Combined cross-linked enzyme aggregates from versatile peroxidase and glucose oxidase: Production, partial characterization and application for the elimination of endocrine disruptors

Versatile peroxidase (VP) from Bjerkandera adusta was insolubilized in the form of cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA(R)s). Of the initially applied activity 67% was recovered as CLEA(R)s. Co-aggregation of VP with glucose oxidase from Aspergillus niger led to an increased activity recovery of 89%. The combined CLEA(R)s showed higher stability against H(2)O(2) and exerted VP activity upon glucose addition. The elimination of the endocrine disrupting chemicals bisphenol A, nonylphenol, triclosan, 17 alpha-ethinylestradiol and the hormone 17 beta-estradiol (10 mg L(-1) each) and the removal of their estrogenic activity by combined CLEA(R)s were tested in batch experiments. Within 10 min, the combined CLEA(R)s were able to remove all the endocrine disruptors except triclosan (residual concentration 74%). The removal of the estrogenic activity was higher than 55% for all compounds, except triclosan. A membrane reactor continuously operated with combined CLEA(R)s could almost completely remove bisphenol A (10 mg L(-1)) for 43 h. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Phase behavior of the Pluronic P103/water system in the dilute and semi-dilute regimes

The detailed temperature-composition phase diagram of the P103/water system in the dilute and semidilute regions is reported here using density and ultrasound velocity measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometry and dynamic (DLS) and static light scattering (SLS). These techniques allow a precise determination of the critical micellar temperature (CMT), the sphere-to-rod micellar transition temperature (GMT) and the cloud point temperature (CPT) as a function of concentration. DLS and SLS measurements were employed to gain information on unimers and aggregate sizes and on the transition from spherical-to-rod micelles. � 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Knowledge of Stroke Warning Symptoms and Intended Action in Response to Stroke in Spain: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Worldwide thrombolysis rates remain suboptimal. Ambulance transfer is associated with greater use of this time-dependent treatment. Information on public awareness of stroke symptoms is important for planning effective education programs to promote calling of emergency services for suspected stroke. However, there is a paucity of data on this subject in European countries. Our objectives were to explore the recognition of stroke symptoms, awareness of the need to activate the emergency medical services for acute stroke events, and the association between knowledge of warning symptoms and intent to call for an ambulance among a sample representative of the adult population of Spain. This is the largest study on this subject to date in Europe. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Methods:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The data were taken from the Study on Nutrition and Cardiovascular Risk in Spain, a cross-sectional study conducted in a sample representative of the Spanish noninstitutionalized population aged ≥18 years in 2008–2010. Study participants were selected by multistage clustered random sampling. The households within each section were selected by random telephone dialing using the landline telephone directory as the sampling frame. Subjects in the households were selected proportionally to the distribution of the population of Spain by sex and age. The study included a computer-assisted telephone interview on stroke symptom knowledge and the first action to perform in a stroke event, based on the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association recommendations, and two home visits to perform a physical examination and to obtain blood samples. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; Among 11,827 adults, 7,711 (65.2%; 95% CI = 64.1–66.3) identified 4–6 stroke warning symptoms, considered as adequate knowledge. A total of 1,348 (11.4%) were unable to classify any of the symptoms correctly. In the multivariate analysis, higher education was significantly associated with better knowledge of symptoms, and age ≥65 years, fair/poor self-rated health, history of obesity and known diabetes were significantly associated with less knowledge of stroke symptoms. One in 5 individuals indicated they would do something other than calling for an ambulance if they thought someone was having a stroke. The number of specific stroke warning symptoms known was directly associated with the intent to call an ambulance in a stroke event (OR adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical variables = 1.06 per symptom, 95% CI = 1.03–1.09; p &lt; 0.001). &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; In this population-based study, stroke symptom knowledge was suboptimal and only modestly associated with the intent to call for an ambulance. Educational interventions are needed to link stroke recognition more strongly to an immediate need to call for an ambulance in order to increase stroke patients’ access to thrombolysis.</jats:p