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PubMed1995

Effectiveness of ethylene oxide for sterilization of dental handpieces.

Ethylene oxide gas has been utilized as an alternative method for sterilization of dental handpieces, as it is less corrosive than steam. However, its effectiveness for sterilization of the internal components of dental handpieces has not been established. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of ethylene oxide and steam for sterilization of dental handpieces. Unused handpieces and handpieces which had been exposed to clinical dental procedures ('clinical') were contaminated with Streptococcus mutans, exposed to steam or ethylene oxide, and flushed with sterile saline. Washings were plated on mitis-salivarius agar, and colonies identified and counted. No viable colonies could be established from washings from 'clinical' or 'unused' handpieces exposed to steam. However, viable colonies could be established from 'clinical' handpieces exposed to ethylene oxide. This data suggests that a substance entrapped within 'clinical' handpieces (possibly the biofilm) may protect bacteria from ethylene oxide gas, preventing adequate sterilization.

Biofilms↗
PubMed1998

Costs of low-temperature plasma sterilization compared with other sterilization methods.

Plasma sterilization is a new technique for decontaminating thermolabile products without the severe drawbacks associated with gas sterilization methods (residues, environment compatibility). The actual costs, per sterilization unit, of three sterilization techniques--plasma, ethylene oxide and formaldehyde--were compared. As plasma sterilization is an alternative to steam sterilization for sterilizing thermostable but easily corroding products or electronic instruments, costs for steam sterilization were calculated and compared as well. If one considers only the cost of the sterilization procedure itself, without taking into account the time-saving element of plasma sterilization, then ethylene oxide sterilization proves to be the most expensive procedure, followed by plasma sterilization; sterilization with formaldehyde was the least expensive. Inclusion of the time required to sterilize an instruments, however, altered the relative costs of the three methods. Because plasma sterilization takes less time to perform than either ethylene oxide or formaldehyde sterilization, fewer instruments need be procured. In order to measure and compare the time-saving advantage that plasma sterilization affords, five groups of instruments were assembled and the total cost of sterilizing an instrument of each group was calculated. The five groups included (1) disposable, (2) electronic, (3) endoscopic, (4) sharp and (5) standard instruments. In all cases, ethylene oxide sterilization was the most expensive method. Formaldehyde sterilization was, in four out of five cases, more expensive than plasma sterilization. Steam sterilization proved to be the cheapest method of sterilizing a laparoscopic set, even when costs due to damage inflicted on the optical instruments were calculated. In the case of a vitrectome, however, plasma sterilization costs were nearly the same as steam sterilization when the lower rate of damage by plasma sterilization was taken into account.

Costs and Cost Analysis↗
PubMed2000

Evaluation of the effectiveness of decontamination of dental syringes.

AIM: Steam autoclaving is the gold standard for decontaminating dental instruments, but worldwide disinfection is still widely employed. We have evaluated a range of procedures for their ability to inactivate duck hepatitis B virus contaminating dental syringes. METHODS: Residual infectivity of virus suspensions following 2% glutaraldehyde treatment, ultrasonication or steam sterilisation at 121 degrees or 134 degrees was assayed by injecting day-old ducklings and examining their livers for viral DNA 2.5 weeks later. Dental syringes were contaminated with DHBV positive blood, then treated by the same methods. An anaesthetic cartridge containing water was loaded into the syringe and 400microl aliquots used to inject day-old ducklings. Used dental syringes were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy. RESULTS: Suspension test:- ultrasonic treatment failed to inactivate DHBV in suspension, but complete inactivation was achieved by 2% glutaraldehyde and autoclaving. Syringe test:- neither ultrasonic treatment nor glutaraldehyde inactivated DHBV. Autoclaving at 134 degrees (3 minutes) permitted transmission to 1/16 ducklings but steam sterilisation at 121 degrees (15 minutes) was effective. Electronmicroscopy demonstrated organic debris (biofilm) in the lumen of used syringes. CONCLUSION: Short autoclaving cycles, albeit at raised temperatures, may fail to inactivate the virus because of poor steam penetration, inadequate heat transfer and the accumulation of protective biofilm.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

An investigation into techniques for cleaning mold-contaminated home contents.

