Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “COTTON”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 937 records · Page 52Linked to original sources

[The pathogenesis of cotton-wool spots].

Cotton-wool spots have been recognized as distinct ophthalmoscopic entities, yet the pathogenesis of these lesions has not been fully appreciated until now. Cotton-wool spots should be regarded as localised accumulations of axoplasmic debris in the retinal nerve-fibre lay, which result from interruption of axoplasmic transport. Cotton-wool spots could be found especially in diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy from nephropathy, collagen diseases, retinal vein occlusions and cachexia. Any factor responsible for local interruption of axonal flow in the retinal nerve-fibre layer will give rise to similar accumulations, although, pathogenically speaking, the cause is usually ischaemia.

Axonal Transport↗

[A foldable cardboard box for drying and storage of by cotton swab collected biological samples].

The ability to perform successful DNA analysis on biological evidence obtained at a crime scene or during a sexual assault examination depends very much on the first step--how specimens are collected and preserved. Body fluids and their wet or dry stains, are often recovered using dry cotton swabs or cotton swabs moistened with sterile water or saline. In order to prevent decomposition and deterioration of a specimen, resulting in degradation or loss of DNA, it is recommended to either air dry or freeze these swabs as soon as possible after collection. We designed a simple, foldable cardboard box, which is suitable for the drying and storage of biological evidence collected on cotton swabs. Immediately after collection swabs are placed into the drying racks within the cardboard box, which is subsequently folded, labeled, sealed and initialed. At room temperature swabs completely air dry within the sealed box within 6-9 hours. In this box the evidence is properly packed, labelled and sealed, thus preventing cross contamination, degradation and sample switch. It is a valuable device for the collection of biological evidence at a crime scene, during sexual assault examinations, and for the collection of buccal swabs for PCR-based databasing and paternity testing.

DNA↗

Inter-laboratory analysis of endotoxin in cotton dust samples.

BACKGROUND: Currently there are no mandated exposure limits for endotoxin, but recommended limits have been proposed and interest expressed in developing quantitative standards for endotoxin. A limitation for developing a quantitative standard for endotoxin is the measurement variability between laboratories. Inter-laboratory variability of up to four orders of magnitude has been reported for replicate samples. To evaluate both the intra- and inter-laboratory variability, Round-Robin studies were conducted using replicate samples of cotton dust. METHODS: Replicate samples of cotton dust were collected using vertical elutriators (VE) in a model cardroom. Each participating laboratory evaluated the samples for endotoxin using: their normal extraction procedure; a common extraction procedure; and a common extraction procedure and the same type and lot of a commercially available endotoxin kit. RESULTS: These studies demonstrated that both intra- and inter-laboratory variability is reduced by using a common extraction protocol and a common assay kit; however, significant differences remained between the laboratories. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that intra-laboratory assays can be used to assess the relative differences between endotoxin samples, however, the inter-laboratory variability suggests that limitations remain for developing a reliable exposure assessment assay that could be used for a quantitative exposure standard.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Natural cellulose fibers from switchgrass with tensile properties similar to cotton and linen.

We report the production and characteristics of natural cellulose fibers obtained from the leaves and stems of switchgrass. In this paper, the composition, structure and properties of fibers obtained from the leaves and stem of switchgrass have been studied in comparison to the common natural cellulose fibers, such as cotton, linen and kenaf. The leaves and stems of switchgrass have tensile properties intriguingly similar to that of linen and cotton, respectively. Fibers were obtained from the leaves and stems of switchgrass using a simple alkaline extraction and the structure and properties of the fibers were studied. Fibers obtained from switchgrass leaves have crystallinity of 51%, breaking tenacity of 5.5 g per denier (715 MPa) and breaking elongation of 2.2% whereas the corresponding values for fibers obtained from switchgrass stems are 46%, 2.7 g per denier and 6.8%, respectively. Switchgrass is a relatively easy to grow and high yield biomass crop that can be source to partially substitute the natural and synthetic fibers currently in use. We hope that this research will stimulate interests in using switchgrass as a novel fiber crop in addition to being promoted as a potential source for biofuels.

Bedding and Linens↗

Molecular dissection of interspecific variation between Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense (cotton) by a backcross-self approach: II. Fiber fineness.

