This work has investigated the effects of 17β-estradiol on the Enterobacteriaceae growth profile and whether they were antibiotic resistant. The experiments were performed in vitro with sixteen
...Enterobacteriaceae
species exposed to 1, 10, and 100 ηg L
−1
of E2, and antimicrobial resistance was evaluated for the five antibiotic classes. According to the antimicrobial profile, 12.5, 18.7, 18.7, and 50% of the
Enterobacteriaceae
strains were resistant to four, one, two, and three antibiotics, respectively. The bacteria response to the E2 was species-specific, where some strains grew up 99.99%, if compared to the negative control. Other bacteria had the growth inhibited, and others had not affected the growth profile by the hormone. These differences might be related to various mechanisms of each bacteria cell and its metabolism. Therefore, the impact of 17β-estradiol in the environment on pathogenic bacteria is of particular concern due to the increased human population and animal protein consumption, potentially resulting in a load of hormones and pathogens in the environment, becoming an invisible threat.
The recently invented hydroelectric cell (HEC) is emerging as a better alternative to green electrical energy devices. In this direction, oxygen-deficient mesoporous magnetite nanoparticles have been ...synthesized by a chemical method to fabricate a magnetite-based HEC. A water molecule chemidissociates on the surface Fe cations and oxygen vacancies, followed by physisorbed water molecule dissociation due to charges trapped inside mesopores of magnetite. Mesoporosity and oxygen vacancies in magnetite nanoparticles have been confirmed by BET and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. Dissociated H3O+ and OH– ions migrate toward attached silver and zinc electrodes, respectively, in magnetite HEC via capillary and surface diffusion. Ionic diffusion of dissociated ions has been confirmed by a Nyquist plot for dry and wet magnetite HEC. Ohmic loss in magnetite has been found to be less due to Fe2+/Fe3+ hopping process, which results in increased cell current. A typical magnetite HEC of 4.8 cm2 area delivers a 50 mA peak current with a maximum output power of 38.5 mW. An electromotive force (emf) of 0.77 V is generated due to a redox reaction at respective electrodes in the cell. Reduction in cell emf is attributed to the oxidation of Fe2+ to Fe3+, forming internal cells in magnetite, which ultimately impedes OH– ion diffusion toward the Zn electrode. Byproducts of the HEC, zinc hydroxide and H2 gas, are not harmful for the environment. Electricity generation by magnetite HEC is a safe, environment-friendly, and facile technique.
Summary
Septic shock is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide. The cornerstones of management include prompt identification of sepsis, early initiation of antibiotic therapy, adequate ...fluid resuscitation and organ support. Over the past two decades, there have been considerable improvements in our understanding of the pathophysiology of sepsis and the host response, including regulation of inflammation, endothelial disruption and impaired immunity. This has offered opportunities for innovative adjunctive treatments such as vitamin C, corticosteroids and beta‐blockers. Some of these approaches have shown promising results in early phase trials in humans, while others, such as corticosteroids, have been tested in large, international, multicentre randomised controlled trials. Contemporary guidelines make a weak recommendation for the use of corticosteroids to reduce mortality in sepsis and septic shock. Vitamin C, despite showing initial promise in observational studies, has so far not been shown to be clinically effective in randomised trials. Beta‐blocker therapy may have beneficial cardiac and non‐cardiac effects in septic shock, but there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend their use for this condition. The results of ongoing randomised trials are awaited. Crucial to reducing heterogeneity in the trials of new sepsis treatments will be the concept of enrichment, which refers to the purposive selection of patients with clinical and biological characteristics that are likely to be responsive to the intervention being tested.
Innovative welding techniques allow for the fabrication of light, high-specific-strength, and fuel-saving Al and Mg alloys for use in transportation industries. Furthermore, these techniques have ...minimal detrimental impact on the environment. However, the poor mechanical properties of joints resulting from the formation of brittle Al
m
Mg
n
intermetallic compounds are key barriers to joining Al and Mg alloys. To date, a proper solution to this problem has not yet been provided. The aim of this research was to investigate the mechanical and metallurgical properties of the joint between AZ31B and A7075-T651 alloys welded by a new technique called gas metal arc plug welding method. ER5356 aluminum wire was used as a filler. The yield and ultimate tensile strengths as well as impact toughness of the joints were measured. The fracture surface was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The maximum ultimate tensile strength and impact toughness of the joints were 89 and 84 % of those of the AZ31B parent alloy, respectively. Generally, the joints failed in the ER5356 nugget, whereas some failed in the AZ31B alloy. No fracture was observed in the A7075-T65 alloy. Brittle fracture mechanism was observed for all the joints. In conclusion, the proposed welding technique can allow for better mechanical properties of joints for dissimilar welding of aluminum and magnesium alloys.
