Minor Weight Loss Research Articles

Virulence and tissue tropism of different epidemiologically significant SARS-CoV-2 variants for golden Syrian hamsters

Introduction. Animal models for SARS-CoV-2 infection, reproducing the clinical features of COVID-19 in humans, are important tools for studying the pathogenesis of the disease, transmission of the pathogen and are indispensable for testing antiviral drugs and vaccines. The aim of the study was to assess the virulence and tissue tropism for golden Syrian hamsters of SARS-CoV-2 strains belonging to different epidemiologically significant variants: Wuhan-like, Delta, Omicron BA.1.1 and Omicron BA.5.2. Materials and methods. Hamsters were intranasally infected with different SARS-CoV-2 strains. Virulence and tissue tropism of SARS-CoV-2 strains were assessed by comparing the dynamics of weight, viral load in organs and histopathological changes in lungs in infected and uninfected animals. Results. The Wuhan-like Dubrovka strain had the greatest virulence for hamsters, which was manifested by the development of severe pneumonia and a delay in weight gain by 14.6%, high virus content in the lungs, nasal passages and brain — 6.2, 5,9 and 3.7 lg TCID50/ml of homogenate, respectively. Presumably, it was the infection of the Wuhan-like virus of the central nervous system that negatively affected the weight and general condition of the animals. When hamsters were infected with viruses belonging to the Delta and Omicron variants, the observed minor weight loss in animals was uninformative, so indicators such as lung histopathology, viral load in the lungs, nasal passages, heart and other organs played a decisive role in assessing the virus pathogenicity. A score assessment of lung histopathology was of particular value in assessing the severity of pneumonia, since it reduced subjectivity in evaluating the results of histological examination and provided a semi-quantitative assessment of the pathological process. Conclusion. Despite the revealed lower virulence for hamsters of viruses belonging to the Delta and Omicron variants compared to the ancestral Wuhan virus, this animal model for COVID-19 retains its value for conducting preclinical trials of antiviral drugs.

Weight regain after intragastric balloon for pre-surgical weight loss.

Over one-third of Americans carry the diagnosis of obesity, many also with obesity-related comorbidities. This can place patients at increased risk of operative and postoperative complications. The intragastric balloon has been shown to aid in minor weight loss, however its weight recidivism in patients requiring short interval weight loss has not been well studied. To evaluate weight loss, ability to undergo successful elective surgery after intragastric balloon placement, and weight management after balloon removal. This study is a retrospective review of patients in a single academic institution undergoing intragastric balloon placement from 2019-2023 to aid in weight loss prior to undergoing elective surgery. Clinical outcomes including weight loss, duration of balloon placement, successful elective surgery, weight regain post-balloon and post-procedure complications were assessed. Exclusion criteria included those with balloon in place at time of study. Thirty-three patients completed intragastric balloon therapy from 2019-2023 as a bridge to elective surgery. All patients were required to participate in a 12-month weight management program to be eligible for balloon therapy. Elective surgeries included incisional hernia repair, umbilical hernia repair, inguinal hernia repair, and knee and hip replacements. The average age at placement was 53 years ± 11 years, majority (91%) were male. The average duration of intragastric balloon therapy was 186 days ± 41 days. The average weight loss was 14.0 kg ± 7.4 kg and with an average percent excess body weight loss of 30.0% (7.9%-73.6%). Over half of the patients (52.0%) achieved the goal of 30-50 lbs (14-22 kg) weight loss. Twenty-one patients (64%) underwent their intended elective surgery, 2 patients (6%) deferred surgery due to symptom relief with weight loss alone. Twenty-one of the patients (64%) have documented weights in 3 months after balloon removal, in these patients the majority (76%) gained weight after balloon removed. In patients with weight regain at 3 months, they averaged 5.8 kg after balloon removal in the first 3 months, this averaged 58.4% weight regain of the initial weight lost. Intragastric balloon placement is an option for short-term weight management, as a bridge to elective surgery in patients with body mass index (BMI) > 35. Patients lost an average of 14 kg with the balloon, allowing two-thirds of patients to undergo elective surgery at a healthy BMI. However, most patients regained an average of 58% of the original weight lost after balloon removal. The intragastric balloon successfully serves as a tool for rapid weight loss, though patients must be educated on the risks including weight regain.

Impedance spectroscopy investigation on the electrical response and optical characteristics of novel Sr2TiZrO6 double perovskite

This study centers on the synthesis and characterization of a novel double perovskite, termed Sr2TiZrO6 (STZO), which was synthesized using the conventional solid-state reaction method and subsequently calcined at 1000 °C for 12 h. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern refinement confirmed the formation of the tetragonal phase Sr2TiZrO6 (space group P4mm), while both XRD and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses revealed that the resulting STZO displaying spherical-like grains with nanometric diameters. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed a minor weight loss attributed to the emergence of the ZrO2 phase and the formation of the STZO double perovskite. The diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) results demonstrated strong UV-light absorption, with an optical absorption onset below 400 nm. The obtained band gap for direct transitions of the STZO sample is equal to 3.26 eV. The conductance and impedance study of the STZO sample are investigated. The present properties provide crucial insights to enhance comprehension of the STZO double perovskite material, which holds promise as a viable candidate for a range of applications, such as solar cells and photodiodes.

Changes in quality parameters and bioactive components of seedless lime fruit (Citrus latifolia) during cold storage

The postharvest maintenance quality of fruits is significant for industrial applications. The present study was conducted to evaluate of quality parameters and bioactive components of seedless lime (Citrus latifolia) fruit during cold storage. Lime fruits were packed in perforated polyethylene bags, which were then put into a perforated expanded polystyrene box, and stored in a cool chamber, at 10°C. Quality parameters including skin color, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), juice percentage, technological index, titratable acidity (TTA), reducing and total sugars of the fruits were measured during 56 days of storage. The total phenolic content of the juices was measured using a colorimetric method of Folin-Ciocalteu. Ascorbic acid and major flavonoids of the fruits such as hesperidin and eriocitrin were quantified using HPLC-PDA methods. The results showed that cold storage kept the greenness of the fruit’s skin for up to 28 days. A minor weight loss (< 5%) was also recorded in the first 28 days of storage. The technological index of the fruits, reducing total sugars and TSS slightly increased, whereas TA somewhat decreased. Bioactive components such as phenolic and ascorbic acid contents were kept stable (p>0.05) in the first 21 days of storage but considerably reduced after 28 days of storage. A decrease in hesperidin and eriocitrin was also recorded from 21 days of storage but at a lower rate compared to that of phenolic and ascorbic acid contents. Altogether, a simple, convenient cold storage method using a perforated polyethylene bag and expanded polystyrene box can retain the quality and bioactive components of lime fruits for at least 21 days. The findings are significant for the food industrial application of storage lime fruits for fresh utilization or juice processing.

Characterization of a human H3N8 influenza virus

In 2022 and 2023, novel reassortant H3N8 influenza viruses infected three people, marking the first human infections with viruses of this subtype. Here, we generated one of these viruses (A/Henan/4-10CNIC/2022; hereafter called A/Henan/2022 virus) by using reverse genetics and characterized it. In intranasally infected mice, reverse genetics-generated A/Henan/2022 virus caused weight loss in all five animals (one of which had to be euthanized) and replicated efficiently in the respiratory tract. Intranasal infection of ferrets resulted in minor weight loss and moderate fever but no mortality. Reverse genetics-generated A/Henan/2022 virus replicated efficiently in the upper respiratory tract of ferrets but was not detected in the lungs. Virus transmission via respiratory droplets occurred in one of four pairs of ferrets. Deep-sequencing of nasal swab samples from inoculated and exposed ferrets revealed sequence polymorphisms in the haemagglutinin protein that may affect receptor-binding specificity. We also tested 90 human sera for neutralizing antibodies against reverse genetics-generated A/Henan/2022 virus and found that some of them possessed neutralizing antibody titres, especially sera from older donors with likely exposure to earlier human H3N2 viruses. Our data demonstrate that reverse genetics-generated A/Henan/2022 virus is a low pathogenic influenza virus (of avian influenza virus descent) with some antigenic resemblance to older human H3N2 viruses and limited respiratory droplet transmissibility in ferrets. This work was supported by the Japan Program for Infectious Diseases Research and Infrastructure (JP23wm0125002), and the Japan Initiative for World-leading Vaccine Research and Development Centers (JP233fa627001) from the Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED).

