HIV facial lipoatrophy (FLA) is characterized by facial volume loss. HIV FLA affects the facial contours of the cheeks, temples, and orbits, and is associated with social stigma. Although new highly ...active antiretroviral therapy medications are associated with less severe FLA, the prevalence of HIV FLA among treated individuals exceeds 50%. The goal of our systematic review is to examine published clinical studies involving the use of filler agents for aesthetic treatment of HIV FLA and to provide evidence-based recommendations based on published efficacy and safety data. A systematic review of the published literature was performed on July 1, 2015, on filler agents for aesthetic treatment of HIV FLA. Based on published studies, poly-L-lactic acid is the only filler agent with grade of recommendation: B. Other reviewed filler agents received grade of recommendation: C or D. Poly-L-lactic acid may be best for treatment over temples and cheeks, whereas calcium hydroxylapatite, with a Food and Drug Administration indication of subdermal implantation, may be best used deeply over bone for focal enhancement. Additional long-term randomized controlled trials are necessary to elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of fillers that have different biophysical properties, in conjunction with cost-effectiveness analysis, for treatment of HIV FLA.
A 3D numerical simulation was conducted to study the transient development of temperature distribution in stationary gas tungsten arc welding with filler wire. Heat transfer to the filler wire and ...the workpiece was investigated with vertical (90°) and titled (70°) torches. Heat flux, current flux, and gas drag force were calculated from the steady-state simulation of the arc. The temperature in the filler wire was determined at three different time intervals: 0.12 s, 0.24 s, and 0.36 s. The filler wire was assumed not to deform during this short time, and was therefore simulated as solid. The temperature in the workpiece was calculated at the same intervals using heat flux, current flux, gas drag force, Marangoni convection, and buoyancy. It should be noted that heat transfer to the filler wire was faster with the titled torch compared to the vertical torch. Heat flux to the workpiece was asymmetrical with both the vertical and tilted torches when the filler wire was fully inserted into the arc. It was found that the overall trends of temperature contours for both the arc and the workpiece were in good agreement. It was also observed that more heat was transferred to the filler wire with the 70° torch compared with the 90° torch. The melted volume of the filler wire (volume above 1750 °K) was 12 mm3 with the 70° torch, compared to 9.2 mm3 with the 90° torch.
Geopolymers show high quasi-brittle behavior because of their ceramic-like characteristics. Recent findings have indicated that graphene can be used as an additive to improve the mechanical ...properties of composites. In this study, we report the effect of the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a fly ash based geopolymer. The GNPs are relatively homogeneously distributed in the matrix of all composites. However, overlapping and agglomerate formation of GNPs was detected by FESEM. The results showed that the compressive and flexural strength of the geopolymer improved by 1.44 and 2.16 times, respectively, when adding 1% GNPs. The introduction of a GNP filler, even at low filler weight fractions, increased the toughness, stress and strain at the first crack and rigidity. Moreover, the wettability decreased with an increase in GNP content.
Solid‐state batteries (SSBs) are considered as the most promising next‐generation high‐energy‐density energy storage devices due to their ability in addressing the safety concerns from organic ...electrolytes and enabling energy dense lithium anodes. To ensure the high energy density of SSBs, solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are required to be thin and light‐weight, and simultaneously offer a wide electrochemical window to pair with high‐voltage cathodes. However, the decrease of SSE thickness and delicate structure may increase the cell safety risks, which is detrimental for the practical application of SSBs. Herein, to demonstrate a high‐energy‐density SSB with sufficient safety insurance, an ultrathin (4.2 µm) bilayer SSE with porous ceramic scaffold and double‐layer Li+‐conducting polymer, is proposed. The fire‐resistant and stiff ceramic scaffold improves the safety capability and mechanical strength of the composite SSE, and the bilayer polymer structure enhances the compatibility of Li metal anode and high‐voltage cathodes. The 3D ceramic facilitates Li‐ion conduction and regulates Li deposition. Thus, high energy density of 506 Wh kg−1 and 1514 Wh L−1 is achieved based on LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM811) cathodes with a low N/P ratio and long lifespan over 3000 h. High‐energy‐density anode‐free cells are further demonstrated.
