Biocides

Cockroaches are one of the most important worldwide household pests. The objective of the current research was to assess exposure of lambda-cyhalothrin on release of ootheca, and sperm viability and motility of Blatella germanica (Linnaeus). No premature release of female oothecas were evident, but mortality in males (LT = 1h 6 min) was higher than in females (LT = 1h 54 50 50-1 min). Lambda-cyhalothrin produced effects on inhibition of sperm viability (EC = 1130 mg•L) 50-1 and sperm motility (EC = 660, 6 mg•L) of B. germanica.

In order to maintain the quality of Irish milk and meet increasingly demanding specifications, it is necessary to focus on chemical residues in milk, in addition to other quality issues. The objective of the work was to assess the current status of chemical contaminant analysis and to identify technological and knowledge needs. This was achieved through a review of literature with respect to chemical contaminants. Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) have been identified as an area of concern for the dairy industry because of the recent reports of QAC residues in dairy products internationally. Analytical support to analyse QAC residues in milk and dairy products on an ongoing basis is required. Furthermore, the source of QAC residues along the milk production chain needs to be identified. Similarly, analytical support and research is needed in the area of phthalates, to support the development of intervention strategies to reduce contamination, if present. Cephalosporin antibiotics have been a concern for the dairy industry because of the lack of suitable chemical tests to measure these substances.

Organic additives are broadly used in water-treatment applications such as mineral scale, corrosion inhibitors, and dispersing agents. Phosphonates find extensive use as inhibitors for the formation of sparingly soluble salts such as calcium carbonates, phosphates, calcium sulfates, and others, commonly formed in open recirculating cooling systems. In such systems, biocides also are added to control microbiological growth. Some of these biocides are strong oxidants (e.g., ClO − , BrO − , etc.) and affect other water treatment chemicals that are sensitive to oxidative degradation. This study reports the effect of a hypobromite-based biocide towards the triphosphonate amino-tris-(methylene phosphonate) (AMP). AMP reacts rapidly with the biocide at room temperature. AMP degradation continues, but it slowly reaches a plateau after 1000 min. Even after 50 h of reaction time, only 20% of the AMP has decomposed. AMP reacts with the biocide to give orthophosphate much more rapidly at 43 • C than at 25 • C due to faster kinetics of decomposition.

In this presentation Dr. Tim Sandle will outline the importance of contamination control for cleanrooms. The presentation will centre on the use of detergents and disinfectants as part of the control strategy. The presentation will discuss the differences between different types of disinfectants (including those intended to be sporicidal) and the steps to be followed for their selection. Key GMP topics will also be addressed, including disinfectant rotation, qualification and the importance of examine microbial counts and the types of microorganisms recovered from an environmental monitoring programme.

Effective disinfection of surfaces, instruments and hands is critical to minimize infection risks (bacterial, fungal and viral) in hospitals especially during the current global pandemic. This requires the selection of the most appropriate disinfectants, their correct application, and an assessment of their capability to inactivate or kill microorganisms. There is a wide choice of disinfectant formulations available and it is essential to ensure the most appropriate disinfectants are selected for the use for which they are intended and are then used correctly.



This article examines European Norms (EN) in relation to disinfectants, considers the importance of updates to these standards and offers some practical advice on ensuring that accurate comparisons between different disinfectants can be readily made.

In most countries there is a legal requirement to prove that disinfectants for sale are both safe and effective and this is achieved through testing and registration with the appropriate authority.
For example: The Biocidal Products Regulation in the EU and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) in the US. Although this testing can provide the end user with a degree of assurance regarding the product performance, the test methods for registration used do not reflect how the disinfectant would be used in the unique setting of a pharmaceutical cleanroom. Where disinfectants are used in a GMP environment it is a regulatory expectation that:
▪ Testing is performed to demonstrate that they are fit for purpose, i.e. that they provide a sufficient level of reduction in viability for the types of organisms expected to be encountered on the surfaces on which they will be used (PIC/S PI 007-6; FDA Guidance for Aseptic Processing)
▪ Where microbial testing of surfaces in clean rooms is carried out, validation should be performed on the test method to confirm that sanitising agents do not influence the recovery of microorganisms (EU GMP Annex 15)
In this chapter the following topics are discussed:
▪ The most common methods used to prove disinfectant efficacy and selection of test parameters
▪ Validation of environmental monitoring contact plates
▪ Requirements for re-validation
▪ Considerations for qualification of disinfectants used for hand sanitisation
See: https://www.pda.org/bookstore/product-detail/6042-cleanroom-contamination-prevention-control

