Effect of post-heat treatment on the UV transmittance, hydrophobicity, and tensile properties of PVA/Uncaria gambir extract blend films.

The physical and mechanical properties of biopolymers can be improved by heating technologies. In this research, we improved the properties of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/Uncaria gambir extract (UGE) blend films by post-heating method. After post-heating, the blend film exhibited higher resistance to UV light and improved contact angle performance, while water vapor permeability and moisture absorption decreased. The tensile strength and toughness of the PVA/UGE blend film with a post-heating duration of 40 min were 68.8 MPa and 57.7 MPa, respectively, an increase of 131 % and 127 %, compared to films without post-heating. This facile and cost-effective fabrication method, with environmentally friendly properties, can be applied to biodegradable PVA/UGE blend films to achieve desired properties for optical devices or food packaging materials.

Embedded Direct Ink Writing 3D Printing of UV Curable Resin/Sepiolite Composites with Nano Orientation.

Among the various 3D printing methods, direct ink writing (DIW) through extrusion directly affects the microstructure and properties of materials. However, use of nanoparticles at high concentrations is restricted due to difficulties in sufficient dispersion and the deteriorated physical properties of nanocomposites. Thus, although there are many studies on filler alignment with high-viscosity materials with a weight fraction higher than 20 wt %, not much research has been done with low-viscosity nanocomposites with less than 5 phr. Interestingly, the alignment of anisotropic particles improves the physical properties of the nanocomposite at a low concentration of nanoparticles with DIW. The rheological behavior of ink is affected by the alignment of anisotropic sepiolite (SEP) at a low concentration using the embedded 3D printing method, and silicone oil complexed with fumed silica is used as a printing matrix. A significant increase in mechanical properties is expected compared to conventional digital light processing. We clarify the synergistic effect of the SEP alignment in a photocurable nanocomposite material through physical property investigations.

3D Printing of Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Sepiolite Composites with Nanoscale Orientation.

A fused-deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printed polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG)-sepiolite composite showed effective synergetic mechanical reinforcement in tensile testing compared to an injection-molded composite. The results showed that the addition of 3 phr sepiolite improved the tensile strength of 3D-printed PETG samples by 35.4%, while the tensile strength of injection-molded PETG samples was improved by 7.2%. To confirm these phenomena, FDM PETG-sepiolite composites were investigated by small-angle X-ray scattering to correlate the nanostructures of the composites with their mechanical strengths. The small-angle X-ray scattering data and transmission electron microscopy observations demonstrated that needle-shaped sepiolite particles were aligned in the printing direction. This fine oriented nanostructure formed during 3D printing created a synergistic effect that improved the material properties of the composite. These novel PETG-sepiolite composites with enhanced mechanical properties can be promising materials fabricated via FDM 3D printing.

[A comparison of the rates of hemolysis and repeated blood sampling using syringe needles versus vacuum tube needles in the emergency department].

PURPOSE: This study was done to compare the rates of hemolysis and repeated sampling in blood samples obtained by a syringe needle versus a vacuum tube needle. METHODS: A randomized, prospective study was used to evaluate the differences between the two blood sampling methods. The study group consisted of patients seen in the emergency department (ED) for blood sampling to determine electrolyte level. ED patients were randomly assigned to either the syringe group or the vacuum tube group. All blood samples were collected by experienced ED nurses and hemolysis was determined by experienced laboratory technologists. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test and binary logistic regression. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five valid samples were collected (74 in the syringe group versus 71 in the vacuum tube group). 5 of 74 (6.8%) blood samples in the syringe group and 8 of 71 (11.3%) in the vacuum tube group hemolyzed. Repeated blood sampling occurred for 2 of 74 (2.7%) and 3 of 71 (4.2%) in each group respectively. There were no significant differences in rates of hemolysis and repeated sampling between two groups (B=1.97, p=.204; B=2.36, p=.345). CONCLUSION: Venipuncture with syringe needles can be recommended for ED nurses to obtain blood samples.

Significance of non-erosive minimal esophageal lesions in gastro-esophageal reflux disorder.

