Dynamic Structural Flexibility of Fe-MOF-5 Evidenced by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer Spectroscopy

Temperature-dependent ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra were collected on Fe[subscript x]Zn[subscript 4−x](1,4-benzenedicarboxylate)₃ (Fe-MOF-5). When measured under an Ar atmosphere, the data at higher temperatures reveal thermal population of the lowest-lying electronic excited state, as expected for low symmetry tetrahedral ferrous ions. In the presence of N₂, however, the temperature dependence becomes exaggerated and the spectra cannot be fitted to a single species. A fluctuating electric field gradient at the Fe nuclei best explains these data and suggests dynamic structural distortions induced by weak interactions with N₂. This direct evidence of dynamic behaviour at MOF open metal sites is relevant for the use of MOF SBUs in catalysis, gas separation, and other applications that invoke similar phenomena

Microbiota signatures in type-2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease - A Pilot Study

The human microbiota is paramount for normal host physiology. Altered host-microbiome interactions are part of the pathogenesis of numerous common ailments. Currently, much emphasis is placed on the involvement of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impaired glucose tolerance, and other metabolic disorders (i.e. obesity). Several studies found highly significant correlations of specific intestinal bacteria with T2DM. A better understanding of the role of the microbiome in diabetes and its complications might provide new insights in the development of new therapeutic principles. Our pilot study investigates the microbiota patterns in Romanian type-2 diabetic patients with diabetic kidney disease. Fecal samples were collected from type 2-diabetic patients and healthy controls and further used for bacterial DNA isolation. Using 16 rDNA qRT-PCR, we analyzed phyla abundance (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes) as well as the relative abundance of specific bacterial groups (Lactobacillus sp., Enterobacteriaceae, Ruminococus sp., Prevotella sp., Faecalibacterium sp., Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium leptum). Our study also investigates the diabetic fungal microbiome for the first time. Furthermore, we report significant correlations between the treatment regimen and microbiota composition in diabetic nephropathy

High shock release in ultrafast laser irradiated metals: Scenario for material ejection

We present one-dimensional numerical simulations describing the behavior of solid matter exposed to subpicosecond near infrared pulsed laser radiation. We point out to the role of strong isochoric heating as a mechanism for producing highly non-equilibrium thermodynamic states. In the case of metals, the conditions of material ejection from the surface are discussed in a hydrodynamic context, allowing correlation of the thermodynamic features with ablation mechanisms. A convenient synthetic representation of the thermodynamic processes is presented, emphasizing different competitive pathways of material ejection. Based on the study of the relaxation and cooling processes which constrain the system to follow original thermodynamic paths, we establish that the metal surface can exhibit several kinds of phase evolution which can result in phase explosion or fragmentation. An estimation of the amount of material exceeding the specific energy required for melting is reported for copper and aluminum and a theoretical value of the limit-size of the recast material after ultrashort laser irradiation is determined. Ablation by mechanical fragmentation is also analysed and compared to experimental data for aluminum subjected to high tensile pressures and ultrafast loading rates. Spallation is expected to occur at the rear surface of the aluminum foils and a comparison with simulation results can determine a spall strength value related to high strain rates

The Role of Fructose as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor: An Update

There is increasing presence of fructose in food and drinks, and some evidence suggests that its higher consumption increases cardiovascular risk, although the mechanisms still remain not fully elucidated. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are still responsible for one-third of deaths worldwide, and therefore, their prevention should be assessed and managed comprehensively and not by the evaluation of individual risk factor components. Lifestyle risk factors for CVD include low degree of physical activity, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, and nutritional factors. Indeed, nutritional risk factors for CVD include unhealthy dietary behaviors, such as high intake of refined foods, unhealthy fats, added sugars, and sodium and a low intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, fish, and nuts. Even though there is no definitive association between CVD incidence and high consumption of total sugar, such as sucrose and fructose, there is, however, evidence that total sugars, added sugars, and fructose are harmfully associated with CVD mortality. Since high fructose intake is associated with elevated plasma triglyceride levels, as well as insulin resistance, diabetes hyperuricemia, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, further longitudinal studies should be conducted to fully elucidate the potential association between certain sugars and CVD

