VB Group Research Articles

Efficacy of TIPS Reduction for Refractory Hepatic Encephalopathy, Right Heart Failure, and Liver Dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine clinical outcomes of patients undergoing TIPS reduction. MATERIALS AND METHODS. In this institutional review board-approved, HIPAA-compliant study, all TIPS reductions performed at two institutions from January 1, 2008 to January 31, 2016, were retrospectively identified. Patients were divided into two groups according to pre-TIPS symptoms: volume overload due to ascites or hydrothorax (VO; n = 14) or variceal bleeding (VB; n = 12). Patient demographics, pre-TIPS model for end-stage liver disease score, pre- and post-TIPS portosystemic gradients, and clinical parameters were recorded. The primary endpoint was change in symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy (HE; West Haven criteria), right heart failure, or liver dysfunction. Secondary endpoints included paracentesis rate for the VO group and rebleeding for the VB group. RESULTS. The degree of HE increased in 24 of 26 patients (92%) after TIPS placement and decreased in 24 of 26 patients (92%) after TIPS reduction. Mean West Haven scores for the VO group decreased after TIPS reduction (from 2.57 ± 0.97 [SD] to 1.07 ± 0.70; p < .001). Mean West Haven scores for the VB group also decreased after TIPS reduction (from 2.45 ± 0.89 to 1.27 ± 0.86; p = .007). Right heart failure improved in two of three patients (67%), and total bilirubin improved in one of three patients (33%). Follow-up data were available up to median of 134 days (interquartile range, 44-286). TIPS reduction led to an increased paracentesis rate compared with before TIPS placement in four of 14 patients with VO (29%). One patient had a stable paracentesis rate after TIPS reduction compared with before TIPS placement. Variceal rebleeding did not occur in any patients with VB after TIPS reduction. At 54 days after TIPS reduction, one of the 12 patients with VB (9%) experienced hematemesis due to an endoscopically proven band-related ulcer. CONCLUSION. TIPS reduction successfully resolved HE and refractory right heart failure in most patients. In patients with VB, TIPS reduction with variceal embolization results in a low risk of short-term recurrent VB. However, in patients with VO, ascites may return or worsen after TIPS reduction despite improvement in HE.

The effects of vitrification after equilibration in different concentrations of cryoprotectants on the survival and quality of bovine blastocysts.

This study assessed the effects of cryoprotectant concentration during equilibration on the efficiency of bovine blastocyst vitrification and the expression of selected developmentally important genes. In vitro produced bovine blastocysts were equilibrated in either 7.5% ethylene glycol (EG) + 7.5% DMSO (Va group) or in 2% EG+2% DMSO (Vb group) then vitrified on Cryotop® sheets in 16.5% EG+16.5% DMSO+0.5M sucrose. After warming, embryos were cultured for 48hr. Re-expansion, hatching, and the numbers of total and membrane damaged cells were compared among vitrified groups and a control. There was no significant difference between the vitrified groups in survival, cell numbers and the extent of membrane damage. Vitrification increased the number of membrane-damaged cells in both groups, however, in a greater extent in the Vb group. Vitrification increased (p<.05) the expression of the HSP70 gene in Va but not in Vb embryos. The expression of IGF2R, SNRPN, HDAC1, DNMT3B, BAX, OCT4, and IFN-t genes were the same in control and vitrified groups. In conclusion, the concentration of cryoprotectants during equilibration did not affect survival rates; however, normal cell numbers could be maintained only by equilibration in 15% cryoprotectants which was associated with increased HSP70 expression.

Is Mode of Delivery Associated With Sexual Response? A Pilot Study of Genital and Subjective Sexual Arousal in Primiparous Women With Vaginal or Cesarean Section Births

