Investigating the physical and optoelectronic characteristics of Co2ZrZ compounds: findings from computational analysis and thermoelectric evaluation.

CONTEXT AND RESULTS: The study examines the physical characteristics of Co2ZrZ compounds using the Wien2k code and the Anisimov and Gunnarsson approach. Results show metallic attributes in Co2ZrBi and Co2ZrAs, while Co2ZrPb exhibits semi-metallic tendencies. Energy gap evaluations reveal significant infrared transitions, indicating altered electron mobility compensated by increased ultraviolet absorption. These compounds have potential in space solar energy applications due to UV light absorption capabilities, especially in Co2ZrPb. The study also identifies optical phenomena like "super-luminescence" and plasmatic oscillations. COMPUTATIONAL AND THEORETICAL TECHNIQUES: The study uses computational techniques like Wien2k calculation code and Hubbard parameter calculations to investigate Co2ZrPb, a compound with potential for space energy applications. Energy gap assessments are conducted using GGA and mBJ-GGA methods. The study also analyzes the optical behavior of the compounds, including infrared and ultraviolet absorption. The BoltzTraP code is used for thermoelectric investigations, revealing a P-type charge carrier predominance in Co2ZrPb. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights into electrical conductivity and thermoelectric properties.

Investigating the multifaceted characteristics of Ba2FeWO6 double perovskite: Insights from density functional theory.

This study undertook a comprehensive examination of the double perovskite complex Ba2FeWO6, investigating its structural, electrical, magnetic, thermal and elastic characteristics. The study used density functional theory (DFT), specifically the full potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method. It also used different approximations, including the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and the modified Trans-Blaha (TB-mBJ) approach, to improve the accuracy of the band gap estimation more accurate. Additionlly, the GGA + U approach, incorporating the Hubbard correction term (U), was utilized. Our findings indicate that Ba2FeWO6 exhibits indirect half-metallic band gaps in the (L-X) direction, with value of 0.91 eV and a net magnetic moment of 4 µB, predominatly influenced by the iron atom. The compound demonstrated exceptional characteristics suitable for thermoelectric applications, particularly at lower temperatures. Furthermore, the elasticity analysis revealed low brittleness, facilitates its manipulation in manufacturing procedures.

Virucidal activity of oral, hand, and surface disinfectants against respiratory syncytial virus.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is known as a major cause of respiratory tract infection in adults and children. Human-to-human transmission occurs via droplets as well as direct and indirect contact (e.g. contaminated surfaces or hands of medical staff). Therefore, applicable hygiene measures and knowledge about viral inactivation are of utmost importance. AIM: To elucidate the disinfection profile of RSV. METHODS: The study evaluated the virucidal efficacy of oral rinses specifically designed for children, World Health Organization (WHO)-recommended hand-rub formulations, and ethanol, as well as 2-propanol against RSV in a quantitative suspension test (EN14476). The stability of RSV on stainless steel discs was assessed and its inactivation by different surface disinfectants (EN16777) investigated. FINDINGS: All tested oral rinses except one reduced infectious viral titres to the lower limit of quantification. The two WHO-recommended hand-rub formulations as well as 30% ethanol and 2-propanol completely abolished the detection of infectious virus. Infectious RSV was recovered after several days on stainless steel discs. However, RSV was efficiently inactivated by all tested surface disinfectants based on alcohol, aldehyde, or hydrogen peroxide. CONCLUSION: Oral rinses, all tested hand-rub formulations as well as surface inactivation reagents were sufficient for RSV inactivation in vitro.

Protection by synergistic effects of adenovirus-mediated X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor gene transfer in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model of Parkinson's disease.

1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) produces clinical, biochemical, and neuropathological changes reminiscent of those occurring in idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we show that a peptide caspase inhibitor, N-benzyloxy-carbonyl-val-ala-asp-fluoromethyl ketone, or adenoviral gene transfer (AdV) of a protein caspase inhibitor, X-chromosome-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), prevent cell death of dopaminergic substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) neurons induced by MPTP or its active metabolite 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium in vitro and in vivo. Because the MPTP-induced decrease in striatal concentrations of dopamine and its metabolites does not differ between AdV-XIAP- and control vector-treated mice, this protection is not associated with a preservation of nigrostriatal terminals. In contrast, the combination of adenoviral gene transfer of XIAP and of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor to the striatum provides synergistic effects, rescuing dopaminergic SNpc neurons from cell death and maintaining their nigrostriatal terminals. These data suggest that a combination of a caspase inhibitor, which blocks death, and a neurotrophic factor, which promotes the specific function of the rescued neurons, may be a promising strategy for the treatment of PD.

