Recovery Of Elasticity Research Articles

Comparing the effect of FUAS and myomectomy on the elasticity of myometrium around targeted uterine fibroid

Background Focused ultrasound ablation surgery (FUAS) has been widely employed to treat patients with uterine fibroid (UF). This study aimed to estimate myometrial stiffness changes in patients who received FUAS for UFs or myomectomy (ME) and compare the recovery of surrounding myometrium between FUAS and ME groups. Our results may provide more evidence for guiding the proper conception timing in patients with UF. Methods This study enrolled 173 patients from May 2022 to August 2023. Shear wave elastography (SWE) was used to dynamically monitor myometrial elasticity changes in patients before and after surgery. Moreover, our study monitored and analyzed the stiffness changes in the targeted fibroid after FUAS, as well as in the myometrium around after FUAS or ME. Results The stiffness of the myometrium around the resected fibroid was significantly higher than at the preoperative level until 6 months. Conversely, the stiffness of the surrounding myometrium was only temporarily increased 1 day after FUAS. The comparison between FUAS and ME groups regarding the stiffness of the surrounding myometrium showed that nonsignificant differences were detected between the two groups before the treatment. The stiffness of the surrounding myometrium in the ME group was statistically significantly higher than that of the FUAS group 1 day as well as 1, 3, and 6 months after the treatment, respectively. Conclusion The FUAS had less impact on the surrounding myometrium than the ME, which may be more conducive to the recovery of myometrial elasticity in patients with UF.

Elastic Reco Elastic Recovery Properties of Alginate Impr ties of Alginate Impression Materials ession Materials Based on Red Algae Kappaphycus alvarezii

Alginate impression materials in dentistry are used to form details of the oral cavity organs. The alginate content in the impression material functions to form a gel. One source of alginate is algae. Objective: This study aims to determine the recovery elasticity and setting time of alginate impression materials made from red algae K. alvarezii. Methods: The sodium alginate in the composition of this alginate impression material was extracted from red algae K. alvarezii. The alginate impression material was tested for setting time and recovery elasticity and compared with commercial impression material (Hygedent®). Results: The elastic recovery of red algae sodium alginate impression materials was 97.43% which was not significantly different from the commercial impression materials (98.42%). These results showed that this alginate impression material has the same properties as commercial impression materials. In the setting time test, the the red algal alginate impression material was much longer than the commercial impression material, 1.39 m and 3.30 m respectively. Conclusion: It was concluded that the alginate impression material from the red algae K. alvarezii had a long setting time. At the same time, the recovery of elasticity did not differ from that of commercially available alginate impression materials.

Translocation and Utilization Mechanisms of Leaf Intracellular Water in Karst Plants Orychophragmus violaceus (L.) O. E. Schulz and Brassica napus L.

Orychophragmus violaceus (L.) O. E. Schulz adapts to karst environments through a variety of adaptability mechanisms. However, the leaf intracellular water translocation and utilization mechanism is still unknown. This study hypothesizes that plants adapt to dehydration by synergistically adjusting the leaf anatomy, cell elasticity and intracellular water translocation. Leaf structure, elastic modulus (Em), physiological capacitance (CP), impedance (Z), water potential (ΨL), leaf tensity (LT) and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of the detached leaves in plants of O. violaceus and Brassica napus L. were measured at each water loss time (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 h). The uniform leaves were randomly selected from five different plants for each species. The cell vacuole volume and translocation resistance of intracellular water could be represented by the electrophysiological parameters, such as CP and Z. The results indicated that timely shrinkage of O. violaceus leaves and mesophyll cells together with the increased water translocation resistance retained the intracellular water and maintained the turgor pressure. Water within sponge parenchyma could also be translocated into palisade parenchyma. The PSII reaction center was kept stable, and the photosynthetic activity of O. violaceus was clearly inhibited at 3 h. Palisade parenchyma of B. napus leaves increased quickly to improve the intercellular water translocation due to the strong cell stiffness. Gradually increasing intracellular water translocation resistance and recovery of the cell elasticity slowed down the leaf water loss, which, however, could not timely stop the damage on the PSII reaction center and the photochemical efficiency. The photochemical efficiency was seriously inhibited at 4 h and 5 h. The response mechanism of intracellular water to dehydration can be investigated with the help of leaf electrophysiological traits. However, the direct determination of plant drought resistance using electrophysiological information can still not be realized at present and needs further research.

Slow dynamics and time-composition superposition in gels of cellulose nanocrystals.

