In order to realize the core networks of the future utilizing the translucent or transparent optical networks the DICONET vision is presented in this article. Providing ultra high-speed end-to-end ...connectivity with quality of service and high reliability through the exploitation of optimized protocols and lightpath routing algorithms that will complement a flexible control and management plane is integrated in the proposed solution. Physical layer impairments and optical performance are monitored and incorporated in impairment aware lightpath routing algorithms. These algorithms will be integrated into a novel dynamic network planning tool that would consider dynamic traffic characteristics, a reconfigurable optical layer, varying physical impairment and component characteristics. The network planning tool along with extended control planes will make possible to realize the vision of optical transparency possible. This article presents the DICONET framework, which address dynamic cross-layer network planning and optimization while considering the development of a future transport network infrastructure.
To investigate the effect of normalizing vitamin B12 (B12) levels with oral B12 (methylcobalamin) 1000 μg/day for one year in patients with diabetic neuropathy (DN).
In this prospective, ...double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 90 patients with type 2 diabetes on metformin for at least four years and both peripheral and autonomic DN were randomized to an active treatment group (n = 44) receiving B12 and a control group (n = 46) receiving a placebo. All patients had B12 levels less than 400 pmol/L. Subjects underwent measurements of sural nerve conduction velocity (SNCV), sural nerve action potential (amplitude) (SNAP), and vibration perception threshold (VPT), and they performed cardiovascular autonomic reflex tests (CARTs: mean circular resultant (MCR), Valsalva test, postural index, and orthostatic hypotension). Sudomotor function was assessed with the SUDOSCAN that measures electrochemical skin conductance in hands and feet (ESCH and ESCF, respectively). We also used the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire and Examination (MNSIQ and MNSIE, respectively) and questionnaires to evaluate quality of life (QoL) and level of pain (pain score).
B12 levels increased from 232.0 ± 71.8 at baseline to 776.7 ± 242.3 pmol/L at follow-up,
< 0.0001, in the active group but not in the control group. VPT, MNSIQ, QoL, pain score, SNCV, SNAP, and ESCF significantly improved in the active group (
< 0.001,
= 0.002,
< 0.0001,
< 0.000,
< 0.0001,
< 0.0001, and
= 0.014, respectively), whereas CARTS and MNSIE improved but not significantly. MCR, MNSIQ, SNCV, SNAP, and pain score significantly deteriorated in the control group (
= 0.025,
= 0.017,
= 0.045,
< 0.0001, and
< 0.0001, respectively).
The treatment of patients with DN with 1 mg of oral methylcobalamin for twelve months increased plasma B12 levels and improved all neurophysiological parameters, sudomotor function, pain score, and QoL, but it did not improve CARTS and MNSIE.
Objective: Black men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer (PCa), to do so at a younger age and to experience a more aggressive form than White men. This study aims to understand the ...experiences of African-Caribbean men with respect to their discharge to primary care following successful PCa treatment and the challenges associated with survivorship.
Design: Eight African-Caribbean men, who had been successfully treated for PCa, were recruited through the charity BME Cancer Communities. They participated in a focus group, which took place on the premises of the charity and was audio-recorded. The recording was transcribed and the data were analysed employing thematic analysis.
Results: Three overarching themes were developed: Discharge - misconceptions and uncertainties; Survivorship - challenges and ways of coping; Black men and PCa: real and potential discrimination. Participants expressed concerns regarding the lack of information and clarity about what discharge meant, the quality of follow-up care, especially the levels of specialist knowledge among GPs, and the impact of side-effects, particularly erectile dysfunction (ED). Participants linked ED with stereotypes of Black male sexuality, particularly in relation to difficulties of expressing their emotions and psychological distress. African-Caribbean men face particular challenges in dealing with the side-effects of treatment for PCa, which are linked to socially-constructed ideas of masculinity.
Conclusion: There needs to be a greater focus in primary care on understanding these issues and providing individualised culturally-sensitive care. In particular, GPs should be aware of sensitivities concerning help-seeking related to culturally-mediated understandings of masculinity.
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Cardiovascular diseases constitute a number of conditions which are the leading cause of death globally. To combat these diseases and improve the quality and duration of life, several ...cardiac implants have been developed, including stents, vascular grafts and valvular prostheses. The implantation of these vascular prosthesis has associated risks such as infection or blood clot formation. In order to overcome these limitations medicated vascular prosthesis have been previously used. The present paper describes a 3D printing method to develop medicated vascular prosthesis using fused deposition modelling (FDM) technology. For this purpose, rifampicin (RIF) was selected as a model molecule as it can be used to prevent vascular graft prosthesis infection. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and RIF were combined using hot melt extrusion (HME) to obtain filaments containing RIF concentrations ranging between 0 and 1% (w/w). These materials are capable of providing RIF release for periods ranging between 30 and 80 days. Moreover, TPU-based materials containing RIF were capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. This behaviour was observed even for TPU-based materials containing RIF concentrations of 0.1% (w/w). TPU containing 1% (w/w) of RIF showed antimicrobial properties even after 30 days of RIF release. Alternatively, these methods were used to prepare dipyridamole containing TPU filaments. Finally, using a dual extrusion 3D printer vascular grafts containing both drugs were prepared.
