Biotrapping Ureolytic Bacteria on Sand to Improve the Efficiency of Biocementation.

Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has emerged as a novel technology with the potential to produce building materials through lower-temperature processes. The formation of calcium carbonate bridges in MICP allows the biocementation of aggregate particles to produce biobricks. Current approaches require several pulses of microbes and mineralization media to increase the quantity of calcium carbonate minerals and improve the strength of the material, thus leading to a reduction in sustainability.

Anode amendment with kaolin and activated carbon increases electricity generation in a microbial fuel cell.

The bacterial anode is a key factor for microbial fuel cell (MFC) performance. This study examined the potential of kaolin (fine clay) to enhance bacteria and conductive particle attachment to the anode. The bio-electroactivity of MFCs based on a carbon-cloth anode modified by immobilization with kaolin, activated carbon, and Geobacter sulfurreducens (kaolin-AC), with only kaolin (kaolin), and a bare carbon-cloth (control) anodes were examined.

Phase transitions and lattice dynamics in perovskite-type hydride [Formula: see text].

First principles calculations have been used to investigate the structural phase transitions and lattice dynamics in the alloy [Formula: see text]. The density functional perturbation theory and the virtual crystal approximation are employed, within the generalized gradient approximation. Our total energy and formation enthalpy results show that [Formula: see text] undergoes a phase transition from the orthorhombic Pnma phase to the polar R3c one at a lithium concentration of x  =  0.

First principles investigations of the structural, elastic, vibrational, and thermodynamic properties of TiMgO oxide spinels: cubic and tetragonal phases.

In the present study ab initio methology under density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation is used to study the structural, elastic, and vibrational properties of TiMgO with cubic and tetragonal phases with space groups (Fd[Formula: see text]m) and P4_122, respectively. The present study shows that the studied compound TiMgO is mechanically stable in both phases. Both phases have ductile nature and strong anisotropic properties, and it is also observed that the tetragonal phase has more anisotropic properties compared to the cubic phase.

Oral flurbiprofen spray for postoperative sore throat and hoarseness: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Background: Sore throat and hoarseness are common complications after surgery. Flurbiprofen spray has been successfully used for treatment of oral inflammations, but its effects on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness are unknown. We conducted this study to evaluate the effectiveness of flurbiprofen spray on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness, by comparing it with benzydamine hydrochloride spray and placebo.

Can Sevoflurane Induce Micronuclei Formation in Nasal Epithelial Cells of Adult Patients?

Objective: Volatile anaesthetics can inhibit the bronchociliary clearence in a dose- and time-dependend way. Moreover, they can have potential mutagenic/carcinogenic effects under chronic exposure. A genotoxicity test -micronuclei assay- was carried out in nasal epithelial cells to analyze the genotoxic effect of sevoflurane in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.

Effect of tethering on the surface dynamics of a thin polymer melt layer.

The surface height fluctuations of a layer of low molecular weight (2.2k) untethered perdeuterated polystyrene (dPS) chains adjacent to a densely grafted polystyrene brush are slowed dramatically. Due to the interpenetration of the brush with the layer of "untethered chains" a hydrodynamic continuum theory can only describe the fluctuations when the effective thickness of the film is taken to be that which remains above the swollen brush.

Evaluation of a Multimodal Approach to Postoperative Pain in Patients Undergoing Flank Incision in the Urology Operating Room.

Objective: In this study, we evaluated subcutaneous (sc) morphine in combination with multimodal analgesia for postoperative pain control after radical nephrectomy and pyeloplasty with flank incision.

Methods: Forty-nine patients under The American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification (ASA) I-III aged 18-85 years undergoing radical nephrectomy and pyeloplasty with flank incision were included in this prospective, randomised study. The patients were divided into two groups (Group O [n=25] and Group M [n=24]) and received standard general anaesthesia.

Anesthetic technique in a patient with multiple sclerosis scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy for a renal tumor: a case report.

Perioperative stress and anesthesia are risk factors for exacerbation of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) attacks. Infection, emotional labiality and hyperpyrexia are also known to increase the risk of postoperative MS attacks. Appropriate preoperative evaluation, administration of a good premedication, control of fever, selection of the anesthetic agents and effective postoperative pain control can prevent problems after prolonged major surgery in patients with MS diagnosed.

The Effect of EMLA Cream on Patient-Controlled Analgesia with Remifentanil in ESWL Procedure: A Placebo-Controlled Randomized Study.

Background: To alleviate stinging pain in the skin entry area and visceral discomfort in patients who are undergoing ESWL.

Objectives: This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of the EMLA cream in combination with remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) in patients undergoing ESWL treatment.

Patients And Methods: Sixty patients were divided into two double-blind randomized groups.

Intrathecal morphine reduces postoperative tramadol consumption in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy: a randomized trial.