Renal injury by companion kidney during hypothermic pulsatile perfusion.

To study possible deleterious effects of traumatized kidneys on well harvested ones during hypothermic pulsatile perfusion, paired dog kidneys were monitored on two separate MOX-100 machines connected to pool a common perfusate. First kidneys were optimally harvested and baseline renal vascular resistance (RVR) calculated from pressure divided by flow (mm Hg/ml minute). After 1 hour second kidneys were added and observation was continued for an additional 3 hours. RVR in first kidneys increased immediately and doubled by 3 hours when ischemic traumatized second kidneys were added, 0.70 +/- 0.07 to 1.37 +/- 0.15 (p less than 0.001). No change in RVR was noted when second kidneys were optimally retrieved or if the dogs were heparinized prior to nephrectomy. Histological examination showed no evidence of vascular obstruction in any kidney, but only tubular necrosis in nonheparinized, traumatized second kidneys. Weight gain in optimally removed kidneys was 41%, but only 8% in ischemic kidneys. RVR decreased unexpectedly in ischemic kidneys during 3 hours of perfusion (p less than 0.01). Release of vasoactive substances by damaged kidneys and arteriovenous shunting may explain these findings. Separate perfusion systems seem to be justified when one of two cadaver kidneys is of marginal quality.

Salvage operations for malfunctioning polytetrafluoroethylene hemodialysis access grafts.

During the study period a cohort of 170 of patients receiving long-term hemodialysis treatment required placement of 214 polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for vascular access; within this period 74 of these patients had significant graft malfunction that required 149 salvage operations. The most common failure/malfunction was thrombosis, and the most commonly appreciated mechanical cause of graft failure was outflow venous stenosis. Complex revisions were required to address this problem. First, second, and third revisions were successful in 65%, 53%, and 44% of cases, respectively. Multiple revisions, including thrombectomy, were required in some, but the functional life of these salvaged grafts was nearly equal to that of grafts that did not require revision. Abandonment of grafts because of secondary infection exacted a toll in both groups.

Significance of microbial contamination of stored cadaver kidneys.

The importance of microbial contamination of cadaver kidneys was assessed in 83 consecutively stored and transplanted kidneys. Fourteen kidneys had a single positive culture during storage and five had multiple positive cultures. Only one postoperative infection could be traced to kidney contamination during storage (Candida wound infection). In three of 64 patients who received noncontaminated kidneys, posttransplant wound infections developed. No wound infections occurred in 35 patients who received prophylactic antibiotics, whereas four wound infections occurred in 48 patients without antibiotic coverage. It is concluded that, although microbial contamination of stored cadaver kidneys occurs commonly, it is not an important source of infection in renal transplant recipients.

Surgical treatment of nonocclusive mesenteric infarction.

Two cases of nonocclusive mesenteric vascular disease associated with stenosis of the superior mesenteric artery are described. In one patient with congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation treated with digitalis, the first episode after a bout of sepsis was treated supportively, but a stricture of ileum secondary to full thickness intestinal infarction resulted. His second episode required emergency ileal resection for perforation. The superior mesenteric artery was subsequently reconstructed with an aortomesenteric bypass. The second patient had segmental intestinal necrosis occurring in association with superior mesenteric artery narrowing without total occlusion. These cases emphasize the importance of awareness of nonocclusive mesenteric vascular disease occurring in individuals with narrowing of the mesenteric arteries. A variety of modes of presentation are suggested. Arteriography is essential for diagnosis and, in selected cases, for therapy.

Femoral artery laceration complicating an intertrochanteric hip fracture: a multi-disciplinary therapeutic problem.

Major arterial injuries are uncommon complications of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Described is transcatheter embolization of a lacerated femoral artery complicated by a large hematoma, discovered following surgical repair of an eight day old intertrochanteric fracture. The case was complicated due to a history of aspirin usage, marked obesity, and thrombocytopenia. Interventional radiology techniques may provide an alternative to surgery in selected cases.