Treatment of Acneiform Eruptions, Acne and Acne Scars with Surgery, Lasers and Light-Based Devices

Acne is a common skin disease that affects pilosebaceous unit, and it is characterized as comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules and occasionally nodulocystic lesions. Acne scar lesions have adverse effects on psychosocial life despite the latest treatment options

Effect of air-jet texturing on adhesion behaviour of technical polyester yarns to rubber

Air-jet texturing of technical polyester yarns was performed in order to improve its adhesion to rubber. The air-jet texturing parameters were selected with great care to minimize the mechanical loss. H-adhesion tests were used to characterize the adhesion of the yarns to rubber. A significant increase in the adhesion of dimensionally stable polyethylene terephthalate yarn, textured with an overfeed level of 15% (DSPET15), was recorded, while a decrease in the adhesion of high tenacity polyethylene terephthalate (HTPET) yarn was observed for all overfeed levels. The effects of air-jet texturing on the adhesion of technical polyester yarns were discussed in terms of changes in the yarn geometry and changes on the single fiber surfaces. Changes in the yarn geometry were investigated by optical microscopy studies, while changes on the fiber surface were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) studies. It was observed that air-jet texturing alters both the yarn geometry and the single fiber surfaces, leading to a change in the adhesion to rubber

Regular aerobic exercise increased VEGF levels in both soleus and gastrocnemius muscles correlated with hippocampal learning and VEGF levels

Physical exercise improves learning and memory abilities by increasing the levels of several growth factors in the hippocampus. One growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), is primarily produced in the muscles and not only increases in the periphery during exercise but can also cross the blood-brain barrier. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of regular aerobic chronic exercise on different types of muscle fibers and the relationships between learning/memory and muscle induced-VEGF. Following a one-week adaptation period, male rats underwent treadmill training at a speed of 8 m/min for 30 min daily, 3 days a week for 6 weeks. Memory functions were evaluated using the Morris water maze. VEGF, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers and VEGF levels were also measured in the hippocampus. Exercise positively affected both learning and memory and also increased VEGF levels in both muscle fiber types. Muscle VEGF levels positively correlate with hippocampal learning and hippocampal VEGF levels. Exercise reduced both SOD and MDA levels in type 1 and type 2 muscle fibers, whereas GPx levels decreased only in type 2 muscle fibers. Our findings suggest that regular aerobic exercise elevates VEGF levels and diminishes oxidative stress in both fiber types. Exercise-induced VEGF levels in both type 1 and 2 muscle fibers appear to be associated with the positive effect of exercise on learning and memory function and is accompanied by an increase in VEGF levels in the hippocampus. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanism by which fiber type-specific VEGF mediates hippocampal neurogenesis and angiogenesis

UTILIZATION OF MODAL TEST TECHNIQUES FOR QUALITY CONTROL OF MASS MANUFACTURED PARTS

Bringing a high tech product to the market as soon as possible has never been so critical. Quality control of critical parts manufactured in large quantities is a problem to solve in many industries ranging from aerospace to automotive. If there are precision parts with very tight dimensional tolerances in the assembly, each and every dimension of every part must be measured. Otherwise parts with dimensions out of tolerances will create more trouble in the later steps of the assembly. Measuring the dimensions of precision parts using high precision coordinate measurement machines (CMM) is time consuming and can be quite cumbersome. Also the initial investment to be made in order to acquire a precise CMM is quite expensive. An alternative solution to this quality assurance (QA) problem is utilizing the vibrational characteristics of the manufactured part. A quality acceptance criterion using those characteristics of the part can be developed. Natural frequencies and mode shapes of the part are the key parameters to be measured when deciding the part to fail or pass. For this purpose, a test setup with the ability of automated modal testing is required. In this study, such a system is designed and developed named as the modal test robot (MTR). The MTR consists of an automated modal test hammer to excite the modes of test part, a mechanism to support the hitting hammer and a heavy granite table to secure the part. By using finite element (FE) analysis, the natural frequency range for the acceptable test part is determined. High fidelity FE analysis models are utilized to ensure good agreement between analysis and test results. Three different parts called the spool; the four arm star and the blade are examined as case studies. In case studies, relationship between part dimension and the natural frequency of the part is calculated by utilizing parametric FE model for each part. Using this relationship, fail or pass criterion is developed according to a specific natural frequency of the part. Natural frequencies of the part are measured on the MTR. Since modal test is carried out by using the MTR, repeatability and coherence of the test results are increased. By this procedure, a technician can make a quick decision whether the measured part passes of fails by just checking the natural frequency. Utilizing the vibrational characteristics as a fail or pass criterion for parts instead of a dimensional measurements is a fast and cheap method that can be employed in QA processes. By implementing this methodology, QA cycle times for manufactured parts reduces 90% and higher number of parts can be controlled in a limited inspection time

A serious dermatological side effect due to vortioxetine: a case report

Major depressive disorder is the second-largest healthcare problem worldwide in terms of illness-induced disability, and second-generation antidepressants are the most commonly used treatments in this disorder. Vortioxetine is a recently introduced antidepressant with a multimodal mechanism of action. Some side effects associated with the use of vortioxetine have been reported. Side effects that do not occur in clinical trials can be reported during phase IV studies. In this case report, we present a patient who developed dermatological adverse reactions following vortioxetine use

