Ozone Sterilizer for Treatment and Health Care

Ozone is a green broad-spectrum bactericidal disinfectant, and a trace amount of ozone in the atmosphere makes many viruses and bacteria lose their biochemical activity and infectivity. Nature produces trace amounts of ozone in the air through lightning to purify the ecological environment. The product of ozone decomposition is oxygen, without secondary pollution. Ozone sterilizer is widely used in the epidemic prevention and control of intensive breeding farms and achieved remarkable results. If the concentration and action time of ozone can be accurately controlled, then ozone can quickly eliminate pathogens, without harming the normal cells in the human body. How to use medical ozone for epidemic prevention, treatment and health care is a subject worthy of serious study, which should arouse the attention of the experts in the field.

Ultra-Violet (UV): A Good Bacterial Sterilizer?

Introduction: The aim of this study was to improve the DISTER-UV and to perform microbiological quality control at the biomedical laboratory of the West African Polytechnic University from January 2022 to November 2022. Methodology: During this eleven-month prospective study, we set up a quality control device (QCD). For microbiological quality control, we performed different cultures of bacteria with different bacteriological and morphological characteristics at T0 (no sterilization) and at T30 (after 30 minutes of sterilization under DISTER-UV). Results: After the realization, the DCQ attached to the DISTER-UV1 allows to display of the UV wavelength present in the light box. This device also displays and alerts when the UV intensity emitted by the lamps is below 250 nm. During microbiological quality control, the cultures carried out at T30 and incubated for 24 hours did not reveal any bacterial colonies. This shows the bactericidal character of DISTER-UV-2. Conclusion: The improvement and the microbiological quality control allowed us to switch from DISTER-UV1 (without sensor) to DISTER-UV-2 (with sensor or DCQ). The biological control allowed us to affirm that the DISTER-UV-2 is bactericidal.

Intelligent Oxygen-Enriched and “Sterilized” Underground Gyms: Background, Dilemmas and Pathways

The in-depth integration of healthy China with national fitness and the hope to achieve the long-term goal of “leading Sports Nation” by 2035, can’t be realized without gyms where people do physical exercise. The international academic community recognizes that the 21st century is the golden time for sustainable and quality development. Taking a national perspective, authors of this paper studied the feasibility of building underground gyms in China through the approach of interdisciplinary research, as well as its dilemmas and pathways, and found out that quality development of underground space can effectively address challenges for large cities in China by increasing the resilience of urban area, and give full engage to underground capacity in striving for the goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Underground gyms can also be incorporated into resident’s 15-min fitness circle, satisfying people’s needs of doing exercise at any time and in an easily-accessible place. However, China’s underground area development has been hindered by unclear property rights, chaotic action and utilization, and relatively backward laws and regulations. Moreover, building underground gyms still has to solve many problems such as poor air quality, severe sweat smell, and excessive bacteria and viruses. It is suggested that the capable authorities shall first clarify laws and regulations over place compound utilization, property rights and fire protection to facilitate the process of building underground gyms;encourage fitness practitioners to explore underground areas as gyms, and transfer their ground business to underground;then produce an intelligent and systematic solution of air quality improvement featuring oxygen-enrichment and “sterilization” with integration, a variety of instruments to monitor air quality of indoor gyms in real-time, to realize automatic control and management, and truly create worry-free and oxygen-enriched underground gyms with no sweat smell and no fear of bacteria and viruses.

Study on a New Ultraviolet Sterilizer to the Surface Disinfection of the Ultrasound Probe

We studied the disinfection effect of a new ultraviolet （UV） sterilizer and its utilization on ultrasound probe surfaces. Carrier quantitative germicidal tests, simulated on-the-spot trials, and organic substance influence tests were used to carry out experimental observation. Artificially infected probes were disinfected using the sterilizer or a germicidal lamp for comparison. The total number and types of bacteria were determined and identified. Our results demonstrated the sterilizer had the best disinfection effect among three different disinfection methods in hospital. The sterilizer has been used in a hospital setting for 2 years with no notable damage to the ultrasound probe instrument. It has the advantages of fast disinfection, high disinfection effect, and good compatibility with the ultrasound instrument, worthy of being a promoted application in medical institutions.