IntroductionAlthough postpartum sexual concerns are common, limited data exist on postpartum sexual response. Furthermore, the physiological process of vaginal birth may negatively impact genital response compared with unlabored cesarean section (C-section), but this hypothesis has yet to be tested. AimTo (i) compare genital and subjective sexual response and sexual concordance by mode of delivery with inclusion of a control group, (ii) compare groups on self-reported sexual function over the past month, (iii) examine the relationship between laboratory measurement of sexual response and self-reported sexual function, and (iv) investigate association between obstetrical factors and breastfeeding and between sexual response and self-reported sexual function. Methods3 groups of cisgender women were recruited from the community: primiparous women who delivered via vaginal birth within the past 2 years (VB group; n = 16), primiparous women who delivered via unlabored C-section within the past 2 years (CS group, n = 15), and age-matched nulliparous women (NP group, n = 18). Laser Doppler imaging was used to assess genital response while participants watched a neutral and erotic film. Main Outcome MeasuresThe main outcome measures were change in flux units from neural to erotic video as a measure of genital response, subjective sexual arousal rated continuously throughout films, perceived genital response rated after films, and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). ResultsWomen in the VB group had significantly lower change in flux units than women in the CS (P = .005, d = 1.39) and NP (P < .001, d = 1.80) groups. Groups did not differ on their subjective indices of sexual response or in sexual concordance. Women in both postpartum groups reported lower FSFI scores than women in the NP group. No relationship was determined between FSFI scores and sexual response in the laboratory. Results suggested that genital trauma and breastfeeding may negatively impact FSFI scores, but they were not related to genital response or subjective sexual arousal as measured in the laboratory. Clinical ImplicationsResults underscore the importance of balancing objective and subjective indices of sexual response and function, especially considering the biopsychosocial nature of postpartum sexuality. Strengths & LimitationsThe present study is the first to apply modern sexual psychophysiological methodology to the study of postpartum sexuality. Cross-sectional methodology limits the ability to make causal inferences, and the strict inclusion criteria limits generalizability. ConclusionPhysiological changes as a result of labor and delivery may have a detrimental impact on genital response; however, these physiological differences may not impact women's subjective experience of postpartum sexuality.Cappell J, Bouchard KN, Chamberlain SM, et al. Is Mode of Delivery Associated With Sexual Response? A Pilot Study of Genital and Subjective Sexual Arousal in Primiparous Women With Vaginal or Cesarean Section Births. J Sex Med 2020; 17:257–272.

Altered antioxidant enzymes activity in csa-treated HepG2 cells in the presence of vitamin E and in the combination with quercetin

Greater metabolic demands in high-producing dairy cows are believed to be a cause of sub-fertility in these animals. Previously, supplementation with vitamin B complex molecules has shown benefits in improving milk production, health, and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. The primary aim of this project was to determine the effects of rumen-protected vitamin B complex supplementation of 100 g of Transition VB (Jefo, St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) and 4 g of Lactation VB (VB; Jefo), during the transition and early lactation periods, respectively, compared with a control diet containing no supplementation on d 14 endometrial outcomes of pregnancy. In the vitamin B supplemented cows, we expect to see a change in the mark-up of endometrial genes important for embryo survival before implantation. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled into the study 3 wk before parturition and were randomly assigned to either the VB or control treatment. Twice-a-week blood samples, weekly milk samples, and daily feed intake were collected. Cows were enrolled onto a double-ovsynch protocol at 33 ± 3 d postpartum and inseminated by timed artificial insemination. Milk production and components, concentrations of BHB, haptoglobin, and progesterone in serum, and ovarian dynamics were also measured, but no treatment effect was observed. The uterus was flushed on d 14 after artificial insemination (around 72 DIM) for conceptus collection, and endometrial samples were collected at the same time. Overall, 42 cows were flushed and 13 embryos were collected. Analysis of mRNA expression of genes related to embryo development, immune system, adhesion, and regulation of vitamin B molecules showed that OXTR, MUC5B, MUC1, IL1B, SPP, TRD, FZD8, and FOLR1 genes were significantly upregulated in the VB group. Vitamin B supplementation had no effect on the size of the embryo and ovulatory follicle or corpus luteum diameter at embryo collection. In conclusion, the benefits of strategic dietary VB supplementation during the transition and early lactation might be directly linked to endometrial functions required for embryo survival during the peri-implantation period.

