No abstract

Various surfaces associated with the storage and packing of food are known to harbor distinct bacterial pathogens. Conspicuously absent among the plethora of studies implicating food packaging materials and machinery is the study of corrugated cardboard packaging, the worldwide medium for transporting fresh produce. In this study, we observed the microbial communities of three different store-bought fruits and vegetables, along with their analog cardboard packaging using high throughput sequencing technology. We further developed an anti-biofilm polymer meant to coat corrugated cardboard surfaces and mediate bacterial biofilm growth on said surfaces. Integration of a novel thiazolidinedione derivative into the acrylic emulsion polymers was assessed using Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS) analysis and surface topography was visualized and quantified on corrugated cardboard surfaces. Biofilm growth was measured using q-PCR targeting the gene encoding 16s rRNA. Additionally, architectural structure of the biofilm was observed using SEM. The uniform integration of the thiazolidinedione derivative TZD-6 was confirmed, and it was determined via q-PCR to reduce biofilm growth by ~80% on tested surfaces. A novel and effective method for reducing microbial load and preventing contamination on food packaging is thereby proposed.

Objectives To compare the outcomes of stenotic punctal dilation by means of a punctal dilator alone vs. a Kelly punch punctoplasty, both followed by insertion of a mini-monoka stent, for treatment of symptomatic punctal stenosis. Methods A retrospective, comparative study. The participants were patients with punctal stenosis related epiphora treated at the Goldschleger Eye Institute, Sheba Medical Center. All patients were treated either by simple punctal dilation (group 1) or Kelly punch-assisted punctoplasty (group 2), both followed by mini-monoka stent insertion. Symptoms relief and subjective epiphora scoring (Munk score) were compared and analysed. Results Fifty patients were included in the study; Mean age (+SD) of the participants was 60 years (±12, range 30-86 years). Baseline characteristics (age, gender distribution, and visual acuity) were similar in both groups. The mini-monoka stent was placed for an average period of 2 weeks, and all patients received postoperative steroids and antibiotic treatment for 1 week. The Munk score decreased significantly in both groups following the procedure, dropping from 4.9 to 1.9 in group 1 and from 4.3 to 1.2 in group 2 (P < 0.005 for both groups). There was no difference in the delta Munk score between the two groups. Conclusions Simple punctal dilation followed by insertion of a mini-monoka stent is effective in alleviating the symptoms of punctal stenosis-related epiphora. There was no added benefit when the more invasive Kelly punch-assisted punctoplasty was used, raising some doubt about its justification in these cases.

PurposeTo present a case of inadvertent corneal pigmentation as a complication of cosmetic eyelid tattooing.ObservationsA 63 year old woman presented with left eye redness and irritation 3 days after undergoing permanent eyeliner tattooing of her upper and lower eyelids. On ocular examination a black pigmentation of the nasal cornea in her left eye was observed, with associated conjunctival injection. Initial slit lamp attempts of pigment removal were unsuccessful. A surgical attempt to scrape the pigment in the stroma was only partially successful due to the penetration of pigment particles in between stromal lamellae. Microanalysis spectroscopy was performed on a specimen of pigment taken from the eyelashes in order to attain the chemical properties of the material and assist with further therapeutic strategy. The analysis revealed an organic inert nature of the material (mostly carbon and oxygen) and ruled out presence of dangerous components such as copper and lead. Due to minimal inflammatory reaction and the non-central location of the corneal pigmentation, the patient remained under close observation, treated with lubrication and no further interventions, until complete resolution by 6 weeks.Conclusions and importanceWhile the procedure of cosmetic blepharopigmentation is considered relatively safe, it bares many possible complications, ranging from mild dermal irritation to vision-threatening conditions. Our case of inadvertent keratopigmentation demonstrates the potential dangers of this procedure, and the importance of medical supervision and intervention in cases of complications. Vision preservation in this case was enabled by the midperipheral location of the pigment penetration.