Creep-fatigue behavior of NiCoCrAlY coated PWA 1480 superalloy single crystals

Single crystal specimens of a Ni base superalloy, PWA 1480, with a low pressure plasma sprayed NiCoCrAlY coating were tested in various 0.1 Hz fatigue and creep fatigue cycles both at 1015 and 1050 C. Creep fatigue tests of the cp, pc, and cc types were conducted with various constant total strain ranges employing creep dwells at various constant stresses. Considerable cyclic softening occurred as was evidenced particularly by rapidly increasing creep rates in the creep fatigue tests. The cycle time in the creep fatigue tests typically decreased by more than 80 percent at 0.5 N sub f. Though cyclic life did correlate with delta epsilon sub in a better correlation existed with sub f for both the fatigue and creep fatigue tests, and poor correlations were observed with either sigma sub max or the average cycle time. A model containing both delta sigma and delta sigma (sub in), N sub f = alpha delta sigma (sub in) beta delta sigma gamma, with best fit values of sigma for each cycle type, but the same values of beta and gamam, was found to provide good correlations. Life lines were not greatly different among the cycle types, differing only by a factor of about three. The cp cycle life line was lowest for both test temperatures, however among the other three cycle types there was no consistent ranking. For all test types failure occurred predominately by multiple internal cracking originating at pores. The strong correlation of life with delta sigma may reflect a significant crack growth period in the life of the specimens

Impact of two different periodized aerobic training on acute cerebrovascular response and cognitive performance in coronary heart disease patients

The aim of this study was to measure the effects of chronic and acute aerobic exercise at two different intensities on cognitive performance and cerebrovascular response in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients. Thirty-five CHD patients completed two exercise bouts at 30% and 70% of their respective peak aerobic power on an ergocycle while performing cognitive tasks, which included nonexecutive and executive conditions before and after a 3-month training intervention. Variations of oxy- deoxy- and total hemoglobin concentrations were measured on the left prefrontal cortex at both intensities using near-infrared spectroscopy. Aerobic exercise training consisted of linear and nonlinear periodization protocols for three sessions of 30–50 min per week for 12 weeks. Error rate (p < 0.001) and reaction time (p < 0.001) improved after the training program for the executive condition of the cognitive task, regardless of intensity and training groups. Cerebral oxygenation remained similar pre and post intervention for all conditions and acute exercise intensity. Despite the absence of conjunction between cerebral oxygenation and cognition, results suggest that both exercise training programs could improve cognition in CHD patients during acute exercise

Changes in cardiopulmonary reserve and peripheral arterial function concomitantly with subclinical inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Background. Changes in cardiopulmonary reserve and biomarkers related to wall stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress concomitantly with the evaluation of peripheral arterial blood flow have not been investigated in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) compared with healthy subjects (CTL). Methods and Results. Eighteen HFpEF patients and 14 CTL were recruited. Plasma levels of inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were measured at rest. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was measured at rest and peak exercise. Cardiopulmonary reserve was assessed using an exercise protocol with gas exchange analyses. Peripheral arterial blood flow was determined by strain gauge plethysmography. Peak VO2 ( versus  mL/min/kg, ) and oxygen uptake efficiency slope ( versus , ) were significantly decreased in HFpEF patients compared with CTL. BNP at rest and following stress, C-reactive-protein, interleukin-6, and TBARS were significantly elevated in HFpEF. Both basal and posthyperemic arterial blood flow were not significantly different between the HFpEF patients and CTL. Conclusions. HFpEF exhibits a severe reduction in cardiopulmonary reserve and oxygen uptake efficiency concomitantly with an elevation in a broad spectrum of biomarkers confirming an inflammatory and prooxidative status in patients with HFpEF

Новий спектрофотометричний мeтод за використання лакказних нанозимів для аналізу адреналіну в фармацевтичних препаратах

