Comparison activity of pure and chromium-doped nickel oxide nanoparticles for the selective removal of dyes from water.

The current study involves a synthesis of a composite of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) with a chromium dopant to yield (Cr/NiONPs). Synthesis of nickel oxide was performed by the co-precipitation method. The synthesis of the composite was conducted by the impregnation method. FTIR, EDX, SEM, and XRD were used to characterize the synthesized materials. The synthesised materials' point zero charges (PZC) were performed using the potentiometric titration method. The obtained results show that the PZC for neat nickel oxide was around 5, and it was around 8 for Cr/NiONPs. The adsorption action of the prepared materials was examined by applying them to remove Reactive Red 2 (RR2) and Crystal Violate (CV) dyes from solutions. The outcomes demonstrated that Cr/NiONPs were stronger in the removal of dyes than NiONPs. Cr/NiONPs achieved 99.9% removal of dyes after 1 h. Adsorption isotherms involving Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were also conducted, and the outcomes indicated that the most accurate representation of the adsorption data was offered by Langmuir adsorption isotherms. Additionally, it was discovered that the adsorption characteristics of the NiONPs and Cr/NiONPs correspond well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Each of the NiONPs and Cr/NiONPs was reused five times, and the results display that the effectiveness of the removal of RR2 dye slightly declined with the increase in reuse cycles; it lost only 5% of its original efficiency after the 5 cycles. Generally, Cr/NiONPs showed better reusability than NiONPs under the same conditions.

Kinematic analysis of L4-L5 spinal segment with spondylolysis and different types of grade 1 spondylolisthesis: a nonlinear finite element study.

PURPOSE: This work aimed to evaluate and characterize the motion of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae functional spinal unit with spondylolysis and different types of grade 1 spondylolisthesis using the finite element method. METHODS: Nine nonlinear three-dimensional finite element models were reconstructed from computed tomography scans to five educational fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae models. The intervertebral disc was simulated in two conditions: four models with healthy discs and five models with degenerated discs. Each model consisted of two vertebrae divided into three bony parts, two endplates, an intervertebral disc and five ligaments. The flexion, extension, lateral bending and rotation loading conditions were simulated, and the ranges of motion were measured and plotted. RESULTS: In flexion, compared to the baseline intact model, the most significant increase in the range of motion was experienced by the isthmic spondylolisthesis model, while in extension, a reduction in the range of motion was measured in both prolonged pars and unilateral pars defect and healthy disc models. In degenerated disc results, the unilateral pars defect and degenerative spondylolisthesis models had the lowest range of motion. No large differences were noticed in lateral bending results. Lastly, in axial rotation, the most significant increase in the range of motion was measured in the isthmic spondylolisthesis model, followed by the spondylolysis model and similarly, in the degenerated disc models. CONCLUSIONS: The isthmic spondylolisthesis displayed hypermobility in flexion and rotation. Moreover, the model with unilateral pars defect showed hypermobility in axial rotation only. Finally, hypomobility in all movements was noticed with the degenerative spondylolisthesis model.

Substituted Organotin Complexes of 4-Methoxybenzoic Acid for Reduction of Poly(vinyl Chloride) Photodegradation.

Poly(vinyl chloride) suffers from degradation through oxidation and decomposition when exposed to radiation and high temperatures. Stabilizers are added to polymeric materials to inhibit their degradation and enable their use for a longer duration in harsh environments. The design of new additives to stabilize poly(vinyl chloride) is therefore desirable. The current study includes the synthesis of new tin complexes of 4-methoxybenzoic acid and investigates their potential as photostabilizers for poly(vinyl chloride). The reaction of 4-methoxybenzoic acid and substituted tin chlorides gave the corresponding substituted tin complexes in good yields. The structures of the complexes were confirmed using analytical and spectroscopic methods. Poly(vinyl chloride) was doped with a small quantity (0.5%) of the tin complexes and homogenous thin films were made. The effects of the additives on the stability of the polymeric material on irradiation with ultraviolet light were assessed using different methods. Weight loss, production of small polymeric fragments, and drops in molecular weight were lower in the presence of the additives. The surface of poly(vinyl chloride), after irradiation, showed less damage in the films containing additives. The additives, in particular those containing aromatic (phenyl groups) substitutes, inhibited the photodegradation of polymeric films significantly. Such additives act as efficient ultraviolet absorbers, peroxide quenchers, and hydrogen chloride scavengers.

Proposed Geometrical Tool for Cases of Laterally Adapted Tibial Tubercle during Total Knee Replacement.

