Ultra Group Research Articles

Evaluation of Silicone-Based Gel for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scarring in Rat Models

Background: Hypertrophic scarring represents an aberrant response to wounds in certain individuals, manifesting with symptoms such as itching, tenderness, pain, and pigmentation. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a silicone-based gel on the healing of hypertrophic scars, particularly those originating from deep tissue wounds.Methods: A rat model of wound healing and scarring was established, and 12 rats were randomly assigned to three groups: Dermatix Ultra group, SFG-100 silicone-gel group, and non-treated group. Rats in the treated groups (Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel) received twice-daily applications for 8 weeks. Histologic analysis, including biopsy, was conducted to evaluate the scar elevation index, epidermis thickness, and the number of granulation veins.Results: Overall, both the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups exhibited improvements in hypertrophic scar healing, accompanied by a significant reduction in skin pigmentation. Histopathologically, scars in both treated groups displayed a notable decrease in scar elevation index, epithelial thickness, and collagen disorganization compared to the non-treated group. However, no significant difference was observed between the Dermatix Ultra and SFG-100 silicone-gel groups.Conclusion: The results suggest that SFG-100 silicone-gel is an effective therapeutic agent for hypertrophic scars. Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying its efficacy and to optimize its application for clinical use.

210 TAVI WITH SAPIEN 3 ULTRA AND ACURATE NEO2: OUTCOMES FROM A HIGH VOLUME CENTER

Abstract Background Latest iterations of devices for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) have brought refinements to further improve patients outcomes, but comparisons of balloon-expandable Sapien 3 ULTRA (ULTRA) and self-expanding Acurate Neo 2 (NEO2) valves are lacking. Objectives To compare hemodynamic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TAVI with ULTRA or NEO 2 devices. Methods Patients undergoing TAVI with ULTRA and NEO 2 and enrolled in the REPLACE Registry from June 2019 to July 2022 (n=174) were analyzed. The primary efficacy and safety outcomes were VARC-3 device success and early safety, respectively. Secondary outcomes included technical success, 30-day clinical outcomes and echocardiographic device performance. Results A total of 119 patients receiving ULTRA (68.4%) and 55 receiving NEO 2 (31.6%) were compared. The primary efficacy (90.8% vs. 87.3%, for ULTRA and NEO2 respectively, p=0.483) and safety (87.4% vs. 85.5%, for ULTRA and NEO2 respectively, p=0.725) outcomes did not differ between patients receiving ULTRA or NEO 2 transcatheter aortic valves. On post-TAVI echocardiography, no cases of severe PVR were detected. The rate of mild-to-moderate paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) was lower in the ULTRA group (0.9% vs. 6.1%, p=0.002), with similar mean transvalvular gradients between the study groups (median 10 vs. 8.5 mmHg, for ULTRA and NEO2 respectively, p=0.11). Conclusions In this comparison, device success rates were high with both new-generation devices, with overall low rates of adverse events at 30 days after TAVI. Very low PPI rates were reported with both devices. PVR rates were low, but higher in patients receiving NEO 2.

First Comparison Report of the SAPIEN S3 Ultra Balloon Expandable Transcatheter Heart Valve

ABSTRACT Background Even mild paravalvular leak (PVL) is associated with worse quality of life and increased mortality. The Ultra transcatheter heart valve (THV) is intentionally designed to reduce PVL. However, there are limited data comparing the degree of PVL between S3 and Ultra THVs. We compared the degree of PVL between the SAPIEN S3 Ultra (Ultra) and SAPIEN S3 (S3) THV. Methods Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) patients who received an S3 or Ultra THV from September 1, 2017 to August 15, 2019 were identified. The THV oversizing percentage, the LVOT calcification and annular calcific nodularity were measured on a blinded re-review of pre-TAVR CTs. The degree of PVL was assessed on a blinded re-review of post-implantation echocardiograms. The demographics, pre-TAVR anatomic characteristics, and degree of PVL were compared between the S3 and Ultra groups using standard statistical methods. Results Thirty-two cases met the inclusion criteria for each group. There were no significant differences in baseline anatomic characteristics or in post-implant mean pressure gradient. There was a trend toward increased balloon post-dilations in the S3 group. There was no moderate or severe PVL in any case. There was significantly less mild PVL in the Ultra group compared to the S3 group (22% vs. 0%, P = 0.006). Conclusion The new generation Edwards SAPIEN S3 Ultra valve is associated with significantly less PVL with similar post-implant hemodynamics in comparison to the previous generation THV. Abbreviations TAVR: Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement; THV: Transcatheter Heart Valve; PVL: Paravalvular Leak; S3: Edwards SAPIEN S3 Transcatheter Heart Valve; Ultra: Edwards SAPIEN S3 Ultra Transcatheter Heart Valve; SHIRB: Sutter Health Institutional Review Board; CT: Computed Tomography; TTE: Transthoracic Echocardiogram; LVOT: Left Ventricular Outflow Tract; MPG: Mean Transaortic Pressure Gradient; Vmax: MaximumTransaortic Velocity; PET: Polyethylene Terephthalate

