Harnessing synergy: Polydopamine-hBN integration in electrospun nanofibers for Co (II) ion, methylene blue and crystal violet dyes adsorption.

In today's world, major pollutants, such as cationic dyes and heavy metals, pose a serious threat to human health and the environment. In this study, a novel adsorbent was created through the electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid (PVA/PAA), incorporated with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) coated with polydopamine (PDA). The integration of hBN and PDA substantially enhanced the adsorption capacity of the PVA/PAA fibers, making them highly effective in adsorbing cationic dyes such as methylene blue and crystal violet, as well as cobalt (II) ions, from contaminated water. The adsorbents were assessed to understand how their adsorption behavior varies with pH, as well as to examine their adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The results indicate that the PVA/PAA-hBN@PDA adsorbent has maximum adsorption capacities of 1029.57 mg/g, 793.65 mg/g, and 62.46 mg/g for methylene blue, crystal violet, and cobalt (II) ions, respectively. This underscores the superior performance of the PVA/PAA-hBN@PDA adsorbent when compared to both the PVA/PAA and PVA/PAA-hBN adsorbents. The adsorption kinetics adhered to a pseudo-second-order model, indicating chemisorption, whereas the Langmuir model implied a monolayer adsorption. Overall, the findings of this study highlight the efficacy of harnessing the synergistic capabilities of hBN and PDA within the PVA/PAA-hBN@PDA adsorbents, providing an efficient and eco-friendly approach to removing cationic dyes and heavy metals from contaminated water, and thereby contributing to a cleaner and safer environment for all.

A Review of Current Achievements and Recent Challenges in Bacterial Medium-Chain-Length Polyhydroxyalkanoates: Production and Potential Applications.

Using petroleum-derived plastics has contributed significantly to environmental issues, such as greenhouse gas emissions and the accumulation of plastic waste in ecosystems. Researchers have focused on developing ecofriendly polymers as alternatives to traditional plastics to address these concerns. This review provides a comprehensive overview of medium-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (mcl-PHAs), biodegradable biopolymers produced by microorganisms that show promise in replacing conventional plastics. The review discusses the classification, properties, and potential substrates of less studied mcl-PHAs, highlighting their greater ductility and flexibility compared to poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), a well-known but brittle PHA. The authors summarize existing research to emphasize the potential applications of mcl-PHAs in biomedicine, packaging, biocomposites, water treatment, and energy. Future research should focus on improving production techniques, ensuring economic viability, and addressing challenges associated with industrial implementation. Investigating the biodegradability, stability, mechanical properties, durability, and cost-effectiveness of mcl-PHA-based products compared to petroleum-based counterparts is crucial. The future of mcl-PHAs looks promising, with continued research expected to optimize production techniques, enhance material properties, and expand applications. Interdisciplinary collaborations among microbiologists, engineers, chemists, and materials scientists will drive progress in this field. In conclusion, this review serves as a valuable resource to understand mcl-PHAs as sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics. However, further research is needed to optimize production methods, evaluate long-term ecological impacts, and assess the feasibility and viability in various industries.

Use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat a pressure ulcer complicated by osteomyelitis: a case report.

The development of a pressure ulcer (PU) following hospitalisation and immobility can lead to more severe complications, such as osteomyelitis. We report the case of a 60-year-old female patient with a PU complicated with osteomyelitis who was treated with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The patient was diagnosed with an unstageable PU according to the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel classification. A total of 35 HBOT sessions were administered to manage her condition. HBOT is considered a safe and effective treatment for osteomyelitis and decreases mortality rate.

Dynamic and static postural control among fighter pilots with spinal sagittal plane deformities.

BACKGROUND: Fighter pilots are at high risk for sagittal deformities because they are exposed to in-flight gravitational forces. These patients have reduced proprioception and are susceptible to imbalance. The present study was conducted to assess the dynamic and static postural control among fighter pilots with kyphosis and lordosis. METHODS: This is a causal-comparative study, which was conducted on 40 employed active fighter pilots during 2019. Our aim was to identify their sagittal plane deformity for complementary medical examinations, determine their flight status and reduce the possible related air accident. First, lordosis and kyphosis angles were measured in the standing position. Then, the static balance was measured using the one-leg standing test with the eyes open and closed. Dynamic balance was measured using the star excursion balance test in eight directions with a total of 16 unilateral squats. RESULTS: Dynamic balance in the hypo-kyphosis was significantly different in all directions, except for postero-lateral and lateral. No significant difference was obtained between the hyper- and hypo-lordosis in dynamic balance in all directions. The mean static balance scores in the hyper-kyphosis group were significantly more than that in the hypo-kyphosis group. There was no significant difference between the hyper- and hypo-lordosis participants with respect to static balance. CONCLUSIONS: The hypo-kyphosis had a significantly higher dynamic balance in all directions, except for posterolateral and lateral, compared to the hyper-kyphosis group. No significant static and dynamic balance differences were observed between the patients with hyper- and hypo-lordosis. The static balance was higher in the hypo-kyphosis rather than hyper-kyphosis under the eyes open and closed. The patients with hyper-lordosis had a higher static balance, rather than hyper-kyphosis.

