Experimental and theoretical study of dyes adsorption process on chitosan-based cryogel.

In this research, the adsorption of three synthetic dyes dissolved in an aqueous solution on chitosan cryogel beads (Q-C-EGDE) was compared. The effect of the pH of the solution on the adsorption capacity of each dyes was analyzed. Furthermore, the kinetics and adsorption isotherms were compared, at temperatures of 283.15 K, 303.15 K and 323.15 K, and the kinetic and adsorption equilibrium data were fitted to three mathematical models, respectively. The biosorbent was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the nitrogen physisorption BET method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The characterization results show that the cryogel is composed of low-surface, macroporous, porous grooved walls. The functional groups that took part in the adsorption were mainly amino groups (NH3+). When comparing the adsorption capacities, it was found that the dyes adsorb in the following order Blue 1 > Red 2 > Yellow 5 reaching capacities from 1600 mg/L to 850 mg/L. The results of the adsorption and mathematical modelling suggest that the process is regulated mainly by physisorption and is largely limited by mass transfer mechanisms within the cryogel, where the electrostatic charges present affect adsorption. The latter was corroborated by the Monte Carlo simulation.

Development of standardized method for the quantification of azo dyes by UV-Vis in binary mixtures.

The azo dyes, Yellow 5 (Y5), Red 2 (R2) and Blue 1 (B1), quantified in solutions and in mixtures of binary dyes, were studied by means of UV-Vis spectroscopy. In this work was used a CIE algorithm developed in Visual Basic for Applications (VBA). The CIE algorithm is based on the tristimulus chromaticity diagram, as an alternative to the shielding effect that arises in dye mixtures, and it can also be applied to complex quantification methods such as HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography). The results obtained through of the algorithm, showed a higher accuracy from 97 to 99% in relation with similar UV-Vis quantification methods. In contrast, linear methods only managed to reach an accuracy from 78 to 98%. Additionally, the algorithm yielded significant similar values to the UHPLC reference method. The results showed that the method CIE algorithm was accessible and reliable to quantify binary mixtures of the dyes used which suggests the possibility to apply this method on other dyes, within the limits of quantification obtained in this study (0.076-24.56 mg/L) and the pH values from 2 to 10.

Comparative Study of Infliximab Versus Adalimumab in Refractory Uveitis due to Behçet's Disease: National Multicenter Study of 177 Cases.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of infliximab (IFX) versus adalimumab (ADA) as a first-line biologic drug over 1 year of treatment in a large series of patients with refractory uveitis due to Behçet's disease (BD). METHODS: We conducted an open-label multicenter study of IFX versus ADA for BD-related uveitis refractory to conventional nonbiologic treatment. IFX or ADA was chosen as the first-line biologic agent based on physician and patient agreement. Patients received 3-5 mg/kg intravenous IFX at 0, 2, and 6 weeks and every 4-8 weeks thereafter, or 40 mg subcutaneous ADA every other week without a loading dose. Ocular parameters were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The study included 177 patients (316 affected eyes), of whom 103 received IFX and 74 received ADA. There were no significant baseline differences between treatment groups in main demographic features, previous therapy, or ocular sign severity. After 1 year of therapy, we observed an improvement in all ocular parameters in both groups. However, patients receiving ADA had significantly better outcomes in some parameters, including improvement in anterior chamber inflammation (92.31% versus 78.18% for IFX; P = 0.06), improvement in vitritis (93.33% versus 78.95% for IFX; P = 0.04), and best-corrected visual acuity (mean ± SD 0.81 ± 0.26 versus 0.67 ± 0.34 for IFX; P = 0.001). A nonsignificant difference was seen for macular thickness (mean ± SD 250.62 ± 36.85 for ADA versus 264.89 ± 59.74 for IFX; P = 0.15), and improvement in retinal vasculitis was similar between the 2 groups (95% for ADA versus 97% for IFX; P = 0.28). The drug retention rate was higher in the ADA group (95.24% versus 84.95% for IFX; P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: Although both IFX and ADA are efficacious in refractory BD-related uveitis, ADA appears to be associated with better outcomes than IFX after 1 year of follow-up.

Adsorption mechanisms of hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions on modified activated carbons.

Functional groups of the activated carbon play the major role in metals removal from aqueous solutions and, for this reason, different treatments can be used to modify the adsorbent surface improving the adsorption capacity for a particular pollutant. In this research, oxidation with nitric acid, heating under an inert atmosphere, and ammonia treatment were applied to modify the activated carbon surface. The modified adsorbents were used for the removal of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from aqueous solutions at different concentrations (10-500 mg L-1), pH 6, and 25 °C. Adsorption mechanisms of Cr(VI) on the activated carbon were proposed based on the surface chemistry, adsorption/reduction, and desorption experiments. Findings demonstrate that acid functional groups of the activated carbon had an important effect on the hexavalent chromium removal. For instance, a high reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) (50%) was obtained by the oxidized adsorbents, whereas the heat treated adsorbents achieved a low reduction (35%), but the ammonia-treated activated carbon achieved the lowest reduction (20%). The heat-treated adsorbent showed the best Cr(VI) adsorption capacity (48 mg g-1), especially at equilibrium Cr(VI) concentration lower than 200 mg L-1, and the fastest adsorption kinetics among the studied adsorbents. Furthermore, the highest Cr(VI) desorption (90%) was achieved with 0.1 N NaOH-NaCl solutions. In summary, an anionic/reduction coupled adsorption mechanism of Cr(VI) seems to be feasible, and the heat-treated activated carbon is an interesting option for sequestering Cr(VI) species from aqueous effluents.

Analysis of the mechano-acoustic influence of the tympanic cavity in the auditory system.

BACKGROUND: The main objective of this paper is to study the mechanical influence of the tympanic cavity (TC) in the auditory system (AS). It is done for a frequency range from 0.1 to 20 kHz and the pressure source was applied in the external ear canal (EEC) entrance. METHODS: Numerical simulations were developed for seven different models by means of finite element model. On the basis of an EEC finite elements model, the additional elements are coupled and removed in order to evaluate the contribution of the TC. Tympanic membrane, ossicular chain, simplified cochlea and TC were modeled and simulated in four different combinations. RESULTS: Pressure, velocity, and displacement measures were obtained in AS key points in order to be compared with experimental results. Umbo and stapes transfer functions have been represented. CONCLUSIONS: The main conclusion is that we find evidence that the presence of the TC in the AS introduces a second resonance in middle ear transfer functions at frequencies above 3 kHz.

The distribution of recombination repair genes is linked to information content in bacteria.

The concept of a 'proteomic constraint' proposes that the information content of the proteome exerts a selective pressure to reduce mutation rates, implying that larger proteomes produce a greater selective pressure to evolve or maintain DNA repair, resulting in a decrease in mutational load. Here, the distribution of 21 recombination repair genes was characterized across 900 bacterial genomes. Consistent with prediction, the presence of 17 genes correlated with proteome size. Intracellular bacteria were marked by a pervasive absence of recombination repair genes, consistent with their small proteome sizes, but also consistent with alternative explanations that reduced effective population size or lack of recombination may decrease selection pressure. However, when only non-intracellular bacteria were examined, the relationship between proteome size and gene presence was maintained. In addition, the more widely distributed (i.e. conserved) a gene, the smaller the average size of the proteomes from which it was absent. Together, these observations are consistent with the operation of a proteomic constraint on DNA repair. Lastly, a correlation between gene absence and genome AT content was shown, indicating a link between absence of DNA repair and elevated genome AT content.

Measuring therapeutic adherence in systemic lupus erythematosus with electronic monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: We used an electronic monitoring system to quantify adherence to prescribed oral therapies by patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Participants were included from a larger longitudinal study cohort of 110 patients recruited from publicly-funded rheumatology clinics, 78 of whom agreed to have their SLE drug therapy electronically monitored for two years with the Medication Events Monitoring System (MEMS®, AARDEX Group). Adherence was determined as the percentage of days (weeks for methotrexate) the patient took the medication as prescribed by the physician. Collected data included SLEDAI; SLICC damage index for SLE (SDI); medical outcome study social support survey (MOS-SSS); Center for Epidemiologic Studies depression scale (CESD); and quality of life (SF-12). RESULTS: Ninety percent of the cohort was female, 45% were Hispanic, and 49% were African-American. Mean age was 36.3 years, disease duration was 5.9 years, SLEDAI score was 3.2, and SDI score was 0.9. Adherence was 62% for all drugs combined and did not differ significantly for individual medications. Patients with more depression (p < 0.02), and higher number of pills taken daily (p < 0.02) were more likely to be non-adherent. Only one-fourth of the patients had an average adherence of ≥80%; these patients had a better mental component score (SF-12) at 24 months than non-adherent patients (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Electronic monitoring demonstrated that only one-fourth of the patients had an adherence rate ≥80%. Polypharmacy and depression were associated with non-adherence.

Globulin 11S and its mixture with L-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine at the air/liquid interface.

Langmuir films of globulin 11S protein, l-dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (L-DPPC), and mixtures of both on water and on buffer subphases were studied. Brewster angle microscopy (BAM) was used to characterize in situ the films morphology along Pi-A isotherms at the air/liquid interface. The L-DPPC monolayer on water behaved as has been reported extensively in the literature but a slight increase on surface pressure and a notable change in domain morphology is observed on buffer. This difference in domain behavior is due to the stabilization interaction of the LE phase by the buffer ions. On the other hand, the protein monolayer was prepared by direct deposit or injection below the surface. Both methods formed mostly a condensed film, with a multilayer formed by globular aggregates in the first method with the two subphases. However, the second method showed different behavior of the protein films depending on the subphase; on water the protein formed a homogeneous film with some globule aggregates, but on buffer a remarkably well-organized monolayer was observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Mixtures of globulin 11S and L-DPPC were prepared using both methods for the protein film formation at the air/fluid interface. BAM showed that the mixtures formed coexistence regions between two condensed phases, whose domains of both phases behave like liquids. Fingering phenomena were observed at the interface between protein-rich and L-DPPC-rich domains, which indicates that both phases are fluid. AFM images of the mixtures show the formation of protein- or L-DPPC-rich domains. The liquidlike behavior could be explained due to different sizes of the protein and the L-DPPC, the minority compound in each kind of domain produces defects making them behave as liquids. Interestingly enough, as the monolayer is compressed to higher surface pressure, the lipid molecules are squeezed out and complete separation of the protein and L-DPPC is produced. Furthermore, we present evidence that the protein/L-DPPC mixtures produce films with holes, which might indicate its tendency to form hollow aggregates that could have some relevance in water-channel formation for in vivo seed germination.

[Synchronous metastases of the spermatic cord from papillary renal cell carcinoma]. / Carcinoma renal papilar con metástasis sincr6nica en el cordón espermático.

Papillary renal cell carcinoma has been related with higher survival rate and lower metastatic cancer mortality rate than clear renal cell carcinoma. We present an aggressive case related to unusual features for this histological type, like a tumor size higher than ten cm, great perirrenal fat and suprarenal gland infiltration, tumoral thrombosis of the infrahepatic cava vein, retroperitoneal adenopatic tumoral infiltration, high nuclear grade and synchronous solitary distant organ metastases of the right spermatic cord, finding three previous cases in the literature with this last feature. Prognostic implication of the papillary renal cell carcinoma type is unclear in cases like this, so probably we need better molecular and cytogenetic studies to get a correct classification of this histological type.

[Evaluation of dietary habits of a population of university students in relation with their nutritional knowledge]. / Evaluacción de los hábitos alimentarios de una población de estudiantes universitarios en relación con sus conocimientos nutricionales.

UNLABELLED: Food behaviour is acquired in childhood and is very defficult to be changed latterly in adulthood. The aim of this study was to evaluate if food behaviour and other health habits were in accordance with the nutrition knowledge of a sample of University students from different Health Sciences Careers. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 105 students (aged 21 +/- 2 years) from San Pablo-CEU University (Madrid); 21 where studying Nursing (N), 32 Pharmacy (Ph); 34 Nutrition and dietetics (ND) and 18 were students of Podology (P), all of them had been studying Nutrition as subject during 2003-2004 academic year. All the students filled a questionnaire about health habits and some body image perceptions, diet was evaluated by a 3 day diet record and nutrition knowledge by a 20 questions test. Height and weight were measured using standard procedures. RESULTS: ND students believed they had a medium-high level of nutrition knowledge while Pharmacy and nursing students believed they had a medium-low level and the podology ones had the perception to have a low level of knowledge in the subject. Results of test were in accordance with those perceptions as highest records were obtained by the Nutrition students. Nevertheless very few differences were found in the diet of the four populations. Mean energy intake was similar in the four groups, deficiencies (<80% RDA) were observed in fibre, magnesium, folic acid and vitamin E. About body image, 67% of total population had a BMI of 19-25, no differences were appreciated between groups. Male self-reported weight and height were closer to real than those from women, who underestimated weight (p < 0.05) and overestimated height. No differences were observed between healthy living habits (tobacco, alcohol and physical activity) in the four populations. CONCLUSION: Even if N students believed and showed to have a better nutrition knowledge, no changes in food behaviour or other health habits were found. Improving knowledge does not necessary imply change in food habits.

[Traumatic rupture of a horseshoe kidney]. / Rotura traumática de riñón en herradura.

One-third to one-half of all patients with horseshoe kidney are asymptomatic and the condition is found incidentally. This congenital renal anomaly has shown as a predisponent condition for renal injury in blunt abdominal trauma, but often the degree of injury has a nonoperative therapy. Horseshoe kidney rupture is an exceptional pathology that require a complete diagnostic study to make an adequate management when surgical therapy is indicated. We present a fifteen-year-old male with previously unsuspected horseshoe kidney that suffered an atypical right upper-pole and mesorrenal kidney rupture after low-velocity-impact blunt abdominal trauma. A correct presurgical diagnose let a deferred surgical approach with right lower pole and horseshoe renal isthmus preservation. The trauma conditions, an excesive clinic manifestation, a clinical investigation about known congenital simultaneous anomallies and typical radiological signs, can suggest this infrequent patology. Computed tomography provides the best radiological information.

Factors associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia in Mexican patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Hyperhomocysteinaemia is a factor related to the development of atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, Hispanics with RA develop high rates of coronary disease; there are no studies about the frequency and factors related to high levels of homocysteine in Mexican patients. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence and characteristics associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia in Mexican patients with RA. METHODS: One hundred and fifty-two patients with RA were compared with 153 controls. The assessment in RA included clinical characteristics, disease activity (RADAR), functioning (HAQ-Di and global functional status), comorbidity, and radiological damage. Laboratory determinations included total serum homocysteine (tHcy), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and lipid profile. RESULTS: Median levels of homocysteine were higher in RA compared with controls (11.3 vs. 9.3, p<0.001). Twenty per cent of the patients with RA had hyperhomocysteinaemia (>15 micromol/L) compared with 6% in controls (p<0.001). There was statistical association between hyperhomocysteinaemia in RA with male gender (p<0.001), impairment in the global functional status (p = 0.004), higher radiological damage (p = 0.001), and CRP (p = 0.04). There was no association with RADAR, HAQ-Di, or RF, methotrexate dose or duration of use. In the adjusted multivariate model, the two variables associated with higher risk for hyperhomocysteinaemia were male gender (OR = 4.2, 95% CI 2 to 12, p = 0.006) and higher radiological damage (III-IV) (OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.3 to 9, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show a high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinaemia in Mexican patients with RA. More effort is required to evaluate and treat earlier this coronary risk factor.

Serum concentrations of aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen and propeptide of human type I procollagen in systemic lupus erythematosus.

The purpose of this study was to assess the association between the serum levels of aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) and carboxyterminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) with disease activity and damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thirty-three patients with SLE were compared with 31 controls. The assessment in SLE included disease activity indices (SLEDAI, MEX-SLEDAI) and damage index (SLICC/ACR). PIIINP and PICP were measured by radioimmunoassay. Compared with controls, mean levels of PIIINP were higher in SLE (2.9+/-1.8 vs. 1.8+/-1.2, P=0.006). PICP was also increased in SLE versus controls (163+/-94 vs. 102+/-62, P=0.007). PIIINP was correlated with SLICC/ACR (r=0.33, P=0.048). No correlation was observed between PICP and PIIINP with other clinical or therapeutic variables. These preliminary data suggests a role of PIIINP as a marker for chronic damage. Follow-up studies are required to evaluate its utility in predicting future damage.