A backcross-self population from a cross between Gossypium hirsutum and G. barbadense was used to dissect the molecular basis of genetic variation governing two parameters reflecting lint fiber fineness and to compare the precision of these two measurements. By applying a detailed restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) map to 3,662 BC(3)F(2) plants from 24 independently derived BC(3) families, we were able to detect 32 and nine quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for fiber fineness and micronaire (MIC), respectively. The discovery of larger numbers of QTLs in this study than previously found in other studies based on F(2) populations grown in favorable environments reflects the ability of the backcross-self design to resolve smaller QTL effects. Although the two measurements differed dramatically in the number of QTLs detected, seven of the nine MIC QTLs were also associated with fiber fineness. This supports other data in suggesting that fiber fineness more accurately reflects the underlying physical properties of cotton fibers and, consequently, is a preferable trait for selection. "Negative transgression," with the majority of BC(3)F(2) families showing average phenotypes that were poorer than that of the inferior parent, suggests that many of the new gene combinations formed by interspecific hybridization are maladaptive and may contribute to the lack of progress in utilizing G. barbadense in conventional breeding programs to improve upland cotton.

Analysis of Variance↗

Genetic basis and role of exotic accessions in cultivated cotton fiber quality improvement.

Exotic Gossypium accessions still harbor QTL&#x2011;validated alleles that, combined with CRISPR pyramiding and genomic selection, can break the entrenched fiber length-strength trade&#x2011;off. Cotton's four independent domestications twice in diploids and twice in allotetraploids offer a natural experiment in fiber improvement. Synthesizing three decades of data, we chart how polyploidy, selection and modern breeding have repeatedly reshaped the Gossypium genome. More than 15,000 quantitative trait locus (QTL) and genome wide association mapping studies (GWAS) hits converge on a handful of chromosomal "hotspots"; new MAGIC, NAM, NIL and long-read resources now narrow these peaks to&#x2009;<&#x2009;200&#xa0;kb, resolving causal genes such as GhHOX3, GhZF14 and GhMYB7. Multi-omics evidence links auxin, ethylene, gibberellin, brassinosteroid and strigolactone signaling to HDZIP IV, MYB, bHLH/HLH and ERF networks that drive fiber initiation, extreme cell elongation and cellulose deposition. Population genomics shows that&#x2009;~&#x2009;40% of favorable fiber alleles are fixed in elite Gossypium hirsutum, yet wild diploids and landraces still harbor variants that could break the length strength trade-off. We propose a three-step roadmap genomic selection, CRISPR gene pyramiding and accelerated introgression to expand cotton's genetic base and deliver fibers suited to sustainable textile demands.

Gossypium↗

Identification and quantification of cotton-bound, cyclic polycarboxylic acids by means of isocratic HPLC.

Cotton fabrics are modified by means of polycarboxylic acids (PCA) in combination with an inorganic catalyst in order to impart durable press properties. To evaluate the effectiveness of cyclic PCA, 100% cotton fabrics were treated with 1,2,3,4,5,6-cyclohexanehexacarboxylic acid (CH-HCA), 1,3,5-cyclohexanetricarboxylic acid (CH-TCA), 1,2,3,4-cyclopentanetetracarboxylic acid (CP-TCA), and 1,2,3,4-tetrahydrofurantetracarboxylic acid (THF-TCA) in combination with sodium hypophosphite (SHP) as catalyst. The amount of PCA that reacted with the cellulosic material was determined by means of isocratic HPLC (Aminex HPX-87-H). The results clearly indicate that the cyclic PCA are less effective in respect of durable press performance. CH-TCA does not react with the cellulosic material thus confirming the assumption that the crosslinking reaction between PCA and the cellulose proceeds via a five-membered cyclic anhydride.

Calibration↗

Exposure-response relationship between endotoxin exposure and lung function impairment in cotton textile workers.

OBJECTIVES: Preventive workplace regulations are so far not based on an ubiquitously accepted threshold for airborne endotoxin in the bioaerosol. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, 150 employees of a cotton spinning mill underwent lung function testing. Furthermore, in a random subset of 75 textile workers cross-shift lung function test and methacholine challenges were performed. Airborne current endotoxin exposure was classified as "low", "medium", and "high" ( 100- 450 Endotoxin Units (EU)/m(3), respectively) based on endotoxin activity. RESULTS: The exposure-response relationship between current endotoxin exposure and prevalence of an obstructive ventilation pattern was significant (test for linear trend: P = 0.019); the adjusted odds ratio for high endotoxin exposure was 11.22 (95% confidence interval 1.03-121.17). Within individuals, FEV(1)/FVC% was significantly reduced after the shift (paired t test: P = 0.009) but not related to current endotoxin exposure. Twelve workers showed bronchial hyperresponsiveness (8.1% before and 12.2% after the work shift; Fisher's exact test: P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: The study among German cotton textile workers suggests an exposure-dependent effect of current endotoxin exposure on lung function impairment with significant effects above 450 EU/m(3).

Adult↗

Cloning and characterization of a gene for an LRR receptor-like protein kinase associated with cotton fiber development.