Aims/hypothesis We sought to evaluate the effects of obesity and obesity-related type 2 diabetes mellitus on cardiac geometry (remodelling) and systolic and diastolic function in adolescents and ...young adults. Methods Cardiac structure and function were compared by echocardiography in participants who were lean, obese or obese with type 2 diabetes (obese diabetic), in a cross sectional study. Group differences were assessed using ANOVA. Independent determinants of cardiac outcome measures were evaluated with general linear models. Results Adolescents with obesity and obesity-related type 2 diabetes were found to have abnormal cardiac geometry compared with lean controls (16% and 20% vs <1%, p < 0.05). These two groups also had increased systolic function. Diastolic function decreased from the lean to obese to obese diabetic groups with the lowest diastolic function observed in the obese diabetic group (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that group, BMI z score (BMIz), group × BMIz interaction and systolic BP z score (BPz) were significant determinants of cardiac structure, while group, BMIz, systolic BPz, age and fasting glucose were significant determinants of the diastolic function (all p < 0.05). Conclusions/interpretation Adolescents with obesity and obesity-related type 2 diabetes demonstrate changes in cardiac geometry consistent with cardiac remodelling. These two groups also demonstrate decreased diastolic function compared with lean controls, with the greatest decrease observed in those with type 2 diabetes. Adults with diastolic dysfunction are known to be at increased risk of progressing to heart failure. Therefore, our findings suggest that adolescents with obesity-related type 2 diabetes may be at increased risk of progressing to early heart failure compared with their obese and lean counterparts.
With improved understanding of the biology of differentiated thyroid carcinoma its management is evolving. The approach to surgery for the primary tumour and elective nodal surgery is moving from a ...“one-size-fits-all” recommendation to a more personalised approach based on risk group stratification. With this selective approach to initial surgery, the indications for adjuvant radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy are also changing. This selective approach to adjuvant therapy requires understanding by the entire treatment team of the rationale for RAI, the potential for benefit, the limitations of the evidence, and the potential for side-effects.
This review considers the evidence base for the benefits of using RAI in the primary and recurrent setting as well as the side-effects and risks from RAI treatment. By considering the pros and cons of adjuvant therapy we present an oncologic surgical perspective on selection of treatment for patients, both following pre-operative diagnostic biopsy and in the setting of a post-operative diagnosis of malignancy.
Knowledge of the mechanical properties and stability of thin film structures is important for device operation. Potential failures related to crack initiation and growth must be identified early, to ...enable healing through e.g. annealing. Here, three square suspended membranes, formed from a thin layer of cubic silicon carbide (3C-SiC) or germanium (Ge) on a silicon substrate, were characterised by their response to ultrasonic excitation. The resonant frequencies and mode shapes were measured during thermal cycling over a temperature range of 20-100 °C. The influence of temperature on the stress was explored by comparison with predictions from a model of thermal expansion of the combined membrane and substrate. For an ideal, non-cracked sample the stress and Q-factor behaved as predicted. In contrast, for a 3C-SiC and a Ge membrane that had undergone vibration and thermal cycling to simulate extended use, measurements of the stress and Q-factor showed the presence of damage, with the 3C-SiC membrane subsequently breaking. However, the damaged Ge sample showed an improvement to the resonant behaviour on subsequent heating. Scanning electron microscopy showed that this was due to a self-healing of sub-micrometer cracks, caused by expansion of the germanium layer to form bridges over the cracked regions, with the effect also observable in the ultrasonic inspection. 2020-0017
Summary
Bisphosphonates are beneficial to women, after menopause, in treatment of gum diseases. In this study, significant improvement in the disease condition was found and that no further progress ...was noted, and no side effects were reported. Bisphosphonates can be safely and successfully be used to support oral health procedures.
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to evaluate host modulating effect of bisphosphonate adjunct with the treatment of chronic periodontitis in osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women.
Methods
Twenty-two osteopenic and osteoporotic postmenopausal women with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were selected for the study. On intraoral examination, periodontal parameters like probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were recorded. Scaling and root planing were done. Intraoral periapical X-rays were taken, and alveolar bone density (ABD) was measured with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), and then, medications (risedronate 5 mg once daily (OD), calcium citrate 250 mg OD, vitamin D 400 IU OD) were given. Patients were recalled for follow-up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Intraoral periapical (IOPA) X-rays were taken at 6 and 12 months and ABD was measured at baseline and 12 months.
Results
There was a significant improvement in all the parameters. There was an increase of 0.02 ± 0.001 cm on CT scan and 0.38 ± 0.005 mm on IOPA in bone height over 12 months from baseline. Bone density increased by 118.56 ± 3.251 Hounsfield units (HU). There was no progress in the disease, and further bone loss was not noticed. This is in correlation with clinical parameters which showed highly significant gain in CAL (3.57 ± 0.234 mm) and reduction in PD (2.20 ± 0.229 mm)
Conclusions
Bisphosphonate therapy as an adjunct to scaling and root planing may have significant beneficial clinical effects on the periodontium of postmenopausal women with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis.
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