Correlations between Diabetes Mellitus Self-Care Activities and Glycaemic Control in the Adult Population: A Cross-Sectional Study

Although it is well known that lifestyle changes can affect plasma glucose levels, there is little formal evidence for the sustained effectiveness of exercise and diet in diabetes mellitus (DM) management. Self-care in DM refers to the real-life application of the knowledge that the patient gained during the education programmes. The goals are to bring about changes in the patient’s behaviour, thus improving glycaemic control. We evaluated the influence of DM self-care activities (SCA) on glycaemic control in a total of 159 patients with DM. Plasma glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were used to monitor glycaemic control, while SCA were assessed using the standardised Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire (DSMQ). In our study, 53% of the patients had a HbA1c ≥ 7%. In univariate linear regression models, a statistically significant inverse association was observed between the HbA1c (the dependent variable) and both the DSMQ Dietary Control Score (R2 = 0.037, p = 0.0145) and the DSMQ Sum Score (R2 = 0.06, p = 0.0014). The mean absolute change in the HbA1c% associated with one standard deviation (SD) change in the DSMQ Sum Score, independent of the other significant variables retained in the compacted multivariate regression model, was −0.419% (confidence interval: 95%: from −0.18 to −0.65). Although the impact of the DSMQ Score was modest when compared to the other independent variables in the multivariate model, the findings emphasise the importance of maintaining optimal lifestyle changes to avoid hyperglycaemia and its complications. In conclusion, enhanced self-management of DM is associated with improved glucose control. In patients with chronic diseases such as DM, the role of streamlining SCA encompassing physical activity and proper dietary choices is imperative because of a significantly reduced access to healthcare globally as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic

Spin Factor in Path Integral Representation for Dirac Propagator in External Fields

We study the spin factor problem both in $3+1$ and $2+1$ dimensions which are essentially different for spin factor construction. Doing all Grassmann integrations in the corresponding path integral representations for Dirac propagator we get representations with spin factor in arbitrary external field. Thus, the propagator appears to be presented by means of bosonic path integral only. In $3+1$ dimensions we present a simple derivation of spin factor avoiding some unnecessary steps in the original brief letter (Gitman, Shvartsman, Phys. Lett. {\bf B318} (1993) 122) which themselves need some additional justification. In this way the meaning of the surprising possibility of complete integration over Grassmann variables gets clear. In $2+1$ dimensions the derivation of the spin factor is completely original. Then we use the representations with spin factor for calculations of the propagator in some configurations of external fields. Namely, in constant uniform electromagnetic field and in its combination with a plane wave field.Comment: 34 pages, LaTe

Refacerea prehensiunii mainii - scopul primordial in patologia mainii, acuta si cronica

Spitalul Clinic de Urgenţă “Bagdasar-Arseni” Bucureşti, România, Al XI-lea Congres al Asociației Chirurgilor „Nicolae Anestiadi” din Republica Moldova și cea de-a XXXIII-a Reuniune a Chirurgilor din Moldova „Iacomi-Răzeșu” 27-30 septembrie 2011Chirurgia mainii reprezinta una din ramurile de prima importanta ale specialitatii de chirurgie plastica si microchirurgie reconstructiva. Patologia traumatica a mainii reprezinta aproximativ 60% din totalul cazurilor de chirurgie a mainii rezolvate chirurgical intr-un serviciu de chirurgie plastica, celelalte fiind reprezentate de patologia tumorala, malformativa, postcombustionala etc.In cazul urgentelor posttraumatice exista o serie de principii terapeutice, o succesiune de manevre medicale, care corect aplicate pot duce la rezultate functionale de buna calitate, cu minimalizarea sechelelor posttraumatice. In sechelele posttrumatice extrem de importanta este stabilirea corecta a solutiei chirurgicale potrvita pentru fiecare caz in parte. Metodele chirurgicale utilizate in cazul urgentelor traumatice sau sechelelor posttraumatice ale mainii si antebratului pot merge de la cele simple, cum ar fi refacerea prin sutura in planuri anatomice ale structurilor afectate sau utilizarea grefei de piele, pana la cele mai complicate: replantarile sau utilizarea transferului liber de tesuturi.Lucrarea de fata isi propune sa realizeze o trecere in revista a posibilitatilor terapeutice utilizate in patologia posttraumatica a mainii si antebratului, cu multiple exemplificari din cazuistica clinicii de chirurgie plastica si microchirurgie reconstructiva a Spitalului Clinic de Urgenta “Bagdasar-Arseni”

