Exposure studies of core-shell Fe/Fe(3)O(4) and Cu/CuO NPs to lettuce (Lactuca sativa) plants: Are they a potential physiological and nutritional hazard?

Iron and copper nanomaterials are widely used in environmental remediation and agriculture. However, their effects on physiological parameters and nutritional quality of terrestrial plants such as lettuce (Lactuca sativa) are still unknown. In this research, 18-day-old hydroponically grown lettuce seedlings were treated for 15 days with core-shell nanoscale materials (Fe/Fe(3)O(4), Cu/CuO) at 10 and 20mg/L, and FeSO(4)·7H(2)O and CuSO(4)·5H(2)O at 10mg/L. At harvest, Fe, Cu, micro and macronutrients were determined by ICP-OES. Also, we evaluated chlorophyll content, plant growth, and catalase (CAT) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities. Our results showed that iron ions/NPs did not affect the physiological parameters with respect to water control. Conversely, Cu ions/NPs reduced water content, root length, and dry biomass of the lettuce plants. ICP-OES results showed that nano-Cu/CuO treatments produced significant accumulation of Cu in roots compared to the CuSO(4)·5H(2)O treatment. In roots, all Cu treatments increased CAT activity but decreased APX activity. In addition, relative to the control, nano-Cu/CuO altered the nutritional quality of lettuce, since the treated plants had significantly more Cu, Al and S but less Mn, P, Ca, and Mg.

Evidence of low-temperature superparamagnetism in Mn3O4 nanoparticle ensembles.

Using ac-susceptibility, dc-magnetization, and transmission electron microscopy, we have investigated the magnetic behavior of Mn(3)O(4) nanoparticle ensembles at temperatures below the paramagnetic-to-ferrimagnetic transition of the title material (T(N) approximately equal 41 K). Our data show no evidence of the complex magnetic ordering exhibited by bulk Mn(3)O(4), or of a magnetic behavior around T(N) that has a dynamic (relaxation) origin. Instead, we find a low-temperature (at approximately 11 K) magnetic anomaly that manifests itself as a peak in the out-of-phase component of the ac-susceptibility. Analysis of the frequency and average-particle-size dependence of the peak temperature demonstrates that this behavior is due to the onset of superparamagnetic relaxation, and not to a previously hinted at spin-glass-like transition. Indeed, the relative peak temperature variation per frequency decade DeltaT/TDeltalog(f) is 0.11, an order of magnitude larger than the value expected for collective spin freezing, but within the range of values observed for superparamagnetic blocking. Furthermore, attempts to fit the frequency f/observation time tau = 1/2pif dependence of the peak temperature by a power law led to parameter values unexpected for a spin-glass transition. On the other hand, a Vogel-Fulcher law tau = tau(0)exp[E(B)/k(B)(T - T(0))]-where E(B) is the energy barrier to magnetization reversal, k(B) is the Boltzmann constant, tau(0) and T(0) are constants related to the attempt frequency and the interparticle interaction strength-correctly describes the peak shift and yields values consistent with the superparamagnetic behavior of a slightly interacting system of nanoparticles. In addition, the peak temperature T is sensitive to minute changes in the average particle size (D), and scales as (T - T(0) is proportional to(D)3, another signature of superparamagnetic relaxation.

[Treatment of aseptic ulnar non-union in a patient with spastic hemiparesis by Ilizarov method]. / Tratamentul pseudartrozei aseptice de cubitus prin metoda Ilizarov la un pacient cu hemipareza spastica.

Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children are common lesions. Non-union is very rare, almost exclusively in the ulna. We present a case of forearm fracture in a patient with spastic hemiparesis involving the injured forearm, treated initially with open reduction and intramedullary nailing. Ulnar deviation of both bones, with bending of intramedullary implants, occurred during postoperative period, due to spasticity of forearm flexors. An aseptic non-union of the ulna also developed. Both complications were treated by compression osteogenesis using a Ilizarov circular frame, the end results being excellent. The unusual and rare association between a preexisting neurologic spastic disorder and a forearm fracture can lead to malunion or/and nonunion, a more rigid method of initial osteosynthesis (locked compression plate) being an alternative in such cases.

[Clinical and epidemiological profile of hepatitis B and C virus infection: a 34 soldier hospitalized in a military hospital retrospective study]. / Studiu retrospectiv privind profiujl clinico-epidemiologic al infectiei cu virus hepatitic B si virus hepatitic C la 34 militari internati în Spitalul Militar de Urgenta "Dr. Iacob Czihac" Iasi.

