Creating Antibacterial Properties in Flowable Dental Composites by Incorporation of 3, 4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the antibacterial, mechanical, physical properties and water sorption of flowable dental composites containing 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones. Material and Methods: 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones was synthesized and the antibacterial activity of flowable dental composites containing 0-5 wt% 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones and also of their mechanical and physical properties on flowable dental composites were investigated. Flexural strength was measured by a three-point bending test. Compressive strength (CS), Water sorption (WS) and depth of cure (DOC) were investigated. The data were analyzed by One-way ANOVA test. The level of significance was determined as p<0.01. Results: The direct contact test demonstrates that by increasing the 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones content, the bacterial growth is significantly diminished (p<0.001). The average flexural strength results show that with increasing 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones until 3% in the composite, no significant difference was observed in flexural strength (p>0.001) and the mean of compressive strength results show no significant difference between 0-4% groups (p>0.001). The mean of water sorption and depth of cure results shows no significant difference between groups (p>0.001). Conclusion: Incorporation of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2(1H)-ones into flowable resin composites in 3% wt can reduce the activity of Streptococcus mutans.

Potentiality of Epoxy-Montmorillonite Composite for Stir-Bar Sorptive Extraction for Determination of Atrazine

Abstract A new low-cost material is presented for the first time, aiming to study the sorption process for the stir-bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) technique. The bars were made using a composition of a commercial epoxy resin and montmorillonite, under different compositions and a final ratio of 70% (epoxy) and 30% (montmorillonite) was employed, providing the best mechanical and chemical resistance. A PTFE support was developed to hold the bars permitting the magnetic stirring, without turbulent behavior even under long times of stirring at 1000 rpm. The bars were employed to study the sorption of the herbicide atrazine (ATZ), and the best extraction conditions were: sample volume 20.0 mL, pH 6.0, extraction time of 15 min, room temperature, stirring speed of 100 rpm, and 10.0% (w v-1) NaCl. This preliminary evaluation suggests that the modified bars could be employed for ATZ sorption, affording close to 71% of ATZ removal, and presented robust characteristics to be used at least 80 times.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast on ruminal detoxification of aflatoxin B[1]

Background: Yeasts are microorganisms that have the ability to absorb aflatoxins

Objectives: The effect of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae [PTCC 5177] on aflatoxin B] detoxification and absorption of toxin in in vitro [the cow rumen] was investigated

Methods: For this purpose, the yeast used in various treatments [live-treated, autoclave, heat-treated, treated with acid 100 °C] was prepared and added to the rumen of cattle. Af-latoxin E in different doses [0, 5, 10,20] ppb in the rumen were added and were incubated at 37°C for one and two hours. The amount of toxin residues was measured by ELISA using Europroxima kits. RESULTS: The results showed that microorganisms that have been treated in an autoclave have the highest amount of toxin removal [90.5%] [p<0.05]. Also, with increases in the incubation time, the amount of toxin absorbed significantly increased [78%] [p<0.05] and with increasing concentrations of toxin in vitro the yeast's ability to absorb toxin increases. These results demonstrate that the major toxin is absorbed by the yeast cell wall and therefore non-living microorganisms shown an ability to absorb higher. This is because the composition of the yeast cell wall mannoprotein that are effective at absorb in toxin

Conclusions: As a strategy for the animal feed industry the use of glycomannan yeast cell wall can be useful for reducing aflatoxin B

Sorption and solubility of biodentine new restorative material

Since water sorption of any restorative material can result in expansion of the restoration, which would be detrimental to the restoration, it is important to limit the amount of water absorbed. In addition, solubility of restorative materials is of concern, since inorganic ions can leach into the surrounding environment resulting in breakdown of the restoration. The aim of this study was to measure and compare water sorption and solubility values of Biodentine new direct restorative material with other conventional restorative materials