The alignment of tibial component in total knee replacement operation must be achieved in three planes to ensure optimum results. In coronal plane, the alignment depends on three anatomical landmarks. These landmarks are tibial tuberosity, leg shin, and midtalar point. In eastern community, people get used to sit cross-legged which causes additional tension in the quadriceps muscle which is attached distally to the tibial tuberosity. This tension causes adaptation of the tuberosity laterally. Tuberosity adaptation causes the three anatomical landmarks being not collinear. In this work, eight cases of lateral adapted tubercle were diagnosed of this condition before the surgery and their X-ray images after the surgery were checked regarding tibial alignment. Tibial alignment has been checked by measuring the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) which is the angle between the mechanical tibial axis and the tibial component plateau. MPTAs for the eight cases were (86.9°-93.6°). Three cases had MPTA less than 90° indicating varus alignment and five of them had MPTA more than 90° indicating valgus alignment. A geometrical tool was designed using the DesignSpark Mechanical software as a proposed solution to solve the adaptation problem. The tool can give a method for fixing the tibial component precisely without any varus\valgus malalignment.

Thromboelastograph:A prognostic marker in sepsis with organ dysfunction without overt bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Coagulation abnormalities are not infrequent in sepsis. It is unclear if abnormalities in thromboelastogram (TEG) are associated with mortality in patients with severe sepsis without overt bleeding. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, patients were categorised as those with normal coagulation, hypercoagulable or hypercoagulable state based on admission TEG parameters (R time, K time, Maximum amplitude (MA), α angle). Their association with mortality was explored using Fisher's exact and Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. RESULTS: The study cohort (n = 87; 49 male) with median (IQR) age 51 (42-60) years and admission SOFA score 8 (6-11) included scrub typhus (24.1%), pneumonia (22.6%) and urosepsis (10.3%). Non-invasive and invasive ventilation and vasopressors were required in 28.1%, 68.9% and 74%, respectively. Mortality was 24.1%. Based on R time, K time and α angle, 3.5% to 9.3% had a hypercoagulable state and 26.7 to 29.9% were hypocoagulable. Prolonged R time (p = 0.04) and reduced alpha angle (p = 0.01) in patients with hypocoagulable state was associated with mortality. K time, α angle and MA were significantly different in patients requiring transfusion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A subset of patients with severe sepsis without overt bleeding are hypocoagulable. Hypocoagulability is associated with mortality and need for transfusion.

Exploration of the in vitro antiviral activity of a series of new pyrimidine analogues on the replication of HIV and HCV.

BACKGROUND: In continuation of our search for new anti-HIV and anti-HCV agents, the suggestion, synthesis and structure elucidation of a new series of 2,6-diamino-4-alkylthio- or (2-benzylhydrazinyl)-5-p-chlorophenylazopyrimidines), 2,6-diamino-4-(2-benzylhydrazinyl)-5-(aryl-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)pyrimidines, 2,6-diamino-4-(aryl)-5-(aryl[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl) pyrimidines), 6-(aryl)-1,3-dimethyl-5-nitro pyrimidine-2,4-dione and 6-amino-4-methoxy-N,N-dimethyl-6-arylpyrimidines were described. METHODS: The anti-HIV-1 (strain IIIB) and HIV-2 (strain ROD) activity of the newly synthesized pyrimidine analogues was evaluated in vitro in human MT-4 cells using the MT-4/MTT assay. Similarly, the same compounds were evaluated in vitro for their selective antiviral activity against HCV in the Huh 5-2 replicon system (type 1b, Con1 strain). RESULTS: None of the tested compounds exhibited inhibition of HIV-1 and HIV-2 replication in cell culture. Even though many compounds yielded a 50% effective concentration in the HCV replicon system with selectivity indexes up to 6.9, none of the compounds matched the selection criteria of a selective inhibitor of virus replication in this assay (that is, >70% inhibition at concentrations that do not elicit an anti-metabolic effect on the host cells). CONCLUSIONS: Structural modification of these compounds might optimize their anti-HCV activity by introducing diverse and potent functional groups at the pyrimidine backbone, like nitrile residue. Because of the nature of the molecules, these new derivatives will also be evaluated for their potential anti-HIV activity.

Vitamin E and telmisartan attenuates doxorubicin induced cardiac injury in rat through down regulation of inflammatory response.

BACKGROUND: The importance of doxorubicin (Dox), as a potent antitumor antibiotic, is limited by the development of life-threatening cardiomyopathy. It has been shown that free radicals are involved in acute doxorubicin-induced toxicity. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of vitamin E and telmisartan in acute doxorubicin induced cardiotoxicity. METHODS: Thirty two male Sprague - Dawley rats were involved in this study and were randomly separated into 4 groups, eight rats in each group, one group received normal saline I.P as control and second group received doxorubicin 20 mg/kg I.P, the other two groups also received doxorubicin 20 mg/kg I.P as single dose after seven cumulative doses (for seven days) of vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and telmisartan (1 mg/kg) respectively. Immunofluorescent staining for monocytes infiltration and analyses of plasma by (ELISAs) for MCP-1and troponin I. Western immunoblotting assay for ICAM-1, while left ventricular function was analyzed by microcatheter, also estimated the level of oxidative stress parameters (MDA and Catalase) and cardiac enzymes activities (CK-MB and LDH) before starting drugs treatment and after treatment period by 48 hours. RESULTS: The immunofluorescent staining showed that administration of vitamin E and telmisartan are attenuated of mononuclear cell infiltration; (p < 0.05 vs. Dox group), also reduced the level of chemokines MCP-1 and ICAM-1 expression compared with Dox group only, and there is marked reduction of myocardial troponin-I levels with improved LV function in vitamin E and telmisartan treated group. Doxorubicin treatment increased MDA, LDH, CK-MB levels significantly (P < 0.01), and were counteracted by administration of vitamin E and telmisartan, but did not significantly affect serum catalase activity. CONCLUSIONS: Antioxidant effect (vitamin E and telmisartan) have been shown to decrease doxorubicininduced cardiotoxicity.

