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Magnetic properties of iron oxide nanoparticles with spinel structure are strictly related to a complex interplay between cationic distribution and the presence of a non-collinear spin structure (spin canting). With the aim to gain better insight into the effect of the magnetic structure on magnetic properties, in this paper we investigated a family of small crystalline ferrite nanoparticles of the formula CoxNi1-xFe2O4 (0 ≤x≤ 1) having equal size (≈4.5 nm) and spherical-like shape. The field dependence of magnetization at low temperatures indicated a clear increase of magnetocrystalline anisotropy and saturation magnetization (higher than the bulk value for CoFe2O4: â¼130 A m(2) kg(-1)) with the increase of cobalt content. The magnetic structure of nanoparticles has been investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy under an intense magnetic field (8 T) at a low temperature (10 K). The magnetic properties have been explained in terms of an evolution of the magnetic structure with the increase of cobalt content. In addition a direct correlation between cationic distribution and spin canting has been proposed, explaining the presence of a noncollinear spin structure in terms of superexchange interaction energy produced by the average cationic distribution and vacancies in the spinel structure.
RESUMO
Diabetes mellitus is a known risk factor for shoulder adhesive capsulitis which causes disability and affects quality of life. This study determined the prevalence of shoulder adhesive capsulitis in 208 type 2 diabetes patients and 200 age- and sex-matched patients without diabetes, and with a case-control method investigated the clinical features of the diabetes patients with or without this complication. The sample was drawn from in- and outpatients at Al-Mouassat and Al-Assad university hospitals during November 2009-2010. The prevalence of shoulder adhesive capsulitis in diabetes patients was significantly higher than in those without diabetes (13.0% and 1.5% respectively, P < 0.01). Of the patients with the condition, those with diabetes were younger than those without diabetes. Shoulder adhesive capsulitis in the diabetes group was associated with diabetes duration and poor diabetes control (P < 0.05).
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Patients' involvement and their willingness to cooperate in clinical teaching is a vital element of medical education. Clinical teaching at the Faculty of Medicine of Damascus University relies heavily on inpatients at teaching hospitals but also on patients brought to teaching rooms. The purpose of this study was to identify patients' experiences and their attitudes toward the involvement of medical students in clinical consultations within teaching rooms conducted mainly for students' benefit. METHODS: In-depth interviews were carried out by a sociologist using an interview guide with 14 patients whose clinical cases were presented to a large group of students in the teaching room at Damascus University teaching hospitals. Data analysis involved content analysis. FINDINGS: Main themes were identified with negative ethical aspects, such as the lack of patient's involvement in decision making and approving to be part of clinical teaching. Risk and benefits were experienced by patients and identified in their experiences. Some felt that they were treated inhumanely and with a lack of dignity. Patients nevertheless felt a responsibility to be part of the teaching process. They expressed their positive attitudes towards involvement in the teaching process to serve medical students as well as the greater community. DISCUSSION: Findings provide perspectives and insights into the current clinical teaching at Damascus University Faculty of Medicine. The findings highlight the need in our institution to carry out medical education involving patients in a more ethical manner. Medical students and their teachers need more training in the ethical involvement of patients in students' learning process, as well as the need to better regulate patients' involvement in education.