UNLABELLED: The hepatitis B and C virus infection is a public health problem due to the evolution of the disease and the quality of life of the patients, and the costs involved of the therapy and health care services. AIM: To asses the clinical and epidemiological profile of the 34 militaries hospitalized in a military hospital, infected with these viruses. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The main method of not being ill is to respect the common measures of prevention. CONCLUSION: It is strongly necessary to change the practices of improper parenteral treatment administration in healthcare workers practices, especially in rural areas.

Microwave Assisted Synthesis of Iron(III) Oxyhydroxides/Oxides Characterized Using Transmission Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffraction, and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy.

Microwave assisted synthesis of iron oxide/oxyhydroxide nanophases was conducted using iron(III) chloride titrated with sodium hydroxide at seven different temperatures from 100 degrees C to 250 degrees C with pulsed microwaves. From the XRD results, it was determined that there were two different phases synthesized during the reactions which were temperature dependent. At the lower temperatures, 100 degrees C and 125 degrees C, it was determined that an iron oxyhydroxide chloride was synthesized. Whereas, at higher temperatures, at 150 degrees C and above, iron(III) oxide was synthesized. From the XRD, we also determined the FWHM and the average size of the nanoparticles using the Scherrer equation. The average size of the nanoparticles synthesized using the experimental conditions were 17, 21, 12, 22, 26, 33, 28 nm, respectively for the reactions from 100 degrees C to 250 degrees C. The particles also had low anisotropy indicating spherical nanoparticles, which was later confirmed using TEM. Finally, XAS studies show that the iron present in the nanophase was present as iron(III) coordinated to six oxygen atoms in the first coordination shell. The higher coordination shells also conform very closely to the ideal or bulk crystal structures.

Phase separation and size effects in Pr(0.70)Ba(0.30)MnO(3+δ) perovskite manganites.

The crystal structure and magnetotransport properties of the A-site ionic ordered state in Pr(0.70)Ba(0.30)MnO(3+δ) (δ = 0, 0.025) have been investigated. It is shown that such a state can be formed in complex manganites with cation ratios [Formula: see text] by using a 'two-step' reduction-reoxidization method. The parent A-site ionic disordered Pr(0.70)Ba(0.30)MnO(3+δ) (δ = 0) compound is an orthorhombic (SG = Imma, Z = 4) ferromagnet with Curie temperature T(C)≈173 K and ground-state spontaneous magnetic moment σ(S)∼3.70 µ(B)/f.u. It exhibits two metal-insulator transitions, at T(I)∼128 K and T(II)∼173 K, as well as two peaks of magnetoresistance ∼74% and ∼79% in a field of 50 kOe. The parent A-site ionic disordered Pr(0.70)Ba(0.30)MnO(3+δ) (δ = 0) sample used in our studies has an average grain size [Formula: see text]. Successive annealing of this sample in vacuum P[O(2)]≈10(-4) Pa and then in air at T = 800 °C leads to the destruction of its initial grain structure and to its chemical separation into two phases: (i) oxygen stoichiometric A-site ordered PrBaMn(2)O(6) with a tetragonal (SG = P4/mmm, Z = 2) perovskite-like unit cell and Curie temperature T(C)≈313 K and (ii) oxygen superstoichiometric A-site disordered Pr(0.90)Ba(0.10)MnO(3.05) with an orthorhombic (SG = Pnma, Z = 4) perovskite-like unit cell and Curie temperature T(C)≈133 K. This processed sample has a spontaneous magnetic moment σ(S)∼2.82 µ(B)/f.u. in its ground state, and σ(S)∼0.59 µ(B)/f.u. at T∼300 K. It also exhibits a magnetoresistance of ∼14% at ∼313 K in a field of 50 kOe. This processed sample has a reduced average grain size [Formula: see text] nm. The two magnetic phases, Pr(0.90)Ba(0.10)MnO(3.05) and PrBaMn(2)O(6), are exchange-coupled. For Pr(0.90)Ba(0.10)MnO(3.05) the temperature hysteresis is ∼22 K in a field of 10 Oe and ∼5 K in a field of 1 kOe. The observed magnetic properties are interpreted in terms of chemical phase separation, grain size, and A-site ionic ordering effects.

