To establish appropriate conditions for a disinfectant efficacy test at subzero temperatures, this study examined mixtures of frozen foot-and-mouth disease virus or avian influenza virus solutions and disinfectant diluents at −5℃ and monitored temperature and freezing status of an anti-freezing diluent (AFD, 15% ethanol + 30% propylene glycol + 55% distilled water) over time at various subzero temperatures. Viral solutions and disinfectant diluents froze before the mixtures reached −5℃, whereas the AFD was not frozen at −30℃. The times taken for the AFD to reach −10, −20, −30, and −40℃ from room temperature were 36, 39, 45, and 48 min, respectively.
Animals ; Ethanol ; Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus ; Freezing ; Influenza in Birds ; Propylene Glycol

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the removal efficacy and cytotoxicity of a newly developed calcium hydroxide paste (cleaniCal, Maruchi) using N-2-methyl-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a vehicle in comparison with ApexCal (Ivoclar Vivadent) and Calcipex II (Nishika), which use different vehicles such as polyethylene glycol and propylene glycol, respectively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty maxillary premolars with oval-shaped canals were divided into 3 groups and the teeth were filled with one of the pastes. After removal of the paste, micro-computed tomographic (μ-CT) imaging was obtained to assess the volume of residual paste in the root canal of each tooth. The teeth were then split longitudinally and the area of the paste-coated surface was evaluated by stereomicroscopy. The cytotoxicity of each product was assessed using an agar overlay assay. The effect of each vehicle on cell viability was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's tests to detect any significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: In the μ-CT and stereomicroscopic analysis, cleaniCal exhibited less remnants of medicament than ApexCal and Calcipex. cleaniCal showed a higher cytotoxicity than the other pastes in the agar overlay assay. Furthermore, NMP exhibited lower cell viability compared to the other vehicles. CONCLUSIONS: cleaniCal showed better removal efficacy compared to the other products. However, clinicians should be aware of the higher cytotoxicity of the NMP-based material and consider its possible adverse effects on periradicular tissue when it is overfilled.
Agar ; Bicuspid ; Calcium Hydroxide* ; Calcium* ; Cell Survival ; Dental Pulp Cavity ; Ointments ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Propylene Glycol ; Tooth

1,3-propanediol is an important chemical used as building block for the synthesis of highly promising polyesters such as polytrimethylene terephthalate. A genetically modified Klebsiella pneumoniae LDH526 can use glycerol as sole carbon source and produce 1,3-propanediol with the titer above 90 g/L. A key factor affecting the production of 1,3-propanediol by the mutant K. pneumoniae is the accurate control of the feeding of glycerol. To generate a robust and reproducible fermentation process of 1,3-propanediol, we designed and optimized an automatically feeding strategy of glycerol based on fermentation kinetics. By coupling the substrate feeding rate with easily observed variables -pH and fermentation time, we have achieved self-starting glycerol feeding and dynamic control of the glycerol concentration during the fermentation process. This automated system allowed us to generate a reproducible, consistent and operator-independent process from lab-scale to production scale. The final concentration of 1,3-propanediol was above 95 g/L after 72 h.
Culture Media ; Fermentation ; Glycerol ; Industrial Microbiology ; methods ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; growth & development ; Propylene Glycol ; Propylene Glycols ; metabolism

PURPOSE: In this study we compared the surface wettability of ocular prosthesis and depositions depending on different types of artificial tear eye drops. METHODS: The artificial tear eye drops contain sodium hyaluronate (HA) 0.1%, 0.18%, 0.3%, carboxylmethylcellulose sodium (CMC), hydroxymethylcelluose + dextran (HMC), propylene glycol + polyethylene glycol (PG), polysorbate 80 (PS) povidone (Pov) were evaluated. Flat rectangular parallelepiped blocks consisting of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or silicone materials were made. One artificial tear eye drop was applied on the surface of two different blocks of artificial eyes using a 23-gauge needle. Then, the static method contact angle was measured by using a contact angle goniometer. To measure the deposits, a petri dish was covered with 3 mL of artificial tear eye drops and dried for 48 hours at room temperature. Then, the light transmittance at the center of the petri dish was measured to investigate the amount of the residue. RESULTS: The contact angles of HA 0.1%, 0.18%, 0.3%, CMC, HMC, PG, PS and Pov on PMMA were 78.69degrees, 84.29degrees, 75.46degrees, 80.93degrees, 66.29degrees, 71.26degrees, 58.40degrees and 70.24degrees, respectively. The contact angles on silicone were 53.68degrees, 60.87degrees, 64.46degrees, 62.78degrees, 38.89degrees, 63.58degrees, 30.68degrees and 51.41degrees, respectively. The largest decrease in transparency was observed in the artificial tear eye drops containing HMC. CONCLUSIONS: The wettability and deposits on the surface of ocular prosthesis can vary based on the components and concentration of artificial tear eye drops. The results from this study should be considered when choosing the right artificial tear eye drops for improving dry eye symptoms in patients wearing ocular prostheses.
Anophthalmos ; Dextrans ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; Eye, Artificial* ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Needles ; Ophthalmic Solutions* ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Polysorbates ; Povidone ; Propylene Glycol ; Silicones ; Sodium ; Tears* ; Wettability*

