Effect of multilayered nanostructures on the physico-mechanical properties of ethylene vinyl acetate-based hybrid nanocomposites.

Exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) and Mg-Al-layered double hydroxides (LDHs) nanostructures (LDHs@GO)-filled ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)-based hybrid nanocomposites were prepared by solution reflux technique followed by injection molding. The physico-mechanical (including morphological, thermal, and mechanical) properties of LDHs@GO-based-layered nanostructures and EVA/LDHs@GO (0-1 wt%)-based hybrid nanocomposites were analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, wide and low angle X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical (tensile and elongation at break) testing. The morphological studies revealed that LDHs sheets were homogeneously inserted in between GO sheets, while LDHs@GO-based-layered nanostructures were found to be easily exfoliated in EVA/LDHs@GO hybrid nanocomposites up to 0.7 wt% loading after which agglomeration occurred. The thermal stability of the hybrid nanocomposites was found to be improved at highest LDHs@GO loading of 0.7 wt%. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and elongation at break) of the hybrid nanocomposites were observed to be enhanced by 70 and 80%, respectively, at LDHs@GO loading of 0.7 wt% and highest values of mechanical properties were obtained. Though, the morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the composites were improved, the FTIR analysis did not reveal any chemical interaction between EVA and the LDHs@GO-based-layered nanostructures. From the overall results, it is obvious that a significant synergism was observed in terms of morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of EVA/LDHs@GO hybrid nanocomposites with optimum (less than 1 wt%) loading of LDHs@GO-based-layered nanostructures

Gastrointestinal Kaposi′s sarcoma presenting as ileocolic intussusception

Context: Kaposi′s sarcoma (KS) is the most common neoplasm in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Gastrointestinal (GI) involvement with KS commonly occurs in association with cutaneous lesions or lymph node involvement, with GI tract involvement alone occurring in only 3.5% of cases. There are several case reports described in the literature about asymptomatic intestinal KS with skin manifestations. Although GI KS is usually asymptomatic, hemorrhages from the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, and large bowel have been reported in this disease. Case Report: Our case is unique, in a way that the patient does not have skin manifestation, and also is that the first manifestation presented as acute intestinal intussusception and obstruction with nodular mass lesions of the stomach and GI tract due to GI KS. Conclusion: As a differential diagnosis of KS, nonHodgkin lymphomas frequently involve the gut in AIDS patients. Furthermore, tumors of the gut with spindle-shaped cells such as leiomyomas, rhabdomyosarcomas, high-grade pleomorphic sarcomas, or GI stromal tumors have to be considered in the differential diagnosis. Overall, the visceral involvement of the KS is usually associated with poor prognosis. Our case illustrates the importance of physicians to recognize GI KS as a differential diagnosis for HIV positive patients with recurrent abdominal pain. It is commonly occurs in association with cutaneous lesions or lymph node involvement and rarely presents with GI involvement alone, which is makes it a challenge to the physician