Role of electronic factor in soot oxidation process over tunnelled and layered potassium iron oxide catalysts

This paper describes the investigations of the catalytic activity in soot oxidation over well-defined iron oxide based materials. The nanostructuration of iron oxide by potassium into tunnelled (KFeO 2 ) and layered (K 2 Fe 22 O 34 ) ferrites and the surface promotion with CeO 2 results in the marked increase in the catalytic activity (decrease of the ignition temperature down to 210 ° C and T 10 % to 310 ° C). The measurements of the catalysts work function showed that both nanostructuration and surface promotion with ceria of the best KFeO 2 phase led to increase of the electron availability (decrease of the work function). Strong correlation of the catalytic activity in soot combustion of the Ce–K–Fe–O systems with the work function value was revealed for the first time in the model studies, and can be used as a guideline for optimisation of the real catalytic filters

Wound packing trainee construction

Haemorrhage is one of the main causes of death in injuries in both civilian and military conditions. Controlling bleeding is the most important task facing the rescuer when helping a casualty. There are many ways to control bleeding, but these methods are often misused. Most of the methods described have their roots in battlefield medicine developed on the basis of experience from armed conflicts. Currently, there is a clear trend towards adapting tactical medicine solutions for civil rescues because they are effective and simple. Increased awareness among civilian rescuers and regular training will hopefully lead to more effective help for injured people. The authors' work focused on the construction of an effective trainer to mimic a hip wound and a practical examination of how training affects the time to stop bleeding using the wound packing technique

Contemporary treatment options for male hypogonadism

Introduction Male hypogonadism is a disease in which testicular function is impaired. Its symptoms are due to testosterone deficiency and most of them show low specificity. These include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and mood disorders, among others. The biochemical indicator of hypogonadism is a testosterone concentration below 350 ng/ml (12nmol/L), according to the European Association of Urology (EAU). The increased incidence of hypogonadism is associated with aging and the presence of comorbidities such as type II diabetes and obesity. Men with testosterone deficiency have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and premature death. Goals Summary of current reports on the diagnosis and treatment of hypogonadism. An overview of the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of formulations used in testosterone replacement therapy. MethodsReview of literature available in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Conclusions The medical interview, physical examination and ancillary tests help to classify hypogonadism appropriately. Measuring the concentration of gonadotropins, helps diversify primary from secondary hypogonadism. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) uses formulations that have varying release profiles, route of administration and drug formulation. The choice of testosterone product should involve age, lifestyle, and individual preferences of the patient

Strong dispersion effect of cobalt spinel active phase spread over ceria for catalytic N2O decomposition: The role of the interface periphery

A series of Co3O4/CeO2 catalysts with increasing cobalt spinel loading in the range of 1–20 wt.% was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of CeO2. The obtained catalysts were thoroughly examined by XRD, XPS, XRF, RS, TEM/EDX/EELS, TPR and BET techniques. The catalytic tests in deN2O reaction revealed that the 10 wt.% of cobalt spinel in supported system is able to reproduce the activity of bare Co3O4 catalyst. However, it was found that the catalyst with the lowest content of Co3O4 equal to 1 wt.% exhibits the highest apparent reaction rate per mass of the spinel active phase. The observed activity was explained basing on the transmission electron microscopy analysis in terms of the dispersion of spinel phase over ceria support. A simple model that accounts for the observed strong dispersion effect is proposed. It consists in a two-step mechanism, where N2O is dissociated on the spinel nanograins and the resultant oxygen species are preferentially recombined at the Co3O4/CeO2 interface periphery.The authors would like to acknowledge the Polish National Centre for Research and Development funding awarded by the decision number PBS2/A5/38/2013. On the Polish part the research was partially carried out with the equipment purchased thanks to the financial support of the European Regional Development Fund in the framework of the Polish Innovation Economy Operational Program (contract no.POIG.02.01.00-12-023/08)

Uterine fibroids - a literature review

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign neoplastic lesions occurring in women. They are formed as a result of proliferation of smooth muscle tissue cells. Their appearance and proliferation are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. 70% of them remain asymptomatic, so they are often detected only during a routine gynecological examination or pelvic imaging studies. Uterine myomas can generate pelvic and lower abdominal discomfort and pain, abnormal, prolonged, heavy bleeding, anemia, dyspareunia, frequent urination, bloating, constipation, abdominal cramps, low back pain and obstetric complications. Available therapeutic strategies include conservative, pharmacological and surgical treatment. The choice of a particular method is considered on an individual basis and depends on the presence of clinical symptoms, the size, location of the myomas, or the age and procreative plans of the patient

Chronic migraine prevention from the perspective of a family doctor: a literature review

Chronic migraine is a disease that significantly reduces the quality of life of patients. It affects millions of people around the world, and is common particularly among young women. Family physicians often encounter the problem of migraine headaches in their daily practice. The diagnostic problem results from absence of tests or imaging studies that can clearly indicate the cause of the headache. In order to establish a diagnosis and exclude secondary sources of pain, doctors focus on a detailed medical history and analysis of symptoms presented over time. Preventive treatment of migraine requires appropriate drug selection after weighing the benefits and risks for each patient. This review paper presents and briefly discusses selected pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods used in migraine prevention. They were selected by searching the PubMed Internet database. The presented non-pharmacological methods include the use of nutraceutics, acupuncture and behavioral therapy. The discussed pharmacological methods include treatment with beta-blockers, topimarate, flunarizine or one of the latest methods - the use of monoclonal antibodies against CGRP. In addition, the use of botulinum toxin type A in the treatment of chronic migraine has also been demonstrated. It should be remembered that the type of therapy chosen should be individualized: according to the patient's preferences, treatment effectiveness, possible side effects or accompanying diseases. Proper management of chronic migraine prophylaxis can significantly improve the quality of life of patients and reduce the frequency of headache attacks

Mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke – Five years of experience in Poland

Objectives Mechanical thrombectomy (MT) is not reimbursed by the Polish public health system. We present a description of 5 years of experience with MT in acute stroke in Comprehensive Stroke Centers (CSCs) in Poland. Methods and results We retrospectively analyzed the results of a structured questionnaire from 23 out of 25 identified CSCs and 22 data sets that include 61 clinical, radiological and outcome measures. Results Most of the CSCs (74%) were founded at University Hospitals and most (65.2%) work round the clock. In 78.3% of them, the working teams are composed of neurologists and neuro-radiologists. All CSCs perform CT and angio-CT before MT. In total 586 patients were subjected to MT and data from 531 of them were analyzed. Mean time laps from stroke onset to groin puncture was 250±99min. 90.3% of the studied patients had MT within 6h from stroke onset; 59.3% of them were treated with IV rt-PA prior to MT; 15.1% had IA rt-PA during MT and 4.7% – emergent stenting of a large vessel. M1 of MCA was occluded in 47.8% of cases. The Solitaire device was used in 53% of cases. Successful recanalization (TICI2b–TICI3) was achieved in 64.6% of cases and 53.4% of patients did not experience hemorrhagic transformation. Clinical improvement on discharge was noticed in 53.7% of cases, futile recanalization – in 30.7%, mRS of 0–2 – in 31.4% and mRS of 6 in 22% of cases. Conclusion Our results can help harmonize standards for MT in Poland according to international guidelines