The integration of membrane-less microbial fuel cell (ML-MFC) with wastewater treatment provides an opportunity to produce energy as well as treat wastewater without membranes. Countries are making ...efforts to obtain a sustainable solution against energy crisis and pollution. Renewable energy such as solar energy, waste-to-energy, wind energy, bio-energy, and small hydro energy are being adopted widely as a sustainable tool. The process involves oxidation of organic matter by microorganisms, while resulting electrons from their metabolism are transferred to an electrode. The MFC device treats organic pollutants present in wastewater with the help of microbial communities and reduces up to 90% of the chemical oxygen demand and biochemical oxygen demand of wastewater. Microorganisms are the main driver of power production and degradation of organic substances; hence microbial inoculums are one of the major requirements for MFC system. New researches have proved that fuel cell will be the promising technology for upcoming future having the possibility of new dimension of research.
In recent times, waste to energy technologies are being viewed as a solution to the problem of sustainable waste management in developing countries, leading to an increase in the quantity of waste ...energy demand. ...waste to energy alone cannot resolve the problem; it also requires an integrated solid waste management system tailored to the specific local conditions with regard to waste composition, collection, recycling, informal sector, environmental tasks, financing sector, price of resources, and other aspects as well. The plastic, glass, cans, and metals are categorized as inorganic and recyclable materials which may not be degraded on their own and are referred to as non-biodegradable waste whereas old battery and medical waste is included as hazardous waste. Solid waste management is a major problem in day-to-day life due to increased urbanization, industrialization, and economic growth and increase in municipal solid waste management generation.
Abstract
Background
Clostridioides difficile (C difficile) infection (CDI) is a major health problem in the United States and despite updated guidelines, the laboratory diagnosis remains vexed. A ...multistep algorithm is recommended to diagnose CDI that includes antigen, toxin and toxin gene Nucleic Acid Amplification (NAAT) assays. This study was done to assess severity of CDI based on toxin B and NAAT statuses. The other objective was to analyze if antibiotics and PPI/H2B (Proton Pump Inhibitors and H2 blockers) affected severity of CDI.
Methods
Retrospective analysis of all adult patients admitted to a tertiary medical center with diarrhea and a positive C difficile antigen test from 01/2017- 12/2017. From more than 2000 stool samples submitted to the lab, C diff antigen was positive in 265 patients. 191 were diagnosed with CDI based on the 2-step algorithm. Clinical data was available for 168 patients. Severity of CDI was determined based on published guidelines. Fischer’s exact test was used for statistical analysis.
Results
The mean age at diagnosis was 55.96. Toxin B was detected in 34% (57/168) patients and Toxin NAAT positive in 66% (111/168) patients. 57% of CDI was health care onset compared to 43% with community onset. 42% (72/168) were classified as severe out of which 40.2% (29) were toxin B positive, and 59.8% (43) were NAAT positive. There were no significant differences in severity of CDI based on toxin B and NAAT status (50.9% vs 38.4%, p=0.14). 46% of cases from community vs 39.6% from hospitals were classified as severe CDI (p=0.415). 72% of cases had antibiotic use in the last 30 days. Use of antibiotics was significantly associated with severe CDI (82% vs 64%, p=0.015). 62.5% (105) patients had history of PPI/H2B use and severity was not significantly associated with its use (p=0.872).
Conclusion
Our study shows that the presence of toxin did not significantly impact the clinical severity of CDI. The use of antibiotics did not affect the presence of toxin although the total number of CDI cases with previous antibiotic exposure was high. Patients who had recent antibiotic exposure were more likely to have severe clinical presentation. More toxin positive cases were health care onset but the effect was not pronounced. Severity of CDI did not significantly depend on health care onset or on exposure to PPI/H2B.
Disclosures
Atul Kothari, MD, Ansun Biopharma (Consultant)
Nutritional support is an integral component in the treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC). Studies indicate 90% of HNC patients are at high risk of developing malnutrition. Chemo-radiation and ...surgery, the three common treatments used to treat HNC are highly susceptible to toxic side effects. Dysphagia is often underestimated in HNC patients. A prolonged impaired swallowing process can lead to severe morbidities like malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration, pneumonia, and even death. These complications have adverse effects on patients' QoL (Quality of Life) and mental health. These adverse reactions further complicate the nutritional status of the patients and the final treatment outcome, increasing morbidity and mortality. The consensus statements try to address nutritional issues and provide practical recommendations for practicing dieticians and clinicians. Keywords: Head and neck cancer guidelines, Nutrition in head and neck cancers, Consensus statements in nutrition in Head and neck cancers, IAPEN head and neck cancer guidelines
The COVID-19 Pandemic has left a devastating trail all over the world, in terms of loss of lives, economic decline, travel restrictions, trade deficit, and collapsing economy including real-estate, ...job loss, loss of health benefits, the decline in quality of access to care and services and overall quality of life. Immunization from the anticipated vaccines will not be the stand-alone guideline that will help surpass the pandemic and return to normalcy. Four pillars of effective public health intervention include diagnostic testing for both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals, contact tracing, quarantine of individuals with symptoms or who are exposed to COVID-19, and maintaining strict hygiene standards at the individual and community level. Digital technology, currently being used for COVID-19 testing include certain mobile apps, web dashboards, and online self-assessment tools. Herein, we look into various digital solutions adapted by communities across universities, businesses, and other organizations. We summarize the challenges experienced using these tools in terms of quality of information, privacy, and user-centric issues. Despite numerous digital solutions available and being developed, many vary in terms of information being shared in terms of both quality and quantity, which can be overwhelming to the users. Understanding the testing landscape through a digital lens will give a clear insight into the multiple challenges that we face including data privacy, cost, and miscommunication. It is the destiny of digitalization to navigate testing for COVID-19. Block-chain based systems can be used for privacy preservation and ensuring ownership of the data to remain with the user. Another solution involves having digital health passports with relevant and correct information. In this early draft, we summarize the challenges and propose possible solutions to address the same.
Aims: This study was undertaken to determine the knowledge, attitude & practice of self medication among engineering students of all the years of NIMS Engineering College, Jaipur, Rajasthan. Methods: ...This study was an anonymous, questionnaire-based, descriptive study. A self-developed, pre-validated questionnaire consisting of both open-ended and close-ended questions was filled by 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th year engineering students. Data was reviewed, organized and summarized as counts and percentages and evaluated using the Chi-square test and p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Out of a total of 346 students, 70.5% were male & 29.4% were females. Their age ranged from 17-27 years. Out of these, 75.7% students had taken self medication with 22.3% being females and 77.86% being males. The commonest indications for self-medication were fever seen in 176(67.1%) of the students followed by, cough/common cold 104(39.69%). 37.4% of the students didn’t feel the need to go to a doctor and this was the most frequent reasons for resorting to self-medication and the main source of self medication was guardians (54.9%). Analgesics were the commonest drugs used (56.5%) followed by antimicrobials (15.6%) with 52% of the students completed the recommended course of antimicrobials. 46.5% students thought that self medication was harmful. Conclusion: The practice of self-medication in our study was common and often inappropriate and this high prevalence is a cause of concern. Education and proper information about the drugs may go a long way in promoting responsible self medication.
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