PURPOSE: In this study we compared the surface wettability of ocular prosthesis and depositions depending on different types of artificial tear eye drops. METHODS: The artificial tear eye drops contain sodium hyaluronate (HA) 0.1%, 0.18%, 0.3%, carboxylmethylcellulose sodium (CMC), hydroxymethylcelluose + dextran (HMC), propylene glycol + polyethylene glycol (PG), polysorbate 80 (PS) povidone (Pov) were evaluated. Flat rectangular parallelepiped blocks consisting of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or silicone materials were made. One artificial tear eye drop was applied on the surface of two different blocks of artificial eyes using a 23-gauge needle. Then, the static method contact angle was measured by using a contact angle goniometer. To measure the deposits, a petri dish was covered with 3 mL of artificial tear eye drops and dried for 48 hours at room temperature. Then, the light transmittance at the center of the petri dish was measured to investigate the amount of the residue. RESULTS: The contact angles of HA 0.1%, 0.18%, 0.3%, CMC, HMC, PG, PS and Pov on PMMA were 78.69degrees, 84.29degrees, 75.46degrees, 80.93degrees, 66.29degrees, 71.26degrees, 58.40degrees and 70.24degrees, respectively. The contact angles on silicone were 53.68degrees, 60.87degrees, 64.46degrees, 62.78degrees, 38.89degrees, 63.58degrees, 30.68degrees and 51.41degrees, respectively. The largest decrease in transparency was observed in the artificial tear eye drops containing HMC. CONCLUSIONS: The wettability and deposits on the surface of ocular prosthesis can vary based on the components and concentration of artificial tear eye drops. The results from this study should be considered when choosing the right artificial tear eye drops for improving dry eye symptoms in patients wearing ocular prostheses.
Anophthalmos ; Dextrans ; Dry Eye Syndromes ; Eye, Artificial* ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; Needles ; Ophthalmic Solutions* ; Polyethylene Glycols ; Polymethyl Methacrylate ; Polysorbates ; Povidone ; Propylene Glycol ; Silicones ; Sodium ; Tears* ; Wettability*

Fermentative production of lactic acid, an important bio-based chemicals, has made considerable progress. In addition to the food industry and production of polylactic acid, lactic acid also can be used as an important platform chemical for the production of acrylic acid, pyruvic acid, 1,2-propanediol, and lactic acid esters. This article summarizes the recent progress in biocatalytic production of lactic acid derivatives by dehydration, dehydrogenation, reduction, and esterification. Trends in the biotransformation of lactic acid are also discussed.
Acrylates ; metabolism ; Bacteria ; genetics ; metabolism ; Biotechnology ; methods ; Biotransformation ; Fermentation ; Industrial Microbiology ; methods ; Lactic Acid ; metabolism ; Propylene Glycol ; metabolism ; Pyruvic Acid ; metabolism ; Yeasts ; genetics ; metabolism

OBJECTIVE: Deficits in olfactory function are common features in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Olfactory processing is related to dopamine metabolism and orbitofrontal cortex functioning, both known to be involved in the neurobiology of ADHD. Some investigations suggested alterations in olfactory processing (identification and detection threshold) in patients with ADHD. Despite increasing knowledge, controversy about this topic still exists regarding children with ADHD. This study was conducted to help elucidate some of this controversy. METHODS: 50 participants (8-15 years, mean=10.70+/-1.77) with ADHD were compared to 50 controls. The two groups were well matched for age, gender and Mean School Scores (MSS). We assessed odor identification and threshold through a smell test composed of two tests of identification and detection threshold. Odor detection threshold was assessed with the odorant phenyl ethyl alcohol solved in propylene glycol using a single staircase method. Odor identification was assessed with chemical essences of five common odorants. RESULTS: The mean Sensory Identification Score for children with ADHD and the control groups were 3.76 (1.06) and 4.46 (0.76), respectively (p<0.001). The mean for Sensory Threshold Score for ADHD and control group was 6.4 (3.35) and 9.75 (2.16), respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: This study replicated altered olfactory performance in ADHD. Substantial olfactory deficits across the two domains of identification and detection threshold are observed in children with ADHD. These deficits do not seem to be a result of olfactory task difficulty and are not influenced by age, gender and MSS. Further studies are required to investigate whether olfactory function can be used as a biological marker for early diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ADHD.
Alkenes ; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity ; Biomarkers ; Child ; Dopamine ; Early Diagnosis ; Ethanol ; Humans ; Neurobiology ; Odors ; Prognosis ; Propylene Glycol ; Sensory Thresholds ; Smell