This study examined the efficacy of the following treatments to reduce selected fungal spore and mycotoxin levels on materials commonly found in home contents: (1) gamma irradiation at a 10-13 kiloGray exposure, (2) a detergent/bleach wash, and (3) a steam cleaning technique. A minimum of six replicates were performed per treatment. Paper, cloth, wood, and carpet were inoculated with either fungal spores (Stachybotrys chartarum, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium chrysogenum, or Chaetomium globosum) at 240,000 spores/2.54 cm2 of material or with the mycotoxins roridin A, T-2, and verrucarin A at 10 microg per 2.54 cm2 of material. Treatments were evaluated with an agar plating technique for fungal spores and a yeast toxicity culture assay for mycotoxins. Results showed that gamma irradiation inactivated fungal spores, but the treatment was not successful in inactivating mycotoxins. The washing technique completely inactivated or removed spores on all materials except for C. globosum, which was reduced on all items except paper (p < 0.05). Washing inactivated all mycotoxins on paper and cloth but not on carpet or untreated wood (p < 0.001). The steam cleaning treatment did not completely eliminate any fungal spores; however, it reduced P. chrysogenum numbers on all materials, C. globosum was reduced on wood and carpet, and S. chartarum was reduced on wood (p < 0.05). Steam cleaning was unsuccessful in inactivating any of the tested mycotoxins. These results show that the bleach/detergent washing technique was more effective overall in reducing spore and mycotoxin levels than gamma irradiation or steam cleaning. However, the other examined techniques were successful in varying degrees.

Chlorine↗
PubMed1998

Biocompatibility differences with respect to the dialyzer sterilization method.

The impact of the method of sterilization (steam vs. ethylene oxide, ETO) on indices of biocompatibility is investigated using polysulfone membranes. Eight patients were treated with a random choice of the high-flux membranes F60S (steam) and F60 (ETO) and the low-flux membrane F6 (ETO). Blood samples were taken prior to and 5, 15, 30, 60, and 180 min after the start of hemodialysis. White blood cell count, platelet count, and plasma concentrations of polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase, complements C3a and C5a, and beta2-microglobulin were determined. The dialysis procedure was associated with a significant decrease in white blood cell count and beta2-microglobulin level and a significant increase in polymorphonuclear neutrophil elastase and complement C3a and C5a levels. However, the steam-sterilized F60S membrane had a significantly lower impact on the biocompatibility indices than the ETO-sterilized F60 and F6 membranes (p < 0.05 or p < 0.001 for the individual markers). We conclude that using steam instead of ETO for sterilization may improve the biocompatibility of membranes.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Ethanol production from pretreated olive tree wood and sunflower stalks by an SSF process.

Olive tree wood and sunflower stalks are agricultural residues largely available at low cost in Mediterranean countries. As renewable lignocellulosic materials, their bioconversion may allow both obtaining a value-added product, for fuel ethanol, and facilitating their elimination. In this work, the ethanol production from olive tree wood and sunflower stalks by a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process is studied. As a pretreatment, steam explosion at different temperatures was applied. The water insoluble fractions of steam-pretreated sunflower stalks and steamed, delignified olive tree wood were used as substrates at 10% w/v concentration for an SSF process by a cellulolytic commercial complex and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. After 72-h fermentation, ethanol concentrations up to 30 g/L were obtained in delignified steam-pretreated olive tree wood at 230 degrees C and 5 min. Sunflower stalks pretretated at 220 degrees C and 5 min gave maximum ethanol concentrations of 21 g/L in SSF experiments.

