50 research outputs found
Resistance of composite materials based on BaCeO3 against the corrosive effects of carbon dioxide and water vapour at intermediate fuel cell operating temperatures
The objective of this work is to analyse the chemical stability of BaCe0.85Y0.15O3−δ –Ce0.85Y0.15O2−δ (BCY15–YDC15) composite materials at 600 °C and to compare the aforementioned chemical stability with that of pure BCY15. The composite powders were obtained by mixing together powders of BCY15 and YDC15 in the following volume fractions: 90 % BCY15 + 10 % YDC15, 70 % BCY15 + 30 % YDC15, 30 % BCY15 + 70 % YDC15, 20 % BCY15 + 80 % YDC15 and 10 % BCY15 + 90 % YDC15. After that both powders and sintered samples of the BCY15 and the BCY15–YDC15 composites were saturated in two different atmospheres at 600 °C: CO2/H2O (3.1 mol% H2O) and N2/H2O (46.8 mol% H2O). The effects of the previously mentioned atmospheres on the physicochemical properties of the samples were investigated via differential thermal analysis (DTA) combined with thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Furthermore, mass spectrometry was used to analyse the chemical composition of the gases released from the samples during the DTA–TG heating process. The surface and cross-section morphology of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Moreover, the phase composition of each sample was studied via X-ray Diffraction. From the combined analysis, it can be concluded that the addition of YDC15 in the composite samples leads to an increase in resistance against the corrosive effects of CO2. Furthermore, it was determined that all samples maintain stability in the presence of H2O at 600 °C
Compositional factors affecting the mouth-feel of white wine
The outcomes of this thesis significantly added to the understanding of how the major classes of non-volatile compounds in white wine, directly or by interaction, contribute to its mouth-feel. The findings challenge the paradigm of sensory additivity of structurally similar compounds and give practical winemaking insight into enhancing mouth-feel.<br /
A ‘Mouth-feel Wheel’: terminology for communicating the mouth-feel characteristics of red wine
Abstract A hierarchically structured vocabulary of mouth-feel sensations elicited by red wines has been produced. Represented as a wheel, this structured vocabulary should assist tasters in their interpretation and use of terminology relating to 'in mouth' sensations produced by red wines. These terms and their definitions were generated by consulting the opinions of experienced wine tasters following exposure to an extensive range of commercial red wines. Logical relationships among the derived terms were formulated by analysis of 'sorting data' provided by a combined group of experienced winemakers and wine-tasters
Relación entre la concentración de fenoles totales y el tipo percibido de aceites de oliva virgen extra
The degree of bitterness and pungency of a virgin olive oil largely defines its style, and therefore how it is most appropriately used by consumers. In order to assess how Australian olive oil producers interpret the style of their oils, 920 Australian virgin olive oils were classified by their producers as either being mild, medium or robust in style. Although in general, the classifications by producers were associated with the oils’ total phenol concentration, significant variability in phenol concentration within each style category was observed. The perceived styles of a subset of these oils were further assessed by panels of expert tasters. The expert panels were more discriminating when assigning oils to style categories based on total phenol levels. The producers and the expert panels were in moderate agreement with respect to oil style, with the interpretation of what constitutes a mild oil being the most contentious.El grado de amargor y picante de un aceite de oliva define en gran manera su tipo, y, por tanto, también su uso más apropiado por el consumidor. Para evaluar cómo los productores australianos de aceite de oliva interpretan el tipo de sus aceites, 920 aceites de oliva virgen australianos fueron clasificados por sus productores en tipo suave, medio o fuerte. Aunque, en general, la clasificación de los productores estuvo asociada a la concentración de fenoles totales de los aceites, se observó una variabilidad significativa en la concentración de fenoles en cada tipo de aceite. Los tipos percibidos en un subgrupo de estos aceites fueron además evaluados por paneles de catadores expertos. Los paneles de expertos fueron más discriminantes cuando asignaron los aceites a los diversos tipos basándose en el nivel de fenoles totales. Los productores y los paneles de expertos estuvieron en relativamente de acuerdo con respecto al tipo de aceite, si bien la interpretación de qué es un aceite suave fue la más conflictiva
Selective superoxide generation within mitochondria by the targeted redox cycler MitoParaquat
Superoxide is the proximal reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by the mitochondrial respiratory chain and plays a major role in pathological oxidative stress and redox signaling. While there are tools to detect or decrease mitochondrial superoxide, none can rapidly and specifically increase superoxide production within the mitochondrial matrix. This lack impedes progress, making it challenging to assess accurately the roles of mitochondrial superoxide in cells and in vivo. To address this unmet need, we synthesized and characterized a mitochondria-targeted redox cycler, MitoParaquat (MitoPQ) that comprises a triphenylphosphonium lipophilic cation conjugated to the redox cycler paraquat. MitoPQ accumulates selectively in the mitochondrial matrix driven by the membrane potential. Within the matrix, MitoPQ produces superoxide by redox cycling at the flavin site of complex I, selectively increasing superoxide production within mitochondria. MitoPQ increased mitochondrial superoxide in isolated mitochondria and cells in culture ~a thousand-fold more effectively than untargeted paraquat. MitoPQ was also more toxic than paraquat in the isolated perfused heart and in Drosophila in vivo. MitoPQ enables the selective generation of superoxide within mitochondria and is a useful tool to investigate the many roles of mitochondrial superoxide in pathology and redox signaling in cells and in vivo
Return-to-Play Rates and Clinical Outcomes of Baseball Players After Concomitant Ulnar Collateral Ligament Reconstruction and Selective Ulnar Nerve Transposition.
Background: Injury to the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) leading to medial elbow instability and possible ulnar neuritis is common in overhead-throwing athletes. Treatment may require UCL reconstruction (UCLR) and concomitant ulnar nerve transposition (UNT) for those with preoperative ulnar neuritis.
Purpose: To evaluate the return-to-play (RTP) rates, clinical outcomes, and rates of persistent ulnar neuritis after concomitant UCLR and UNT in a cohort of baseball players with confirmed preoperative ulnar neuritis.
Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4.
Methods: Eligible patients were those who underwent concomitant UCLR and UNT at a single institution between January 2008 and June 2018 and who had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Additional inclusion criteria were athletes who identified as baseball players and who had a confirmed history of ulnar neuritis. Patients were contacted at a minimum of 2 years from surgery and assessed with the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic (KJOC) Shoulder and Elbow Score, Andrew-Timmerman (A-T) Elbow Score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) score, and a custom RTP questionnaire.
Results: Included were 22 male baseball players with a mean age of 18.9 ± 2.1 years (range, 16-25 years). The mean follow-up was 6.1 ± 2.4 years (range, 2.5-11.7 years). Preoperatively, all 22 patients reported ulnar nerve sensory symptoms, while 4 (18.2%) patients reported ulnar nerve motor symptoms. At the final follow-up, 7 (31.8%) patients reported persistent ulnar nerve sensory symptoms, while none of the patients reported persistent ulnar nerve motor symptoms. Overall, 16 (72.7%) players were able to return to competitive play at an average of 11.2 months. The mean postoperative patient-reported outcome scores for the KJOC Shoulder and Elbow Score, MEPS, A-T Elbow Score, and SANE score were 77.9 ± 20.9 (range, 14-100), 92.7 ± 12.7 (range, 45-100), 86.1 ± 17.1 (range, 30-100), and 85.5 ± 14.8 (range, 50-100), respectively.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that after concomitant UCLR and UNT for UCL insufficiency and associated ulnar neuritis, baseball players can expect reasonably high RTP rates and subjective outcomes; however, rates of persistent sensory ulnar neuritis can be as high as 30%
Return to Play Criteria Following Operative Management of Acromioclavicular Joint Separation: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Acromioclavicular (AC) joint separation is a leading cause of shoulder injury among athletes. High grade injuries may require operative fixation, and comprehensive return to play guidelines have not yet been established. The purpose of this investigation is to summarize return to play criteria following operative management of AC joint separation.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature was performed to evaluate clinical evidence regarding return to play following operative management of isolated AC joint separation. Studies satisfying inclusion criteria were analyzed for return to play timeline and other factors used to guide return to play following surgery.
Results: Sixty-three studies with at least 1 explicitly stated return to play criterion were identified out of an initial database search of 1,253 published articles. Eight separate categories of return to play criteria were identified, the most common of which was time from surgery (95.2%). Return to play timelines ranged from 2 – 12 months, the most common timeline being 6 months (37.8%). Only 4 (6.3%) studies utilized conditional criteria to guide return to play, among which included range of motion, strength, clinical stability, radiographic stability, functional assessment, safety assessment, and hardware removal.
Discussion: Most published studies utilize only time-based return to play criteria, and only a small number of studies employ patient-centered conditional criteria. While this systematic review helps provide a foundation for developing a comprehensive return to play checklist, further investigation is needed to establish safe and effective guidelines that will enable athletes to safely return to sport and minimize the recurrence of injury
Comprehensive Review of Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a growing global phenomenon, and its damaging effects in terms of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk are becoming more apparent. NAFLD is estimated to affect around one quarter of the world population and is often comorbid with other metabolic disorders including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we examine the current evidence describing the many ways that NAFLD itself increases CVD risk. We also discuss the emerging and complex biochemical relationship between NAFLD and its common comorbid conditions, and how they coalesce to increase CVD risk. With NAFLD\u27s rising prevalence and deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system, a complete understanding of the disease must be undertaken, as well as effective strategies to prevent and treat its common comorbid conditions
Development of HDAC Inhibitors Exhibiting Therapeutic Potential in T-Cell Prolymphocytic Leukemia
Epigenetic targeting has emerged as an efficacious therapy for hematological cancers. The rare and incurable T-cell prolymphocytic leukemia (T-PLL) is known for its aggressive clinical course. Current epigenetic agents such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are increasingly used for targeted therapy. Through a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study, we developed an HDAC6 inhibitor KT-531, which exhibited higher potency in T-PLL compared to other hematological cancers. KT-531 displayed strong HDAC6 inhibitory potency and selectivity, on-target biological activity, and a safe therapeutic window in nontransformed cell lines. In primary T-PLL patient cells, where HDAC6 was found to be overexpressed, KT-531 exhibited strong biological responses, and safety in healthy donor samples. Notably, combination studies in T-PLL patient samples demonstrated KT-531 synergizes with approved cancer drugs, bendamustine, idasanutlin, and venetoclax. Our work suggests HDAC inhibition in T-PLL could afford sufficient therapeutic windows to achieve durable remission either as standalone or in combination with targeted drugs.Peer reviewe