Structural characterization of Co‐Re superlattices

Co‐Re superlattices were prepared with nominal periodicities of 65–67 Å and varying bilayer composition. The structural characterization was made by x‐ray diffraction and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). First, second, and third order satellites are observed in the x‐ray diffractogram at 2θ values and with intensities close to those predicted by simulation. This confirms the coherence of the superlattice. RBS measurements combined with RUMP simulations give information on interface sharpness and the absolute thicknesses of the Co and Re layers. Discrepancies between the experimental and simulated diffractograms are found for Co thicknesses below 18 Å

Left ventricular end diastolic pressure and acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND: Data is lacking in the literature regarding the prognostic impact of left ventricular-end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) across acute coronary syndromes (ACS). OBJECTIVE: To assess LVEDP and its prognostic implications in ACS patients. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal and continuous study of 1329 ACS patients from a single center between 2004 and 2006. Diastolic function was determined by LVEDP. Population was divided in two groups: A - LVEDP 26.5 mmHg (n = 226). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between groups with respect to risk factors for cardiovascular disease, medical history and medical therapy during admission. In group A, patients with non-ST elevation ACS were more frequent, as well as normal coronary angiograms. In-hospital mortality was similar between groups, but one-year survival was higher in group A patients (96.9 vs 91.2%, log rank p = 0.002). On a multivariate Cox regression model, a LVEDP > 26.5 mmHg (HR 2.45, 95%CI 1.05 - 5.74) remained an independent predictor for one-year mortality, when adjusted for age, LV systolic ejection fraction, ST elevation ACS, peak troponin, admission glycemia, and diuretics at 24 hours. Also, a LVEDP > 26.5 mmHg was an independent predictor for a future readmission due to congestive HF (HR 6.65 95%CI 1.74 - 25.5). CONCLUSION: In our selected population, LVEDP had a significant prognostic influence

Production of photocatalytic road pavements using TiO2 nanoparticles

posterMan’s activity and mismanagement of resources conducted to dangerous levels of pollution in water, air and earth and to incalculable deficiencies, harmful to the physical and social health of mankind. Industrial activities, heating systems and road traffic are the main responsibles for the emission of pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). As so, its harmful impacts are observed far beyond large cities and jam-packed streets. It is important to refer that the health costs related only with road traffic air pollution represents 0.9%-2.7% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in France, for example. Under this context, the combination of nanostructured titanium dioxide (TiO2) and bituminous formulations represents a tool, with considerable degree of innovation, towards the reduction of environmental impacts. In this work, conventional hot mix asphalt (HMA) was produced with standard materials to play the role of a control sample. Afterwards, an aqueous solution of TiO2 nanoparticles was sprayed over sample’s surface. By another hand, a HMA samples was also modified through the volume incorporation of small quantities of TiO2 nanoparticles and recycled glass cullets. It is expected that the inclusion of glass in the asphalt formulations should promote an in-depth conduction and entrapment of light , thus enhancing the photocatalytic performance of this samples. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis were conducted in order to infer about the morphology of the modified HMA samples and the surface as well as the in-depth dispersion of TiO2 nanoparticles and recycled glass cullets. The produced samples were also subjected to wearing tests using the tire-road contact method. Before and after the wearing process, the photocatalytic efficiency was evaluated via the decomposition rate of an aqueous solution of Methylene Blue (MB) under UV light irradiation

Effects of encapsulation on the viability of probiotic strains exposed to lethal conditions

