Non-linear Behavior of Low Strength RC Beams Strengthened with CFRP Sheets

There are many modern technologies for strengthening concrete. One of them is Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Polymer (CFRP) sheets. There are many cases that require concrete strengthening, including the weakness of concrete from the design strength due to the exposure of the concrete elements to fires or less control of concrete quality. This research provides a theoretical study to analyze the behavior of low strength RC beams strengthened with CFRP sheets using ANSYS software. The research contained (75) RC beam model specimens. Six of them for verifying results with experimental tests. Forty five specimens were used for studying flexural behavior and twenty four beam models used for studying shear behavior. The study conducted with variable parameters includes CFRP thickness, concrete strength, the yield stress of steel, and the application of CFRP plies. The theoretical results were very similar to experimental test results. The results proved that strengthening RC beams is increasing load capacity and it is very effective in case of low yield stress of steel. Doi: 10.28991/cej-2021-03091670 Full Text: PD

Effect of cobalt on growth and cobalt uptake of barely in relation to cobalt availability in alkaline soils

A short term Neubauer experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of cobalt on the growth as well as cobalt uptake of barely (Giza 126 variety) grown in three alkaline soils from the north west coast of Egypt in relation to AAAA-EDTA (Acetic Acid Ammonium Acetate-EDTA) extractable cobalt in the tested soils of the uncropped treatments. Treatments of five levels of cobalt (0, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 mg/kg soil) were superimposed on the tested soils. The data indicated that the available cobalt concentration increased with increasing cobalt application rate. The concentration of cobalt extracted with AAAA-EDTA increased polynomialy in response to cobalt application for the three studied soils. The data showed also, that the effect of cobalt application on the growth of barely plants was significant on the clay soil (Soil A) and insignificant on the clay loam and sandy loam soils (Soils B and C). The higher dry matter yields were obtained with the application of cobalt to the soils at the rate of 20 mg Co/Kg soil. The tolerance index (Ti) for the addition of 5 to 80 mg Co/Kg soil (>1) shows a favourable effect for the growth of barley. Also, the tolerance index was varied with the soil characteristics. Cobalt concentration or uptake by barley was increased significantly with cobalt application and this was also evidenced by the increase in AAAA- EDTA extractable cobalt from the tested soils. The average uptake values of cobalt followed the sequence order: soil C (sandy loam) >soil B (clay loam)> soil A (clay). Also percentage utilization of added cobalt was highest in soil C followed by soil B and soil A. In conclusion the application of cobalt in a low level improved growth of barely and may be applied to the soil at the recommended rate in term of cobalt sulphate

The use of latissimus dorsi mini-flap in partial breast reconstruction

Introduction: The cosmetic drawbacks of breast conserving surgery are asymmetry, nipple or skin retraction, and volume loss with unsatisfactory cosmetic outcome. The principle of Latissimus dorsi mini-flap (LDMF) is to use part of the Latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle as volume replacement to large breast defect up to 20 -30 % of the breast volume. Purpose: To evaluate (LDMF) as a volume replacement to large breast defect after wide local excision in different breast quadrants and the benefit of using this procedure regarding the cosmetic outcomes, patient satisfaction, procedure-related complications. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt, from September 2017 to December 2018. Fifteen patients were selected. Wide local excision with post-resection defects of 20%-30% of breast volume were done. An inferolateral incision was done for both tumor resection and LDMF harvesting without any back scar. The patients were scheduled for regular follow up. Results: All the resection margins were negative. Mean Operative time was 176.6 minutes, the mean hospital stay was 2.47 days. The mean score for sensory preservation was 7.66. The mean of visual analogue score VAS was 8.33 with a score range from 8 to 9. The mean of the surgeon evaluation was 8.53. The median ranged from 8 to 9. Conclusion: LDMF makes BCS possible to a group of patients who are classically required mastectomy. It is particularly benefical to patients that responds poorly to neoadjuvant chemotherapy or with wide spreading DCIS

Effectiveness of porous silicon nanoparticle treatment at inhibiting the migration of a heterogeneous glioma cell population

BACKGROUND: Approximately 80% of brain tumours are gliomas. Despite treatment, patient mortality remains high due to local metastasis and relapse. It has been shown that transferrin-functionalised porous silicon nanoparticles (Tf@pSiNPs) can inhibit the migration of U87 glioma cells. However, the underlying mechanisms and the effect of glioma cell heterogeneity, which is a hallmark of the disease, on the efficacy of Tf@pSiNPs remains to be addressed. RESULTS: Here, we observed that Tf@pSiNPs inhibited heterogeneous patient-derived glioma cells’ (WK1) migration across small perforations (3 μm) by approximately 30%. A phenotypical characterisation of the migrated subpopulations revealed that the majority of them were nestin and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 positive, an indication of their cancer stem cell origin. The treatment did not inhibit cell migration across large perforations (8 μm), nor cytoskeleton formation. This is in agreement with our previous observations that cellular-volume regulation is a mediator of Tf@pSiNPs’ cell migration inhibition. Since aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is closely linked to cellular-volume regulation, and is highly expressed in glioma, the effect of AQP9 expression on WK1 migration was investigated. We showed that WK1 migration is correlated to the differential expression patterns of AQP9. However, AQP9-silencing did not affect WK1 cell migration across perforations, nor the efficacy of cell migration inhibition mediated by Tf@pSiNPs, suggesting that AQP9 is not a mediator of the inhibition. CONCLUSION: This in vitro investigation highlights the unique therapeutic potentials of Tf@pSiNPs against glioma cell migration and indicates further optimisations that are required to maximise its therapeutic efficacies

Machine learning using Multi-Modal Data Predicts the Production of Selective Laser Sintered 3D Printed Drug Products

Three-dimensional (3D) printing is drastically redefining medicine production, offering digital precision and personalized design opportunities. One emerging 3D printing technology is selective laser sintering (SLS), which is garnering attention for its high precision, and compatibility with a wide range of pharmaceutical materials, including low-solubility compounds. However, the full potential of SLS for medicines is yet to be realized, requiring expertise and considerable time-consuming and resource-intensive trial-and-error research. Machine learning (ML), a subset of artificial intelligence, is an in silico tool that is accomplishing remarkable breakthroughs in several sectors for its ability to make highly accurate predictions. Therefore, the present study harnessed ML to predict the printability of SLS formulations. Using a dataset of 170 formulations from 78 materials, ML models were developed from inputs that included the formulation composition and characterization data retrieved from Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Multiple ML models were explored, including supervised and unsupervised approaches. The results revealed that ML can achieve high accuracies, by using the formulation composition leading to a maximum F1 score of 81.9%. Using the FT-IR, XRPD and DSC data as inputs resulted in an F1 score of 84.2%, 81.3%, and 80.1%, respectively. A subsequent ML pipeline was built to combine the predictions from FT-IR, XRPD and DSC into one consensus model, where the F1 score was found to further increase to 88.9%. Therefore, it was determined for the first time that ML predictions of 3D printability benefit from multi-modal data, combining numeric, spectral, thermogram and diffraction data. The study lays the groundwork for leveraging existing characterization data for developing high-performing computational models to accelerate developments

Effectiveness of porous silicon nanoparticle treatment at inhibiting the migration of a heterogeneous glioma cell population

Background: Approximately 80% of brain tumours are gliomas. Despite treatment, patient mortality remains high due to local metastasis and relapse. It has been shown that transferrin-functionalised porous silicon nanoparticles (Tf@pSiNPs) can inhibit the migration of U87 glioma cells. However, the underlying mechanisms and the effect of glioma cell heterogeneity, which is a hallmark of the disease, on the efficacy ofTf@pSiNPs remains to be addressed.Results: Here, we observed that Tf@pSiNPs inhibited heterogeneous patient-derived glioma cells' (WK1) migration across small perforations (3 mu m) by approximately 30%. A phenotypical characterisation of the migrated subpopulations revealed that the majority of them were nestin and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 positive, an indication of their cancer stem cell origin. The treatment did not inhibit cell migration across large perforations (8 mu m), nor cytoskeleton formation. This is in agreement with our previous observations that cellular-volume regulation is a mediator of Tf@pSiNPs'cell migration inhibition. Since aquaporin 9 (AQP9) is closely linked to cellular-volume regulation, and is highly expressed in glioma, the effect of AQP9 expression on WK1 migration was investigated. We showed that WK1 migration is correlated to the differential expression patterns of AQP9. However, AQP9-silencing did not affect WK1 cell migration across perforations, nor the efficacy of cell migration inhibition mediated by Tf@pSiNPs, suggesting that AQP9 is not a mediator of the inhibition.Conclusion: This in vitro investigation highlights the unique therapeutic potentials ofTf@pSiNPs against glioma cell migration and indicates further optimisations that are required to maximise its therapeutic efficacies.</div

Proximal humeral epiphysiolysis in a gymnast

CONTEXT: There are different causes for shoulder pain in athletes. Structures such as tendons and ligaments are frequently affected by injuries. In young athletes with immature skull, bone injuries must be ruled as a cause of pain. CASE REPORT: The authors present a case of proximal humeral epiphysiolysis in a gymnast and review literature addressing this topic. CONCLUSION: Injuries on proximal humeral physeal plates of athletes are uncommon. The early diagnosis and correct treatment can avoid deformity and functional deficits.CONTEXTO: Existem diversas causas de dor no ombro do atleta. Estruturas como tendões e ligamentos são freqüentemente acometidas por lesões. No atleta jovem com esqueleto imaturo, as afecções ósseas devem ser lembradas como possíveis causas de dor. RELATO DE CASO: Os autores relatam a ocorrência da epifisiólise proximal do úmero em um atleta de ginástica olímpica e discutem a literatura a respeito do assunto. CONCLUSÃO: A lesão da placa fisária proximal do úmero em atletas é pouco freqüente. O diagnóstico precoce e correto tratamento evitam que ocorra deformidades severas e déficits funcionais.UNIFESP UNIFESPUNIFESP-EPMUNIFESP Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteUNIFESP-EPM Departamento de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaLaboratório Fleury - Medicina Diagnóstica Departamento de Ressonância MagnéticaUNIFESP, UNIFESP-EPMUNIFESP, Centro de Traumatologia do EsporteUNIFESP, EPM Depto. de Ortopedia e TraumatologiaSciEL

Transferrin-targeted porous silicon nanoparticles reduce glioblastoma cell migration across tight extracellular space

Mortality of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) has not improved over the last two decades despite medical breakthroughs in the treatment of other types of cancers. Nanoparticles hold tremendous promise to overcome the pharmacokinetic challenges and off-target adverse effects. However, an inhibitory effect of nanoparticles by themselves on metastasis has not been explored. In this study, we developed transferrin-conjugated porous silicon nanoparticles (Tf@pSiNP) and studied their effect on inhibiting GBM migration by means of a microfluidic-based migration chip. This platform, designed to mimic the tight extracellular migration tracts in brain parenchyma, allowed high-content time-resolved imaging of cell migration. Tf@pSiNP were colloidally stable, biocompatible, and their uptake into GBM cells was enhanced by receptor-mediated internalisation. The migration of Tf@pSiNP-exposed cells across the confined microchannels was suppressed, but unconfined migration was unaffected. The pSiNP-induced destabilisation of focal adhesions at the leading front may partially explain the migration inhibition. More corroborating evidence suggests that pSiNP uptake reduced the plasticity of GBM cells in reducing cell volume, an effect that proved crucial in facilitating migration across the tight confined tracts. We believe that the inhibitory effect of Tf@pSiNP on cell migration, together with the drug-delivery capability of pSiNP, could potentially offer a disruptive strategy to treat GBM

SERUM SOLUBLE CD25 IN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA, SHALL WE BE ABLE TO CHANGE THE NATURAL HISTORY?

Background. Although hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancy related mortality worldwide, it can be curable if detected in early stages. Emergence of a new marker that can early detect HCC could help in early treatment and therefore ameliorate the outcome.Objective. The aim of the research is to evaluate the performance of serum soluble CD25 (sCD25) in the prediction of early HCC and compare it to α-fetoprotein (AFP).Methods. Serum levels of sCD25 and AFP were measured in three groups of population; HCC group (40 patients), cirrhosis without HCC control group (20 patients) and healthy control group (20 patients). HCC group contained 20 early and 20 late stage patients according to Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system (stage 0/A and B-D respectively). Levels of both biomarkers were compared in all groups. Predictive yield of both biomarkers for early HCC was evaluated using ROC curve analysis.Results. Level of sCD25 was significantly higher in patients with HCC than in both cirrhotic controls and healthy controls (P&lt;0.0001and 0.013 respectively). For prediction of early HCC in patients with cirrhosis, the optimal sCD25 cut-off level was 7.15 ng/ml with sensitivity and specificity of 90% and 60% respectively (AUC=0.717; P=0.019) while sensitivity and specificity of AFP were 70% and 85% respectively at a cut-off value of 9.85 ng/ml (AUC=0.781; P=0.002) in the same settings.Conclusion. sCD25 seems to be a reliable biomarker for early detection of HCC and therefore could enhance the outcome.

Effect of gas-to-liquid biosludge on soil properties and alfalfa yields in an arid soil

Soils in Qatar are relatively poor in fertility. Hence, imported top soils and soil enhancing materials are used to improve agricultural yields. Therefore, this work investigated the potential of using gas-to-liquid (GTL) biosludge as a soil conditioner. It sought to increase crop yields in an arid soil with positive environmental footprint in terms of fertilizer application savings, waste utilization and minimization of landfilling. A fodder crop, alfalfa (Medicago sativa), was grown under semi-controlled pot conditions for 12 months. The plant-growth media involved soil, soil + fertilizer, soil + 3% compost, and soil plus five (0.75–12%) biosludge contents. Pertinent properties of the soils, the resulting leachates, and plant growth parameters were analyzed at set periods. Biosludge content generally increased the total porosity and volumetric abundance of different pore types, which in turn affected plant performance, especially the plant height. Alfalfa yield in terms of plant height, aboveground fresh biomass weight and the number of tillers decreased with increasing biosludge content. Mixtures with 0.75–3% biosludge content showed comparable or better plant yield in contrast to the soil, fertilizer and compost controls. The concentration of chemical species in the leachate and plant biomass of biosludge treatments were either lower or similar to the fertilizer and compost controls. Regression modeling identified leachate phosphorus concentrations, soil iron concentration and clay content as the most influential variables for the aforementioned plant performance parameters. The results suggest that GTL biosludge could potentially enhance arid soil properties and improve alfalfa yields