Three direct restorative materials were selected for this study: Biodentine [Septodont,France], composite [masterfill], GIC[Kemdent, UK]. Ten specimens were prepared from each restorative material [n=10] using a stainless steel mold of 15 mm in inner diameter and 1 mm in thickness. Each restorative material was prepared according to manufacturer's instructions. Water sorption and solubility of each specimen was calculated by weighting the samples before and after immersion in water for 15 days and desiccation. Data were analyzed with one way ANOVA and t-test at [0.05] level of significance

One way ANOVA that, there were statistically significant differences between the tested groups [P<0.05] in both sorption and solubility values

Within the limit of this study, Biodentine restorative material showed an intermediate sorption and solubility values between Kemdent GIC restorative and Master Fill composite and due to this result the material [Biodentine] is not recommended to be used as a final direct restorative material but recommended to be used as abase only

Impact of monomer functional groups of resin-based materials on the interaction with water / Impacto de grupos funcionais de monômeros resinosos na interação com a água

Objetivo: O objetivo desse estudo in vitro foi comparar a sorção (SO) e a solubilidade (SB) em água de sistemas adesivos e resinas compostas baseados em seus grupos funcionais dos monômeros. Material e Métodos: Três sistemas adesivos (Adper Single Bond 2 – 3M ESPE, Clearfil SE Bond – Kuraray, sistema adesivo da P90 – 3M ESPE) e três resinas compostas (Filtek Z350 – 3M ESPE, Filtek Z250 – 3M ESPE, Filtek P90 – 3M ESPE) foram testados. Oito espécimes de cada material foram preparados para avaliar a SO e SB. Inicialmente, os discos foram individualmente armazenados em um dessecador até a obtenção de uma massa constante e, em seguida, armazenados individualmente em água destilada até a massa se estabilizar novamente. Finalmente, os espécimes foram secos novamente no dessecador até uma massa constante ser obtida. SO e SB foram calculadas a partir dessas mensurações. Resultados: Os dados foram analisados pelo teste de ANOVA a 1 critério e teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). O adesivo do sistema P-90 apresentou os menores valores de SO e o Clearfil SE Bond apresentou os menores valores de SB. A resina composta Filtek P-90 apresentou os menores valores de SO e SB. Conclusão: Baseado nos resultados, pode-se concluir que a sorção e a solubilidade foram influenciadas pela composição dos materiais. O principal grupo funcional dos materiais determina a suscetibilidade à água e influencia o seu desempenho.

Objective: The objective of this in vitro study was to compare dentin bonding systems and composite resins based on their functional groups in terms of water sorption (WS) and water solubility (WSB). Material and Methods: Three dentin bonding systems (Adper Single Bond 2 – 3M ESPE, Clearfil SE Bond – Kuraray, P90 Adhesive System – 3M ESPE) and three commercial composite resins (Filtek Z350 – 3M ESPE, Filtek Z250 – 3M ESPE, Filtek P90 – 3M ESPE) were tested. Eight specimens of each material were prepared to evaluate the WS and WSB. The discs were individually stored in a desiccator until constant mass was achieved. Specimens were then individually stored in distilled water until the mass was stabilized again. Finally, the specimens were dried again in the desiccator until constant mass was obtained. WS and WSB were calculated from these measurements. Results: Data were analyzed by oneway ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test (p < 0.05). Filtek Silorane-Bond presented the lowest values of WS, and Clearfil SE Bond presented the lowest WSB. Filtek Silorane resin showed the lowest WS and WSB results. Conclusion: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the WS and WSB were influenced by the composition of the materials. The main functional group of the materials determines their susceptibility to water and influences their performance.