The effect of microencapsulation in an alginate matrix on the viability of several potential probiotic strains (Lactobacillus paracasei LAFTI® L26, L. acidophilus Ki and Bifidobacterium animalis BB-12®), in the presence and absence of L-cysteine, during the exposure to lethal conditions of temperature (55 ºC for L. acidophilus Ki and 60 ºC for L. paracasei and B. animalis BB-12®, during 60 min), pH (3.0 during 6h) and salt (25% during 24h), was evaluated. The microcapsules were prepared via extrusion by aerodynamically-assisted flow. The effect of the disintegration of the microcapsules by mixing with sodium citrate in the enumeration of survivors was also evaluated. The lethal treatments were performed in whey protein concentrate medium and the survivors were enumerated accordingly. In general, the microencapsulated cells were more sensitive to the lethal conditions. The addition of L-cysteine to growth medium did not increase the viability of the tested strains except for B. animalis BB-12®. Furthermore, the disintegration in sodium citrate did not affect the viability. The survival of the probiotic strains was dependent on the lethal stress being imposed and planktonic cells were more resistant to the tested lethal conditions. Encapsulation of these probiotic bacteria did not improve their survival through lethal conditions.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Can we improve outcomes in patients with previous coronary artery bypass surgery admitted for acute coronary syndrome?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Prognosis and in-hospital management of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and a history of coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery are still debated. The objective of this study was to characterize ACS patients with a CABG and to compare their in-hospital and postdischarge outcomes with those of patients without a CABG. METHODS: This ongoing prospective observational study included 1,495 consecutive patients admitted for ACS to a coronary care unit and followed up for a mean of 19 months. There were two groups: group A (n=73), with CABGs; and group B (n=1,223), without CABGs. RESULTS: Group A patients were more often male (86.3% versus 69.1%; P=.002), and more frequently had a history of diabetes, myocardial infarction and heart failure. Group B patients more frequently had ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and had a higher median ejection fraction (53% [interquartile range, 47%-60%] vs. 50% [42%-55%]; P< .01) and peak troponin-I concentration. There was no difference in the use of invasive techniques. Regarding medication, Group B patients were more likely to receive dual antiplatelet therapy at discharge. No significant difference was observed in in-hospital mortality (9.5% versus 5.9%; P=.2) or mortality at 1 month, 6 months or 1 year (9.8% versus 9.1%; log-rank test, P=.87) and the cumulative major adverse cardiac event rate was equally low in both groups. The presence of a CABG was associated with more readmissions for unstable angina (11.3% vs. 3.1%; P< .01). CONCLUSIONS: In our ACS patients, the presence of a CABG had no significant influence on short- or medium-term outcomes, such as all-cause mortality and adverse cardiac events

Impact of renal function on mortality and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events following acute coronary syndromes

BACKGROUND: Renal failure patients have a dismal prognosis in the setting of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Several studies have shown that this population is undertreated, benefiting less frequently from cardiovascular agents and interventions. The aim of our study was to evaluate patients hospitalized for ACS who also presented renal dysfunction, identifying baseline clinical characteristics, treatment options and prognosis. We also assessed whether renal failure was an independent predictor of mortality and cardiovascular events. METHODS: We performed an observational, longitudinal, prospective and continuous study, including 1039 consecutive patients hospitalized in a single center for ACS. Two groups were compared according to estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): eGFR > or = 60 ml/min (group A) and eGFR < 60 ml/min (group B). The mean follow-up was twelve months after discharge. Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of mortality and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in this population. RESULTS: Group B patients were older and more frequently female, and presented a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and previous cardiovascular disease, and more severe coronary artery disease. Group B also had more cases of non-ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction, as well as higher blood glucose, higher heart rate on admission, and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Patients in group B were less frequently treated with the main cardiovascular drugs or by an invasive strategy; this group also presented higher in-hospital mortality (9.1 vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001). During clinical follow-up, survival and MACE-free rates were significantly lower in group B patients (86.6 vs. 93.6%, p < 0.001, and 76.2 vs. 86.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that eGFR of < 30 ml/min was an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (OR 6.92; C statistic = 0.87) and that eGFR of < 60 ml/min was an independent predictor of MACE during follow-up (OR 2.19; C statistic = 0.71). CONCLUSION: We found that moderate to severe renal dysfunction is common in ACS patients, and this variable was an independent predictor of mortality and MACE. However, we also found that these patients are undertreated, which may contribute to their poor prognosis. Early identification of these high-risk patients is important so that the procedures recommended in the international guidelines can be more consistently implemented

A 1000-year-old mystery solved: Unlocking the molecular structure for the medieval blue from Chrozophora tinctoria, also known as folium

The molecular structure of the medieval watercolor known as folium has finally been solved in the 21st century. The interdisciplinary approach taken was the key to producing extracts that had been prepared following medieval instructions, and shows the blue/purple chromophore as the major dye in Chrozophora tinctoria fruits (shell). A multi-analytical characterization of its structure was made using HPLC-DAD-MS, GC-MS, NMR (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC, HMBC, INADEQUATE), and computational studies. The results demonstrate that the blue compound corresponds to 6'-hydroxy-4,4'-dimethoxy-1,1'-dimethyl-5'-{[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl]oxy}-[3,3'-bipyridine]-2,2',5,6(1H,1'H)-tetraone, a hermidin derivative, which we named chrozophoridin. Experimental data and computational modeling studies show that this mono-glycosylated dimer is represented by two stable isomers (atropisomers). This is an indispensable piece of knowledge for the characterization of this medieval dye in works of art such as medieval manuscript illuminations and for testing its stability and contributes to the preservation of our cultural heritage.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio