Cross Linkage Research Articles

Influence of non-linear diffusion controlled phenomena on the sorption capability of PEO-Salt-SiO2 composite electrolyte: A study on property optimization

The present research, reports the hygrothermal behavior of poly [ethylene oxide] (PEO) based composite film (500 and1000 μm) containing NH4I and KBr (5–20 wt%) as the mobile phase and non-reactive silica (15 wt%) as the filler. These are termed as PK/NSiO2-series for solvent sorbed and (PK/NSiO2)NS for non-swelled film. The novelty of the research lies in the analyses of non-Fickian solvent diffusion trait of films using python programming. The presence of ions and its variable polarizable nature is found to influence the number density of bonded and free solvent content along with the extend of cross linkage. Introduction of silica is found to enhance the ionic conductivity (about one order higher) of the film irrespective of the type of charge carrier owing to the improved dispersion within the matrix. Non-Fickian diffusion is found to influence the ionic conductivity of P2K20SiO2 (10−5Scm−1 to 10−2 Scm−1) minimizing the degradation to 0.2 %ΔC/1000 h (>1 %ΔC/1000 h, tested for 2000 h) compared to P2N20NSiO2. In contrast, ion migration in P2NSiO2 is guided by Rice and Roth model and being more polarizable ions, the mobility is significant which maximizes the conductivity to ∼10−1 Scm−1. Microstructural study shows heterogenous nucleation to be more pronounced upon addition of silica filler wherein the homogeneity, inter fibrillar interaction and grain growth of spherulites is higher. This tends to extend amorphous regions thereby propagating the ion migration path. The influence of sorption process is studied in terms of electrochemical impedance, dielectric analyses and long term cyclability (20,000 h) in terms of loss tangent.

Comparison of long-term prognostic impact of sarcoidosis as etiology with dilated cardiomyopathy in patients with heart failure in a nationwide heart failure registry

Abstract Background It remain largely unknown whether the prognostic impact of sarcoidosis (SC) prior to heart failure (HF) differs from dilated cardiomyopathy in patients with HF over time. Aim To investigate the prognostic impact of prior sarcoidosis in HF patients and compare to those with HF due to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by access to Swedish Heart Failure Registry which is further validated by cross linkage with Swedish National Patient Register and supplemented by Swedish National Cause of Death Register. Methods Patients with sarcoidosis before HF diagnosis (SC-HF group) versus patients with HF due to DCM (DCM-HF group) were identified from the Swedish Heart failure Registry between 2003-2020. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality and secondary outcome is composite CV death or hospitalization due to worsening HF in both overall cohort and propensity score-matched cohort. Results A total of 422 patients (69.6±13.5, male 60,7%) in SC-HF group and 6913 patients (61.7±13.5, male 72.5%) in DCM-HF group were identified. Patients with DCM were younger, had less comorbidities (renal failure, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, valvular heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer, musculoskeletal disease) and more prescriptions of ACEI/ARB/ARNI, beta blockers and MRA) and less treatment with corticosteroids (10.6% vs 44.1%) but similar in diuretics and device therapy (ICD, CRT). In overall cohort, after adjustment for age, sex, HF duration, NYHA, LVEF, NT-proBNP cat., eGFR, the risk for all-cause mortality in SC-HF was significantly higher in SC-HF than DCM-HF [the hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.54 (1.32 - 1.81) p = <.0001]. Likewise, the risk for composite CV death or HF hospitalization in SC-HF was significantly higher in SC-HF than DCM-HF (the hazard ratio (95% CI): 1.21 (0.95 - 1.54), p = 0.131.40 (1.24 - 1.59), p = <.0001. Furthermore, in a propensity score-matched cohort in which 365 from SC-HF group were compared with 736 patients in DCM-HF group. Over a median follow -up of 3,1 years (1.4-5.79), SC-HF group has a higher risk of all-cause mortality [ HR: 1.35 (1.11 - 1.65), p = 0.0033], and of CV death or HF Hospitalization [1.28 (1.09 - 1.50), p = 0.0021] than DCM-HF group. Conclusion Sarcoidosis has greater negative impact on prognosis for heart failure than dilated cardiomyopathy with increased risk for both mortality and morbidity.

