On-line hemodiafiltration (HDF) has been associated with better inflammatory markers profile and survival than low-flux hemodialysis (HD). This study aimed at determining the effect of HDF vs HD on ...hs-TnT and echocardiography parameters evolution at one year follow-up.
Patients were randomized from 2007 to 2013 to HD or HDF in accordance with the CONvective TRAnsport STudy protocol initially as part of the Montreal cohort and subsequently as part of a local cohort. Pre-dialysis hs-TnT were analyzed at baseline and 1-year follow-up.
A total of 54 HDF patients and 59 HD patients were included. At baseline, median hs-TnT value was 49 ng/L (IQR 31-89) in the HDF group vs. 60 ng/L (36-96) in the HD group (p = 0.370). At one year follow-up, median hs-TnT remained stable in the HDF group (p = 0.707 vs. baseline), but significantly increased to 62 ng/L (40-104) in the HD group (p = 0.021 vs. baseline). The median variation (delta) in hs-TnT values was -3 ng/L (IQR -7-+8) in the HDF group vs. +8 ng/L (-5 -+25) in the HD group (p = 0.042). In the HDF group, LVEF increased from 60.0% (IQR 55.0-65.0) at baseline to 65.0% (60.0-65.5) at 1-year follow-up (p = 0.040) whereas it remained stable in the HD group (LVEF of 60.0% IQR 55.0-65.0 at baseline and 65.0% 55.0-65.0 at 1-year follow-up p = 0.312).
High-efficiency HDF is associated with stability in hs-TnT values, whereas low-flux HD is associated with significant increase in hs-TnT levels.
Geotextiles are used for separation, drainage, filtration and anti-erosion protection sealing, as well as to improve plant vegetation conditions. The research objective of this study was to verify ...the influence of the addition of poultry feathers on accelerating the biodegradation of nonwovens in cultivated soil. The tests were carried out in laboratory conditions and were based on the assessment of weight loss. The experiments confirmed the positive effects of the presence of waste that was rich in keratin on the time required for the biodegradation of the tested materials (the period of biodegradation was 8–24 weeks). Additionally, the influence of the biodegradation of the tested materials on the ecotoxicity was investigated and showed no negative effects on the microbiological activity (106 cfu). The research also included the determination of the carbon to nitrogen ratio of the test medium (blank, 12–14:1; with feather addition, 19–20:1). A statistical analysis revealed a correlation between the mechanical properties and the period of biological decomposition. This research was an important step for the management of poultry feather waste in agricultural applications. The tested materials could be seen an alternative that meets all ecological criteria, which seems to be a golden solution that not only allows the delivery of important nutrients to the soil, but also manages waste in an environmentally safe manner.
Semi-rigid composites of polyurethane foams (SRPUF) modified with the addition of keratin flour from poultry feathers and flame retardant additives were manufactured. Ten percent by mass of keratin ...fibers was added to the foams as well as halogen-free flame retardant additives such as Fyrol PNX, expandable graphite, metal oxides, in amounts such that their total mass did not exceed 15%. Thermal and mechanical properties were tested. Water absorption, dimensional stability, apparent density and flammability of produced foams were determined. It was found that the use of keratin fibers and flame retardant additives changes the foam synthesis process, changes their structure and properties as well as their combustion process. The addition of the filler made of keratin fibers significantly limits the amount of smoke generated during foam burning. The most favorable reduction of heat and smoke release rate was observed for foams with the addition of 10% keratin fibers and 10% expandable graphite. Systems of reducing combustibility of polyurethane foams using keratin fillers are a new solution on a global scale.
In the present work, sustainable rigid polyurethane foams (RPUF) reinforced with chicken feathers (CF) were prepared and characterized. The bio-based polyol used to formulate the foams was obtained ...from castor oil. This investigation reports the influence of the chicken feathers fibers as reinforcement of RPUF, on water absorption, thermal, mechanical and morphological properties (field-emission scanning electron microscope-FESEM) and thermal conductivity on water-blown biofoams. It was found that the biofoams improved thermal insulating properties when CF was added. The addition of CF to foams provided lower heat flux density to the biofoams obtaining bio-based materials with better insulation properties. The results obtained in this study proved that the incorporation of CF to RPUF modified the cell structure of the foams affecting their physical and mechanical properties, as well as functional properties such as the heat transmission factor. These biofoams containing up to 45% of bio-based materials have shown the potential to replace fully petroleum-based foams in thermal insulation applications.
Viscoelastic polyurethane (VEPUR) foams with increased thermal resistance are presented in this article. VEPUR foams were manufactured with the use of various types of flame retardant additives and ...keratin fibers. The structure of the modified foams was determined by spectrophotometric-(FTIR), thermal-(DSC), and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses as well as by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We also assessed the fire resistance, hardness, and comfort coefficient (SAG factor). It was found that the use of keratin filler and flame retardant additives changed the foams' structure and properties as well as their burning behavior. The highest fire resistance was achieved for foams containing keratin and expanding graphite, for which the reduction in heat release rate (HRR) compared to VEPUR foams reached 75%.
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition occurring mostly on the face, scalp and chest. Despite its high frequency, the impact of seborrheic dermatitis on patients' quality of ...life (QoL) has not been studied well so far. The objectives of this study were to analyse how seborrheic dermatitis affects the patients' QoL and which socio-economic factors could modulate QoL in these patients. A total of 3000 patients with seborrheic dermatitis and/or dandruff were enrolled into the study. All participants were divided into subgroups according to gender, age and education level. A specially designed questionnaire with demographic and clinical details of patients as well as Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) was completed during a patient visit in an outpatient clinic. Data were collected by local dermatologists who were instructed regarding the inclusion and exclusion criteria and the questionnaires were sent back to us upon completion. The mean DLQI score for all patients was 6.92 ± 5.34 points. Patients with dandruff had significantly better QoL than subjects with seborrheic dermatitis (5.34 ± 4.67 points vs. 7.73 ± 5.3 points, respectively; P < 0.001) or individuals with dandruff plus seborrheic dermatitis (7.54 ± 5.6 points, P < 0.001). In addition, women, younger patients and subjects with higher educational level were more affected than the rest of the patients. Seborrheic dermatitis had significant, negative influence on patients' QoL. Observed discrepancies between subgroups could be explained by different roles played by different patient subgroups in the society. DLQI can be successfully used for the assessment of QoL in large populational studies.
Previous studies of breast tissue gene expression have shown that the extratumoral microenvironment has substantial variability across individuals, some of which can be attributed to epidemiologic ...factors. To evaluate how mammographic density and breast tissue composition relate to extratumoral microenvironment gene expression, we used data on 121 patients with breast cancer from the population-based Polish Women's Breast Cancer Study.
Breast cancer cases were classified on the basis of a previously reported, biologically defined extratumoral gene expression signature with two subtypes: an Active subtype, which is associated with high expression of genes related to fibrosis and wound response, and an Inactive subtype, which has high expression of cellular adhesion genes. Mammographic density of the contralateral breast was assessed using pretreatment mammograms and a quantitative, reliable computer-assisted thresholding method. Breast tissue composition was evaluated on the basis of digital image analysis of tissue sections.
The Inactive extratumoral subtype was associated with significantly higher percentage mammographic density (PD) and dense area (DA) in univariate analysis (PD: P = 0.001; DA: P = 0.049) and in multivariable analyses adjusted for age and body mass index (PD: P = 0.004; DA: P = 0.049). Inactive/higher mammographic density tissue was characterized by a significantly higher percentage of stroma and a significantly lower percentage of adipose tissue, with no significant change in epithelial content. Analysis of published gene expression signatures suggested that Inactive/higher mammographic density tissue expressed increased estrogen response and decreased TGF-β signaling.
By linking novel molecular phenotypes with mammographic density, our results indicate that mammographic density reflects broad transcriptional changes, including changes in both epithelia- and stroma-derived signaling.
Highlights • Macrolane VRF® , a biodegradable, stabilized hyaluronic acid gel, was used for breast enhancement 2008–2012. • Even after more than 4 years, small amounts of Macrolane can still be ...visible on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound in some patients and, similar to permanent implants, the presence of Macrolane gel may interfere with interpretation of mammography. • Knowledge of the product’s appearance on radiological assessment of breasts following Macrolane treatment and the most appropriate imaging modality to facilitate breast examination in these women is therefore required. • It is possible to evaluate the breasts in the vast majority of patients using a combination of digital mammography and ultrasonography examination.
Porphyrias are rare genetic disorders which cause a deficiency in the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of heme. The treatment of epilepsy in patients with acute intermittent porphyria can be ...difficult since many anticonvulsants can increase heme synthesis and trigger porphyric attacks. We report a patient with focal epilepsy successfully treated with eslicarbazepine without exacerbation of porphyria.
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