Disinfectant efficacy testing is an essential part of a facility contamination control strategy. Pharmaceutical and healthcare products facilities must know that the products they are using can achieve effective levels of microbial kill across a range of surface types. The problem faced by microbiologists and production managers is that the various national and international standards use different methodologies. In addition, these standards and methods have not been written specifically for cleanrooms and the microbial test panels and logarithmic reduction expectations are not considered suitable. In order to develop an international standard suitable for all pharmaceutical facility cleanrooms, Ecolab has developed the Validex™ method, which is independently assessed in this paper. This method involves using 2 cm diameter disks, to target a 3 log reduction for vegetative bacteria in 5 minutes; and a 2 log reduction for fungi and bacterial spores in 10 minutes. The key criteria and rationale for selection, along with the methodology, are presented in this paper.

One of the more difficult tasks facing pharmaceutical organisations is with the selection of disinfectants, particularly in ensuring that those chosen are appropriate and that their effectiveness is periodically assessed. This paper outlines the main considerations.

This article provides guidance for the selection of disinfectants to be used for the bio-contamination control of cleanrooms and controlled environments. Control is important for product and patient safety. The article focuses on factors contributing to microcidal and microstatic properties, including concentration, contact time, and application methods.

Biofilms constitute the prevalent way of life for microorganisms in both natural and man-made environments. Biofilm-dwelling cells display greater tolerance to antimicrobial agents than those that are free-living, and the mechanisms by which this occurs have been investigated extensively using single-strain axenic models. However, there is growing evidence that interspecies interactions may profoundly alter the response of the community to such toxic exposure. In this paper, we propose an overview of the studies dealing with multispecies biofilms resistance to biocides, with particular reference to the protection of pathogenic species by resident surface flora when subjected to disinfectants treatments. The mechanisms involved in such protection include interspecies signaling, interference between biocides molecules and public goods in the matrix, or the physiology and genetic plasticity associated with a structural spatial arrangement. After describing these different mechanisms, we will discuss the experimental methods available for their analysis in the context of complex multispecies biofilms.

Identification of novel effective mosquitocidal compounds is essential to combat increasing resistance rates, concern for the environment and food safety, the unacceptability of many organophosphates and organochlorines and the high cost of synthetic pyrethroids. An increasing number of researchers are reconsidering botanicals containing active phytochemicals in their efforts to address some of these problems. To be highly competitive and effective, the ideal phytochemical should possess a combination of toxic effects and residual capacity. Acute toxicity is required at doses comparable to some commercial synthetic insecticides while chronic or sub-chronic toxicity is required to produce growth inhibition, developmental toxicity and generational effects. In this article, we review the current state of knowledge on larvicidal plant species, extraction processes, growth and reproduction inhibiting phytochemicals, botanical ovicides, synergistic, additive and antagonistic joint action effects of mixtures, residual capacity, effects on non-target organisms, resistance, screening methodologies, and discuss promising advances made in phytochemical research.

SUMMARY Flow cytometric analysis is used to evaluate various micro-organisms' susceptibility to antibacterial agents and disinfectants. This paper describes a study where Candida albicans was used to assess the method against three disinfectants. The disinfectants examined were: 70%-ethanol and two 70%-ethanol based commercial hand disinfectants with smoothing and cleaning additives. To detect the presence of damaged microbial cells EtBr was used. With the method, a 1 minute sample incubation time showed 36.25% ± 1.45 and 35.0% ±2,0 dead cells present as a result of commercial disinfectants-1 and-2, incubation; and 86.5% ±2.8 after the incubation with 70%-ethanol. With a 3-minute incubation time, the corresponding results were 43.25% ±3.95; 43.5% ±2.6; 86.5% ±4.3. These were significant in multi-group comparison. With a 5-minute incubation time, C. albicans samples showed an antiseptic activity against the chemicals under investigation of: 85.5% ±2.7; 84.5% ±2.4 and 91.3% ±3.57 respectively. Here there was no significant difference. RÉSUMÉ L'utilisation de la cytométrie de flux pour évaluer l'efficacité désinfection L'analyse par cytométrie de flux est utilisée pour évaluer la sensi-bilité de divers micro-organismes à des agents antibactériens et des désinfectants. Cet article décrit une étude où Candida albicans a été utilisé pour évaluer l´éfficacité de trois désinfectants. Les désinfec-tants examinés étaient les suivants: 70%-éthanol et deux 70% à base d'éthanol, désinfectants commerciaux pour les mains avec des additifs de lissage et de nettoyage. EtBr a été utilisé pour détecter la présence de cellules microbiennes endommagées. Avec ce procédé, après un temps d'incubation de 1 minute, il a été montré que 36,25% ± 1,45% et que 35,0 ± 2,0 de cellules mortes présentes avec les désinfectants commerciaux-1 et-2; et une valeur de 86,5% ± 2,8 après l'incubation avec 70%-éthanol. Avec un temps d'incubation de 3 minutes, les résultats correspondants étaient 43,25% ± 3,95; 43,5% ± 2,6; 86,5% ± 4,3. Ceux-ci étaient significatifs en comparaison multi-groupe. Avec un temps d'incuba-tion de 5 minutes, les échantillons C. albicans ont montré une activité antiseptique contre les produits chimiques sous enquête de: 85,5% ± 2,7; 84,5% ± 2,4 et 91,3 ± 3,57%, respectivement. Ici, il n'y avait pas de différence significative. Mots clés: cytométrie de flux, l'évaluation de microorganismes de sensibilité, désinfectant, la levure, la désinfection des mains

