Experimental investigation on the use of waste elastomeric polymers for bitumen modification

The study described in this paper focused on the possible use of waste products coming from the production of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) and polybutadiene rubber (PBR), as bitumen modifiers. Modified binders containing these products were prepared in the laboratory with different polymer dosages and were thereafter subjected to the evaluation of empirical and rheological properties. For comparative purposes, the study also considered SBR and PBR products of premium quality. Ageing effects were also taken into account by means of proper laboratory simulations. Obtained results indicated that the two types of polymer (SBR and PBR) have completely different effects on the rheology and expected performance of the resulting modified binders. In particular, while the two polymers showed similar effects in terms of resistance to permanent deformation, the SBR products proved to be superior from the viewpoint of fatigue resistance. However, only minor differences were found when comparing the effects produced by premium quality and waste polymers. As a result of the experimental findings, it was concluded that the use of waste SBR polymers can be an attractive solution for the production of affordable modified binders

STR-920: STRUCTURAL BEHAVIOUR OF REINFORCED HIGH PERFORMANCE CONCRETE COLUMNS SUBJECTED TO MONOTONIC AXIAL LOADING

This paper presents the results of experimental and analytical investigations on the structural performance of high performance reinforced concrete (HPC) columns subjected to monotonic axial loading. Reinforced columns made of self-consolidating concrete (SCC), engineered cementitious composite (ECC) and ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) were tested to failure under axial loading. The test variables included concrete strength and length/slenderness of columns (classified as short and long columns). The UHPC and ECC columns demonstrated excellent ductility and higher energy absorbing capacity compared to their SCC counterparts. UHPC columns also illustrated higher ultimate load capacity compared to both ECC and SCC columns. The efficiency of UHPC and ECC columns was also judged based on strength and ductility ratio compared to their SCC counterparts. Existing models and other Code based equations were used to predict the axial load capacity as a part of analytical investigation. The predictions suggested the need for the modification of existing models/Code based equations for UHPC and ECC columns

Comparing the therapeutic effect of local corticosteroid injections and laser in treating coccyx pains (sacrum)

Coccydynia (pain in the coccyx or tailbone) is a fairly common pain in the bottom of backbone that spreads towards sacrum and lower legs. Supportive treatments, such as corticosteroids, use of muscle relaxants and correction of body position can help relieve the pain. In recent years, the use of laser is introduced as an effective method to reduce backbone pain. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of corticosteroids and laser in treating tailbone pains. 61 patients with tailbone pain referred to the orthopedic clinic of Rasul Akram Hospital were entered into the study and randomly divided into two groups of laser and local corticosteroid injection. The mean difference in pain score was compared in both groups at the beginning of the study, end of the second week and end of the second month to determine the response to treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Of the patients enrolled, 24 were males (37.6) and 37 were females. The mean age of subjects studied was 36.16 years old. The mean difference in pain scores at the beginning of the study and at the end of the second month in the group treated by laser and corticosteroid was 2.54 and 3.8, respectively, that this difference was also statistically significant (P: 0.019) Effect of corticosteroid injection for pain relief was better than laser. The study should be done in a longer timeframe

Molecular Structure of Polystyrene at Air/Polymer and Solid/Polymer Interfaces

IR-visible sum-frequency generation(SFG) spectroscopy has been used in a total internal reflection geometry to study the molecular structure of polystyrene (PS) at PS/sapphire and PS/air interfaces, simultaneously. The symmetric vibrational modes of the phenyl rings dominate the SFG spectra at the PS/air interface as compared to the antisymmetric vibrational modes at the PS/sapphire interface. This indicates approximately parallel orientation of the phenyl rings at the PS/air interface while nearly perpendicular orientation at the PS/sapphire interface, with respect to the surface normal

Association between TNF-α promoter G-308A and G-238A polymorphisms and obesity

Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), an adipokine, is produced in adipocytes, and the elevation of its levels has been linked to obesity and insulin resistance in some population. In this study the relationship between TNF-α promoter gene polymorphism and obesity in an Iranian population has been studied. Subjects were randomly selected from Tehran Cohort Lipid and Glucose Study. Adult participants placed in three groups according to their body mass index (BMI): BMI < 25, 25 ≤ BMI < 30, BMI ≥ 30 and under-18 subjects placed in two groups, under 85th percentile BMI and above 85th percentile. Finally, 244 persons were selected for G-308A and G-238A polymorphisms analysis. The FBS, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglyceride, cholesterol levels and blood pressure and HOMA of all subjects were measured. The polymorphism −308 and −238 were revealed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP; NCOI and MSPI) after the promoter site was amplified by PCR. The allele frequency of TNF-α polymorphism was in the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. There was no relation between BMI and the frequency of this allele. The fact that there is no association between G-308A and G-238A TNF-α promoter polymorphisms and obesity probably shows that it is not an important risk factor for obesity and consequently for cardiovascular disease

