Synergistic effect of KI on the corrosion inhibition of a poly(diallylammonium chloride)-based cyclocopolymer containing bis-cationic motifs for mild steel corrosion in 20% formic acid.

This study entails the syntheses of a homopolymer, poly(diallylammonium chloride) (3), and copolymers (8a-c) containing hydrophilic/hydrophobic pendants and their role in mitigating mild steel in aggressive 20% formic acid, a type of corrosion that is not frequently discussed in the literature. The synthesized homopolymer and copolymers were characterized by FTIR, NMR, viscometry, and TGA. Inhibitor 8b was found to be the most potent, with 81.8% inhibition efficiency (IE) registered via the potentiodynamic polarization method for 100 ppm of inhibitor concentration at 30 °C. Inhibitor 8b, mixed with 2 mmol KI, showed more than 90% IE for a meager 1 ppm inhibitor concentration. For a synergism of 50 ppm inhibitor and 2 mmol KI, the IE reached a high value of 99.1%. The synergism was so good that it helped the inhibitor retain ∼100% of its original IE even after a 24 h weight loss study at 60 °C. The adsorption isotherm study showed that 8b followed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and adsorbed via chemisorption. A very high value (2.48 × 105 L mol-1) of the equilibrium adsorption constant (Kads) indicated strong adsorption. XPS and SEM surface studies provided evidence of the inhibitor found on the metal surface. Some toxicological parameters, such as LC50, bioaccumulation factor, and developmental toxicity, have been measured computationally. A brief mechanistic insight into how the inhibitors functioned has been offered along with the DFT study.

Polymeric surfactants as ideal substitutes for sustainable corrosion protection: A perspective on colloidal and interface properties.

Surfactants are well known for their colloidal and corrosion inhibition potential (CIP) due to their strong propensity to interact with metallic surfaces. However, because of their small molecular size and the fact that they are only effective at relatively high concentrations, their application in aqueous phase corrosion inhibition is often restricted. Polymeric surfactants, a unique class of corrosion inhibitors, hold the potential to eradicate the challenges associated with using surfactants in corrosion inhibition. They strongly bond with the metallic surface and offer superior CIP because of their macromolecular polymeric structure and abundance of polar functional groups. In contrast to conventional polymeric corrosion inhibitors, the inclusion of polar functional groups also aids in their solubilization in the majority of popular industry-based electrolytes. Some of the major functional groups present in polymeric surfactants used in corrosion mitigation include O (ether), glycidyl (cyclic ether), -CONH2 (amide), -COOR (ester), -SO3H (sulfonic acid), -COOH (carboxyl), -NH2 (amino), - + NR3/- + NHR2/- + NH2R/- + NH3 (quaternary ammonium), -OH (hydroxyl), -CH2OH (hydroxymethyl), etc. The current viewpoint offers state-of-the-art information on polymer surfactants as newly developing ideal alternatives for conventional corrosion inhibitors. The industrial scale-up, colloidal, coordination, adsorption properties, and structural requirements of polymer surfactants have also been established based on the knowledge obtained from the literature. Finally, the challenges, drawbacks, and potential benefits of using polymer surfactants have also been discussed.

The Afrotropical breeding grounds of the Palearctic-African migratory painted lady butterflies (Vanessa cardui).

Migratory insects are key players in ecosystem functioning and services, but their spatiotemporal distributions are typically poorly known. Ecological niche modeling (ENM) may be used to predict species seasonal distributions, but the resulting hypotheses should eventually be validated by field data. The painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui) performs multigenerational migrations between Europe and Africa and has become a model species for insect movement ecology. While the annual migration cycle of this species is well understood for Europe and northernmost Africa, it is still unknown where most individuals spend the winter. Through ENM, we previously predicted suitable breeding grounds in the subhumid regions near the tropics between November and February. In this work, we assess the suitability of these predictions through i) extensive field surveys and ii) two-year monitoring in six countries: a large-scale monitoring scheme to study butterfly migration in Africa. We document new breeding locations, year-round phenological information, and hostplant use. Field observations were nearly always predicted with high probability by the previous ENM, and monitoring demonstrated the influence of the precipitation seasonality regime on migratory phenology. Using the updated dataset, we built a refined ENM for the Palearctic-African range of V. cardui. We confirm the relevance of the Afrotropical region and document the missing natural history pieces of the longest migratory cycle described in butterflies.

Stimuli-Responsive Macromolecular Architecture by Butler Cyclopolymerizations: Synthesis and Applications.

This article reviews the synthesis of polyzwitterions (PZs) (poly-carboxybetaines, -phosphonobetaines, and -sulfobetaines) having multiple pH-responsive centers. The synthesis follows the Butler cyclopolymerization protocol involving a multitude of diallylammonium salts and their copolymerization with SO2 and maleic acid. The PZs have been transformed into cationic-, anionic-polyelectrolytes, and polyampholytes under the influence of pH. Particular attention is given to the application of these polymers as antiscalants, mild steel corrosion inhibitors, components in constructing Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPSs), and membrane modifiers. The ATPSs could be used to separate various biomolecules, including proteins. Many amphiphilic polymers incorporating a few mol % hydrophobic monomers have shown enhanced viscosities and could be suitable for applications in oil fields. The progress of applying Butler cyclopolymerization in reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) chemistry has been discussed. Future works are expected to focus on RAFT cyclopolymerization to construct block copolymers.

Prevalence of neutropenia among adult Arabs in Qatar: Relation to other hematological parameters and anthropometric data.

Neutropenia ranges from a normal variant to life-threatening acquired and congenital disorders. This study aims at providing baseline information regarding the prevalence and spectrum of neutropenia in the Arab blood donors who are living in Qatar. This retrospective cohort study was conducted to review the data of healthy Arab individuals (≥18 years) who donated blood between January 1, 2015 to May 15, 2019. A complete blood count was performed using automated analyzers. The prevalence of neutropenia was 10.7%. The prevalence in females was 32% and in males, it was 6%. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) below 1 × 109/L was detected in 10% of Arab females and 1.8 % of Arab males. In females, the neutropenic group had significantly lower hemoglobin (Hb) levels and higher red cell distribution width, and lower total white blood cells and lymphocyte counts (P < .001) compared to the group with ANC > 1.5 × 109/L. Significant correlations were found between the ANC and Hb (r = 0.33, P < .05) and ANC and total white blood cells (r = 0.45, P < .01). The prevalence of neutropenia is considerably high in Arab adult females compared to other ethnic groups. Besides the genetic constitution of Arabs, the lower Hb and higher red cell distribution width in females suggest that iron deficiency could contribute to the development of neutropenia.

Hematological indices reference intervals for a healthy Arab population in Qatar: Effect of age, gender, and geographic location.

ABSTRACT: Hematologic reference intervals vary with gender, age, ethnicity, and geographic area. Therefore, local or national laboratory reference ranges are essential to enhance the accuracy when diagnosing health conditions. Still, no comprehensive list of reference ranges tailored to the Arab population living in Qatar. Accordingly, this study aims at establishing a hematology reference guide for Arabs in Qatar.This is a retrospective study where 750 healthy volunteers (18-69 years) from 2015 to 2019 were included, analyzed by an automated hematology analyzer. Arab adults were divided into African (Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Morocco) and Asian (Syria, Lebanon, Jordon, Palestine, Qatar). The Cell-Dyn and Sysmex were used for measuring hematological parameters.The mean +/- 2SD were established for all the study groups. Arab males had significantly higher Hb, Hct, red cell distribution width, absolute neutrophil count, lymphocytes, and monocyte counts than females. Asian-Arab males had significantly higher Hb concentration and higher WBC, lymphocytes, and eosinophils than African Arabs. Asian-Arab young (>18: < 40 years) males had significantly higher Hb and lymphocytes and lower monocytes than older males (>40 years). African-Arab young males had significantly higher lymphocytes and lower monocytes than older males. Asian-Arab young females had higher WBC and absolute neutrophil count than older Asian Arabs.The findings of this study will help in establishing specific reference intervals in the Arab world. The differences in hematology reference intervals considering age, gender, and geographical location highlight the importance of establishing blood reference intervals in each country considering the ethnic diversity of each country.

A sorbent containing pH-responsive chelating residues of aspartic and maleic acids for mitigation of toxic metal ions, cationic, and anionic dyes.

