Structural retrofitting of RC slabs using bamboo fibre laminate: Flexural performance and crack patterns.

Enhancing the durability of structural elements is a viable approach to promote sustainability in civil engineering. Research has shown that well-maintained slabs outperform degraded ones, which deteriorate rapidly due to insufficient upkeep. The occurrence of cracking and deformation in slabs subjected to sustained loads significantly impacts their functionality. However, the implementation of appropriate retrofitting techniques utilizing locally available materials can effectively minimize deflection and crack propagation while also improving flexural capacity. This particular study aimed to evaluate the flexural performance of slabs that were retrofitted using bamboo fibre laminate (BFL). Also, the study investigated two alternative replacement methods alongside the conventional mix; one involved replacing all fine aggregates with ceramic fine aggregate and the other involved a complete replacement of coarse aggregates with ceramic coarse aggregate. These mixes were represented in both the retrofitted and non-retrofitted samples. The retrofitting process included using the combined external bonding and near surface-mounted method. Twelve slab samples were made, with six being non-retrofitted and the other six retrofitted with BFL. Each of the samples had dimensions of 300 mm × 300 mm × 50 mm for reinforced concrete (RC) slabs. The slabs were tested employing the three point-bending system, and the retrofitted slabs with the conventional mix exhibited the highest ultimate failure load and flexural strength (62.1 kN), which compared to the non-retrofitted slabs of the same mix was a 60.76% increase. Additionally, the study did a thorough analysis of the presence of flexural and diagonal shear cracks, as well as the occurrence of debonding between BFL and the slabs. Non-destructive tests were also conducted on the slab samples to further confirm accurate results. These findings offer helpful insights into the development and application of a sustainable retrofitting material that can remarkably improve RC slabs.

Effect of elevated ambient temperature at parturition on duration of gestation, ruminal temperature, and endocrine function of fall-calving beef cows.

Fall-calving Angus cows were used to evaluate the effect of ambient temperature on duration of gestation. In Exp. 1, cows were AI and calved in August (n = 14) or October (n = 10). Cows grazed native prairie pasture in Oklahoma and had a BCS of 6.0 ± 0.5 (1 = emaciated, and 9 = obese) at parturition. Commencing 2 wk before the expected calving date, blood samples were taken from the coccygeal vein every 2 to 3 d until calving. Cows that calved in August tended to have shorter gestations (P = 0.07) compared with cows that calved in October. Maximum daily ambient temperature during the last 14 d of gestation was greater for August-calving cows (P < 0.001) compared with October cows. Concentrations of cortisol in plasma during the last 4 d of gestation were greater in cows that calved in August (P < 0.04) compared with cows that calved in October. In Exp. 2, cows were AI and calved in either mid-August (n = 7), late-August (n = 6), September (n = 6), or October (n = 8) to evaluate the effects of elevated ambient temperature on duration of gestation, ruminal temperature at parturition, and plasma cortisol, progesterone, and estradiol. Temperature boluses (SmartStock, LLC, Pawnee, OK) programmed to transmit temperature every hour were place in the rumen at 255 d of gestation. Cows grazed native prairie pasture in Oklahoma and had a BCS of 6.5 ± 0.4 at calving. Maximum ambient temperatures during d 263 to 273 of gestation were influenced by month of calving × day (P < 0.001). Duration of gestation was shorter for mid-August cows (P < 0.05) compared with October cows, but did not differ compared with late-August (P = 0.29) and September (P = 0.50) cows. Ruminal temperature during the 4 d before calving was not influenced by month of calving (P = 0.76). Ruminal temperature was decreased during the 24 h before parturition for cows in all months (P < 0.01) compared with 2 to 4 d before parturition. Concentrations of cortisol in plasma during d 271 to 276 of gestation were less (P < 0.05) for late-August compared with cows that calved during the other months. Concentrations of progesterone were greater during 7 d before parturition in October compared with cows that calved in September. Estradiol in plasma of cows during late gestation was not affected by month of calving (P = 0.76). Exposure of beef cows to elevated ambient temperature resulted in shorter gestations. Ruminal temperature in cows decreased ≥ 0.3°C the day before parturition.