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are rodlike biosourced colloidal particles used as key building blocks in a growing number of materials with innovative mechanical or optical properties. While CNCs form stable suspensions at low volume fractions in pure water, they aggregate in the presence of salt and form colloidal gels with time-dependent properties. Here, we study the impact of salt concentration on the slow aging dynamics of CNC gels following the cessation of a high-shear flow that fully fluidizes the sample. We show that the higher the salt content, the faster the recovery of elasticity upon flow cessation. Most remarkably, the elastic modulus G' obeys a time-composition superposition principle: the temporal evolution of G' can be rescaled onto a universal sigmoidal master curve spanning 13 orders of magnitude in time for a wide range of salt concentrations. Such a rescaling is obtained through a time-shift factor that follows a steep power-law decay with increasing salt concentration until it saturates at large salt content. These findings are robust to changes in the type of salt and the CNC content. We further show that both linear and nonlinear rheological properties of CNC gels of various compositions, including, e.g., the frequency-dependence of viscoelastic spectra and the yield strain, can be rescaled based on the sample age along the general master curve. Our results provide strong evidence for universality in the aging dynamics of CNC gels and call for microstructural investigations during recovery as well as theoretical modeling of time-composition superposition in rodlike colloids.

Interpretation of static and dynamic Young’s moduli and Poisson’s ratio of granular assemblies under shearing

Young’s modulus (E) and Poisson’s ratio (v) of granular assemblies are two essential mechanical properties. Measurements based on stress–strain relationships gives static values (Esta and vsta) while stress wave measurements give dynamic values (Edyn and vdyn). This study adopts the discrete element method (DEM) to investigate the evolution of E and v regarding various loading probes under drained conditions at selected strain levels from the original loading. The DEM results reveal that Esta and Edyn or vsta and vdyn are not always equivalent for face-centred cubic (FCC) packings and random/disordered packings (RDP). When samples are beyond the initial elastic range, either increasing friction coefficient or conducting unloading leads to a recovery of elasticity where Esta and Edyn are equivalent during the entire axial range while vsta and vdyn are equivalent at initial elastic range. The stress-induced fabric anisotropy is found to have negligible effect on the comparisons between Esta and Edyn or vsta and vdyn under various loading probes. Microscopic investigations signify that mean contact force ratio and fraction of slip contacts are key parameters to evaluate elasticity. Besides, the supplementary laboratory tests are conducted using spherical glass beads in which Esta measured from the small-amplitude cyclic loadings after creep is equivalent to Edyn at the pre-peak strain range.

β-Dystroglycan Restoration and Pathology Progression in the Dystrophic mdx Mouse: Outcome and Implication of a Clinically Oriented Study with a Novel Oral Dasatinib Formulation.

ROS-activated cSrc tyrosine kinase (TK) promotes the degradation of β-dystroglycan (β-DG), a dystrophin-glycoprotein complex component, which may reinforce damaging signals in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Therefore, cSrc-TK represents a promising therapeutic target. In mdx mice, a 4-week subcutaneous treatment with dasatinib (DAS), a pan-Src-TKs inhibitor approved as anti-leukemic agent, increased muscle β-DG, with minimal amelioration of morphofunctional indices. To address possible dose/pharmacokinetic (PK) issues, a new oral DAS/hydroxypropyl(HP)-β-cyclodextrin(CD) complex was developed and chronically administered to mdx mice. The aim was to better assess the role of β-DG in pathology progression, meanwhile confirming DAS mechanism of action over the long-term, along with its efficacy and tolerability. The 4-week old mdx mice underwent a 12-week treatment with DAS/HP-β-CD10% dissolved in drinking water, at 10 or 20 mg/kg/day. The outcome was evaluated via in vivo/ex vivo disease-relevant readouts. Oral DAS/HP-β-CD efficiently distributed in mdx mice plasma and tissues in a dose-related fashion. The new DAS formulation confirmed its main upstream mechanism of action, by reducing β-DG phosphorylation and restoring its levels dose-dependently in both diaphragm and gastrocnemius muscle. However, it modestly improved in vivo neuromuscular function, ex vivo muscle force, and histopathology, although the partial recovery of muscle elasticity and the decrease of CK and LDH plasma levels suggest an increased sarcolemmal stability of dystrophic muscles. Our clinically oriented study supports the interest in this new, pediatric-suitable DAS formulation for proper exposure and safety and for enhancing β-DG expression. This latter mechanism is, however, not sufficient by itself to impact on pathology progression. In-depth analyses will be dedicated to elucidating the mechanism limiting DAS effectiveness in dystrophic settings, meanwhile assessing its potential synergy with dystrophin-based molecular therapies.