t-Butyl hydroperoxide-initiated cycloterpolymerization of diallylaminoaspartic acid hydrochloride [(CH2[double bond, length as m-dash]CHCH2)2NH+CH(CO2H)CH2CO2H Cl-] (I), maleic acid (HO2CH[double bond, length as m-dash]CHCO2H) (II) and cross-linker tetraallylhexane-1,6-diamine dihydrochloride [(CH2[double bond, length as m-dash]CHCH2)2NH+(CH2)6NH+ (CH2CH[double bond, length as m-dash]CH2)2 2Cl-] (III) afforded a new pH-responsive resin (IV), loaded with four CO2H and a chelating motif of NH+⋯CO2 - in each repeating unit. The removal of cationic methylene blue (MB) (3000 ppm) at pH 7.25 and Pb(ii) (200 ppm) at pH 6 by IV at 298, 313, and 328 K followed second-order kinetics with E a of 33.4 and 40.7 kJ mol-1, respectively. Both MB and Pb(ii) were removed fast, accounting for 97.7% removal of MB within 15 min at 313 K and 94% of Pb(ii) removal within 1 min. The super-adsorbent resin gave respective q max values of 2609 mg g-1 and 873 mg g-1 for MB and Pb(ii). IV was also found to trap anionic dyes; it removed 91% Eriochrome Black T (EBT) from its 50 ppm solutions at pH 2. The resin was found to be effective in reducing priority metal contaminants (like Cr, Hg, Pb) in industrial wastewater to sub-ppb levels. The synthesis of the recyclable resin can be easily scaled up from inexpensive starting materials. The resin has been found to be better than many recently reported sorbents.

Complement activation prior to symptom onset in myeloperoxidase ANCA-associated vasculitis but not proteinase 3 ANCA associated vasculitis - A Swedish biobank study.

OBJECTIVE: Increased soluble levels of complement effectors have been demonstrated in active anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), but the timing of complement activation in the autoimmune inflammation remains elusive. This study investigated whether the complement system is activated before onset of symptoms in AAV. METHOD: The Swedish National Patient Register and Cause of Death register were linked to registers of five biobanks to identify individuals sampled before AAV symptom onset. Diagnosis of AAV and time-point for symptom onset were confirmed by reviewing medical records. We identified 64 presymptomatic individuals with serum samples > 1 month < 10 years from AAV symptom onset and 122 matched controls. Complement factors (C2, C5) and activation markers (C5a, C4b) were measured using Luminex technology. RESULTS: Presymptomatic individuals had higher levels of C5 up to 6.5 years before symptom onset, compared with controls [median (IQR) 80.7 (131.9) vs 46.6 (63.4) µg/mL, p = 0.05]. Levels of C5a increased significantly during the pre-dating time (p = 0.033) until symptom onset. The complement levels were significantly higher in presymptomatic myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA+ individuals versus MPO-ANCA- and proteinase-3-ANCA+ individuals. C5 was significantly increased in cases with renal involvement at diagnosis versus controls (p = 0.022), whereas levels of both C5 and C5a were significantly increased in presymptomatic individuals diagnosed with microscopic polyangiitis after onset compared with controls (C5: p = 0.027; C5a: p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Activation of the complement system is an early event in the pathogenesis of AAV and is mainly associated with MPO-ANCA+ AAV and with microscopic polyangiitis.

A resin containing motifs of maleic acid and glycine: a super-adsorbent for adsorptive removal of basic dye pararosaniline hydrochloride and Cd(II) from water.

The cyclocopolymerization of N,N-diallylglycine hydrochloride, maleic acid and 1,1,4,4-tetraallylpiperazinium dichloride afforded a cross-linked polyzwitterionic acid, which, upon treatment with NaOH, gave the corresponding cross-linked anionic polyelectrolyte (CAPE) in quantitative yield. The pH-responsive resins contained a high density of CO2 - motifs as well as the chelating motifs of glycine residues. The resin CAPE was found to be a super-adsorbent for the removal of pararosaniline hydrochloride (PRH); having a q max of 1534 mg/g. The adsorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics and was found to be a nearly irreversible process as suggested by the parameters obtained from Elovich kinetic model. The resin demonstrated excellent adsorption/desorption efficiencies, thereby ensuring its recycling and reuse in potent applications like remediation of industrial dye-waste water. The resin's chelating motifs were also efficient in the adsorptive removal of Cd(II) ions with a q max of 248 mg/g. It was also employed for the simultaneous and effective trapping of Cd(II) and the dye from industrial wastewater. The resin's impressive performance accords it a prestigious place among many sorbents in recent works.

Clinicopathological Variables and Outcome in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Associated With BCR-ABL1 Transcript Type and Body Weight: An Outcome of European LeukemiaNet Project.

