Soluble ST2 levels and left ventricular structure and function in patients with metabolic syndrome

Background: A biomarker that is of great interest in relation to adverse cardiovascular events is soluble ST2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin family. Considering that metabolic syndrome (MetS) is accompanied by a proinflammatory state, we aimed to assess the relationship between sST2 and left ventricular (LV) structure and function in patients with MetS. Methods: A multicentric, cross-sectional study was conducted on180 MetS subjects with normal LV ejection fraction as determined by echocardiography. LV hypertrophy (LVH) was defined as an LV mass index greater than the gender-specific upper limit of normal as determined by echocardiography. LV diastolic dysfunction (DD) was assessed by pulse-wave and tissue Doppler imaging. sST2 was measured by using a quantitative monoclonal ELISA assay. Results: LV mass index (β=0.337, P<0 .001, linear regression) was independently associated with sST2 concentrations. Increased sST2 was associated with an increased likelihood of LVH [Exp (B)=2.20, P=0.048, logistic regression] and increased systolic blood pressure [Exp (B)=1.02, P=0.05, logistic regression]. Comparing mean sST2 concentrations (adjusted for age, body mass index, gender) between different LV remodeling patterns, we found the greatest sST2 level in the group with concentric hypertrophy. There were no differences in sST2 concentration between groups with and without LV DD. Conclusions: Increased sST2 concentration in patients with MetS was associated with a greater likelihood of exhibiting LVH. Our results suggest that inflammation could be one of the principal triggering mechanisms for LV remodeling in MetS

Uticaj pH vrijednosti vodene otopine na klijavost sjemena graška

Under the laboratory conditions and with the rolled paper method we investigated the effect of different pH values of water solution (5 and 6) on the seed germination of two varieties of pea (Petit Provensal and American Wonder). The pH value of water solution significantly affected the germination energy, germination and seedling root length. The highest values for the above properties were obtained at pH 5. A statistically significant difference was found between the varieties but also between different pH values of the water solution. The results of this study suggest the importance of variety and soil pH as one of the most important factors in the cultivation of peas.U laboratorijskim uslovima metodom rolanog papira istraživan je uticaj različitih pH vrijednosti vodene otopine (5 i 6) na klijavost sjemena dvije sorte graška (Mali provansalac i Čudo Amerike). PH vrijednost vodene otopine značajno je uticala na energiju klijanja, klijavost i dužinu korijena klijanaca. Najveće vrijednosti za navedena svojstva su dobivene na pH 5. Statistički značajna razlika utvrđena je između sorti ali i između različitih pH vrijednosti vodene otopine. Rezultati ovog istraživanja ukazuju na značaj sorte i pH tla kao jednog od bitnih faktora u uzgoju graška

Comparing the accuracy of 3D slicer software in printed enduse parts

Abstract This study aims to compare the accuracy offered by 3D Slicer Software in printing end-use parts inside a Fused Deposition Modeling process of Additive Manufacturing. The purpose, in particular, is to investigate the surface quality and the dimensional stability of the manufactured parts comparing the effect of selecting a different 3D Slicer tool among Simplify3D, Cura and Slic3r 3D. With this scope, parts were produced using these process tools while results were analysed in terms of accuracy, production time and consumption of material. Results, graphically and visually presented, show significant differences in the dimensional and surface accuracy with an optimum outcome offered by the Simplify3D as best 3D slicer tool. The Simplify3D slicer has essential advantages in printed end-use parts because creates the 3D models with significantly better accuracy and quality support

Outcomes in Pediatric Burn Patients With Additional Trauma-Related Injuries

The addition of trauma to burn injuries may result in higher morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric patients with a combination of burn and trauma injuries, and included all pediatric Burn only, Trauma only, and combined Burn-Trauma patients admitted between 2011 and 2020. Mean length of stay, ICU length of stay, and ventilator days were highest for the Burn-Trauma group. The odds of mortality were almost 13 times higher for the Burn-Trauma group when compared to the Burn only group (P = .1299). After using inverse probability of treatment weighting, the odds of mortality were almost 10 times higher for the Burn-Trauma group in comparison to the Burn only group (P < .0066). Thus, the addition of trauma to burn injuries was associated with increased odds of mortality, as well as longer ICU and overall hospital length of stay in this patient population

Influence of Silica Fume on SCC Concrete Properties

The use of recycled materials or waste increases sustainability in the construction sector. Likewise, the self-compacting concrete (SCC) has shown improvement in mechanical properties, when made with some waste pozzolanic materials. The differences in the compressive strength of the SCC concrete sample in the case of 5% by mass share of silica fume compared to samples with 7% were explored. The results shown that optimal replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement by silica fume is 5%, under applied experimental conditions

Recycled Coarse Aggregate and Fly Ash Effect on Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete

The paper presents experimental results of the tests conducted on Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) with recycled coarse aggregate, and fly ash as filler component. A fine fraction of aggregate originated from a riverbed, while coarse aggregate was obtained either from a riverbed or by crushing laboratory concrete cubes as recycled concrete aggregate. The larger coarse aggregate grains than typical for SCC were used, to highlight the possibility of application in structure elements with sparse reinforcement bars. Four mixtures of concrete were made, in order to compressive strength as the dominant property of any concrete. All of the fresh concrete mixtures displayed proper behavior for this kind of concrete, whereas recycled concrete aggregate induced several challenges. Hardened concrete mixtures showed that beyond the use of natural coarse aggregate, there is the possibility to obtain proper mechanical behavior needed for structural concrete, with moderate amounts of cement. Such an approach paves a way for a cleaner and more sustainable civil engineering practice

Utilization of Waste In Geopolimerization A Review

The aim of this article is to review the utilization of various types of waste in geopolimerization technology processes. The geopolymerization represents a process comprising of the dissolution of aluminosilicate solids in a strongly alkaline medium followed by condensation of free alumina-silica oligomers to form a tetrahedral polymeric structure. Advantage of this technology represents the possibility of utilization of any silica and alumina-containing waste material that could be dissolved in an alkaline solution. Production of geopolymers from waste not only provides less raw material consumption but also addresses issues regarding the disposal of wastes. Fly ash, red mud, construction and demolition waste (C&DW), slags, or mine waste are the most utilized waste types in combination with supplementary waste materials according to their characteristics. Conducted investigations showed that the use of various waste materials leads to the production of geopolymers with a broad range of final properties. Despite a high number of published Publications and patents, the large-scale utilization of waste is still missing

INGREDIENTS OF FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS NUTRITION IN SUPPORT OF TREAT-MENT OF SIGNIFICANT SKIN DISEASES

Uvod: Stalna izloženost stresu, neprimjerena prehrana uz nedostatak esencijalnih nutrijenata i protek-tivnih sastojaka, te unos rafiniranih vrsta hrane mogu se odražavati na zdravlje i izgled kože. Zbog toga je u podršci liječenju nekih bolesti kože značajno preporučiti način prehrane kao i upotrebu dodataka prehrani. Cilj i metode rada rada: Cilj rada je bio prikupiti i analizirati stručne i znanstvene informacije vezane za prehranu i dodatke prehrani koji se mogu koristiti kod najčešćih bolesti kože. Rezultati i rasprava: Postoje brojne bolesti i stanja koja se mogu ispoljiti na koži. Najčešće bolesti kože zbog kojih se pacijenti obraćaju liječnicima i ljekarnicima su atopijski dermatitis, akne, ekcemi, psorijaza, herpes te rak kože. Osim medicinskog tretmana kod liječenja atopijskog dermatitisa i ekcema preporučuje se konzumacija sastojaka iz hrane i dodataka prehrani kao što su: vitamini (piridoksin, askorbinska kiselina i tokoferol), minerali (selen i cink), karotenoidi astaksantin i beta-karoten, a od biljnih preparata konopljika i ulje pupoljke. U liječenju akni najčešće se preporučuju vitamin E, cink i selen, a za herpes lizin, vitamini C i E, mineral cink, te od biljnih preparata krema od matičnjaka i gospina trava. U tretmanu psorijaze preporučuje se izbjegavanje citrusa, a od dodataka prehrani najčešće se preporuču-je konzumiranje ribljeg ulja, omega 3 masnih kiselina, antioksidansa posebno vitamini C i E, minerali selena i cinka, te od biljnih preparata sikavica. Kod većine ovih bolesti preporučuju se namirnice koje su imunostimulansi kao i hrane koja je bogata antioksidansima, te antimikrobnim sastojcima iz hrane. Postoje i druge kožne bolesti na koje prehrana može dati doprinos u tretmanu kao što su porfirija, rozacea, te bolesti čiji se simptomi odražavju preko kože. Zaključak: Prehrana ima važan utjecaj na zdravlje i izgled kože. Dobro odabrani dodaci prehrani u kombinaciji sa zdravom i uravnoteženom prehranom mogu da daju dobre rezultate u podršci liječenju kožnih bolesti.Introduction: Constant exposure to stress, inadequate nutrition with a lack of essential nutrients and protective ingredients, and intake of refined foods can affect the health and appearance of the skin. Therefore, in support of the treatment of some skin diseases, it is important to recommend diet and the use of dietary supplements. Objective and methods of work: The aim of the paper was to collect and analyze expert and scientific information related to nutrition and nutritional supplements that can be used in the most common skin diseases. Results and Discussion: There are numerous diseases and conditions that can be expressed on the skin. The most common skin diseases that cause patients to see doctors and pharmacists are atopic dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, herpes and skin cancer. In addition to medical, for treatment of atopic dermatitis and eczema, recommended to consume food ingredients and dietary supplements such as: vitamins (pyridoxine, ascorbic acid and tocopherol), minerals (selenium and zinc), carotenoids astaxanthin and beta-carotene, and from herbal preparations Mary goldflower and Primrose Evening oil. Vitamin E, zinc and selenium are most commonly recom-mended in the treatment of acne, while for herpes lysine, vitamins C and E, mineral zinc, and from herbal preparations, Balm beaves and St. John\u27s wort. In the treatment of psoriasis, it is recommended to avoid citrus, and of the dietary supplements, the most commonly recommended consumption of fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants especially vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc minerals, and herbal preparations of Milk Thistle. For most of skin diseases, foods that are immunostimulants, foods rich in antioxidants and antimicro-bial ingredients from foods are recommended. There are other skin diseases where nutrition can contribute to treatment such as porphyria, rosacea, and diseases whose symptoms are reflected through the skin. Conclusion: Nutrition has an important impact on skin health and appearance. Well-chosen dietary supplements combined with a healthy and balanced diet can produce good results in supporting the treatment of skin diseases

