Search

The rise in fluoroquinolone concentrations in wastewater caused significant concern due to their potential acute toxicity to living organisms. A novel eco-friendly adsorbent, crosslinked potato starch ester, was used to remove ciprofloxacin from a simulated aqueous solution by a batch adsorption process and used its obtained parameters to solve mathematical modeling. With a maximum adsorption capacity of 243.90 mg/g, the ciprofloxacin adsorption on crosslinked potato starch ester was suitable for the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetics of ciprofloxacin adsorption showed that the pseudo-first-order kinetic model was a good fit for the adsorption process. Thermodynamic parameters exhibited that ciprofloxacin adsorption onto crosslinked potato starch ester was exothermic, achievable, and spontaneous. Finally, the process is simulated under various operating conditions using the mathematical model of a fixed bed continuous adsorption column. According to the results, under optimal operation conditions of inlet fluid velocity, particle size, bed height, and initial ciprofloxacin concentration with values 0.002 m/s, 1.2 mm, 0.2 m, and 143.4 mg/L, respectively, the highest dynamic adsorption capacity was 18.75 mg/g. [Display omitted] • Crosslinked potato starch ester, a eco-friendly adsorbent, was synthesized for removing ciprofloxacin from simulated wastewater. • Mathematical for the fixed bed continuous adsorption column was developed to simulate the process • Optimum operation conditions and fundamental design factors resulted in maximum dynamic adsorption capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop Orthodontic Patient Information Leaflets (PILs) in Arabic. This study included five phases starting with Arabic translation of existing British Orthodontic Society leaflets; initial face validation with three orthodontists; content validation with ten orthodontists; final face validation with ten orthodontists, five postgraduate students, and ten patients; and re-translation to English prior to comparing the new documents with the original PILs to verify that all the necessary information were included. The content validity index (CVI) assessed item level (I-CVI) and scale level (S-CVI). The three Arabic PILs were face validated with inclusion of mini-screws, rapid maxillary expansion, and interproximal reduction. Content validity was perfect with no item I-CVI < 0.80. The S-CVI/Ave for PIL Fixed Appliances = 0.98, PIL Removable Appliances = 0.98 and PIL Functional Appliances = 0.97. In the final face validation, the three leaflets received 100% agreement from all observers for consistency of leaflet format and style, clarity, readability and use of adequate phrases. Finally, the leaflets were re-translated and the information was checked by native English speakers to ensure the completeness of information. There were no discrepancies and face validity was excellent. Valid PILs for Arabic-speaking patients undergoing orthodontic treatment with fixed, removable, and functional appliances have been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The esterification of oleic acid with ethanol was studied in both batch and continuous conditions in a fixed-bed reactor over FAU-type zeolites prepared from shale rock. The addition of Co-Ni-Pt to the zeolite increased the catalyst activity over the entire reaction temperature range. Experiments confirmed that esterification follows pseudo first-order kinetics. Thermodynamic analysis and Thiele modulus calculations show that the reaction is kinetically controlled in batch conditions, while diffusional limitations occur at higher flow rates when conducted in continuous mode. The maximum oleic acid conversions were recorded as 93% for batch and 89% for continuous, which exceed those of any analogous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Members of the Msi family of RNA-binding proteins have recently emerged as potent oncoproteins in a range of malignancies. MSI2 is highly expressed in hematopoietic cancers, where it is required for disease maintenance. In contrast to the hematopoietic system, colorectal cancers can express both Msi family members, MSI1 and MSI2. Here, we demonstrate that, in the intestinal epithelium, Msi1 and Msi2 have analogous oncogenic effects. Further, comparison of Msi1/2-induced gene expression programs and transcriptome-wide analyses of Msi1/2-RNA-binding targets reveal significant functional overlap, including induction of the PDK-Akt-mTORC1 axis. Ultimately, we demonstrate that concomitant loss of function of both MSI family members is sufficient to abrogate the growth of human colorectal cancer cells, and Msi gene deletion inhibits tumorigenesis in several mouse models of intestinal cancer. Our findings demonstrate that MSI1 and MSI2 act as functionally redundant oncoproteins required for the ontogeny of intestinal cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Size and shape-tuned LiFePO4 nano-platelets were prepared by the polyol process to examine the effect of their microstructure on their electrochemical performance when coated by a thin carbon layer. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, magnetic susceptibility, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. The crystallinity, as well as the size of the particles, depends on the nature of the solvent that is used, and also on the rate of dilution. The electrochemical properties emphasize the role of antisite defects and the coherence length along the b-axis, i.e. along the Li channels. With an optimized choice of the synthesis parameters, the results showed that the orthorhombic olivine structure is retained even in crystals of few nanometers in width, a free of impurities. The high crystalline quality of the particles obtained in these optimized conditions lead to a good electrochemical performance of the nanocomposite C-LiFePO4 product as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries, with a capacity 151mAhg−1 at low C-rate, despite the presence of residual adsorbed polyol species that are found to be insulating. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The aim of the present study was the investigation of antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts obtained from some Tunisian vegetables. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by the microdilution method. Total phenolic contents were determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using the DPPH assay. Among tested extracts, the methanolic extract of Apium graveolens had the best antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Candida kreussei and Candida parapsilosis with MIC values ranging between 0.08 and 0.31mg/ml. Concerning the antioxidant activity we conclude that aqueous extracts of A. graveolens, Solanum melongena and Anethum graveolens showed the best antioxidant activity with IC50 of 20μg/ml. These results may suggest that methanolic extracts of Solanum tuberosum and A. graveolens possess good antimicrobial activity, and therefore, they can be used in biotechnological fields as natural preservative ingredients in food and/or pharmaceutical industry. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) frequently complicates coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operations. As the frequency of obesity has increased in the United States, the number of obese patients undergoing CABG has kept pace. This study sought to define the association between body mass index (BMI) and postoperative AF. Methods: We studied 12,367 consecutive patients with no history of AF who underwent isolated CABG operations. BMI was stratified according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria, and differences in baseline clinical and operative characteristics were adjusted through multivariate logistic regression models. Results: The unadjusted incidence of new-onset postoperative AF demonstrated a U-shape with regard to BMI. The highest incidence (34%) was found in the “lean” stratum (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), followed by 32% in the “severely obese” (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2) stratum. Lower incidences were found in the “normal” stratum (30%), in the “obese” stratum (28%), and the lowest incidence (26%) was in the overweight stratum. Observed incidence was 50% greater than the expected incidence in the “severely obese” stratum (32% vs 21%). In multivariate regression analysis adjusted for age and other covariates, BMI remains a strong risk factor for new-onset postoperative AF. Compared with normal BMI, obesity (odds ratio, 1.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.08 to 1.42) and severe obesity (odds ratio, 2.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.54 to 2.57) both emerged as strong risk factors for postoperative AF. No association was found between a lean BMI and postoperative AF (odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 0.66 to 1.98). Conclusions: After adjusting for potential confounders, obesity, as reflected by the body mass index, remains an independent predictor of postoperative AF. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: We investigated the impact of extreme obesity (body mass index [kg/m 2 ] 50 or greater) on short-term clinical outcomes and report 1-year mortality. Methods: Fifty-seven patients were found to have a body mass index of 50 or greater among 14,449 patients who underwent cardiac surgery between July 2000 and June 2007. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the independent influence of extreme obesity on the major outcomes. Results: Of the 57 patients, the mean age was 58 ± 11 years, mean body mass index was 55.1, and 63% of the patients were women. Forty patients underwent elective surgery. Forty-one patients had isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The overall operative mortality was 9%; the mortality was 5% in isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery and 5% in elective surgery. Fifteen patients had nonelective isolated coronary artery bypass graft surgery, and 2 patients had emergent active endocarditis surgery. Off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery was performed on 23 patients (23 of 41, 54%). After adjusting for known preoperative and operative risk factors through a multivariate logistic model, extreme obesity did not emerge as a significant risk factor for operative mortality (odds ratio, 1.75; p = 0.47) and other adverse outcomes ( p > 0.05) after elective surgery; however, extreme obesity was marginally associated with increased mortality (odds ratio, 2.69; p = 0.05) and was a risk predictor for longer intensive care unit stays (odds ratio, 2.43; p = 0.01) in overall surgery. The 1-year survival rate was 82.5%. Conclusions: Extreme obesity is not a contraindication to elective cardiac surgery. Studies stratifying the risk factors of mortality for nonelective surgery in extremely obese patients may be warranted. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Two main reactions occur in polyol media: reduction and hydrolysis. In the case of systems with two easily reducible elements, Ni and Fe for instance, previous works have shown that bimetallic particles or the oxide spinel particles can be obtained. This paper shows that polyols can also be used to elaborate layered double hydroxides (LDH)–Ni–Fe. In this case, the hydrolysis ratio must be adjusted to avoid both reduction and oxolation reactions in favor of hydroxylation. The compound can be obtained either in powder or in gel forms. The gel enables elaboration of film by spin-coating process. The compound is poor-crystallized and exhibits a turbostractic character. Its interlamellar distance (12.89Å) is slightly higher than that of a similar compound elaborated in aqueous solution via the titration method (12.02Å). 