Study on preparation and property of a new adsorbent for endotoxin removal in blood purification / 生物医学工程学杂志

In order to remove the endotoxin from the blood of endotoxemia patients, we prepared a new adsorbent with heparin space arm and polymyxin B (PMB) ligand. The carrier of chloromethyl polystyrene resin was activated and heparin space arm was grafted, and then PMB ligand was immobilized onto adsorbent with glutaraldehyde. We employed in vitro FITC-lipopolysaccharide (FITC-LPS) static adsorption to characterize the adsorption properties on the adsorbent, and conducted in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS) static adsorption to measure quantitavely the adsorption capacity and rate, and then evaluated the blood compatibility. The in vitro static adsorption indicated that the adsorbent had the removal rate of LPS above 70% with the adsorption equilibrium time for 2 hours. Blood compatibility experiment showed that the adsorbent had little negative effects on blood cells and plasma protein, and their adsorption rates were less than 10% for hemocytes and 20% for plasma protein respectively. This adsorbent exhibited high selectivity, high adsorption capacity and good biocompatibility, and presented a promising clinical application in the treatment of endotoxemia.

Albumin for End-Stage Liver Disease

Albumin has been widely used in patients with cirrhosis in an attempt to improve circulatory and renal functions. The benefits of albumin infusions in preventing the deterioration in renal function associated with large-volume paracentesis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and established hepatorenal syndrome in conjunction with a vasoconstrictor are well established. While some of these indications are supported by the results of randomized studies, others are based only on clinical experience and have not been proved in prospective studies. The paucity of well-designed trials, the high cost of albumin, the lack of a clear-cut survival benefit, and fear of transmitting unknown infections make the use of albumin controversial. The recent development of the molecular adsorbent recirculating system, an albumin dialysis, is an example of the capacity of albumin to act by mechanisms other than its oncotic effect. Efforts should be made to define the indications for albumin use, the dose required, and predictors of response, so that patients gain the maximum benefit from its administration.

Impact of heparin on coagulation index during the therapy of molecular adsorbent recirculating system in patients with liver failure / 中南大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the impact of coagulative parameters on different anticoagulation systems in molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) in subjects with liver failure, and to evaluate the safety of different anticoagulation methods .@*METHODS@#A prospective experimental observation was designed. According to anticoagulation Methods , 174 MARS treatment sessions for 146 patients with liver failure and prothrombin time activity percentage (PTA) ≤ 40% were randomly divided into 2 groups: 92 MARS treatment sessions in the heparin-free group and 82 in the low-dose heparin group. Time points of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 h were selected to observe the coagulation changes of prothrombin time (PT), PTA, thrombin time (TT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and international normalized ratio (INR) dynamically. Adverse events such as line / filter coagulation, rupture and bleeding were also investigated and compared due to frequency and severity between the 2 groups.@*RESULTS@#There was no difference in PT, PTA, INR between the 2 groups, but significant differences were observed in APTT and TT and fibrinogen (Fbg). APTT and TT levels in the low-dose heparin group was increased rapidly after the first given dose of anticoagulant heparin and reached the peak within 30 min.The levels at each time point was statistically different between the 2 groups (P<0.05). A significant difference in the Fbg level was obtained between the 2 groups. In the low-dose heparin group it was stabilized and increased slightly at the end of the treatment. While in the heparin-free group it was decreased gradually and reached a ravine at the end of the treatment. A curve was observed after 2.5 h treatment between the 2 groups (P=0.001). There were 2 cases of severe bleeding after MARS was finished in the heparin group, and 1 was terminated because of degree III clotting in the heparin-free group.@*CONCLUSION@#Fibrinogen should be adsorbed while the blood touches the MARS circuit path and anticoagulants can prevent it. Comprehensive analysis of blood platelet count (BPC), fibrin degradation products (FDP), D-dimer and clinical symptoms is critical and required to determine the coagulation status to select an anticoagulation system before MARS. The use of low dose heparin in MARS improves the disorder of hypercoagulable state during the high coaguation period, while heparin-free during low coagulation period can effectively prevent the occurrence of bleeding and improve the mechanism of blood coagulation by reducing heparin-like substance in the blood.