Tunable Viscoelastic Properties of Sodium Polyacrylate Solution via CO2-Responsive Switchable Water.

Upon stimulus by CO2, CO2-switchable viscoelastic fluids experience a deliberate transition between non-viscous and highly viscous solution states. Despite attracting considerable recent attention, most such fluids have not been applied at a large- scale due to their high costs and/or complex synthesis processes. Here, we report the development of CO2-switchable viscoelastic fluids using commercially available sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) and N,N-dimethyl ethanol amine (DMEA)-based switchable water. Upon bubbling CO2, into the solutions under study, DMEA molecules are protonated to generate quaternary ammonium salts, resulting in pronounced decreases in solutions viscosity and elasticity due to the influence of increased ionic strength on NaPAA molecular conformations. Upon removal of CO2 via introduction of N2, quaternary salts are deprotonated to tertiary amines, allowing recovery of fluid viscosity and elasticity to near the initial state. This work provides a simple approach to fabricating CO2-switchable viscoelastic fluids, widening the potential use of CO2 in stimuli-responsive applications.

High resolution ultrasound imaging for repeated measure of wound tissue morphometry, biomechanics and hemodynamics under fetal, adult and diabetic conditions.

Non-invasive, repeated interrogation of the same wound is necessary to understand the tissue repair continuum. In this work, we sought to test the significance of non-invasive high-frequency high-resolution ultrasound technology for such interrogation. High-frequency high-resolution ultrasound imaging was employed to investigate wound healing under fetal and adult conditions. Quantitative tissue cellularity and elastic strain was obtained for visualization of unresolved inflammation using Vevo strain software. Hemodynamic properties of the blood flow in the artery supplying the wound-site were studied using color Doppler flow imaging. Non-invasive monitoring of fetal and adult wound healing provided unprecedented biomechanical and functional insight. Fetal wounds showed highly accelerated closure with transient perturbation of wound tissue cellularity. Fetal hemodynamics was unique in that sharp fall in arterial pulse pressure (APP) which was rapidly restored within 48h post-wounding. In adults, APP transiently increased post-wounding before returning to the pre-wounding levels by d10 post-wounding. The pattern of change in the elasticity of wound-edge tissue of diabetics was strikingly different. Severe strain acquired during the early inflammatory phase persisted with a slower recovery of elasticity compared to that of the non-diabetic group. Wound bed of adult diabetic mice (db/db) showed persistent hypercellularity compared to littermate controls (db/+) indicative of prolonged inflammation. Normal skin strain of db/+ and db/db were asynchronous. In db/db, severe strain acquired during the early inflammatory phase persisted with a slower recovery of elasticity compared to that of non-diabetics. This study showcases a versatile clinically relevant imaging platform suitable for real-time analyses of functional wound healing.

Effect of electroacupuncture on tissue elasticity and expression of muscular MyoD and myogenin in rats with acute gastrocnemius contusion

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Ashi" acupoint and "Kunlun" (BL60) on elastic modulus, histopathological changes and expression of myogenic regulatory factors in gastrocnemius(GM) contusion rats, so as to explore the therapeutic effect of local acupoint selection and acupoint selection along channel. Male SD rats were randomly divided into blank control (n＝5), model (n＝15), Ashi-point (n＝15) and BL60 (n＝15) groups. The acute GM contusion model was established by striking (free falling) the GM with a homemade hitter. EA (0.5 to 1.0 mA, 2 Hz/10 Hz) was applied to Ashi-point (local focus) and BL60 for 30 min 24 h after muscle injury. The elasticity maximum (Emax) of gastrocnemius muscle was measured by using an ultrasonic device. Histopathological changes were observed after H．E. stain, and the number of Myogenic differentiation(MyoD)- and Myogenin (MyoG)-positive cells was detected by using immunohistochemistry. After mdeling, the Emax value of GM was significantly increased from the 3rd h to 7th day in comparison with pre- injury of muscle (P<0.05), and was markedly increased on the 3rd day and obviously lower on day 7 in the Ashi-point group than in the model group (P<0.05). The numbers of MyoD- and MyoG-positive cells of GM were significantly increased on day 7 in the model group than in the blank control group (P<0.05), and both further increased in Ashi-point on day 3 and 5, and MyoG-positive cells further increased in BL60 group on day 5 and in Ashi-point group on day 7 relevant to the model group(P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA-Ashi-point was apparently superior to that of BL60 in up-regulating Emax on day 3 and in up-regulating the number of MyoD-positive cells on day 3 and 5 (P<0.05). H．E. stain showed disordered arrangement of muscle fibers, infiltration of inflammatory cells, increase of intercellular space, and edema on day 3 after modeling (which was milder in the Ashi-point group); and gradual fusion and thickening of new born muscle fibers with obvious connective tissue hyperplasia converged to the lesioned region on day 7 in the model group (convergence of new born muscle cells to the lesion region in both EA groups, and more complete tissues in the Ashi-point group). EA of Ashi-point and BL60 can up-regulate the expression of myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and MyoG of GM tissue in GM contusion rats, which may contribute to its function in promoting recovery of muscle elasticity. The role of EA-Ashi-point is superior to that of EA-BL60.