Primair adrenaal lymfoom

Primary adrenal lymphoma A primary adrenal lymphoma (PAL) is a very rare extranodal lymphoma with only about 400 cases described worldwide. PAL is a rapidly progressive disease. Since the advent of rituximab, there is an improvement in the prognosis, making it comparable to a classical diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This article describes the medical history of a 62-year-old woman with a bilateral adrenal incidentaloma on a CT scan. She complained of vague symptoms such as nausea, vertigo and excessive sweating with minor weight loss. Additional testing revealed primary adrenal insufficiency, for which hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone substitution was started, significantly improving the patient’s symptoms. A right adrenalectomy demonstrated the presence of a DLBCL and staging with an FDG-PET-CT scan showed no additional lesions. As the adrenals were the only location of the disease, the diagnosis of PAL could be made.

Exercise to Combat the Effect of Insulin Resistance in PCOS: A Narrative Review

Abstract: PCOS is a complex multigenic condition influenced by significant epigenetic and environmental variables, including nutrition and lifestyle. IR is found in roughly 80% of obese women with PCOS and 30–40% of lean women. IR is an impairment of insulin to mediate metabolism in skeletal muscle, adipocytes and liver. Following weight gain, the severity of IR in women with PCOS increases. IR affects many PCOS women who are not overweight, and minor weight loss improves clinical results in those with near-normal body weight. The effect of exercise on IS is optimized through glucose transport and metabolism. Exercise is the first-line treatment for PCOS. Moderate intensity (60–70% VO2max; comparable to 75–80% HRmax) and high-intensity aerobic exercise (heart rate >80%) improves IR in women with PCOS. These exercises are performed for at least 30 minutes per session and 3–5 days per week. A single bout of exercise (2–72 hours postexercise) can improve IS immediately. Exercise improves IS and glycemic management as well as helps in lowering the abdominal fat. Therefore, exercise performed on a regular basis can help improve insulin resistance in women with PCOS.

Impact of PbO on structural, thermal, optical and gamma ray shielding behaviour of TeO2-CdO based glasses

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of an increase in the concentration of PbO on the structural, thermal, optical, and gamma ray shielding behavior of TeO2-CdO based glasses. The glasses were found to contain TeO4 and TeO3 units, as well as CdO metal oxide clusters, as indicated by the Raman spectrum. The glasses displayed minor weight loss (approximately 3%), suggesting high resistance to thermal degradation. With an increase in the concentration of PbO, the glass transition temperature (Tg), onset temperature (To), and crystallization temperature (Tc) all decreased. Additionally, the indirect band gap energy decreased from 3.497–3.337 eV as the lead oxide concentration increased. Moreover, the effects of PbO concentration on the linear attenuation coefficient (LAC) were investigated. The LAC values were found to be highest at 39.5 keV and decreased with increasing energy. As the PbO concentration increased, LAC values also increase. The Zeff displayed an inverse relationship with energy, except for an abrupt increase at 121.8 keV. The half value layer was found to be positively correlated with energy and varied with changes in PbO and CdO concentrations. The glasses demonstrated effective gamma radiation shielding properties, with the HVL remaining small even at higher energies, suggesting potential applications in industries such as medical imaging where thin shielding materials are preferred.