Cell Culture Techniques↗
PubMed1990

Effect of sterilization on the strength and cutting efficiency of twist drills.

Retentive-pin twist drills were subjected to four methods of sterilization and then examined to determine possible effects on resistance to fracture, cutting efficiency, and surface condition. Sterilization methods included steam autoclave, chemical vapor autoclave, dry heat, and immersion in glutaraldehyde. Although the steam and chemical vapor groups had lower mean fracture strengths after sterilization, there was no statistically significant difference among the groups. Only the steam autoclave group showed a statistically significant loss of cutting efficiency. Scanning electron microscopic evaluation revealed that only drills sterilized by steam autoclave showed changes in the surface condition or cutting edges.

Dental Cavity Preparation↗
PubMed1994

Effect of inhaling heated vapor on symptoms of the common cold.

OBJECTIVE: To test the efficacy of steam inhalation in treating common cold symptoms. DESIGN: An in vitro study determined the temperature that inactivated rhinovirus: a temperature of 43 degrees C lasting at least 1 hour was needed. We then conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized in vivo study. SETTING: The virology laboratory and the outpatient department of the Cleveland (Ohio) Clinic Foundation. PATIENTS: Sixty-eight Cleveland Clinic employee volunteers with symptoms of the common cold at the time of enrollment. INTERVENTION: A single 60-minute treatment was given to the volunteers. The steam treatment group (n = 32) received 40 L/min of heated saturated air that raised the intranasal temperature to 43 degrees C. The placebo group (n = 36) received 2 L/min of ambient air at 20 degrees C to 24 degrees C. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Subjective symptom scores for nasal congestion, nasal drainage, and sneezing and objective measures of nasal resistance were studied during a 7-day follow-up observation period. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in daily symptom scores between the groups (P = .59 to .83). The only statistically significant differences between the groups were lower nasal resistances at baseline in the steam group (P = .04) and percent improvement in nasal resistance favoring the placebo group on day 7 (P = .01). However, these differences were of questionable clinical significance. CONCLUSION: We conclude that steam inhalation treatment had no beneficial effect on the cold symptoms of our volunteers.

Administration, Inhalation↗
PubMed2003

Effect of hydrothermal processing on carrot carotenoids changes and interactions with dietary fiber.

The aim of the studies was to determine the effect of different methods of heat treatment on carotenoids changes and their interactions with insoluble and soluble dietary fiber. Three industrial varieties of carrot--Simba, Caropak and Fayette constituted the experimental material. Carrot cubes were subjected to heat treatment by putting in water with or without citric acid, or in a convection-type steam furnace. The total content of alpha- and beta-carotene was determined in all kinds of pureed carrots. Its amount bounded with insoluble dietary fiber and pectins was also determined. Changes in soluble and insoluble fractions of dietary fiber during hydrothermal treatment were also determined. It was found that the content of trans alpha- and beta-carotene in carrots decreased significantly (p < 0.05) after heat treatment, compared with the control sample. The loss observed during heat treatment in water was higher (up to 50%) than in the case of a convection-type steam furnace. The highest decrease in the content of insoluble fraction of dietary fiber and the highest increase in soluble fraction were observed after treatment with the use of steam. An analysis of interactions between carotenoids and dietary fiber fractions after hydrothermal processing shows their stronger affinity to forming bonds with pectins than with insoluble fiber. It was also found that the effect of heat treatment parameters was significant--the highest (by six times) increase in the content of beta-carotene bounded with pectins was noted in pureed carrots processed in a convection-type steam furnace.

Antioxidants↗
PubMed2007

Effect of different gamma-irradiation doses on cytotoxicity and material properties of porous polyether-urethane polymer.

Biomaterials respond to sterilization methods differently. Steam sterilization might decrease the performance of thermoplastic polyether-urethane (TPU); however, the effect of different gamma-radiation doses on this polymer is contradictory in present literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences between irradiative doses in comparison with steam sterilization on a porous TPU scaffold produced by a new processing method. No significant differences in the surface chemical structure were found with attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis when comparing with the sterilization methods. The molecular weight (M(w)) had a net increase from 11.5 +/- 0.039 to 13.2 +/- 0.072 kDa by gamma-sterilization from 10 to 60 kGy. The samples that were irradiated (>60 kGy) had also an increase in polydispersity index (PDI; 1.45 +/- 0.007) in comparison with the nonsterile ones (1.31 +/- 0.017), which indicate branching. Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC/MS) analysis showed that there was a correlation between the concentration of the breakdown product, methyl dianiline, and cytotoxicity. The concentration of this compound was found to be four times higher in steam-sterilized sample (1.3 +/- 0.01 ppb) compared with that of the polymer sample gamma-sterilized at 10 kGy (0.3 +/- 0.01 ppb). The cytotoxicity of TPU was found to decrease with higher radiation doses, and was significantly higher for the steam-sterilized samples. It is recommended that TPU produced with the described foaming method should be sterilized by gamma-irradiation at 25 kGy or higher doses.

Biocompatible Materials↗
PubMed2006

Quantification of vitamin C in the rat brain in vivo using short echo-time 1H MRS.

Both ultrashort echo-time STEAM and MEGA-PRESS-edited spectroscopy were used to validate noninvasive quantification of vitamin C (ascorbate) in the developing rat brain, where changes in ascorbate concentration have been reported. Despite strong overlap with resonances from glutamine, glutamate, glutathione, and macromolecules, reliable quantification of ascorbate (Cramer-Rao lower bounds<0.2 micromol/g) by LCModel analysis of STEAM (TE=2 ms) spectra was possible at 9.4 T. Ascorbate concentrations quantified from the STEAM spectra were in very good agreement with concentrations calculated from fully resolved ascorbate resonances in MEGA-PRESS-edited spectra measured from identical volumes of interest. Ascorbate concentrations measured using STEAM decreased with increasing postnatal rat age, in agreement with published brain ascorbate concentrations measured in vitro using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Aging↗
PubMed1999

Stimulated anti-echo selection in spatially localized NMR spectroscopy.

Spectral localization using the stimulated-echo acquisition mode (STEAM) is one of the most popular methods in volume-localized in vivo NMR spectroscopy. The localized volume signal is generated via stimulated echoes from spins excited by three 90 degrees RF pulses, and the conventional STEAM sequence detects the stimulated-echo signal. From an analysis of the STEAM pulse sequence using the coherence transfer pathway formalism, stimulated anti-echoes are also formed by the same pulse sequence, which constitute the other half of the localized signal in the STEAM experiment. A new scheme of pulsed field gradients for the selection of stimulated anti-echoes was proposed, and localized spectroscopy in the stimulated anti-echo selection mode was achieved on a phantom and from in vivo rat brain.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Wheat products as acceptable substitutes for rice.

The objective of the study was to compare the acceptability to semi-trained US American and Asian palatability panelist, of four wheat products processed to be possible replacers of rice in human diets. Products evaluated using rice as the control standard of excellence were steamed whole wheat, couscous (steamed, extracted wheat flour semolina), rosamarina (rice shaped, extracted wheat flour pasta), and bulgar (steamed, pre-cooked partly debranned, cracked wheat). Using a ten point hedonic rating scale, both groups of panelists gave rosamarina closely followed by couscous, most favorable ratings although these ratings were somewhat lower than that of the positive control, steamed polished rice. Bulgar wheat was given the lowest evaluation and was, in general, found to be an unacceptable replacement for rice by both American and Asian judges because of its dark, 'greasy' color and distinctive flavor. In their personal dietaries, judges included rice from 0.25 to 18 times per week with the Asian judges consuming rice significantly more times per week than did the American judges (10.8 +/- 4.71 vs 1.75 +/- 1.65, p < 0.01). However, rice consumption patterns, nationality, race, or sex of the judges was not demonstrated to affect scoring of the wheat products as rice replacers.

Asian↗
PubMed2001

Developing an ecosystem perspective from experimental monitoring programs: I. Demographic responses of a rare geothermal grass to soil temperature.

The geysers panic grass [Dichanthelium lanuginosum Spellenberg var. thermale (Bol.) Spellenberg or DILA] is exclusively associated with surface geothermal manifestations in Sonoma County, California, USA (38 degrees 46'N, 122 degrees 38'W). Steam extraction by power plants could alter the subsurface distribution of heat and water to the site, potentially impacting subpopulations of this rare plant. The purpose of this study was to use demographic monitoring to determine: (1) temporal and spatial patterns of soil temperature in relation to the distribution of established DILA individuals at Little Geysers, (2) in situ response of experimental populations of DILA to spatial variations in soil temperature, and (3) habitat requirements of DILA as an indicator of its tolerance to variations in surficial geothermal features. Thermocouple transects and a datalogger provided data for characterizing the spatial and temporal patterns of soil temperature in four microhabitats (fumarole, DILA stand, Andropogon stand, and cleared). Experimental populations were established by precisely sowing and monitoring DILA seeds in these microhabitats. The results indicated that spatial and temporal variations in soil temperature had significant effects on the processes of germination, growth, survivorship, and reproduction, thus producing a readily observed metapopulation patch dynamic in relation to geothermal activity. Seasonal depressions of soil temperature near the fumaroles by cold air and prolonged rainfall events also promoted the emergence and survival of DILA seedlings in a microhabitat that was previously too hot to occupy. Over longer periods of time, DILA metapopulation dynamism reflected climatic and geothermal variation. Drought years inhibited germination for lack of water, but more importantly for the lack of requisite soil temperature depressions in the fumarole microhabitat. Wet years promoted subpopulation expansion into transition areas that were once too hot and dry. There have also been shifts in the underground distribution of steam into areas distant from known geothermal features. The demographic responses of DILA to spatial and temporal variations in soil temperature indicate that heat is an absolutely essential component of the steam resource. In its absence, germination, seeding survivorship, growth, and maturation are significantly inhibited even if soil conditions are favorable and potential competitors are controlled. Ultimately, persistence of the species depends on maintaining the ecosystem dynamic of colonization and extirpation in response to variations in surficial geothermal features over long spatial and temporal scales. This should shift management perspective from its narrow focus on individual plants to a wider focus on monitoring the essential habitat component of steam.

Conservation of Natural Resources↗
PubMed2002

Fast in vivo water quantification in rat brain oedema based on T(1) measurement at high magnetic field.