Thermoelectric Properties of Impurity-Doped Mg2Sn

The Hall effect and thermoelectric properties of impurity-doped semiconducting Mg2Sn, fabricated using a process combining chemical reduction and spark plasma sintering, were investigated. A small amount of the oxides, hydroxide, or carbonate of IA, IIIA, IB, IIIB, and VB group elements [Al2O3, Bi2O3, Sb2O3, La(OH)3, Li2CO3, Ag2O, CuO, Ga2O3, In2O3, Na2CO3, or Y2O3] were added to improve the thermoelectric performance of Mg2Sn. X-ray diffraction was used for phase identification, and the patterns revealed that the major phase was cubic Mg2Sn, while the minor phases were orthorhombic and trigonal Mg2Sn, MgO, Sn, and intermetallics obtained by the chemical reduction of the additives. The doping of Bi, Sb, Li, Na, and Ga elements into Mg2Sn was found to significantly affect the carrier transport properties. The maximum values of the dimensionless thermoelectric figure-of-merit (ZT) for the p-type Mg2Sn fabricated using Li2CO3 and Na2O3 were 0.25 at 674 K and 0.11 at 577 K, respectively. However, the ZT values for the n-type Mg2Sn fabricated using Bi2O3 and Sb2O3 were 0.057 at 476 K and 0.058 at 574 K, respectively.

Rumen-protected B vitamin complex supplementation during the transition period and early lactation alters endometrium mRNA expression on day 14 of gestation in lactating dairy cows

Greater metabolic demands in high-producing dairy cows are believed to be a cause of sub-fertility in these animals. Previously, supplementation with vitamin B complex molecules has shown benefits in improving milk production, health, and reproductive efficiency of dairy cows. The primary aim of this project was to determine the effects of rumen-protected vitamin B complex supplementation of 100 g of Transition VB (Jefo, St. Hyacinthe, QC, Canada) and 4 g of Lactation VB (VB; Jefo), during the transition and early lactation periods, respectively, compared with a control diet containing no supplementation on d 14 endometrial outcomes of pregnancy. In the vitamin B supplemented cows, we expect to see a change in the mark-up of endometrial genes important for embryo survival before implantation. Multiparous Holstein cows were enrolled into the study 3 wk before parturition and were randomly assigned to either the VB or control treatment. Twice-a-week blood samples, weekly milk samples, and daily feed intake were collected. Cows were enrolled onto a double-ovsynch protocol at 33 ± 3 d postpartum and inseminated by timed artificial insemination. Milk production and components, concentrations of BHB, haptoglobin, and progesterone in serum, and ovarian dynamics were also measured, but no treatment effect was observed. The uterus was flushed on d 14 after artificial insemination (around 72 DIM) for conceptus collection, and endometrial samples were collected at the same time. Overall, 42 cows were flushed and 13 embryos were collected. Analysis of mRNA expression of genes related to embryo development, immune system, adhesion, and regulation of vitamin B molecules showed that OXTR, MUC5B, MUC1, IL1B, SPP, TRD, FZD8, and FOLR1 genes were significantly upregulated in the VB group. Vitamin B supplementation had no effect on the size of the embryo and ovulatory follicle or corpus luteum diameter at embryo collection. In conclusion, the benefits of strategic dietary VB supplementation during the transition and early lactation might be directly linked to endometrial functions required for embryo survival during the peri-implantation period.

Rabbit metabolic response and selected meat quality traits: Evaluation of dietary PLX®23 and LycoBeads®feed supplement

Effects of dietary supplementation of verbascoside and lycopene, alone and in combination, on some blood parameters, plasma oxidative status and meat quality traits in intensively reared rabbits were investigated. The test lasted 60days and was conducted on 200 weaned-rabbits, divided into four groups of 50 animals each (5 animals each cage × 10 repetitions). The control group (CON) received a fattening feed without any feed supplements, whereas the experimental groups received the following: the first, an integration in 22g of PLX® 23 (Lippia citriodora extract; VB group) per ton of feed; the second, an integration in 100g of LycoBeads® (Solanum lycopersicum extract; LIC group) per ton of feed; and the third, an integration of both feed supplements in combination at the same doses (LIC+VB group). The dietary supplementation with Lippia citriodora and Solanum lycopersicum resulted in an improvement of the blood lipid profile, oxidative plasma markers, and hepatic and renal activity of treated growing rabbits. Feed additives also produced meat with a lower content in SFA and an increased PUFA content, and inhibited the lipid oxidation improving the oxidative stability of rabbit meat. The dietary supplementation, even reporting no effects on productive parameters and carcass yield, showed an improvement on several blood parameters, as indicator of animal welfare, and on quality and healthy meat markers.

