Core and surface structure and magnetic properties of mechano-synthesized LaFeO3 nanoparticles and their Eu3+-doped and Eu3+/Cr3+-co-doped variants.

The core and surface structure, and magnetism of mechano-synthesized LaFeO3 nanoparticles (30-40 nm), Eu3+-doped (La0.70Eu0.30FeO3), and Eu3+/Cr3+ co-doped (La0.70Eu0.30Fe0.95Cr0.05O3) are reported. Doping results in a transition from the O'-type to the O-type distorted structure. Traces of reactants, intermediate phases, and a small amount of Eu2+ ions were detected on the surfaces of the nanoparticles. The nanoparticles consist of antiferromagnetic cores flanked by ferromagnetic shells. The Eu3+ dopant ions enhance the magnetization values relative to those of the pristine nanoparticles and result in magnetic susceptibilities compatible with the presence of Eu3+ van Vleck paramagnetism of spin-orbit coupling constant (λ = 363 cm-1) and a low temperature Curie-Weiss like behavior associated with the minority Eu2+ ions. Anomalous temperature-dependent magnetic hardening due to competing magnetic anisotropy and magnetoelectric coupling effects together with a temperature-dependent dopant-sensitive exchange bias, caused by thermally activated spin reversals at the core of the nanoparticles, were observed.

Veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Middle East/North Africa regional consensus on prevention, diagnosis and management.

Veno-occlusive disease/sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (VOD/SOS) of the liver is a serious, early complication of haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), severe and very severe forms of which are associated with a high mortality rate. A wide variety of patient, disease and treatment-related risk factors for VOD/SOS have been identified. Several bodies have published recommendations for the diagnosis, prevention and management of VOD/SOS following HSCT. A group of regional experts have developed a consensus statement on the diagnosis, prevention and management of VOD/SOS in the Middle East and North Africa region to help in the management of HSCT patients in the region. Risk factors of particular relevance in the region include iron overload in thalassaemia patients, some hereditary metabolic disorders due to consanguinity and infection with hepatitis virus B or C. Recommendations include diagnosis of VOD/SOS based on established clinical criteria, prophylaxis with defibrotide and/or ursodeoxycholic acid in patients at increased risk of VOD/SOS, and treatment with defibrotide for patients with severe/very severe VOD/SOS (and, if clinically indicated, in those with moderate or rapidly progressing VOD/SOS, as per the new European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation classification).

Composition, Electronic and Magnetic Investigation of the Encapsulated ZnFe2O 4 Nanoparticles in Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes Containing Ni Residuals.

We report investigation on properties of multiwall carbon nanotubes (mCNTs) containing Ni residuals before and after encapsulation of zinc ferrite nanoparticles. The pristine tubes exhibit metallic character with a 0.3 eV reduction in the work function along with ferromagnetic behavior which is attributed to the Ni residuals incorporated during the preparation of tubes. Upon encapsulation of zinc ferrite nanoparticles, 0.5 eV shift in Fermi level position and a reduction in both the π band density of state along with a change in the hybridized sp(2)/sp(3) ratio of the tubes from 2.04 to 1.39 are observed. As a result of the encapsulation, enhancement in the σ bands density of state and coating of the zinc ferrite nanoparticles by the internal layers of the CNTs in the direction along the tube axis is observed. Furthermore, Ni impurities inside the tubes are attracted to the encapsulated zinc ferrite nanoparticles, suggesting the possibility of using these particles as purifying agents for CNTs upon being synthesized using magnetic catalyst particles. Charge transfer from Ni/mCNTs to the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles is evident via reduction of the density of states near the Fermi level and a 0.3 eV shift in the binding energy of C 1 s core level ionization. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that encapsulated zinc ferrite nanoparticles in mCNTs resulted in two interacting sub-systems featured by distinct blocking temperatures and enhanced magnetic properties; i.e., large coercivity of 501 Oe and saturation magnetization of 2.5 emu/g at 4 K.

Spectrum of external catheter-related infections in children with acute leukemia-Single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: External catheters (ECs) are commonly used in children who are receiving treatment for acute leukemia. AIMS: To study the spectrum of microorganisms and to compare the rates of infection. METHODS: A total of 42 ECs were inserted, including 28 Port-A-Caths, 11 CVC lines and 3 Hickman lines. Single ECs were required for 19 patients (45.2%), whereas 2, 3 and 4 ECs were required in 8, 1 and 1 patients, respectively. RESULTS: Overall, 37 culture-documented infections were present in 18 (62%) patients who had ECs. Gram-positive microorganisms were identified in 20 cases, Gram-negative microorganisms in 14 cases and fungal infections in 3 cases. Of the 42 devices implanted, 10 out of 28 Port-A-Caths (35.7%), 2 out of 3 Hickman catheters (66.7%) and 9 out of 11 central venous catheters (81.8%) required removal due to infection. The average length of working life for the ports was 330.6 days (range: 40-1043 days). The median rate of complications due to infection was 2.84 infections per 1000 catheter days (interquartile range: -1.55 to 5.8), and the number of infections was correlated with the number of ports (Pearson's r=0.51; p<0.05).