Cotton fiber is an ideal model for studying plant cell elongation and cell wall biogenesis, but the genes that are critical for the regulation of fiber development are largely unknown. We report here the cloning and characterization of a receptor-like kinase gene (designated GhRLK1), expression of which is induced during the period of active secondary wall synthesis in the cotton fiber cells. We demonstrate that GhRLK1 is located in the plasma membrane and shows dual specificity as both a serine/threonine kinase and a tyrosine kinase. Our results suggest a possible role of GhRLK1 in the signal transduction pathway that is involved in the induction and maintenance of active secondary wall formation during fiber development.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Pseudooutbreak of Pantoea species bacteremia associated with contaminated cotton pledgets.

A total of 22 isolates of Pantoea strains, unusual causative agents of clinical infection, was isolated from blood cultures from 9 patients and 1 ear swab from 1 of the patients within a period of 1 month in a tertiary-care hospital. Pseudooutbreak was suspected because specimens were collected from a limited number of places and the patients did not show consistent signs or symptoms of bacterial sepsis. Enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and partial 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing were performed to determine the clonal relationship among the isolates. Screening environmental cultures revealed that cotton pledgets were contaminated with Pantoea species. Molecular typing suggested that 2 different clones of Pantoea strains were responsible for the pseudooutbreak. Cotton materials may be a possible source of Pantoea pseudooutbreak. Molecular typing is useful for investigating epidemics and identifying unusual clinical isolates.

Adult↗

Quantitative estimate of the effect of cellulase components during degradation of cotton fibers.

A comprehensive mechanistic kinetic model for enzymatic degradation of cotton fibers has been established based on a complete factorial experiment in combination with multivariate stepwise regression analysis. The analysis of the statistical parameter value in the model suggests that the enzymatic degradation of cotton fiber is a progressive and heterogeneous process that includes, at least, two courses that occur sequentially and then progress in parallel. Cellulose fibers were first depolymerized or solubilized by the synergism between cellobiohydrolase I (CBHI) and endoglucanase I (EGI), and then the oligomers obtained were randomly hydrolyzed into glucose by EGI and beta-glucosidase. The proposed model can be applied to the quantitative estimation of the effects of three cellulase components, CBHI, EGI, and beta-glucosidase separately, or in combination during the entire process of cellulose degradation. The validity of the proposed model has been verified by a filter paper activity assay. Its other applicability was also discussed.

Cellulase↗

The effect of wool vs. cotton head covering and length of stay with the mother following delivery on infant temperature.

Rectal temperature of 126 term infants was measured on admission to the nursery following variable periods of stay with the mother in the delivery room. Fifty-nine infants who wore woolen hats after delivery had higher rectal temperature than 67 infants whose head was covered by loosely applied cotton diapers (36.5+/-0.5 degrees C vs. 36.3+/-0.5 degrees C, respectively; p=0.03). Among them there were fewer infants who were admitted with rectal temperature 36 degrees C (12 vs. 26, respectively; p=0.03). In multiple regression analyses accounting for head covering with woolen hats, birth weight, gender, delivery room temperature and length of stay with the mother, only birth weight and head covering with woolen hats were significantly associated with rectal temperature at arrival in the nursery (p=0.002 and 0.03, respectively), and only head covering with cotton diapers was significantly associated with rectal temperature 36 degrees C (p=0.03). Our data imply that covering heads of term newborns with simple woolen hats may reduce or prevent heat loss following delivery, and that adequate warming of infants is achieved during prolonged stay with the mother.

Animals↗

Enhanced production of cellobiohydrolases in Trichoderma reesei and evaluation of the new preparations in biofinishing of cotton.

In the search for suitable cellulase combinations for industrial biofinishing of cotton, five different types of Trichoderma reesei strains were constructed for elevated cellobiohydrolase production: CBHI overproducers with and without endoglucanase I (EGI), CBHII overproducers with and without endoglucanase II (EGII) and strains overproducing both CBHI and CBHII without the major endoglucanases I and II. One additional copy of cbh1 gene increased production of CBHI protein 1.3-fold, and two copies 1.5-fold according to ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). The level of total secreted proteins was increased in CBHI transformants as compared to the host strain. One copy of the cbh2 expression cassette in which the cbh2 was expressed from the cbh1 promoter increased production of CBHII protein three- to four-fold when compared to the host strain. T. reesei strains producing elevated amounts of both CBHI and CBHII without EGI and EGII were constructed by replacing the egl1 locus with the coding region of the cbh1 gene and the egl2 locus with the coding region of cbh2. The cbh1 was expressed from its own promoter and the cbh2 gene using either the cbh1 or cbh2 promoter. Production of CBHI by the CBH-transformants was increased up to 1.6-fold and production of CBHII up to 3.4-fold as compared with the host strain. Approximately similar amounts of CBHII protein were produced by using cbh1 or cbh2 promoters. When the enzyme preparation with elevated CBHII content was used in biofinishing of cotton, better depilling and visual appearance were achieved than with the wild type preparation; however, the improvement was not as pronounced as with preparations with elevated levels of endoglucanases (EG).