Nanozymes, which have high enzyme-like activity of natural enzymes, are very promising for analytical purposes, in particular, for the development of methods for sensitive, quantitative detection of practically important analytes – biomarkers of common diseases or pharmaceutical products. Recently, it has been reported that artificial enzymes with laccase-like activity or “nanolaccases (nLacs),” can serve as catalytic elements for the creation of sensitive methods for catecholamines. Our work aimed to obtain laccase-like nanozymes and characterize and demonstrate their suitability for spectrophotometric adrenaline (AD) analysis. In this article, we report on preparing five hexacyanoferrate nanoparticles (HCF NPs) that possess laccase-like activity, particularly, Co-HCF, Ni-HCF, Mn-HCF, Zn-HCF, and Cu-HCF. Among the investigated nLacs, Cu-HCF was selected and characterized. It was shown that Cu-HCF reveals the highest activities, is stable in various pH conditions in the range 3.0–6.5, and has satisfactory stored stability. A new spectrophotometric method for the quantitative detection of AD was created using the selected nLacs. The linearity of the proposed method is in the range from 5 μM to 50&nbsp;μM (0.66–11 μg/ml), and the limit of detection is 1.5 μM (0.33 μg/ml), which is lower than that catalyzed by native laccase (1.15 μg/ml). The proposed method was tested on the real samples of pharmaceuticals, and the obtained data agree with the data declared by the producer. The resulting nLacs have great potential for use in catalysis of mimetics, environmental restoration, and sensor design. Thus methods, the obtained Cu-HCF has great potential application in spectrophotometric and biosensor method for analysis of biologically active toxic compounds in surface waters.Нанозими (НЗ), що володіють високою ферментоподібною активністю природних ензимів, є сьогодні дуже перспективними для аналітичних цілей, зокрема для розроблення методів високочутливої кількісної детекції практично важливих аналітів – біомаркерів поширених захворювань або фармацевтичних продуктів. Недавні дослідження повідомляють, що штучні ферменти з псевдолаказною активністю або “нанолакази” можуть служити каталітичним елементом для створення чутливих методів аналізу катехоламінів. Метою нашої роботи було отримати лаказоподібні-нанозими, охарактеризувати та продемонструвати їх придатність для спектрофотометричного методу аналізу адреналіну (АД). В цій статті ми повідомляємо про отримання п’яти типів гексаціанофератних наночастинок (HCF НЧ), які володіли лакказною активністю: Сo-HCF, Ni-HCF, Mn-HCF, Zn-HCF та Cu-HCF. Серед досліджуваних “нанолаказ, нЛак” було відібрано Cu-HCF НЗ, які мали найвищу активність, були стійкі в різних умовах, таких як рН 3,0–6,5, висока солоність та зберіганні активності протягом шести місяців. За використання відібраних нЛак, було створено новий спектрофотометричний метод кількісного визначення АД. Його лінійність зберігається в межах 5–50 мкмоль (0,66–11 мкг/мл), а порогова чутливість – 1,5 мкмоль (0,33 мкг/мл), що є нижче, ніж каталізується істиною лакказою (1,15 мкг/мл). Цей метод з Cu-HCF НЗ апробували на реальних фармацевтичних зразках, що містять АД, і одержані дані добре корелюють із результатами, заявленими виробником. Таким чином, отримані НЗ Cu-HCF мають великий потенціал до застосування спектрофотометричних та біосенсорних методах аналізу для виявлення біологічно активних токсичних сполук у поверхневих водах

Effects of variation in exercise training load on cognitive performances and neurotrophic biomarkers in patients with coronary artery disease

This study compared the effects of linear (LP) and nonlinear (NLP) training periodization on cognitive functions, neurotrophic biomarkers [plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)], and cathepsin-B in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Forty-four patients with CAD reported to our laboratory on two occasions to undergo testing procedures before and after training sessions, and were then blindly randomized to NLP or LP for 36 training sessions. Visit 1 included blood samples and a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing to get maximal oxygen uptake (V̇o2peak). Visit 2 included cognitive functions assessment. Thirty-nine patients completed the study (LP: n = 20, NLP: n = 19), with no observed changes in cognitive performances after the training intervention in either group. IGF-1 concentration decreased in both groups (time-effect: P < 0.001), whereas BDNF concentration increased (time-effect: P < 0.05) without group interaction, and cathepsin-B did not change after the intervention. Associations were found between ΔV̇o2peak and ΔBDNF (R2 = 0.18, P = 0.04), and ΔIGF-1 and Δshort-term/working memory (R2 = 0.17, P = 0.01) in the pooled sample, with ΔIGF-1 and ΔBDNF accounting for 10% of the variance in Δshort-term/working memory. In the LP group, associations were found between ΔV̇o2peak and ΔBDNF (R2 = 0.45, P = 0.02), ΔBDNF and Δshort-term/working memory (R2 = 0.62, P = 0.004), ΔIGF-1 and Δshort-term/working memory (R2 = 0.31, P = 0.01), and ΔIGF-1 and Δexecutive function (R2 = 0.22, P = 0.04). This study indicates that linear and nonlinear training periodization led to an increase in BDNF, and a decrease in IGF-1, without change in cognitive function in individuals with stable CAD.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We used a novel and supervised iso-energetic training, integrating both moderate- and high-intensity aerobic exercises. Our findings indicate that greater variation in training load did not yield cognitive enhancements, although both protocols exhibited positive effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Moreover, this study establishes a clear positive association between short-term and working memory and neurotrophic biomarkers. In addition, the independent predictive value of change in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) on improvement in short-term and working memory highlight the close relationship between neurotrophic markers and cognition. Consequently, our results advocate for exercise training interventions targeting neurotrophic biomarkers to enhance cognitive function among individuals with coronary artery disease

Computer Simulation of Final-Stage Sintering: I, Model Kinetics, and Microstructure

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/65565/1/j.1151-2916.1990.tb06686.x.pd