Removal of harmful oxyanions from contaminated water by Donnan dialysis

The removal of oxyanions like nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, chromate and perchlorate was investigated in single, binary and multi-component feed systems using Donnan dialysis across two homogeneous anion exchange membranes, FAD PET 75 and FAS PET 75. The ion exchange isotherms were established for oxyanion – chloride binary systems with both anion exchange membranes. The effect of initial concentration, recirculation flow rate, and receiver salt concentration was examined with FAD PET 75. The overall kinetic coefficient was calculated from the flux equation and was used to compare the transport kinetics of different oxyanions. The kinetics of oxyanions removal followed the order of nitrate > perchlorate > chromate > sulphate > phosphate, which can be attributed to the hydrated radius and structure of the oxyanions. The presence of co-existing oxyanions did not show a significant effect on the removal of nitrate, perchlorate, and chromate while sulphate and phosphate were influenced by their presence. Based on the present study, FAD PET 75 was able to remove all the target oxyanions effectively whereas FAS PET 75 was ineffective in the removal of sulphate and phosphate because of the higher cross linkage of the matrix which was evident with its lower water content.

Transcriptome Sequencing of CeRNA Network Constructing in Status Epilepticus Mice Treated by Low-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation

It is shown that great progress was recently made in the treatment of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for neurological and psychiatric diseases. This study aimed to address how rTMS exerted it therapeutic effects by regulating competitive endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) of lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA. The distinction of lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression in male status epilepticus (SE) mice treated by two different ways, low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS) vs. sham rTMS, was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing. The Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were carried out. Gene–Gene Cross Linkage Network was established; pivotal genes were screened out. qRT-PCR was used to verify gene–gene interactions. Our results showed that there were 1615 lncRNAs, 510 mRNAs, and 17 miRNAs differentially which were expressed between the LF-rTMS group and the sham rTMS group. The expression difference of these lncRNAs, mRNAs, and miRNAs by microarray detection were consistent with the results by qPCR. GO functional enrichment showed that immune-associated molecular mechanisms, biological processes, and GABA-A receptor activity played a role in SE mice treated with LF-rTMS. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were correlated to T cell receptor signaling pathway, primary immune deficiency and Th17 cell differentiation signaling pathway. Gene–gene cross linkage network was established on the basis of Pearson’s correlation coefficient and miRNA. In conclusion, LF-rTMS alleviates SE through regulating the GABA-A receptor activity transmission, improving immune functions, and biological processes, suggesting the underlying ceRNA molecular mechanisms of LF-rTMS treatment for epilepsy.

Facile synthesis of chitosan-tartaric acid biosorbents for removal of Cu(II) and Cd(II) from water and tea beverages

Consumption of water and tea beverages leads to the intake of heavy metals by humans. Development of technology for decontamination greatly reduces the risks of the heavy metal exposure. In this study, environment-friendly chitosan-tartaric acid biosorbents (CTBs) were synthesized by a facile one-step cross-linking strategy to mitigate the Cu(II) and Cd(II) contamination in water and tea beverages. The cross linkage of tartaric acid and chitosan endowed CTBs with excellent properties in aspects of surface roughness, mechanical strength, and acid resistance. Adsorption performance and mechanism of CTBs were studied, and the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second-order kinetic model were adhered during adsorption. Up to 90 % removal efficiencies of Cu(II) and Cd(II) from water and tea beverages by CTBs were achieved. Moreover, the adsorption showed only a slight reduction in the quality of tea beverages. This study offers a new insight for reduction of heavy metals-pollution in beverages.

Guargum/nanocellulose based novel crosslinked antimicrobial film with enhanced barrier and mechanical properties for food packaging

The research towards the achievement of better thermo-mechanical and barrier properties of the polymer blends comprising of guar gum (GG), nanocellulose (NC), polyethylene glycol (PG) and a cross linker i.e. glutaraldehyde (GA) has been discussed. The polymer with the optimal composition i.e., GG (0.8%), NC (0.55%), GA (0.3%) and PG (150 µL) has achieved maximum tensile strength of 41.25 MPa and minimal water vapor permeability of 2.64 × 10−8 g m−1 h−1 Pa−1. The shift of water contact angle from 56° to 104.05° after crosslinking confirms the hydrophobic nature of the film. The moisture uptake capacity of crosslinked film dropped significantly from 11.36% to 3.82%. The FTIR spectra and TGA analysis establish the fact of successful cross linkage and better thermal properties of the composite film, respectively. Soil burial of all the films exhibited more than 85% degradability within 45 days. Further, the crosslinked composite film has exhibited efficient antibacterial activity against gram positive (S. aureus and B. subtilis) and gram negative (E. coli) bacteria. The composite film has been developed as the superior choice of packaging material for enhanced shelf life of food products.

Comparison of Corneal Stromal Demarcation Line Depth in Epi-off and Epi-on Corneal CrossLinking Using Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomograph

Objective: To compare the corneal stromal demarcation line depth after Epithelium-On and Epithelium-Off corneal crosslinking in patients with keratoconus using anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT).
 Study design: Quasi-experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Armed Forces Institute of Ophthalmology, Rawalpindi Pakistan from Jun 2018 to Jun 2019.
 Methodology: This study included patients (60 eyes) with progressive keratoconus treated with procedure CXL (corneal cross linkage). There were 30 eyes in each group. Two different protocols of Corneal cross linkage were performed, and patients were divided into two groups according to protocol: 1) epithelium-on Corneal cross-linkage, 2) epithelium-off Corneal crosslinkage. In the First-Group, epithelium-on Corneal cross-linkage,corneal epithelium was not removed, riboflavin solution was instilled on the cornea for one hour, and the cornea was exposed to Ultraviolet A rays. In Epithelium off Corneal cross-linkage,after epithelium was removed by spatula, riboflavin solution was instilled for 30 minutes, and Ultraviolet-A rays were focused on the cornea. After one month of the procedure, Anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography was performed.Demarcation line depth was measured in treated corneas in all patients from both groups, and findings were compared.
 Results: The stromal demarcation line depth was similar in both groups, and there was no statistical difference between the groups. The mean value of demarcation line depth was 277.13±107.09 цm (p>0.05).
 Conclusion: Corneal stromal demarcation line depth after both procedures was similar in both groups after one month of Corneal cross-linkage, so it was concluded that epithelium-on Corneal cross-linkage was comparable to epithelium-off Corneal cross-linkage.

A review on distribution, properties, genetic organization, immobilisation and applications of urease

Urease, a nickel-containing metalloenzyme is getting remarkable attention due to a diverse range of applications for mankind. Urease plays a magnificent role in various field like agriculture, analytical, geological phenomena, beverage industry and is an important diagnostic tool. Urease is mainly present in bacteria, fungi, plants and invertebrates and its manifestation in specific genera may open new vistas for its taxonomic position. Various qualitative and quantitative assays are also reported for the estimation of urease enzyme. Urease based biosensors utilizing green synthesis on nanoparticles are also trending. Recently developed inhibitors against urease were discussed in the review. Inhibitory mechanisms involving the structural similarity of the substrate through modification or derivatization can also help in rational drug design by two possible competitive ways either by mimicking monodentate urea binding or binding as a tetrahedral intermediate. Immobilisation of urease through gel entrapment, using non-covalent and covalent protein tags, cross linkage, covalent bonding, using composite films, Teflon, co-precipitation and coating on nanoparticles is also reported. This review also comprised of various application of urease including enhancement of fertility in the soil, cell to cell organization, protection to predators, treatment of various bladder related diseases and infections, analysis of urea and heavy metal ions, biocementation, pollution control by bioleaching of heavy metals and making beverages urea and ethyl carbamate free. As researchers have a keen interest in urease enzyme at present, most of its aspects were incorporated in the article to make it helpful to the scientific community for further research related to the development of new inhibitors and add on applications of urease for the upliftment of the human as well as environment.