Sorption of cadmium and lead ions by cunninghamella elagans lender ML2

CUNNINGHAMELLA elegans Lender was isolated from agricultural field treated with sewage industrial effluents. It was selected on the basis of its high frequency for the biosorption potential evaluation of cadmium and lead. Alkali pretreated dead biomass was used for biosorption experiments. The effects of biomass concentration, initial metal concentration, pH, contact time, temperature and agitation rate were studied. The maximum uptake capacities of cadmium and lead ions are 59 mg/g and 71 mg/g dry wt biomass at initial concentration of metal ions 300 mg/L and 200 mg/L biomass dosage, respectively. The optimum pH values for cadmium and lead biosorption were 5.0 and 6.0. The best temperature was 25°C for cadmium and lead ions. Maximum uptake for cadmium was achieved after 60 min, while for lead after 30 min. The best agitation rate was 120rpm for both metal ions removal. The technique of scanning electron microscope coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis [EDAX] shows that cadmium and lead were exchanged with elements present on the surface of native cells of C. elegans Lender thereby suggesting ion exchange as one of the dominant mechanisms of metal hiosorption for this fungal strain. Alkali pretreated biomass was tested to remove cadmium and lead ions from three wastewater samples. Cadmium and lead ions were effectively eluted by 15 mM HNO[3] and 10 mM EDTA, respectively

Study of mango biomass [Mangifera indica L] as a cationic biosorbent

Unfertilizable fruiting buds of mango plant Mangifera indica L, an agrowaste, is used as a biomass in this study. The efficacy of the biosorbent was tested for the removal of lead, copper, zinc and nickel metal ions using batch experiments in single and binary metal solution under controlled experimental conditions. It is found that metal sorption increases when the equilibrium metal concentration rises. At highest experimental solution concentration used [150 mg/L], the removal of metal ions were 82.76% for lead, 76.60% for copper, 63.35% for zinc and 59.35% for nickel while at lowest experimental solution concentration [25 mg/L], the removal of metal ions were 92.00% for lead, 86.84% for copper, 83.96% for zinc and 82.29% for nickel. Biosorption equilibrium isotherms were plotted for metal uptake capacity [q] against residual metal concentrations [C f] in solution. The q versus [C f]sorption isotherm relationship was mathematically expressed by Langmuir and Freundlich models. The values of separation factor were between zero and one indicating favourable sorption for four tested metals on the biosorbent. The surface coverage values were approaching unity with increasing solution concentration indicating effectiveness of biosorbent under investigation. The non-living biomass of Mangifera indica L present comparable biosorption capacity for lead, copper, zinc and nickel metal ions with other types of biosorbent materials found in literature and is effective to remove metal ions from single metal solutions as well as in the presence of other co-ions with the main metal of solution

Mechanistic evaluation of the sorption properties of endocrine disrupting chemicals in sewage sludge biomass

This study investigated the sorption behaviour of two endocrine disrupting chemicals; 17b-estradiol [E2] and 17b-ethinylestradiol and their thermodynamic properties in an activated sludge biomass. The partition coefficient values measured for E2 and EE2 at varying temperatures range from 245 - 604 L/kg [log Kd 2.39 -2.78] and 267 - 631 L/kg [Log Kd 2.43 - 2.80], respectively. The Kd values were inversely related to temperature. The average percentages of E2 and EE2 adsorbed to the solid phase at 4.3% dry solid were 87.2% and 92.5%, respectively. Sorption of E2 and EE2 to the activated sludge biomass was found to be spontaneous and entropy retarded with DG values in the range of -13 to -16 KJ/mol and DS value of -105.2J/mol/K and 96.7 J/mol/k for E2 and EE2, respectively. The enthalpy changes for E2 and EE2 were - 45.7KJ/mol and - 43.4KJ/mol respectively, demonstrating that the sorption process is exothermic. The values of the enthalpy changes also show that the mechanism of sorption is physisorption with some element of chemisorption