Therapy with intermittent pulse cyclophosphamide for pulmonary hypertension associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intravenous cyclophosphamide (IVCYC) versus oral enalapril in mild or moderate pulmonary hypertension (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Thirty-four patients with SLE who had systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) > 30 mmHg by Doppler echocardiography were randomized to receive IVCYC (0.5 g/mt2 body surface area, monthly), or oral enalapril (10 mg/day) for six months. The primary outcome was the significant decrease in SPAP. An additional outcome measure included the improvement in the heart functional class (NYHA). Sixteen patients received cyclophosphamide and 18 enalapril. IVCYC decreased the median values of SPAP from 41 to 28 mmHg (P < 0.001), and enalapril from 35 to 27 mmHg (P = 0.02). IVCYC reduced more than twice as much SPAP than enalapril (P = 0.04). In those patients with SPAP > or = 35 mmHg, cyclophosphamide decreased from 43 to 27 mmHg (P = 0.003), but enalapril was not effective (P = 0.14). The NYHA functional class improved only in those with cyclophosphamide (P = 0.021). Also IVCYC had a higher frequency of side effects including infections (RR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.001-2.47), and gastrointestinal side effects (RR = 14.6; 95% CI, 2.15-99.68). We concluded that IVCYC was effective in mild and moderate PH associated with SLE. Further research is needed to evaluate its long-term efficacy.

[Time spent waiting at primary care clinics: can this be improved?]. / La demora en la consulta de atención primaria: 'se puede mejorar?

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the factors that affect patients´ wait at a health centre before they enter the doctor´s consulting room (CD). DESIGN: Prospective full evaluative cycle of quality. SETTING: A teaching health centre in the Cartagena Health Area (Murcia). PARTICIPANTS: All those patients seen by the doctor during the weeks of the study (1st stage: 3823; 2nd stage: 4247). MAIN MEASUREMENTS: The dimensions evaluated were accessibility and patient satisfaction, through four criteria. Data were collected from the register of scheduled appointments and by telephone questionnaire. The intervention measures were: a) to create empty spaces without any appointments in the day´s diary in order to avoid delays; b) to create spaces at the end of the day for emergency patients, and c) to avoid interruptions during the consultation. RESULTS: 1st stage: on 48.3% of days there were patients with a delay greater than 20 minutes on entering the CD, with a mean waiting-time of 21.3 minutes per patient. 63.1% of the consulting rooms had over 5% «unavoidable¼ appointments per day, of which 61.3% were «emergencies¼. 72.6% of the consulting rooms had 5 or more interruptions per day. 46.7% of patients thought that the time they waited before going into the consulting room was «a lot or enough¼. 2nd stage: after putting the improvement criteria into practice, the number of consultations with waiting time over 20 minutes dropped (37.1%) (P<.05). The number of unavoidable consultations over 5% of the total fell by 35.7% (P=.001), as did the number of consultations with over 5 interruptions per day (by 58.6%) (P=.001). Fewer patients were dissatisfied with the time they had to wait before going into the CD (40.8%) (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Patients' waiting time at the clinic dropped. The number of «unavoidable¼ appointments and interruptions was reduced. Patients´ satisfaction improved with the time they had to wait at the clinic improved. The corrective measures introduced are the right ones for correcting the situation.

Superoxide dismutase and Naproxen in the very late phase of carrageenan induced edema in rats.

BACKGROUND: Rat hind-foot carrageenan induced edema (CIE) is a widely used model to evaluate anti-inflammatory drugs. It shows two well-defined phases, however a third not fully characterized phase has been observed. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a free radical-scavenger with anti-inflammatory activity. In our country there is not a specifically designed instrument to evaluate edema in CIE. METHODS: Edema was induced by intraplantar injection of carraageenan. Fours groups were evaluated: placebo, two different doses of SOD, and Naproxen. Edema was evaluated by a specially designed mercury plethismograph. Intensity of the inflammatory reaction was determined during the classical early and late phases and during the third very late phase. RESULTS: All treatments, but higher dose of SOD, showed good anti-inflammatory activity throughout early, late, and very late phases. Naproxen was more effective than SOD during first and second phase, however this difference disappeared during the third phase. In terms of equimolar basis the enzyme appeared 1,800 time more potent than Naproxen. Mercury plethysmometer performance was fine. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-inflammatory activity of SOD and Naproxen is extended until the very late phase in the CIE model. In this bioassay, this long lasting activity of the enzyme should be ascribed to a mechanism supplementary to its free radical-scavenger property. SOD may be indeed an alternative treatment in inflammatory diseases.