Diabetes as an outcome predictor after heart transplantation

We aimed to compare post-transplantation morbidity and survival among heart transplant recipients with and without diabetes mellitus. A retrospective review of 141 adult patients submitted to heart transplantation from November 2003 to June 2009 (with a minimum follow-up of one year) was undertaken. The patients were divided into two groups: those with (29%) and those without (71%) pre-transplantation diabetes. Those with diabetes were older (57.6±6.1 vs. 52.3±11.1 years; P=0.020) and had lower creatinine clearance (53.6±15.1 vs. 63.7±22.1; P=0.029). Nine patients died in hospital (6.4%; P=non-significant). No significant differences in lipid profiles (diabetes vs. no diabetes) existed before transplantation or at one year afterwards. Patients with diabetes showed a significant deterioration in their one-year lipid profile (158±43 vs.192±38 mg/dL; P=0.001), although one-year fasting diabetic was lower than before (178±80 vs. 138±45 mg/dL; P=0.016). During the first year, 17 (17%) patients previously free of diabetes developed new-onset diabetes. No significant differences were seen in rejection at one year (14% vs. 20%), infection (31% vs. 33%), new-onset renal dysfunction (8% vs. 14%) or mortality (17% vs. 7%). One-year survival was not significantly different (83% vs. 94%), but there was a significant decrease in the survival of individuals with diabetes at three years (73% vs. 91%; P=0.020). No significant difference was found in one-year survival or in terms of higher morbidity in the heart transplant patients with diabetes, but a longer follow-up showed a significant decrease in survival. Nonetheless, the patients with diabetes benefited significantly from transplantation and should not be excluded from it

Site-selective laser spectroscopy of Nd 3+ ions in 0.8CaSiO 3-0.2Ca 3(PO 4) 2 biocompatible eutectic glass-ceramics

In this work we report the influence of the crystallization stage of the host matrix on the spectroscopic properties of Nd3+ ions in biocompatible glass-ceramic eutectic rods of composition 0.8CaSiO3-0.2Ca3(PO4)2 doped with 1 and 2 wt% of Nd2O3. The samples were obtained by the laser floating zone technique at different growth rates between 50 and 500 mm/h. The microstructural analysis shows that a growth rate increase or a rod diameter decrease leads the system to a structural arrangement from three (two crystalline and one amorphous) to two phases (one crystalline and one amorphous). Electron backscattering diffraction analysis shows the presence of Ca2SiO4 and apatite-like crystalline phases. Site-selective laser spectroscopy in the 4I9/2¿4F3/2/4F5/2 transitions confirms that Nd3+ ions are incorporated in crystalline and amorphous phases in these glass-ceramic samples. In particular, the presence of Ca2SiO4 crystalline phase in the samples grown at low rates, which has an excellent in vitro bioactivity, can be unambiguously identified from the excitation spectra and lifetime measurements of the 4F3/2 state of Nd3+ ions

Generation of a porous scaffold with a starting composition in the CaO-SiO2-MgO-P2O5 system in a simulated physiological environment

Magnesium-based ceramics are involved in orthopedic applications such as bone scaffolds or implant coatings. They provide structural support to cells for bone ingrowth, but highly porous matrices cannot resist severe mechanical stress during implantation. In this study, the laser floating zone (LFZ) technique is used to prepare a dense crystalline material with composition in the CaO-SiO2-MgO-P2O5 system. This material, under physiological conditions, is able to generate a porous scaffold controlled by the dissolution of the MgO phase, meeting the mechanical advantages of a dense material and the biological features of a porous scaffold. FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), EDS (Energy Dispersive X-rays spectroscopy), and ICP ((Inductively Coupled Plasma) analysis were carried out in order to characterize the samples before and after immersion in simulated body fluid (SBF)

Control of bulk superconductivity in a BCS superconductor by surface charge doping via electrochemical gating

The electrochemical gating technique is a powerful tool to tune the surface conduction properties of various materials by means of pure charge doping, but its efficiency is thought to be hampered in materials with a good electronic screening. We show that, if applied to a metallic superconductor (NbN thin films), this approach allows observing reversible enhancements or suppressions of the bulk superconducting transition temperature, which vary with the thickness of the films. These results are interpreted in terms of proximity effect, and indicate that the effective screening length depends on the induced charge density, becoming much larger than that predicted by standard screening theory at very high electric fields

Full-scale dynamometer tests of composite railway brake shoes including latxa sheep wool fibers