57Fe Mössbauer spectrometry allows concluding the presence of HS Fe3+ cations, which occupy two different octahedral sites. XRD and Mössbauer studies reveal interesting preferential orientation features of the film with an anisotropy of the crystalline grains having their c-axis perpendicular to the film. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: The chemical composition of the volatile fractions obtained by steam distillation from the capitula (C) and the aerial parts of Rhaponticum acaule DC were analysed by GC-MS. From the 57 identified constituents, representing 95.5% and 96.3% of the two oils, respectively, methyl eugenol, epi-13 manool, β-ionone, β-bisabolol, 1-octadecanol, phytol and farnesyl acetate were found to be the main components. Furthermore, the oils were tested against six Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and four phytopathogenic fungi. It was found that oils from both parts of R. acaule, and especially that of C, exhibited interesting antibacterial activity, but no antifungal activity was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Copyright of Archives of Cardiovascular Diseases is the property of Elsevier B.V. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Layered nickel–cobalt hydroxyacetates Ni1−x Co x (OH)2−y (OAc) y ·nH2O were first prepared by hydrolysis in polyol medium and then layered nickel–cobalt hydroxycarbonates were obtained by solid/liquid exchange reaction starting from hydroxyacetates homologues. The interlamellar distances and the characteristics of IR absorption band of anions for low cobalt content hydroxyacetates (x≤0.25) are different from those with a higher cobalt amount. Such a difference is not observed for carbonate compounds. Despite these different features, UV analysis shows that cobalt (II) ions are present both in octahedral and tetrahedral sites for all acetate and carbonate compounds. The amount of cobalt in Td sites, inferred from magnetization measurements, increases up to 26–27% when the total amount of cobalt increases. Two structural models closely related to the hydrozincite one are proposed for the solid solutions. These models differ by the organization of anionic species and water molecules between the layers. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The title compound, (N4C6H21)·(Co(H2PO4)(HPO4)2), was prepared hydrothermally (473K, 10 days, autogenous pressure), in the presence of the tris(2-aminoethyl)amine as organic template. Its structure is built up from a network of four membered-rings, formed by the vertex linkages between [CoO4] and [H2PO4] tetrahedra with [HPO4] moieties hanging from the Co center. Hydrogen bonds involving the cobalt phosphate units and the triply protonated amine molecule, contribute to the stability of the structure. The IR spectrum shows bands characteristic of the (N4C6H21)3+ cations and the (H2PO4)− and (HPO4)2− phosphate anions. The UV–Visible–NIR spectrum confirms the tetrahedral coordination of Co2+ ions. The TGA analysis indicates that the dehydration of (N4C6H21)·(Co(H2PO4)(HPO4)2) occurs in one step. Magnetic measurements from 4.5 to 305K show a weak antiferromagnetic character of this compound. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: The premise of coronary revascularization without cardiopulmonary bypass (off-pump coronary artery bypass graft [CABG]) proposes that patient morbidity and, potentially, mortality can be reduced without compromising the excellent results of conventional revascularization techniques (on-pump CABG). High-risk patients may benefit the most from off-pump CABG. The aim of this study was to compare early and mid-term clinical outcomes after off-pump CABG with on-pump CABG in a subset of high-risk patients. Methods: Between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2000, 513 high-risk patients with a Parsonnet''s risk scores of 20 or higher underwent CABG; 38.6% (n = 198) underwent on-pump CABG, and 61.4% (n = 315) had off-pump CABG. Logistic regression was used to calculate the probability of being selected for on-pump CABG given a set of preoperative risk factors. Propensity scores or the probability of being selected for on-pump CABG were computed. Relative risks, heterogeneity among strata, and interactions between surgery type and the propensity score were assessed by a multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression for the outcomes mortality and major adverse cardiac events (death, acute myocardial infarction, stroke, reoperative CABG, percutaneous coronary intervention). Results: Operative mortality was lower after off-pump versus on-pump CABG between the two groups after controlling for preoperative risk factors using the propensity score (odds ratio = 2.10; 95% confidence intervals = 1.02 to 4.36, p = 0.04). In the Cox-regression analysis, off-pump CABG was associated with an improved survival rate compared with on-pump CABG (p = 0.03). Off-pump CABG was associated with a comparable event-free survival (p = 0.14) compared with on-pump CABG. Conclusions: Off-pump CABG can be performed with a reasonably low morbidity and lower early and late mortality in high-risk patients. Off-pump CABG may be a better operative strategy in this subset of patients. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Cerebral embolization of atherosclerotic plaque debris caused by aortic manipulation during conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is a major mechanism of postoperative cerebrovascular accidents (CVA). Off-pump CABG (OPCABG) reduces stroke rates by minimizing aortic manipulation. Consequently, the effect of different levels of aortic manipulation on neurologic outcomes after CABG surgery was examined.Methods: From January 1998 to June 2002, 7,272 patients underwent isolated CABG surgery through three levels of aortic manipulation: full plus tangential (side-biting) aortic clamp application (on-pump surgery; n = 4,269), only tangential aortic clamp application (OPCABG surgery; n = 2,527) or an “aortic no-touch” technique (OPCABG surgery; n = 476). A risk-adjusted logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the likelihood of postoperative stroke with each technique. Preoperative risk factors for stroke from the literature, and those found significant in a univariable model were used.Results: A significant association for postoperative stroke correspondingly increasing with the extent of aortic manipulation was demonstrated by the univariable analysis (CVA incidence respectively increasing from 0.8% to 1.6% to a maximum of 2.2%, p < 0.01). In the logistic regression model, patients who had a full and a tangential aortic clamp applied were 1.8 times more likely to have a stroke versus those without any aortic manipulation (95% confidence interval: 1.15 to 2.74, p < 0.01) and 1.7 times more likely to develop a postoperative stroke than those with only a tangential aortic clamp applied (95% confidence interval: 1.11 to 2.48, p < 0.01).Conclusions: Aortic manipulation during CABG is a contributing mechanism for postoperative stroke. The incidence of postoperative stroke increases with increased levels of aortic manipulation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Nanocrystals of ZnFe2O4 have been prepared by forced hydrolysis in polyols. Monodisperse, quasi-isotropic, highly crystalline, chemically homogeneous particles have been obtained as single crystals in the nanometer size range or as polycrystals in the submicrometer range depending on the nature of the polyol and the amount of water added. As inferred from EXAFS and XMCD data, the cation distribution in tetrahedral A (Td) and octahedral B (Oh) sites differs from that of bulk material, Fe3+ in A sites being observed in a ratio which depends on the crystallite size. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background. Postoperative stroke is a serious complication after coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass (on-pump), and portends higher morbidity and mortality. It is unknown whether an off-pump cardiopulmonary bypass (OPCAB) approach may yield a lower stroke rate over conventional on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.Methods. From June 1994 to December 2000, OPCAB was performed in 2,320 patients and compared with 8,069 patients who had on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting, during the same period of time. The patients undergoing OPCAB were randomly matched to on-pump patients by propensity score. A logistic regression model was used to test the difference in the postoperative stroke rate between OPCAB and on-pump procedures controlling for the correlation between matched sets. A multiple logistic regression model predicting the risk of stroke adjusted by stroke risk factors and operation type was also computed.Results. Matches by propensity score were found for 72% of the patients undergoing OPCAB. Patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were 1.8 (95% confidence interval 1.0 to 3.1, p = 0.03) times more likely to suffer a stroke postoperatively than OPCAB patients after controlling for preoperative risk factors through matching. Independent predictors of stroke identified from the multiple logistic model included on-pump operation (versus OPCAB operation), female gender, 4 to 6 vessels grafted (versus <4 grafts), hypertension, history of previous cerebrovascular accident, carotid artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and depressed ejection fraction.Conclusions. Off-pump cardiopulmonary bypass avoids the risks of cardiopulmonary bypass and atrial trauma. A substantially lower stroke rate suggests that OPCAB is a neurologically safe treatment option for revascularization. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Multifunctional fully organic coating systems were fabricated and cured at the ambient temperature. • FTIR results signified the proper cross-linked structure among all organic components. • Soybean oil significantly enhanced the wettability and the thermal stability of the polymeric matrix. • EIS findings confirmed the ability of the fabricated organic coating system to ensure the long term corrosion protection. In this study, different loading ratios of epoxy resin (E) and epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) were introduced into acrylic–silicone polymeric blend with the presence of polyisocyanate (NCO) as the curing agent. The developed coating systems were applied on pretreated cold rolled mild steel substrates and the overall performances were investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements (CA), UV–vis analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray test. Moreover, the physico-mechanical properties of all developed coating systems were investigated. The obtained results revealed the ability of the combination of E and ESO at a certain concentration specifically, 9:1, to enhance the overall performance of the polymeric matrix as optimum curing level, better wettability, good physical-mechanical characteristics, thermal stability and significantly enhanced corrosion resistance were observed. The results also demonstrated the ability of the fabricated single-layer coating system to serve as a primer, topcoat or single coating system that has promising potential to be applied for decorative, self-cleaning, thermal insulation and corrosion protection purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]