Two octahedral rhodium(III) complexes incorporating new substituted pyridine-quinoline ligands were synthesized and structurally characterized. Biological studies demonstrate that the new complexes ...are potent anti-platelet agents in the micro-molar scale, owing to their potency to inhibit the action of PAF (Platelet-Activating Factor). This is an approach of continuous interest for the development of metal complexes with possible anti-inflammatory activity.
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•Synthesis and characterization of the substituted 2-(2΄-Pyridyl)quinoline ligands 1, 2.•Structural characterization of mer-RhCl3(1)(CH3OH) (3) and mer-RhCl3(2)(CH3OH) (4).•Complexes 3 and 4 are potent inhibitors of PAF in the micromolar scale.•3 and 4 are possible anti-inflammatory agents.
The Friedländer condensation reaction was employed to synthesize the new bidentate ligands namely 6-bromo-4-phenyl-2-pyridin-2-yl-quinoline (1) and 4-(4-phenyl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)quinolin-6-yl)phenol (2). These compounds were fully characterized including the X-ray structures of 1 and the protonated form of 2, i.e. 2·HCl·H2O. We also report the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of two rhodium(III) complexes of the general formula Rh(1)Cl3(CH3OH) (3) and Rh(2)Cl3(CH3OH) (4). The molecular structures of 3·2CH3OH and 4 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies, revealing that these complexes adopt the mer-configuration. The solution stability of 3, 4 was studied by a combination of UV–Vis and 1H NMR spectroscopic techniques. All compounds were biologically evaluated for their anti- platelet activity using their potency to inhibit the action of PAF (Platelet-Activating Factor), which is an approach of continuous interest in the field. Complexes 3 and 4 were found to be potent PAF inhibitors with IC50 values in the micromolar range (1.0 μM and 3.9 μM respectively). Since PAF is the most potent inflammatory lipid mediator, the PAF-inhibitors and consequently the title compounds may be considered as potent examples in the search for novel anti-inflammatory drugs.
The specific antagonistic interaction between dopamine D1 and adenosine A1 receptors (D1/A1), as well as between dopamine D2 and adenosine A2a receptors (D2/A2a) exist not only at the ...receptor/receptor level, but also at the level of the secondary messengers. In this study, we examined the possible changes in these interactions at the level of cAMP formation in membrane preparation from “weaver” mouse striatum (a genetic model of Parkinson disease), by using specific agonists of these receptors. We also examined in the striatum of the “weaver” mouse the interaction between D1 and D2 dopamine receptors.
Our results showed that in the striatum of “weaver” mice: a) the cAMP synthesis induced by D1 receptor activation (SKF 38393), was significantly reduced compared to control mice, while A1 receptor activation (L-PIA) leaded to a more intense inhibition of the D1-induced cAMP-formation compared to the controls, b) the cAMP synthesis which was induced by A2a receptor activation (CGS 21680), was significantly increased compared to the control mice. The specific D2 receptor agonist Quinpirole, added in low concentrations, caused a significant reduction of the A2a-induced cAMP formation, which was not observed in the control mouse. Furthermore, the D1 receptor induced cAMP synthesis was significantly higher in control compared to “weaver” striatum, which was more efficiently downregulated by D2 receptor agonist Quinpirole.
These results suggest that the sensitivity to D1 and A2a receptor agonists is altered and that the interaction between D1/A1 and D2/A2a receptors is enhanced in the striatum of the “weaver” mutation, while an uncoupling between D1 and D2 receptors was observed. Since the adenylate cyclase basal activity did not differ between “weaver” and control striatum, the above-mentioned changes seem to be due to alterations in the function of the adenosine/dopamine receptors and their coupling to the G-proteins.
•In “weaver” mouse a genetic model of Parkinson's Disease A1/D1 and A2a/D2 receptor interaction is potentiated.•In the dopamine deficient “weaver” mouse D1/D2 receptor interaction is weaker.•Under dopamine deficiency in the “weaver” mouse A2a receptors are hyperactive in inducing c-AMP formation.
Recent advancements in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly and IC packaging technology demand high resolution for ultra-fine pitch components (<0.3mm and <60 microm respectively), high throughput ...and compatibility with flexible substrates. These challenges are poorly met by the conventional deposition techniques (i.e. stencil printing), thus the need for a digital and high-resolution deposition technology is essential. In this context, Laser-Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) can offer an excellent alternative: it is fully compatible with a wide variety of materials, it is environmentally friendly and offers versatile control over the printed volume with high throughput. In this work, a novel process for LIFT printing lead-free, jettable solder paste (powder size 15-25 microm) is reported. A side-view imaging configuration is employed by coupling a LIFT setup with a high-speed camera for the real-time visualization of the ejection process. The experimental data from the captured videos are analyzed to determine morphological aspects. Transfers are achieved with diameters ranging from 50 to 150 microm and printed volumes down to sub-nl. The fabrication of patterns, such as lines, on the PCB pads has been accomplished by scanning the laser beam over the donor surface (with 1 m/s scanning speed), creating consecutive jets which form overlapping droplets. Keywords: solder paste printing, laser-induced forward transfer, digital printing, chip bonding, microelectronics
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