OBJECTIVE: It is debatable whether BCR-ABL1 transcript type has an impact on outcome of treatment of patients with CML, and it is not widely studied whether body weight influences response to treatment. In this study, we tried to find out if any of these factors has an impact on response to treatment and outcome. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a retrospective analysis of the files of 79 patients being treated in our center for CML with known BCR-ABL1 breakpoints, and patients' management and response assessment was done based on ELN 2013 guidelines. The analysis was performed based on two main groups, obese vs. normal BMI, and then based on BCR-ABL1 transcripts: e13a2 vs. e14a2. Cumulative incidence of MMR, CCyR, and DMR were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve method, and comparisons between groups were performed by the Log-rank/Gray test methods. RESULTS/CONCLUSION: In the patient-cohort studied, there was no statistically significant difference in molecular response between patients with CML based on body weight or transcript type although patients in the obesity group achieved higher and faster MMR with no statistical significance.

Design and Synthesis of a Dual-Purpose Superadsorbent Containing a High Density of Chelating Motifs for the Fast Mitigation of Methylene Blue and Pb(II).

Maleic acid underwent alternate copolymerization with diallylaminomethylphosphonic acid·HCl [(CH2=CHCH2)2NH+CH2PO3H2 Cl-] and a cross-linker to give a new pH-responsive resin. Methylene blue (MB) removal from its 3000 ppm solution by the resin at pH 7 followed second-order kinetics with an E a of 34.8 kJ mol-1. MB removal was achieved very fast (10 min), attaining over 98.5% at 328 K. The q e obtained using MB concentrations in the range 100-8000 ppm fitted the Langmuir nonlinear isotherm model to give ΔG o, ΔH o, and ΔS o values of ≈ -21 kJ, 36.5 kJ mol-1, and 185 J mol-1 K-1, respectively. The resin is a superadsorbent with a q max value of 2445 mg g-1. The adsorbent also removed 97% Pb(II) within 5 min from its 10 000 ppb solution. The resin reduced the Pb(II) concentration from 200 to 3.8 ppb. The resin also demonstrated its ability to remove contaminants from industrial wastewater, reducing priority metal contaminants to ppb and sub-ppb levels. The resin can be recycled with stable efficiency. The outstanding performance places the resin in a top position in a list of recently reported sorbents.

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Preceded by Tuberculosis.

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm, classically described as a triphasic disease. However, little is known about risk factors for developing CML. Currently, ionizing radiation is the only established risk factor. Here, we report on a 37-year-old man treated for tuberculosis; 2 years later, he developed CML in a chronic phase. We would like to shed light on tuberculosis as a possible risk factor for CML.

A Rare Case of Systemic Mastocytosis with Associated Hematologic Neoplasm (SM-AHN) Involving Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report and Literature Review.

BACKGROUND Single or multiple cell line dysplasia is a characteristic feature of myelodysplastic syndrome. However, significant dysgranulopoiesis is not a feature of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Systemic mastocytosis (SM) with an associated hematologic neoplasm (SM-AHN) comprises 5% to 40% of cases of SM. All types of hematologic neoplasms have been previously reported, although CML has been rarely encountered. CASE REPORT A 28-year-old male presented with a 3-month-history of weight loss and massive splenomegaly. Peripheral blood revealed marked leukocytosis, shift to left with 13% blasts. There was evident dysgranulopoiesis that raised a provisional diagnosis of myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasm. Bone marrow (BM) examination revealed granulocytic hyperplasia with 10% blasts and significant dysgranulopoiesis. Unexpectedly, cytogenetic analysis revealed t(9;22) with BCR/ABL1 rearrangement, diagnostic of chronic myeloid leukemia in an accelerated phase. The patient was started on dasatinib 100 mg upfront, however, he failed to respond, with increasing leukocytosis. Repeat BM examination showed persistence of the findings with 8% blasts. At this time, aggregates of mast cells with aberrant expression of CD25 were elicited, thus concluding the diagnosis of SM-AHN. The patient failed multiple lines of treatment (dasatinib, nilotinib, hydroxyurea, cytarabine subcutaneous, 6-mercaptopurine and interferon) and progressed to the blast phase a few months later. CONCLUSIONS We report an unusual case of CML, presented with significant dysgranulopoiesis with an aggressive clinical course including SM uncovered during the disease course with subsequent transformation to the blast phase. The different biological behavior of this case underscores the need for studies on a larger number of cases to explore the significance of the aforementioned coexistent features.

Subcutaneous Masses as an Unusual Manifestation of Relapse in a Case of Atypical Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia with Prolymphocytoid Transformation and Complex Karyotype: A Diagnostic Dilemma and Treatment Challenge.

