Mixture of Graphene Oxide/Phosphoric Acid/Melamine as Coating for Improved Fire Protective Performance and Enhancement of Surface Electrical Properties on Wood Chipboard.

Looking for multifunctional materials, an assessment of the performances both as fire retardant and generator of electrically conductive surfaces for a three component mixture of graphene oxide, phosphoric acid and melamine applied on wood chipboard was performed. A simple approach was used to investigate the intumescent char formation and quantify the loss mass during vertical burning tests, in which the prepared samples were exposed for a certain time interval to a flame generated by an ethanol lamp in ambient conditions. Moreover, mass loss evolution and structural changes that occur during the burning process were more comprehensive investigated by differential thermal and thermogravimetric (DTA/TGA) techniques. By comparing the performances between the wood chipboard samples without any coverage and those covered with one or multiple component mixture, an increase of protection against the fire action was noticed when the three component mixture was used. Also, an improvement of the electrical properties was observed, after flame exposure of the samples covered with multiple layers (i.e., two and three), when the three component mixture was used. Morphological and structural investigations by microscopy (optical and electronic-SEMEDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and spectral (Raman, FTIR) methods are described. An assessment of market potential is also discussed.

Does cryostripping add anything to the treatment of the ascending thrombophlebitis of the great saphenous vein?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the differences of outcome between cryostripping and conservative therapy in the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed between the October of 2001 and the October of 2014. In all, 246 cases were eligible for the study. High ligation, cryostripping and local thrombectomy was carried out on 94 patients with thrombophlebitis of the proximal part of the great saphenous vein. Thromboembolic events, the presence of residual varices and time for recovery were compared to 152 cases treated conservatively because of superficial vein thrombosis. RESULTS: Thromboembolic events were found without significant difference (mean ± SD for surgery: 1.11 ± 0.60 and conservative therapy: 1.11 ± 0.55; p = 0.988) in each group. The presence of residual varices (mean ± SD for surgery: 1.03 ± 0.52 and conservative therapy: 1.42 ± 0.99; p = 0.001) and the time for recovery (mean ± SD for surgery: 15 ± 10.50 and conservative therapy: 26 ± 12.32; p < 0.001) were more favourable in the cryostripping group. CONCLUSION: Our analysis confirmed that cryostripping does not result in a lower risk for thromboembolic complications due to superficial vein thrombosis but can be an alternative method to treat the ascending thrombophlebitis of the great saphenous vein because it has some advantages over conservative treatment on the short term.

The laparoscopic technique for bilateral inguinal hernias.

From March 1994 to March 1999 359 laparoscopic hernioplasties have been performed on 295 patients. In 349 cases (97.2%) TAPP (transabdominal preperitoneal), in 10 cases (2.8%) TEP (total extraperitoneal) method was used for the treatment. In 64 cases (21.7%) bilateral hernias were operated using TAPP-method only. There were 15 hidden hernias and 14 recurrences on the contralateral side in this group. The hernial ring was covered with two smaller meshes or one bigger. There were no intraoperative complications. In 21 cases (32.8%) subcutaneous emphysema and in 3 cases (4.6%) sero-haematoma was developed. The emphysemas were solved spontaneously in 2-3 hours after the surgery. One haematoma was needed punction. The patients were discharged from the hospital on the second or third postoperative day. The authors found that the bilateral laparoscopic hernioplasty much more favourable for the patients.

[Endoscopic ligation of bleeding esophageal varices]. / Vérzö nyelöcsövarixok endoscop segítségével történö leszorítása.

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) is a new method for treating oesophageal varices, which was developed to reduce the high complication rate seen with endoscopic sclerotherapy. This technique consists of mechanical occlusion and thrombosis applying small elastic bands around the variceal channels in the distal oesophagus. We report 39 patients treated with EVL during the period from April 1995 to December 1996. The average age of patients was 50.1 years, 33 men, 6 women. Portal hypertension was caused by alcoholic liver disease in 36 patients. Seven patients died within 1 month. Varices were eradicated in 28 patients. Variceal eradication required an average of 3, 4 sessions. Active bleeding was controlled by EVL in 11 patients out of 12. Recurrent bleeding occurred in 14 out of 39 patients (35%). One oesophageal perforation occurred in connection with overtube placement. There were no other major complications. In conclusion EVL is an effective treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices.