Maintenance energy requirements of beef cows and relationship with cow and calf performance, metabolic hormones, and functional proteins.

Gestating Angus, nonlactating, spring-calving cows were used to determine variation in maintenance energy requirements (MR); to evaluate the relationship among MR and cow and calf performance, plasma concentrations of IGF-I, T4, glucose, insulin, and ruminal temperature; and to describe the LM proteome and evaluate protein abundance in cows with different MR. Cows (4 to 7 yr of age) with a BCS of 5.0 ± 0.2 and BW of 582 ± 37 kg in the second to third trimester of gestation were studied in 3 trials (trial 1, n = 23; trial 2, n = 32; trial 3, n = 38). Cows were individually fed a complete diet in amounts to meet predicted MR (Level 1 Model of NRC), and feed intake was adjusted weekly until constant BW was achieved for at least 21 d (maintenance). Cows were classified on the basis of MR as low (>0.5 SD less than mean, LMR), moderate (±0.5 SD of mean, MMR), or high (>0.5 SD more than mean, HMR) MR. Blood samples were taken at maintenance and at 2 mo postpartum in trial 2. Muscle biopsies were taken from LMR and HMR after cows consumed actual MR for 28 d (trial 2) or 21 d (trial 3). Proteins from LM were separated by 2-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and were identified, and abundance was quantified and compared. The greatest differences in MR between cows were 29%, 24%, and 25% in trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Daily MR (NEm, kcal·BW(-0.75)·d(-1)) averaged 89.2 ± 6.3, 93.0 ± 4.9, and 90.4 ± 4.6 in trials 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Postpartum BW and BCS, calf birth and weaning weights, postpartum luteal activity, and ruminal temperature were not influenced by MR of the cows. Concentrations of IGF-I were greater (P = 0.001) in plasma of MMR compared with LMR cows consuming predicted MR diets, and MR was negatively correlated with concentrations of IGF-I in plasma (r = -0.38; P = 0.05) at 2 mo postpartum. A total of 103 proteins were isolated from LM; 52 gene products were identified. Abundance of specific proteins in the LM was not influenced (P > 0.11) by MR. Variation in MR of cows will make it possible to improve feed efficiency by selection. Identification of biomarkers for MR will allow selection of more efficient cows, which consume less feed and produce calves with similar weaning weights. Productive cows that require less feed for maintenance will improve efficiency of production and enhance sustainability of the environment.

Artrodesis lumbar circunferencial: autoinjerto frente a injerto liofilizado / Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion: autograft vs freeze-dried allograft

Objetivo: Analizar y comparar los resultados radiográficos y clínicos de la fusión lumbar mediante autoinjerto frente a injerto liofilizado. Material y metodología: Se realizó un estudio prospectivo cuasi-experimental, con un seguimiento mínimo de 13 meses. Se incluyeron 72 pacientes, con una edad media de 48 años, siendo el 52,8%mujeres. Todos fueron intervenidos de artrodesis lumbar circunferencial de un nivel, que se dividieron en dos grupos: en uno se utilizó autoinjerto de cresta iliaca (AU) (n=41; 57,7%) y en el otro injerto liofilizado de banco (LI) (n=30; 42,3%). Se evaluaron factores sociodemográficos, la existencia o no de fusión tras la intervención y resultados clínicos mediante la escala EVA, antes y después de la cirugía. Resultados: El dolor lumbar medio fue de 7,5 en autoinjertos y de 8 en injertos liofilizados (p=0,146); tras la intervención el dolor lumbar medio mejoró en 4 puntos o más (AU = 3; LI = 1) (p= 0,196). No encontramos diferencias en los resultados de EVA, al igual que tampoco se encontraron diferencias con respecto a la fusión obtenida en los niveles intervenidos (p= 0,112). Conclusión: El injerto liofilizado, en la artrodesis circunferencial de un nivel, nos proporciona fusiones y resultado funcional similar al autoinjerto (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this study is to analyze and compare the radiographic and clinical results of lumbar fusion using autograft versus lyophilized graft. Methods: This was a prospective study quasi-experimental, with a minimum follow-up of 13 months. It included patients undergoing circumferential lumbar fusion level. We started with a population of 96 patients, of which, we had 8 losses and 16 were excluded, so the sample size was 72 patients, 52.8% of them women, with an average age of 48 years. They were divided into two groups: one that was used in the iliac crest autograft (AU) (n = 41; 57.7%) and other bank lyophilized graft (LI) (n = 30; 42.3%). We evaluated socio-demographic factors, the existence of fusion after surgery and clinical outcomes by VAS before and after surgery. Results: Low back pain in a scale of 1 to 10 was UA: 7.5, LI: 8 (p=0.146). After surgery, back pain improved in 4 points or more, AU: 3, LI: 1, (p=0.196). Then we found no statistically significant differences in the results of the visual analog scale, and we also found no differences with respect to the levels obtained in fusion surgery (p=0.112). Conclusion: The lyophilized graft in the circumferential fusion provides fusion and functional results similar to autograft (AU)