Usefulness and Safety of Extracorporeal Liver Support Therapy Using MARS(R) for Patients with Liver Failure: A Preliminary Report / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS(R)) is a form of artificial extracorporeal liver support and can be used for a bridge to spontaneous recovery of hepatic function or liver transplantation in patients with liver failure. This study evaluated the usefulness of MARS(R) in patients with liver failure. METHODS: Between January 2004 and July 2007, 30 patients (21 males and 7 females; age 48.9+/-12.9 years) with acute or acute-on-chronic liver failure were managed using MARS(R). We assessed laboratory data, the grade of hepatic encephalopathy, Child-Turcotte-Pugh class, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. RESULTS: The number of patients with acute liver failure and acute-on-chronic liver failure was 16 and 14, respectively. The mean cycle of MARS(R) in patients with liver failure was 2.2 sessions. After MARS(R) had been performed, serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), BUN, creatinine, ammonia level, daily urine output, and MELD score were improved (p<0.05). In contrast, MARS(R) failed to improve Child-Turcotte-Pugh score and the grade of hepatic encephalopathy. Liver transplantation was performed in 8 patients. Among them, 5 (62.5%) patients survived and 3 (37.5%) patients died. Twenty two patients underwent MARS(R) without liver transplantation and 4 (18.2%) of them survived. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with liver failure, MARS(R) improved the laboratory data and hepatic and renal function associated clinical characteristics. However, MARS(R) without liver transplantation did not improve survival. MARS(R) may be useful as a bridge therapy to liver transplantation in patients with liver failure.

A clinical observation on therapeutic effect of colon purification on hepatic encephalopathy / 中华实验和临床病毒学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe therapeutic effect of colon purification on hepatic encephalopathy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>117 patients with hepatic encephalopathy treated in our hospital were randomly divided into the treatment group (59 cases) and the control group (58 cases). Routine anti-coma hepaticum treatments were carried out in both treatment and control groups, and colon purification treatment was performed in the treatment group on basis of routine anti-coma hepaticum. The changes in symptoms and signs were observed, the grading scores of hepatic encephalopathy were evaluated, liver function was tested and blood ammonia level was determined before and after treatment in the two groups. Time for regaining consciousness was recorded after treatment in the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The symptoms and signs were obviously improved, time for regaining consciousness was shortened, the grading scores decreased, and serum aminotransferase activity and bilirubin level and blood ammonia level significantly decreased in the treatment group as compared with those of the control group. Total effective rate in the treatment was significantly higher than that in the control group and death rate in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Colon purification treatment is effective for hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis.</p>

Liver support therapy with molecular adsorbents recirculating system in liver failure: a summary of 252 cases from 14 centers in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>A liver support therapy, named molecular adsorbents recirculating system (MARS), has been used for more than 700 liver failure patients in China. We made here a summary to evaluate the effects of MARS treatment in different applications with emphasis on hepatitis B virus (HBV) based liver failure.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This report analyzed data of 252 patients (mean age (44.9+/- 12.7) years) in three groups: acute severe hepatitis (ASH), subacute severe hepatitis (SSH) and chronic severe hepatitis (CSH). The largest group was CSH (156 patients, 61.9%), and 188 patients (74.6%, 188/252) were infected with HBV.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MARS treatments were associated with significant reduction of albumin bound toxins and water-soluble toxins. Most of the patients showed a positive response with a significant improvement of multiple organ function substantiated by a significant increase in prothrombin time activity (PTA) and median arterial pressure (MAP). There was a decrease in hepatic encephalopathy (HE) grade and Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) scale. Thirty-nine of 188 HBV patients (20.7%) dropped out of the commendatory consecutive therapy ending with lower survival of 43.6% while the rest of the 149 patients had a survival rate of 62.4%. Survival within the ASH and SSH groups were 81.2% and 75.0%, respectively. In the CSH group, end stage patients were predominant (65/151, 43%), whereas the early and middle stage patients had a better prognosis: early stage survival, including orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) survival of 91.7%, middle stage survival of 75%, end stage survival of 33.8%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>MARS continues to be the most favorable extracorporeal treatment for liver support therapy in China for a wide range of conditions, including the majority of hepatitis B related liver failure conditions. The appropriate application of MARS for the right indications and stage of hepatic failure, as well as the fulfillment of prescribed treatments, will lead to the optimal therapeutic result.</p>