Efficacy of nizatidine, clarithromycin and bismuth subcitrate therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication in duodenal ulcer patients--a preliminary report.

The triple combination of nizatidine, clarithromycin, and bismuth subcitrate resulted in an ulcer healing rate of 98% and an H. pylori eradication rate of 90%. Corresponding 'intention-to-treat' figures were 92% and 84%, respectively. These results suggest that further studies, shorter in duration, using lower dosages, and possibly testing other combinations with a double-blind methodology, are required.

[Proctitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis]. / Chlamydia trachomatis okozta proctitis.

The authors report a case of a 32-year-old patient who has been treated for idiopathic proctitis for 10 years. The inflammation did not react to Salazopyrin and corticosteroid therapy. Significant stenosis has developed. The probability of Chlamydia infection has emerged because of the atypical morphological appearance and therapy resistance of the process. The Chlamydia infection was verified by serological examinations and direct immunofluorescent detection of the pathogen taken from biopsy specimen. The proctitis has been cured by Doxycyclin and roxithromycin therapy. The authors call attention to the different diagnostic significance of the disease considering that strictures requiring surgical operation can develop in cases being unrecognised and treated inadequately. The case is the first report of the disease in Hungary.

Structure-activity relationship (SAR) among prostacyclin (PGI2) analogues.

The main aims of the research for new PGI2 analogues are to increase (1) the duration of action and/or (2) biological selectivity. To meet requirement (1), the structure of PGI2 had to be stabilized chemically and biologically. To achieve chemical stabilization an electron-withdrawing group (e.g. oxo-, phenyl) was inserted adjacent to the enol-ether unit into the PGI2 molecule. Such compounds as 7-oxo-PGI2, 4-oxo-PGI2, m-interphenylene-2,3,4-trinor-PGI2 are stable to hydrolysis although they possess a somewhat diminished biological activity as measured by the antiaggregatory activity and in vivo hypotensive action. There was no significant change in the selectivity between the two kinds of activities. "Biological stabilization" was attempted by elaborating the series of m-interphenylene-PGI2-s with modification of the PG-skeleton. Compounds such as m-interphenylene-2,3,4-trinor-13,14-didehidro-20-methy l-PGI2 is considered to be "fully stabilized". There was a gain in selectivity, however the increase in the duration of action was not significant. However, even PGI2 has certain activities of the "hit and run" type revealed mainly in the cytoprotective effect at different organs. Such an example, the delayed antiischaemic effects of PGI2 and 7-oxo-PGI2 in dogs are discussed.

Interrelationships between the chemical structure of prostanoids and prostacyclins and their cytoprotective effects on the ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats (a comparative experimental study).

Structurally modified prostaglandins have been synthesized, PGF2 alpha skeleton being substituted at the 13 and 17 position. The prostacyclin analogues were modified at the 3,13 or 17 positions of the prostacyclin skeleton. The effect of these compounds was studied on the development of gastric mucosal damage produced by the intragastric administration of 96% ethanol. The different compounds were given intraperitoneally 30 min before the administration of ethanol. The number and severity of gastric mucosal lesions (ulcers) were recorded without and with the use of different compounds. The prostanoids and prostacyclin analogues were given in doses of 1, 5, 25 or 126 micrograms/kg. Among the tested compounds several fairly active molecules could be found. The significance and practical usefulness of these modifications of prostaglandins and prostacyclins are discussed with special respect to the stereochemistry of molecules.

Leukemic mitochondria. II. Acute monoblastic leukemia.