Antiaging Activity of Gel Preparation Containing Three Varieties of Passion Fruit Peel Ethanolic Extract

BACKGROUND: Antiaging cosmetics are cosmetics that can prevent or correct the signs of premature aging. Passion fruit (Passiflora sp.) peel is an agricultural waste contains polyphenol compounds and flavonoids which are a source of natural antioxidants to prevent premature aging. The passion fruit peel extract formulated into gel preparations which can increase the economic value of the passion fruit peel waste.&#x0D; OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to test the antiaging activity of gel preparations containing ethanolic extracts of purple, red, and yellow passion fruit on experimental animal skins with several parameters (wrinkle, melanin, pore, moisture, and elasticity).&#x0D; METHODS: Gel was made by adding passion fruit peel extract with several concentrations (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15%, 0.20%, and 0.25%) in gel base. The blank used is a gel base without extracts. Measurement of wrinkle, black pigment (melanin), pore size, moisture content, and elasticity was performed using a skin analyzer. The use of gel is done 2 times a day for 28 days.&#x0D; RESULTS: Gel with purple, red, and yellow passion fruit peel extract can be formulated into gel preparations. The higher concentration of passion fruit peel extract shows a higher antiaging activity. Gel preparations with purple, red, and yellow passion fruit peel extract, respectively, show the recovery of wrinkle 16.16%, 8.73%, and 6.49%; recovery of melanin 20.11%, 10.75%, and 8.06%; recovery of pore 18.78%, 10.15%, and 7.69%; recovery of moisture 32.74%, 17.70%, and 13.04%; and recovery of elasticity 30.08%, 16.13%, and 12.30%.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The highest antiaging activity was given by gel preparations containing purple passion fruit peel extract and the lowest antiaging activity was given by gel preparations with yellow passion fruit peel extracts.

The structural rearrangement with secondary reinforcement in graphene/nanotwinned copper nanocomposites: A molecular dynamics study

The incorporation of graphene into nanotwinned copper is a promising approach to obtain a material with superior mechanical properties, while related research is rarely reported. In this study, we design several graphene/nanotwinned copper nanocomposites and investigate their compressive behaviors by molecular dynamics simulation. An unusual structural rearrangement is observed under compression at an atomic level. More specifically, graphene provides a supporting skeleton for the lattice rotation of nanotwinned copper under certain conditions, resulting in the annihilation of dislocations with the recovery of elasticity. Such a rearrangement process improves the strength and durability of the nanocomposites because of the intensive support provided by periodic graphene wrinkles and new twin boundaries. The interaction between graphene and nanotwinned copper matrix can be enhanced by decreasing twin spacing and introducing multilayer graphene. The symmetrical lattice orientation in the matrix, parallel graphene-twin boundaries, and a suitable compression direction collectively contribute to a perfect structural rearrangement.

Utility of the Teslar Facial Massager for Skin Elasticity and the Mechanism of its Effects

The Teslar is a facial massager that emits a weak electric current, where users have reported a beneficial effect on skin elasticity with continued use. Accordingly, we conducted a clinical utility study and a comprehensive gene analysis, with cultured human fibroblasts to investigate the utility and mechanism of this treatment. In this clinical utility study, we found significant improvement in skin elasticity in Teslar treatments, compared to controls after two weeks of treatment. In cell experiments, we found that adenosine triphosphate synthesis and collagen contraction were promoted in fibroblasts cultured in type I collagen gel, following Teslar treatment. We considered that Teslar treatment exerted a structurally regenerative effect on the dermal matrix, based on the results of GeneChip® Expression Analysis. In particular, we demonstrated that Teslar treatment promotes type I collagen mRNA expression and fibulin-5/DANCE (Developmental arteries and neural crest EGF (epidermal growth factor)-like) mRNA expression and protein levels, which are reduced with aging. We also found increases in LTBP-3 (Latent TGF-β binding protein-3) and CSPG4 (Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4) mRNA expression levels. Based on these results, we considered that Teslar treatment promoted dermal regeneration and recovery of skin elasticity.