Outcomes of Corneal Topographical Kmax readings 3 months after Corneal Cross Linkage in Keratoconus patients.

Background and objectiveCollagen protein, which is abundant in the cornea and has a triple helix form, may be found in almost every tissue matrix in the body. Natural cross connections between monomers provide the robustness of the helical protein structure. Wollensak and his colleagues developed the Dresden Protocol, a keratoconus treatment based on Corneal Cross-Linkage. We aimed to analyse and present the findings in individuals with progressive keratoconus using topographic and refractive results after corneal collagen crosslinking treatment (CXL) (KC) after 3 months.MethodsThe study comprises a total of 100 patients who were diagnosed with progressive KC and who underwent CXL between 2021 and 2022 at KRL Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan. All eyes in this study had a preoperative topography within 1 month before CXL treatment and the follow-ups were conducted at 3 months interval.ResultsIn our investigation, 100 patients were added. The average age was 24.74 years. 77% of the patients were between the ages of 12 and 25 years, while 23% were between the ages of 26 and 50 years. In our survey, males made up 84% of the population, while females made up only 16%. The right eye was afflicted in 60% of cases, whereas the left eye was impacted in 40% of the population. Grade 2 Keratoconus affected 42% of patients, whereas Grade 1 Keratoconus affected 18%. Our findings were skewed toward men and the 12–25 age group, however in our recent study, we discovered considerable KC stability 3 months after CXL.ConclusionKeratometric readings and visual acuity were stabilised or improved with CXL treatment. Keratoconus stability can be reached 3 months following the treatment, according to our findings.

Adsorption of Zirconium using Hyper Cross Linkage Phospho-thiol Polymer and Application of its Separation from Rosetta Zircon Mineral Concentrate

Adsorption of Zirconium using Hyper Cross Linkage Phospho-thiol Polymer and Application of its Separation from Rosetta Zircon Mineral Concentrate

Antidiabetic and wound healing potential of biologically fabricated chitosan nanoparticles of aqueous seed extract of Hunteria umbellata

Background: Hunteria umbellata (HU) is a tropical rainforest shrub in the Apocynaceae family, with various medicinal properties. Nanostructured systems improve pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of bioactive compounds. The current study evaluates the antidiabetic and wound healing efficacy of Hunteria umbellata-chitosan nanoparticles (HUCNPs). Methods: Aqueous seed extract was prepared from mature HU pods. Chitosan nanoparticles of H. umbellata were created by ionic gelation of chitosan with tripolyphosphate anions (TPP) and characterized using Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model and wound excision model were used to investigate the antidiabetic activity and wound healing efficacy of HUCNPs. Serum biochemical marker enzymes and antioxidants from kidney and liver tissues were quantified. Result: FT-IR confirmed the successful cross linkage of bioactive compounds to the chitosan nanoparticles. HUCNPs had particle size of 408.6 ± 1.5 nm, zeta potential of 32.4 ± 1.6, and polydispersity index of 0.47. Rats treated with HUCNPs had a significantly reduced mean fasting blood glucose level. Serum levels of Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase were closer to normal than diabetic control. Catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were higher in HUCNPs-treated liver and kidney tissues, while lipid peroxidase (LPO) levels were lower. The topical application of the HUCNPs ointment significantly accelerated wound healing (81.6 %) and prevented the microbial invasion of the wound surface. Conclusion: This study suggests HUCNPs as an excellent strategy for targeted drug delivery for diabetes management and accelerated wound healing.

Synergistic Degradation of 2,4,4′-Trihydroxybenzophenone Using Carbon Quantum Dots, Ferrate, and Visible Light Irradiation: Insights into Electron Generation/Consumption Mechanism

