A Case of Basilar Artery Thrombus Improved With Anticoagulation.

Basilar artery (BA) occlusions are rare causes of ischemic strokes but can lead to devastating consequences if not addressed immediately. Herein, we discuss a case of an ischemic stroke due to near occlusion of the basilar artery with a good outcome due to timely presentation and intervention.

Study of PLA pre-treatment, enzymatic and model-compost degradation, and valorization of degradation products to bacterial nanocellulose.

It is well acknowledged that microplastics are a major environmental problem and that the use of plastics, both petro- and bio- based, should be reduced. Nevertheless, it is also a necessity to reduce the amount of the already spread plastics. These cannot be easily degraded in the nature and accumulate in the food supply chain with major danger for animals and human life. It has been shown in the literature that advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) modify the surface of polylactic acid (PLA) materials in a way that bacteria more efficiently dock on their surface and eventually degrade them. In the present work we investigated the influence of different AOPs (ultrasounds, ultraviolet irradiation, and their combination) on the biodegradability of PLA films treated for different times between 1 and 6 h. The pre-treated samples have been degraded using a home model compost as well as a cocktail of commercial enzymes at mesophilic temperatures (37 °C and 42 °C, respectively). Degradation degree has been measured and degradation products have been identified. Excellent degradation of PLA films has been achieved with enzyme cocktail containing commercial alkaline proteases and lipases of up to 90% weight loss. For the first time, we also report valorization of PLA into bacterial nanocellulose after enzymatic hydrolysis of the samples.

Update in the Evaluation and Management of Perioperative Stroke.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review will review the current knowledge and gaps in the literature on the relationship between surgery and ischemic stroke. FINDINGS: Surgery and ischemic stroke are interrelated phenomena as surgery is an independent risk factor for stroke and perioperative stroke increases morbidity and mortality leading to poor outcomes after surgery. This relationship and the risk of adverse outcome apply not only the clinically apparent stroke in the perioperative period but also clinically silent brain infarction detected only on radiological studies. The risk of perioperative stroke depends on several factors including (i) patient-related factors (age, history of prior stroke, and other comorbidities), (ii) procedure-related factors (type of surgery/procedure, use of cardiopulmonary bypass, antiplatelet/antithrombotic interruption, and metabolic derangement), and (iii) perioperative atrial fibrillation. With observation and retrospective data, the literature is limited to prevention and management of perioperative stroke.

Recycling of plastic wastes with poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer as compatibilizer and their conversion into high-end product.

This paper deals with the utilization of plastic wastes to a useful product. The major plastic pollutants that are considered to be in maximum use i.e. PET bottle and PE bags have been taken for consideration for recycling. As these two plastic wastes are not compatible, poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer has been used as compatibilizer to process these two plastic wastes. Effect of dose of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer as compatibilizer has been studied here. It has been shown that only 3 wt% of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer is sufficient to make 3:1 mass ratio of PET bottle and polyethylene bags compatible. Compatibility has been examined through mechanical testing, thermal and morphological analysis. After analysing the property of recyclates, better mechanical and thermal property has been observed. Almost 500% of tensile property has been improved by addition of 3 wt% of poly (ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) copolymer in 3:1 mass ratio blend of PET bottle and PE bags than that of pristine blend. Morphological analysis by FESEM and AFM has also confirmed the compatibility of the blend. Experimental data showed better performance than available recycling process.