Relationship of ruminal temperature with parturition and estrus of beef cows.

Spring-calving Angus cows (n = 30) were used to evaluate changes in ruminal temperature (RuT) related to parturition and estrus. Cows were synchronized and artificially inseminated with semen from a single sire. Temperature boluses were placed in the rumen at 7.0 ± 0.2 mo of gestation. Boluses were programmed to transmit RuT every 15 min. Cows (BW = 623 ± 44 kg, BCS = 4.9 ± 0.4) calved during 3 wk, and estrus was synchronized at 77 ± 7 d after calving with PGF(2α). Cows were observed every 12 h to detect estrus. Daily average ambient temperatures ranged from 2 to 22 °C during parturition (February to March) and 17 to 25 °C during estrus (May to June). Ruminal temperature from 7 d before to 3 d after parturition and 2 d before to 2 d after visual detection of estrus was analyzed using the MIXED procedure. Ruminal temperatures <37.72 °C were attributed to water consumption and excluded from analyses. Day did not influence (P = 0.36) RuT from d -2 to -7 before parturition (38.94 ± 0.05 °C). Ruminal temperature decreased (P < 0.001) from d -2 to d -1 before parturition (38.88 ± 0.05 to 38.55 ± 0.05 °C, respectively). Ruminal temperature was not influenced (P = 0.23) by day from 1 d before to 3 d after parturition (38.49 ± 0.05 °C). Ruminal temperature at 0 to 8 h after detection of estrus (38.98 ± 0.09 °C) was greater (P < 0.001) compared with RuT at the same daily hour of the day before (38.37 ± 0.11 °C) or the day after estrus (38.30 ± 0.09 °C). Ambient temperature did not influence (P > 0.30) RuT at parturition or estrus. Ruminal temperature decreased the day before parturition and increased at estrus in spring-calving beef cows and has potential use as a predictor of parturition and estrus.

Priapismo asociado con quetiapina en anciano / Priapism associated with quetiapine in an elderly patient

No disponible

Nephrotoxicity of Bence-Jones proteins: interference in renal epithelial cell acidification.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acidification of the endosome-lysosome system of renal epithelial cells after endocytosis of two human immunoglobulin lambda light chains (Bence-Jones proteins, BJP) obtained from patients with multiple myeloma. Renal epithelial cell handling of two BJP (neutral and acidic BJP) was evaluated by rhodamine fluorescence. Renal cells (MDCK) were maintained in culture and, when confluent, were incubated with rhodamine-labeled BJP for different periods of time. Photos were obtained with a fluorescence microscope (Axiolab-Zeiss). Labeling density was determined on slides with a densitometer (Shimadzu Dual-Wavelength Flying-Spot Scanner CS9000). Endocytosis of neutral and acidic BJP was correlated with acidic intracellular compartment distribution using acridine orange labeling. We compared the pattern of distribution after incubation of native neutral and acidic BJP and after complete deglycosylation of BJP by periodate oxidation. The subsequent alteration of pI converted neutral BJP to acidic BJP. There was a significant accumulation of neutral BJP in endocytic structures, reduced lysosomal acidification, and a diffuse pattern of acidification. This pattern was reversed after total deglycosylation and subsequent alteration of the pI to an acidic BJP. We conclude that the physicochemical characteristics of BJP interfere with intracellular acidification, possibly explaining the strong nephrotoxicity of neutral BJP. Lysosomal acidification is fundamental for adequate protein processing and catabolism.