Effect of Lactobacillus delbrueckii Subsp. lactis PTCC1057 on Serum Glucose, Fetuin-A ,and Sestrin 3 Levels in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice.

Intake of probiotic bacteria may improve or preserve insulin sensitivity. Fetuin-A and sestrin 3 have emerged as promising candidate biomarkers for crucial roles in insulin signaling pathway. Therefore, the effect of oral supplementation with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis PTCC1057 on proteins involved in insulin signaling pathway was investigated in normal and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. The 6-8-week-old female mice were divided into a non-diabetic control, diabetic control, and diabetic experimental and non-diabetic experimental groups (5 mice each group). Diabetic and non-diabetic experimental groups treated with 3 × 107 CFU mL-1 L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis PTCC1057 by gavage feeding approach daily for 28 days. Serum glucose, fetuin-A, and sestrin 3 levels were measured by standard methods. The result showed that oral administration of L. delbrueckii significantly decreased serum glucose in comparison to diabetic control group (P = 0.01). Serum fetuin-A level was higher in diabetic control group than non-diabetic group and oral administration of L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis PTCC1057 significantly decreased fetuin-A level in diabetic experimental group in comparison with non-diabetic groups (P = 0.001). Sestrin 3 level significantly was lower in diabetic control group than non-diabetic control group (P = 0.03) and it significantly increased in diabetic experimental group in comparison with diabetic control group after intervention of L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis PTCC1057 (P = 0.02). The results show that feeding the STZ-induced diabetic mice with L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis PTCC1057 terminated to decrease in fasting blood glucose and fetuin-A level and increase in serum sestrin 3 level. Therefore, the L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis PTCC1057 can be considered as excellent candidate for future studies on diabetes mellitus.

Thoracoscopic Esophageal Atresia with Tracheoesophageal Fistula Repair: The First Iranian Group Report, Passing the Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopic treatment of esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA+TEF) is accepted as a superior technique at least in cosmetic point of view but it is considered as an advance endoscopic procedure that needs a learning curve to be performed perfectly. This is the first report of Iranian group pediatric surgeons in thoracoscopic approach to EA. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Since 2010, twenty four cases with EA+TEF underwent thoracoscopic approach in Sarvar Children Hospital (Mashhad -Iran). During the first 6 months, thoracoscopic approach to 6 cases of EA+TEF was converted to open procedure because of technical and instrumental problems. The first case of successful thoracoscopic EA repair was accomplished in 2010 and since then, 10 cases of EA+ TEF among 18 patients were treated successfully with thoracoscopic approach RESULTS: Overall conversion rate was 58.3% but conversion rate after the primary learning curve period, was 35.7%. The main conversion causes include difficulties in esophageal anastomosis, limited exposure and deteriorating the patient's condition. Anastomotic leak and stenosis were observed in 20% and 40% respectively. Overall mortality rate was 4.2%. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia seems feasible and safe with considerable superiorities to the conventional method although acceptable results needs a prolonged learning curve and advanced endoscopic surgical skill. Clear judgment about the best surgical intervention for EA according to all cosmetic and functional outcomes needs further studies.

Anesthetic management in a child with citrullinemia: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Citrullinemia is a defect in the urea cycle that causes ammonia to accumulate in the blood. We describe the anesthetic management of a patient with citrullinemia, who experienced an unexpected 10 day hospital admission. CASE PRESENTATION: We anesthetized a 3.5 year-old boy with citrullinemia who was scheduled for a dentistry procedure. Perioperative precautions included minimizing fasting period, hypothermia prevention, relieving anxiety and pain, perioperative infusion of D10W and benzoate sodium, as well as a pediatric endocrinology consultation. The operation lasted 4 hours and its course was uneventful. He had a delayed recovery from anesthesia and was discharged from hospital after 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: General anesthesia and surgery can be a risk factor for exacerbating the course of the disease in patients with citrullinemia. It appears that administering short acting sedatives and analgesics in these patients would be of more benefit. Further studies are required to identify a safe method for anesthesia in citrullinemia.

Ankylosing spondylitis in a military aviator: air medical considerations.

Rheumatologic diseases are a challenging diagnosis when it comes to air medical disposition decision making because many of these diseases overlap and their initial presentation is insidious and relapsing remitting in future scope. Many rheumatologic diseases have musculoskeletal and other organ complications. One of these diagnoses is spondyloarthritides. These disorders include ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and spondylitis, enteropathic arthritis and spondylitis, juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis, and undifferentiated spondyloarthritis. The prevalence of spondyloarthropathy is estimated to be between 0.1% and 2.5%,(1) although figures vary from 1 study to another. In this article, we report the case of a military pilot diagnosed with AS who had a favorable response to treatment with etanercept therapy.