Comparison of positioning accuracy between personalized polyurethane foam with wing boards and negative pressure vacuum bag in radiotherapy for lung cancer

Objective To compare the positioning accuracy between personalized polyurethane foam with wing boards and negative pressure vacuum bag in radiotherapy for lung cancer using kilovoltage cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). Methods Thirty-nine patients with lung cancer who received chest radiotherapy in our hospital from 2015 to 2016 were enrolled as subjects. In those patients, 20 were immobilized by negative pressure vacuum bags (VB group) and the others by personalized polyurethane foam with wing boards (PF group). CBCT images were acquired weekly and registered with planning CT images. Setup errors in the left-right, superior-inferior, and anterior-posterior directions, three-dimensional (3D) displacement vector, and setup time were recorded. The margin of the planning target volume (PTV) was calculated using the Van Herk formula (2.5∑+ 0.7σ). Between-group comparison was made by paired t test. Results The PF group had a significant smaller setup error in the y-direction than the VB group (2.54±1.79 vs. 3.19±2.14 mm, P=0.03), while there were no significant differences in setup errors in the x-or z-direction between the two groups (1.80±1.48 vs. 1.90±1.41 mm, P=0.46; 2.14±1.75 vs. 2.25±1.75 mm, P=0.35). There were no significant differences in rotational setup errors in the Rx-, Ry-, or Rz-direction between the two groups (1.15°±0.76°vs. 1.15°±0.85°, P=0.50; 0.71°±0.60°vs. 0.72°±0.43°, P=0.45; 0.62°±0.54° vs. 0.46°±0.30°, P=0.06). The PTV margins in the x-, y-, and z-directions were expanded by 5.56, 8.57, and 7.02 mm, respectively, in the PF group, and by 5.62, 9.27, and 7.23 mm, respectively, in the VB group. The proportion of patients with 3D displacement vectors larger than 5 mm was 40% in the PF group and 45% in the VB group. Conclusions For patients undergoing radiotherapy for lung cancer, personalized polyurethane foam with wing boards can, to a certain extent, reduce the setup error in the superior-inferior direction and PTV margin expansion. Key words: Lung neoplasms/radiotherapy; Polyurethane foam; Vacuum bag; Setup errors; Margin

Dietary effects of plant extracts, based on verbascoside, lycopene and horseradish on several blood variables and plasma oxidative status in growing rabbits

Abstract Oxidative stress can cause damage to lipids, proteins and nucleic acids in several biological systems, leading to the functional and structural impairment of individual molecules that may be involved in various diseases. The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of dietary plant extract supplementation, based on Lippia citriodora , horseradish ( Raphanus sativus L.) and lycopene ( Solanum lycopersicum L.), on several blood parameters and plasma oxidative status in growing rabbits. The experiment lasted 80 days and was conducted on 160 weaned-rabbits, divided into four groups of 40 animals each, matched by age (38 ± 2 days) and body weight (1.49 ± 0.07 kg). The control group (CON) received a weaning-fattening feed without any feed additives, while of the other three experimental groups, the first group received a supplement of plant extract based on Lippia citriodora , containing 5 mg of verbascoside/kg feed (VB group), the second group received 5 mg of lycopene/kg feed, tomato fruit extract (LIC group), and the third received 350 mg of Raphanus sativus root extract/kg feed (RAF group). The feed additives, based on verbascoside ( Lippia citriodora ), horseradish ( Raphanus sativus L.) and lycopene ( Solanum lycopersicum L.) resulted in a marked decrease in blood content of low density lipoprotein cholesterol and bilirubin. In addition, only when verbascoside was supplemented, were improvements in high density lipoprotein cholesterol and AST enzyme levels observed. Plasma oxidative markers significantly improved for all three extract groups. There was a significant reduction in ROMs and TBARS values, as well as an increase in the content of retinol and alfa-tocopherol, confirming the strong antioxidant ability of the plant extracts used. A dietary supplementation with phyto-extracts, based on Lippia citriodora , horseradish and lycopene can thus be effectively used in rabbit feeding due to the positive effects observed on the blood parameters and plasma oxidative status, with possible beneficial effects on the welfare of livestock animals.

