Preparation, structural characterisation and antibacterial properties of Ga-doped sol-gel phosphate-based glass

A sol-gel preparation of Ga-doped phosphate-based glass with potential application in antimicrobial devices has been developed. Samples of composition (CaO)(0.30)(Na2O)(0.20-x) (Ga2O3) (x) (P2O5)(0.50) where x = 0 and 0.03 were prepared, and the structure and properties of the gallium-doped sample compared with those of the sample containing no gallium. Analysis of the P-31 MAS NMR data demonstrated that addition of gallium to the sol-gel reaction increases the connectivity of the phosphate network at the expense of hydroxyl groups. This premise is supported by the results of the elemental analysis, which showed that the gallium-free sample contains significantly more hydrogen and by FTIR spectroscopy, which revealed a higher concentration of -OH groups in that sample. Ga K-edge extended X-ray absorption fine structure and X-ray absorption near-edge structure data revealed that the gallium ions are coordinated by six oxygen atoms. In agreement with the X-ray absorption data, the high-energy XRD results also suggest that the Ga3+ ions are octahedrally coordinated with respect to oxygen. Antimicrobial studies demonstrated that the sample containing Ga3+ ions had significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus compared to the control

2012 update of French guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis

OBJECTIVES: To update the evidence-based position statement published by the French National Authority for Health (HAS) in 2006 regarding the pharmacological treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis, under the auspices of the French Society for Rheumatology and Groupe de Recherche et d\u27Information sur les Ostéoporoses (GRIO), and with the participation of several learned societies (Collège National des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens Français, Groupe d\u27Étude de la Ménopause et du Vieillissement hormonal, Société Française de Chirurgie Orthopédique, Société Française d\u27Endocrinologie, and Société Française de Gériatrie et de Gérontologie). METHODS: A multidisciplinary panel representing the spectrum of clinical specialties involved in managing patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis developed updated recommendations based on a systematic literature review conducted according to the method advocated by the HAS. RESULTS: The updated recommendations underline the need for osteoporosis pharmacotherapy in women with a history of severe osteoporotic fracture. In these patients, any osteoporosis medication can be used; however, zoledronic acid is the preferred first-line medication after a hip fracture. In patients with non-severe fractures or no fractures, the appropriateness of osteoporosis pharmacotherapy depends on the bone mineral density and FRAX(®) values; any osteoporosis medication can be used, but raloxifene and ibandronate should be reserved for patients at low risk for peripheral fractures. Initially, osteoporosis pharmacotherapy should be prescribed for 5 years. The results of the evaluation done at the end of the 5-year period determine whether further treatment is in order. CONCLUSIONS: These updated recommendations are intended to provide clinicians with clarifications about the pharmacological treatment of osteoporosis

Physical-Chemical Variables in Processing Na₂O - B₂O₃ - SiO₂ Gel Monoliths

ABSTRACTThe addition of a dryinq control chemical additive (DCCA) to the solvent allows short drying times for monolithic gel samples. The variables involved in the use of a DCCA in preparing gels from the Na2O-SiO2 -B2O3 system are described. Due to its higher reactivity, a DCCA influences the chemical behavior of the material at each step of the processing. The effects of formamide as a DCCA on the qelation process, surface charge, and surface area are presented. The variations of the physical properties of the gel, due to the addition of the DCCA, are related to the reactions of the formamide with the sol. Although the DCCA helps in producing monolithic dried gels, the problem of densification is not solved as yet.</jats:p

The Role of Chemical Additives in Sol-Gel Processing

ABSTRACTThe effect of various concentrations of formamide with and without acid catalysis on TMOS derived silica sol and gel structures and physical properties is described using a quantitative structural model. The model is based upon 29Si NMR, SAXS, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy, and an acid solubility test. Changes in chemical reactions during drying due to formamide are presented using FTIR, DSC and TGA data.</jats:p