Cellulose 1,4-beta-Cellobiosidase↗

Raman spectroscopic investigation of acetylation of raw cotton.

Raman spectroscopy has been used to investigate raw cotton acetylation using acetic anhydride/4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) catalyst blend without solvent. The Raman data further confirm successful acetylation as shown by FTIR that was demonstrated previously to be highly sensitive for determining the level of acetylation. However, the Raman peaks are much weaker than the FTIR bands. Nevertheless, the variations of the extent of acetylation estimated from both Raman and FTIR spectra with weight percent gain due to acetylation (WPG) were observed to follow the same pattern. The degrees of acetylation calculated from Raman data were also found to increase linearly with that calculated from the more sensitive FTIR technique. Raman technique is thus suitable for further development as an analytical tool for determining the acetylation level of natural cellulose fibres. Raman data have also shown that the acetylation reaction reduces the crystallinity of cotton.

Acetylation↗

Hydrogen peroxide bleaching of cotton in ultrasonic energy.

It is well known that, conventional hydrogen peroxide bleaching process is an important and a specific step for wet processors; however it has some problems such as long time, high energy consumption. On the other hand, using ultrasonic energy in bleaching is an alternative method for the conventional processes. In this work, 100% cotton materials of different forms such as raw fibre, ring-spun yarns and knitted fabrics produced from these cottons, were treated with hydrogen peroxide in two different concentrations (5 mL/L and 10 mL/L), at three different temperatures (20 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 40 degrees C) and times (20 min, 30 min, 60 min). Whiteness Index of the samples were then measured spectrophotometrically and the overall results were compared.

Cotton Fiber↗

Optochiasmal arachnoiditis following cotton wrapping of anterior communicating artery aneurysm treated by surgical removal of granuloma.

We report the case of a 50 year old female who presented with visual disturbance due to optochiasmal arachnoiditis and foreign body granuloma 9 months after cotton wrapping for ruptured anterior communicating artery (AcomA) aneurysm. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed enhanced mass lesion around AcomA complex and hyperintense signal on optic chiasm and right optic tract by fluid-attenuated inversion recovery image. Despite the repeated steroid pulse therapy, she deteriorated and MRI showed expansion of the granulomatous lesion over 5 months. Surgical removal of foreign body granuloma resulted in marked improvement of visual disturbance as well as of the MRI findings. We conclude that the use of cotton sheet close to the optic nerve should be avoided, and that surgical removal of the granuloma would be the optimal choice especially for the patient in whom steroid therapy fails to improve clinical symptoms.

Arachnoiditis↗

Infrared and 13C MAS nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic study of acetylation of cotton.

The acetylation of commercial cotton samples with acetic anhydride without solvents in the presence of about 5% 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) catalyst was followed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 13C MAS NMR spectroscopy. This preliminary investigation was conducted in an effort to develop hydrophobic, biodegradable, cellulosic materials for subsequent application in oil spill cleanup. The FTIR results provide clear evidence for successful acetylation though the NMR results indicate that the level of acetylation is low. Nevertheless, the overall results indicate that cotton fibres are potential candidates suitable for further development via acetylation into hydrophobic sorbent materials for subsequent oil spill cleanup application. The results also indicate that de-acetylation, the reverse of the equilibrium acetylation reaction, occurred when the acetylation reaction was prolonged beyond 3 h.

Absorption↗

Structural and water-repellent properties of a urea/poly(dimethylsiloxane) sol-gel hybrid and its bonding to cotton fabric.

A novel diureapropyltriethoxysilane [bis(aminopropyl)-terminated-poly(dimethylsiloxane) (1000)] (PDMSU) sol-gel hybrid was synthesized and applied on cotton to make it water repellent. Surface-energy values of PDMSU deposited on an aluminum substrate were determined, and the contact angle for water was assessed for impregnated cotton fabrics. The stability of the coatings was determined by repetitive washing, and their degradation was investigated with the help of the infrared attenuated total reflection (ATR) technique. The structure of PDMSU was studied by ATR and 29Si NMR spectroscopy. The results showed the active role of the urea groups in PDMSU/cotton interface bonding, but washing led to the relaxation of the urea-urea associations, as inferred from the appearance of a new amide II band at 1541 cm(-1).

Binding Sites↗