The Effect of Temperature on Cyclic Fatigue of Nickel-titanium Rotary Endodontic Instruments

IntroductionThis study examined the effect of different temperatures on the cyclic fatigue of nickel-titanium rotary files. MethodsThree groups of nickel-titanium rotary files (EF group [EdgeFile; EdgeEndo, Albuquerque, NM], VB group [Vortex Blue; Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK], and ESX group [ESX; Brasseler USA, Savannah, GA]) of size 25 with a .04 taper and 25-mm length were tested in a metal block that simulated a canal curvature of 60° and a 5-mm radius curvature. The block was submerged in a water bath filled with water at 3°C, 22°C, 37°C, and 60°C. At each temperature, 30 files from each group were rotated at 500 rpm in the block. The number of cycles to fracture (NCF) was calculated. Statistical analysis was completed using a 1-way analysis of variance with significance at P < .05. ResultsVB group showed a significant decrease in NCF as the temperature increased from 3°C to 60°C. The ESX group showed a significant decrease in NCF as the temperature increased from 3°C to 37°C. The EF group showed a significant increase in NCF from 3°C to 22°C and a significant decrease in NCF from 22°C to 37°C. For each temperature, the EF group showed higher NCF than the VB group, which showed higher NCF than the ESX group. ConclusionsIn this in vitro study, temperature was found to significantly affect the cyclic fatigue of nickel-titanium rotary files. At each tested temperature, NCF was the highest for the EF group followed by the VB group and lowest for the ESX group. Future cyclic fatigue studies should be conducted at body temperature.

Productive performance and meat quality traits in growing rabbit following the dietary supplementation of Lippia citriodora, Raphanus sativus and Solanum lycopersicum extracts

Consumers particularly appreciate rabbit meat for its low lipid content, rich of polyunsaturated fatty acids, for the high biological value and content of protein, and for its low cholesterol content. The high degree of unsaturation of fatty acids makes meat particularly susceptible to oxidative processes during storage; so in the effort to increase its oxidative stability and improve quality traits, a study was carried out to assess the effect of dietary supplementation of Lippia citriodora, Raphanus sativus and Solanum lycopersicum plant extract in intensively-reared growing rabbits. The experiment was performed on 160 weaned rabbits for 80 days, from which one group was control (CON) receiving a fattening-feed without any supplements. The other three experimental groups received an integration of Lippia citriodora extract (VB group, containing 5mg of verbascoside per kg of feed), of Solanum lycopersicum extract (LIC group, containing 5mg of lycopene per kg of feed), and of Raphanus sativus extract (RAF group, containing 350mg per kg of feed) respectively. The plant extracts have determined in the muscle Longissimum lumborum of rabbit meat a significant reduction in cholesterol, saturated fatty acids and thiobarbituric reactive substances, as well as a marked increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids and in alpha-tocopherol and retinol content. The use of plant extracts have not produced a meat chemical composition change a productive performance and dressing percentage increase; however feed additives favoured improving the nutritional and nutraceuticals quality of meat, with beneficial effects on the health of the consumer. In addition, the use of plant extracts has permitted obtaining meat with greater oxidative stability with evident positive implications on its shelf-life.

A Nerve Conduit Containing a Vascular Bundle and Implanted with Bone Marrow Stromal Cells and Decellularized Allogenic Nerve Matrix

