Background:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global health problem. As it progresses to end stages, renal replacement therapy is required but ultimately, the best treatment is transplantation. ...Decreased renal function has been associated with an inflammatory state associated to primary CKD and in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs).
Objective:
To establish how the serum concentrations of some cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-8, IL-22, IL-17α, interferon-gamma, IL-4, and transforming growth factor-β, correlate with various CKD stages.
Methods:
One hundred and forty-one KTRs between the ages of 18 and 75 years were included in the study. We also included 112 live kidney donors, 37 CKD PGCKD+3, and 76 GPhealthy. Participants were grouped according to their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and their circulating cytokine levels, previously quantified by ELISA.
Results:
By linear regression analysis, we established the relation of each cytokine with the GFR. Transforming growth factor-β correlated positively with the GFR in the study population, except in healthy individuals. A negative correlation of IL-8 and IL-17α and GFR was found in all cases.
Conclusions:
Whether these cytokines (IL-8 and IL-17α) could be used as inflammatory biomarkers indicating CKD progression, regardless of the type of population, remains to be prospectively determined.
BACKGROUND AND AIMSCoronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death around the world, and its rate of presentation is increasing at young ages. Despite the evidence that secondary ...prevention in CAD reduces the risk of recurrent major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), no studies have analyzed the composite control of blood pressure, lipids, and glucose control in premature CAD. METHODS AND RESULTSThis was a real-world prospective cohort study of patients with premature CAD. The composite control in blood pressure <140/80 mmHg, LDL-C <70 mg/dL, non-HDL-C <100 mg/dL, and Hemoglobin A1c <8% was considered as metabolic control. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of non-fatal and fatal MACE. The data included 1042 patients with premature CAD. The mean age of the patients was 54.1 ± 8.1 years, 18.5% were women, and had a median follow-up of 59.1 ± 11.8 months. Of them, 7% had non-fatal MACE, and 4% had a fatal MACE. Overall, 21.3% achieved metabolic control, and 3.0% did not achieve any target. Cox regression analysis showed that percutaneous coronary intervention (Hazzard ratio = 1.883 95% CI, 1.131-3.136), C-reactive protein (1.046 1.020-1.073), blood pressure >140/90 mmHg (2.686 1.506-4.791), fibrates (2.032 1.160-3.562), calcium channel blockers (2.082 1.158-3.744) had greater risk to present a recurrent non-fatal MACE; whereas familial history of premature CAD (2.419 1.240-4.721), heart failure (2.139 1.032-4.433), LDL-C >70 mg/dL (4.594 1.401-15.069), and diuretics (3.328 1.677-6.605) were associated with cardiovascular mortality. CONCLUSIONSThe composite goal achievement in lipids, blood pressure and glucose, reduced the risk for recurrent MACE in 80%.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
•Innovative configuration based on the transmittance of two identical microcavities.•The sensor use simple illumination source and detection system.•The design produces a robust detection against ...temperature changes.•Detection limit of about 5×10−5 (minimum measurable change in refractive index).
This work presents a system of two optical microcavities made of mesoporous silicon that have been analyzed as a platform for either chemical sensing or biosensing. When a porous microcavity is exposed to an analyte, the effective refractive index of its layers change, and its optical transmittance shifts towards lower wavenumbers. We constructed a device that employs two identical porous silicon microcavities, one of them is allowed to be in contact with the analyte, whereas the other remains unexposed. The transmitted intensity of the system results in the integrated product of the transmittances of both multilayers, which can be approximated to the autocorrelation function of the transmittance of the microcavity. Its value depends on the analyte concentration, so it can be used for sensing purposes. This results in a sensor that requires neither a wavelength-sensitive detector nor a monochromatic source of illumination, and is robust to changes in temperature, because it only depends on the relative changes in the microcavities. The sensor's response can be optimized by modifying the angular position of the second microcavity. A sensor based on this principle is demonstrated for isopropyl alcohol detection. The minimum concentration change that can be measured is about 30ppm, which is equivalent to a minimum measurable change of refractive index of 5×10−5.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
•Studies suggest that uric acid may be associated with adipose tissue dysfunction.•Uric acid is associated with adipose tissue functions markers.•This association is independent of other metabolic ...risk factors.•Uric acid could be an earlier instigator of adipose tissue dysfunction.
