Biodegradation of thermo-oxidative pretreated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microplastics by Achromobacter denitrificans Ebl13.

Microplastics pretreatment of prior to biodegradation is an efficient approach for their bioremediation. We isolated Achromobacter denitrificans from compost and used it for biodegradation of thermo-oxidative pretreated polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). About 12.3 % and 6.5 % weight loss, and 326.4 and 112.32 mg L-1 extracellular protein were observed in bacterial flasks with PVC and LDPE, respectively. The pH in treated PVC reached to 5.12 and the thermal stability increased by 29 °C. The chemical modification in LDPE was demonstrated through oxidation of antioxidants (Phenol group), formation of new groups (Aldehyde group), and chain fracture in the main backbone by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Formation of peaks at the range of 1700-1850 cm-1 in LDPE attributed to formation of carbonyl groups as the degradation result. Scanning electron microscopy confirmed LDPE and PVC degradation by surface alterations. Consequently, thermo-oxidative pretreatment can be considered as a suitable strategy for improving microplastics biodegradation.

Effectiveness of Tragacanth Gel Cushions in Prevention of Pressure Ulcer in Traumatic Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Introduction: Pressure ulcer is one of the most common and painful complications in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). This study aimed to compare the effects of tragacanth gel cushions and foam-filled ones on the prevention of pressure ulcers. Methods: This triple-blind, randomized, clinical trial was performed on 94 patients admitted to the ICU of Taleqhani Hospital of Mashhad, Iran. The participants were divided into two groups of tragacanth gel pad and foam (n=47 for each group). Both groups received all the routine care. The participants were examined on a daily basis during a ten-day period. We considered sacral region as the most affected site, and the patients with erythema were excluded from the study. To analyze the data, Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and t-test were run, using Stata version 12. Results: The data showed significant differences in terms of the incidence of skin redness in the tragacanth gel cushions group and foam cushion group, respectively, 6.84 (1.58) and 5.67 (1.26) days after admission. In addition, in the tragacanth gel cushions group 14 patients (29.7%) did not have skin redness compared with the foam cushion group (8.51%), which indicated a significant difference. Conclusion: This study showed that the use of tragacanth gel cushion is effective in the prevention of pressure ulcers in ICU patients. Cushions filled with tragacanth gel also delayed the onset of erythema. Considering their cost-effectiveness and naturalness, the use of tragacanth gel cushions is recommended to improve the sacral skin health and prevent pressure ulcers.

The Comparison of Chlorhexidine Solution and Swab With Toothbrush and Toothpaste Effect on Preventing Oral Lesions in Hospitalized Patients in Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Maintaining of oral hygiene has been known as one of the basic tasks of nurses working at intensive care unit. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine solution with toothbrush in prevention of oral lesions or ulcers in the different parts of the mouth. METHODS: In this clinical trial study, research Society included patients hospitalized with endotracheal tube since the arrival time in intensive care unit. In this study, 30 patients were selected with target-based approach and equally divided into two groups through the permutation blocking method for oral care toothbrush and toothpaste and using chlorhexidine and swab. The modified form of Beck Oral Assessment Scale (BOAS) and MPS were used to obtain needed information. Data were analyzed by means of R software (version 3.0.2) and also multiple logistic regressions in the confidence level of 95%. RESULTS: This study indicated an association between using toothbrush and the oral health level (OR: 1.52). In different parts of the mouth, there was no difference between two groups in prevention of lesions in gums, lips and tongue while, this was significant in relation to plaque, mucus and teeth with an odd ratio of 3.94 for teeth and 2.75 for mucus . In comparison, there was an association between implying chlorhexidine and saliva health level. (OR: 2.046). CONCLUSION: This survey showed that using toothbrush has a noticeable impact on declining oral lesions in varied parts of the mouth.

Challenges ahead of emergency medical technician graduates in the workplace in Iran: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) in Iran enter the workplace after a short academic education. Their workplace has high emotional fluctuations and imposes high pressure. The aim of this study was to assess the challenges faced by EMT graduates in Iran. DESIGN: This applied study was conducted using qualitative content analysis. Twelve paramedics and graduates with 2 to 3 years of service were interviewed and their responses were analyzed by content analysis. RESULTS: Findings were presented in five themes: organizational pressure, educational style, professional communication, emotional load, and misunderstanding of others. CONCLUSION: Several problems confront EMTs in Iran. Educators and educational planners in this discipline could help resolve these problems by revising problematic points in the education and management of EMT graduates and by revising educational methods and human resource management to provide better services and save lives.