Cells, scaffolds, growth factors, and vascularity are essential for nerve regeneration. Previously, we reported that the insertion of a vascular bundle and the implantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) into a nerve conduit promoted peripheral nerve regeneration. In this study, the efficacy of nerve conduits containing a vascular bundle, BM-MSCs, and thermally decellularized allogenic nerve matrix (DANM) was investigated using a rat sciatic nerve model with a 20-mm defect. Lewis rats were used as the sciatic nerve model and for the preparation of BM-MSCs, and Dark Agouti rats were used for the preparation of the DANM. The revascularization and the immunogenicity of the DANM were investigated histologically. The regeneration of nerves through nerve conduits containing vessels, BM-MSCs, and DANM (VBD group) was evaluated based on electrophysiological, morphometric, and reinnervated muscle weight measurements and compared with that of vessel-containing conduits that were implanted with BM-MSCs (VB group). The DANM that was implanted into vessel-containing tubes (VCTs) was revascularized by neovascular vessels that originated from the inserted vascular bundle 5–7 days after surgery. The number of CD8+ cells found in the DANM in the VCT was significantly smaller than that detected in the untreated allogenic nerve segment. The regenerated nerve in the VBD group was significantly superior to that in the VB group with regard to the amplitude of the compound muscle action potential detected in the pedal adductor muscle; the number, diameter, and myelin thickness of the myelinated axons; and the tibialis anterior muscle weight at 12 and 24 weeks. The additional implantation of the DANM into the BM-MSC-implanted VCT optimized the axonal regeneration through the conduit. Nerve conduits constructed with vascularity, cells, and scaffolds could be an effective strategy for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries with significant segmental defects.

Randomized controlled trial of topical EMLA and vapocoolant spray for reducing pain during wDPT vaccination.

Intramuscular vaccination is among the most common source of iatrogenic pain in infants. Vapocoolant sprays are rapid-acting alternative to topical anesthetics. They provide transient anesthesia via evaporation induced skin cooling, and reduce pain due to vaccine injection in children and adults. The objective was to compare the synergistic analgesic effect of eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) with breastfeeding (EB group) and vapocoolant spay with breastfeeding (VB group) to that of only breastfeeding (BO group) during whole cell diptheria, pertussis and tetanus (wDPT) vaccination. A double blind randomized controlled trial was done to include infants up to 3 months of age who came for their first wDPT vaccination. The primary outcome variable was the duration of cry after vaccination. Secondary outcome variables were Modified Facial Coding Score, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale and latency of onset of cry. Of the 201 eligible participants, 111 babies were excluded and remaining 90 babies were randomized into three groups of thirty each. The groups did not differ significantly in baseline characteristics. Median (interquartile range, IQR) of duration of cry was lesser [35.86 (21.07-107.75) seconds] in babies receiving EMLA cream with breast feeding (EB group) and in babies receiving vapocoolant spray with breast feeding (VB group) [32.58 (21.25-106.21) seconds] as compared to babies receiving only breast feeding (BO group) [67.5 (27.6-180) seconds] (P=0.147). Difference in median (IQR) of latency of cry was not statistically significant. Modified Facial Coding Score and Neonatal Infant Pain Scale at 1 minute and 3 minutes was significantly lower in the EB and VB group, as compared to the BO group (P<0.05). Addition of topical EMLA application or vapocoolant spray to breastfeeding during wDPT vaccination does not reduce duration of cry in infants up to 3 months of age. However, they are able to show reduction in pain score and further studies are warranted to assess their efficacy as pain relief measures in infants and children.

Toughness enhancement in highly NbN-alloyed Ti-Al-N hard coatings

Obtaining high hardness combined with enhanced toughness represents one of the current challenges in material design of hard ceramic protective coatings. In this work, we combine experimental and ab initio density functional theory (DFT) analysis of the mechanical properties of Ti-Al-Nb-N coatings to validate the results of previous theoretical investigations predicting enhanced toughness in TiAlN-based systems highly alloyed (>25 at. %) with nitrides of pentavalent VB group elements Nb, Ta, and V. As-deposited Ti1-x-yAlxNbyN coatings (y = 0 ÷ 0.61) exhibit single phase cubic sodium chloride (B1) structure identified as TiAl(Nb)N solid solutions. The highest hardness, ∼32.5 ± 2 GPa, and the highest Young's modulus, ∼442 GPa, are obtained in Nb-free Ti0.46Al0.54N exhibiting pronounced 111 growth-orientation. Additions of Nb in the coatings promote texture evolution toward 200. Nanoindentation measurements demonstrate that alloying TiAlN with NbN yields significantly decreased elastic stiffness, from 442 to ∼358 ÷ 389 GPa, while the hardness remains approximately constant (between 28 ± 2 and 31 ± 3 GPa) for all Nb contents. DFT calculations and electronic structure analyses reveal that alloying dramatically reduces shear resistances due to enhanced d-d second-neighbor metallic bonding while retaining strong metal-N bonds which change from being primarily ionic (TiAlN) to more covalent (TiAlNbN) in nature. Overall, Nb substitutions are found to improve ductility of TiAlN-based alloys at the cost of slight losses in hardness, equating to enhanced toughness.