Studies have focused on the search of novel biomarkers that allow to easily identify dysfunctional adipose tissue (AT). Uric acid (UA) could be produced and reabsorbed by AT. It has been suggested that the increases of UA concentrations participates in AT dysfunction. We investigated the association of UA with morpho-functional adipose tissue markers in apparently healthy subjects.
Forty apparently healthy individuals were included. Dietary habits and anthropometrical features were evaluated. Circulating concentrations of UA, adiponectin, leptin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were quantified. Periumbilical subcutaneous AT samples were obtained and adipocyte number, adipocyte area, and macrophages content were assessed.
The present study included 40 healthy subjects (67% women) with an average age of 57 ± 9 y, BMI of 26 ± 4 (kg/m2). UA showed a significant association with the number and mean area of adipocytes, macrophages number, adiponectin, and PAI-1. Although UA was independently associated with the number and mean area of adipocytes, macrophages number, adiponectin into the adjusted multivariable model.
UA concentrations are associated with morpho-functional adipose tissue markers. Our results underscore the importance of UA as one earlier instigator of adipose tissue dysfunction in subjects without metabolic abnormalities.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
We present results of numerical simulation of optimized porous silicon (PS) multilayers used as antireflection coatings. For the simulations we introduce a figure of merit, which has into account the ...transmittance of PS multilayers, the solar cell internal spectral response and the solar spectrum. Using a realistic range of porosities in the simulations (from 40% to 90%) we found an optimal three layers configuration, which transfers to the cell 95.7% of the whole usable power. This value represents the 99.8% of the maximum attainable using the complete porosity range (from 0% to 100%). We fabricate the optimal PS three layers, achieving power transference to the substrate of 95.2%. In addition, taking advantage of the PS fabrication characteristics, we transferred a PS multilayer with specific optical response onto a crystalline silicon solar cell. This allows obtaining a tunable spectral response of the solar cell demonstrating the feasibility of transfer the porous antireflection coating onto any optical device.
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► Numerical simulation of porous silicon multilayers for antireflection coatings. ► An optimal 3 layers configuration transfers 95.7% of the whole usable power. ► We transferred a multilayer with specific optical response onto a solar cell.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
The development of a virtual scenario is desirable in many hostile environments such as in mining or sewer pipelines to inspect its current condition and to identify possible failures. Obtaining a ...virtual image through the reconstruction of the mineshaft or the inner pipe is a valuable tool for assessment and fault detection. The approach presented in this paper uses a fuzzy controlled robot so that the video information can reliably be taken. The robot fuzzy control guarantees its motion in a straight line while taking the images from the pipe. The control algorithm therefore prevents the robot from overturning while moving inside the pipe. Results from our 3D reconstruction approach using the autonomous mobile robot is presented. The proposed method overcomes the limitations of different detectors by using a novel combination of DoG and Harris Laplace. Once the frame selection is made, then the regions with affine transformations are used to find image features as correspondences using image descriptors such as SIFT (Scale-Invariant Feature Transform). The correspondences are required to obtain the orientation and position of the camera and to obtain the scene structure leading to the creation of the 3D virtual environment. The 3D reconstruction method outperformed similar commercial software which highlights its potential.
