Real-time laser ultrasonic monitoring of laser-induced thermal processes.

Intra- and inter-layer integrity of components fabricated with advanced manufacturing techniques, such as laser powder bed fusion, is dependent upon rapid heating, melting, and solidification processes. There is a need for new techniques to provide in situ feedback of these processes. Here a laser-based ultrasonic technique to probe thermal effects induced by a high-power continuous wave laser in titanium samples is described. Numerical simulations were performed to show that, for a spatially uniform heating beam, laser-induced surface acoustic waves are strongly influenced by surface heating conditions, are dispersive in the case of rapid heating, and that an abrupt velocity reduction happens upon the onset of surface melting. Furthermore, laser-based ultrasound experimental results which monitor the transient change of surface wave travel time associated with high power laser surface heating are provided. A pulsed laser is used to generate high frequency surface acoustic waves that propagate through the laser-heated region and are detected using a photorefractive crystal-based interferometer. Qualitative agreement is observed between theory and experiment with both showing a rapid reduction in the surface wave velocity at the onset of illumination and further decrease in surface wave velocity associated with melting. It is demonstrated that changes in the surface wave velocity can be used to track local heating and detect the onset of surface melting in real time.

Inflammation in Diabetic Kidney Disease.

BACKGROUND: Diabetes is a growing public health problem. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the most prevalent chronic renal disease and the major cause of end-stage renal failure worldwide, predominantly due to the increase of Type 2 diabetes associated with obesity. The intimate mechanisms leading to the development and progression of renal injury in DKD are not well understood, but current knowledge indicates that its pathogenesis is multifactorial, where the immune response and inflammation appear to be relevant factors. SUMMARY: This review summarizes the role of relevant inflammatory molecules and pathways that participate in the development of DKD. Likewise, we focused on the new therapeutic approaches based on anti-inflammatory effects of different drugs. Key Messages: This new pathogenic perspective of DKD as an inflammatory condition leads to novel horizons, such as the potential role of inflammatory signaling pathways and their downstream products as emerging biomarkers and promising therapeutic targets.

Increased risk of miscarriage among women experiencing physical or sexual intimate partner violence during pregnancy in Guatemala City, Guatemala: cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Violence against women by their male intimate partners (IPV) during pregnancy may lead to negative pregnancy outcomes. We examined the role of IPV as a potential risk factor for miscarriage in Guatemala. Our objectives were: (1) To describe the magnitude and pattern of verbal, physical and sexual violence by male intimate partners in the last 12 months (IPV) in a sample of pregnant Guatemalans; (2) To evaluate the influence of physical or sexual IPV on miscarriage as a pregnancy outcome. METHODS: All pregnant women reporting to the maternity of a major tertiary care public hospital in Guatemala City from June 1st to September 30th, 2006 were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. The admitting physician assessed occurrence of miscarriage, defined as involuntary pregnancy loss up to and including 28 weeks gestation. Data on IPV, social and demographic characteristics, risk behaviours, and medical history were collected by interviewer-administered questionnaire. Laboratory testing was performed for HIV and syphilis. The relationship between IPV and miscarriage was assessed through multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: IPV affected 18% of the 1897 pregnant Guatemalan women aged 15-47 in this sample. Verbal IPV was most common (16%), followed by physical (10%) and sexual (3%) victimisation. Different forms of IPV were often co-prevalent. Miscarriage was experienced by 10% of the sample (n = 190). After adjustment for potentially confounding factors, physical or sexual victimisation by a male intimate partner in the last 12 months was significantly associated with miscarriage (ORadj 1.1 to 2.8). Results were robust under a range of analytic assumptions. CONCLUSIONS: Physical and sexual IPV is associated with miscarriage in this Guatemalan facility-based sample. Results cohere well with findings from population-based surveys. IPV should be recognised as a potential cause of miscarriage. Reproductive health services should be used to screen for spousal violence and link to assistance.

Prevalence of pathogens associated with bovine mastitis in bulk tank milk in Mexico.

Mastitis as cause of low milk production coupled with the use of medication to control it cause dairy farms to register large economic losses. Microorganisms' prevalence, and somatic cell counts (SCCs) were determined in 112 Holstein bovine herds in two bulk tank milk-screening assays. Detection of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Mycoplasma spp. as microorganisms primarily responsible for clinical and subclinical mastitis and their relationship with SCCs was evaluated by Student's t-test and the kappa test. Prevalence of Mycoplasma was 55%; of S. aureus, 30%; of Streptococcus uberis, 37.5%; and of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative, 38.3%. The geometric mean of the SCC was 465,000 cells/mL. No significant differences were observed in the SCCs between the positive and negative samples of pathogens isolated (P > 0.5). There was a low kappa value of Mycoplasma correlation between samplings (kappa value = 0.10). This work aimed to understand the relationship between the prevalence of mastitis pathogens in bulk tank milk and SCCs in bovine herds in the central part of Mexico.