Dexmedetomidine (DEX), a highly selective alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist, is the newest agent introduced for sedation in intensive care unit (ICU). The sedation strategy for critically ill patients has stressed light sedation with daily awakening and assessment for neurologic, cognitive, and respiratory functions, since Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) guidelines were presented in 2002. The traditional GABAergic agents, including benzodiazepines and propofol, have some limitations for safe sedatives in this setting, due to an unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile and to detrimental adverse effects (such as lorazepam associated propylene glycol intoxication and propofol infusion syndrome). DEX produces it's sedative, analgesic and cardiovascular effects through alpha2 receptors on the locus ceruleus (LC). Activities of LC, the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) are depressed and activity of the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) is increased during DEX sedation, which is similar in features to normal non-REM (NREM) sleep. At the same time, perifornical orexinergic activity is maintained, which might be associated with attention. This mechanism of action produces a normal sleep-like, cooperative sedation. The characteristic feature of sedation, together with a concomitant opioid sparing effect, may decrease the length of time spent on a ventilator, length of stay in ICU, and prevalence and duration of delirium, as the evidence shown from several comparative studies. In addition, DEX has an excellent safety profile. In conclusion, DEX is considered as a promising agent optimized for sedation in ICU.
Alkenes ; Benzodiazepines ; Critical Care ; Critical Illness ; Delirium ; Dexmedetomidine ; GABA Agents ; Humans ; Hypnotics and Sedatives ; Hypothalamic Area, Lateral ; Intensive Care Units ; Length of Stay ; Light ; Locus Coeruleus ; Lorazepam ; Prevalence ; Propofol ; Propylene Glycol ; Ventilators, Mechanical

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate exposure levels of various chemicals used in wafer fabrication product lines in the semiconductor industry where work-related leukemia has occurred. METHODS: The research focused on 9 representative wafer fabrication bays among a total of 25 bays in a semiconductor product line. We monitored the chemical substances categorized as human carcinogens with respect to leukemia as well as harmful chemicals used in the bays and substances with hematologic and reproductive toxicities to evaluate the overall health effect for semiconductor industry workers. With respect to monitoring, active and passive sampling techniques were introduced. Eight-hour long-term and 15-minute short-term sampling was conducted for the area as well as on personal samples. RESULTS: The results of the measurements for each substance showed that benzene, toluene, xylene, n-butyl acetate, 2-methoxyethanol, 2-heptanone, ethylene glycol, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid were non-detectable (ND) in all samples. Arsine was either "ND" or it existed only in trace form in the bay air. The maximum exposure concentration of fluorides was approximately 0.17% of the Korea occupational exposure limits, with hydrofluoric acid at about 0.2%, hydrochloric acid 0.06%, nitric acid 0.05%, isopropyl alcohol 0.4%, and phosphine at about 2%. The maximum exposure concentration of propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate (PGMEA) was 0.0870 ppm, representing only 0.1% or less than the American Industrial Hygiene Association recommended standard (100 ppm). CONCLUSION: Benzene, a known human carcinogen for leukemia, and arsine, a hematologic toxin, were not detected in wafer fabrication sites in this study. Among reproductive toxic substances, n-butyl acetate was not detected, but fluorides and PGMEA existed in small amounts in the air. This investigation was focused on the air-borne chemical concentrations only in regular working conditions. Unconditional exposures during spills and/or maintenance tasks and by-product chemicals were not included. Supplementary studies might be required.
2-Propanol ; Arsenicals ; Bays ; Benzene ; Carcinogens ; Ether, Ethyl ; Ethylene Glycol ; Ethylene Glycols ; Ethylenes ; Fluorides ; Humans ; Hydrochloric Acid ; Hydrofluoric Acid ; Ketones ; Korea ; Leukemia ; Nitric Acid ; Occupational Exposure ; Occupational Health ; Phosphines ; Phosphoric Acids ; Propylene Glycol ; Propylene Glycols ; Semiconductors ; Sulfur ; Sulfuric Acids ; Toluene ; Xylenes

Porokeratosis is a genodermatosis characterized by abnormal epidermal keratinization with the histologic finding of cornoid lamella. Porokeratosis of Mibelli may be autosomal dominant or sporadic. Currently, there is no established cure for this disease and few clinical trials have been published worldwide. We describe a case of a 56-year-old man with a seventeen year history of a solitary erythematous plaque with raised border along the left midaxillary line, originating from a papule which was burned by a cigarette. Review of skin punch biopsy which was initially read as keloid with signs of irritation showed columns of parakeratosis with underlying necrotic keratinocytes, consistent with porokeratosis. Topical 4% 5-fluorouracil in propylene glycol was applied twice daily which resulted in an inflammatory response after 3 weeks of use. This gradually resolved with notable decreased thickness of the plaque.

Human ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Biopsy ; Epidermis ; Fluorouracil ; Keloid ; Keratinocytes ; Parakeratosis ; Porokeratosis ; Propylene Glycol ; Skin ; Skin Diseases