Up-Regulation of Tmevpg1 and Rmrp LncRNA Levels in Splenocytes and Brain of Mouse with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Background: Two long noncoding (lnc) RNAs, which have been recognized as Tmevpg1/Ifng-AS1/NeST and Rmrp play indispensable roles in the differentiation of TH1 and TH17, respectively. The aim of the present scientific study was to analyze the expression levels of the aforementioned lncRNAs in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as an animal model for multiple sclerosis (MS).Materials and Methods: Initially, EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice via immunization by using MOG peptide. The leukocyte infiltration rate and demyelination of neuronal axons were determined. Secondly, the expression levels of Tmevpg1, Rmrp, Tbx21, and Rorc were analyzed in the cultured splenocytes and brain lysates, by using Real-Time PCR assay; eventually, the levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-17 evaluated by ELISA.Results: Gene expression analysis revealed that Rorc expression in the splenocytes of EAE mice in comparison to the controls was elevated; however, Tbx21 expression did not show any significant difference. Tmevpg1 and Rmrp levels increased in the splenocytes of EAE mice (4.48 times and 39.70 times, respectively, p = 0.0001). Besides, in the brain lysate, the entire genes that have been mentioned were higher than the controls (Tmevpg1: 3.35 times p = 0.02 and Rmrp 11.21 times, p = 0.0001).Conclusion: The marked up-regulation in Tmevpg1 and Rmrp transcripts suggested the essential roles of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of EAE and multiple sclerosis indeed. Further investigations are necessary to evaluate the values of these lncRNAs as the target for the therapy or molecular marker for disease monitoring

When size really does matter - providing PrEP across Queensland

Background: Providing universal access to PrEP across Queensland, the 2nd largest and 3rd most populous state in Australia has provided unique challenges. Queensland has 22.5% of Australia’s total land area, compared to the 14.4% of New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania combined. Queensland is also less centralised with 50% of the population living outside the state capital and 25% outside of the south eastern region. Notably, this population distribution is reflected in HIV diagnoses with 24% of new diagnoses in 2015 coming from Health Service Areas outside of the south east. Method: The unique service models, buildings, personalities, communities and clinical capacity of regional services has required bespoke solutions to implement QPrEPd in these sites. Many sites have not taken part in clinical trials before and required additional support. Additionally, the barriers to access found in more conservative services and communities has required the implementation team to advocate and educate for universal PrEP provision. Protocol modification has enabled nurses to manage ongoing PrEP provision in services with limited medical officer support. Results: Eleven study sites are outside of the south east corner; 7 public sexual health services, 3 general practices in Cairns and one Aboriginal Medical Service in Toowoomba. These sites have enrolled 18.5% of the all participants. The remaining 11 sites in the south east corner are include 5 general practices, including one run through a community based organisation, 5 public sexual health clinics and one private hospital. Overall, nearly 63% of the participants have enrolled at general practice sites. Conclusions: While this project has provided access to PrEP throughout much of Queensland, gaps remain. The key limitation in regional areas where there is no public sexual health service is the lack of S100 prescribing general practitioners. In order to expand access other service delivery models are being explored

Effect of different dietary prebiotic GroBiotic®-A on growth factors, survival rate, body composition and intestinal microflora of cultured juvenile beluga (Huso huso)

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different levels of prebiotic GroBiotic®-A on growth factors, survival rate, body composition and intestinal microbiota of cultured juvenile beluga (Hous huso) in the sturgeon culture center (Samandak, Sari). Four groups of beluga sturgeon with mean weight of 40.82± 5.8 g were raised for 56 days in fiber glass tanks (20 fish to each tank) and feeding with different levels of GroBiotic®-A with concentrations of % 0, % 0.5, %1.0 and % 2.0 (Three replicates were used for each concentration). At the end of the trial, growth factors (final weight, weight gain, SGR, CF feed conversion ratio (FCR), body composition and intestinal microbiota (total viable bacteria and Lactobacillus spp. levels) were determined and compared with control group. Our results confirmed that juveniles fed on diet supplemented with 2% GroBiotic®-A had significantly higher growth factors and survival rate compared to control and 0.5% treatment (P0.05). Total viable bacteria and Lactobacillus spp. count were increased during this study and these parameters significantly higher in 2% treatment compared to other treatments (P<0.05). Based on the results, using of GroBiotic®-A at the level of 2.0% in order to improve the growth performance, survival rate and Lactobacillus spp. levels of farmed beluga is recommended