[The results of the Sommerville-Petit procedure in the treatment of the typical congenital hip dislocation]. / Rezultatele metodei Sommerville-Petit în tratamentul luxatiei congenitale tipice a soldului.

The studied group from the Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedics Clinic, Iasi, consisted of 87 cases, which means that a total of 118 hips were treated between September 1998-September 2004. In 116 cases, the extension was performed with trans-femoral Kirschner wire, in a period of 3-7 weeks. After 7-14 days of extension, the authors performed adductor and sometimes psoas tenotomy. The stable orthopedic reduction was obtained in 34 hips, while the 15 cases with inadequate results required open reduction. This method, performed from the beginning after a period of extension, was applied to 69 cases. In 13 patients the iterative open reduction was required. None of the cases associated femoral diaphysis shortening resection.

[Some aspects regarding the activity analysis of a military hospital]. / Unele aspecte privind analiza activitatii unui spital militar.

Providing secondary health care for military staff and related personnel, Clinical Emergency Military Hospital "Dr. Iacob Cihac" it is the biggest hospital among those having the same profile. There are many factors with influence upon hospital's activities. Some factors can be measured (number of beds, the prevalence of a certain disease in population), but also some of them are subjective, creating pressures in hospitals utilization (costs, status of the professionals and hospital, desires of patients and their families). Good statistical information about hospitalized morbidity provides the basis for planning, control and efficient administration and can also serve as an input into the development of more effective preventive health strategies. There are some important differences between public own hospital and military hospital: for public hospitals, the main cause of morbidity is represented of respiratory disease, while for the military hospital on the top are nervous and psychiatric diseases; also, it is different the proportion of inpatients according to age groups - for public hospitals the main proportion of inpatients is aged more than 45-60 years old, but for the military hospital there are also well represented those aged under 29 years old. The differences between the average length of stay in hospitals is due to hospitalization of psychiatric diseases in public hospitals.

[Prioritization of the main health problems having impact upon the activity of the Emergency Military Hospital "Dr. Iacob Cihac" of Iasi in the years 1995-2003]. / Prioritizarea principalelor probleme de sanatate cu impact asupra activitatii spitalul Clinic Militar de Urgenta Iasi "Dr. Iacob Cihac" in perioada 1995-2003.

The various health problems that are faced by a hospital institution at any given point in time, compete for the usually limited resources that are available, while the health needs are infinite.Therefore, the prioritization process is a key to a functional activity. The prioritization method involves the formal selection criteria and system used to prioritize the health conditions. The Hanlon method is a quality one, and considers the following criteria: the magnitude of the problem, the severity of the problem, the predicted effectiveness of the intervention, and the feasibility of intervening to address the problem. This method requires a technique to allocate a score for each criterion and each health condition. According to hospitalized morbidity rates registered between 1995-2003, using prioritization method, we detected the main causes to address for improving the activity of Emergency Military Hospital "Dr. Iacob Cihac" Iasi through a better selection of the inpatients and primary health care and community involvement. The presentation of the results situated on the top cardiovascular diseases, and on the last place the bone and articular diseases.

Complications following gastric tube esophagoplasty in children.

Surgery in children with caustic esophageal burns, esophageal atresia or other esophageal disorders can be performed using gastric tube esophagoplasty. Between 1991 and 1999, a number of 41 such procedures have been performed in our department, using the original technique developed by Gavriliu. The results were assessed as good and very good in 83% of the cases, and fair or bad in the rest of 17%. We recorded 13 cases with significant complications, 4 of which ended with exitus. The paper present our experience in using gastric tube esophagoplasty and the management of the complications related to this procedure.

[Displaced fractures of the middle third of the forearm in children. The therapeutic considerations]. / Fracturile cu deplasare ale 1/3 medii a antebratului la copil. Consideratii terapeutice.

There been studied 100 cases of fractures of the middle third of both bones of forearm in child for to assess the correctitude of the therapy, based on the analysis of results. The most correct surgical techniques consist of osteosynthesis with Kirschner wire of the both bones, knowing the particularities of the fracture linea in child and the minimal tissues' damages. In the child younger then 10 years old, the open reduction is rarely necessary. Any displaced fracture of middle third of both bones of forearm, whatever the age of the child would be orthopedically reduced, before performing the surgical therapy. The unstable osteosynthesis such as simple screw "osteosynthesis" with wire or thread are contraindicated.