In this study, we reported a unique single-step synthesis of photocatalytic carbon quantum dots (CQDs) with high electron density, efficient aggregation-induced emission, and improved surface chemistry properties. As-synthesized CQDs were applied with ferrate (a reactive and green oxidant) to synergistically degrade 2,4,4′-trihydroxybenzophenone (2,4,4′-HBP). The restriction of molecular rotation, vibration in the crystal structure, modification of the surface chemistry, and the aggregation/quenching of CQDs were highlighted by comprehensive characterization. Newly synthesized CQDs’ generated electrons were consumed by ferrate, and this mechanism was highlighted by photoluminescence analyses. It was found that the photoluminescence intensity of CQDs was reduced by more than 96% when ferrate was introduced into the CQDs reaction system. The reaction kinetics of 2,4,4′-HBP degradation was inspected at different pH values (7.0, 8.0 and 9.0) using ferrate in a single dose and multiple-dose (sequential) additions. The CQDs + ferrate + visible light (Vis) was proven to be the best reaction system with a 99.9% degradation efficiency, as compared to CQDs alone (63%) and ferrate single dose (85%) and multiple-dose (96%) methods. In addition, 10 reaction intermediates were identified, implying that C–C cleavage, hydroxylation, self, cross, and end linkage were involved in the potential reaction mechanism. Besides, hydroxyl radicals were found to be the primary reactive species in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) analyses. The computational analyses including density functional theory and molecular orbital distribution elucidated the reaction sites of CQDs and 2,4,4′-HBP. These findings have important implications in understanding electron generation and consumption mechanisms with the synergetic contribution of CQDs and ferrate to degrade organic pollutants such as 2,4,4′-HBP.

Trends in pancreatic cancer incidence, characteristics, and outcomes in Denmark 1980–2019: A nationwide cohort study

ObjectiveTo describe time-trends in incidence, characteristics, treatments, and survival in pancreatic cancer patients in Denmark during 1980–2019. DesignA nationwide population-based cohort study of all Danish patients diagnosed with exocrine pancreatic cancer during the study period. Data was obtained from individual-level cross linkage between Danish healthcare registries. We present descriptive characteristics and survival estimates, which was obtained using the Kaplan-Meier estimator and Cox proportional hazards regression models. ResultsDuring the study period, 32,107 patients were diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. In the most recent period, the age-standardized incidence rate was 17.7 per 100,000 person-years. Throughout the study period, between 18.4% and 27.5% of patients had no tumor staging performed, and approximately half of the patient were only offered best supportive care. The proportion of patients treated with surgery doubled during the study period, and the use of adjuvant and neoadjuvant oncological therapy increased substantially. Median survival after surgical resection also increased to 25.8 months in the most recent time period. ConclusionPancreatic cancer incidence is increasing in Denmark, and this increase is projected to continue. The proportion of patients offered curative-intent treatment increased, which translates into an increase in overall survival. All numbers are comparable to best international standards.

Effect of corneal cross linkage (CXL) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in keratoconus patients

This study aims to determine the effect of corneal cross-linkage (CXL) on intraocular pressure (IOP) in keratoconus patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out at the Cornea Clinic of Al Ibrahim Eye Hospital Malir, Karachi. A total of 60 eyes of 36 subjects with progressive keratoconus with the age range of 15 to 31 years were fulfilling the criteria of the study. Subjects were selected with convenient sampling and subjects with a previous history of CXL were excluded from the study. A complete history of the patient, clinical examination with slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and visual acuity (VA) with Snellen chart were recorded. Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements of each subject were recorded with Goldman Applanation Tonometer (GAT) before and immediately after 15 minutes of CXL and on the 2nd day of CXL, 1month, and 3 months after CXL. SPSS version 22 was used to analyze the data. Results: The average preoperative measured intraocular pressure (IOP) was 20.22 +/- 3.97 mmHg. There was a statistically significant decrease in IOP measurements 18.96 +/- 3.73 mmHg on the same day after the corneal cross linkage procedure with (P 0.001) while there was no statistically significant change in intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements was observed on the 2nd day, 1 month and 3 months after CXL. The postoperative mean of IOP measurements was 19.61 +/- 3.47 mmHg on the 2nd day, 19.67 +/- 3.14 mmHg on 1 month, and 19.33 +/- 3.64 mmHg at 3 months respectively. Conclusion: This study shows that reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were observed on the immediate response of corneal cross-linkage (CXL) on the same day. This change might be due to immediate alteration in the biomechanics of the cornea during corneal cross-linkage. These changes return to the normal position later because no change was seen on different follow-ups of patients after CXL in eyes with keratoconus.