The correct application of a suitable antiseptic is necessary to minimise the risk of surgical site infection. This class of infection accounts for about 15% of all health-care-associated infections in total and about 37% of the hospital-acquired infections of surgical patients.

The ideal antiseptic agent should be effective against a wide range of microorganisms; work within a fast onset of action; exert a long-term effect; and not be readily inactivated by organic material (e.g. blood). Moreover, it should have minimal toxic effects on the skin. Antiseptics can be classified as bactericidal (capable of killing most members of a population of microorganisms) or bacteriostatic (capable to inhibiting the growth of members of a population of microorganisms). In general, bactericidal products are preferred.

The use of seawater for industrial cooling is a vital technology that poses some of the most profound environmental impact on the water quality in the Arabian Gulf. Biocide (chlorine) is added to the seawater to control biofouling of the cooling system. This added chlorine reacts with bromide and other chemicals naturally exist in the water to form a wide range of oxidants. Regrettably, reactions between the residual oxidants and natural organic matter in the water lead to formation of toxic halogenated organic compounds that have detrimental effects on the environment when they are discharged into the Gulf. This paper describes the formation of trihalomethanes (THMs) in seawater cooling systems.

Those books that are on the market either deal with the scientific principles of disinfectants without any consideration for how these biocides are to be applied to the busy cleanroom, or the book available are light tones without any explanation as to why certain practises are important.

The void has now been filled, however, with a significant new book edited by Tim Sandle: 'The CDC Handbook – a guide to cleaning and disinfecting cleanrooms'. Not only does this book strike the correct balance between the scientific and practical, it is full of rich detail and it is easy to follow and to understand. This clarity is enhanced through the copious use of diagrams and photographs.