Adsorption of chromium from wasterwater by platanus orientalis leaves

The Cr [VI] adsorption characteristics of platanus orientalis leaves and their ash were examined as a function of contact time, initial pH and metal ion concentration. Batch adsorption experiments were performed. The effects of Ca[2+], Mg[2+], Na[+] and K[+] on adsorption were studied. The effect of this adsorbent on COD in wastewater showed that 2g/L of adsorbent caused increase of 110 mg/L and 76mg/L COD in deionized water in 120 minutes for platanus orientalis leaves and their ash, respectively. The maximum removal took place in the pH range of 6-7, contact time of 60 minutes and initial concentration of 2mg/L. Studies showed that the Freundlich adsorption model better fitted with the results than Langmuir with R[2]>0.85. The study showed platanus orientalis leaves ash was more favorable than living ones as well as in removing chromium fro the aqueous solution

Uso del sistema de soporte hepático extracorpóreo MARS en la falla hepática aguda sobre crónica: caso clínico / Extracorporeal liver support with mars in acute on chronic liver failure: a clinical report

El sistema MARS (“molecular adsorbent recirculating system”) es un sistema de soporte hepático extracorpóreo, con capacidad de eliminar substancias liposolubles ligadas a la albúmina y compuestos hidrosolubles involucrados en la patogenia de la encefalopatía, alteraciones hemodinámicas y metabólicas de la falla hepática aguda. Se presenta un paciente de 53 años con una cirrosis hepática secundaria a infección por virus C de la hepatitis, que desarrolló un carcinoma hepatocelular y un deterioro importante de las funciones hepática y renal, después de dos procedimientos de quimioembolización arterial del tumor. El paciente fue considerado para un trasplante hepático urgente y fue sometido a MARS en espera de la cirugía. Se realizaron 4 sesiones de 24, 12, 8 y 12 horas, respectivamente. Inmediatamente después del primer tratamiento se produjo un descenso significativo de los niveles séricos de bilirrubina, remisión de la encefalopatía hepática, mejoría de la función renal y parámetros hemodinámicos. Cuatro días después de la última sesión se realizó el trasplante hepático sin complicaciones y 20 meses después el paciente está en buenas condiciones. MARS representa una nueva técnica de soporte hepático que puede ser de utilidad en pacientes con cirrosis descompensada en espera de un trasplante de hígado.

Using different amendments to reduce heavy metals movement in soils

With long-term use of sewage waste, heavy metals can accumulate to phytotoxic levels and resulted in reduced plant growth and/or enhanced metal concentrations in plants, as a result food chain. If these metals penetrate too rapidly in a particular soil, especially with high water table, they can pollute ground water supplies. The aim of this research is prevention of movement of waste water-borne heavy metals in soils of southern parts of Tehran. These waste waters are used for irrigation of agricultural lands at southern regions since many years ago. For this purpose, 6 soil samples from southern parts of Tehran city and 2 ones from Zanjan city without lime and organic matter were selected. In laboratory, sorption capacities of the soils for Ni, Cd and Pb were compared with those of calcite, Na-bentonite, zeolite, illite and hematite amendments. The method was carried out by equilibration of known quantities of these adsorbents and soils with solutions containing these elements. The results showed that among the 5 amendments, calcite and Na-bentonite had the greatest sorption percentages of the 3 elements and illite had the least one. The retention capacity of calcite and Na-bentonite for Cd was highest in all 8 soils. However, retention capacities of these 2 minerals for Pb and Ni were higher than those of loamy soils without lime and organic matter and also sandy soils. Because of abundance and low price of calcite, this amendment is preferred to Na-bentonite. Therefore, calcite is recommended for adding to soils with low sorption capacity of Ni, Cd and Pb

A comparative study of Cu (II) biosorption on Ca-alginate and immobilized live and inactivated Cladosporium sp.

