Near Infrared Investigation of Polypropylene–Clay Nanocomposites for Further Quality Control Purposes—Opportunities and Limitations

Polymer nanocomposites are usually characterized using various methods, such as small angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) or transmission electron microscopy, to gain insights into the morphology of the material. The disadvantages of these common characterization methods are that they are expensive and time consuming in terms of sample preparation and testing. In this work, near infrared spectroscopy (NIR) spectroscopy is used to characterize nanocomposites produced using a unique twin-screw mini-mixer, which is able to replicate, at ~25 g scale, the same mixing quality as in larger scale twin screw extruders. We correlated the results of X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, G′ and G″ from rotational rheology, Young’s modulus, and tensile strength with those of NIR spectroscopy. Our work has demonstrated that NIR-technology is suitable for quantitative characterization of such properties. Furthermore, the results are very promising regarding the fact that the NIR probe can be installed in a nanocomposite-processing twin screw extruder to measure inline and in real time, and could be used to help optimize the compounding process for increased quality, consistency, and enhanced product properties.     

Safety and efficacy of extended-release bupivacaine local anaesthetic in open hernia repair: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Pain relief remains a major problem in hernia surgery. SABER‐Bupivacaine is an investigational extended‐release formulation of bupivacaine in a resorbable matrix, which may provide up to 72 h of local pain relief. Methods: A double‐blinded, randomized controlled trial was undertaken to evaluate the safety and efficacy of SABER‐Bupivacaine. Consented patients (n= 124) undergoing open inguinal hernia repair at five sites in Australia and New Zealand were randomized to receive either 2.5 (330 mg) or 5.0 mL (660 mg) of SABER‐Bupivacaine or SABER‐Placebo administered to the surgical wound at the end of the procedure. Analgesic efficacy and safety was evaluated. Results: SABER‐Bupivacaine appeared safe with no difference in the incidence of side effects compared with SABER‐Placebo. The 5.0 mL dose of SABER‐Bupivacaine reduced the mean area under the curve of pain intensity on movement compared with SABER‐Placebo (2.47 versus 3.60; P= 0.0033) and decreased the number of patients requiring supplemental opioids by 26% (although not statistically significant; P= 0.0909). Normal wound healing was reported throughout the trial and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up in every treatment group. Conclusion: After open inguinal hernia repair, SABER‐Bupivacaine administered at the surgical site was safe and provided pain relief, reduced the need for supplemental (oral and parenteral) analgesia and did not impair wound healing.     

Prevalence and trend of self-reported asthma and other allergic disease symptoms in Morocco: ISAAC phase I and III.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of asthma and other allergic diseases is increasing in many parts of the world. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and skin allergy symptoms in Morocco as part of the International Study of Asthma and Allergic Diseases in Children (ISAAC). METHODS: The survey was conducted using the standardised method of ISAAC Phase III in four centres in Morocco-Casablanca, Marrakech, Ben Slimane and Boulmane-with respectively 1777, 1689, 1008 and 1254 13-14-year-old schoolchildren participating. A comparison of the results with ISAAC Phase I was carried out in two centres. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported symptoms of wheeze in the last 12 months (6.4-16.2%), nasal symptoms (27.9-52.8%), rhinoconjonctivitis (8.8-28%) and eczema (13.3-20.2%) varied between centres, and were highest in Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco. Significant increases in almost all symptoms were found in the two centres of Casablanca and Marrakech between ISAAC Phase I and Phase III. CONCLUSION: Morocco could be classified as a country with an intermediate burden of asthma (between 10% and 15%) and other allergic disorders. The prevalence of these symptoms has increased in the past 5 years.     

Primary hepatic vipoma

Vipoma is a rare neuroendocrine tumor most frequently localized in the pancreas. When it is extrapancreatic, it is most often neurogenic. We report a case of primary extrapancreatic vipoma that is non neurogenic localized in the right liver in a patient with severe diarrhea and hypokaliema. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, intraoperative tomography and surgical exploration did not show any other extrahepatic primary lesion. The diagnosis was performed by immunochemistry, tumorous cells were positives with anti-VIP antibody. Forty two months after right hepatectomy, the patient was asymptomatic.     

Non-revascularisation of acute coronary syndrome with ST elevation

National therapeutic strategies in acute coronary syndromes (ACS) required revaluation, especially with regards to reperfusion. RICO is an observatory of ACS in the C?te d'Or district. Between January 1st 2001 and April 31st 2003, the cases of 706 patients with ACS and persistent ST elevation or appearances of left bundle branch block eligible for revascularisation (admitted < 12 hours after onset of symptoms and no contra-indications to thrombolysis), were reviewed. The number of revascularised patients was 488 (69%) and 218 (31%) were not revascularised. Thrombolysis was the most commonly used method of revascularisation (66%) in this district: 34% underwent primary angioplasty. Multivariate analysis showed only three independent predictive factors of non-reperfusion during the acute phase. They were: age (> or = 75 years) (p < 0.001), left bundle branch block (p = 0.002) and hospital admission > or = 6 hours after onset of symptoms (p < 0.001). These results confirm the utility of developing networks to improve the efficacy of management and reduce the delay before hospital admission. They also identify specific population groups, the elderly for example, who require specific therapeutic strategies for coronary revascularisation in ACS.     

Multinodular goiter and parotid carcinoma : a new case of Cowden's disease

Cowden's Disease is an autosomal dominant genodermatosis associated with abnormalities of the breast, thyroid gland, gastrointestinal tract. We describe a 23-year-old girl who was diagnosed with this disease when she consulted for evaluation of a multinodular goiter. Further investigations revealed breast lesions, gastric polyposis and parotid cancer. Recognizing Cowden's disease is important for prompt screening for malignancies. Skin lesions are markers of precancerous development.     

RIB FRACTURES IN MAJOR TRAUMA

Background: To determine the mortality, hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay of rib fractures in patients admitted to Victorian hospitals for more than 1 day. Methods: All patients fitting the entry criteria for the Victorian Major Trauma Study with fractured ribs were identified between 1 March 1992 and 28 February 1993. Aetiology, age, sex, associated injury and outcome were analysed. Results: Patients with rib fractures had a higher mortality and length of hospital stay, but this was not significantly different from other trauma. A significantly higher percentage of patients required ICU care for rib fractures (44%) compared with the total group with blunt injury (24%). The majority of rib fractures resulted from motor vehicle accidents 361/541 (67%). Injuries occurring on the street/highway resulting in rib fractures were more likely to be major; 62% had Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15. Fractured ribs occurred more commonly with increased age. Mortality for patients with fractured ribs versus total trauma group was higher in elderly patients. Univariate analysis showed rib fractures were a positive predictor of death but when adjusted for ISS and age, rib fractures became a negative predictor. Rib fractures were not predictors for length of ICU or hospital stay. Conclusion: The sample of rib fractures collected in this study underestimates the overall incidence. For those patients admitted to hospital with identified rib fractures, there is a trend towards higher mortality and morbidity. However, this association is better predicted by ISS and age.