The Optimal Weaning Strategy for Intraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation: Volume-Based Versus Rate-Based Approach in an Animal Model

Changes in hemodynamics, coronary circulation, visceral flow, and biochemical marker rate reduction or volume deflation for intraaortic balloon pump discontinuation were assessed. Twelve healthy pigs were randomly assigned to two groups, the rate-based (RB, n = 6) and volume-based weaning groups (VB, n = 6). Hemodynamics and visceral and coronary flows were measured at baseline after 2 hours of intraaortic balloon pump 1:1, during the first 5 hours of weaning (frequency rate reduced to 1:2 in the RB group and volume decreased by 10%/h in the VB group), after 1 hour of frequency rate 1:3 in the RB group or a volume decrease by 75% in the VB group, 2 hours after withdrawal, and 4 hours after withdrawal. The animals weaned by progressive VB deflation showed a greater degree of vasodilation, better cardiac output and stroke volume, fewer negative values of cardiac cycle efficiency, and higher dP/dTmax compared with those weaned by RB reduction (p < 0.05 for all). The VB group also exhibited increased coronary flow, lower oxygen consumption of the myocardium, and coronary resistance during VB weaning (p < 0.05 for all). The serum lactate level was lower in the VB group at each experimental point (p < 0.05 for all), but visceral flows were scarcely affected by the weaning method. Volume reduction was the most effective weaning method considering that frequency reduction weaning was responsible for significant negative effects on hemodynamics and coronary circulation.

CLINICAL NUTRITION WEEK 2015: Long Beach, CA February 14–17, 2015

CLINICAL NUTRITION WEEK 2015: Long Beach, CA February 14–17, 2015

Electronic structures of defects and magnetic impurities in MoS2 monolayers.

We provide a systematic and theoretical study of the electronic properties of a large number of impurities, vacancies, and adatoms in monolayer MoS2, including groups III and IV dopants, as well as magnetic transition metal atoms such as Mn, Fe, Co, V, Nb, and Ta. By using density functional theory over a 5 × 5 atomic cell, we identify the most promising element candidates for p-doping of MoS2. Specifically, we found VB group impurity elements, such as Ta, substituting Mo to achieve negative formation energy values with impurity states all sitting at less than 0.1 eV from the valence band maximum (VBM), making them the optimal p-type dopant candidates. Moreover, our 5 × 5 cell model shows that B, a group III element, can induce impurity states very close to the VBM with a low formation energy around 0.2 eV, which has not been reported previously. Among the magnetic impurities such as Mn, Fe, and Co with 1, 2, and 3 magnetic moments/atom, respectively, Mn has the lowest formation energy, the most localized spin distribution, and the nearest impurity level to the conduction band among those elements. Additionally, impurity levels and Fermi level for the above three elements are closer to the conduction band than the previous work (PCCP 16:8990-8996, 2014) which shows the possibility of n-type doping by Mn, thanks to our 5 × 5 cell model.

Proteomic analysis of aqueous humor in retinoblastoma patients: a focus on intra‐arterial chemotherapy effects

AbstractPurpose Proteomics can be a useful tool to understand how therapies act and affect on the molecular composition of ocular fluids. In this retrospective study we focus on how the aqueous humor (AH) proteic pattern from retinoblastoma (RTB) patients is modified by intra‐arterial(IA)treatment.Methods We enrolled 22 RTB patients(Reese stage VB or ABC group E)undergoing enucleation and 20 normal subjects undergoing cataract surgery(CTR).Five of 22 patients presented with associated secondary glaucoma (SG) whereas 17 had no secondary glaucoma (NSG);8 of 17 NSG received IA Melphalan (CHM). Pools were firstly investigated with Bradford method and SDS‐PAGE and then,analyzed using 2D‐DIGE coupled to mass spectrometer.DIA and BVA were fully automated with 2D DeCyder® and statistical analysis was performed with EDA® module.Significant spots were In‐Gel digested and identified with Maldi‐TOF/TOF.Results According to Bradford method,CTR protein content was not significantly different from CHM.After melphalan treatment, total protein contents decreased about 70% while in respect to all non‐treated patients were significantly different(Tamhane p&lt;0.01).PCA analysis underlines high distance either between CTR pool and SG/NSG pool or CHM and RTB.In particular the analysis of single protein shows that CHM pool is characterized by a high level of Crystallin and pro‐inflammatory proteins and CTR pool is characterized by a high level of Epithelium Growth Factor.Conclusion IA chemotherapy with Melphalan modifies the AH proteic pattern revealing the presence of Crystallin family and pro‐inflammatory proteins. This opens new horizons to further explore local pharmacological effects of new drugs.

Inlay‐retained cantilever fixed dental prostheses to substitute a single premolar: impact of zirconia framework design after dynamic loading

The purpose of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the influence of the framework design on the durability of inlay-retained cantilever fixed dental prostheses (IR-FDPs), made from zirconia ceramic, after artificial ageing. Forty-eight caries-free human premolars were prepared as abutments for all-ceramic cantilevered IR-FDPs using six framework designs: occlusal-distal (OD) inlay, OD inlay with an oral retainer wing, OD inlay with two retainer wings, mesial-occlusal-distal (MOD) inlay, MOD inlay with an oral retainer ring, and veneer partial coping with a distal box (VB). Zirconia IR-FDPs were fabricated via computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology. The bonding surfaces were air-abraded (50 μm alumina/0.1 MPa), and the frameworks were bonded with adhesive resin cement. Specimens were stored for 150 d in a 37°C water bath during which they were thermocycled between 5 and 55°C for 37,500 cycles; thereafter, they were exposed to 600,000 cycles of dynamic loading with a 5-kg load in a chewing simulator. All surviving specimens were loaded onto the pontic and tested until failure using a universal testing machine. The mean failure load of the groups ranged from 260.8 to 746.7 N. Statistical analysis showed that both MOD groups exhibited significantly higher failure loads compared with the other groups (i.e. the three OD groups and the VB group) and that there was no significant difference in the failure load among the OD groups and the VB group. In conclusion, zirconia IR-FDPs with a modified design exhibited promising failure modes.

Contribution of the second stage of labour to pelvic floor dysfunction: a prospective cohort comparison of nulliparous women

Maternal expulsive efforts are thought to damage the pelvic floor. We aimed to compare pelvic floor function and anatomy between women who delivered vaginally (VB) versus those with caesarean delivery (CD) prior to the second stage of labour. Prospective cohort. University Hospital Midwifery practice. Nulliparas. Pregnant nulliparas were recruited during pregnancy and women who underwent CD prior to the 2nd stage of labour at birth were recruited immediately postpartum. Both groups were followed prospectively to 6months postpartum. POPQ, perineal ultrasound (U/S) and Paper Towel Test (PTT), an objective measure of stress incontinence; Incontinence Severity Index (ISI), Pelvic Floor Impact Questionnaire (PFIQ-7), Wexner Fecal Incontinence Scale (W) and Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). 336/448 (75%) VB and 138/224 (62%) CD followed up. The VB group was younger (23.9±4.9 versus 26.6±6.1years, P<0.001) and less overweight/obese (38 versus 56%, P<0.001); baseline functional measures were similar (all P>0.05). At follow-up, urinary incontinence (UI) (55 versus 46% ISI>0, P=0.10), fecal incontinence (FI) (8 versus 13% FI on W, P=0.12), sexual activity rates (88 versus 92%, P=0.18) and PFIQ-seven scores were similar. Positive PTT tests (17 versus 6%, P=0.002) and ≥ Stage 2 prolapse (22 versus 15%, P=0.03) were higher with VB; differences were limited to points Aa and Ba. U/S findings were not different between groups. Stepwise multivariate analyses controlling for age, body mass index, and non-Hispanic White race for prolapse of points Aa and Ba did not alter conclusions (all P<0.004). VB resulted in prolapse changes and objective UI but not in increased self-report pelvic floor dysfunction at 6months postpartum compared with women who delivered by CD prior to the second stage of labour. The second stage of labour had a modest effect on postpartum pelvic floor function.