Background, aim and scope The biocide triclosan (TCS) is commonly used in personal care, acrylic, plastic, and textiles products. TCS has been detected in surface water in several countries, and its ecological impact is largely unknown. In this work, the toxicity of TCS in zebrafish (Danio rerio), embryos and adults was studied. Several lethal and sub-lethal endpoints were analysed in organisms exposed to TCS such as mortality, embryo development and behaviour, hatching, micronuclei and biochemical markers (cholinesterase (ChE), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)). Materials and methods Embryo/larvae assay followed the OECD guideline on Fish Embryo Toxicity Test. Embryos were exposed at nominal concentrations of 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 0.9 mg/l of TCS for 6 days and were inspected daily with the help of a stereomicroscopy for mortality, developmental parameters (otolith formation, eye and body pigmentation, somite formation, heart beat, tail circulation, detachment of the tail-bud from the yolk sac) and hatching. A similar test was run to obtain larvae for ChE, GST and LDH analysis. The adult test followed the OECD Guideline TG 203 in semi-static conditions. Adult zebrafish of similar length and age were exposed to nominal concentrations of 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg/l of TCS for 96 h and were inspected daily for mortality and behaviour alterations. A second test was run to obtain organs for biomarkers analysis: Heads, muscles and gills were isolated and snap-frozen in eppendorfs and used for ChE, LDH and GST determinations, respectively. Adult zebrafish testing also comprised a third test for micronucleus analysis in which the nominal concentrations of 0, 0.175 and 0.350 mg/l were used. Peripheral blood was obtained by cardiac puncture and used for the analysis. Results TCS showed acute toxicity for embryo/larvae (96 h LC50 = 0.42 mg/l) and delayed hatching. Moreover, embryo toxicity was evident: Delay on the otolith formation and eye and body pigmentation were found, and malformations were also evident, including spine malformations, pericardial oedema and undersize. Biomarkers levels were affected: ChE and LDH activity were increased in larvae exposed to 0.25 mg/l, and GST activity was increased in larvae exposed to 0.25 and 0.35 mg/l. TCS also demonstrated acute toxicity to adult zebrafish (96 h LC50 = 0.34 mg/l). However, TCS did not change biomarkers levels and did not elicit a micronucleus in adults. Discussions Despite the fact that similar 96 h LC50 values have been found for D. rerio embryos and adults (0.42 and 0.34 mg/l, respectively), the embryo assay was much more informative, showing important effects at several levels, including teratogenic response, hatching delay and alteration of biomarker levels. TCS does not seem to be genotoxic for adult fish or to interfere with biomarkers levels at the concentrations tested. Conclusions TCS has deleterious effects on zebrafish adults and during early stages, (including embryotoxicity, hatching delay and alterations of biomarkers levels). The range of endpoints used on the embryo test allows an integrated analysis that contributes to a better understanding of the toxicity and mode of action of TCS. Recommendations and perspectives Future works should focus on a deeper investigation of TCS modes of action on zebrafish early-life stages. As embryo testing was revealed to be so informative, a refinement of the test could be made, including other endpoints such as different biochemical markers as well as DNA microarrays to assess a gene expression level for the effect of exposure to TCS. In the perspective of risk assessment, these endpoints should be explored in order to assess their usefulness as early warning signs and links should be sought between these short-term tests and effects of long-term exposures as it is observed in more realistic scenarios.

Title: Dosis Letal Media (DL50) de algunos aceites esenciales y biocidas efectivos para el control de Ascosphaera apis en Apis mellifera L.-Median Lethal Dose (LD50) of some essential oils and biocides effective for the control of Ascosphaera apis on Apis ...

The effective conditions of glutaraldehyde, chloramine-T, bronopol, Incimaxx Aquatic ® and hydrogen peroxide as some biocides commonly used by the aquaculture industry were investigated against F. psychrophilum in sanitization of rainbow trout eyed eggs. Bacteriostatic tests as well as bactericidal tests using ethidium monoazide bromide PCR assays were conducted in vitro on Flavobacterium psychrophilum while impacts of chemical treatments were studied in vivo on 240 [°C × days] rainbow trout eyed eggs. A 20-min contact time with bronopol (up to 2,000 ppm), chloramine-T (up to 1,200 ppm), glutaraldehyde (up to 1,500 ppm), hydrogen peroxide (up to 1,500 ppm) or with Incimaxx Aquatic ® (up to 185 ppm, eq. peracetic acid) was effective against F. psychrophilum and did not affect the eyed eggs/fry viability. Collectively, the data obtained here clearly demonstrate that concentrations and duration of treatments commonly used to sanitize eyed eggs are widely overestimated in their effectiveness against F. psychrophilum. The new treatment conditions with the five studied biocides are bactericidal for F. psychrophilum and safe for rainbow trout eyed eggs. In this work, we developed an experimental approach to test some chemicals against fish pathogens to assist fish farmers in the effective and safe disinfection of eyed eggs.

Background. Capsaicin, a non-toxic natural product antifoulant, is an attractive alternative to the currently used toxic metalbased antifoulants for protecting the submerged surfaces. The problem associated with conducting capsaicin experiments is its limited aqueous solubility. Methods. A procedure was developed to obtain the maximum capsaicin concentration in water. Capsaicin was first dissolved in one of the three organic solvents, methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The organic solvent was replaced by gradually adding distilled water and evaporating the organic solvent. Results. The best solvent for obtaining highest concentration of capsaicin in water was ethanol. A maximum capsaicin in water 6400 ppm was achieved by using 16 mg capsaicin dissolved in 0.8 rnl ethanol followed with the addition of 2.5 ml distilled water in 0.2 ml increments and then slow evaporation of the solvent. Conclusion. The concentration obtained using our approach is well above the threshold concentration of capsaicin in deterring the marine organism attachments.