Incorporation of graphene nanoplatelets with organic phase change materials – Studies on thermal conductivity enhancement, and thermal and chemical stability

Phase change materials (PCMs) have the capability to store energy in form of latent heat, along with exceptional chemical and thermal stability. However, their main limitation lies in their thermal conductivity, which hampers the rate at which energy can be stored and released. In the current work, we have chosen graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) as the thermal conductivity enhancer and organic PCM melting at 21, 30, 35, and 46 °C and a hydrated salt melting at 24 °C. Melt blending technique was used to develop GNP-enhanced PCM, and their chemical and thermal properties were studied. Thermal conductivity was studied in the temperature varying from 25 to 50 °C and we observed a substantial upsurge in thermal conductivity with an upsurge in concentration of GNP. Specific heat was found to increase with an upsurge in concentration of nanoparticles. DSC thermograms depicted a minor upsurge in melting and solidification temperatures and a decline in their latent heat concerning an upsurge in GNP concentration. Subcooling temperature of all pure and GNP-enhanced composites was found to be less than 10 °C. FTIR spectrum peaks designated the presence of physical interaction with the nonappearance of chemical interaction between GNP and PCM. TGA thermograms depicted a minor weight loss till 165 °C and rapid weight reduction in temperature range of 165 – 270 °C which conveys that incorporation of GNP has enhanced thermal stability of PCM. From thermophysical and chemical characterization of pure and GNP-enhanced PCM, we can conclude that GNP-enhanced composites can be used for enhanced heat transfer applications.

Acyl-CoA synthetase expression in human skeletal muscle is reduced in obesity and insulin resistance.

Upon intramuscular entry, fatty acids are converted to amphiphatic fatty acyl-CoAs by action of the acyl-CoA synthetase (ACS) enzymes. While it has been reported that insulin resistant skeletal muscle shows an accumulation of fatty acyl-CoAs, the role of the enzymes which catalyze their synthesis is still sparsely studied in human muscle, in particular the influence of obesity, and insulin resistance. We analyzed muscle biopsies obtained from normal weight controls (n = 7, average BMI 24), males/females with obesity (n = 7, average BMI 31), and males/females with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n = 7, average BMI 34), for relevant ACS (long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSL1), -3 (ACSL3) and - 4 (ACSL4), fatty acid transport protein 1 (FATP1) and - 4 (FATP4)). The mRNA expression was determined by real-time PCR, and total oleoyl-CoA synthetase activity was measured. In the males/females with obesity and T2D, the response to 16 weeks of exercise training with minor weight loss was evaluated. ACSL1 is the dominantly expressed ACS isoform in human skeletal muscle. The content of total ACS mRNA, as well as ACSL1 mRNA, were lower in muscle of males/females with obesity and T2D. Exercise training in the males/females with obesity and T2D increased the total ACS enzyme activity, along with a lowering of the HOMA-IR index. The capacity for synthesis of fatty acyl-CoAs is lower in skeletal muscle of obese males/females with T2D. This suggests a decreased ability to convert fatty acids to fatty acyl-CoAs, which in turn may affect their entry into storage or metabolic pathways in muscle. Thus, the accumulation of fatty acyl-CoAs in the obese or insulin resistant state that has been shown in previous reports is not likely to result from increased fatty acid acylation. The upregulation of ACS activity by exercise training appears beneficial and occurred concomitantly with increased insulin sensitivity.

Rapamycin treatment increases survival, autophagy biomarkers and expression of the anti-aging klotho protein in elderly mice.