Spores of Cladosporium sp. were immobilized into Ca-alginate beads via entrapment. The alginate beads and both entrapped live and inactivated spores of Cladosporium sp. were used for comparison of biosorptive capacity from aqueous solutions. The factors affecting the adsorption ability on Cu (II), such as the contact time, initial pH, temperature were investigated. The results showed that the Ca-alginate beads containing live spores of Cladosporium sp. had the maximum biosorptive capacity. The biosorption equilibrium was established in about 3 h. The maximum biosorption of Cu (II) on Ca-alginate entrapping spores and no spores were obtained between pH 4.0 and 3.5. Temperature over the range of 15-45 degrees C had no significant effect on the biosorption capacity. The biosorptive capacity increased with initial concentrations in the concentration range of 30-800mg/l. The equilibrium was well described by Langmuir biosorption isotherms. The Ca-alginate beads could be regenerated using 0.1M HCl, The biosorbents were reused in three biosorption-desorption cycles with negligible decrease in biosorptive capacity.

Application of molecular adsorbents recirculating system in the treatment for liver failure of hepatitis B / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effect of treatments with the molecular adsorbents recirculating system (MARS) on liver failure patients of severe hepatitis B, in order to seek a safe and effective therapeutic method which contribute to the improved survival rate for severe hepatitis patients.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>52 liver failure patients of severe hepatitis B were performed intermittent MARS therapy for 6 to 8 hours per time in addition to standard medical treatment. Parameters in blood chemical data were collected before and after every treatment and analyzed in comparison with those parameters from controlled groups by means of plasma exchange and standard medical therapy.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MARS therapy achieved a remarkable improvement in clinical symptoms and physic signs, accompanied with a significant decrease in serum bilirubin, ammonia, urea nitrogen, fragrant amino acid, endotoxin, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels (0.05); at the 72 hours bilirubin rebounding analysis. MARS treatments resulted in a significant decrease of bilirubin rebounding level in comparison with what PE did (0.01 ), though the bilirubin removal efficiency between two groups was not statistically significant. The overall survival rate of MARS therapy was 50% (26/52), which was better than that of standard medical therapy (40.5%, 17/42, P less than 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The results indicated that MARS was a safe and promising technology in the field of liver support therapy. It might be associated with considerable improved survival rate for liver failure patients.</p>

The treatment of molecular adsorbents recirculating system artificial liver in severe liver failure patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome / 中华肝脏病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the effectiveness and mechanisms of molecular adsorbents recirculating system (MARS) treatment in severe liver failure patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>60 single MARS treatments were performed for 6 - 24 hours on 24 severe liver failure patients with MODS.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>MARS therapy was associated with marked reduction of albumin bound toxins and water soluble toxins, together with a significant removal of NO and certain cytokines, such as TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-8, and INF-gamma. These were associated with a improvement of the patients' clinical conditions including hepatic encephalopathy, deranged hemodynamic situation, as well as renal and respiratory function, thus resulted into marked decrease of sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score (from 9.72+-1.89 to 6.98+-2.34), and improving outcome: 9 patients were able to be discharged from the hospital or bridged to successful liver transplantation. The overall survival rate of 24 patients was 37.5%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>There is positive therapeutic impact and safety to use MARS on liver failure patients with MODS. The effectiveness of MARS is correlated with reducing the levels of NO and cytokines, except for completely removing of accumulated toxins in liver failure patients.</p>