INGREDIENTS OF FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS NUTRITION IN SUPPORT OF TREAT-MENT OF SIGNIFICANT SKIN DISEASES

Uvod: Stalna izloženost stresu, neprimjerena prehrana uz nedostatak esencijalnih nutrijenata i protek-tivnih sastojaka, te unos rafiniranih vrsta hrane mogu se odražavati na zdravlje i izgled kože. Zbog toga je u podršci liječenju nekih bolesti kože značajno preporučiti način prehrane kao i upotrebu dodataka prehrani. Cilj i metode rada rada: Cilj rada je bio prikupiti i analizirati stručne i znanstvene informacije vezane za prehranu i dodatke prehrani koji se mogu koristiti kod najčešćih bolesti kože. Rezultati i rasprava: Postoje brojne bolesti i stanja koja se mogu ispoljiti na koži. Najčešće bolesti kože zbog kojih se pacijenti obraćaju liječnicima i ljekarnicima su atopijski dermatitis, akne, ekcemi, psorijaza, herpes te rak kože. Osim medicinskog tretmana kod liječenja atopijskog dermatitisa i ekcema preporučuje se konzumacija sastojaka iz hrane i dodataka prehrani kao što su: vitamini (piridoksin, askorbinska kiselina i tokoferol), minerali (selen i cink), karotenoidi astaksantin i beta-karoten, a od biljnih preparata konopljika i ulje pupoljke. U liječenju akni najčešće se preporučuju vitamin E, cink i selen, a za herpes lizin, vitamini C i E, mineral cink, te od biljnih preparata krema od matičnjaka i gospina trava. U tretmanu psorijaze preporučuje se izbjegavanje citrusa, a od dodataka prehrani najčešće se preporuču-je konzumiranje ribljeg ulja, omega 3 masnih kiselina, antioksidansa posebno vitamini C i E, minerali selena i cinka, te od biljnih preparata sikavica. Kod većine ovih bolesti preporučuju se namirnice koje su imunostimulansi kao i hrane koja je bogata antioksidansima, te antimikrobnim sastojcima iz hrane. Postoje i druge kožne bolesti na koje prehrana može dati doprinos u tretmanu kao što su porfirija, rozacea, te bolesti čiji se simptomi odražavju preko kože. Zaključak: Prehrana ima važan utjecaj na zdravlje i izgled kože. Dobro odabrani dodaci prehrani u kombinaciji sa zdravom i uravnoteženom prehranom mogu da daju dobre rezultate u podršci liječenju kožnih bolesti.Introduction: Constant exposure to stress, inadequate nutrition with a lack of essential nutrients and protective ingredients, and intake of refined foods can affect the health and appearance of the skin. Therefore, in support of the treatment of some skin diseases, it is important to recommend diet and the use of dietary supplements. Objective and methods of work: The aim of the paper was to collect and analyze expert and scientific information related to nutrition and nutritional supplements that can be used in the most common skin diseases. Results and Discussion: There are numerous diseases and conditions that can be expressed on the skin. The most common skin diseases that cause patients to see doctors and pharmacists are atopic dermatitis, acne, eczema, psoriasis, herpes and skin cancer. In addition to medical, for treatment of atopic dermatitis and eczema, recommended to consume food ingredients and dietary supplements such as: vitamins (pyridoxine, ascorbic acid and tocopherol), minerals (selenium and zinc), carotenoids astaxanthin and beta-carotene, and from herbal preparations Mary goldflower and Primrose Evening oil. Vitamin E, zinc and selenium are most commonly recom-mended in the treatment of acne, while for herpes lysine, vitamins C and E, mineral zinc, and from herbal preparations, Balm beaves and St. John\u27s wort. In the treatment of psoriasis, it is recommended to avoid citrus, and of the dietary supplements, the most commonly recommended consumption of fish oil, omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants especially vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc minerals, and herbal preparations of Milk Thistle. For most of skin diseases, foods that are immunostimulants, foods rich in antioxidants and antimicro-bial ingredients from foods are recommended. There are other skin diseases where nutrition can contribute to treatment such as porphyria, rosacea, and diseases whose symptoms are reflected through the skin. Conclusion: Nutrition has an important impact on skin health and appearance. Well-chosen dietary supplements combined with a healthy and balanced diet can produce good results in supporting the treatment of skin diseases