Previous investigations have demonstrated that treatment of animals with rapamycin increases levels of autophagy, which is a process by which cells degrade intracellular detritus, thus suppressing the emergence of senescent cells, whose pro-inflammatory properties, are primary drivers of age-associated physical decline. A hypothesis is tested here that rapamycin treatment of mice approaching the end of their normal lifespan exhibits increased survival, enhanced expression of autophagic proteins; and klotho protein-a biomarker of aging that affects whole organism senescence, and systemic suppression of inflammatory mediator production. Test groups of 24-month-old C57BL mice were injected intraperitoneally with either 1.5 mg/kg/week rapamycin or vehicle. All mice administered rapamycin survived the 12-week course, whereas 43% of the controls died. Relative to controls, rapamycin-treated mice experienced minor but significant weight loss; moreover, nonsignificant trends toward decreased levels of leptin, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-1α, and IGF-1, along with slight elevations in VEGF, MCP-1 were observed in the blood serum of rapamycin-treated mice. Rapamycin-treated mice exhibited significantly enhanced autophagy and elevated expression of klotho protein, particularly in the kidney. Rapamycin treatment also increased cardiomyocyte Ca2+ -sensitivity and enhanced the rate constant of force re-development, which may also contribute to the enhanced survival rate in elderly mice.

Impact of antireflux surgery on gastroesophageal reflux-associated symptoms and quality of life.

Reflux disease has become endemic in the Western world. High quality hiatal reconstruction and fundoplication has a paramount importance in its therapy. While the primary goal of surgery is reducing reflux-associated disease burden, the evaluation and follow-up of disease-associated quality of life is essential. In this study, we aimed to measure and evaluate the pre- and post-operative reflux-associated quality of life of patients undergoing surgery between 01. 12. 2015 and 31. 12. 2020 at a tertiary care hospital. We utilized a health-related quality of life questionnaire both pre- and post-operatively. The main outcome measures were: patient-assessed heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, nausea and vomiting. We also measured acid secretory medication use and patient satisfaction. We have assessed the pre- and post-operative questionnaries of 65 patients. All the symptoms above have decreased after surgery, and the changes were statistically significant (except for dysphagia). There was a tendency for minor weight loss after surgery. The use of acid secretion inhibitor medications decreased significantly. Our results are comparable to the outcomes of other tertiary care centers. Our workgroup has successfully adopted the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of the surgical care of reflux disease. If the proper indications for surgery are met, laparoscopic hiatoplasty and Toupet fundoplication are capable tools in decreasing reflux-associated symptoms and improving reflux-associated quality of life. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(2): 57-63.

Selective ablation of TRA-1-60+ pluripotent stem cells suppresses tumor growth of prostate cancer.

Purpose: TRA-1-60 (TRA) is an established transcription factor of embryonic signaling and a well-known marker of pluripotency. It has been implicated in tumorigenesis and metastases, is not expressed in differentiated cells, which makes it an appealing biomarker for immunopositron emission tomography (immunoPET) imaging and radiopharmaceutical therapy (RPT). Herein, we explored the clinical implications of TRA in prostate cancer (PCa), examined the potential of TRA-targeted PET to specifically image TRA+ cancer stem cells (CSCs) and assessed response to the selective ablation of PCa CSCs using TRA-targeted RPT. Experimental Design: First, we assessed the relationship between TRA (PODXL) copy number alterations (CNA) and survival using publicly available patient databases. The anti-TRA antibody, Bstrongomab, was radiolabeled with Zr-89 or Lu-177 for immunoPET imaging and RPT in PCa xenografts. Radiosensitive tissues were collected to assess radiotoxicity while excised tumors were examined for pathologic treatment response. Results: Patients with tumors having high PODXL CNA exhibited poorer progression-free survival than those with low PODXL, suggesting that it plays an important role in tumor aggressiveness. TRA-targeted immunoPET imaging specifically imaged CSCs in DU-145 xenografts. Tumors treated with TRA RPT exhibited delayed growth and decreased proliferative activity, marked by Ki-67 immunohistochemistry. Aside from minor weight loss in select animals, no significant signs of radiotoxicity were observed in the kidneys or livers. Conclusions: We successfully demonstrated the clinical significance of TRA expression in human PCa, engineered and tested radiotheranostic agents to image and treat TRA+ prostate CSCs. Ablation of TRA+ CSCs blunted PCa growth. Future studies combining CSC ablation with standard treatment will be explored to achieve durable responses.

