Sorption of some radionuclides from nuclear waste effluents by polyaniline/SiO2 composite: Characterization, thermal stability, and gamma irradiation studies.

Polyaniline/SiO2 composite was successfully prepared via in situ polymerization using polyvinyl alcohol as a surfactant. The prepared PAn/SiO2 composite was used for the removal of Zr(IV), U(VI), and Mo(VI) ions from their liquid solutions. PAn/SiO2 composite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized composite was irradiated with γ-radiation from a Co-60 radioactive source with absorbed dose 50, 100, and 150 kGy and the corresponding changes in structural properties of the composites were studied. The thermal and radiation stabilities of PAn/SiO2 composite in terms of saturation capacities were studied. PAn/SiO2 composite has a good thermal stability as it retained about 78.83% of its saturation capacity upon heating at 400±1 °C, while the saturation capacity of PAn/SiO2 composite was increased from 191.28 to 319.16 mg/g for Zr(IV) with varying the irradiated doses from 0 to 150 kGy. The sorption studies for several metal ions revealed marked selectivity of PAn/SiO2 composite towards Zr(IV), U(VI), and Mo(VI) ions with selectivity order; Zr(IV) > U(VI) > Mo(VI). The results indicated that PAn/SiO2 composite removed 95.33, 75.97, and 52.87% from Zr(IV), U(VI), and Mo(VI) ions, respectively at pH 3.26. Hence, analytical utility of PAn/SiO2 composite was accomplished by performing some quantitative separation such as separation of U(VI) ions from monazite leachate and separation of Zr(IV), U(VI), and Mo(VI) ions from simulated liquid waste. Thermodynamic parameter studies concluded that the adsorption of Zr(IV), U(VI), and Mo(VI) ions was spontaneous and endothermic in nature.

Epidemiology of hepatitis E virus infection.

Hepatitis E is a major concern to public health, it is estimated that 44,000 people die annually due to hepatitis E. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis in the world. HEV has been found with 7 genotypes, only 4 can infect humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 are major causes of the epidemic and endemic acute hepatitis in developing countries. In the poor hygienic conditions, these genotypes are obligate human pathogens transmitted between humans by the fecal-oral route and via contaminated water. On the contrary, in developed countries, genotypes 3 and 4 are of zoonotic origin and they are transmitted by alimentary route and via direct contact with the infected animal. Transmission by blood, blood products and tissues from infected persons or animals and even mother-to-infant transmission is also possible. Hepatitis E clinical course varies from self-limiting disease to fulminant hepatic failure, and extrahepatic manifestations have occurred. Management to control and prevent this infection is mainly hygienic measures. The provision of clean drinking water and ameliorating the sanitation of human wastes are the most effective preventive approaches as in any infection outbreak transmitted through the fecal-oral route. Nevertheless, dietary habits, distribution of different zoonotic reservoirs and the hygienic level play a crucial role in limiting and preventing the spread of hepatitis E in the developed countries. Although HEV vaccine was developed, it is still available only in China. It protects against genotype 4 with no clear evidence of protection against other genotypes.

UK national survey of management of breast lobular carcinoma in situ.

INTRODUCTION: There is no national standard treatment for patients with breast lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS). Association of Breast Surgery guidelines for the management of breast cancer suggest that lesions containing LCIS should be excised for definitive diagnosis and recommend close surveillance after excision biopsy. The aim of this study was to form a picture of the current management of LCIS by UK breast surgeons. METHODS: A questionnaire about the management of LCIS was sent to 490 UK breast surgeons. RESULTS: Of 490 questionnaires sent out, 173 (35%) were returned. When LCIS is present in a core biopsy, 61% of breast surgeons perform surgical excision, 22% would not excise but would continue follow-up and the remainder perform neither or set no clear management plan. Over half (54%) follow patients up with five years of annual mammography. If classic LCIS were found at the margins of wide local excision, 92% would not re-excise. Conversely, if pleomorphic LCIS were found, 71% would achieve clear margins. Respondents were split evenly regarding management of classic LCIS with a family history as 54% would not alter management whereas 43% would treat the disease more aggressively. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey has shown that in cases where LCIS is found at core biopsy, most surgeons follow Association of Breast Surgery guidance, obtaining further histological samples to exclude pleomorphic LCIS, ductal carcinoma in situ or invasive cancer, whereas others opt for annual surveillance and some discharge the patient. This study highlighted the huge variability in LCIS management, and the need for randomised controlled trials and input into national audits such as the Sloane Project to establish evidence-based national standard guidelines.

A single institution experience with skin sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction.

INTRODUCTION: Skin sparing mastectomies (SSMs) represent a surgical approach that preserves the natural skin envelope of the breast and, when combined with immediate reconstruction, offers a good cosmetic outcome. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the risk of local recurrence (LR) in this series with the known rate of recurrence following a conventional mastectomy. METHODS: A total of 108 patients with breast cancer who underwent an SSM and immediate breast reconstruction over a 6-year period were reviewed. RESULTS: A follow-up of more than eight years showed that three patients (2.78%) had developed LR. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of LR is low with SSMs and is comparable to that seen with conventional mastectomies.