Polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS) was applied to investigate the interaction of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and fibrinogen with a biomedical-grade 316LVM stainless steel surface, in terms of the adsorption thermodynamics and adsorption-induced secondary structure changes of the proteins. Highly negative apparent Gibbs energy of adsorption values revealed a spontaneous adsorption of both proteins onto the surface, accompanied by significant changes in their secondary structure. It was determined that, at saturated surface coverages, lateral interactions between the adsorbed BSA molecules induced rather extensive secondary structure changes. Fibrinogen's two coiled coils appeared to undergo negligible secondary structure changes upon adsorption of the protein, while large structural rearrangements of the protein's globular domains occurred upon adsorption. The secondary structure of adsorbed fibrinogen was not influenced by lateral interactions between the adsorbed fibrinogen molecules. PM-IRRAS was deemed to be viable for investigating protein adsorption and for obtaining information on adsorption-induced changes in their secondary structures.

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare systemic autoimmune disease characterized by episodic, progressive inflammatory destruction of cartilage. It can occur as an overlap syndrome in patients with other rheumatologic conditions. The disease usually follows an indolent relapsing-remitting course, but occasionally it can progress rapidly and even cause death. Although auricular or nasal chondritis or peripheral arthritis without other significant organ involvement are usually treated with low-dose corticosteroids, other more severe disease manifestations may require treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive agents. Biological targeted therapies might prove to be effective treatments of this condition.

Production of high value products from glycerol via anaerobic fermentation is of utmost importance for the biodiesel industry. The microorganism Escherichia coli (E. coli) K12 was used for fermentation of glycerol. The effects of glycerol concentration and headspace conditions on the cell growth, ethanol and hydrogen production were investigated. A full factorial experimental design with 3 replicates was conducted in order to test these factors. Under the three headspace conditions tested, the increase of glycerol concentration accelerated glycerol fermentation. The yields of hydrogen and ethanol were the lowest when glycerol concentration of 10 g/L was used. The maximum production of hydrogen was observed with an initial glycerol concentration of 25 g/L at a final concentration of hydrogen was 32.15 mmol/L. This study demonstrated that hydrogen production negatively affects cell growth. Maximum ethanol yield was obtained with a glycerol concentration of 10 g/L and was up to 0.40 g/g glycerol under membrane condition headspace. Statistical optimization showed that optimal conditions for hydrogen production are 20 g/L initial glycerol with initial sparging of the reactor headspace. The optimal conditions for ethanol production are 10 g/L initial glycerol with membrane.

Background: Stroke is a highly prevalent condition and leading cause of chronic disability in adults. Some of the important complications of stroke include complications of immobility such as pressure sores, falls and gait problems resulting from balance and coordination issues that limits person's ability to perform activities of daily living. Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of visual feedback and visual feedback combined with verbal augmented feedback for improving balance in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in which a sample of 30 chronic stroke patients was randomly allocated into 2 groups, control and treatment group. Group A received Visual Feedback and Group B received Visual and Verbal Feedback both. Berg Balance Scale was used to assess patients balance abilities of patients both pre and post intervention. Both groups received their respective interventions 3 times a week on alternate days for 8 weeks. Results: The data was analyzed using SPSS Version 22. Results of Paired sample T Test showed improvement in both groups over the period of 8 weeks (p <0.05). Independent sample T Test demonstrated significant improvement in Berg Balance Scale scores at 8th week follow up (p <0.05).. Significant improvement was shown in the patients who received visual feedback combined with verbal feedback. Conclusion: Visual feedback combined with verbal augmented feedback was found more effective for improving balance in stroke patients. Keywords: Stroke, Stroke Rehabilitation, Mirror Movement Therapy, Visual Feedback, Audio Feedback, Postural Balance