Nano-TiB whiskers reinforced Ti–6Al–4 V matrix composite fabricated by direct laser deposition: Microstructure and mechanical properties

Titanium matrix composites (TMCs) have attracted widespread research interest due to their excellent properties. Herein, TMC reinforced with quasi-continuous reticular nano-TiB whiskers (nano-TiBw) was fabricated via a direct laser deposition method. The network of TiB reinforcements was found to be equiaxial and dendritic, and the addition of boron was shown to be beneficial to the equiaxial transition and refinement of α grains. The interface between the nano-TiBw and Ti64 matrix was observed to be clean and flat. The microhardness of the TMC was 465.1 HV0.025, 31% higher than that of the Ti64 alloy. Compressive tests showed that the TMC exhibited high ultimate compressive strength and good plasticity due to the grain refinement of the matrix and load transfer effect of nano-TiBw. The lower friction coefficients, smaller wear tracks, and minor wear weight loss revealed the superior wear resistance of the TMC in comparison to that of the Ti64 alloy. The reticular TiBw was found to be responsible for reducing the sensitivity of the TMC to adhesive wear.

Forsterite refractory brick produced by talc and magnesite from Thailand

This research focuses on refractory material synthesized from precursors of talc and magnesite in Thailand. They were mixed at a molar ratio of 1:5 with mechanical activation at 5 h and calcined at 1300 °C for 1 h to create forsterite. The resulting forsterite crystals were round with less than 1-μm particle size. Synthetic forsterite refractory was formed into refractory bricks and studied at various sintering temperatures of 1200, 1300, and 1400 °C with a dwell time of 2 h. The characteristics and properties of refractory samples were tested in physical properties, cold crushing strength, thermal conductivity, thermal shock, and corrosion resistance from various substances. The results showed that increasing the sintering temperature increases the physical properties and cold crushing strength values. Also, the sintering temperature increases will increase thermal conductivity. The best condition of forsterite refractory brick sintering was 1400 °C for 2 h (FB-14), which showed the following desirable properties: firing shrinkage of 18%, bulk density of 3.03 g/cm3, the apparent density of 3.26 g/cm3, both apparent porous and water absorption values of zero, and cold crushing strength of 72.18 MPa. The FB-14 brick has excellent resistance to corrosion and penetration from lead silicate frit and copper slag. There was minor weight loss from the corrosion of the chemical solutions used in sodium hexametaphosphate production, whereby weight loss will begin on the 18th cycle. Consequently, the FB-14 brick can be used for blast furnace walls to slow down corrosion, which will allow the blast furnace to have a longer life cycle.

Tribological properties of AlCoCrCuFeNi0.7 using tribometer in ANSYS

Tribological properties of AlCoCrCuFeNi0.7 alloys under dry condition impression against SHK hardened steel were explored. Here the tribological property based on the type of high entropy alloy(HEA) material used which have its own properties. The HEA show significantly minor friction coefficient and weight loss of the material by rubbing against SHK hardened steel. The AlCoCrCuFeNi0.7 have better sliding wear characteristics than many of HEA alloys as literature review data shows due to it high strength and high hardness. The finite element software ANSYS 2021 R2 is used for wear simulation. Wear depth was assumed to be insufficient to influence the magnitude of contact pressure. The Archad's linear wear law is used to calculate wear depth and contact pressure, using the Euler integration formulation absorbed in Ansys.