A bio-based composite material for water remediation from oily contaminants

In this work, a novel composite sorbent material for water remediation from oily contaminants, based on a cellulose three-dimensional fibrous scaffold treated with stearic acid and expanded graphite flakes, is presented.The pristine cellulose foams are inherently omniphilic, absorbing indiscriminately both water and oils. However, after being modified with stearic acid and graphite via drop casting, they become superhydrophobic (still preserving their superoleophilic characteristics). As a result, the foams start exhibiting a highly selective behaviour which permits to absorb different kinds of oils and organic solvents, while repelling water completely.Thermal and chemical characterizations reveal that the modification treatment is successfully performed, while the performed mechanical tests demonstrate a good recovery of elasticity after repeated deformations and confirm that the elasticity of the foam is preserved after the treatment. Although based on natural materials, the fabricated foams exhibit oil absorption rate, saturation time and capacity values comparable to those of some synthetic materials with the same aim, exhibiting a very important added value, as it is based on low cost, green and biodegradable materials, requiring, at the same time, low processing costs and providing excellent reusability properties.

Property Modifications in Ni-Ti Shape Memory Alloys

In the paper are shown some properties modifications in Ni-Ti shape memory alloys with the shape memory effect transformation. Recovery of deformation and pseudo elasticity are of great importance for shape memory alloys. Mechanical and electrical properties versus temperature are given in comparison for Ni-Ti and Au-Cd alloys.

Long-term efficacy of high doses of intravenous immunoglobulins in generalized scleromyxoedema: Case report.

Scleromyxoedema is a rare disease with a progressive and disabling course involving dermal deposition of mucin and fibroblast proliferation; it is characterized clinically by a diffuse papular eruption, skin thickening, oedema and decreased skin flexibility, especially of the face and hands. Current therapy options are based on evidence from a limited number of case reports. The clinical manifestations and treatment of a 64-year-old man affected by scleromyxoedema with severe skin involvement of the face, arms and hands, decreased mouth opening and hypomotility of the fingers are reported. Dysphagia, asthenia and immunoglobulin G lambda monoclonal gammopathy were also present. Previous treatment with topical and systemic corticosteroids, psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation therapy, plasmapheresis, extracorporeal photochemotherapy, hydroxychloroquine and cyclophosphamide had been unsuccessful. Treatment with intravenous immunoglobulins at a dosage of 2 g/kg monthly was started. Considerable improvements were observed after seven cycles of therapy, with recovery of skin elasticity, an increase in facial mimic movement, restoration of joint function and improvement in the modified Rodnan score. There were no observed side-effects. The patient remains in remission on monthly maintenance intravenous immunoglobulins, 2 years after initial treatment.

Treatment of the scar after arthroscopic surgery on a knee

The aim of this paper is to present a treatment for scars based on percutaneous traction. This is a structural technique in which movements are performed against the barriers detected in different planes. The stages of this technique are described in detail along with the results after applying it to a postarthroscopic scar on a knee. The active and passive mobility of femoro-tibial and femoro-patellar articulations improved substantially after the treatment, as verified by signs such as pain relief, greater flexibility, disappearance of inflammation and a major recovery of tissue elasticity. A sonoelastography study of the portals and patellar tendon was carried out before and after therapy, showing semiquantitatively the recovery of the viscoelastic properties of the tissue.

Temperature-dependent elastic properties of Ti1−xAlxN alloys

Ti1−xAlxN is a technologically important alloy that undergoes a process of high temperature age-hardening that is strongly influenced by its elastic properties. We have performed first principles calculations of the elastic constants and anisotropy using the symmetry imposed force constant temperature dependent effective potential method, which include lattice vibrations and therefore the effects of temperature, including thermal expansion and intrinsic anharmonicity. These are compared with in situ high temperature x-ray diffraction measurements of the lattice parameter. We show that anharmonic effects are crucial to the recovery of finite temperature elasticity. The effects of thermal expansion and intrinsic anharmonicity on the elastic constants are of the same order, and cannot be considered separately. Furthermore, the effect of thermal expansion on elastic constants is such that the volume change induced by zero point motion has a significant effect. For TiAlN, the elastic constants soften non-uniformly with temperature: C11 decreases substantially when the temperature increases for all compositions, resulting in an increased anisotropy. These findings suggest that an increased Al content and annealing at higher temperatures will result in a harder alloy.