BACKGROUND: In vivo water content determination based on magnetic resonance (MR) method is of importance in clinical practice as well as in animal studies to follow up the treatment given in order to reduce brain oedema. The methods proposed in the literature so far are largely time consuming. The aim of this study was to find a fast in vivo water quantification method having real advantage for patients suffering from critical conditions. METHOD: Cold injury was applied to provoke brain oedema in fourteen rats. T(1) values of both the oedematous area and the contralateral normal cortex were determined by two independent methods 24 hours after the cold impact. First, from a series of images recorded by inversion recovery spin echo (IRSE) sequence and then by progressive saturation experiment performed by localised MR spectroscopy using stimulated echo acquisition mode (STEAM). To reduce the acquisition time, a two-element repetition time array was optimised for the STEAM experiment, whereas four inversion times were used for T(1) mapping. Both methods were validated against gel phantoms with known T(1) values. After the MR measurements the animals were sacrificed and the water contents of the regions of interest were determined by gravimetric wet-dry method. FINDINGS: The reciprocals of the in vivo measured T(1) values were correlated with the reciprocals of the brain water contents. STEAM experiment showed stronger correlation (r=0.96) than IRSE (r=0.93). In addition, STEAM provided more accurate T(1) values in the phantom study. Determination of brain water content based on T1 measurement does work also at high magnetic field. Determination of brain water content by Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy is feasible within 2 minutes. INTERPRETATION: Using the presented fast method, water content can be determined within a couple of minutes in animal experiments as well as in the daily clinical practice.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Effects of packaging, equipment, and storage time on sensory characteristics of beef stew.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of form, heating equipment, and storage time on sensory characteristics of beef stew packaged in a plastic bag currently marketed for foodservice systems. DESIGN: A factorial design was used to consider differences in food quality related to (a) form for reheating, including bulk in bag, bulk out of bag, and portioned; (b) reheating in a compartment steamer; microwave, infrared, and convection ovens; and steam kettle; and (c) storage of 7 and 28 days. Food-quality characteristics were evaluated by a nine-member trained panel using Quantitative Descriptive Analysis in three replications of study. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: For each component characteristic and for overall quality of the components, analysis of variance was used to show significant differences related to equipment, form, and storage time. Tukey's test was used to show specific differences within the factors in the analysis. RESULTS: The majority of sample variations were not significantly different in overall quality from the fresh sample. For most of the 31 characteristics evaluated, the stew was scored significantly higher (P < .05) when heated in bulk in the bag or portioned. Stew reheated in the steam kettle was scored lower than stew heated in the other equipment options. Storage for up to 28 days had minimal effect on component quality. APPLICATIONS/CONCLUSIONS: Beef stew may be cooked, placed in a plastic bag, and stored at refrigerator temperature for up to 28 days with good maintenance of sensory quality. Reheating stew in bulk in the bag or portioned in equipment other than a steam kettle results in product quality advantages comparing with reheating stew in bulk out of a bag in a steam kettle.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Adsorption removal of pollutants by active cokes produced from sludge in the energy recycle process of wastes.

This study proposes a recycling system of sludge into active cokes and the fundamental examinations for the application were carried out. In the system, active cokes were produced by carbonizing pellets of sludge in a steam stream. Pyrolysis gas yielded by carbonization can be available to a fuel for a steam generation boiler. The exhaust heat from the boiler is used sequentially for drying of sludge. The active cokes are applied to the adsorbent for dioxin removal in exhaust gas from incinerators of wastes, or for purification of gas obtained in a gasification process of wastes, particularly removal of H2S. The used adsorbent is not recycled, but incinerated in the furnace without a desorption process to decompose adsorbed dioxin or to oxidize H2S for a sequential desulfurization process of SO2. Dry pellets of sludge were carbonized in a quartz tube reactor under various atmospheres. The micro pore structure and the adsorption performance of the cokes produced without activation process were examined. The micro pore structure was influenced by the temperature, the sort of flow gas (N2, CO2 and steam) and carbonization time, and the active cokes produced under the condition of the temperature 823 K for 60 min in the steam atmosphere had a largest specific surface area in the diameter less than 5 nm. The amount of benzene adsorption as an alternative substance of dioxin into the active cokes had a similar quality to a commercial active char produced from coal if it was evaluated by adsorption per a unit specific surface area. This fundamental knowledge must be reflected to an optimum design for development of a simple continuous process to produce the active cokes by a fluidized bed type of the carbonization furnace.

Adsorption↗
PubMed2000

Free volatile components of passion fruit puree obtained by flash vacuum-expansion.

Purple passion fruits were processed by the flash vacuum-expansion process. Volatile components were analyzed in purees from steam-heated fruits, steam-heated then vacuum-expanded fruits and their aromatic liquors, and fruit rind, in comparison with a reference single-strength juice. After steam heating, the puree was enriched in esters arising from the rind. Steam-heated then vacuum-expanded fruits yielded a puree impoverished in volatiles due to evaporation of approximately 10% of water. These volatile compounds were mostly recovered in aromatic liquors.

Food Handling↗