Ag/ZnO/PMMA nanocomposites for efficient water reuse

This work attempts to produce photocatalytic surfaces for large-scale applications by depositing nanostructured coatings on polymeric substrates. ZnO/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites were prepared by low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) of ZnO on PMMA substrates. In addition, to increase the photocatalytic and antibacterial activities of ZnO films, Ag nanoparticles were added on ZnO surfaces using plasma-enhanced ALD. The morphology, crystallinity, and chemical composition of the specimens were meticulously examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopies, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analyses. The noteworthy photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposites was proved by the degradation of the following organic pollutants in aqueous solution: methylene blue, paracetamol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. The antibacterial properties of the samples were tested using Escherichia coli as a model organism. Moreover, the possible toxic effects of the specimens were checked by biological tests. The present results unambiguously indicate the Ag/ZnO/PMMA nanocomposite as a powerful tool for an advanced wastewater treatment technology.peer-reviewe

Anastomosis configuration and technique following ileocaecal resection for Crohn's disease: a multicentre study

A limited ileocaecal resection is the most frequently performed procedure for ileocaecal CD and different anastomotic configurations and techniques have been described. This manuscript audited the different anastomotic techniques used in a national study and evaluated their influence on postoperative outcomes following ileocaecal resection for primary CD. This is a retrospective, multicentre, observational study promoted by the Italian Society of Colorectal Surgery (SICCR), including all adults undergoing elective ileocaecal resection for primary CD from June 2018 May 2019. Postoperative morbidity within 30 days of surgery was the primary endpoint. Postoperative length of hospital stay (LOS) and anastomotic leak rate were the secondary outcomes. 427 patients were included. The side to side anastomosis was the chosen configuration in 380 patients (89%). The stapled anastomotic (n = 286; 67%), techniques were preferred to hand-sewn (n = 141; 33%). Postoperative morbidity was 20.3% and anastomotic leak 3.7%. Anastomotic leak was independent of the type of anastomosis performed, while was associated with an ASA grade ≥ 3, presence of perianal disease and ileocolonic localization of disease. Four predictors of LOS were identified after multivariate analysis. The laparoscopic approach was the only associated with a reduced LOS (p = 0.017), while age, ASA grade ≥ 3 or administration of preoperative TPN were associated with increased LOS. The side to side was the most commonly used anastomotic configuration for ileocolic reconstruction following primary CD resection. There was no difference in postoperative morbidity according to anastomotic technique and configuration. Anastomotic leak was associated with ASA grade ≥ 3, a penetrating phenotype of disease and ileo-colonic distribution of CD

National variations in perioperative assessment and surgical management of Crohn's disease: a multicentre study

Aim: Crohn's disease (CD) requires a multidisciplinary approach and surgery should be undertaken by dedicated colorectal surgeons with audited outcomes. We present a national, multicentre study, with the aim to collect benchmark data on key performance indicators in CD surgery, to highlight areas where standards of CD surgery excel and to facilitate targeted quality improvement where indicated. Methods: All patients undergoing ileocaecal or redo ileocolic resection in the participating centres for primary and recurrent CD from June 2018 to May 2019 were included. The main objective was to collect national data on hospital volume and practice variations. Postoperative morbidity was the primary outcome. Laparoscopic surgery and stoma rate were the secondary outcomes. Results: In all, 715 patients were included: 457 primary CD and 258 recurrent CD with a postoperative morbidity of 21.6% and 34.7%, respectively. Laparoscopy was used in 83.8% of primary CD compared to 31% of recurrent CD. Twenty-five hospitals participated and the total number of patients per hospital ranged from 2 to 169. Hospitals performing more than 10 primary CD procedures per year showed a higher adoption of laparoscopy and bowel sparing surgery. Conclusions: There is significant heterogeneity in the number of CD surgeries performed per year nationally in Italy. Our data suggest that high-volume hospitals perform more complex procedures, with a higher adoption of bowel sparing surgery. The rate of laparoscopy in high-volume hospitals is higher for primary CD but not for recurrent CD compared with low-volume hospitals

6-Deoxy-6-N-histamino-β-cyclodextrin Copper(II) Complex, a New Enantioselective Receptor for Aromatic Amino Acids

Chiral recognition of D- and L-tryptophan in the mobile phase in the presence of the title complex [CuL]2⊕ is the reason for their successful HPLC separation on a conventional achiral reversed-phase column. The separation is based on mixed inclusion–ligand-exchange chromatography, in which the more stable complex [CuL(D-Trp)]⊕ probably has the form shown here

Effects of Squat Flywheel Training on Strength, Muscle Structure and Performance.

Purpose: Inertial flywheel device (YoYo Technology) is well known to induce strength adaptations and increase muscle mass after short term training. (Norrbrand 2011, Tesch 2004). Changes in muscle architectural parameters appropriate to improve peak torque has been described (Seynnes, 2007). However these adaptations were not directly related to specific performances like jump, velocity and change direction ability. Aim of the study is to evaluate quadriceps strength and architecture, lower limb fat free mass, and performance parameters after short term YoYo squat training. Methods: 31 healthy young males has been randomly assigned at training (TR) or control (CON) group. TR underwent 16 training sessions in 9 weeks each consisting in 60 maximal reps at YoYo squat. Maximal Voluntary Contraction (MVC), Fat Free Mass (FFM), Fascicle length and thickness, Squat Jump (SJ) and Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Height and time on 30m dash and 20m shuttle have been measured pre and post training. Analysis of covariate has been done after log transformation. Results: Compare to CON, TR showed higher MVC isometric (avg 25%, CI 95 13% to 38%), concentric (10%, 2%to 19%), eccentric (9%, 2% to 17%) extension (for each parameters, p<0,01). In TR, FFM (4%, 1% to 7%), fascicle length (8%, 1% to 16%), fascicle thickness (6%, 1% to 15%) increased compare to CON (p<0,01). SJ (9%, 2% to 16%), CMJ (8%, 1% to 14%), 20m shuttle(-4%, -7% to -1%) significantly improve (p<0,05) in TR compare to CON. 30m dash did not improve significantly compare to CON(-1%, -4% to2%, p=0,445), indicating that 20m shuttle performance is specially due by an augmented control of decreasing and increasing speed. Conclusion: Augmented strength and changed muscle structure are in agreement with previous study. Longer fascicle is correlated with higher velocity of sarcomere contraction (Blazevich 2006). Outcomes show positive transfers in sport performance tasks, like jumping or braking and change sprinting direction. Flywheel device can be successfully used to improve performance in sport in which jumping or speed are key factors. Blazevich A.J.,et al. J Anat 2006, 209:289–310 Norrbrand L, et al. Aviat Space and Environ Med 2011,82(1):13-9. Seynnes OR, et al J. Appl Physiol 2007, 102(1):368-73. Tesch PA, et al. Acta Physiol Scand 2004, 180(1):89-98

TiO2-coated nanostructures for dye photo-degradation in water

The photocatalytic efficiency of a thin-film TiO2-coated nanostructured template is studied by dye degradation in water. The nanostructured template was synthesized by metal-assisted wet etching of Si and used as substrate for the deposition of a thin film of TiO2 (10 nm thick) by atomic layer deposition. A complete structural characterization was made by scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The significant photocatalytic performance was evaluated by the degradation of two dyes in water: methylene blue and methyl orange. The relevance of the reported results is discussed, opening the route toward the application of the synthesized nanostructured TiO2 for water purification