Mercury as a cause of fulminant hepatic failure in a child: case report and literature review.

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) in children is devastating unless urgent liver transplantation is undergone. Intoxication or drug-related FHF is a well-known group of causes leading to FHF. Mercury intoxication is described in the literature to cause hepatitis but not described to cause DRESS (drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms) syndrome and FHF in the same patient. We describe a child with mercury intoxication and FHF with clinical features fulfilling DRESS syndrome criteria. To our best knowledge, this is the first case report of fatal acute liver failure secondary to mercury intoxication in the English literature. Mercury intoxication should receive a worldwide attention to its consequences in order to minimize the morbidities and mortalities that arise from its intoxication.

The formation of nanocrystalline SrFeO(3-delta) using mechano-synthesis and subsequent sintering: structural and Mössbauer studies.

The influence of mechanical milling and subsequent sintering of a 2:1 molar mixture of SrCO3 and alpha-Fe2O3 on the formation of SrFeO(3-delta) pervoskite-related nanocrystalline particles is investigated. The structural evolution during the formation process is systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Pre-milling the mixture in air for 120 h leads to the incorporation of Sr2+ in the alpha-Fe2O3 crystal structure thus facilitating the formation of a 2:1 nanocrystalline mixture of SrFeO3 and SrFeO2.875 by sintering the pre-milled mixture in air at 800 degrees C (12 h). This temperature is approximately 300 degrees C lower than those at which SrFeO(3-delta) phases are synthesized by the conventional ceramic techniques. Pre-milling the precursors was found to result in a smaller oxygen deficiency (delta) relative to conventional ceramic synthesis of SrFeO(3-delta). Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction shows the interatomic distances in the resulting SrFeO2.875 nanocrystalline phase to be slightly different from those of the conventionally prepared bulk leading, in turn, to a crystal structure with tilted polyhedral cationic sites. This structural distortion is related to both small-size and surface effects in the nanoparticles that have no counterparts in the corresponding bulk material. The surface structure of the attained SrFeO(3-delta) nanocrystalline particles shows a significant partial reduction of Fe4+ to Fe3+ due to ambient conditions and the presence of an appreciable amount of SrCO3 as well.

The effect of mebendazole on sheep hydatid cysts as demonstrated by electron microscopy.

The ultrastructural changes induced in hydatid cysts from lungs of sheep after medication with one or two courses of mebendazole (Ovitelmin), each lasting 3 wk, are described. The hydatid germinal membrane tissue collected from the treated sheep showed complete degeneration of the tegumental and subtegumental structures and minor degree of calcification. Lung hydatid cysts of the untreated sheep presented normal ultrastructural configurations.

The use of computerised axial tomography (CAT) in the diagnosis of hydatid cysts.

One hundred and twenty-two patients out of 500 examined by CAT scan were found to have hydatid cysts. The distribution of the cysts according to age, sex, location and number are discussed. CAT is recommended as the radiological procedure of choice in the diagnosis of hydatid cysts due to its advantages over other conventional radiological procedures.

Wenyonella baghdadensis sp. n. from the bandicoot rat Nesokia indica in the Baghdad area.

Oocysts of Wenyonella baghdadensis sp. n. were found in the feces of 2 of 12 bandicoot rats Nesokia indica Gray & Harwicke from the Baghdad area. Sporulated oocysts were subspherical to broadly ellipsoidal, 25.4 (18-22) x 20.8 (15-28) micrometer, with a 2-layered wall, the outer wall being mammillated, without micropyle, micropylar cap, residuum, or polar granule. Sporozoites were ovoid, 11.8 (9-15) x 8.4 (6-10) micrometer, with Stieda body and residuum. Two sporozoites in each sporocyst were elongate, with granular cytoplasm and a refractile globule, the other 2 were bean-shaped, without granules or refractile globule. Sporulation time equalled 3 days at 22-24 C. Entamoeba coli and Giardia sp. cysts were also found in 3 rats each.

Eimeria taterae sp. n. and other intestinal parasites from the antelope rat, Tatera indica in Baghdad District.

Of 8 fecal specimens from the antelope rat, Tatera indica Hardwicke examined, 4 were found positive for intestinal parasites. Among these was Eimeria taterae sp. n., sporulated oocysts of which are described, their characteristics serving for the diagnosis of this species. Entamoeba coli cysts, as well as ova of Hymenolepis sp. and Trichuris sp., were also found.