Microscopic mechanical characteristics analysis of ultranano-crystalline diamond films

The microscopic mechanical characteristics of ultranano-crystalline diamond films which were prepared in four different atmospheres were investigated for the applications in microelectron-mechanical system (MEMS). The loading–unloading curves and the change of modulus and hardness of samples along with depth were achieved through nanoindenter. The results show that the films which are made in atmosphere without Ar have the highest recovery of elasticity, hardness (72.9 GPa) and elastic modulus (693.7 GPa) among the samples. Meanwhile, samples fabricated at a low Ar content have higher hardness and modulus. All the results above demonstrate that atmosphere without Ar or low Ar content leads to better mechanical properties of nanodiamond films that are the candidates for applications in MEMS.

Exercise Training Can Help Recovery of Impaired Aortic Elasticity at Young Smokers

Objectives: Many risk factors, including smoking, increase and accelerate atherosclerosis even in young ages. Although it has been shown that increased aortic stiffness and decreased aortic strain (AS) in smoker individuals, and improved aortic elastic properties with exercise training (ET), there is no satisfied evidence revealing how the regular ET influences this harmful effect of smoking. We aimed to evaluate this effect in young adults in this study. Method: 75 smoker (age 20,64±1,06) (12,4±4,35 cig/d; mean 2,6±1,26 years) and 36 non-smoker (never smoke) (age 20,83±1,35) individuals who stated that hadn’t done regular exercise previously were enrolled to study. Individuals who were not able to perform exercise or changed smoking habit were excluded. Body mass indexes (BMI), systolic and diastolic blood pressures (BP) were recorded. Aortic systolic (ASD) and diastolic diameters (ADD) were measured from the same view on the M-mode tracing at a level of 3 cm above the aortic valve on echocardiographic examination. Hence AS, aortic distensibility (AD) and β stiffness index (βSI) were calculated. The formulas to calculate these parameters are; AS(%)=(ASD-ADD)/ADDx100; AD(cm2/dyn/106)=(2xAS)/(SBP-DBP); and βSI=ln(SBP/DBP)/AS. Then all of the individuals were underwent exercise protocol, including chin-up (5-9 a day ), push-up (25-40 a day), sit-up (30-50 a day), physical-fitness exercises and at least 3 km running 3-5 times a week during the average of 5,3 months. After exercise period, the parameters mentioned above measured again and aortic strain and distensibility recalculated. Statistical analysis was performed by student t-test or Mann Whitney-U test using SPSS 11.0 for Windows. Results: Before ET, there were no any significant difference in age, BMI, BP and pulse pressure, interventricular septum thickness and LV ejection fractions between two groups. However AS and AD in smokers were significantly lower and βSI was higher than those of controls. AS, AD and βSI of both groups improved with the ET. However, the improvement of AS and AD were statistically significant in smoker subjects (14,96%, p=0,036; and 17,99%, p=0,024 respectively), while were not significant in non-smoker group (1,16%, p>0,05; and 1,86%, p>0,05). The decrease of βSI was also similar (smokers 14,91%, p=0,021; and nonsmokers 2,42%, p>0,05). Conclusion: This study revealed that smoking affects aortic strain and distensibility, indicators of atherosclerotic process, adversely even in young ages similar to shown in previously. However regular exercise can help to recovery of aortic elastic properties.

A methodological approach for determining the effect of moisture content on the compaction properties of powders: Granular hydroxyapatite

Abstract The effect of moisture on the compaction properties of hydroxyapatite (HA) was studied. A single lot of commercially available HA was heated at various temperatures to provide samples containing 2.12, 4.02, 4.56, 4.97 and 5.26% moisture content as determined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) at 450 °C. Compressibility, compactibility, elastic recovery and Young's modulus of elasticity were determined as a function of moisture content. An increase in moisture content increased the compressibility coefficient of HA facilitating volume reduction at constant compaction pressure. However, increased moisture content also reduced the bonding capacity of HA particles, resulting in reduced tablet tensile strength at constant porosity. Elastic recovery increased and Young's modulus of elasticity decreased, with increasing moisture content, which contributed to reduced tablet tensile strength. The plasticising effect of moisture was outweighed by the reduction in bonding capacity and the increase in elastic behaviour, resulting in a negative effect of moisture on tablet tensile strength over the range studied.