Death by SARS-CoV 2: a Romanian COVID-19 multi-centre comorbidity study

Evidence regarding the relation between SARS-CoV-2 mortality and the underlying medical condition is scarce. We conducted an observational, retrospective study based on Romanian official data about location, age, gender and comorbidities for COVID-19 fatalities. Our findings indicate that males, hypertension, diabetes, obesity and chronic kidney disease were most frequent in the COVID-19 fatalities, that the burden of disease was low, and that the prognosis for 1-year survival probability was high in the sample. Evidence shows that age-dependent pairs of comorbidities could be a negative prognosis factor for the severity of disease for the SARS-CoV 2 infection

Abordarea in echipa mixta chirurgicala a pacientilor cu patologii asociate

Spitalul Clinic de Urgenţă “Bagdasar-Arseni”, Bucureşti, România, Al XI-lea Congres al Asociației Chirurgilor „Nicolae Anestiadi” din Republica Moldova și cea de-a XXXIII-a Reuniune a Chirurgilor din Moldova „Iacomi-Răzeșu” 27-30 septembrie 2011Legate de patologia specialitatii de chirurgie plastica exista uneori cazuri acute (politraumatisme), sau cronice (tumori), care pentru a putea fi tratate corect, complet si cu maximum de profesionalism, trebuie sa fie abordate in echipe mixte, interdisciplinare. Este cazul traumatismelor grave de membre (respectiv a fracturilor deschise Gustillo IIIC), in care cooperarea plastician –ortoped este importanta pentru recuperarea functionala cat mai buna si cat mai grabnica a membrului lezat. Sau al traumatismelor craniofaciale cu distrugeri de parti moi, fracturi ale viscerocraniului, dilacerari craniocerebrale, in care interventia rapida si concomitenta a neurochirurgului, plasticianului si eventual al OMF-istului creste semnificativ nu numai sansa de supravietuire, dar si rezultatul estetic si functional. De asemenea este cazul reconstructiilor imediate de san dupa excizia partial sau totala pentru tumori mamare, in care chirurgul generalist rezeca tumora sau sanul, iar plasticianul il reconstruieste in aceeasi interventie chirurgicala. Chirurgul toracic si plasticianul pot rezolva tumori de perete toracic, penetrante in mediastin, care necesita nu numai o rezectie completa, dar si o reconstructie imediata de perete toracic, menita sa protejeze organele mediastinale.Reconstructia mandibulara si a etajului facial inferior in cazul unor tumori extinse la acest nivel, precum si reconstructiile cervicale anterioare dupa tumori laringiene sau faringiene extinse reprezinta de asemenea exemple in care ORL-istul sau OMF-istul are nevoie de sprijinul unui plastician .Cazuistica care va fi prezentata in lucrare, care apartine colectivului clinicii de chirurgie plastica din Spitalul Clinic de Urgenta “Bagdasar-Arseni”, va exemplifica si sustine rolul benefic al cooperarii disciplinelor chirurgicale avand ca unic scop rezolvarea cazurilor complexe in conditii de siguranta maxima, cu traume cat mai mici pentru pacient si cu rezultat final optim