Liquid crystal elastomer shell actuators with negative order parameter

Liquid crystals (LCs) are nonsolids with long-range orientational order, described by a scalar order parameter ⟨P2⟩=1/2⟨3cos2β−1⟩. Despite the vast set of existing LC materials, one-third of the order parameter value range, −1/2< 〈P2〉 < 0, has until now been inaccessible. Here, we present the first material with negative LC order parameter in its ground state, in the form of elastomeric shells. The optical and actuation characteristics are opposite to those of conventional LC elastomers (LCEs). This novel class of anti-ordered elastomers gives access to the previously secluded range of liquid crystallinity with 〈P2〉 < 0, providing new challenges for soft matter physics and adding a complementary type of LCE actuator that is attractive for applications in, e.g., soft robotic

Oxidative Stress in Kidney Transplantation: Malondialdehyde Is an Early Predictive Marker of Graft Dysfunction

Background Oxidative stress is one of the most important components of the ischemia-reperfusion process after kidney transplantation (KTx) and increases with graft dysfunction. Methods This prospective study was conducted on 40 consecutive KTx recipients to evaluate time-dependent changes in oxidative stress-related parameters within the first week after KTx and to assess their performance in predicting delayed graft function (DGF=dialysis requirement during initial posttransplant week) and graft function at 1 year. Blood samples were collected before (day 0) and after KTx (days 1, 2, 4, and 7). Total antioxidant capacity, plasma levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and superoxide dismutase were measured. Multivariable linear mixed and linear regression models, receiver-operating characteristic (ROC), and areas under ROC curves (AUC-ROC) were used. Results At all time points after KTx, mean MDA levels were significantly higher in patients developing DGF (n=18). Shortly after KTx (8–12 hr), MDA values were higher in DGF recipients (on average, +0.16 μmol/L) and increased further on following day, contrasting with prompt functioning recipients. Day 1 MDA levels accurately predicted DGF (AUC-ROC=0.90), with a performance higher than SCr (AUC-ROC=0.73) and similar to cystatin C (AUC-ROC=0.91). Multivariable analysis revealed that MDA levels on day 7 represented an independent predictor of 1-year graft function. Antioxidant enzyme activities were not significantly changed during the study period and were not predictors of 1-year graft function. Conclusions Increased MDA levels on day 1 after KTx might be an early prognostic indicator of DGF, and levels on day 7 might represent a useful predictor of 1-year graft function

Bovine colostrum supplementation improves bone metabolism in an osteoporosis-induced animal model

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss. The present study aims to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) on bone metabolism using ovariectomized (OVX) and orchidectomized (ORX) rat models. Twenty-seven-week-old Wistar Han rats were randomly assigned as: (1) placebo control, (2) BC supplementation dose 1 (BC1: 0.5 g/day/OVX, 1 g/day/ORX), (3) BC supplementation dose 2 (BC2: 1 g/day/OVX, 1.5 g/day/ORX) and (4) BC supplementation dose 3 (BC3: 1.5 g/day/OVX, 2 g/day/ORX). Bone microarchitecture, strength, gene expression of VEGFA, FGF2, RANKL, RANK and OPG, and bone resorption/formation markers were assessed after four months of BC supplementation. Compared to the placebo, OVX rats in the BC1 group exhibited significantly higher cortical bone mineral content and trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.01), while OVX rats in the BC3 group showed significantly higher trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.05). ORX rats receiving BC dose 2 demonstrated significantly higher levels of trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin in the ORX was pointedly higher in all BC supplementation groups than the placebo (BC1: p < 0.05; BC2, BC3: p < 0.001). Higher doses of BC induced significantly higher relative mRNA expression of OPG, VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL (p < 0.05). BC supplementation improves bone metabolism of OVX and ORX rats, which might be associated with the activation of the VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL/RANK/OPG pathways.EC -European Commission(778277

Regular Strength and Sprint Training Counteracts Bone Aging: A 10-Year Follow-Up in Male Masters Athletes

Cross-sectional and interventional studies suggest that high-intensity strength and impact-type training provide a powerful osteogenic stimulus even in old age. However, longitudinal evidence on the ability of high-intensity training to attenuate age-related bone deterioration is currently lacking. This follow-up study assessed the role of continued strength and sprint training on bone aging in 40- to 85-year-old male sprinters (n = 69) with a long-term training background. Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT)-derived bone structural, strength, and densitometric parameters of the distal tibia and tibia midshaft were assessed at baseline and 10 years later. The groups of well-trained (actively competing, sprint training including strength training ≥2 times/week; n = 36) and less-trained (<2 times/week, no strength training, switched to endurance training; n = 33) athletes were formed according to self-reports at follow-up. Longitudinal changes in bone traits in the two groups were examined using linear mixed models. Over the 10-year period, group-by-time interactions were found for distal tibia total bone mineral content (BMC), trabecular volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and compressive strength index, and for mid-tibia cortical cross-sectional area, medullary area, total BMC, and BMC at the anterior and posterior sites (polar mass distribution analysis) (p < 0.05). These interactions reflected maintained (distal tibia) or improved (mid-tibia) bone properties in the well-trained and decreased bone properties in the less-trained athletes over the 10-year period. Depending on the bone variable, the difference in change in favor of the well-trained group ranged from 2% to 5%. The greatest differences were found in distal tibia trabecular vBMD and mid-tibia posterior BMC, which remained significant (p < 0.05) after adjustment for multiple testing. In conclusion, our longitudinal findings indicate that continued strength and sprint training is associated with maintained or even improved tibial properties in middle-aged and older male sprint athletes, suggesting that regular, intensive exercise counteracts bone aging. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

The EC4 European syllabus for post-graduate training in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine : Version 4-2012

Laboratory medicine’s practitioners across the European community include medical, scientific and pharmacy trained specialists whose contributions to health and healthcare is in the application of diagnostic tests for screening and early detection of disease, differential diagnosis, monitoring, management and treatment of patients, and their prognostic assessment. In submitting a revised common syllabus for post-graduate education and training across the 27 member states an expectation is set for harmonised, high quality, safe practice. In this regard an extended ‘Core knowledge, skills and competencies’ division embracing all laboratory medicine disciplines is described. For the first time the syllabus identifies the competencies required to meet clinical leadership demands for defining, directing and assuring the efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory services as well as expectations in translating knowledge and skills into ability to practice. In a ‘Specialist knowledge’ division, the expectations from the individual disciplines of Clinical Chemistry/Immunology, Haematology/Blood Transfusion, Microbiology/ Virology, Genetics and In Vitro Fertilisation are described. Beyond providing a common platform of knowledge, skills and competency, the syllabus supports the aims of the European Commission in providing safeguards to increasing professional mobility across European borders at a time when demand for highly qualified professionals is increasing and the labour force is declining. It continues to act as a guide for the formulation of national programmes supplemented by the needs of individual country priorities.peer-reviewe

ΑΓΕΛΑΔΙΝΟ ΠΡΩΤΟΓΑΛΑ ΒΕΛΤΙΩΝΕΙ ΤΗΝ ΟΣΤΙΚΗ ΜΙΚΡΟΔΟΜΗ ΤΩΝ ΑΡΟΥΡΑΙΩΝ ΜΕ ΩΟΘΗΚΕΚΤΟΜΗ ΚΑΙ ΟΡΧΕΚΤΟΜΗ

Το αγελαδινό πρωτόγαλα ενισχύει τον αναβολισμό των οστών, ωστόσο ο ακριβής μηχανισμός δεν είναι γνωστός. Σκοπός μελέτης: Η εκτίμηση της επίδρασης διαφορετικών δόσεων πρωτογάλακτος σε αρουραίους με ωοθηκεκτομή και ορχεκτομή και ο προσδιορισμός του μηχανισμού επίδρασής του στα οστά. Αγελαδινό πρωτόγαλα χορηγήθηκε σε θηλυκούς (n=32) και αρσενικούς (n=32) αρουραίους που τυχαιοποιήθηκαν στις α) ομάδα ελέγχου (ΟΕ), β) ομάδα 1 (Ο1) (θηλυκοί=0.5 gr/μέρα, αρσενικοί=1.0 gr/μέρα), γ) ομάδα 2 (Ο2) (θηλυκοί=1 gr/μέρα, αρσενικοί= 1.5 gr/μέρα) και δ) ομάδα 3 (Ο3) (θηλυκοί=1.5 gr/μέρα, αρσενικοί= 2.0 gr/μέρα). Η οστική μικροαρχιτεκτονική και η γονιδιακή έκφραση του παράγοντα VEGF-A, μετρήθηκαν πριν και μετά από 4μηνη χορήγηση. Στους αρσενικούς αρουραίους της Ο1, η πορώδης σύσταση του φλοιού και το μέγεθος των πόρων μειώθηκαν (41.9% και 25.7% αντίστοιχα, p<0.05) σε σχέση με την ΟΕ, ενώ παρατηρήθηκε αύξηση του φλοιώδους όγκου και πυκνότητας (89.7% και 134.9% αντίστοιχα, p<0.01) και του δοκιδωτού πάχους, όγκου και πυκνότητας (37.3%, 24.6% και 7.5% αντίστοιχα, p<0.01) μετά τη χορήγηση. Στην Ο2 παρατηρήθηκαν παρόμοια αποτελέσματα, ενώ το δοκιδωτό πορώδες μειώθηκε (8.1%, p<0.01). Στην Ο3 μειώθηκε ο δοκιδωτός διαχωρισμός (29.3%, p<0.05). Στους θηλυκούς αρουραίους της Ο1 δεν παρατηρήθηκαν αλλαγές μετά τη χορήγηση, ωστόσο στις Ο2 και Ο3 μειώθηκε η σύσταση του πορώδους φλοιού (ΟΕ= 65.75±4.22. Ο2= 25.16±8.83. Ο3=25.22±8.54%, p<0.01) και βελτιώθηκε το δοκιδωτό πάχος (ΟΕ=12.22±0.99; Ο2=21.11±3.28; Ο3=18.39±2.45 μm, p<0.01). επίσης, στην Ο3 παρουσιάστηκε αύξηση της γονιδιακής έκφρασης του VEGFA (2.37±1.83, p<0.05). Το αγελαδινό πρωτόγαλα διατηρεί την οστική μάζα των αρουραίων με ωοθηκεκτομή και ορχεκτομή, ενισχύοντας τον οστικό σχηματισμό. Ο παράγοντας VEGF-A φαίνεται να παίζει σημαντικό ρόλο στη διαδικασία

A triple-biomarker approach for the detection of delayed graft function after kidney transplantation using serum creatinine, cystatin C, and malondialdehyde

Introduction: Serum creatinine (SCr) alone does not allow for the early diagnosis of delayed graft function (DGF) following kidney transplantation (KTx). Objective, design and methods: The diagnostic utility of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), serum leptin, malondialdehyde (MD.A), and cystatin C (CysC) for the early detection of DGF was previously evaluated by our group in a prospective cohort study of 40 consecutive adults undergoing KTx. Because no single biomarker achieved adequate sensitivity or specificity for practical purposes, this study was designed to evaluate the combined use of new markers with SCr. Urine and blood samples were collected 8-to-12 h after KTx (day-1). Logistic regression was used to combine the biomarkers, and receiver operating characteristic curves and areas under the curve (AUC–ROC) were generated. Results: Eighteen recipients developed DGF (dialysis requirement during the first post-transplant week). On day-1, the AUC for SCr to predict DGF was 0.73, 0.88 for uNGAL, 0.90 for MDA, 0.76 for leptin, and 0.91 for CysC. Adding new biomarkers to SCr enhanced the performance of DGF prediction, and the best combination was achieved with SCr, MDA, and CysC (AUC = 0.96, sensitivity = 100%; specificity = 86%). Conclusion: A combination of graft damage biomarkers outperformed SCr in the early diagnosis of DGF, and the best performance was achieved by a triple-marker approach, using SCr, MDA, and CysC