Longitudinal effect of nutritional intervention on body weight: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: This study evaluates, in the medium and long term (12, 36, and 48 mo), the effect of an intervention to promote consumption of fruit and vegetables on the body weight of Brazilian primary health care users.Methods: A follow-up with participants (n = 3414) in a controlled randomized trial was performed in a primary health care service. Those in the control group performed the service's usual intervention (guided physical exercise 3 times/wk), and those in the intervention group additionally participated for 7 mo in collective activities to promote consumption of fruit and vegetables. Sociodemographic, health, and body weight data were collected by face-to-face interview at baseline and after 12 mo. At 36 and 48 mo, weight was obtained by telephone interview and was validated. Adherence to the intervention was assessed by the presence of the actions. Weight change (Δ) was measured by subtracting the weight at each follow-up time from the baseline measurement.Results: Participants in both groups had a minor weight loss of about 0.1 kg over 12, 36, and 48 mo. The addition of an intervention for consumption of fruit and vegetables did not enhance this effect. Higher weight loss was observed in individuals with obesity classes II and III with low adherence in the intervention and after 36 mo (Δ = −27.1 kg; P = 0.024).Conclusions: Participating in the primary health care service contributed to a small reduction in weight, and the intervention for consumption of fruit and vegetables did not enhance this effect. However, greater weight loss was observed in participants with obesity and those who adhered to the intervention.

Enhanced oxidation resistance of (Mo95W5)85Ta10(TiZr)5 refractory multi-principal element alloy up to 1300°C

Refractory-metal-based alloys are a potential replacement of current nickel-based superalloys due to their excellent mechanical strength at extremely high temperatures. However, severe oxidation in a high-temperature working environment limits their application. To address this challenge, a two-step coating process (including a Mo precoat and a Si-B pack cementation) was applied to an innovative refractory multi-principal element alloy (RMPEA) (Mo95W5)85Ta10(TiZr)5. The coating is composed of an aluminoborosilica glass layer on top of a RMPEA-Si-B multilayered structure. The coating effectively protects the RMPEA from oxidation in high-temperature environments, as demonstrated by phase-stable operation at 10–20% higher temperatures over state-of-the-art systems without any forced-cooling system. Following an isothermal exposure at 1300 °C, the weight change of the coated sample follows a paralinear kinetics with a minor weight loss of 4.2 mg/cm2 after 50 h. Thermal cycling tests between 1300 °C and room temperature in air resulted in the total weight gain of only 2.6 mg/cm2 after 450 cycles. The coating shows an excellent adherence to the substrate with a boride layer acting as a barrier that maintains the coating integrity. This two-step Mo-Si-B coating method can be adapted to provide environmental resistance to a wide range of RMPEA.

Weight Loss Predicts Inferior Outcome in Polycythemia Vera Patients

Background: Conventional risk factors for inferior outcomes in polycythemia vera (PV) include elevated hematocrit, white blood cell (WBC) count, age, and abnormal karyotype. Weight loss adversely impacts survival in cancer patients. JAK2 myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) upregulate tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-8 and induce decreased leptin levels leading to weight loss. The impact of weight loss in PV patients receiving best supportive care (i.e. frontline hydroxyurea [HU] therapy, phlebotomy) on overall survival (OS) is largely unknown. In this study, we seek to investigate: (1) differential effect on survival for weight loss, and (2) variables with predictive value for weight loss among JAK2 inhibitor-naïve PV patients. Methods: After IRB approval, 46 patients at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center diagnosed with PV between 2000 and 2016 were selected for analysis. Our outcome of interest was OS among PV patients exhibiting weight loss versus patients who maintained, gained weight or had minor weight loss. To objectively estimate weight changes overtime, the difference between baseline BMI [BMI-B] at the time of diagnosis and BMI at last follow-up (BMI-L) was obtained for each patient. Survival analysis was performed for PV patients exhibiting more than 10% weight loss (>10%) versus all other patients (less than 10% loss, stable and increased weight) (<10%) over time. Kaplan-Meier (KM) method was used to determine OS. Cox regression model was performed to assess independent role of different variables including age, blood cell counts and ferritin level Statistical analysis was performed using SAS software. Results: Median BMI loss was 10% (0.03-36.72%); 33/46 (71.7%) and 13/46 (28.2%) patients developed <10% and >10% BMI loss, respectively. Baseline characteristics are summarized in Table 1. Median BMI at last follow up was 21 for PV patients exhibiting >10% BMI loss and 27.7 for PV patients exhibiting <10% BMI loss (p<0.01). Median age was higher among patients exhibiting >10% BMI loss (68 vs 56 y, respectively, p=0.006). A non-significant clinical trend for higher WBC was observed among patients losing >10% BMI (10.9 vs 7.6 K/uL, p=0.08). Median Hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) and ferritin were intriguingly lower in the >10% loss group at 16 vs 18.3 g/dL (p=0.01), 49.3 vs 54.2% (p=0.04) and 29.8 vs 50.6 ng/mL (p=0.09) respectively, while median RDW was higher at 18 vs 15.1% (p=0.01). OS was 9125 days vs 5364 days, in patients with <10% and >10% BMI loss, respectively (p=0.02, HR=0.20; CI 95% 0.04-0.84) (Figure 1). On multivariate analysis, age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.34; p<0.02) and WBC count (HR, 1.57; p<0.01), were predictive of OS. Conclusions: A subgroup of PV patients exhibit progressive weight loss. Over 10% BMI reduction is associated with decreased survival, suggesting that "early weight loss" is an independent clinical variable that predicts high risk PV. While a larger study is needed to validate this observation, this small study highlights the role of leukocytosis, advanced age and weight loss in PV. Confirmation of the observations reported here could unveil an important role for pharmacologic and/or dietary interventions to improve survival among high-risk PV patients. Disclosures Rivero: agios: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; celgene: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Incyte: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees.

Comparative behaviour of electrospun nanofibers fabricated from acid and alkaline hydrolysed gelatin: towards corneal tissue engineering

Gelatin is a hydrolysed form of collagen which is categorised as type A (acid hydrolysed) or type B (base hydrolysed), based on method of hydrolysis. In this work, we have studied the comparative properties of electrospun nanofibers of gelatin A (GA) and gelatin B (GB) prepared using a ternary solvent (glacial acetic acid/ethyl acetate/water). In addition, silk fibroin was used to improve the integrity and stability of gelatin nanofibrous sheets. Silk fibroin is known to serve as a potential implantable biomaterial because of its optimal mechanical stability, transparency, cell proliferation and tunable degradability. GA scaffold and silk permeated gelatin A nanofibrous scaffold (SFG) showed 50-70% of transparency comparable to that of adult rat and goat cornea. ATR-FTIR analysis showed the presence of native functional groups and bonds. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs revealed the porous nature of the scaffolds i.e., 48.08± 3.35 and 51.38 ± 3.72 for GA and GB, respectively. GB nanofibrous scaffolds got dissolved instantly in phosphate buffer solution (PBS), while GA scaffolds remained stable up to ∼ 11 h at 25˚C, however got degraded within 12 h when incubated at 37˚C. Furthermore, SFG scaffolds physically cross-linked with ethanol vapour displayed relatively improved stability when examined for at least 6 days at 37°C, minor weight loss when incubated in a lysozyme solution and facilitated the cellular proliferation significantly. Liquid retention capacity of the electrospun GA nanofibrous scaffolds was found to be nearly 800% from its original weight within 48 h. The electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds i.e., SFG facilitated ~72% of cellular proliferation compared to the control for SIRC [Statens Seruminstitut Rabbit Cornea] fibroblasts cells by 5th day of cell culture. Comparative outcomes reveal that the electrospun GA nanofibers possess significantly better integrity and noted stability in an aqueous environment compared to GB nanofibrous scaffold. Moreover, owing to the enhanced integrity and better stability the GA nanofibrous scaffold in combination with silk fibroin could be exploited in corneal tissue engineering applications where transparency plays an indispensable characteristic.