Investigating the Photothermal Disinfecting Properties of Light-Activated Silver Nanoparticles

The medicinal applications of noble metal nanomaterials are of considerable interest due to the unique properties they possess. The following contribution will showcase one of these properties, the photothermal effect produced by silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and show how AgNPs can serve as potential viricidal materials for PPE (i.e., personal protective equipment) disinfection. In the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic, PPE disinfection is critical for addressing the shortfalls in the supply chains that ensure rapid and reliable sources of PPE for both medical professionals and the public. Two AgNP composites were prepared using both photochemical and pulsed laser ablation in liquid techniques. Then, to improve the durability of the NPs’ coating, they were mixed in a commercially available tent protectant solution or with a chitosan suspension. Transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopic analyses of the AgNP/protectant composites present mostly monodisperse, spherical particles of ∼5–10 nm in diameter, dependent on the route of nanoparticle synthesis. Blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were utilized to activate the surface plasmon resonance effects of the AgNP-coated materials at ∼400 nm. The resultant photothermal activation produced elevated surface temperatures on the fabrics, up to 150 °C, approaching the ignition temperature of the fabric samples, and well above the threshold required to deactivate the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Photothermal heating was found to be largely dependent on both proximity of the coated sample surface to the LED source and illumination intensity. Furthermore, the rate of temperature increase was determined to be considerably faster than traditional or photothermal heating studies conducted on aqueous nanoparticle colloids, illustrating the efficiency of this methodology. Finally, durability studies of the AgNP/protectant coatings were examined and were found to maintain photothermal activity over long durations of exposure and after a 3-month storage timeframe. A marginal decrease in heating can be noticed following laundering with traditional detergent cleaners, mainly during the first washing cycle. The coating resistance to washing could be improved by the cross linkage of a biodegradable polymer, chitosan.

Clinical Profile of Patients with Hyperthyroidism in Zagazig University Hospitals

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs due to over production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland . It can be categorized according to thyroid hormone levels into overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism. Also could be classified into, normal (or high) and low thyroid radioactive iodine uptake according to radioiodine uptake. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the difference in the clinical profile between hyperthyroid patients and its relation to thyroid scan imaging. Also to avoid prescribing antithyroid medications to patients with thyroiditis, this could lead to hypothyroidism . Materials and methods: This is a prospective cohort study for patients with hyperthyroidism. Patients have been enrolled from Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic at Zagazig University Hospitals in the period from December 2018 to October 2020. Results: patients were divided into two major groups, overt hyperthyroidism (group 1) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (group 2). All patients of group (1) had abnormal thyroid gland examination but, only 50 % of group (2) patients had showed abnormal gland examination (p= <0.001). 83 .3% of patients of group (1) had high thyroid uptake and 62.5 % of patients of group (2) had high thyroid uptake (p=0.108). There was highly statistical significance between the two groups as regard F. T4( P = <0.001) and F .T3 (p = < 0.001 ) , but no difference in TSH( p =0.223) . Conclusion: The thyroid scan had cross linkage with abnormal thyroid function ,

Improvement of cardiovascular risk prediction by longitudinal risk factor and competing risk data