BACKGROUND: Non-erosive reflux disorder, which represents more than 60% of gastro-esophageal reflux disorders, lacks objective parameters for diagnosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between non-erosive minimal lesions at the lower esophagus and gastro-esophageal reflux disorder. METHODS: Patients were asked to answer a symptom questionnaire. The endoscopic findings were either graded by LA classification or recorded as non-erosive minimal lesions. Patients with minimal lesions were treated with rabeprazole or a placebo and responses were evaluated at weeks 1 and 4. RESULTS: In 8 centers, 3454 patients were screened. In patients with heartburn or acid regurgitation as the most bothersome symptom, 23.7% had endoscopy negative reflux disorder, 40.1% showed minimal lesions, and 36.20% had mucosal break esophagitis. Thirty-four percent of patients with minimal lesions and 39.1% of patients with LA 'grade A' mild esophagitis reported typical reflux symptoms as their main symptom. In patients with minimal lesions, medication with rabeprazole reduced symptoms significantly at weeks 1 and 4, but not with the placebo. CONCLUSION: Patients with non-erosive minimal esophageal lesions had similar reflux symptoms comparable to those with mild erosive reflux esophagitis, and reflux symptoms were improved with a short-term proton pump inhibitor. Thus, non-erosive minimal esophageal lesion constitutes a great part of gastro-esophageal reflux disorder.

Acute acalculous cholecystitis associated with cholecystoduodenal fistula and duodenal bleeding. A case report.

Although acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) accounts for less than 10% of acute cholecystitis in the adult population, gangrene and perforation are much more frequent compared to the usual cases of acute cholecystitis (calculus cholecystitis). However, spontaneous biliary-enteric fistula is well recognized in AAC, 90% of which are cholecystoduodenal fistula (CDF) though it is an uncommon disorder. The majority of the CDF are caused by cholelithiasis. As patients are usually associated with complicated clinical illness, the diagnosis is often difficult to make and required surgery is often delayed. We have studied a rare complication of acute acalculous cholecystitis which was presented as intermittent upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Ulceration of the superficial branch of the cystic artery has been observed due to acalculous cholecystitis associated with a cholecystoduodenal fistula. We have performed a transfixing ligation of the bleeding vessel, cholecystectomy and simple closure of the CDF. We have finally made a diagnosis of early gallbladder cancer through a frozen section. There was no serious complication after the operation and the patient has achieved an uneventful recovery.

Clinical features of acute acalculous cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) tends to have a fulminant course and be associated with critically ill diseases, there have been reports of AAC without any risk factors but good prognosis. GOALS: To assess the risk factors, clinical features and prognosis of AAC. STUDY: All patients who had a cholecystectomy due to acute cholecystitis at Pundang Jesaeng General Hospital during a 43-month period were prospectively enrolled. AAC was defined by ultrasonographic, intraoperative and pathologic findings of acute cholecystitis without evidence of gallstones. Clinical features and pathologic findings were analyzed and outcome was assessed. RESULTS: 156 patients with acute cholecystitis were enrolled and 14% (22 of 156) met the criteria of AAC. Fifteen (68%) of the patients with AAC were male and the average age was 63 year old. Twenty patients were presented with AAC as outpatients of whom seven of them (35%) had atherosclerotic vascular disease. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 126 patients (80.8%) with acute cholecystitis but was possible in only 12 patients (54.5%) with AAC. AAC was associated with a high incidence of gangrene (59%) but no patients died of acute cholecystitis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that AAC frequently occurs in elderly male outpatients without critical illness and gangrene is common but the prognosis is better than reported previously.

Evaluation of ABO Isoagglutinin Titers in Korean Adults / 대한수혈학회지

BACKGROUND: Isoagglutinin titers may be useful markers in the assessment of ABO-incompatible transfusion, bone marrow transplantation, and solid organ transplantation as well as determination of ABO subtypes, and screening of B cell defect. ABO isoagglutinin titers can be differed according to age, gender, race, and environmental factors. We determined isoagglutinin titers of IgM anti-A, anti-B in Korean healthy adults. METHODS: Sera from 215 adults of blood group A, B, and O were tested. IgM isoagglutinin titers were determined by mixing the two fold serum dilutions from 1:2 to 1:512 with pooled 3% red blood cells. Tests were read after spinnig the tubes at 3400 rpm for 15 seconds. RESULTS: The results were analyzed according to the ABO types, ages, and sex. From 77 sera from group A (44 male, 33 female), the geometric mean of IgM anti-B titers in group A was 73.5 (male 84.4, female 61.4), and the median was 64 (male 64, female 64). From 68 sera from group B (36 male, 32 female), the geometric mean of IgM anti-A titers in group B was 64.0 (male 64.0, female 65.3), and the median was 64 (male 64, female 64). From 70 sera from group O (64 male, 28 female), the geometric means of IgM anti-B and anti-A titers in group O were 52.3 (male 42.2, female 72.5) and 64.4 (male 63.1, female 70.5), respectively. And the median were 64 (male 32, female 64) and 64 (male 64, female 64), respectively. There were no linearity of isoagglutinin titers with the increase of age in Korean adults from 20 to 69 years old. CONCLUSION: The titers of IgM anti-B and anti-A isoagglutinin in Korean adults were estimated to be equally 1:64. No decrease of ABO isoagglutinin titers were observed with the increase of age from 20 to 69 years old.