Thin, solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are crucial to improve cell energy density. However, limited oxide stability and weak strength hinder the application of ultrathin SSEs. In this work, an ultrathin bilayer SSE with porous ceramic scaffold inside is proposed to simultaneously enlarge the electrochemical window and improve the mechanical strength. High‐energy‐density lithium‐metal batteries are also demonstrated.
Background
Agarose gel filler is a natural hydrocolloid with a three‐dimensional structure similar to the extracellular matrix, with gel formed by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions rather ...than through chemical cross‐linking or polymerization.
Objective
To determine efficacy and safety of 2.5% agarose gel filler for the correction of nasolabial folds.
Methods
In this split‐face study, efficacy, safety, and usability of 2.5% agarose gel were compared to those of NASHA‐L. Assessments included the nasolabial fold (NLF) Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS), Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS blinded investigator), subject satisfaction, safety (adverse events), and usability.
Results
Sixty‐six subjects were treated, and 46/66 (66.7%) were available for evaluation at 3 months, when mean change in WSRS was identical for both products (−1.1 ± 0.4 for 2.5% agarose; −1.1 ± 0.4 for NASHA‐L). Scores for each product remained similar across all time points and began to return to baseline between 7 and 8 months. GAIS score followed a similar pattern, rising between months 7 and 8 (2.7 ± 0.6 for 2.5% agarose at month 7‐3.3 ± 0.5 at month 8 and 2.7 ± 0.6 for NASHA‐L at month 7‐3.3 ± 0.5 at month 8). Ultrasound confirmed the longevity of both fillers between 7 and 8 months. All adverse events were transient in nature and resolved within 15 days. Most events were mild in nature, and the number of events was similar between the two fillers.
Conclusion
Treatment with 2.5% agarose gel resulted in improvement that persisted for between 7 and 8 months. The treatment effect was equivalent to NASHA‐L.
Developing solid electrolyte for alkali metal batteries is of important significance. A gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) based on the porous composite polymer membrane formed by blending of PEO, PMMA ...and P(VDF-HFP) is prepared, and the effects of the addition of nano-sized oxide fillers (Al2O3, TiO2, SiO2) on the characteristics of the composite GPEs are investigated. The composite GPE with filling of SiO2 has more amorphous region and porous structure which can hold more liquid electrolyte without leakage, so the composite GPE can provide high ionic conductivity at room temperature and large Li+ or Na+ transport number. Furthermore, the composite GPE possesses a large electrochemical window, superior thermal stability and excellent interfacial stability. The composite GPEs can be applied in a variety of lithium and sodium metal batteries and exhibit superior cycling stability and rate performance.
•The composite PEO/PMMA /P(VDF-HFP) GPE with nano-sized oxide fillers of SiO2 (PEMVH-S) provide high ionic conductivity.•The PEMVH-S GPE possesses a large electrochemical window, superior thermal stability and excellent interface stability.•The PEMVH-S GPE could be used in a variety of lithium and sodium metal batteries and exhibit superior performance.
Delayed reactions after facial hyaluronic acid injection are relatively rare complications. Their cause may be infectious or immune-mediated in origin, and their outbreak can be triggered, for ...example, by an influenza-like illness.
To describe potential adverse event of influenza like illness following dermal filler injection.
We report fourteen unusual cases of delayed hypersensitivity reaction to several brands of hyaluronic acid dermal filler following influenza like illness.
Increasing evidence implicates influenza infection in the pathogenesis of late onset filler reaction.
Although there is a low risk of late onset adverse reaction with hyaluronic acid fillers, injecting physicians must be aware of the possible filler reaction following the influenza infection.
Designing of microwave systems based on composite materials involves the need of thorough understanding of interaction processes of electromagnetic waves with such materials and factors that affect ...this interaction. Polymer-based composites filled with materials having a high degree of electromagnetic energy absorption make it possible to combine electric properties of composite material with the mechanical elasticity, chemical resistance, and good fabrication properties. Selecting materials and their processing techniques, it is possible to achieve the required properties, both electrodynamic and mechanical. Composite properties are essentially influenced by such factors as the size and shape of filler particles, the volume fraction of filler, etc. Therefore, this paper considers different types of fillers for producing polymer-based composites, namely, magnetic materials, metals, carbon, and dielectrics with high dielectric permittivity. Advantages and disadvantages of the above fillers are analyzed. It has been shown that in the millimeter wavelength range, the relevent composites are those, in which the absorption is implemented due to the inclusion of polar dielectrics into their composition.
PDF