Qualitative and quantitative ultrastructural studies were performed on mitochondria of leukemic monoblasts from 15 patients with acute monoblastic leukemia. Similar comparative observations were made on mitochondria of myeloblasts from 14 hematologically normal controls. No significant quantitative differences were noted between normal and leukemic mitochondria. Area measurements were approximately equal. Qualitative differences between the two groups consisted of increased numbers of irregularly shaped mitochondria, damaged mitochondrial membranes, mitochondria with damaged matrix, and small granules in mitochondria in the leukemic group. Leukemic cells exhibited nuclear-mitochondrial contact and virus-like particles within damaged mitochondria. To confirm the presence of virus-like particles and to aid in our understanding of nuclear-mitochondrial interaction, a C-type virus producer MSV-MLV infected rat embryo cell culture was used for additional analysis. Mitochondrial abnormalities and increased frequency of virus in damaged mitochondria, often attached to mitochondrial membranes, were noted. Several lysosomes exhibited accumulations of virus and budding into lysosomes from lysosomal membranes. Mitochondria are important organelles in glycolytic-oxidative phosphorylation pathways, and carry extranuclear genetic information. Further studies of morphologic and biochemical abnormalities of leukemic mitochondria and the interaction between the mitochondria and the nuclei in leukemic cells are needed to provide researchers with data on extranuclear factors operating in oncogenesis.

Leukemic mitochondria. III. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Quantitative and qualitative electron microscopic studies were performed on the mitochondria of leukemic lymphoblasts in 6 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Similar studies were performed on lymphoblasts from lymph nodes obtained from 10 surgical patients without nodal diseases. Significant quantitative differences between normal and leukemic mitochondria were not observed except for a difference in mitochondrial area per cell (P less than 0.05). This was not significant lacking, qualitative diffecrences were observed. These abnormalities included rare giant mitochondria, disrupted mitochondria with virus-like particles, smaller granules in greater abundance, mitochondrial DNA, and contact between the mitochondrion and nucleus during interphase. Fifty-three percent of the leukemic lymphoblasts contained polyribosomes, as compared to 25% of the normal lymphoblasts. The cells with the polyribosomes contained the giant mitochondria. The leukemic lymphoblasts had an appearance similar to transformed lymphocytes resulting from an immunologic stimulus. This suggests that acute lymphoblastic leukemia may be a disease which is associated with an immunologic response. From the available ultrastructural and biochemical data, it would seem that the leukemic lymphoblast is a product of an abnormal metabolism which affects its ability to differentiate. These ultrastructural findings seem to indicate the need for biochemical investigation of leukemic mitochondria. (Am J Pathol 78:49-58, 1975

Leukemic mitochondria. I. Acute myeloblastic leukemia.

Quantitative and qualitative electron microscopic studies were performed on the mitochondria of leukemic myeloblasts in 3 patients with myeloblastic leukemia and in 3 patients with myelomonoblastic leukemia. In addition, to confirm the presence of virus-like particles within mitochondria and better understand the interaction between the virus and mitochondrion, a rat embryo tissue culture infected with MSV-MLV (Moloney sarcoma virus-Moloney leukemia virus) was selected for detailed electron microscopic examination. Significant quantitative differences between normal and leukemic human mitochondria were not observed. However, qualitative abnormalities were found in the human leukemic mitochondria and in the tissue culture material. These abnormalities included variable forms of the leukemic mitochondria (twisted, tear-drop and irregular shapes), fewer cristae, disrupted mitochondria with virus-like particles, smaller granules in greater abundance, mitochondrial DNA, and contact between the mitochondrion and the nucleus. The tissue culture material revealed similar changes, but showed more virus particles which were located outside the cells, in intracytoplasmic sacs and within the mitochondria. In addition two striking features were observed in the tissue culture material not seen in the human material: a) Budding from the outer mitochondrial membrane into the mitochondrial matrix and b) virus particles attached to the cristae. Since mitochondria are important organelles in the glycolytic-oxidative phosphorylation pathways, perhaps all of us engaged in cancer research should take a closer look at the Warburg effect and carefully consider extranuclear factors operating in oncogenesis.