Studies on Androgen Receptor mRNA expression in Pancreas,Hypothalamus and Ovary of Androgen Sterilized Rats

Objective To investigate the androgen receptor （AR） mRNA expression in pancreas, hypothalamus and ovary of androgen sterilized rats （ASR）.Methods ASR model was established by subcutaneous injection of testosterone propionate to SD female rats at the age of 9 days. Around the age of 106 days （proestrus）, all rats were killed, serum Δ4-andronestedione （Δ 4-A）, total testosterone （TT）, free testosterone （FT）, insulin （Ins） and C-peptide （C-P） were measured by radioimmunoassay （RIA）. Total RNA in pancreas, hypothalamus and ovary were extracted and the amount of AR mRNA was quantitatedly analyzed by RT-PCR with single base mutant template as inner standard. Results Serum concentrations of Δ4-A, TT, FT, Ins and C-P in ASR model rats were significantly higher than those in control group （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）. The expression of AR mRNA in pancreas, hypothalamus and ovary increased significantly （P〈0. 05, P〈0.01） of model rats as compared with control group. Conclusion The elevated serum androgen levels in ASR model could enhance the expression of AR mRNA levels in pancreas, hypothalamus and ovary, which further induce hyperinsulinemia and anovulation.

灭活性(Sterilized)转移:诊断和治疗上的难题

肿块缩小是转移瘤对治疗的反应,一个转移灶对治疗无反应,或者初期缩小以后保持不变,提示灭活性转移的可能。本文报道了10例这样的病例。

Morphological Changes in the Gills of Tilapia Fed Sterilized and Nonsterilized Sludge

The effects of digested sludge on the ultrastructure of gills of Sarotherodon mossambicus were investigated.Samples of digested sludge were collected from the Shatin Sewage Treatment Plant in Hong Kong and.they were (1)sun-dried(NS)or(2)sterilized in an autoclave(SS).They were then used as supplementary fish feed to cultivate the freshwater tilapia,S.mossambicus,for 50 days under laboratory conditions.The SS at low dosage(25%)had the lowest toxicity among different treatments.A swelling of lamellar epithelium,the enlargement of the subepitlaelial space,the collapse of capillaries,and the infiltration of polymorphonuclear cells in the lamellae offish gills were common to fish fed 50 to 100% NS and SS.The thickening of the basal lamina in the gill lamellae is a common feature found in the sludge-treated fish.1989 Academic Press.Inc.

Observation of Effectiveness of Clinical Sterilization by CASP-80A Low-Temperature Plasma Sterilizer

The influence on the effectiveness of sterilization by low-temperature plasma sterilizer CASP-80A was investigated so as to provide a theoretical basis for reducing medical costs and achieving ideal sterilization effectiveness. To conduct the on-site simulation test, a clinical material sterilization test and a test of the influence of organic substance were conducted, the former by using the representative of Bacillus Stearothermophilus, preparing the bacteria-contaminated carrier through polytetrafluoroethylene （PTFE） simulated hose endoscopes, and the latter by using calf serum as the influence factor of the organic substance. The results show that the CASP-80A low-temperature plasma sterilizer could achieve effective sterilization by either the short-cycle or the long-cycle sterilization method depending on different materials, apparatus, and extent of contamination. The organic substances could influence the effectiveness of sterilization by the low-temperature plasma （H2O2） sterilizer.

A rice exocyst subunit gene SEC3A is required for anther dehiscence

Anther dehiscence controls optimal interaction between pollen and stigma,thereby determining the successful sexual reproduction.The regulators or mechanisms of this process remain elusive.Here,two CRISPR/Cas9 mutants of a rice exocyst subunit gene SEC3A,sec3a-1 and sec3a-2,showed anther indehiscence at anthesis and male sterility at maturity.Pollen viability and germination in the mutants were partly defective,whereas their female gametes undergone a normal development.Hybrid or self-pollinated seeds could be produced by artificial pollination,suggesting potential use of a weak sec3a mutant as a female line during hybrid breeding.SEC3A is widely expressed in various tissues,including anther walls.Further results showed an excessive IAA accumulation and no endothecium lignification in sec3a-1/2 anthers.Our findings suggest that SEC3A appears to regulate anther dehiscence by modulating auxin signaling,providing insights into regulation of anther dehiscence and function of exocyst in plants.

Oriented Generation of Novel Thermo-Sensitive Genic Male Sterile Lines with Improved Grain Shape and Outcrossing Rate in Early-Season Rice

Two-line hybrid rice with excellent quality is preferred in the Chinese market.However,there is a trade-off between reducing costs for hybrid seed production and lowering the outcrossing rate of the sterile line,which is largely determined by the stigma exsertion rate(SER).In this study,we constructed mutants of male sterility lines with improved grain length(GL)and SER in three elite early-season indica rice varieties through targeted manipulation of the TMS5 and GS3 genes using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex systems.We obtained a series of marker-free gs3 single mutants and gs3tms5 double mutants with significantly higher SER,longer grains,and increased 1000-grain weight compared with the wild type(WT).Importantly,the typically thermo-sensitive genic male sterile(TGMS)trait with a higher SER was observed in gs3tms5 mutants,and their F1 hybrids exhibited remarkable improvements in grain shape and yield-related traits.Our findings provided an efficient method to generate new valuable TGMS germplasm with improved SER through the mutagenesis of GS3 and TMS5 synergistically,and demonstrated that GS3 had pleiotropic effects on grain size,SER,and grain quality in early-season indica rice.

Advances in DNA methylation and its role in cytoplasmic male sterility in higher plants

The impact of epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation on plant phenotypes has expanded the possibilities for crop development.DNA methylation plays a part in the regulation of both the chromatin structure and gene expression,and the enzyme involved,DNA methyltransferase,executes the methylation process within the plant genome.By regulating crucial biological pathways,epigenetic changes actively contribute to the creation of the phenotype.Therefore,epigenome editing may assist in overcoming some of the drawbacks of genome editing,which can have minor off-target consequences and merely facilitate the loss of a gene’s function.These drawbacks include gene knockout,which can have such off-target effects.This review provides examples of several molecular characteristics of DNA methylation,as well as some plant physiological processes that are impacted by these epigenetic changes in the plants.We also discuss how DNA alterations might be used to improve crops and meet the demands of sustainable and environmentally-friendly farming.

Fine mapping and cloning of the sterility gene Bra2Ms in nonheading Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis)

The application of a male-sterile line is an ideal approach for hybrid seed production in non-heading Chinese cabbage(Brassica rapa ssp.chinensis).However,the molecular mechanisms underlying male sterility in B.rapa are still largely unclear.We previously obtained the natural male sterile line WS24-3 of non-heading Chinese cabbage and located the male sterile locus,Bra2Ms,on the A2 chromosome.Cytological observations revealed that the male sterility of WS24-3 resulted from disruption of the meiosis process during pollen formation.Fine mapping of Bra2Ms delimited the locus within a physical distance of about 129 kb on the A2 chromosome of B.rapa.The Bra039753 gene encodes a plant homeodomain(PHD)-finger protein and is considered a potential candidate gene for Bra2Ms.Bra039753 was significantly downregulated in sterile line WS24-3 compared to the fertile line at the meiotic anther stage.Sequence analysis of Bra039753 identified a 369 bp fragment insertion in the first exon in male sterile plants,which led to an amino acid insertion in the Bra039753 protein.In addition,the 369 bp fragment insertion was found to cosegregate with the male sterility trait.This study identified a novel locus related to male sterility in non-heading Chinese cabbage,and the molecular marker obtained in this study will be beneficial for the marker-assisted selection of excellent sterile lines in non-heading Chinese cabbage and other Brassica crops.

Contraceptive behaviors and awareness in an urban slum community of south India

Objective:To assess the factors associated with knowledge,attitude and behavior of contraception use among urban slum population in Chennai.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the urban slum of Anakaputhur,Chennai.Married couples between ages of 19-49 years and living in slum areas were taken up for the study by simple random sampling.Pregnant women,postnatal and postmenopausal women were excluded from the study.Data collection was done using a pretested structured questionnaire focusing on details regarding contraception knowledge,attitude,and practices.Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 22.Analytical test like Chi square and odds ratio(OR)were used to identify association between knowledge,attitude,and behavior of contraception with the associated variables and enter method of logistic regression analysis was done.Results:Out of the 360 respondents,228 were females,with a mean age of(34±5)years.Approximately 43%demonstrated adequate knowledge of contraception use,and 91%were aware of at least one contraceptive method.Notably,72%exhibited a positive attitude towards contraceptive use.Nevertheless,43%(155 individuals)did not utilize any contraceptive method.Among contraceptive users,intrauterine devices were the most commonly adopted,followed by barrier methods and female sterilization.There was significant association between knowledge of contraception and education(aOR 7.29,95%CI 2.93-18.10,P<0.05),age(aOR 2.04,95%CI 1.19-3.50,P<0.05)and socioeconomic class(aOR 3.66,95%CI 1.71-7.85,P<0.05;aOR 3.97,95%CI 2.12-7.49,P<0.05).Regarding attitude towards contraception use,education(aOR 8.54,95%CI 2.35-31.03,P<0.05),sex(aOR 0.15,95%CI 0.06-0.37,P<0.05),age(aOR 0.53,95%CI 0.28-0.99,P<0.05),socio-economic class(aOR 4.42,95%CI 1.97-9.92,P<0.05;aOR 9.83,95%CI 3.63-26.58,P<0.05)and number of children(aOR 10.04,95%CI 4.26-23.66,P<0.05)were the variables that had a significant association.Conclusions:These findings underscore the imperative for enhanced dissemination of health education pertaining to contraception use within the slum population.The health sectors of the area and other stakeholders need to make sure to extend penetration of family planning related services to the urban slum population.