Nephrotoxicity of Bence-Jones proteins: interference in renal epithelial cell acidification

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the acidification of the endosome-lysosome system of renal epithelial cells after endocytosis of two human immunoglobulin lambda light chains (Bence-Jones proteins, BJP) obtained from patients with multiple myeloma. Renal epithelial cell handling of two BJP (neutral and acidic BJP) was evaluated by rhodamine fluorescence. Renal cells (MDCK) were maintained in culture and, when confluent, were incubated with rhodamine-labeled BJP for different periods of time. Photos were obtained with a fluorescence microscope (Axiolab-Zeiss). Labeling density was determined on slides with a densitometer (Shimadzu Dual-Wavelength Flying-Spot Scanner CS9000). Endocytosis of neutral and acidic BJP was correlated with acidic intracellular compartment distribution using acridine orange labeling. We compared the pattern of distribution after incubation of native neutral and acidic BJP and after complete deglycosylation of BJP by periodate oxidation. The subsequent alteration of pI converted neutral BJP to acidic BJP. There was a significant accumulation of neutral BJP in endocytic structures, reduced lysosomal acidification, and a diffuse pattern of acidification. This pattern was reversed after total deglycosylation and subsequent alteration of the pI to an acidic BJP. We conclude that the physicochemical characteristics of BJP interfere with intracellular acidification, possibly explaining the strong nephrotoxicity of neutral BJP. Lysosomal acidification is fundamental for adequate protein processing and catabolism

Mechanisms of albuminuria in the chronic nitric oxide inhibition model.

Chronic nitric oxide (NO) inhibition causes hypertension and renal injury. Concomitant salt overload promotes massive albuminuria. We investigated the mechanisms whereby these treatments impair glomerular permselectivity. Adult male Munich-Wistar rats received either a standard-salt (SS; 0.5% Na) or high-salt (HS; 3.1% Na) diet and either no treatment or the NO inhibitor N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). At 30 days, albuminuria was moderate, the density of fixed anionic sites at the glomerular basement membrane (GBM), estimated by cationic ferritin binding, declined by approximately 35%, and the fractional clearance of 70-kDa neutral dextran (phi) rose moderately in rats receiving L-NAME and SS. Rats given L-NAME and HS exhibited massive albuminuria, whereas phi was nearly tripled. Depletion of GBM anionic sites was also seen in these rats. The GBM was thickened in both L-NAME-treated groups. These abnormalities were largely reversed after cessation of treatments. These results indicate that chronic L-NAME treatment promotes reversible albuminuria by impairing both glomerular size and charge selectivity. These effects likely reflect functional rather than structural disruption of the glomerular wall.

Defective proximal tubule lysosomal acidification by Bence Jones proteins. An immunoelectron microscopy study.

Proximal tubule handling of two human Bence Jones proteins (neutral and acidic BJP) was evaluated using protein A-gold labelling. After 30 min of acute light-chain infusion into 6 rats (alone or in combination with dinitrophenyl-aminopropyl-methylamine [DAMP]), kidney biopsies were processed for immunoelectron microscopy. Antibodies directed at monoclonal lambda light chains, mannose-6-phosphate cation-independent receptor (MPR) and DAMP were used. Labelling density (number of pA-gold particles/micrometer2), expressed as median (25-75 percentiles), differed (p < 0.05) between the two BJP, being 94.5 (32.9-212.5) vs. 19.4 (3.7-45.6) pA-gold/ micrometer2++ in endocytic vacuoles, and 297.3 (207.1-382.1) vs. 83.2 (16. 6-197.0) pA-gold/ micrometer2 in non-vacuolar electrondense endosome-lysosome structures. Labelling density for MPR was 47.7 (22. 2-84.6) vs. 4.0 (2.7-6.3) pA-gold/micrometer2. The area of MPR-labelled structures was also different, i.e.: 0.2 (0.1-0.4) vs. 0.9 (0.5-1.8) micrometer2. The endosome-lysosome pH distribution range differed significantly: 6.8 (6.4-7.0) vs. 6.3 (5.8-7.0). There was a significant accumulation of neutral BJP in endocytic structures, an acidification deficit of pre-lysosomes/lysosomes and MPR retention, suggestive of defective receptor recycling with this BJP. Interference with the physiological process of lysosomal acidification may be an important mechanism of higher nephrotoxicity in some BJP.

