A three-dimensional mechano-electrochemical material model of mechanosensing hydrogels

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader A three-dimensional mechano-electrochemical material model of mechanosensing hydrogels Via ScienceDirect Publication: Materials & Design Publication date: 15 January 2021 Source: Materials & Design, Volume 198 Author(s): Eanna Fennell, Jacques M. Huyghe View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus i

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader The Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Northeast China Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Purpose. To evaluate the prevalence and causes of visual impairment in a group of community people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Northeast China. Methods. Population-based cross-sectional survey. Patients diagnosed with T2DM residing in 15 communities in Fushun, Northeast China, were enrolled between July 2012 and May 2013. All participants underwent an extensive and standardized eye examination (visual acuity testing, slit-lamp, and fundus examination). Low vision was defined as presenting VA of better-seeing eye View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Effect of Pomegranate Juice on the Manufacturing Process and Characterization of Feta-Type Cheese during Storage

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Effect of Pomegranate Juice on the Manufacturing Process and Characterization of Feta-Type Cheese during Storage Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation The present research aimed to produce Fruit Feta-type cheese and investigate the effects of pomegranate juice on the manufacturing process and characterization of Feta-type cheese during storage. In order to produce Feta-type cheese with pomegranate juice, part of the milk was replaced with pomegranate juice. Therefore, it was necessary to produce Feta-type cheese with whey-less method, which is a good substitute for ultrafiltrated cheese. Initially, whey-less Feta-type cheese was produced. The formula was optimized based on the physicochemical characteristics of the marketed ultrafiltrated Feta cheeses. At the optimal point, the amount of cream, MPC, WPC, and fresh milk were 45.6, 11.7, 2.7, and 40%, respectively. Whey-less Feta-type cheese with these ratios was produced and the effects of different levels o f pomegranate juice (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20%) on its physicochemical, textural, microbial, and sensorial properties during 60 days of storage were studied. The results showed that pomegranate juice increased acidity, total phenol, anthocyanin, DPPH inhibition, and avalue, and reduced the pH, peroxide value, thiobarbituric acid (TBA), proteolysis, lipolysis, and L and b values. Adding pomegranate juice to cheese reduced all of the textural indices except the adhesiveness. Sensory evaluation of the samples showed that the sample containing 20% of pomegranate juice had a higher score and was selected as the best sample. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Genetic Testing Distinguishes Multiple Chondroid Chordomas with Neuraxial Bone Metastases from Multicentric Tumors

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Genetic Testing Distinguishes Multiple Chondroid Chordomas with Neuraxial Bone Metastases from Multicentric Tumors Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Background. Chordomas are rare malignant bone tumors preferentially forming in neuraxial bones. Chondroid chordoma is a subtype of chordoma. Chordomas reportedly present as synchronous multiple lesions upon initial diagnosis. However, it remains unknown whether these lesions are multicentric or metastatic multiple chordoma tumors. Case Presentation. Here, we present the case of a 57-year-old woman with multiple chordomas at the clivus, C6, and T12 upon initial presentation. Sequential surgeries and radiotherapy were performed for these lesions, and postoperative histological diagnosis revealed that all lesions were chondroid chordomas. Next-generation sequencing revealed that these lesions harbored a common somatic mutation in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), c.3617A>C, which is not considered a pathogenic chordoma mutation, thus indicating that these lesions were not multicentric but rather multiple metastatic tumors. Subsequent multiple metastases to the lung and appendicular and axial bones were detected 15 months after the initial surgery. Recurrent lesions at the clivus progressed despite EGFR-targeted therapy, surgery, and radiotherapy. Conclusion. The present evidence indicates that multiple chordomas in this case were caused by multiple metastases rather than multicentric lesions. Multiple presentations of chordoma imply systemic dissemination of tumor cells, and novel efficient systemic therapy is required to treat this disease. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Research on Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Constitutive Model of Rock Damage Evolution with Different Sizes

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Research on Acoustic Emission Characteristics and Constitutive Model of Rock Damage Evolution with Different Sizes Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation In this study, considering the scale effect of rock mass, the influence of different height-to-diameter ratios on rock mechanics and acoustic emission characteristics was studied by using PFC2D software. The damage constitutive model of rock was established, and the damage evolution characteristics of rock with different height-to-diameter ratios were further analyzed. The results showed that, with the increase of height-to-diameter ratio K, the uniaxial compressive strength and peak strain of rock exhibited a gradual decrease; however, the elastic modulus gradually increased. Moreover, rock failure modes exhibited different characteristics under different K values. The scale effect showed little influence on the acoustic emission characteristics in the elastic stage; nonetheless, in the plastic deformation s tage and the residual damage stage, with the increase of the rock's height-to-diameter ratio, the maximum number of impacts of acoustic emission increased, the range of strong strain of acoustic emission decreased, and the maximum time of acoustic emission impacts increased gradually. The height-to-diameter ratio of the rock slightly influenced the zero-damage stage of the rock, but the damage affecting the rock increased slowly and accelerated the development stage. The damage evolution law was found to be similar when the K values varied from 1.0 to 2.0; however, when the K was greater than 2.0, the damage evolution law exhibited the characteristics of slowing down in the acceleration phase. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