A novel Ag/ZnO core-shell structure for efficient sterilization synergizing antibiotics and subsequently removing residuals

The massive use of antibiotics has led to the aggravation of bacterial resistance and also brought environmental pollution problems.This poses a great threat to human health.If the dosage of antibiotics is reduced by increasing its bactericidal performance,the emergence of drug resistance is certainly delayed,so that there's not enough time for developing drug resistance during treatment.Therefore,we selected typical representative materials of metal Ag and semiconductor ZnO nano-bactericides to design and synthesize Ag/ZnO hollow core-shell structures(AZ for short).Antibiotics are grafted on the surface of AZ through rational modification to form a composite sterilization system.The research results show that the antibacterial efficiency of the composite system is significantly increased,from the sum(34.7%+22.8%-57.5%)of the antibacterial efficiency of AZ and gentamicin to 80.2%,net synergizes 22.7%,which fully reflects the effect of 1+1>2.Therefore,the dosage of antibiotics can be drastically reduced in this way,which makes both the possibility of bacterial resistance and medical expenses remarkably decrease.Subsequently,residual antibiotics can be degraded under simple illumination using AZ-self as a photocatalyst,which cuts off the path of environmental pollution.In short,such an innovative route has guiding significance for drug resistance.

Rice AGL1 determines grain size and sterile lemma identity

The grass spikelet is a unique inflorescence structure that determines grain size.Although many genetic factors have been well characterized for grain size and glume development,the underlying molecular mechanisms in rice are far from established.Here,we isolated rice gene,AGL1 that controlled grain size and determines the fate of the sterile lemma.Loss of function of AGL1 produced larger grains and reduced the size of the sterile lemma.Larger grains in the agl1 mutant were caused by a larger number of cells that were longer and wider than in the wild type.The sterile lemma in the mutant spikelet was converted to a rudimentary glume-like organ.Our findings showed that the AGL1(also named LAX1)protein positively regulated G1 expression,and negatively regulated NSG1 expression,thereby affecting the fate of the sterile lemma.Taken together,our results revealed that AGL1 played a key role in negative regulation of grain size by controlling cell proliferation and expansion,and supported the opinion that rudimentary glume and sterile lemma in rice are homologous organs.

DIA-based proteome profiling with PRM verification reveals the involvement of ER-associated protein processing in pollen abortion in Ogura CMS cabbage

Ogura cytoplasmic male sterility(Ogura CMS)is extensively applied in hybrid seed production in cruciferous crops.However,the posttranscriptional molecular basis of Ogura CMS in cruciferous crops remains elusive.Here,a data-independent acquisition-based proteomic approach coupled with a parallel reaction monitoring-based targeted proteomic assay was used to analyze the proteome dynamics of Ogura CMS cabbage line RM and its maintainer line RF during floral bud development to obtain insights into the mechanism underlying Ogura CMS in cruciferous crops.A total of 9162 proteins corresponding to 61464 peptides were identified in RM and RF floral buds.The proteomic fluctuation of RM was weaker than that of RF.Differences in protein expression between RM and RF gradually enlarged with floral bud development.Fifteen continually up-regulated and eight continually down-regulated proteins were found in RM relative to RF throughout floral bud development.Differentially expressed proteins between RM and RF during floral bud development were implicated in the endoplasmic reticulum(ER)-associated protein processing pathway,in which most of them exhibited down-regulated expression in RM.These data suggest that ER-associated protein processing may be involved in pollen abortion in Ogura CMS cabbage by inhibiting the expression of critical factors.Our findings not only deepen the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of Ogura CMS in cruciferous crops but also provide better guidance for applying Ogura CMS in the hybrid breeding of cruciferous crops.