Validation of PD-L1 clone 22C3 immunohistochemical stain on two Ventana DISCOVERY autostainer models: detailed protocols, test performance characteristics, and interobserver reliability analyses

ABSTRACT Immunohistochemical (IHC) stain for PD-L1 as a biomarker for immunotherapy is recommended in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Under the FDA, the selection of patients for pembrolizumab requires companion diagnostic testing using the Dako Agilent PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx kit performed on the Dako Autostainer Link 48 platform. However, because it is not widely available, there is need for cross-platform validation. Existing studies provide incomplete protocol detail. In our study, 73 lung tumors were stained using the FDA-approved test (‘gold standard’). The same blocks were stained using two different models of the Ventana DISCOVERY platform (ULTRA, n = 73 and XT, n = 70) using different parameters, and interpreted by three pathologists. The ULTRA group met College of American Pathologists (CAP) validation criteria (concordance 91.8%) while the XT group did not (concordance 67.1%). Using tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1% and TPS ≥50% as cut-offs, the ULTRA protocol had higher sensitivity (97.8% and 91.7%) than XT (73.3% and 60.9%) and similar specificity (ULTRA 88.9% and 100%, XT 88% and 100%). Discordance between ULTRA and XT was 27%, and in all these cases ULTRA was concordant with gold standard. Interobserver reliability was substantial for ULTRA and almost perfect for XT, providing evidence that staining rather than observer variability accounts for XT’s inferior performance. Cross-validation of the clinically used 22C3 anti PD-L1 antibody test with substantial interobserver agreement is possible on the commonly used the Ventana DISCOVERY ULTRA automated instrument, while the validation failed on the XT. Cautious attention to detail must be paid when choosing cross-validation parameters.

Trifecta has lower gradient and less prosthesis–patient mismatch than Mosaic Ultra in the aortic position: A prospective randomized study

ObjectiveWhen aortic valve replacement is needed, a biological valve is usually implanted in patients older than age 60 to 65 years. A large valvular opening area is important to avoid prosthesis–patient mismatch and facilitate reverse left ventricular remodeling. The Trifecta biological valve (St Jude Medical, St Paul, Minn) is, because of its design, believed to reduce transvalvular gradient compared with other biological valves, especially in smaller annuli. Several retrospective studies have compared transvalvular gradients of implanted valves prostheses using the respective manufacturers given size and not the actual annulus size measured by a metric sizer. This makes comparison of the hemodynamic properties of different valve brands and sizes difficult. We therefore performed a prospective randomized study, using the same metric sizer to measure annulus size, and compared hemodynamic profiles of the Trifecta to our standard Mosaic Ultra biological valve (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn). MethodsNinety elective patients with small to medium annulus diameter undergoing aortic valve replacement were randomized to either Trifecta or Mosaic Ultra. After native valve removal and decalcification, a Hegar-sizer was used to measure true annulus size. Then the largest possible valve of either brand was implanted according to the randomization protocol. Echocardiography was performed 6 months postoperatively. ResultsBaseline parameters of the 2 cohorts were comparable. There were lower transvalvular gradients in the Trifecta compared with the Mosaic Ultra group for the given annulus sizes. Severe prosthesis–patient mismatch was present in 28% of patients in the Mosaic group and 3% of patients in the Trifecta group. ConclusionsTrifecta showed lower transvalvular gradients and less severe prosthesis–patient mismatch compared with Mosaic Ultra for the given annulus sizes. ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol ID: 2011/2596/REK.