BACKGROUND Most patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are asymptomatic at diagnosis, but 10% present with B symptoms. Most patients have palpable lymphadenopathy, while 20-50% of the patients have hepatosplenomegaly. Cutaneous infiltrations in patients with CLL can be localized or generalized in the form of erythematous papules, plaques, nodules and, ulceration, which is uncommon. CASE REPORT We present the case of a 71-year-old man diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) with atypical immunophenotype and increased prolymphocytes (CLL/PLL), which was treated initially after white blood counts (WBC) doubling with Bendamustine and Rituximab for 6 cycles, and achieved complete remission. The patient relapsed after 6 months of completion of treatment, with multiple large subcutaneous masses, proved to be infiltration with the same atypical CLL/SLL on tissue biopsy, with pathologic features indicating disease progression. The lack of similar reported cases, and the aggressiveness of the tumor clinically and histopathologically, resulted in the decision to treat with Rituximab, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Vincristine, and Prednisolone (R-CHOP) as a case of aggressive lymphoma, with complete remission clinically and radiologically. CONCLUSIONS We present a rare case of subcutaneous extramedullary masses of atypical CLL/SLL. The high proliferation index (Ki-67) and the increase of large cells are suggestive of aggressive progression of the disease; however, no frank features of Richter's transformation were noted. Based on this and because of the unusual aggressive-looking skin masses, the panel decided to treat the patient with R-CHOP. The impact of this presentation on the prognosis of the disease is not clear. To date, our patient has responded well to treatment with R-CHOP, with complete remission of the subcutaneous masses and on PET scan, but further follow-up is needed.

Chitosan Schiff base: an environmentally benign biological macromolecule as a new corrosion inhibitor for oil & gas industries.

An eco-friendly Schiff base, namely Salicylaldeyde-Chitosan Schiff Base (SCSB), was synthesized by the reaction of chitosan and salicylaldehyde. In 3.5% NaCl saturated with carbon dioxide at 65 °C corrosion inhibition effect was analyzed using weight loss, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization (PDP) methods. The PDP results revealed that SCSB acts as a mixed type inhibitor and reduces the corrosion process effectively at 150 mg L-1 concentration with an inhibition efficiency of 95.2% and corrosion rate of 0.444 mm/y. EIS measurements suggest that the corrosion inhibition process is kinetically controlled. Langmuir adsorption model is the best fit among the other tested isotherms. The surface analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning Kelvin probe (SKP), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to corroborate the formation of inhibitor film on the metal surface. Computational studies showed the effective adsorption of the protonated form of inhibitor.

Effect of blue light-emitting diode light and antioxidant potential in a somatic cell.

Light is an indispensable part of routine laboratory work in which conventional light is generally used. Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have come to replace conventional light, and thus could be a potent target in biomedical studies. Since blue light is a major component of visible light wavelength, in this study, using a somatic cell from the African green monkey kidney, we assessed the possible consequences of the blue spectra of LED light in future animal experiments and proposed a potent mitigation against light-induced damage. COS-7 cells were exposed to blue LED light (450 nm) and the growth and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage were assessed at different exposure times. A higher suppression in cell growth and viability was observed under a longer period of blue LED light exposure. The number of apoptotic cells increased as the light exposure time was prolonged. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also elevated in accordance to the extension of light exposure time. A comparison with dark-maintained cells revealed that the upregulation of ROS by blue LED light plays a significant role in causing cellular dysfunction in DNA in a time-dependent manner. In turn, antioxidant treatment has been shown to improve cell growth and viability under blue LED light conditions. This indicates that antioxidants have potential against blue LED light-induced somatic cell damage. It is expected that this study will contribute to the understanding of the basic mechanism of somatic cell death under visible light and maximize the beneficial use of LED light in future animal experiments.

Swedish Society of Rheumatology 2018 guidelines for investigation, treatment, and follow-up of giant cell arteritis.

Objective: To develop evidence-based guidelines for the management of giant cell arteritis (GCA) as a complement to guidelines in other areas of rheumatology, issued by the Swedish Society of Rheumatology. Methods: A working group selected key areas for recommendations, reviewed the available evidence, and wrote draft guidelines. These were discussed and revised according to standard procedures within the Swedish Society of Rheumatology, including a one-day meeting open to all members. For key recommendations, the quality of evidence was assessed according to GRADE. The final guidelines were approved by the Society board in March 2018. Results: The guidelines include recommendations on diagnostic procedures, pharmacological treatment, follow-up, and adjuvant treatment. Ultrasonography is complementary to temporal artery biopsy (TAB) in the diagnostic work-up. Other imaging techniques (magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography) are important in evaluating large-vessel involvement. Glucocorticoids (oral, or intravenous in cases with ischaemic complications) remain the first line treatment for GCA. Addition of tocilizumab is recommended for patients with relapsing disease who meet five criteria, representing active disease that has been objectively verified by TAB or imaging. Tocilizumab may also be considered in patients with newly diagnosed GCA who are at major risk of severe glucocorticoid side effects. Based on current evidence, tocilizumab treatment for > 1 year cannot be recommended. Conclusion: These guidelines are based on current evidence and consensus within Swedish rheumatology. Following major developments in diagnostics and treatment of GCA, such guidelines are important for clinical practice, and should be updated on a regular basis.