The European register for specialists in clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine: guide to the register version 2-2003 and procedure for re-registration

The European Communities Confederation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EC4) opened a Register for European Chemists in 1997. The operation of the Register is undertaken by a Register Committee (EC4RC). During the last 5 years more than 1400 clinical chemists entered the register. In this article an update of the first Guide to the Register is given, based on the experience of 5 years of operation and the development of the discipline. The registration is valid for 5 years. In a second part the procedure and the conditions for re-registration are presented

Pharmacological and Non-Pharmacological Agents versus Bovine Colostrum Supplementation for the Management of Bone Health Using an Osteoporosis-Induced Rat Model

Osteoporosis is defined by loss of bone mass and deteriorated bone microarchitecture. The present study compared the effects of available pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents for osteoporosis [alendronate (ALE) and concomitant supplementation of vitamin D (VD) and calcium (Ca)] with the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) supplementation in ovariectomized (OVX) and orchidectomized (ORX) rats. Seven-month-old rats were randomly allocated to: (1) placebo-control, (2) ALE group (7.5 μg/kg of body weight/day/5 times per week), (3) VD/Ca group (VD: 35 μg/kg of body weight/day/5 times per week; Ca: 13 mg/kg of body weight/day/3 times per week), and (4) BC supplementation (OVX: 1.5 g/day/5 times per week; ORX: 2 g/day/5 times per week). Following four months of supplementation, bone microarchitecture, strength and bone markers were evaluated. ALE group demonstrated significantly higher Ct.OV, Ct.BMC, Tb.Th, Tb.OV and Tb.BMC and significantly lower Ct.Pr, Tb.Pr, Tb.Sp, Ct.BMD and Tb.BMD, compared to placebo (p < 0.05). BC presented significantly higher Ct.Pr, Ct.BMD, Tb.Pr, Tb.Sp, and Tb.BMD and significantly lower Ct.OV, Ct.BMC, Tb.Th, Tb.OV and Tb.BMC compared to ALE in OVX rats (p < 0.05). OVX rats receiving BC experienced a significant increase in serum ALP and OC levels post-supplementation (p < 0.05). BC supplementation may induce positive effects on bone metabolism by stimulating bone formation, but appear not to be as effective as ALE. © 2022 by the authors

Bovine colostrum supplementation improves bone metabolism in an osteoporosis-induced animal model

Osteoporosis is characterized by bone loss. The present study aims to investigate the effects of bovine colostrum (BC) on bone metabolism using ovariectomized (OVX) and orchidec-tomized (ORX) rat models. Twenty-seven-week-old Wistar Han rats were randomly assigned as: (1) placebo control, (2) BC supplementation dose 1 (BC1: 0.5 g/day/OVX, 1 g/day/ORX), (3) BC sup-plementation dose 2 (BC2: 1 g/day/OVX, 1.5 g/day/ORX) and (4) BC supplementation dose 3 (BC3: 1.5 g/day/OVX, 2 g/day/ORX). Bone microarchitecture, strength, gene expression of VEGFA, FGF2, RANKL, RANK and OPG, and bone resorption/formation markers were assessed after four months of BC supplementation. Compared to the placebo, OVX rats in the BC1 group exhibited significantly higher cortical bone mineral content and trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.01), while OVX rats in the BC3 group showed significantly higher trabecular bone mineral content (p <0.05). ORX rats receiving BC dose 2 demonstrated significantly higher levels of trabecular bone mineral content (p < 0.05). Serum osteocalcin in the ORX was pointedly higher in all BC supplementation groups than the placebo (BC1: p < 0.05; BC2, BC3: p < 0.001). Higher doses of BC induced significantly higher relative mRNA expression of OPG, VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL (p < 0.05). BC supplementation improves bone metabolism of OVX and ORX rats, which might be associated with the activation of the VEGFA, FGF2 and RANKL/RANK/OPG pathways. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland