RESUMO
Five tungsten carbide nanoparticle preparations (denoted WC1-WC5) were investigated for broad spectrum virucidal activity against four recommended model viruses. These are modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), human adenovirus type 5 (HAdV-5), poliovirus type 1 (PV-1) and murine norovirus (MNV). All virucidal tests were performed two to five times using the quantitative suspension test, which is a highly standardized test method to evaluate the virucidal efficacy of disinfectants in accordance with the European norm EN 14476+A1 and the German DVV/RKI guidelines. Quantitative detection of viruses was conducted by endpoint titration and quantitative real-time PCR. Results showed that three of the five tested compounds (WC1-WC3) were able to reduce the infectivity of all model viruses by at least four log10 of tissue culture infective dose 50% per ml after 15 min, whereas the other two compounds exhibited only limited efficacy (WC4) or showed cytotoxicity (WC5). Virucidal activity of nanoparticles increased with incubation time and a dose-effect curve showed dependence of virucidal activity with particle concentration. Whereas WC1-WC4 showed little cytotoxicity, WC5 which was doped with copper exhibited a significant cytotoxic effect. These findings propose tungsten carbide nanoparticles to be very promising in terms of new disinfection techniques. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present study investigates the virucidal activity of tungsten carbide nanoparticles using the quantitative suspension test in accordance with the European norm EN 14476+A1 and the German DVV/RKI guidelines. Due to highly standardized assay conditions, results of this test are considered very reliable for evaluation of the virucidal activity of disinfectants. Broad-spectrum activity and high efficacy of three different tungsten carbide nanoparticles preparations is concluded.
Assuntos
Adenovírus Humanos/efeitos dos fármacos , Desinfetantes/farmacologia , Norovirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Poliovirus/efeitos dos fármacos , Compostos de Tungstênio/farmacologia , Vaccinia virus/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Desinfecção/métodos , Humanos , Nanopartículas Metálicas , Camundongos , Testes de Sensibilidade MicrobianaRESUMO
There is evidence to suggest that genetic factors play an important role in the development of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), and that skin neoplasms might be a sign for a genetic predisposition to cancer. We investigated whether the incidence of visceral and skin malignancies among first-degree relatives of BCC-patients was increased. Postal questionnaires were sent to 249 BCC-patients, who were divided into two groups (young = BCC under the age of 51 years and older = BCC over the age of 50 years), and asked them about cancer in their first-degree relatives. The reported numbers of cancer among the relatives were compared with the expected numbers based on sex and age-specific population-based incidence rates. The accuracy of the reported diagnoses was verified. A total of 157 BCC-patients reported 277 malignancies in 1,272 relatives. The incidence of the following cancers was higher than expected in relatives from young BCC-patients: bone and soft tissue (O/E = 3.91; 95% CI: 1.43-8.66), skin (O/E = 2.13; 95% CI: 1.30-3.29) and digestive tract (O/E = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.10-2.23). In relatives of older BCC-patients, only the incidence of digestive tract cancer was higher than expected (O/E = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.08-1.89). Diagnoses that were verified turned out to be accurate in 87% of the cases. This study suggests that the risk of certain cancers, particularly that of the digestive tract, in first-degree relatives of BCC-patients is increased. These findings may indicate a genetic predisposition to both skin and visceral malignancies in this patient group.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Basocelular/genética , Sistema de Registros , Neoplasias Cutâneas/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Fatores Etários , Idoso , Idoso de 80 Anos ou mais , Carcinoma Basocelular/diagnóstico , Carcinoma Basocelular/epidemiologia , Feminino , Predisposição Genética para Doença , Humanos , Incidência , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Países Baixos , Linhagem , Fatores de Risco , Fatores Sexuais , Neoplasias Cutâneas/diagnóstico , Neoplasias Cutâneas/epidemiologiaRESUMO
Since the inception of the Medicare hospice benefit, hospice has marked a new approach to managed care. Its focus on cost-effectiveness has made it one of Medicare's most successful managed care options. Various restrictions were placed on the hospice program; but, in return for these limitations, advocates of the program received an opportunity to create a program entirely different from other Medicare providers. The challenges of operating a hospice include electing hospice care, candid communication, and the relationship with other providers. These challenges will continue to burden hospices until discussions of death can be direct, clear, and knowledgeable.