•Novel 3D reconstruction approach using an autonomous sewer robot.•The novel algorithm is used to select appropriate correspondences.•Affine transformations are used to find features as dense local correspondences.•Image descriptors are used to obtain the orientation and position of the camera.•Image descriptors are used to obtain the scene structure for 3D reconstruction.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was used to study the pore filling of macroporous silicon with lipid vesicles (liposomes), added with a spin label. Different EPR spectra were ...obtained with the magnetic field parallel and perpendicular to the macroporous silicon sample surface. These spectra could be well simulated with an admixture of the isotropic spectrum of liposomes, plus a simulated spectrum corresponding to a cylindrical distribution of lipid bilayers. This means that a portion of the liposomes were disrupted, and supported lipid bilayers were formed covering the inner surface of the pores. Diverse protocols can be explored in order to optimize the lipid covering of the pore walls, and to achieve an adequate lipid hydration. This system can be used as a platform to study lipid phase transitions in a confined environment, and to characterize membrane proteins.
•Macroporous silicon with cylindrical pores has been prepared by chemical anodization.•Spin labeled liposomes were introduced into the pores.•EPR was performed with magnetic field parallel or perpendicular to sample surface.•Analysis of the spectra revealed formation of cylindrical bilayers on pore walls.•Potential applications are discussed.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
This study was conducted to estimate the effects of sire breed (Charollais, Dorper, Dorset, Hampshire, and Suffolk) and genetic group of the dam local whiteface (Criolla), grade Hampshire, grade ...Suffolk, F(1) Dorper × Pelibuey, Australian composite, hair sheep (Barbados Blackbelly or Pelibuey), Dorset, Hampshire and Suffolk on birth weight, survival rate from birth to weaning, and weaning weight adjusted to 65 d of age. Data were recorded from 2004 to 2006 on crossbreed lambs obtained by artificial insemination from 114 flocks in Central Mexico. High (above the mean) or low (below the mean) environmental categories were assigned to each record from flock-year-season effects solutions obtained in fixed-effects linear model analyses. Birth weights of lambs sired by Charollais rams (3.94 kg) were heavier (P < 0.05) than those sired by Suffolk (3.69 kg) whereas Dorper-, Dorset-, and Hampshire-sired lambs were intermediate. For weaning weight, lambs sired by Charollais were the heaviest (19.16 kg) compared with lambs sired by Hampshire (17.86 kg), Suffolk (17.79 kg), and Dorper (17.28 kg) whereas Dorset sired were the lightest (16.77 kg; P < 0.05). Lambs sired by Dorset rams had a lower survival rate (77.1%) than lambs sired by Charollais, Dorper, Hampshire, or Suffolk (81.6 to 83.3%; P < 0.05). Lambs from Australian composite, Dorset, Hampshire, and Suffolk dams were heavier for birth and weaning compared with lambs from local whiteface (Criolla), hair sheep breeds (Barbados Blackbelly or Pelibuey), or crosses (F(1) Pelibuey × Dorper) dams (P < 0.05) whereas lambs from grade Hampshire and grade Suffolk were intermediate. The genetic group of the dam had no effect (P > 0.05) on survival rate. Sire breed × environmental category interaction effect was significant for birth weight (P < 0.01) and weaning weight (P < 0.05), but relatively small changes on the ranking of sire breeds were observed between environmental categories for weaning weight. Genetic group of the dam × environmental category interaction effect was significant for birth and weaning weights (P < 0.01). Weaning weight of lambs from hair sheep breeds (Barbados Blackbelly or Pelibuey) and crosses (F(1) Pelibuey × Dorper) as well as purebred Dorset, Hampshire, and Suffolk dams were more affected when changing from the high to the low environmental category compared with the other genetic groups. No breed of the sire or genetic group of the dam × environmental category interactions were (P > 0.05) observed for survival rate.
Adherence to a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is thought to reduce liver steatosis.
To explore the associations with liver steatosis of 3 different diets: a MedDiet + extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), ...MedDiet + nuts, or a control diet.