Antibiotic resistance has become a major human health concern due to widespread use, misuse and overuse of antibiotics. In addition to antibiotics, antibacterial biocides and metals can contribute to the development and maintenance of antibiotic resistance in bacterial communities through co-selection. Information on metal and biocide resistance genes, including their sequences and molecular functions, is, however, scattered. Here, we introduce BacMet (http://bacmet.biomedicine.gu. se)-a manually curated database of antibacterial biocide-and metal-resistance genes based on an in-depth review of the scientific literature. The BacMet database contains 470 experimentally verified resistance genes. In addition, the database also contains 25 477 potential resistance genes collected from public sequence repositories. All resistance genes in the BacMet database have been organized according to their molecular function and induced resistance phenotype.

Sugar losses after harvest is one of the major problem of sugar processing units. Many chemicals and biocides have been recommended to minimize post-harvest sucrose losses in the field and milling tandem, however their use is extremely limited due to environmental and economic considerations. Use of Electrolyzed Water (EW) has been recommended in food processing industry to minimize pre and post harvest losses in vegetables and many food products. Application of EW on harvested sugarcane during summer months shows relatively less decline in CCS, sucrose and purity of juice compared to untreated and water treated control. The CCS and juice purity value in untreated, water treated and EW treated cane after 120 h of storage were 9. 91, 11.74 and 12.23, & 71.68, 75.44 and 82.30, respectively. A beneficial response of EW fogging on the post-harvest quality parameters of sugarcane has been reported.

This paper is a review of biocides used in historical herbaria collections, but also present in many other types of artefacts. Herbaria with desiccated plants, composed of organic material combined with other organics such as glues, pastes and other cellulose-based and proteinaceous materials are particularly vulnerable to pest infestations. Several chemical compounds have been used either to prevent infestation or to fight an existing pest attack. Most of them are now phased out or restricted in use and production. Biocides pose numerous threats both to artefacts and people working in the heritage sector, such as con-servators. This review provides a comprehensive list of biocides used in her-baria with references, chemical identification and material characterisation, in particular with regard to the deterioration processes induced in artefacts. The review is a part of the project "Heritage preservation and ethnobotany. Analysis of the influence of conservation treatment on genetic material of historic herbaria" (project no.

The effects of concentrations of various biocides, in a solution containing 0.2 g l − 1 citric acid and 10 g l − 1 glucose, were tested on cut roses (Rosa hybrida L., 'Classy'), Alstroemeria pelegrina L. and carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus L.). Compounds were evaluated for their effects on flower life (time to decline in fresh weight), maximum gain in fresh weight, solution uptake from 4 to 6 days, resistance to water flow in the stem, stem respiration and solution absorbance. Longer flower life and higher gain in fresh weight of roses were observed with a concentration of 0.05 g l − 1 than with higher concentrations of most biocides. At this concentration, bromopropanediol, Dantogard and thiabendazole did not prevent a rise in stem resistance to water flow, or solution absorbance. Aluminium sulphate up to 0.8 g l − 1 was also ineffective in these respects. Stem respiration was inhibited by sodium benzoate, hydroxyquinoline citrate (HQC), Isocil and Physan-20. Principal component analysis on the rose data indicated that the best treatments were 0.05 g l − 1 benzoate, cetylpyridinium chloride, Isocil and Physan-20, 0.05 and 0.2 g l − 1 dichloroisocyanuric acid, and 0.2 and 0.8 g l − 1 HQC. Tests with carnation and Alstroemeria indicated that HQC, Isocil and Physan most consistently promoted fresh weight increase and maintenance.

In this study a model cooling tower system was experimentally infected by L. pneumophila ATCC 33152 and has been run to the nearest operating conditions of full-scale system. Effectiveness of colloidal silver-hydrogen peroxide biocide was assessed against both planktonic and bio¿lm bacteria (on stainless steel, glass, polyvinyl chloride slides) monthly during 6 months experiment period. Each month, samples were analyzed for heterotrophic plate count (HPC), the presence of Legionella spp., viable and total counts, the total and free ATP concentration. A considerable variation was found in the response of biofilm to the biocide when biofilm reached the mature phase (from the 4 th month). The reduction to zero in HPC values, from the 2 nd and 5 th month in planktonic and biofilm phase, respectively; has been interpreted as induction of the viable but non-culturable form state in bacteria. The results emphasized that biocide should be applied on a regular basis prior to the settlement of pollution in the system and microbial burden monitoring/data evaluation should be done periodically by using different microbiological techniques for the proper evaluation of the system.

