In this work, synthesis of copper/reduced graphene oxide composites to increase the electrical conductivity of copper matrix has been carried out. Pure copper particles were mixed with 0.28 wt%, ...1.1 wt% and 2.5 wt% graphene oxide (GO) contents. Different reduction methods were chosen to synthetize the Cu/rGO composite material: chemical reduction with hydrazine, thermal treatment at 815 °C in argon atmosphere. Characterization of the Cu/rGO composite disks was carried out by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Vickers Hardness and the electrical conductivity measured by Van der Pauw method of the Cu/rGO composites were analyzed. All the Cu/rGO disks showed lower hardness values than the Cu matrix. Microstructure of Cu/rGO composites is dominated by the presence of pores where GO agglomerates are accumulated and whose distribution and magnitude depends on the weight percentage of GO and the reduction process. Porosity percentage and pore size of Cu/rGO disks increase with GO content. Combination of chemical reduction with thermal treatment provides the most homogeneous microstructures with the smallest pore size and porosity percentage. Combination of both reduction treatments promotes more pathways for carrier transport within the reduced graphene oxide network structure, expanding areas of long-range conjugated structures and, consequently, increasing the electrical conductivity in the rGO/copper composites. Our research evidences that the Cu/rGO composites after chemical and thermal reduction increases the electrical conductivity, independently on the GO content, with respect to the pure copper matrix.
•Effective chemical-thermal reduction of graphene oxide in copper matrix is achieved.•C/O ratio of 6.9 in Cu/rGO composites after reduction treatments is obtained.•Increased electrical conductivity in Cu/rGO due to long-range sp2 structures.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Cellulitis, a frequent cause of admission of adult patients to medical wards, occasionally evolves to sepsis. In this study we analyze the factors related to sepsis development.
Prospective and ...observational study of 606 adult patients with cellulitis admitted to several Spanish hospitals. Comorbidities, microbiological, clinical, lab, diagnostic, and treatment data were analyzed. Sepsis was diagnosed according to the criteria of the 2016 International Sepsis Definitions Conference. Multiple logistic regression modelling was performed to determine the variables independently associated with sepsis development.
Mean age was 63.4 years and 51.8% were men. Overall 65 (10.7%) patients developed sepsis, 7 (10.8%) of whom died, but only 4 (6.2%) due to cellulitis. Drawing of blood (P < 0.0001) or any (P < 0.0001) culture, and identification of the agent (P = 0.005) were more likely among patients with sepsis. These patients had also a longer duration of symptoms (P = 0.04), higher temperature (P = 0.03), more extensive cellulitis (P = 0.02), higher leukocyte (P < 0.0001) and neutrophil (P < 0.0001) counts, serum creatinine (P = 0.001), and CRP (P = 0.008) than patients without sepsis. Regarding therapy, patients with sepsis were more likely to undergo changes in the initial antimicrobial regimen (P < 0.0001), received more antimicrobials (P < 0.0001), received longer intravenous treatment (P = 0.03), and underwent surgery more commonly (P = 0.01) than patients without sepsis. Leukocyte counts (P = 0.002), serum creatinine (P = 0.003), drawing of blood cultures (P = 0.004), change of the initial antimicrobial regimen (P = 0.007) and length of cellulitis (P = 0.009) were independently associated with sepsis development in the multivariate analysis.
Increased blood leukocytes and serum creatinine, blood culture drawn, modification of the initial antimicrobial regimen, and maximum length of cellulitis were associated with sepsis in these patients.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Objectives
To identify possible differences in the early response to intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) or in stroke outcome at 3 months, based on stroke subtype in patients with acute ischaemic stroke ...(IS).
Methods
Multicentre stroke registry data were used, with prospective inclusion of consecutive patients with acute IVT‐treated IS in five acute stroke units. We compared clinical improvement (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS) at 24 h and at day 7 as well as functional outcome at 3 months (Modified Rankin Scale, mRS) amongst the different stroke subtypes (ICD‐10).
