“
“The 0.5Bi(0.8)La(0.2)FeO(3)-0.5PbTiO(3) (BLF-PT) solid solution nanoparticles of different particle sizes are prepared

using sol-gel method and characterized in terms of the size-dependent crystal structure, Raman scattering, dielectric susceptibility, and magnetism. Upon decreasing particle size, the crystal structure evolves from tetragonal symmetry to rhombohedral one, and a substantial enhancement of magnetization is observed. These size-dependent effects are reasonably explained by a simple thermodynamic scenario and first-principles calculation based on the BLF-PT multilayer model. (C) 2010 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3525120]“
“In 1996, a combined vaccine against both hepatitis A and B was licensed and commercialized and has been recommended for healthcare personnel in Belgium. selleck inhibitor This study compares the immunogenicity against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and safety of two vaccination schedules (0-1-12 months and 0-1-6 months) with this vaccine. This is a randomized, stratified and controlled study in healthy adult workers, who are not occupationally exposed to HBV. Seroconversion (>= find protocol 1 IU/L) and seroprotection (>= 10 IU/L) rates

were compared using Fisher’s exact test; geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of anti-HBs were compared Dorsomorphin using one-way ANOVA. All statistical analyses were carried out

with SPSS 11 on Apple Macintosh. A total of 399 subjects were enrolled in the study, and 356 were analysed according to the protocol. The rate of >= 10 IU/L at 6 months was 70.6% in the group 0-1-12 and 79.9% in the group 0-1-6; this rate decreased to 55.9% at 12 months in the first group. Seroconversion and seroprotective rates against HBV measured at month 13 in group 0-1-12 (98.9% and 95.6%) and measured at month 7 in group 0-1-6 (99.4% and 97.1%) were not statistically significantly different. GMC of anti-HBs after the 0-1-12 schedule was more than two fold higher than after 0-1-6 schedule (P < 0.001). Reported side effects were comparable in both groups with a slight tendency to fewer side effects in the 0-1-12 group after the third dose. The results from our study show that the completed schedule 0-1-12 offers at least equal protective immunogenicity against HBV as the completed 0-1-6 schedule. People not receiving their third dose at 6 months can be given this dose up to 12 months after the first dose. The drawback of this flexibility, however, is the longer time period before the protection becomes effective.”
“Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.