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Private grant(s) and/or Sponsorship. Main funding source(s): Spanish Society of Cardiology OnBehalf REGICOR Study Background Cardiovascular risk assessment is the cornerstone of cardiovascular primary prevention. However, most of the recommended or regionally validated risk assessment tools are not updated. Purpose To analyze the effect of including longitudinal information of risk factors as well as competing risks for cardiovascular risk prediction. Methods Data from 10,152 general population individuals from North-Eastern Spain was included. Individuals were recruited in 1995-2000-2005 in three different cohorts of the REGICOR Study. Risk factor data was obtained at baseline and in 2 follow-up visits. Risk factor data included age, sex, education, lipid profile, blood pressure, glucose, smoking, body mass index, and treatment for hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes. Event data was obtained by cross linkage with healthcare and mortality databases. Cardiovascular events included myocardial infarction, angina and stroke. Cancer mortality and other mortality were included as competing risks. Four cox proportional hazards models developed to model time to coronary/cerebrovascular events with longitudinal or competing risk data. Interactions between age and risk factors were included. Discrimination was assessed with the area under the ROC curve (AUC) and Sommer’s D statistic, and compared with discrimination of Framingham-REGICOR function. Results The variable with the largest effect on coronary/cerebrovascular event incidence was diabetes treatment in the longitudinal models [Hazard ratio -HR- (95% confidence interval -CI-): 3.02 (2.00, 4.58)/2.58 (1.33, 5.00)] as well as in the competing risk models [HR (95% CI): 3.08 (2.09, 4.55)/2.77 (1.48, 5.18)]. In addition to currently used variables, medication for hypertension and diabetes, and interaction between age and diabetes medication were included in all models. Compared to the Framingham-REGICOR function, discrimination improved with the inclusion of longitudinal or competing risk data as shown in the Table. Conclusion Including longitudinal information of cardiovascular risk factors or competing risks improved discrimination of a regionally validated cardiovascular risk function. The availability of these data in healthcare databases would allow its use in primary care cardiovascular risk assessment. Discrimination analysis Models AUC (95% CI) developed models AUC (95% CI) Framingham-REGICORfunction p-value Competing risks - coronary events 0.80 (0.77-0.82) 0.74 (0.71-0.77) &amp;lt; 0.001 Competing risks - cerebrovascular events 0.78 (0.74-0.82) 0.68 (0.63-0.72) &amp;lt; 0.001 Longitudinal data - coronary events 0.79 (0.78-0.81) 0.76 (0.74-0.78) &amp;lt; 0.001 Longitudinal data - cerebrovascular events 0.80 (0.78-0.83) 0.71 (0.69-0.74) &amp;lt; 0.001

Teaching Research of the College Computer Fundamentals Course

In order to adapt to the new needs of talent cultivation in the rapidly developing information society, improving undergraduate’s information literacy, strengthening undergraduates computational thinking, and cultivating undergraduate’s ability to apply information technology to solve disciplinary problems, which have become the direct driving force for the teaching reform in the college computer fundamentals course. This paper analyses the current situation of college computer fundamentals course, and proposes the teaching reform direction: reshape course structure, update course content, integrate teaching resources, reform teaching methods, construct online courses, revise cultivation scheme, promote the cross linkage of computer fundamentals education and professional education, and build high-quality college computer courses.

The intrinsic gelling properties of agarose and agar afforded by the endothermic energy required to dissociate cross linkage of gels

The intrinsic gelling properties of agarose and agar afforded by the endothermic energy required to dissociate cross linkage of gels

Phytoconstituent Based Microemulgel: A Novel Topical Drug Delivery Approach

A huge amount of Indian medicinal plants are accredited with various pharmacological activities. Extract of medicinal plant and extracted oil have more or less pharmacological property, some natural penetration enhancers have advantages such as low cost, better safety profile hence they increase their acceptances in the formulation of microemulgel. Some of oil may assist the therapeutic action of API. It is convenient, cost-effective to use of herbal oil as oil phase or API, penetration enhancer, surfactant or other constituent in microemulgel formulation. Microemulgel is a microemulsion and gel combination with herbal ingredient, with small sized globule present in an emulsion. Microemulsion consists of delivering a drug dissolved in a mixture of one or more excipient like mono, di, and triglycerides, lipophilic and hydrophilic co surfactant. Microemulsion is formed when entropy changes in that dispersion is greater than the free energy require increasing the surface area between oil and aqueous phase of dispersion. Microemulgel has a dual action of micro-emulsion and gel. Emulsion based gel, the drug get entrapped in cross linkage network of gelling agent. In that small drug get entrapped and release in controlled manner. Microemulgel have other advantages like good uniformity, easily spreadable, greaseless as well as bio-friendly, detachable, non-staining, emollient, longer shelf-life, transparent, pleasant appearance, the ability of patients for self-medication, termination of medications will be easy.