Local structures of polar wurtzites Zn_{1-x}Mg_{x}O studied by Raman and {67}Zn/{25}Mg NMR spectroscopies and by total neutron scattering

Local compositions and structures of Zn_{1-x}Mg_{x}O alloys have been investigated by Raman and solid-state {67}Zn/{25}Mg nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopies, and by neutron pair-distribution-function (PDF) analyses. The E2(low) and E2(high) Raman modes of Zn_{1-x}Mg_{x}O display Gaussian- and Lorentzian-type profiles, respectively. At higher Mg substitutions, both modes become broader, while their peak positions shift in opposite directions. The evolution of Raman spectra from Zn_{1-x}Mg_{x}O solid solutions are discussed in terms of lattice deformation associated with the distinct coordination preferences of Zn and Mg. Solid-state magic-angle-spinning (MAS) NMR studies suggest that the local electronic environments of {67}Zn in ZnO are only weakly modified by the 15% substitution of Mg for Zn. {25}Mg MAS spectra of Zn_{0.85}Mg_{0.15}O show an unusual upfield shift, demonstrating the prominent shielding ability of Zn in the nearby oxidic coordination sphere. Neutron PDF analyses of Zn_{0.875}Mg_{0.125}O using a 2x2x1 supercell corresponding to Zn_{7}MgO_{8} suggest that the mean local geometry of MgO_{4} fragments concurs with previous density functional theory (DFT)-based structural relaxations of hexagonal wurtzite MgO. MgO_{4} tetrahedra are markedly compressed along their c-axes and are smaller in volume than ZnO_{4} units by ~6%. Mg atoms in Zn_{1-x}Mg_{x}O have a shorter bond to the $c$-axial oxygen atom than to the three lateral oxygen atoms, which is distinct from the coordination of Zn. The precise structure, both local and average, of Zn_{0.875}Mg_{0.125}O obtained from time-of-flight total neutron scattering supports the view that Mg-substitution in ZnO results in increased total spontaneous polarization.Comment: 12 pages, 14 figures, 2 table

Transition from pediatric to adult renal services: a consensus statement by the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Pediatric Nephrology Association (IPNA)

The transfer of young patients from pediatric to adult renal care takes place after a transition process which involves both sides. It is important that it is individualized for each young person, focusing on self-management skills as well as assessing support structures. The consensus statement has been developed by the panel of adult and pediatric nephrologists and endorsed by the councils of both ISN and IPNA. It is hoped that the statement will provide a basis for the development of locally appropriate recommendations for clinical practice

Investigation and Simulation of Catalytic Reforming Reactions of Iraqi Heavy Naphtha Using Pt-Sn/Al2O3 and Pt-Ir/Al2O3 Catalysts

In the present work experimental and simulation studies have been carried out to describe the reaction kinetics of catalytic reforming process using Iraqi heavy naphtha as a feedstock. Two types of bi-metals catalysts were prepared (Pt- Sn/Al2O3 and Pt-Ir/Al2O3) supported on γ-Al2O3. The main three described reforming reactions were investigated (dehydrogenation, dehydrocyclization, and hydrocracking) to characterize catalysts performance in term of activity and selectivity. The performances of catalysts were investigated under the following operating conditions: reaction temperature range of 480-510 ˚C, weight hour space velocity range of 1-2 hr-1, pressure at 6 atm, and hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio of 4:1. The results showed that the higher conversion of Iraqi heavy naphtha components (i.e., paraffins and naphthenes) increased with temperature whereas, weight hourly space velocity has shown inverse impact on conversion. On the other hand, it was concluded that the yields of aromatics and high components are increased for both types of catalysts (Pt-Sn/Al2O3 and Pt-Ir/Al2O3) under the same operating conditions. A comprehensive mathematical model and simulation was developed in the present work to describe the reaction kinetics of reforming reactions. The comparison between the concentration of (paraffin’s, naphthenes, and aromatics), and temperature profile of experimental and simulation results showed a good agreement and the deviation confined between them in the range of 1.93% to 14.51%

Experimental Study and Simulation of Iraqi Heavy Naphtha Catalytic Reforming Reactions Using Pt-Ir-Sn/AL2O3 and Pt-Ir/AL2O3 Catalysts

In present study experimental and mathematical model have been carried out to describe the reaction kinetics of catalytic reforming process using Iraqi heavy naphtha as a feedstock for the process. Two types of catalysts were prepared (Pt-Ir-Sn/AL2O3 and Pt-Ir/AL2O3) supported on γ-AL2O3. The main three described reforming reactions were investigated (dehydrogenation, hydrocracking, and dehydrocyclization) to characterize catalysts performance in term of activity and selectivity. The performance of catalysts were investigated under the following operating condition: reaction temperature range of 480-510 ˚C, weight hour space velocity range of 1-2hr-1, pressure at 6 atm, and hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio of 4:1.The results show higher conversion of Iraqi heavy naphtha components (i.e., Paraffins and Naphthenes) with higher temperatures whereas; weight hourly space velocity has shown negative impact on conversion (i.e., higher WHSV shows lower conversion). In general, it was noted that the yields of aromatics and light components are increased for both types of catalysts (Pt-Ir-Sn/AL2O3 and Pt-Ir/AL2O3) under the same operating conditions. Results of tri-metal catalyst better than bi-metal catalyst. A comprehensive mathematical model and simulation was developed in the present work to describe the reaction kinetics of reforming reactions. The model predicts the concentration, conversion, and temperature profile with time and axial direction of the reactor. The comparison between experimental and simulation results of the concentrations of (Paraffin’s, Naphthenes, and Aromatics), and temperature showed a good agreement with a deviation confined 19.50%