Results
In total, 1479 patients were included; 178 (12%) had large vessel disease (LVD) with carotid stenosis ≥ 50%, 175 (11.8%) had other LVD, 638 (43%) had cardioembolism, 60 (4.1%) had lacunar infarction, 72 (4.9%) were patients with IS of other/unusual cause and 356 (24.1%) had unknown/multiple causes. Patients with lacunar infarction had lower stroke severity (median NIHSS 6) whilst cardioembolic IS was the most severe (median NIHSS 14) (P < 0.001). No differences in NIHSS improvement were found at 24 h. LVD patients with carotid stenosis (odds ratio 0.544; 95% CI 0.383–0.772; P = 0.001) were less likely to improve at day 7 after adjustment for age, gender, vascular risk factors and stroke severity. However, adjusted multivariate analysis showed no influence of stroke subtype on stroke outcome (mRS) at 3 months. Age, systolic blood pressure on admission and stroke severity were independently associated with mRS > 2 at 3 months.
Conclusion
Although LVD patients with arterial stenosis ≥ 50% improve less than the other aetiologies at day 7, stroke aetiological subtype does not determine differences in IS outcome at 3 months after IVT.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
FLT3
-ITD and
NPM1
mutations are key to defining the genetic risk profile of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We aimed to assess the prognostic features of the
FLT3
-ITD and
NPM1
mutations in old and/or ...unfit individuals with AML treated with non-intensive therapies in the era before azacitidine-venetoclax approbation. The results of various non-intensive regimens were also compared. We conducted a retrospective analysis that included patients treated with different non-intensive regimens, between 2007 and 2020 from PETHEMA AML registry. We compiled 707 patients with a median age of 74 years and median follow-up time of 37.7 months.
FLT3
-ITD patients (N = 98) showed a non-significant difference in overall survival (OS) compared to
FLT3
-ITD negative-patients (N = 608) (
P
= 0.17, median OS was 5 vs 7.3 months respectively).
NPM1
-mutated patients (N = 144) also showed a non-significant difference with
NPM1
wild type (N = 519) patients (
P
= 0.25, median OS 7.2 vs 6.8 respectively). In the Cox regression analysis neither
NPM1
nor
FLT3
-ITD nor age were significant prognostic variables for OS prediction. Abnormal karyotype and a high leukocyte count showed a statistically significant deleterious effect. Azacitidine also showed better survival compared to FLUGA (low dose cytarabine plus fludarabine).
NPM1
and
FLT3
-ITD seem to lack prognostic value in older/unfit AML patients treated with non-intensive regimens other than azacitidine-venetoclax combination.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Background and purpose
The complexity and expense of endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) can present difficulties in bringing this approach closer to the patients. A ...collaborative node was implemented involving three stroke centres (SCs) within the Madrid Stroke Network to provide round‐the‐clock access to EVT for AIS.
Methods
A weekly schedule was established to ensure that at least one SC was ‘on‐call’ to provide EVT for all those with moderate to severe AIS due to large vessel occlusion, >4.5 h from symptom onset, or within this time‐window but with contraindication to, or failure of, systemic thrombolysis. The time‐window for treatment was 8 h for anterior circulation stroke and <24 h in posterior stroke. Outcomes measured were re‐canalization rates, modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months, mortality and symptomatic intra‐cranial haemorrhage (SICH).
Results
Over a 2‐year period (2012–2013), 303 candidate patients with AIS were considered for EVT as per protocol, and 196 (65%) received treatment. Reasons for non‐treatment were significant improvement (14%), spontaneous re‐canalization (26%), clinical worsening (9%) or radiological criteria of established infarction (31%). Re‐canalization rate amongst treated patients was 80%. Median delay from symptom onset to re‐canalization was 323 min (p25; p75 percentiles 255; 430). Mortality was 11%; independence (mRS 0–2) was 58%; SICH was 3%.
Conclusions
Implementation of a collaborative network to provide EVT for AIS is feasible and effective. Results are good in terms of re‐canalization rates and clinical outcomes.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
7.
Methylation in psoriasis. Does sex matter? Llamas‐Velasco, M.; Reolid, A.; Sanz‐García, A. ...
Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology,
February 2021, 2021-Feb, 2021-02-00, 20210201, Volume:
35, Issue:
2
Journal Article
Peer reviewed
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background and purpose
The risk of recurrent stroke amongst patients with symptomatic carotid near‐occlusion (SCNO) has not been clearly established, and its management remains controversial. The aim ...was to define the 24‐month risk of recurrent stroke and to analyse the effect of the different treatment modalities (medical treatment and revascularization) in a population of patients with SCNO.
