Monolithic composite photocatalysts for fluid purification, chemical transformations, and surface sterilization are disclosed. The monolithic composite photocatalysts comprise a photoactive nanocrystal component and a non-photoactive porous support. Photocatalytic fluid purification systems that contact an impurity-containing fluid with the subject monolithic composite photocatalysts are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial agents active against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to polypeptides comprising the CHAP domain of LysK endolysin, the M23 endopeptidase domain of lysostaphin, the cell wall binding domain (CBD) of ALE-1, and a further peptide selected from the group consisting of an antimicrobial peptide, an amphipathic peptide, a cationic peptide, a hydrophobic peptide, a sushi peptide and a defensin. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and corresponding host cells, compositions and devices. Finally, the present invention relates to applications of the inventive polypeptides, in particular in the pharmaceutical field.

The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial agents active against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In particular, the present invention relates to polypeptides comprising the CHAP domain of LysK endolysin, the M23 endopeptidase domain of lysostaphin, the cell wall binding domain (CBD) of ALE-1, and a further peptide selected from the group consisting of an antimicrobial peptide, an amphipathic peptide, a cationic peptide, a hydrophobic peptide, a sushi peptide and a defensin. In addition, the present invention relates to nucleic acids encoding such polypeptides, vectors comprising such nucleic acids, and corresponding host cells, compositions and devices. Finally, the present invention relates to applications of the inventive polypeptides, in particular in the pharmaceutical field.

A diffractive multi-focal lens having a diffractive structure comprising a plurality of concentric circular zones, wherein: at least a portion of the diffractive structure is provided with an overlapping region in which at least two zone profiles overlap in the same region; in the overlapping region, at least a portion of a first zone profile has a zone pitch represented by a prescribed equation, and at least a portion of a second zone profile has a zone pitch represented by another prescribed equation; and an addition power P.sub.1 given by the first zone profile and an addition power P.sub.2 given by the second zone profile are determined by a prescribed relational expression, in which a and b are mutually different real numbers, and a value of a/b cannot be expressed by a natural number X or by 1/X.

Methods are provided which include placing one or more objects into a cabinet, subsequently closing the cabinet and remotely starting a disinfection device disposed therein to disperse a germicide within the closed cabinet. Embodiments of cabinets include an interior void of at least 10 ft.sup.3, a door to enclose the cabinet and one or more support structures arranged within the cabinet adjacent the interior void. Portions of the support structures facing the interior void are transparent and/or have through-holes. Other embodiments of cabinets include a moveable germicidal blocking partition for separating portions of the cabinet, a door for accessing one of the portions and a sensor for detecting when the partition is in position to separate the portions. An embodiment of a support structure includes a base having transparent materials and/or one or more through-holes, sidewalls shaped to match a peripheral contour of a medical device, and a weight sensor.

Methods are provided which include placing one or more objects into a cabinet, subsequently closing the cabinet and remotely starting a disinfection device disposed therein to disperse a germicide within the closed cabinet. Embodiments of cabinets include an interior void of at least 10 ft.sup.3, a door to enclose the cabinet and one or more support structures arranged within the cabinet adjacent the interior void. Portions of the support structures facing the interior void are transparent and/or have through-holes. Other embodiments of cabinets include a moveable germicidal blocking partition for separating portions of the cabinet, a door for accessing one of the portions and a sensor for detecting when the partition is in position to separate the portions. An embodiment of a support structure includes a base having transparent materials and/or one or more through-holes, sidewalls shaped to match a peripheral contour of a medical device, and a weight sensor.

A lighting device with a lighting function includes a coating layer coated onto the outer surface of a main body, and the coating layer is made of an antiviral material, so that the main body of the lighting device is coated with an antiviral material mainly composed of titanium dioxide and nanosilver to provide the self-cleaning and deodorizing effects, and the advantages of resisting viruses and bacteria, removing pollutants from the environment, and preventing mildews and algae effectively.

A lighting device with a lighting function includes a coating layer coated onto the outer surface of a main body, and the coating layer is made of an antiviral material, so that the main body of the lighting device is coated with an antiviral material mainly composed of titanium dioxide and nanosilver to provide the self-cleaning and deodorizing effects, and the advantages of resisting viruses and bacteria, removing pollutants from the environment, and preventing mildews and algae effectively.

A multi-piece apparatus for performing dental hygiene includes a head portion including a concave support member; a floss attachment; and a tapered hollow water access portion. The hollow water access portion includes a water intake component continuous with a water exit component. A mechanism is connected to the head portion that reduces bacteria from the head portion. A handle portion is connected to the head portion and includes a first handle end; a second handle end; and a fluid aqueduct extending an entire internal length of the handle portion, wherein the fluid aqueduct is aligned with the water intake component and extends within the head portion. A hose is connected to the handle portion, wherein the hose is positioned to direct water to traverse through the fluid aqueduct.

A multi-piece apparatus for performing dental hygiene includes a head portion including a concave support member; a floss attachment; and a tapered hollow water access portion. The hollow water access portion includes a water intake component continuous with a water exit component. A mechanism is connected to the head portion that reduces bacteria from the head portion. A handle portion is connected to the head portion and includes a first handle end; a second handle end; and a fluid aqueduct extending an entire internal length of the handle portion, wherein the fluid aqueduct is aligned with the water intake component and extends within the head portion. A hose is connected to the handle portion, wherein the hose is positioned to direct water to traverse through the fluid aqueduct.