Use of UHPC in Bridge Structures: Material Modeling and Design

Ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) is a promising new class of concrete material that is likely to make a significant contribution to addressing the challenges associated with the load capacity, durability, sustainability, economy, and environmental impact of concrete bridge infrastructures. This paper focuses on the material modeling of UHPC and design of bridge girders made of UHPC. A two-phase model used for modeling the behavior of UHPC was briefly discussed, and the model was implemented in a preliminary design case study. Based on the implemented design and the reported use of UHPC in bridge applications, the advantages, limitations, and future prospects of UHPC bridges were discussed, highlighting the need for innovative research and design to make optimum use of the favorable properties of the material in bridge structures

In vitro evaluation of Spirulina platensis extract incorporated skin cream with its wound healing and antioxidant activities

Context: Algae have gained importance in cosmeceutical product development due to their beneficial effects on skin health and therapeutical value with bioactive compounds. Spirulina platensis Parachas (Phormidiaceae) is renowned as a potential source of high-value chemicals and recently used in skincare products. Objective: This study develops and evaluates skin creams incorporated with bioactive S. platensis extract. Materials and methods: Spirulina platensis was cultivated, the aqueous crude extract was prepared and in vitro cytotoxicity of S. platensis extract in the range of 0.001–1% concentrations for 1, 3 and 7 d on HS2 keratinocyte cells was determined. Crude extracts were incorporated in skin cream formulation at 0.01% (w/w) concentration and in vitro wound healing and genotoxicity studies were performed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to determine the collagen activity. Results: 0.1% S. platensis extract exhibited higher proliferation activity compared with the control group with 198% of cell viability after 3 d. Skin cream including 1.125% S. platensis crude extract showed enhanced wound healing effect on HS2 keratinocyte cell line and the highest HS2 cell viability % was obtained with this concentration. The micronucleus (MN) assay results indicated that S. platensis extract incorporated creams had no genotoxic effect on human peripheral blood cells. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that collagen 1 immunoreactivity was improved by increased extract concentration and it was strongly positive in cells treated with 1.125% extract incorporated skin cream. Conclusions: The cell viability, wound healing activity and genotoxicity results showed that S. platensis incorporated skin cream could be of potential value in cosmeceutical and biomedical applications

An unusual 3D metal-organic framework, {[Ag-4(mu(4)-pzdc)(2)(mu-en)(2)]center dot H2O}(n): C-H center dot center dot center dot Ag, N-H center dot center dot center dot Ag and (O-H)center dot center dot center dot Ag interactions and an unprecedented coordination mode for pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate

YESILEL, Okan Zafer/0000-0002-2284-1578; keskin, seda/0000-0001-5968-0336; SOYLU, SERKAN M/0000-0002-8440-1260WOS: 000301735400026A novel three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic framework of silver(I)-pyrazine-2,3-dicarboxylate (pzdc) with ethylenediamine ligand (en), {[Ag-4(mu(4)-pzdc)2(mu-en)(2)]center dot H2O}(n) (1), was synthesized and structurally characterized by spectral methods (FT-IR and photoluminescence), elemental analysis, thermal analysis (TG, DTG, DTA) and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. X-ray crystallographic study of 1 revealed that the pzdc ligand adopts a new coordination mode. Four Ag(I) atoms with different coordination geometries are linked together with carboxylate groups to form 1D tetranuclear building block. The adjacent 1D blocks are connected through the en ligand to form a 2D layer structure, which is further connected to a 3D framework by argentophilic interaction (Ag1 center dot center dot center dot Ag2 -3.096 and Ag3 center dot center dot center dot Ag4 - 3.3070 angstrom). The complex exhibits C-H center dot center dot center dot Ag, N-H center dot center dot center dot Ag intermolecular multicenter heteroacceptor (IMH) hydrogen-bonding interactions between the Ag(I) ions and hydrogen atoms of the en ligand and (O-H)center dot center dot center dot Ag interaction of the pseudo-agostic (IPA) between the Ag(I) ion and hydrogen atoms of the water molecule. In order to assess the potential of 1 in gas storage applications, we performed atomically detailed simulations. Furthermore, 1 exhibits green and unusual yellow luminescence in the solid state at room temperature. Complex 1 has also good antimicrobial activity (36-63 mu g mL(-1)) on studied microorganisms.Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK)Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu (TUBITAK) [109T201]This work has been supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK, Project No: 109T201)

Clinical and bi-genomic DNA findings of patients suspected to have mitochondrial diseases

Background: Mitochondrial diseases are the most common group of inherited metabolic disorders, causing difficulties in definite diagnosis due to clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Clinical components are predominantly associated with pathogenic variants shown in nuclear or mitochondrial genomes that affect vital respiratory chain function. The development of high-throughput sequencing technologies has accelerated the elucidation of the genetic etiology of many genetic diseases that previously remained undiagnosed. Methods: Thirty affected patients from 24 unrelated families with clinical, radiological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations considered for mitochondrial diseases were investigated. DNA isolated from the peripheral blood samples of probands was sequenced for nuclear exome and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analyses. MtDNA sequencing was also performed from the muscle biopsy material in one patient. For segregation, Sanger sequencing is performed for pathogenic alterations in five other affected family members and healthy parents. Results: Exome sequencing revealed 14 different pathogenic variants in nine genes encoding mitochondrial function peptides (AARS2, EARS2, ECHS1, FBXL4, MICOS13, NDUFAF6, OXCT1, POLG, and TK2) in 12 patients from nine families and four variants in genes encoding important for muscle structure (CAPN3, DYSF, and TCAP) in six patients from four families. Three probands carried pathogenic mtDNA variations in two genes (MT-ATP6 and MT-TL1). Nine variants in five genes are reported for the first time with disease association: (AARS2: c.277C>T/p.(R93*), c.845C>G/p.(S282C); EARS2: c.319C>T/p.(R107C), c.1283delC/p.(P428Lfs*); ECHS1: c.161G>A/p.(R54His); c.202G>A/p.(E68Lys); NDUFAF6: c.479delA/p.(N162Ifs*27); and OXCT1: c.1370C>T/p.(T457I), c.1173-139G>T/p.(?). Conclusion: Bi-genomic DNA sequencing clarified genetic etiology in 67% (16/24) of the families. Diagnostic utility by mtDNA sequencing in 13% (3/24) and exome sequencing in 54% (13/24) of the families prioritized searching for nuclear genome pathologies for the first-tier test. Weakness and muscle wasting observed in 17% (4/24) of the families underlined that limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, similar to mitochondrial myopathy, is an essential point for differential diagnosis. The correct diagnosis is crucial for comprehensive genetic counseling of families. Also, it contributes to making treatment-helpful referrals, such as ensuring early access to medication for patients with mutations in the TK2 gene

Bilateral Traumatic Globe Luxation with Optic Nerve Transection

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to document clinical findings and management of a patient with bilateral globe luxation and optic nerve transection. Materials and Methods: A 25-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department with bilateral traumatic globe luxation following a motor vehicle accident. Results: Visual acuity testing showed no light perception. The right pupil was dilated and bilaterally did not react to light. The globes were bilaterally intact. A computed tomography scan revealed Le Fort type II fractures, bilateral optic nerve transection and disruption of all extraocular muscles. The globes of the patient were bilaterally reduced into the orbit. However, the patient developed phthisis bulbi in the right eye at month 3. Conclusion: Globe luxation presents a dramatic clinical picture, and may lead to the development of severe complications due to the concomitance of complete optic nerve dissection and multiple traumas. Even if the luxated globe is repositioned into the orbit, there is still an increased risk of the development of phthisis due to ischemia