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ZnO-NPs coated cotton or starched cotton fibers were successfully prepared via ultrasound irradiation. Different concentrations of soluble corn starch (1-3 starch wt.%) were used to stabilize ZnO-NPs onto the surface of cotton fabrics as entrapped species. the use of none-toxic biocompatible starch has improved the adhesion properties of the cotton fibers towards ZnO-NPs. This also enhanced the durability of Zno-nps onto the cotton fabrics and decreased their leaching from the surface of cotton fabrics. When 3 starch wt.% solution was used, deposition of ZnO-NP increased by 53% after 10 washing cycles. the antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and escherichia coli increased by 50 and 21.5%, respectively. Functionalization of ZnO coated cotton with silver nanoparticles (Agnps) and curcumin results in formation of Zno-Ag/cotton and Zn(ii) curcumin/cotton composites. the functionalized nanocomposites Zno-Ag coated cotton material showed a synergistic antimicrobial behavior than that of individual Zno/cotton material. the Zn(ii) curcumin complex coated cotton showed higher antibacterial activities against both Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria than that of the Zno/cotton material.

BackgroundThe prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and its associated risk factors among haemodialysis (HD) patients in Gaza strip was investigated using serological and molecular techniques.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HBV among the four HD centers was 8.1%. The main risk factors were HD center (p = 0.05), history of blood transfusion (p < 0.01), and treatment abroad (p = 0.01). The overall prevalence of HCV among the four HD centers was 22%. The main risk factors were HD center (p < 0.01), time duration on HD (p < 0.01), history of blood transfusion (p < 0.01), treatment abroad (p < 0.01), and history of blood transfusion abroad (p < 0.01). Serum aminotransferases levels decreased in HD patients compared with normal population but still there was a direct association between the activity of liver enzymes and both HBV (p < 0.01) and HCV (p < 0.01) infection.ConclusionThe much higher prevalence of Hepatitis viruses among HD patients compared to the normal population of Gaza strip indicates a causative relation between HD and hepatitis viruses transmission. Therefore extremely careful observation of preventive infection control measures is essential to limit Hepatitis viruses' transmission in HD centers.

ZnO NPs were prepared and deposited onto cotton fibers via ultrasound irradiation successfully. Different surfactants (SDS, HY, CTAB, TX-100) have been used to stabilize, homogenize the coated ZnO NPs and control their shape and size as encapsulated species. The use of surfactants has improved the durability of ZnO NPs and decreased its leaching in particular SDS. The small mean crystallite size for ZnO particles due to the use of surfactants is the main reason for decreasing the leached of ZnO particles from cotton substrate. SEM and XRD analysis revealed information about the shape and size of the coated ZnO nanoparticles. The use of SDS and HY surfactants in the synthesis of ZnO NPs coated fabrics showed the highest antibacterial and antifungal activities against different pathogenic bacterial and fungal species with high reduction reached over 90%.

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