Efficacy of Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive Application in the Management of Corneal Perforations at Preah Ang Duong Hospital in Cambodia

Purpose: The study was to evaluate the efficacy of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) application in corneal perforations. Method: This was a prospective study on 20 patients of corneal perforations who received cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application as treatment between March 2021 and March 2022 at Preah Ang Duong Hospital. The primary outcome measure was success rate of CTA application, while the secondary outcome was to measure postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and ocular complications. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.15 ± 16.05 years old and 7 (35%) were female. Causes of perforation were microbial infection in 12 patients (60%), trauma in 5 patients (25%), and sterile melting in 3 patients (15%). The perforation of size smaller than 1.5 mm was in 8 patients (40%) while 12 patients (60%) had perforated size between 1.5 mm to 3 mm. The perforation was 60% (12 patients) central, 25% (5 patients) paracentral, and 15% (3 patients) peripherally. Out of 20 patients, 5 patients (25%) received CTA application more than 1 time. The mean glue retention was 57.60 ± 31.84 days. Success rate of glue application (defined as intact globe without surgical intervention regardless of number of CTA applications) was 85%. At the last visit, 7 patients (35%) had BCVA of 6/120 or better. Common complications were uveitis (45%), ocular hypertension (30%), cataract (25%) and neovascularization (20%). No serious complications were found. Conclusion: Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive is an effective treatment option in sealing corneal perforations with no serious complications. .

Evaluation of the Impact of Refined Quality Control Management Model on the Qualified Rate of Disinfection and Sterilization of Surgical Instruments in the Sterilization Supply Center

Objective:To evaluate the application value of a refined quality control management model for a sterilization supply center.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the work situation of the sterilization supply center from January 2021 to January 2023.The work situation before January 31,2022,was classified as the control group;a routine quality control management model was implemented,and the work situation after January 31,2022,was classified as the observation group.The quality of medical device management and department satisfaction between the two groups were compared.Results:The timely recovery and supply rate,classification and cleaning pass rate,disinfection pass rate,packaging pass rate,sterilization pass rate,and department satisfaction score in the observation group were all higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Implementing a refined quality control management model in the sterilization supply center can improve the quality management level of medical devices and department satisfaction and is worthy of promotion.

Experimental Study on Effect of Tonifying Kidney Herbs on Pituitary, Ovary, and Adrenal Gland in Androgen Sterilized Rats

Objective: To observe the effect of tonifying Kidney herbs (TKH) on pituitary gland, ovary, and adrenal gland of androgen sterilized rats (ASR).Methods: ASR model was established by injecting testosterone propionate subcutaneously to Sprague-Dawley (SD) female rats of 9 days age. Morphological and endocrinological change of pituitary gland, ovary and adrenal gland in rats of 100–107 days old before and after feeding TKH extract were observed by light and electron microscope, cell cultures, immunohistochemical studies, and radioimmunoassay.Results: In the ASR groups, there were intracytoplasmic lipid drops, crinophagy, vacuole, and autophagy in pituitary gland, anovulation in ovary, and hyperplasia of reticular zone in adrenal gland. At the same time, serum follicular stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone decreased (P < 0.05-0.005) and serum testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels increased significantly (P < 0.01-0.001). These morphologiacl and endocrinological changes were all returned to normal range after the TKH treatment.

New uses for an old remedy:Digoxin as a potential treatment for steatohepatitis and other disorders

Repurposing of the widely available and relatively cheap generic cardiac glycoside digoxin for non-cardiac indications could have a wide-ranging impact on the global burden of several diseases.Over the past several years,there have been significant advances in the study of digoxin pharmacology and its potential noncardiac clinical applications,including anti-inflammatory,antineoplastic,metabolic,and antimicrobial use.Digoxin holds promise in the treatment of gastrointestinal disease,including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and alcoholassociated steatohepatitis as well as in obesity,cancer,and treatment of viral infections,among other conditions.In this review,we provide a summary of the clinical uses of digoxin to date and discuss recent research on its emerging applications.