Serum lipid level in Iraqi patients with psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory and proliferative dermatosis. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with psoriasis may have an increased risk of occlusive vascular disease. High serum lipid level has been suggested in the pathogenesis of this phenomenon. In this study, the authors assess the lipid profile in Iraqi patients with psoriasis and compare it with that of nonaffected persons. This study was designed and conducted as a cross-sectional study with 50 cases in the patient group and 50 patients in the control group. It was performed in the department of dermatology at Al-Sadr Teaching Hospital in Najaf, Iraq. The lipid profile, including serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein, were assessed in both groups. The patient and control groups each consisted of 39 men and 11 women. The serum triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, and very LDL levels were significantly higher in psoriatic patients (P < .05) but not for high-density lipoprotein (P >.05). Serum lipid level was found to be significantly higher in Iraqi patients with psoriasis. It may be useful to do early screening and treatment ofhyperlipidemia in psoriasis to prevent atherosclerosis and its complications.

Neonatal survival of prenatally diagnosed exomphalos.

PURPOSE: Exomphalos is a midline defect, with a viable sac composed of amnion and peritoneum containing herniated abdominal contents with an incidence of about 1 in 4,000 live births. Associated major abnormalities can be karyotypic, syndromic or structural in up to 70% of cases. The aim of this study is to determine the factors that influence survival of antenatally diagnosed exomphalos. METHODS: All antenatally diagnosed and postnatally confirmed exomphalos registered with our fetal medicine unit, during 2002-2007, were reviewed. Both prenatal and postnatal outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: Of 88 cases identified with exomphalos, 85 were prenatally diagnosed. Fifty-five of them died in utero (45 terminations, 5 spontaneous abortions and 5 still births). There were 33 live births (37.5%), 7 of which were premature (30-35/40 gestation). Five babies died before coming to surgery (all with major exomphalos as well as abnormal karyotype) while 28 were operated upon. Fourteen cases with minor exomphalos, all isolated, were primarily closed and all survived to discharge. Of 14 babies with major exomphalos, 4 were closed primarily. Nine required silo formation and six successfully underwent secondary closure (one of which had a prenatal diagnosis of giant ruptured exomphalos). Three died before closure, two from sepsis and multi-organ failure, and one from an undiagnosed tracheo-oesophalgeal cleft. All three deaths had antenatally diagnosed giant ruptured exomphalos and were less than 34/40 weeks gestation. One baby was managed conservatively with antiseptic solution applied to the sac and left to heal by secondary intention. There were 17 cases of isolated exomphalos (with no other structural abnormalities), all of which survived. CONCLUSION: Antenatal diagnosis of exomphalos is 96% sensitive. Severe karyotypic and structural abnormalities were present in all intra-uterine and early postnatal deaths. Overall survival to discharge was 28%. Both minor and isolated exomphalos carried a good prognosis. Isolated exomphalos was a better prognostic factor than severity of the exomphalos itself. Ruptured giant exomphalos were associated with a poorer outcome especially in premature babies.

Technical standard of root canal treatment in an adult Scottish sub-population.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the periapical status, technical standard and frequency of root canal treatment in an adult population in Scotland. DESIGN: Examination of full-mouth periapical radiographs from 340 consecutive adult patients (8420 teeth) attending Glasgow and Dundee Dental Hospitals for clinical examination. METHODS: Position and quality of the root fillings were assessed together with signs of periradicular radiolucencies. The influence of the type of coronal restoration was also assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Pathologies associated with impacted third molars and outcomes following surgical removal of third molars. RESULTS: 54% of the patient sample had root filled teeth. 5.6% of the teeth examined radiographically had root fillings, and of these, 58.1% had radiographic signs of periapical disease. 41% of the patients had at least one non-root canal treated tooth with periapical disease. 77% of teeth with post-retained crowns had evidence of periapical pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Root fillings judged to be adequate radiographically had a reduced incidence of radiolucencies. Teeth obturated beyond the apex had more radiolucencies than those obturated flush with or within 2 mm of the radiographic apex. A high proportion of post-retained crowns were associated with periapical pathology. There is a substantial future need both for root canal treatment and for standardised treatment methods.