A fully automated method for the determination of triclosan (TCS), its derivative methyl triclosan (MeTCS) and six parabens (esters of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid) including branched and linear isomers of propyl (i-PrP and n-PrP) and butyl paraben (i-BuP and n-BuP) in sewage water samples is presented. The procedure includes analytes enrichment by microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) coupled at-line to large volume injection-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (LVI-GC-MS). Under optimised conditions, compounds were extracted from 2 mL samples, adjusted at pH 3, using a C18 MEPS-sorbent. Adsorbed analytes were eluted directly into the Programmable Temperature Vaporizer (PTV) injector of the chromatograph with 2 × 25 L of ethyl acetate. They were quantified using standard solutions in ultrapure water submitted to the same sample enrichment process as real sewage water samples. After signal normalisation using isotopic labelled species as internal surrogates, no differences were noticed among the extraction efficiency for sewage and ultrapure water; moreover, the proposed method reported lineal calibration curves from 0.1 to 10 ng mL −1 , relative standard deviations (%RSD) between 2 and 7.1% and limits of detection (LODs) varying from 0.001 to 0.015 ng mL −1 in ultrapure water and from 0.02 to 0.59 ng mL −1 in the most complex sample (raw wastewater).

Egyptian clover (Trifolium alexandrinum) is one of the most important crops in Egypt and consider as one of the major sources of food for domestic animals and birds. This crop attacked by many pests all over its life stage especially cotton leafworm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) which is a predominant and serious pest. The larval stage is the major enemy that is because it acts as the main notorious defoliator that attack not only Egyptian clover but also several field crops, vegetables and deciduous fruits. Occurrence of tolerant and resistant strains of insect pests have been developed as a result of continued use of synthetic insecticides. Considerable efforts are being made worldwide to find safer, biodegradable substitutes for these synthetic insecticides.

Bioinsecticides received a great attention as a hope for the future of insect control that gave a promising effect against S. littoralis (Sannino et al., 2001 and Raslan, 2002) with low toxicity to mammals and some predators (Duffie et al., 1998). Also, entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorok, is known to possess insecticidal and antifeedant properties against some lepidopteran pests (Kim et al., 2002).

Carbohydrates are of vital importance since they can be utilized by the insect body for production of energy or conversion to lipids or proteins. Metabolism of carbohydrates is controlled mainly by trehalase, amylase and invertase enzymes that play a principle role in the digestion and utilization of carbohydrates by insects (Wyatt, 1967 and Wigglesworth, 1972).

The objective of this work was planned to evaluate the toxicity of three bioinsecticides (two bactericide and a fungicide) as well as a mineral oil KZ oil against S. littoralis under laboratory and field conditions. Further studies were made to estimate their biological and biochemical changes in S. littoralis larvae as affected by the precedent treatments.

Military, firefighter, law enforcement, and medical personnel require high-level protection when dealing with chemical and biological threats in many environments ranging from combat to urban, agricultural, and industrial. Current protective clothing is based on full barrier protection, such as hazardous materials (HAZMAT) suits, or permeable adsorptive protective overgarments, such as those used by the U.S. military. New protective garment systems are envisioned that contain novel features, such as the capability to selectively block toxic chemicals, to chemically destroy toxic materials that contact the fabric, and to detect hazardous agents on the surface of the fabric. New technologies being built into advanced fabrics for enhanced chemical and biological protection include selectively permeable membranes, reactive nanoparticles, reactive nanofibers, biocidal fabric treatments, and conductive-polymer indicators on optical fibers.

Konservierung und Restaurierung sind keine Kunst, sondern eine Wissenschaft. Vielleicht ist das ein wenig übertrieben, aber über Jahrhunderte waren Konservierung und Restaurierung ein Handwerk vor allem von Ein-Mann-Betrieben. Es waren oft geschickte Handwerker, die ihr Wissen, ihre Rezepturen, Produkte und Materialien eifersüchtig hüteten und ihre Berufsgeheimnisse höchstens an ihre Nachfolger weitergaben.