Hepatoerythropoietic porphyria: neuroimaging findings.

CT and MR findings in two patients with hepatoerythropoietic porphyria are presented. CT scans showed atrophy and cortical mineralization at the same level. MR examination performed in one of the two patients showed mainly frontal cortical atrophy and punctate bright signal on T1- and T2-weighted sequences.

The renal and hepatic distribution of Bence Jones proteins depends on glycosylation: a scintigraphic study in rats.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate renal and liver distribution of two monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. The chains were purified individually from the urine of patients with multiple myeloma and characterized as lambda light chains with a molecular mass of 28 kDa. They were named BJg (high amount of galactose residues exposed) and BJs (sialic acid residues exposed) on the basis of carbohydrate content. A scintigraphic study was performed on male Wistar rats weighing 250 g for 60 min after i.v. administration of 1 mg of each protein (7.4 MBq), as the intact proteins and also after carbohydrate oxidation. Images were obtained with a Siemens gamma camera with a high-resolution collimator and processed with a MicroDelta system. Hepatic and renal distribution were established and are reported as percent of injected dose. Liver uptake of BJg was significantly higher than liver uptake of BJs (94.3 vs 81.4%) (P < 0.05). This contributed to its greater removal from the intravascular compartment, and consequently lower kidney accumulation of BJg in comparison to BJs (5.7 vs 18.6%) (P < 0.05). After carbohydrate oxidation, there was a decrease in hepatic accumulation of both proteins and consequently a higher renal overload. The tissue distribution of periodate-treated BJg was similar to that of native BJs: 82.7 vs 81.4% in the liver and 17.3 vs 18.6% in the kidneys. These observations indicate the important role of sugar residues of Bence Jones proteins for their recognition by specific membrane receptors, which leads to differential tissue accumulation and possible toxicity.

The renal and hepatic distribution of Bence Jones proteins depends on glycosylation: a scintigraphic study in rats

The aim of the present study was to evaluate renal and liver distribution of two monoclonal immunoglobulin light chains. The chains were purified individually from the urine of patients with multiple myeloma and characterized as lambda light chains with a molecular mass of 28 kDa. They were named BJg (high amount of galactose residues exposed) and BJs (sialic acid residues exposed) on the basis of carbohydrate content. A scintigraphic study was performed on male Wistar rats weighing 250 g for 60 min after iv administration of 1 mg of each protein (7.4 MBq), as the intact proteins and also after carbohydrate oxidation. Images were obtained with a Siemens gamma camera with a high-resolution collimator and processed with a MicroDelta system. Hepatic and renal distribution were established and are reported as percent of injected dose. Liver uptake of BJg was significantly higher than liver uptake of BJs (94.3 vs 81.4 per cent) P<0.05). This contributed to its greater removal from the intravascular compartment, and consequently lower kidney accumulation of BJg in comparison to BJs (5.7 vs 18.6 per cent) (P<0.05). After carbohydrate oxidation, there was a decrease in hepatic accumulation of both proteins and consequently a higher renal overload. The tissue distribution of periodate-treated BJg was similar to that of native BJs: 82.7 vs 81.4 per cent in the liver and 17.3 vs 18.6 per cent in the kidneys. These observations indicate the important role of sugar residues of Bence Jones proteins for their recognition by specific membrane receptors, which leads to diffedential tissue accumulation and possible toxicity.