Ultra Groups as Social Space for Leisure

Abstract The paper aims to demonstrate that violence is far from a regular practice in Ultra groups, despite its notorious visibility as transmitted by the media. The paper attempts to demonstrate that Ultra groups are a social space of leisure for young people, rather than a space for violence. Actually, having used observation through direct participation and having registered the discourses of Ultra group members, it is possible to demonstrate that life in these groups represents, for many, not only a break from difficult everyday life, but also the only and/or the most important moment of social leisure in their lives. The object of this research was four Ultra groups who support the teams of Oporto City: Super Dragõe, Colectivo Ultras 95 (both support Futebol Clube do Porto), Panteras Ngeras (supporting Boavista Futebol Clube), and Alma Salgueirista (supporting Sport Comércio e Salgueiros). The research was based on observation through direct participation made among the groups over six years. Also conducted were 90 semi-structured interviews, 20 autobiographical narratives, and surveys (sample 206 for estimated n=1766).

Portoan Ultra Group Members’ Social Representation of Lisbon and Sport Lisboa and Benfica and Its Influence on the Discourses and Practices of the Portoan Ultra Groups and Their Members

Abstract The following text relates to a more recent approach to the problem of hooliganism and the Ultra Movement. It does not focus on a broad theory aimed to explain these two phenomena, but rather concentrates on the use of concepts that are relevant for a multifaceted understanding of them. Therefore, this text is the result of an investigation carried out on the four Ultra groups who support clubs in Oporto. It aims to demonstrate how the social representation of Lisbon as the capital of Portugal and one of its clubs, Sport Lisboa and Benfica, influences not only the discourse used by the members of the four Portoan Ultra groups and the allusive clothing that they wear, but also the practices of their own groups inside and outside football stadiums. Included in these practices are the choreographies and banners that the Ultra groups display, as well as the chants they sing. The research also showed that the social representation mentioned above legitimizes a strong rivalry towards with Sport Lisboa and Benfica and has the capacity to suspend conflicts between the Portoan Ultra groups and unite them in collective action, sometimes violent, against the Ultra groups and members of this club.

Surface ultrastructure and mechanical properties of three different white-coated NiTi archwires.

The recent trend in orthodontic treatment is to apply esthetic materials to orthodontic appliances with adequate clinical performance. The aim of this study was to investigate the ultrastructure (surface roughness) and mechanical properties (load-deflection curve) of three as-received, white-coated superelastic nickel-titanium (NiTi) archwires using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and modified three-point bending test assessments, respectively. Three representative esthetic NiTi archwires were used, silver-platinum- and polymer-coated NiTi Natural Dany (Dany group), epoxy resin-coated Orthoforce Ultraesthetic™ (Ultra group), and Teflon®-coated Perfect (Perfect group). Uncoated metallic areas of each wire were used as controls. The diameter of the Perfect archwire was significantly larger than that of other archwires. The Dany and Ultra groups showed more deflection than the Perfect group. The hysteresis area of the Dany and Ultra groups showed approximately two- and fourfold increases compared to the control and the Perfect group. The Dany group (2037.5 ± 527.3 nm) had the highest peak-to-peak surface roughness in the coated areas, followed by the Ultra group (811.1 ± 407.5 nm) and the Perfect group (362.7 ± 195.8 nm). However, reverse nanostructural changes in the surface roughness were observed in the uncoated metallic areas. The results suggested that the load-deflection properties and the surface roughness of superelastic NiTi archwires were affected directly by the coating materials. Although the efficiency of orthodontic treatment was affected by various factors, when only considering the frictional force and mechanostructural properties, the epoxy resin-coated Orthoforce Ultraesthetic™ archwires were the most effective for orthodontic treatment.

Effect of hypothalamic- pituitary- adrenal axis on prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury

Objective To observe the influence of hypothalamic- pituitary- adrenal(HPA) axis on the prognosis of patients with traumatic brain injury(TBI). Methods 140 cases of TBI were fallen into the following groups:mild group(26 cases), moderate group(34 cases),severe group(64 cases), and ultra severe group(16 cases).The serum cortisol was measured at 8∶00 am on the 3rd day after TBI.The dexamethasone suppression test was done to assay the stress response ability of HPA which might be injured in TBI.0.75 mg dexamethasone was taken orally or through a stomach tube at 00∶00 am of the 4th day post- TBI, and then the serum cortisol was assayed at 8∶00 am on the 4th day post-TBI.The rate of the pulmonary infection, average hospitalization days and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) were recorded. Results The rate of HPA axis dysfunction was 11.6%, 35.3%, 64.1% and 81.3% in the mild group, moderate group, severe group and ultra severe group, respectively.The difference among the four subtypes of TBI was statistically significant(χ2trend= 27.432,P< 0.01). The rate of the pulmonary infection,average hospitalization days and GOS were respectively counted in different subtypes of TBI between the patients with normal and impaired HPA.The differences in the above items were significant(P< 0.05)between the same subtypes of TBI with or without HPA axis dysfunction. Conclusion HPA axis function relates to the prognosis of TBI patients. Key words: Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis; Traumatic brain injury; Prognosis

Systane® Ultra Lubricant Eye Drops for Treatment of Contact Lens–Related Dryness

To assess the clinical performance of Systane Ultra lubricant eye drops in daily disposable soft contact lens wearers who experience contact lens-related dryness. In this randomized, investigator-masked study, daily disposable lens wearers with symptoms of dryness were randomized to use Systane Ultra lubricant eye drops or to no treatment. The lubricant regimen was applied twice a day, 10 minutes before lens insertion and after lens removal, for the 2-week study period. Subjective comfort, wear time, and visual acuity were assessed at baseline and after 2 weeks. A total of 89 daily disposable lens wearers were randomly assigned to the Systane Ultra group (n=44) or the control group (n=45). Two weeks of Systane Ultra lubricant eye drop use resulted in a significant increase in comfortable lens wear time when compared with baseline assessment (P=0.001) and a trend toward significant improvement compared with the control group (P=0.078). End-of-the-day comfort was significantly improved in the Systane Ultra group compared with the control group (P=0.007). A significant reduction in the overall dryness (P<0.001) and end-of-day dryness (P=0.047) was observed in subjects using the Systane Ultra lubricant eye drops compared with the control group. The study demonstrates that Systane Ultra lubricant eye drops applied before and after contact lens wear is an effective artificial tear for alleviating symptoms of contact lens-related dry eye.

O processo de aquisição como estratégia organizacional gerar vantagem competitiva: um estudo de caso no mercado brasileiro de distribuição de combustíveis

DOI: 10.5902/198346599170The subject from this work is about acquisitions as organizational strategies and it is guided by the general objective on identifying if the acquisition of Texaco by Ultra Group, in Brazil, could generate competitive advantages. Thus, the main aim is to characterize, specifically, the fuel distribution sector in Brazil, presenting characteristics, strategies, classification of resources and the competitive advantage’s identification in the buying process of Texaco by Ultra Group. The methodology used for this research is a case study of qualitative nature. Data collection has been performed through literature review, documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews. In the analysis of collected data, specific objectives have been met. It was clear, therefore, the presence of features such as scale earnings, brand exposure, better management practices, synergies, tangible and intangible assets and market growth. So, those resources are classified according to the competitive implications. Then, it might be concluded that Texaco´s acquisition could bring competitive advantages for Ultra / Ipiranga Group. Respondents believe the sector is growing and businesses tend to grow despite the world crisis. They also confirmed that, in a highly competitive market, strategic alliances and market growing are factors that may ensure success to each company.

Verification of a Nuclear Analysis System for Fast Reactors using BFS-62 Critical Experiment

Critical experiments have been analyzed to verify a nuclear analysis system for fast reactors used in Japan Nuclear Cycle Development Institute (JNC). The experiments were performed in a collaboration work between JNC and the Institute of Physics and Power Engineering of Russia to dispose Russian surplus weapons plutonium, focusing on the effect of the introduction of uranium-plutonium mixed-dioxide (MOX) fuel and stainless steel reflector into the current BN-600 core that is comprised of UO2 fuel and blanket. The analysis results agreed well with measured values on most of the nuclear characteristics. The accuracies are comparable to those obtained for the conventional MOX fueled fast reactors. It suggests that the JNC analysis system can analyze accurately nuclear characteristics in uranium fueled cores as well. A significant improvement was achieved on the sodium void reactivity by employing an ultra fine group cell calculation system. A change in adjoint neutron spectrum mostly contributes to the improvement. A discrepancy of more than 20% was found on the fission rate distribution of 235U or 239Pu in stainless steel reflector regions, which cannot be solved by introducing continuous Monte Carlo calculation or different nuclear data sets.

