-Bond&trade;and Single Bond 2&trade;. Methodology: White spot lesions (ICDAS code 2) were caused in 75 premolars or third molars were extracted in good conditions, by immersion in a 0.1 M lactic acid solution (pH 4.5) at 37℃ for 8 weeks. They were divided randomly into 3 groups of 25 samples and applied the following resins, Group A: ICON&trade;, B: XP-Bond&trade;and C: Single Bond 2&trade;. Subsequently, the enamel was removed with hydrochloric acid to expose resin saturated area and the samples were metalized with Au-Pd for SEM observation. The resin tags lengths were measured on microphotographs through software, and the values were analyzed with the statistics ANOVA and Scheffé post-test. Results: There were significant differences (p &trade;(82.7 μm ± 26.8 μm) compared to adhesive systems XP-Bond&trade;(58.5 μm ± 29.3 μm) and Single Bond 2&trade;(44.8 μm ± 32.5 μm). We found no significant differences between the two adhesive systems (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Under the conditions tested, the penetration of infiltrant ICON was significantly higher than the adhesive systems;however, it removes the surface layer of the enamel.

RINs简介及对炼油商的影响

2013年后RINs交易价格突然大幅上扬,成为业内关注的焦点问题。本文描述了可再生燃料标识码RINs的概念、形成和交易过程,RFS法规对生物燃料调合目标量的要求,并分析了RINs价格大幅上涨的原因及对炼油商的影响。

Current status of emergency treatment of chemical eye burns in workplaces

Chemical eye burns present an avoidable,but frequent,occupational injury with potentially detrimental consequences for the quality of life and occupational rehabilitation of the injured.A periodical review of guidelines is required to assure the optimal emergency management.We reviewed the literature with emphasis on current German guidelines,primarily MEDLINE.If the crucial first-line measure,the injury prevention has failed and an eye burn has been sustained,the immediate and copious rinsing of the eye is the pivotal emergency treatment modality.Whereas the immediacy and sufficiency of the emergency rinsing are largely unanimous,there is an ongoing debate about the benefits and risks of specific rinsing solutions,and regular updates on guidelines and recommendations for the emergency treatment are warranted.The easiest and readily available rinsing solution is tap water,which fulfils the crucial criteria conveniently in most industrialized countries:purity,sterility,and neutral p H.Other rinsing solutions are proposing higher osmolality to stabilize the physiological p H,because of their superior buffering capacity.However,there is no compelling evidence for a substantial benefit,and some reports suggest that there could be unwanted side effects.In combination with the substantially increased expenditure and a more complex handling procedure,currently a general recommendation of any other solution than tap water is not warranted.

Evaluation of previous product residue on magnetic bar used for manufacturing of Japanese Encephalitis vaccine

Cleaning validation is one of recommendation from Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme(PIC/S)to avoid contamination of pharmaceutical products.The objective of cleaning validation is to confirm reliability of cleaning procedure for removal of contaminants associated with previous products,residues of cleaning agents and potential microbial contaminants(1)Japanese Encephalitis vaccine is a new product that is prequalified by World Health Organization(WHO)and manufactured at GPO-MBP.

The Antibacterial Effect of CMCTS-Containing Chewing Gum

Objective： This paper was designed to confirm the efficacy of chewing carboxymethyl chitosan（CMCTS）-containing gum in suppressing the growth of oral bacteria when compared to a CMCTS-containing mouth rinse. Methods：Fourteen healthy subjects were recruited from among the staff and students of Qingdao University Dentistry Department. Before the experiments saliva was collected from all subjects and bacteria counts determined. For the gum study, the subjects chewed CMCTS-containing gum for 5 min and then rested for 5 min. When testing the CMCTS mouth rinse, the subjects gargled with 10 mL of solution for 30 s, followed by resting for 9rain 30 s. These protocols were repeated five times over a 50 min period on the same day. Post-experiment saliva samples were then collected at the following times： 0, 30 and 60 min. Results： Chewing gum containing CMCTS or rinsing with a CMCTS-containing rinse significantly decreased oral bacteria counts. The total bacteria counts, total Streptococci counts, and mutans streptococci counts of saliva from subjects who chewed CMCTS-containing gum were significantly lower than saliva from subjects in the rinse group in all three sampling periods, except in the case of the total bacteria count in the 60 min samples. Conclusion：CMCTS-containing gum chewing has a greater antibac- terial effect than using a CMCTS-containing mouth rinse. The present findings strongly indicate that the application of natural materials such as chitosan and its derivatives is useful for better oral health.

美国RINs经验对我国发展生物燃料产业的启示

可再生燃料身份码(RINs)是美国可再生燃料标准(RFS)项目中,用以跟踪可再生燃料利用与监督RFS项目责任方任务量完成状况的一种机制。由美国环保署(EPA)负责监管和执行强制混合要求,并推进RINs的发展。文章通过总结美国RINs的交易机制、发展状况,影响价格的因素,对RINs机制的效果做出评价,发现其在实施过程中存在的问题。对我国发展生物燃料产业提出以下构想:首先,我国生物燃料产业借鉴RINs机制具有其必要性;其次,RINs机制在我国实施有可行性;再次,我国借鉴RINs机制需要配套的政策支持;最后,我国应对RINs机制在运行中存在的问题引以为戒。

Influences of reaction conditions on methane decomposition over non-supported Ni catalyst

Effects of reaction temperature and methane gas hourly space velocity （GHSV） on methane decomposition over non-supported Ni catalyst have been investigated in this work.Methane molecules activation,Ni particles growth and nano-carbon diffusion were the main factors influencing methane decomposition stability of non-supported Ni.The results of methane decomposition activity test on the non-supported Ni catalyst showed that the prepared non-supported Ni could exhibit a good methane decomposition performance with 273 gC/gNi and 2667 molH2/molNi at 500 -C and 45000 mL/（gcat h）.Scanning electron microscope （SEM）,X-ray powder diffraction （XRD） and temperature-programmed oxi- dation （TPO） have been carried out to characterize the used catalysts.The deposited carbon was carbon nanofibers,among which graphitic carbon formation increased with the reaction time of methane decomposition.Ni particle size was not the decisive factor during the carbon growing stage.

To eat or not to eat-relationship of lichen herbivory by snails with secondary compounds and field frequency of lichens

Aims The biochemical defense of lichens against herbivores and its rela-tionship to lichen frequency are poorly understood.Therefore,we tested whether chemical compounds in lichens act as feeding defense or rather as stimulus for snail herbivory among lichens and whether experimental feeding by snails is related to lichen fre-quency in the field.Methods In a no-choice feeding experiment,we fed 24 lichen species to snails of two taxa from the Clausilidae and Enidae families and compared untreated lichens and lichens with compounds removed by acetone rinsing.Then,we related experimental lichen consump-tion with the frequency of lichen species among 158 forest plots in the field(schwäbische alb,germany),where we had also sampled snail and lichen species.Important findings In five lichen species,snails preferred treated samples over untreated controls,indicating chemical feeding defense,and vice versa in two species,indicating chemical feeding stimulus.Interestingly,com-pared with less frequent lichen species,snails consumed more of untreated and less of treated samples of more frequent lichen spe-cies.removing one outlier species resulted in the loss of a significant positive relationship when untreated samples were analyzed separately.However,the interaction between treatment and lichen frequency remained significant when excluding single species or including snail genus instead of taxa,indicating that our results were robust and that lumping the species to two taxa was justified.our results imply lichen-feeding snails to prefer frequent lichens and avoid less frequent ones because of secondary compound rec-ognition.This supports the idea that consumers adapt to the most abundant food source.