There have been several reports published which suggest that it is possible that the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) naphthalene (NAPH), phenanthrene (PHEN) and perylene (PERY) in tropical environments have a biological source. This source might be related to the activity of termites or their associated microorganisms. We aimed to provide direct evidence for the biological production of NAPH, PHEN and

Metabolic resistance of pesticides is the target of green technologies in order to be reduced successfully in family Tetranychidae. Resistant strains of some tetranychid mites to fenvalerate (pyrethroids) and spinosad (spinosyns) were exposed to certain colors of light emitting diodes (LEDs). Tetranychus urticae, Panonychus ulmi and Oligonychus mangiferus, were resistant to fenvalerate (pyrethroids) and spinosad (spinosyns) after selection pressure for 40 generations. Resistance ratios (RRs) were reduced after exposure to white LEDs to be lower to fenvalerate with (22.22, 31.29 and 33.76-folds) and to spinosad with (24.53, 27.08 and 46.22-folds), respectively. Furthermore, red LEDs were able to record RRs to fenvalerate with 24.56,21.50 and 34.64-folds and to spinosad with 25.06,20.41 and 29.80-folds, for the same arrangement of resistant strains of mites. LEDs can do their actions by increasing reactive oxygen scavengers (ROS) gradually. The highest increase of the reactive oxygen scavengers (APX) was recorded in the case of fenvalerate resistant strain of T.urticae with 5.08-folds, which exposed to white LEDs. While the red LEDs caused the highest APX ratio in the case of spinosad resistant strain of P.ulmi with 3.03-folds. They have been regarded highly and led to acquire susceptibility to pesticides again. Results are elevating the hope to decrease metabolic resistance with the available and the useful resource of eco-friendly implements to keep the ecosystem.

The research comes to a focus on three case studies: Santa Eulália Church of the Monastery of Arnoso (Vila Nova de Famalicão); São Tiago of Valadares Church (Baião); and Santa Cristina of Serzedelo Church (Guimarães). The three Romanic churches, made of porphyritic granite (biotitic) with coarse grain, fall within rural environments as perceived by the consultation of geological maps. Santa Eulália is from the XIIth century, Santa Cristina of the middle of the XIIIth century, and São Tiago probably of the end of the XIIIth century. The interior walls are partially covered with mural paintings: Sta. Eulália presents a first campaign possibly from the XVth century and overlaying it, one from the XVIth century. Sta. Cristina has several campaigns on different walls, being the latest from the XVIth century. S. Tiago has only one campaign from the XVth century.

In most habitats, microbial life is organized in biofilms, three-dimensional edifices sustained by extracellular polymeric substances that enable bacteria to resist harsh and changing environments. Under multispecies conditions, bacteria can benefit from the polymers produced by other species ("public goods"), thus improving their survival under toxic conditions. A recent study showed that a Bacillus subtilis hospital isolate (NDmed) was able to protect Staphylococcus aureus from biocide action in multispecies biofilms. In this work, we identified ypqP, a gene whose product is required in NDmed for thick-biofilm formation on submerged surfaces and for resistance to two biocides widely used in hospitals. NDmed and S. aureus formed mixed biofilms, and both their spatial arrangement and pathogen protection were mediated by YpqP. Functional ypqP is present in other natural B. subtilis biofilm-forming isolates. However, the gene is disrupted by the SPβ prophage in the weak subm...

Purposes: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of biocide resistant genes, qacA, qacE and cepA in multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acineto-bacter baumannii and to correlate the presence or absence of resistant genes with biocides susceptibility. Materials and methods: The study included 44 MDR K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii microorganisms. The bacteria were screened for the presence of biocide resistant genes by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The test organisms were isolated from various clinical specimens in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia. The in vitro susceptibility tests of the three biocides (benzalkonium chloride, cetrim-ide and chlorhexidine gluconate) were studied against the test isolates by broth microdilution method following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Results: With the distribution of biocide resistant genes in K. pneumoniae, all 9 isolates (100%) possessed cepA; 4 (44.4%) and 1 (11.1%) isolate contained qacA and qacE genes respectively. Among 24 isolates of A. baumannii tested, cepA, qacA and qacE genes were found in 54.2%, 16.7% and 33.3% of isolates respectively. Among 11 P. aeruginosa isolates, 63.6% contained cepA gene, 18.2% contained qacE genes, and none of the isolates harboured qacA gene. There was no significant correlation between presence or absence of biocide resistant genes and high MIC values of the test isolates (p ≥ 0.2). Conclusion: Our observations imply that there was no significant correlation between presence or absence of biocide resistant genes and MICs observed in MDR K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa and A. baumannii. Further studies are required to find to confirm the trend of reduced susceptibility to biocides of problematic nosocomial pathogens.