Electrophoretic Deposition of Chitosan–Hydroxyapatite Films and Their Electrochemical Behavior in Artificial Plasma

The electrochemical behavior of chitosan–hydroxyapatite films deposited on Ti CP was evaluated. Hydroxyapatite was synthesized from eggshell at different precipitation pH conditions. The films were deposited on the Ti CP surface from chitosan–hydroxyapatite solutions by means of electrophoretic deposition. The hydroxyapatite content of the solutions varied from 0 to 20 g/L. The different films obtained were evaluated by means of electrochemical measurements such as polarization curves, open circuit potential measurements, polarization resistance, and electrochemical impedance. The results obtained showed that regardless of the precipitation pH, it is possible to obtain pure hydroxyapatite from a waste such as eggshell. The incorporation of hydroxyapatite within the chitosan structure allows for improvement of the electrochemical performance of the bare Ti CP surface. It was observed that the passive zone was achieved at lower current densities, and that the stability zone of the passive layer increased. Electrochemical impedance analyzes showed that there is an improvement in corrosion resistance due to a more controlled growth of the passive layer that allows for the formation of a dense and compact film

Stress neuropeptide levels in adults with chest pain due to coronary artery disease: potential implications for clinical assessment

: Substance P (SP) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) are neuropeptides involved in nociception. The study of biochemical markers of pain in communicating critically ill coronary patients may provide insight for pain assessment and management in critical care. Purpose of the study was to to explore potential associations between plasma neuropeptide levels and reported pain intensity in coronary critical care adults, in order to test the reliability of SP measurements for objective pain assessment in critical care

Zoonotic helminths affecting the human eye

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Nowaday, zoonoses are an important cause of human parasitic diseases worldwide and a major threat to the socio-economic development, mainly in developing countries. Importantly, zoonotic helminths that affect human eyes (HIE) may cause blindness with severe socio-economic consequences to human communities. These infections include nematodes, cestodes and trematodes, which may be transmitted by vectors (dirofilariasis, onchocerciasis, thelaziasis), food consumption (sparganosis, trichinellosis) and those acquired indirectly from the environment (ascariasis, echinococcosis, fascioliasis). Adult and/or larval stages of HIE may localize into human ocular tissues externally (i.e., lachrymal glands, eyelids, conjunctival sacs) or into the ocular globe (i.e., intravitreous retina, anterior and or posterior chamber) causing symptoms due to the parasitic localization in the eyes or to the immune reaction they elicit in the host. Unfortunately, data on HIE are scant and mostly limited to case reports from different countries. The biology and epidemiology of the most frequently reported HIE are discussed as well as clinical description of the diseases, diagnostic considerations and video clips on their presentation and surgical treatment.</p> <p><b><it>Homines amplius oculis, quam auribus credunt</it></b></p> <p><b>Seneca Ep 6,5</b></p> <p><b>Men believe their eyes more than their ears</b></p