This was a subgroup analysis nested within a multicenter, randomized, parallel-group clinical trial, PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED trial: ISRCTN35739639), aimed at assessing the effect of a MedDiet on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. One hundred men and women (mean age: 64 ± 6 y), at high cardiovascular risk (62% with type 2 diabetes) from the Bellvitge-PREDIMED center were randomly assigned to a MedDiet supplemented with EVOO, a MedDiet supplemented with mixed nuts, or a control diet (advice to reduce all dietary fat). No recommendations to lose weight or increase physical activity were given. Main measurements were the percentage of liver fat and the diagnosis of steatosis, which were determined by NMR imaging. The association of diet with liver fat content was analyzed by bivariate analysis after a median follow-up of 3 y.
Baseline adiposity and cardiometabolic risk factors were similar among the 3 treatment arms. At 3 y after the intervention hepatic steatosis was present in 3 (8.8%), 12 (33.3%), and 10 (33.3%) of the participants in the MedDiet + EVOO, MedDiet + nuts, and control diet groups, respectively (P = 0.027). Respective mean values of liver fat content were 1.2%, 2.7%, and 4.1% (P = 0.07). A tendency toward significance was observed for the MedDiet + EVOO group compared with the control group. Median values of urinary 12(S)-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid/creatinine concentrations were significantly (P = 0.001) lower in the MedDiet + EVOO (2.3 ng/mg) than in the MedDiet + nuts (5.0 ng/mg) and control (3.9 ng/mg) groups. No differences in adiposity or glycemic control changes were seen between groups.
An energy-unrestricted MedDiet supplemented with EVOO, a food with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is associated with a reduced prevalence of hepatic steatosis in older individuals at high cardiovascular risk.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
This study was conducted to estimate the effects of sire breed (Charollais, Dorper, Dorset, Hampshire, and Suffolk) and genetic group of the dam local whiteface (Criolla), grade Hampshire, grade ...Suffolk, F^sub 1^ Dorper x Pelibuey, Australian composite, hair sheep (Barbados Blackbelly or Pelibuey), Dorset, Hampshire and Suffolk on birth weight, survival rate from birth to weaning, and weaning weight adjusted to 65 d of age. Data were recorded from 2004 to 2006 on crossbreed lambs obtained by artificial insemination from 114 flocks in Central Mexico. High (above the mean) or low (below the mean) environmental categories were assigned to each record from flock-year-season effects solutions obtained in fixed-effects linear model analyses. Birth weights of lambs sired by Charollais rams (3.94 kg) were heavier (P < 0.05) than those sired by Suffolk (3.69 kg) whereas Dorper-, Dorset-, and Hampshire-sired lambs were intermediate. For weaning weight, lambs sired by Charollais were the heaviest (19.16 kg) compared with lambs sired by Hampshire (17.86 kg), Suffolk (17.79 kg), and Dorper (17.28 kg) whereas Dorset sired were the lightest (16.77 kg; P < 0.05). Lambs sired by Dorset rams had a lower survival rate (77.1%) than lambs sired by Charollais, Dorper, Hampshire, or Suffolk (81.6 to 83.3%; P < 0.05). Lambs from Australian composite, Dorset, Hampshire, and Suffolk dams were heavier for birth and weaning compared with lambs from local whiteface (Criolla), hair sheep breeds (Barbados Blackbelly or Pelibuey), or crosses (F^sub 1^ Pelibuey x Dorper) dams (P < 0.05) whereas lambs from grade Hampshire and grade Suffolk were intermediate. The genetic group of the dam had no effect (P > 0.05) on survival rate. Sire breed x environmental category interaction effect was significant for birth weight (P < 0.01) and weaning weight (P < 0.05), but relatively small changes on the ranking of sire breeds were observed between environmental categories for weaning weight. Genetic group of the dam x environmental category interaction effect was signifi cant for birth and weaning weights (P < 0.01). Weaning weight of lambs from hair sheep breeds (Barbados Blackbelly or Pelibuey) and crosses (F^sub 1^ Pelibuey x Dorper) as well as purebred Dorset, Hampshire, and Suffolk dams were more affected when changing from the high to the low environmental category compared with the other genetic groups. No breed of the sire or genetic group of the dam x environmental category interactions were (P > 0.05) observed for survival rate. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
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