Methods
A multicentre, nationwide, prospective study from January 2010 to May 2016 was performed. Patients with angiography‐confirmed SCNO were included. The primary end‐point was ipsilateral ischaemic stroke including periprocedural events within 24 months following the presenting event. Revascularization results and periprocedural complications, ipsilateral transient ischaemic attack, disabling or fatal stroke, and mortality were also noted.
Results
The study population comprised 141 patients from 17 Spanish centres. Seventy patients (49.6%) were treated by revascularization (carotid stenting in 47, endarterectomy in 23). Complete revascularization was achieved in 58 patients (83%). Periprocedural stroke or death occurred in 5.7%. The 24‐month cumulative incidence of the primary end‐point was 11.1% (95% confidence interval 5.8–16.4; n = 15), 12% in the medical treatment group and 10.2% in the revascularization group, log‐rank P = 0.817. The cumulative rates of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack, disabling or fatal stroke, and mortality, were 17%, 4.5% and 7.5%, respectively.
Conclusions
The rate of ipsilateral ischaemic stroke in patients with SCNO seems to be lower than the known rate associated with severe carotid stenosis without near‐occlusion. The potential benefit of revascularization in the prevention of stroke in patients with SCNO may be influenced by the effectiveness and safety of the procedure.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Background and purpose: Alteplase licensing approval in Europe does not advocate intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for diabetic ischaemic stroke (IS) patients with previous cerebral infarction (PCI). ...Our aim was to assess whether concomitant diabetes mellitus (DM) and PCI are associated with symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH) and poor outcome after IVT.
Methods: Multicentre prospective registry, which included consecutive IVT‐treated, acute IS patients from January 2003 to December 2010. The frequency of SICH (SITS‐MOST criteria) and 3‐month outcomes (mRS) were compared between the following groups: (i) diabetic patients with PCI (DM+/PCI+); (ii) diabetic patients without PCI (DM+/PCI−); (iii) non‐diabetic patients with PCI (DM−/PCI+); and (iv) patients without diabetes or PCI (DM−/PCI−).
Results: A total of 1475 patients were included. Thirty‐four patients (2.3%) had known DM and PCI, 258 (17.5%) were diabetics without PCI, and 119 (8.1%) had a PCI and no DM. Thirty‐six patients (2.6%) developed SICH, with no differences between groups (P = 985). Fifteen (40.9%) DM+/PCI+ patients, 113 (46.5%) DM+/PCI− patients, 47 (42%) DM−/PCI+ patients and 414 (40.9%) DM−/PCI− patients had mRS ≥ 3 at 3 months (P = 427). The presence neither of DM nor of PCI, nor their combination, had any impact on the risk of SICH or on outcome at 3 months after adjusting for age, stroke severity and glucose levels on admission.
Conclusions: Acute IS diabetic patients with PCI who were treated with IVT had similar outcomes to patients without such history, with no increase in the rates of SICH. Thus, they should not be excluded from IVT only on the basis of DM and PCI.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
One-step reactive extrusion-calendering process (REX-calendering) has been used in order to obtain sheets of 1 mm from poly(lactic acid) modified with a styrene-acrylic multifunctional oligomeric ...agent. In a preliminary internal mixer study, torque versus time has been monitored in order to ascertain chain extender ratios and reaction time. Once all the parameters were optimized, reactive extrusion experiments have been performed. An enhanced general analytical equation has been developed in order to evaluate the kinetic parameters of the thermal degradation of PLA sheets manufactured by reactive extrusion. This improvement has consisted of replacing the n-order conversion function by a modified form of the Sestak–Berggren equation f(α) = c (1 − α)nαm that led to a better adjustment of experimental data and also adequately represented the conventional mechanisms for solid-state processes. The kinetic parameters so obtained have been compared to those determined by conventional differential methods and n-order reaction kinetics. Given that the thermal degradation of PLA has been argued to be caused by random chain scission reactions of ester groups, the conversion function f(α) = 2 (α1/2 − α), corresponding to a random scission mechanism for L = 2 (as well as other functions for L values up to 8), has been tested. Once optimized the kinetic model, the thermal degradation kinetics of sheets obtained by REX-calendering process was compared to that of conventional sheets and polymer matrix.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
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