Fast removal of methylene blue and Hg(II) from aqueous solution using a novel super-adsorbent containing residues of glycine and maleic acid.

The alternate cyclo-copolymerization of diallylammonioethanoate [(CH2=CHCH2)2NCH2CO2-] and maleic acid in the presence of a cross-linker afforded a novel pH-responsive resin (90% yield). The resin has turned out to be a super-adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal with a qMax of 2101 mg g-1. The adsorption of the dye followed pseudo second-order kinetics with an energy of activation (Ea) of 31.5 kJ mol-1. The process showed an extraordinarily fast adsorption rate owing to faster film diffusion; the resin (250 mg) was able to trap 78 and 99.4% MB from its 3000 mg L-1 solution (100 mL) within 3 and 30 min, respectively. Equilibrium constants from Langmuir nonlinear isotherm model in the range 288-328 K gave ΔGo ΔHo, and ΔSo values of ≈ -25 kJ, -13 kJ and 39.5 J mol-1 K-1, respectively. Immobilization mechanism was discussed using FTIR, SEM, and Elovich kinetic model. The presence of the chelating glycine residues was exploited for the removal of Hg(II) ions; the qHg was determined to be 263 mg g-1. The resin also removed MB and Hg(II) simultaneously from industrial wastewater with remarkable efficacy. The very impressive performance along with efficient recycling conferred the resin a top position among many sorbents.

Swedish Society of Rheumatology 2018 guidelines for investigation, treatment, and follow-up of giant cell arteritis

To develop evidence-based guidelines for the management of giant cell arteritis (GCA) as a complement to guidelines in other areas of rheumatology, issued by the Swedish Society of Rheumatology. A working group selected key areas for recommendations, reviewed the available evidence, and wrote draft guidelines. These were discussed and revised according to standard procedures within the Swedish Society of Rheumatology, including a one-day meeting open to all members. For key recommendations, the quality of evidence was assessed according to GRADE. The final guidelines were approved by the Society board in March 2018.

The Impact of Iron Overload in Patients with Acute Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndrome on Hepatic and Endocrine functions.

Patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy and requiring blood transfusion usually have an elevated serum ferritin. These findings have led to the suggestion that iron overload is common and may have deleterious effects in these patients. However, the relationship between serum ferritin and parenchymal iron overload in such patients is unknown. Therefore, we measured the liver iron content (LIC) by the FerriScan® method and investigated the liver function and some endocrine tests in 27 patients with acute leukemia (AL) or myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Using FerriScan® method, the normal mean LIC levels are: 4.3 ± 2.9 mg Fe/g dry weight (d.w.). In our patients, the mean serum ferritin level was 1965 ± 2428 ng/mL. In our patients, the mean total iron in the blood received by them was 7177 ± 5009 mg. In 6 out of 27 patients LIC was > 7 mg Fe/g d.w. and in 11/27 serum ferritin was > 1000 ng/ml. Measuring fasting blood glucose revealed 3/27 with diabetes mellitus and 4/27 with impaired fasting glucose (IFG). All patients had normal serum concentrations of calcium, parathormone (PTH), free thyroxine (FT4) and thyrotropin (TSH). Four patients had elevated serum alanine transferase (ALT). LIC was correlated significantly with ferritin level (r = 0.5666; P < 0.001) and the cumulative amount of iron in the transfused blood (r = 0.523; P <0.001). LIC was correlated significantly with ALT (r = 0.277; P = 0.04) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was correlated significantly with the amount of iron transfused (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and ALT level (r = 0.44; P< 0.01). The age of patients did not correlate with LIC, FBG or ALT. In conclusions, these results contribute to our understanding of the prevalence of dysglycemia and hepatic dysfunction in relation to parenchymal iron overload in patients with hematologic malignancies undergoing chemotherapy and requiring blood transfusions.