The main target of the present work is to characterize the effect of the inclusion of natural sheep wool (SW) into a railway brake block composition and then to compare it to that of a set of three organic fibers commonly used in the friction material industry: aramid fiber (AF), cellulose fiber (CF) and polyacrylonitrile fiber (PAN). In order to achieve this, 4 versions of the same friction material with a fixed amount of each organic fiber were produced and one more sample was manufactured including no organic fibers. The characterization work consisted of friction tests on a full-scale railway test rig. Then, the samples were SEM analyzed in order to characterize the tested surface microstructure. It was found that all organic fibers helped achieve a more stable bedding, and showed lower friction in wet conditions. They also affected the recovery %. Pictures of the blocks were taken after certain phases of the test and, although the failure sequence remained the same for all samples, the organic fibers very much influenced the magnitude of the wear rates. Sheep wool led to better results than cellulose. No final conclusions could be drawn with respect to metal pick-up. SEM analysis evidenced primary and secondary plateaus, but no significant differences were observed depending on the fiber nature. Finally, a Life Cycle Assessment with a “from cradle to gate” perspective was carried out. Ecoinvent v3.5 database and CML and ReCiPe Endpoint methodologies were used to evaluate the environmental impact create by the five brake block materials. Overall, cellulose, PAN and sheep wool brake blocks show slightly lower environmental impacts that the base material or than aramid fibers. Therefore, Latxa sheep wool offers a good balance between low cost, adequate wear rates and environmental impact, making it a compelling substitute for cellulose fibers

Time-resolved fluorescence line-narrowing of Eu3+ in biocompatible eutectic glass-ceramics

The spectroscopic properties of Eu3+ in biocompatible glass and glass-ceramic eutectic rods of composition 0.8CaSiO3-0.2Ca3(PO4)2 doped with 0.5 wt% of Eu2O3 are investigated to explore their potential applications as optical probes. The samples were obtained by the laser floating zone technique. Depending on the growth rate, they exhibit three (two crystalline and one amorphous) or two (one crystalline and one amorphous) phases. The crystalline phases correspond to Ca2SiO4 and apatite-like structures. At high growth rates the system presents an amorphous arrangement which gives a glass phase. The results of time-resolved fluorescence line narrowing spectroscopy obtained under excitation within the inhomogeneous broadened 7F0¿5D0 absorption band allow to isolate the emission from Eu3+ ions in the crystalline and amorphous environments and to accurately correlate the spectroscopic properties with the microstructure of these eutectics

On the control of optical transmission of aluminosilicate glasses manufactured by the laser floating zone process

In this work, a detailed study of the properties of aluminosilicate glass rods manufactured by means of the laser floating zone (LFZ) technique is presented. Samples fabrication was carried out in controlled atmosphere using air, nitrogen, and oxygen. Transmission spectra showed that glasses manufactured in oxygen presented high optical transmission in the visible spectral range compared to those manufactured in other environments, thus allowing us to tune their optical behavior between transparent and nearly opaque through the control of the surrounding atmosphere. Microstructure and thermo- mechanical properties were also assessed, showing similar hardness, toughness, flexural strength and glass transition temperature values, and in the same range as other aluminosilicate glasses. Compositional and structural characterization in terms of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) allowed us to determine the origin of optical transmission dependence on the fabrication atmosphere

Sexuality throughout all the stages of pregnancy: experiences of expectant mothers

Objective: To explore and understand the sexual experiences of expectant mothers during their pregnancy. Methods: The study was carried out in two healthcare centers in the Almería Health District, in southern Spain. The participants included pregnant women who received prenatal care and/or maternity education. The inclusion criteria were being pregnant, maintaining sexual activity and agreeing to participate in the study. The exclusion criteria were having limitations on sexual activity by medical prescription. The sample consisted of 15 expectant women selected using a convenience sample, of which 5 took part in a focus group (FG) and 10 in in-depth interviews (IDI). Data was collected between the months of June and December 2016. Participants were contacted by the main researcher and an appointment was made to carry out the FGs or the IDIs. Results: Three main categories emerged: False beliefs and a holistic approach to sexuality during pregnancy, which is related to the concept of sexuality, false beliefs, and limited sexual counseling during pregnancy. Limitations: From fear at the beginning to physical diffi culty at the end, referring to the fluctuations in sexual desire as well as the physical changes that limit sexual activity. Adapting to changes: safe practices and satisfaction with one’s body image, which encompasses concerns about the risks and the relationship between body image and self-esteem. Conclusion: A lack of sexual counseling during pregnancy leads to the creation of false beliefs, which, together with physical changes, concerns about the risk, and fl uctuations in sexual desire and interest, bring about a decrease in sexual activity. But sexuality remains an important aspect of pregnancy, toward which the participants must adopt a broader approach, not limited to intercourse, and adopt sexual practices that are adapted to the physical and emotional changes that happen during this time