Spray dried melon seed milk powder: physical, rheological and sensory properties

WOS: 000380102100026PubMed ID: 27407206Melon seed milk (MSM) powder was produced by aiming to get alternative vegetable milk from crushed Kirkagac (Cucumis melo subsp. melo cv. Kirkagac) and Cesme (C. melo subsp. melo cv. Cesme) type melon seeds. MSM was converted to powder form via spray dryer at inlet air temperature of 150 degrees C, air flow rate of 473 l . h(-1), aspiration ratio of 24 m(3) . h(-1) and feed flow rate of 8 ml . min(-1) in order to extend the shelf life and usage area. The moisture content and water activity of samples changed in range of 2.1 to 2.4 % and 0.260 to 0.310, respectively. Bulk densities and the tapped densities of powders were ranged from 340 to 360 kg . m(-3) and 730 and 740 kg . m(-3). MSM powders showed poor flow behavior as determined from Carr Index. The particle densities of powders ranged between and 1069 kg . m(-3). Wettability time of powders was found as 7 s. The Bingham model was the best model fitted to rheological data of MSM beverages. Sensory evaluation test results showed that, the beverage obtained from reconstituted Kirkagac powder achieved the highest score by panelists

Exploring the Barriers against Using Cryptocurrencies in Managing Construction Supply Chain Processes

Various stakeholders are involved in managing supply chain processes in construction. Suppliers can hardly tolerate upfront costs when faced with flaws in the payment pipeline. This is a serious problem in building construction that uses a large variety of materials as opposed to civil construction that requires fewer types of materials. Alternative secure payment systems are needed, and the use of cryptocurrencies can be an option. However, cryptocurrencies are seldom used in building construction projects due to several challenges that are mostly ignored in the existing literature. To fill this gap, this study investigates the use of cryptocurrencies in construction supply chains as an alternative payment solution to improve the financial performance of the stakeholders by taking advantage of this economical and traceable financial transaction system. The study involves exploratory, descriptive, and empirical survey research. Accordingly, a literature review, focus group discussions, and statistical analyses (Friedman test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann–Whitney U test) were performed. The results imply that a lack of technical knowledge about cryptocurrencies, fluctuations in the value of cryptocurrencies, limited market opportunities, security gaps, personal information required by cryptocurrency systems, no assurance of permanent use, and government actions limiting the use of cryptocurrencies were the most significant barriers against using cryptocurrencies in construction supply chain management. The findings are expected to provide critical information to construction professionals and regulatory agencies about the potential advantages and shortcomings of cryptocurrencies, hence motivating policymakers to create strategies that minimize the concerns of construction professionals about using cryptocurrencies in the building construction industry

The effect of lithium tetraborate as a novel cardioprotective agent after renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Epidemiological studies suggest that acute kidney injury has certain effect on myocardial function. In this study, for the first time, we tested a boron compound namely lithium tetraborate an act as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in ischemia-reperfusion injury. For this, we employed an in vivo rat model with kidney ischemia reperfusion injury to evaluate cardiac injury to clarify the mechanisms of lithium tetraborate. The evaluation of cardiac injury through kidney artery occlusion and reperfusion rat model indicated that lithium tetraborate could (1) reduce oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction; (2) attenuate the inflammatory response of cardiac cells; and (3) alleviate the apoptosis and necrosis of myocytes. In summary, lithium tetraborate demonstrates significant therapeutic properties that contribute to the amelioration of cardiac damage, and it could be a promising candidate for future applications in myocardial dysfunction

Investigating fear of childbirth in pregnant women and its relationship between anxiety sensitivity and somatosensory amplification

WOS: 000527818200001PubMed: 32314633The causes of fear of childbirth and the factors that affect it are not fully explained. the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fear of childbirth in pregnant women and anxiety sensitivity and somatosensory amplification. the study included 100 healthy pregnant women who were admitted to the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of a tertiary hospital in Turkey at 28-40 weeks of gestation. Sociodemographic Data Form, Anxiety Sensitivity Index (ASI), Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS), Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Wijma Expectancy/Experience Scale (W-DEQ) were applied to all cases. the mean age of the pregnant women included in the study was 29.20 +/- 6.17 years, and 82% of them had high fear of childbirth. It was determined that factors such as age, education status, occupation, prior pregnancy experience, the number of pregnancies, miscarriage history, and abortion experience had no significant effect on the fear of childbirth. It was observed that there was a weak positive correlation between the fear of childbirth and the anxiety sensitivity and the amplification of somatosensory symptoms. According to the findings of our study, as the fear of childbirth increases, anxiety sensitivity, and somatosensory amplification increase. For this reason, it is crucial to carefully monitor prenatal anxiety, somatosensory amplification and the fear of childbirth of pregnant women with state-related concerns.IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Fear of childbirth or what is historically referred to as tokophobia is generally defined as a fear of severe birth and fear of pathological birth. the causes of fear of childbirth are stated as biological reasons, psychological reasons and lack of social support. However, it is not possible to explain the causes of the fear of childbirth in pregnant women and the risk factors affecting them. Similarly, fear of childbirth in individuals with anxiety sensitivity and amplification of somatosensory symptoms has not been adequately investigated. What do the results of this study add? in this study, we aimed to contribute to the related literature by examining the relationship between fear of childbirth in pregnant women and anxiety sensitivity and amplification of somatosensory symptoms. It was observed that there was a weak positive correlation between the fear of childbirth and the sensitivity of anxiety and the amplification of somatosensory symptoms. According to the findings of our study, as the fear of childbirth increases, anxiety sensitivity, and somatosensory amplification increase. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? For this reason, it is crucial to carefully monitor the pregnants who have prenatal anxiety sensitivity, somatosensory amplification, and state-continuous anxiety. Due to insufficient number of studies related to the subject, extensive sample studies on the subject are needed