Dynamics and star formation activity of CG J1720-67.8 unveiled through integral field spectroscopy and radio observations

CG J1720-67.8 is an ultra compact group of several galaxies with a low-velocity dispersion, and displaying the hallmarks of mutual interaction and possible tidal dwarf galaxy formation. In hierarchical models, the system is a possible precursor to a massive elliptical galaxy. In this paper, we use new optical integral field spectroscopic and radio observations to investigate the evolutionary status of the group in more detail: global star formation rates are estimated using Ha and 1.4-GHz radio continuum measurements; H I observations provide an upper limit to the global neutral gas content; optical broadband colours and spectra provide ages and stellar mass estimates for the tidal dwarf candidates; the bi-dimensional Ha velocity field is used to trace the kinematics of the group and its members, which are compared with numerical simulations of galaxy encounters. The observations suggest a model in which multiple interactions have occurred, with the latest strong encounter involving at least two major components within the last 200 Myr. Debris from the encounter fuels ongoing star formation at the global level of ∼20 M ○. yr -1 , with self-gravity within the tidal tail possibly providing a mechanism to enhance the star formation rate of the tidal dwarf candidates, with bursts of star formation in clumps of mass ∼2 x 10 7 M ○. appearing within the last 10 Myr. The amount of time required for final merging of all group components remains uncertain.

A Randomized, Multicenter, Open-Label Trial to Establish Therapeutic Equivalence between the Carex and Ultra Disconnect Systems in Patients on Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis

In the present study, we undertook to establish therapeutic equivalence with respect to peritonitis and technique failure between the Carex disconnect system (B. Braun Carex, Mirandola, Italy) and the standard Ultra system (Baxter Healthcare, Tokyo, Japan) in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). This multicenter, parallel group, randomized controlled trial involved 363 prevalent CAPD patients from 8 centers. The primary endpoint was peritonitis rate; secondary endpoints were technique failure and technical problems encountered. The duration of the evaluation was 1 year. The risk of peritonitis on Carex varied between the centers. We found a significant treatment-center interaction effect (likelihood ratio test: p = 0.03). The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of peritonitis on Carex as compared with Ultra ranged from 0.4 to 7.2. In two centers, Carex was inferior to Ultra with regard to peritonitis; but, in five centers, the results were inconclusive. Equivalence was not demonstrated in any center. The overall rate of peritonitis in the Carex group was twice that in the Ultra group [IRR: 2.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.51 to 3.14]. Technique failure and technical problems were more common with the Carex system. Technique failure rate at 1 year was 44% in the Carex group and 22% in the Ultra group. Equivalence between the Carex disconnect system and the Ultra disconnect system could not be demonstrated. The risk of peritonitis on Carex varied significantly between centers.

Doppler effect experiment of resonance materials for rock like oxide fuels

A Doppler effect experiment of resonance materials such as erbium, tungsten, thorium and uranium was carried out in the Fast Critical Assembly of Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute. Cylindrical shaped samples of 150 mm in stack length and 23 mm in diameter were fabricated. The sample was contained in capsules and placed at the center of the core. Temperature of the sample was raised up to 1073 K. Measured Doppler reactivities of erbium, thorium and tungsten are comparable with those of uranium. Analysis was performed using the SRAC code system. Effective absorption cross sections of the samples were generated by two different methods. One is the f-table method based on the NR approximation and the other is the PEACO method that performs direct calculations of resonance absorption with an ultra fine energy group structure. Calculated results were compared with the measured values. For all samples except the tungsten, the f-Table method gives 1∼7 % smaller reactivity than the PEACO method. Both methods predict the measurements within the error of 6 %. For the tungsten sample, the calculations underestimate the measurement by about 10 %.