Paraschiva Postolache

Research Regarding a Correlation Core–Shell Morphology–Thermal Stability of Silica–Silver Nanoparticles

Silica nanoparticles repeatedly inhaled lead to acute and chronic lung inflammation and finally to pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer, people with chronic respiratory diseases like asthma or allergic rhinitis being even more susceptible to their toxic effects. In order to reduce these above-mentioned toxic effects, the aim of this study was to engineer the environmental silica nanoparticles with silver and subsequent thermal treatment. Nanometer-sized and spherical silica particles were synthesized in a homogeneous state, using a simple one-pot chemical method. An applicable approach resulted in silver particles forming over the surface of the silica. The outcome was materialized in extremely small silver particles attached to silica core particles. Playing their well-known decisive role, precursors and catalysts effectively controlled the size of silver and silica particles. The synchronized structure of the synthesized particles was revealed by the electrostatic repulsion among the silica spheres and the electrostatic attraction between silica spheres and silver particles. The morphological images are revealed by means of a scanning electron microscope. The formation of silver–silica composite particles was confirmed by using infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. Following thermal analysis, the results concerning the thermal stability of the prepared particles provided higher temperature applications.

Clinical consideration and lung function in different groups of COPD patients (smokers, ex-smokers, nonsmokers)

Background: Smoking is the well-known main risk factor for COPD but inhaled pollutant may be significant contributors to COPD severity. Aims and methods: We studied two groups of COPD patients: the first (70 patients - 35 active smokers, 35 ex-smokers) and the second: 68 nonsmokers. We analyzed correlation between smoking (alone or combined with occupational exposure) and clinical/functional parameters in COPD patients. Results: COPD patient’s age was lower in active smokers and ex-smokers. The male/female ratio was 4:1. Occupational exposure met high levels in all the 2 groups: 60.2% in non-smokers, 50% in smokers/ex-smokers. Current and former smokers had more cardiovascular disorders (hypertension, ischemia, and arrhythmias - 54.2%), depression (27.1%) and tuberculosis (24.2%) than nonsmokers (32.3%, 14.7% respectively 16.1%). Lung cancer was significant frequent in all patients but extremely high (22.8%) in smokers/ex-smokers with professional exposure versus unexposed nonsmokers (7.4%). FEV1 (48.6%) and Tiffeneau index average values (65%) were higher in nonsmokers comparing with ex-smokers (44.7%; 61.3%) and smokers (45.7%; 50.5%). Despite of the severity of the disease active smokers had a poorer compliance to treatment compared with former smokers and nonsmokers (4 months/year versus 8 and 9 months/year with a correct treatment). Conclusions: In both COPD groups occupational exposure had an important contribution to the disease development. Comorbidities were common in all COPD patients but much frequent in smokers and ex-smokers group. On the other hand smoking quitting improved twofold the treatment adherence in COPD patients.

Waste-water management by a comparative research of photocatalytic performance belonging to coupled ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposites against degradation of textile dyes

Coupled ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposites were successfully prepared with different molar ratios (1/1-1/10) using a homogeneous co-precipitation method. The structural properties of the obtained oxides were evaluated using different techniques: N2 sorption, Infrared spectroscopy, UVDR spectroscopy for solid compounds and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of the samples was tested for the bleaching of eosin Y. The photocatalytic process occurs under the illumination of an UV lamp, emitting light at 254 nm. The influence of the wavelength and the ZnO:SnO2 molar ratio over the photocatalytic efficiency was studied.

Nicotinic withdrawal rate assessment by applying minimal advice and measurement of CO in the exhaled air in smoking patients with tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a global killer, claiming the lives of more than two million people annually and sickening millions more. Smoking increases the risks of becoming infected with tuberculosis, of developing the active form of disease and of dying from it. Therefore controlling the tobacco epidemic we will help control the TB epidemic. Clinicians should be more alert about reducing the TB risk among smokers by applying a simple medical intervention: minimal advice, short-term 3-5 min for quit smoking. A number of markers are available to assess the degree of compliance to a smoking cessation program. In this study we refer to: expired carbon monoxide (CO), Fagerstrom test, identification and analysis of the main barriers, nicotinic withdrawal rate. That TB risk could be reduced by nearly two-third if one quits smoking is a compelling evidence in highlighting the important role of smoking in TB control.

Pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation - The experience of a smoking cessation center

Smoking is a major public health problem with medical, social, and financial implications. We conducted a retrospective analysis of data resulting from enrollment and completion of a smoking cessation program of a number of 399 subjects of both gender, who presented consecutively in 2009 to the Smoking Cessation Counseling Medical Office of the Iasi Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital. The treatment for smoking cessation was represented either by bupropion or varenicline, administered by the usual scheme. Smoking severity was quantified by pack - years, determining the carbon monoxide in the exhaled air, both at baseline and at the end of the treatment period, and by Fagerström test for nicotine dependence. In female patients, the severity of smoking was significantly lower (P = 0.000) but their male counterparts responded better to treatment. Also, varenicline seemed to have a stronger therapeutic effect then bupropion while their adverse effects were similar.

Characteristics of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in patients with acromegaly

Patients with acromegaly are reported to have a 1.6 to 3.3 fold increase in the mortality rate and a 10-year reduction in their lifespan. Sleep apnea is considered the most common respiratory complication in acromegaly. The aim of our study was to evaluate the severity of sleep apnea, and its particularities, in patients with acromegaly in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. We investigated 35 patients with acromegaly, referred to our Hospital for nocturnal sleep study investigations. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome has a higher frequency in acromegalic patients. Sleep apnea symptoms were more frequent in women; severity was correlated with age, Epworth Scale, heart rate and with mean nocturnal oxigen saturation, diabetes mellitus. Comorbidities are common both in sleep apnea syndome and in acromegaly, contributing to a higher mortality rate. Therefore, sleep studies are mandatory for all patients with acromegaly and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Bodyplethysmography and helium dilution method in patients with COPD: correlation between functional and respiratory clinical parameters

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) currently occupies sixth place in the list of morbidity causes in the world adult population and is catching third in 2020; smoking is the most important cause. COPD mortality reaches 200-300%ooo for the age group 45-64 years, 6% of deaths in men and 4% of deaths in women. Mortality from the disease is increasing at 3rd place in 2020, the disease having higher mortality statistics as expected. Positive diagnosis of COPD is given by objectifying functional bronchial obstruction by performing spirometry in a patient who is smoker or exposed to pollutants. Investigation of the respiratory function in patients with COPD is essential. Spirometry is considered to be the most reproducible, inexpensive, and the routine test for measuring airflow limitation.