Background: Intrathecal (IT) morphine provides prolonged analgesia after major surgery.

Aim: The aim of our study was to assess the impact of intrathecal morphine 200 µg on patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) tramadol consumptions and postoperative pain in patients who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) under general anesthesia.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective trial, 56 men who underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) were randomized into 2 groups.

Effects of preoperative gabapentin on postoperative pain after radical retropubic prostatectomy.

Objective: The impact of preoperative gabapentin on tramadol consumption using patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) and postoperative pain was assessed in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP).

Methods: In this prospective, randomized trial, 51 patients undergoing RRP were randomized into two groups: the gabapentin group received 900 mg gabapentin orally 2 h before surgery; the control group did not receive gabapentin. Postoperative analgesia was provided by tramadol PCA.

A near-infrared mechano responsive polymer system.

A new type of crosslinked polyarylamide based film with a fibrillar morphology that is photomechanically responsive has been created. Without any additive or need of pre-alignment, these films can actuate under NIR stimulation. By constructing the photoresponsive film on top of a piezoelectric poly(vinylidene difluoride) film, electrical energy can be generated under NIR excitation.

Superficial venous thrombophlebitis caused by rocuronium.

Pain is one of the major disadvantages of rocuronium, which is used during induction of anesthesia. Even at subparalyzing doses, 50-100% of patients complain of intense pain. Sudden flexion and withdrawal movement in the wrist or arm have been reported following rocuronium use in many papers.

Intra-uterine bupivacaine and levobupivacaine.

Aim: The study aimed to compare the effect of intrauterine bupivacaine and levobupivacaine with placebo in reducing the post-procedure discomfort owing to pain caused by suction endometrial sampling.

Methods: This study was conducted on randomly selected 45 women with abnormal uterine bleeding and who had undergone outpatient hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy under sedation with propofol 0.5 mg/kg.

Randomised, cross-over comparison of sevoflurane and ketamine-midazolam anaesthesia in children undergoing extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the haemodynamic responses, adverse events and recovery characteristics associated with sevoflurane and ketamine-midazolam anaesthesia for paediatric extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy.

Methods: Twenty children aged 2-11 years, who were undergoing two consecutive lithotripsy sessions at an interval of 4 weeks were enrolled and randomised to receive either inhalation or dissociative anaesthesia at their first session. The alternative anaesthesia protocol was used at their second session.

Plasma exchange therapy in HELLP syndrome: a single-center experience.

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of plasma exchange therapy in patients with various forms of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets (HELLP) syndrome.

Methods: During a three-year period, 13 patients with HELLP syndrome were treated with one or two sessions of plasma exchange after delivery. Diagnosis of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets syndrome was made according to Sibai's criteria, and the severity of illness was categorized according to platelet counts.

General anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia for outpatient urological surgery.

Background And Objective: A variety of drugs and techniques have been introduced into ambulatory anaesthesia. The technique as well as the drugs used may hasten or delay home discharge. We compared recovery profiles and side-effects of spinal anaesthesia and total intravenous anaesthesia.

Propofol - not thiopental or etomidate - with remifentanil provides adequate intubating conditions in the absence of neuromuscular blockade.

Purpose: Administration of remifentanil followed by propofol provides adequate conditions for tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants. Other hypnotic drugs have not been thoroughly investigated in this regard. Intubating conditions with remifentanil followed by propofol, thiopentone or etomidate are compared in this study.

Tracheal intubation without muscle relaxants: remifentanil or alfentanil in combination with propofol.

Background And Objective: In some situations, the use of muscle relaxants (neuromuscular blocking drugs) are undesirable or contraindicated. We compared intubating conditions without muscle relaxants in premedicated patients receiving either alfentanil 40 microg kg(-1) or remifentanil 2, 3 or 4 microg kg(-1) followed by propofol 2 mg kg(-1).

Methods: In a randomized, double-blind study, 80 healthy patients were assigned to one of four groups (n = 20).

Remifentanil versus alfentanil in total intravenous anaesthesia for day case surgery.

Background And Objective: We assessed the intraoperative haemodynamic responses and recovery profiles of total intravenous anaesthesia with remifentanil and alfentanil for outpatient surgery.

Methods: Patients in Group 1 (n = 20) received alfentanil 20 microg kg(-1) followed by 2 microg kg(-1) min(-1) intravenously; patients in Group 2 (n = 20) received remifentanil 1 microg kg(-1) followed by 0.5 microg kg(-1) min(-1) intravenously.

Resistance to vecuronium in burned children.

We compared the time-course of action of vecuronium in 16 burned children undergoing excision and autograft surgery with that of ten unburned children. Standardized anaesthesia was induced with thiopentone 4-6 mg kg-1 and fentanyl 1 microgram.kg-1 and maintained with endtidal 1-1.