Knowledge of deep vein thrombosis among nursing interns: A cross-sectional study.

AIM: The aims of this study were: (1) to validate whether the Knowledge and Practices of Nurses on Deep Vein Thrombosis Risks and Prophylaxis Knowledge (KPNDVT-K) subscale could effectively measure the level of DVT knowledge of nursing interns; (2) to determine the level of DVT knowledge of nursing interns; and (3) to analyse the factors affecting the level of DVT knowledge of nursing interns. BACKGROUND: The effective prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in patients requires nursing staff to have a solid knowledge base of DVT. The level of knowledge about DVT among nursing interns ultimately affects their ability to play an important role in DVT prevention as a qualified nurse. To improve DVT prevention, the current level of knowledge needs to be explored. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional survey. METHODS: Basic information was collected from the nursing interns. The KPNDVT-K subscale was used to assess the level of knowledge of DVT among nursing interns. RESULTS: The KPNDVT-K subscale was used to measure the DVT knowledge of nursing interns with good reliability and validity (difficulty p=0.304-0.426; differentiation D=0.422-0.540; Cronbach's alpha =0.724-0.950; R=0.766). The passing rate for the nursing interns' DVT knowledge was 75.1%, which was in the middle level. Sex (ß=-1.471, P=0.007), Home location (ß=-0.627, P=0.014), Understanding of channels (hospital teachers) (ß=0.688, P=0.008), Internship (ß=-1.625, P=0.035; ß=-1.435, P=0.038) were the main influences on nursing interns' knowledge of DVT. CONCLUSIONS: The KPNDVT-K subscale has high applicability in the measurement of DVT knowledge of nursing interns. The knowledge of DVT among nursing interns was satisfactory and the knowledge related to DVT preventive measures was good. Nursing educators should take active measures in both schools and hospitals to improve the DVT knowledge of nursing interns to reduce the occurrence of DVT in patients.

Sonochemical synthesis of ZnS nanolayers on the surface of microbial cells and their application in the removal of heavy metals.

In order to improve the adsorption performance of microorganisms, we synthesized a novel material - phanerochaete chrysosporium cells covered with a layer of ZnS nanoparticles (ZnS-cells). The preparation of the ZnS-cells is based on the Sonochemical method to synthesize the ZnS nanoparticle layer on the surface of the microbial cells. The ZnS-cells were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Characterization results showed that wurtzite ZnS was coated on the cell surface in the form of nanoclusters by sonochemical reaction, and the formation of ZnS was related to the carboxyl group on the cell surface. Batch experiments showed that the ZnS-cells exhibited high adsorption efficiency for Pb2+and Cd2+, the removal rate of Pb2+ and Cd2+ by ZnS-cells was 140 % and 160 % higher than that of pure P. chrysosporium, respectively. Studies on the adsorption mechanism showed that the removal of heavy metals by ZnS-cells mainly depended on the complexation of surface functional groups on the surface of the cells and the ion exchange of ZnS nanofilms.

Fungal cell with artificial metal container for heavy metals biosorption: Equilibrium, kinetics study and mechanisms analysis.

White-rot fungi show low-cost superiority as a promising biosorbent in heavy metal removal, but limited by its poor biosorption capacity. Herein, a novel biosorbent, functionalized Phanerochaete chrysosporium with intracellular mineral scaffold, was prepared for the biosorption of heavy metal ions. The functionalized fungi cells with intracellular mineral scaffold that serve as internal metal container exhibiting high biosorption efficiency for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions. Adsorption isotherm models were employed to investigate the biosorption isotherm and determine the biosorption equilibrium. The Freundlich model shows better fit with the experimental data of both metal ions (R2 = 0.9866 and 0.9897 for Pb(II) and Cd(II) respectively). Three kinetic models, pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intra-particle diffusion models, were used to determine the biosorption kinetics. The pseudo-second-order model shows the better fit with the experimental data, and we suggests the rate-limiting step of the biosorption could be a chemisorption step which involves sharing or exchanging of electrons between adsorbent and adsorbate. Intra-particle diffusion model study result shows the biosorption process could be divided into three steps: a fast surface adsorption stage, a slow transfer stage from external to internal, and a stage of andante reaching equilibrium. The biosorption mechanism was carefully analyzed by various characterization methods.

The improved methods of heavy metals removal by biosorbents: A review.

For decades, a vast array of innovative biosorbents have been found out and used in the removal of heavy metals, including bacteria, algae and fungi, etc. Although extensive biological species have been tried as a biosorbent for heavy metals removal, for removal efficiency or economy efficiency limited, it has failed to make a substantial breakthrough in practical application. Thus, many improved methods based on biosorbents emerged. In this review, based on the literature and our research results, we highlight three types of novel methods for biosorbents removal of heavy metals: chemical modification of biosorbents; biomass and chemical materials combination; multiple biomass complex systems. We mainly focus on their configuration, biosorption performance, their creation method, regeneration/reuse, their application and development in the future. Through the comparative analysis of various methods, we think that intracellular autogenous nanomaterials may open up another window in biosorption of heavy metals area. At the same time, the combination of various treatment methods will be the development tendency of heavy metal pollution treatment in the future.