Detection of Wuchereria bancrofti L3 Larvae in Mosquitoes: A Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assay Evaluating Infection and Infectivity

Lymphatic filariasis is a disabling and disfiguring disease caused by a parasite that is transmitted by a mosquito. The life cycle of the parasite requires two hosts: the mosquito vector and the human host. Part of the developmental life cycle of the parasite occurs in the mosquito and the other part in the human host. The parasite develops through four stages in the mosquito, only the last of which is infectious to humans. The third larval stage (L3) is the infective stage that initiates human infections when infective mosquitoes bite humans. There is currently a global program attempting to eliminate this disease by administering drugs to affected communities with the goal of interrupting transmission of the parasite. The new diagnostic tool described in this paper uses molecular techniques to specifically detect the infective stage of the parasite in mosquitoes. Many mosquitoes can be tested at one time to assess the risk of ongoing transmission of filariasis in communities. In addition, this new L3-detection assay can simultaneously detect whether the mosquitoes contain ‘any-stage’ of the parasite. This provides information on infection rates in humans in the community. Both pieces of information can be used in assessing the progress of disease elimination efforts

Effects of Preoperative Sublingual Misoprostol on Uterine Tone during Isoflurane Anesthesia for Cesarean Section

SummaryBackground and objectivesMisoprostol would reduce the uterine bleeding after cesarean delivery without harmful effects on either mother or baby. We aimed to evaluate the effects of preoperative misoprostol on maternal blood loss, uterine tone, and the need for additional oxytocin after cesarean delivery under isoflurane anesthesia.MethodsAfter ethical approval, 366 patients scheduled for elective cesarean delivery were randomly allocated to receive either sublingual misoprostol 400μg (n=179) or placebo tablet (n=187) after intubation. Anesthesia was maintained with 0.5–0.7 MAC isoflurane with nitrous oxide. All patients received intravenous infusion of 10IU of oxytocin after placental delivery. Perioperative estimated blood loss, uterine tone, need for supplementary oxytocin, hematocrit, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min and adverse effects were recorded.ResultsAfter induction, patients receiving sublingual misoprostol had significant less perioperative estimated blood loss (202±383.1 vs. 708±204.3mL, p<0.001), need for oxytocin (p<0.001), higher hematocrit levels (p<0.001) and uterine tone (p<0.02). The incidence of shivering was higher in the misoprostol group (p=0.04). There were no differences between the two groups as regarding Apgar scores, nausea and vomiting, gastrointestinal disturbances and pyrexia.ConclusionPreoperative administration of sublingual misoprostol 400μg is safe and effective in attenuating the maternal bleeding and uterine atony from isoflurane anesthesia for cesarean delivery

Neglected Patients with a Neglected Disease? A Qualitative Study of Lymphatic Filariasis

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a tropical disease causing extreme swelling of the limbs and male genitals. Despite recent successes in preventing transmission of the disease, some 40 million people worldwide who already have the disease have been largely neglected. We aimed to increase understanding of how this vulnerable, neglected group can be helped, by asking people with LF in Sri Lanka to recount their own experiences

Robotic Sacral Colpopexy Using Autologous Fascia Lata Compared with Mesh

Objective: The objective is to compare robotic sacral colpopexy (RSC) utilizing autologous fascia lata with RSC with synthetic mesh in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (POP). Methods: We performed a prospective nonrandomized case comparison trial at a single institution. We compared RSC utilizing either synthetic mesh or autologous fascia lata in women with symptomatic POP, stages II through IV. The primary outcome was anatomic prolapse recurrence determined by the Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) examination. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcomes such as the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-7 (IIQ-7). Complications were also recorded and categorized using the Clavien–Dindo (CD) system. The hypothesis is that autologous fascia lata would provide equivalent anatomic and patient-reported outcomes compared with mesh while eliminating mesh-related complications. Results: Sixty-four women underwent RSC with 19 (29.7%) receiving fascia lata graft. The overall operative time was greater in the fascia lata group with mean fascia lata harvest time of 24.8 ± 7.4 minutes. Intragroup comparisons of the fascia and mesh groups demonstrated significant improvement in pelvic measurements as well as patient-reported outcomes. Intergroup comparison demonstrated equivalent success rates at 12.1 ± 8.7 months follow-up. There was one apical failure in the fascia lata RSC group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.30). Significant complications in the fascia lata harvest group included two CD-II and one CD-IIIb. In the mesh group there was one mesh erosion requiring surgical excision (CD-IIIb). Conclusion: This is the first comparison between RSC with autologous fascia lata and mesh. Short-term anatomic outcomes were similar with autologous fascia lata use without the risk of mesh erosion. Morbidity from graft harvest site was not trivial. These results emphasize the need for a randomized controlled trial

National Mass Drug Administration Costs for Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination

Lymphatic filariasis (LF), commonly known as elephantiasis, is a profoundly disfiguring parasitic disease caused by thread-like nematode worms. This disease can often be disabling, thus reducing the potential productivity of the affected individuals. The WHO places the number of people at risk in 83 countries at 1.307 billion. This study was undertaken in seven countries—Burkina Faso, Ghana, Egypt, Tanzania, the Philippines, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti—using a common protocol to determine the costs of mass drug administration (MDA) programs to interrupt transmission of infection with LF, because there is lack of sufficient information about the costs of these programs. The results demonstrate that LF MDA is affordable and relatively inexpensive when compared to other public health programs. In the context of initiatives for integrating programs for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases, this study adds specifically to the relatively scarce body of information about the costs of MDA programs for LF. It also adds to the general knowledge about the application of methods that can be used to estimate the costs and cost-effectiveness of an integrated approach