Evaluation of the Radiation Shielding Properties of a Tellurite Glass System Modified with Sodium Oxide

In this study, the X-ray and gamma attenuation characteristics and optical properties of a synthesized tellurite–phosphate–sodium oxide glass system with a composition of (85 − x)TeO₂–10P₂O₅–xNa₂O mol% (where x = 15, 20, and 25) were evaluated. The glass systems we re fabricated by our research group using quenching melt fabrication. The shielding parameters of as-synthesized systems, such as the mass attenuation coefficient (MAC), linear attenuation coefficient (LAC), effective atomic number (Z_eff), half-value layer (HVL), tenth value layer (TVL), mean free path (MFP), and effective electron density (N_eff) in a wide energy range between 15 keV and 15 MeV, were estimated using well-known PHY-X/PSD software and recently developed MIKE software. Herein, the optical parameters of prepared glasses, such as molar volume (V_M), oxygen molar volume (V_O), oxygen packing density (OPD), molar polarizability (αm), molar refractivity (R_m), reflection loss (R_L), and metallization (M), were estimated using MIKE software. Furthermore, the shielding performance of the prepared glasses was compared with that of commonly used standard glass shielding materials. The results show that the incorporation of sodium oxide into the matrix TeO₂/P₂O₅ with an optimum concentration can yield a glass system with good shielding performance as well as good optical and physical properties, especially at low photon energy.     

Biological Activities of 2-Mercaptobenzothiazole Derivatives: A Review

2-Mercaptobenzothiazoles are an important class of bioactive and industrially important organic compounds. These compounds are reported for their antimicrobial and antifungal activities, and are subsequently highlighted as a potent mechanism-based inhibitor of several enzymes like acyl coenzyme A cholesterol acyltransferase, monoamine oxidase, heat shock protein 90, cathepsin D, and c-Jun N-terminal kinases. These derivatives are also known to possess antitubercular, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, amoebic, antiparkinsonian, anthelmintic, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antiulcer, chemoprotective, and selective CCR3 receptor antagonist activity. This present review article focuses on the pharmacological profile of 2-mercaptobenzothiazoles with their potential activities.     

Initial experience with a self-expanding retrievable stent for recanalization of large vessel occlusions in acute ischemic stroke

Introduction  

Quicker recanalization results in better clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic strokes. We describe our experience with the use of a self-expanding, fully retrievable stent in acute intracranial occlusions.     

Robotic uretero-ureterostomy of the retrocaval ureter without excision of the retrocaval segment

Robotic reconstruction of the retrocaval ureter is gaining momentum as the method of choice for surgically treating this rare condition. Maintaining the retrocaval ureteric segment further facilitates the procedure. We report a case of a 23-year-old man who underwent intraperitoneal robotic resection anastomosis and repositioning of the retrocaval ureter. We also discuss the advantages of this technique.     

Influence of Humans on Evolution and Mobilization of Environmental Antibiotic Resistome

The clinical failure of antimicrobial drugs that were previously effective in controlling infectious disease is a tragedy of increasing magnitude that gravely affects human health. This resistance by pathogens is often the endpoint of an evolutionary process that began billions of years ago in non–disease-causing microorganisms. This environmental resistome, its mobilization, and the conditions that facilitate its entry into human pathogens are at the heart of the current public health crisis in antibiotic resistance. Understanding the origins, evolution, and mechanisms of transfer of resistance elements is vital to our ability to adequately address this public health issue.     

Modifiable Factors to Decrease the Cost of Robotic-Assisted Procedures

In 2000, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the da Vinci Surgical System® for use in the United States. Since that time, the number of surgical robotic systems throughout the United States has continued to grow. The costs for using the system include the initial purchase ($1 million to $2.3 million) plus annual maintenance fees ($100,000 to $150,000) and the cost of limited-use or disposable instruments. Increasing the number of procedures that are performed using the robotic system can decrease the per-procedure costs. Two modifiable factors that contribute to increasing the annual caseload are increasing the number of surgeons capable of using the system and having a properly educated perioperative nursing team. An educated surgical team decreases turnover time, facilitates proper flow of each surgical procedure, and is able to actively and passively solve intraoperative problems.