An Unusual Complication in Plastic Periodontal Surgery

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader An Unusual Complication in Plastic Periodontal Surgery Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Introduction. Oroantral communications may arise as a result of pathological processes or iatrogenic situations, particularly in oral surgery and implantology, but are uncommon in periodontal plastic surgery. Case Presentation. A healthy 37-year-old female patient with 5 mm Miller Class II recession on the maxillary left second molar was referred for a root coverage procedure. While preparing the recipient bed for the graft, an oroantral communication was created. Schneiderian membrane was sutured to reduce the dimension of the communication and covered with a connective tissue graft. Finally, the flap was laterally and coronally moved, and the patient instructed about postoperative precautions. This procedure allowed to achieve a complete closure of the oroantral communication and good root coverage after an 8-month follow-up. Conclusions. Different authors described different techniques that can be used to close oroantral communications. Nevertheless, in this clinical case, it was shown that the oroantral communication may be closed without having to postpone the periodontal plastic surgery. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Research Progress Review of Preparation and Applications of Fluorescent Hydrogels

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Research Progress Review of Preparation and Applications of Fluorescent Hydrogels Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation The fluorescent gel with good flexibility and biocompatibility has attracted more and more attention due to its excellent optical properties. In this paper, the research progresses in preparation methods and applications of fluorescent gels are reviewed. In addition, the preparation methods of self-assembly and polymerization of fluorescent gel are also introduced. In this paper, it should be noted that some outstanding research about the fluorescent gels used in sensors, bio-imaging probes, drug delivery, and other application fields is summarized. This work provides useful reference information for further exploration and study of fluorescent hydrogels. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

A Novel Cryptococcal Meningitis Therapy: The Combination of Amphotericin B and Posaconazole Promotes the Distribution of Amphotericin B in the Brain Tissue

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader A Novel Cryptococcal Meningitis Therapy: The Combination of Amphotericin B and Posaconazole Promotes the Distribution of Amphotericin B in the Brain Tissue Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation The deficient brain tissue distribution of amphotericin B (AMPB) seriously restricts its treatment for the clinical efficacy of cryptococcus neoformans meningitis (CNM). We strive to develop a tactic to increase its concentration in brain tissue. We aimed to investigate whether the combination of AMPB and posaconazole (POS) could be more effective in the treatment of CNM and to elucidate its potential mechanisms. HPLC analysis was used to analyze the concentration of AMPB in mouse serum, brain tissue, and BCECs cells. Schrodinger molecular docking, in vitro plasma balance dialysis, and ultrafiltration analysis were performed to evaluate the combinative effect of AMPB and POS with serum albumin and POS on AMPB plasma protein binding. H&E staining and colonization culture experiment of CN were employed to assess the effect of POS on the efficacy of AMPB. POS + AMPB significantly reduced the concentration of plasma total AMPB and increased its concentration in the brain ti ssue. However, the P-gp inhibitor zosuquidar, BCRP inhibitor Ko143, and a common inhibitor of both, elacridar, had no significant effect on its concentration. Molecular docking, balance dialysis, and ultrafiltration analysis showed that AMPB and POS had potential binding properties to serum albumin. Meanwhile, 4 and 8 μg/mL POS could significantly increase the concentration of free AMPB in plasma. POS and three inhibitors all had no significant effect on the uptake of AMPB by BCECs, but serum albumin had. The therapeutic effect of CNM in mice was confirmed that AMPB and AMPB+POS could restrain the infiltration of neutrophils and lymphocytes in cortical neurons and improve the bleeding and markedly inhibit the proliferation of CN. Collectively, we propose that POS competitively binds to the plasma protein sites of AMPB, thereby increasing its level in the brain tissue. Meanwhile, POS could enhance the efficacy of AMPB in the treatment of CNM, which may be independent of P-gp and B CRP proteins. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Quantification of DNA through the NanoDrop Spectrophotometer: Methodological Validation Using Standard Reference Material and Sprague Dawley Rat and Human DNA

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Quantification of DNA through the NanoDrop Spectrophotometer: Methodological Validation Using Standard Reference Material and Sprague Dawley Rat and Human DNA Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation This study aimed to validate an analytical method to determine DNA concentration using standard reference material (NIST SRM 2372) and Sprague Dawley rat and human DNA. Microvolumes were used to analyse DNA samples. Linearity showed correlation coefficients higher than R ≥ 0.9950, and the precision value was ≤2% CV. Trueness based on bias and the percentage of recovery showed bias values lower than Z-test with a 95% confidence level and a recovery percentage within the range (% Rec = 100% ± 5%), and the stability of the samples was 60 days (2–4°C). View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Biochemical Constituents of Phaleria macrocarpa (Leaf) Methanolic Extract Inhibit ROS Production in SH-SY5Y Cells Model

