Activation of persulfate by LaFe1-xCoxO3 perovskite catalysts for the degradation of phenolics: Effect of synthetic method and metal substitution.

The presence of resistant organic pollutants in environmental substrates requires the development and finding of novel decontamination methods. Advanced oxidation processes are among the most effective methods used for degradation of these pollutants through their oxidation and degradation into non-toxic and harmless, for the environment, final products. Ιn this research, a series of perovskites of ABO3-type, with La and Fe and/or Co in A and B positions respectively, LaFe1-xCoxO3 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1), were synthesized with two different methods, a soft template method using anionic surfactant and by glycine combustion method and studied for their catalytic activity towards the degradation of phenolic compounds, a major class of environmental pollutants, through persulfate activation. The catalytic activity depended both by the B metal ion of perovskites and their ratio as well as by the synthesis method. LaCoO3 prepared with the anionic surfactant method, showed the highest catalytic activity with a rate constant of 0.024 min-1. Furthermore, the synthesis method also influenced the stability of perovskites as metal leaching studies showed that perovskites synthesized with the anionic surfactant showed greater stability. Quenching experiments were also used in order to shed light on the catalytic activation mechanism of persulfate for the degradation of phenolics. Overall, the results showed that the synthesis method can significantly affect the catalytic activity of the materials and their stability since the same materials synthesized with different methods show significantly different catalytic properties.

Socio-economic inequalities in lung cancer incidence in Canada, 1992-2010: results from the Canadian Cancer Registry.

OBJECTIVES: Lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada. This study aims to assess trends in income and education inequalities in the incidence of lung cancer in Canada. STUDY DESIGN: The study design is a time-trend analysis of nationally collected data. METHODS: Using a linked data set of the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR) data file, the Canadian Census of Population and National Household Survey, we calculated the incidence of lung cancer in Canada over the period between 1992 and 2010. The age-adjusted concentration index (C), which captures socio-economic inequality across a continuous spectrum of socio-economic status, was used to measure income and education inequalities in the incidence of lung cancer in men and women. RESULTS: The crude incidence rate for men decreased significantly over time in Canada from 85 to 78 per 100,000 population from 1992 to 2010, respectively. For women, the crude incidence rate increased significantly over time in Canada from 45 to 67 per 100,000 population from 1992 to 2010, respectively. The age-adjusted C indicated a higher concentration of lung cancer incidence among low income and less educated Canadians over the study period. Although income inequality in lung cancer incidence decreased significantly over time for men, education inequality increased significantly for both men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Increased occurrence of lung cancer among the poor and less educated populations in Canada remains a challenge in Canada. Income and education gradients in the lung cancer incidence are likely explained by variations in known risk factors especially smoking across socio-economic groups. Continuous efforts are required to reduce the causes of lung cancer among low socio-economic status Canadians.

Results of a multi-componential psychosocial intervention programme for women with early-stage breast cancer in Spain: quality of life and mental adjustment.

The effectiveness of a structured psychosocial intervention for women with breast cancer was studied in relation to a control group. The study was conducted in a hospital setting in Spain, and the aim of the intervention programme was to foster a higher quality of life and a more positive mental adjustment to the cancer. Three measures were used: baseline, post-treatment and 6-month follow-up for both groups. The dependent variables examined were quality of life and mental adjustment. The independent variable was the psychosocial intervention programme. Subjects were 188 women who had been operated for breast cancer and who satisfied a series of medical criteria, had no history of psychological problems and were between 25 and 65 years old. The results have shown that the psychosocial intervention programme was highly effective in improving the patients' quality of life, as compared with baseline measures, as well as compared with the control group. Additionally, the intervention increased the patients' fighting spirit and hopefulness/optimism, and reduced their anxious preoccupation as coping styles. These changes persevered at the 6-month follow-up.

Mucoid impaction secondary to mucin-producing metastatic adenocarcinoma of the cervix.

Endobronchial metastases are an uncommon complication of malignant tumours. The vast majority are secondary to carcinoma of the breast, colorectum and kidney, or to melanoma. Occasionally, endobronchial tumours can result in partial or complete bronchial obstruction. Here, we describe an uncommon case of endobronchial metastasis of adenocarcinoma of the cervix causing mucoid impaction owing to mucous production by the tumour cells.

Cosmetic dentistry: patients' perspectives.

More dentists now are offering cosmetic dentistry to their patients. In this study, patients' perspectives on a variety of cosmetic procedures were surveyed. Women and older respondents seemed most willing to have cosmetic treatment. Perception of fees and discomfort level of these procedures also were examined. Many practitioners report an increase in office productivity with cosmetic dentistry, and an increase in personal satisfaction from performing esthetic procedures that their patients appreciate.

Effects of rocking on neuromuscular development in the premature.

It has been postulated that motion stimulation accelerates postnatal development. To test this hypothesis, 26 premature infants participated in a randomized controlled study of the effects of rocking on body weight gain and measures of neuromuscular development. Treatment infants were exposed to 15-min sessions of sinusoidal oscillation about the longitudinal axis, three times a day for 2 weeks. Infants were evaluated at the beginning and end of the 2-week treatment period and 2 weeks later. Neuromuscular development at these three times was measured with the comprehensive Dubowitz examination. Following treatment, large as compared with small premature infants showed a marked, but not statistically significant increase in weight gain. Duration of treatment appears to be a critical factor in influencing weight gain. All infants exposed to motion stimulation showed significant gains over controls in overall neuromuscular development. Passive muscle tone (posture, arm recoil and popliteal angle) and active motility (arm traction, head lag and ventral suspension) showed significant improvement in the treatment group at posttest. Similar results were recorded with auditory and visual orientation, alertness and defensive reaction. These specific areas of behavior have been recognized to be delayed in premature infants not exposed to a program of sensory stimulation.