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Biochemical Constituents of Phaleria macrocarpa (Leaf) Methanolic Extract Inhibit ROS Production in SH-SY5Y Cells Model Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Background. Reactive oxygen species generation in mammalian cells profoundly affects several critical cellular functions, and the lack of efficient cellular detoxification mechanisms which remove these radicals may lead to several human diseases. Several studies show that ROS is incriminated as destructive agents in the context of the nervous system especially with advance in age leading to neurodegeneration. Current treatments of this disease are not effective and result in several side effects. Thus, the search for alternative medicines is in high demand. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the reactive oxygen inhibitory effect of Phaleria macrocarpa 80% (leaf) extract. Methods. The leaf was extracted with 80% methanol. Cytotoxicity studies were carried out using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), and ROS inhibitory activities were evaluated using dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCF-DA) assay in the SH-SY5Y cells model. Results. The result revealed ROS inhibitory activities of the crude extract with highly significant differences at between the group that were treated with crude extract only, the group treated with crude extract and exposed to H2O2, and the group exposed to H2O2 only as well as the group that were maintained in complete media. Bioactive compounds show the presence of vitexin and isovitexin following the HPLC method. Conclusion. High antioxidant activities and low toxicity effect of this crude revealed its high benefit to be used as natural medicine/supplements. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

The Rise of Transradial Artery Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes in Australia

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader The Rise of Transradial Artery Access for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes in Australia Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation Objectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) via transradial artery access (TRA) or transfemoral artery access (TFA). Background. Over the last decade, evidence for the benefit of TRA for PCI has grown, leading to a steady uptake of TRA around the world. Despite this, the topic remains controversial with contrary evidence to suggest no significant benefit over TFA. Methods. A retrospective study of consecutive ACS patients from 2011 to 2017 who underwent PCI via TRA or TFA. The primary outcome was Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events (MACE), a composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), target lesion revascularisation (TLR), or coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) at 12 months. Secondar y outcomes included Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) bleeding events scored 2 or higher, haematoma formation, and stent thrombosis, in addition to all individual components of MACE. Results. We treated 3624 patients (77% male), with PCI via TFA (n = 2391) or TRA (n = 1233). Transradial artery access was associated with a reduction in mortality (3% vs 6.3%; ), MI (1.8% vs 3.9%; ), CABG (0.6% vs 1.5%; ), TLR (1% vs 2.9%; ), large haematoma (0.4% vs 1.8%; ), BARC 2 (0.2% vs 1.1%; ), and BARC 3 events (0.4% vs 1.0%; ). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, TFA, age ≥ 75, prior PCI, use of bare metal stents, cardiogenic shock, cardiac arrest, and multivessel coronary artery disease were associated with an increased risk of MACE. Conclusion. Despite the limitations secondary to the observational nature of our study and multiple confounders, our results are in line with results of major trials and, as such, we feel that our results support the use of TRA as the preferred access site in patients undergoing PCI for ACS to improve patient outcomes. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Increased Frequencies of Switched Memory B Cells and Plasmablasts in Peripheral Blood from Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis

alkiviadis.1961 shared this article with you from Inoreader Increased Frequencies of Switched Memory B Cells and Plasmablasts in Peripheral Blood from Patients with ANCA-Associated Vasculitis Via Hindawi Publishing Corporation B cells are thought to play a central role in the pathogenesis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody- (ANCA-) associated vasculitis (AAV). ANCAs have been proposed to cause vasculitis by activating primed neutrophils to damage small blood vessels. We studied a cohort of AAV patients of which a majority were in remission and diagnosed with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA). Using flow cytometry, the frequencies of CD19+ B cells and subsets in peripheral blood from 106 patients with AAV and 134 healthy controls were assessed. B cells were divided into naive, preswitch memory, switched memory, and exhausted memory cells. Naive and switched memory cells were further subdivided into transitional cells and plasmablasts, respectively. In addition, serum concentrations of immunoglobulin A, G, and M were measure d and clinical data were retrieved. AAV patients displayed, in relation to healthy controls, a decreased frequency of B cells of lymphocytes (5.1% vs. 8.3%) and total B cell number. For the subsets, a decrease in percentage of transitional B cells (0.7% vs. 4.4%) and expansions of switched memory B cells (22.3% vs. 16.5%) and plasmablasts (0.9% vs. 0.3%) were seen. A higher proportion of B cells was activated (CD95+) in patients (20.6% vs. 10.3%), and immunoglobulin levels were largely unaltered. No differences in B cell frequencies between patients in active disease and remission were observed. Patients in remission with a tendency to relapse had, compared to nonrelapsing patients, decreased frequencies of B cells (3.5% vs. 6.5%) and transitional B cells (0.1% vs. 1.1%) and an increased frequency of activated exhausted memory B cells (30.8% vs. 22.3%). AAV patients exhibit specific changes in frequencies of CD19+ B cells and their subsets in peripheral blood. These alterations coul d contribute to the autoantibody-driven inflammatory process in AAV. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.