Lactic acid as a systemic product and biomarker of physical load

This paper presents an up-to-date review of research data on the specific features of lactic acid metabolism and its role as an effector of vital regulatory mechanisms. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy monocarboxylic acid. Physical loads of submaximal intensity and some diseases can cause dramatic increase of lactic acid content in the body fluids. The excessive lactate is removed from the working muscle and either metabolized by other tissues or excreted from the human body. Alteration of the lactate-pyruvate balance is one of the main markers of the development of cardiac hypertrophy and failure. The redistribution of lactate between the cells producing it and the cells that metabolize it is vital to maintain a stable pH level in tissues and hold lactate in the body since this compound is an important energy source as well as an effector of important regulatory mechanisms. The quantification of lactate is used to assess general physical capabilities of the human body, the intensity of physical load and the rate of recovery in physical rehabilitation. Specialized proteins, which refer to the group of monocarboxylate transporters, are involved in lactate excretion and absorption by cells. The presence of various types of transporters in cell membranes that differ in affinity to lactate and the direction of transport ensures a rapid redistribution of lactic acid throughout the body and regulates the intensity and direction of its metabolism according to the physiological needs. Efficient transfer and redistribution of lactate between different tissues of the body is essential, given the participation of lactate in several important regulatory mechanisms. As an effector, lactate is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, differentiation of myosatellitocytes, regeneration of muscle fibers, polarization of macrophages and the course of inflammatory processes. Besides, lactate participates in epigenetic mechanisms of muscle tissue metabolism regulation. Therefore, lactate is one of the key metabolites in the human body

Prevalence and Determinants of Metabolic Syndrome among Women in Chinese Rural Areas

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MS) is prevalent in recent years but few data is reported in the rural areas in China. The aim of this study was to examine MS prevalence and its risk factors among women in rural China. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Nantong Metabolic Syndrome Study (NMSS), a population based cross-sectional study, was conducted during 2007-2008 in Nantong, China. In person interviews, blood glucose and lipid measurements were completed for 13,505 female participants aged 18-74 years. The International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the US Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program, the Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) and modified ATPIII for Asian population has determined three criteria of MS. These criteria for MS were used and compared in this study. The prevalence of MS was 22.0%, 16.9% and 23.3% according to IDF, ATPIII and ATPIII-modified criteria, respectively. Levels of agreement of these criteria for MS were above 0.75. We found that vigorous-intensity of occupational physical activity was associated with a low prevalence of MS with OR of 0.76 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.63-0.91). Rice wine drinkers (alcohol >12.8 g/day) had about 34% low risks of developing MS with OR of 0.66 (95% CI: 0.48-0.91), compared with non-drinkers. Odds ratio of MS was 1.81 (95% CI: 1.15-2.84) in women who smoked more than 20 pack-years, compared to non-smokers. Odds ratio of MS was 1.56 (95% CI: 1.25-1.95) in women who had familial history of diseases, including hypertension, diabetes and stroke, compared to women without familial history of those diseases. CONCLUSION: MS is highly prevalent among women in rural China. Both physical activity and rice wine consumption play a protective role, while family history and smoking are risk factors in MS development. Educational programs should be established for promoting healthy lifestyles and appropriate interventions in rural China

ЛЕЧЕНИЕ БОЛЬНЫХ ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗОМ С ШИРОКОЙ ЛЕКАРСТВЕННОЙ УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬЮ МИКОБАКТЕРИЙ С ПРИМЕНЕНИЕМ НОВЫХ ПРОТИВОТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНЫХ ПРЕПАРАТОВ В ГРАЖДАНСКОМ ОБЩЕСТВЕ АРХАНГЕЛЬСКОЙ ОБЛАСТИ

The objective: to assess treatment outcomes in tuberculosis patients with extensive drug resistance (XDR TB) treated by new anti-tuberculosis drugs in the civilian community of Arkhangelsk Region.The analysis included all cases of XDR TB registered in the civilian community of Arkhangelsk Region from November 2006 to December 2013; treatment outcomes were assessed in 21 patients who were treated by regimens containing new anti-tuberculosis drugs (bedaquiline, delamanid, linezolid, clofazimine, imipenem with amoxiclav). 16 patients were treated by regimens containing 4 new anti-tuberculosis drugs. 2 patients were treated by regimen IV containing two drugs – bedaquiline, linezolid and bedaquiline, clofazimine; and 3 patients with regimens containing bedaquiline only.From November 2006 to December 2017, 175 XDR TB patients were registered in Arkhangelsk Region. The effective chemotherapy using new drugs made 57%, and mortality made 4.7%. In-take of new anti-tuberculosis drugs was accompanied side effects of minor and moderate degree.New anti-tuberculosis drugs are to be studied further in order to work out the most effective regimens for treatment of XDR TB patients.Цель: оценка результатов лечения больных с широкой лекарственной устойчивостью возбудителя (ШЛУ-ТБ) с применением новых противотуберкулезных препаратов в гражданском обществе Архангельской области.Проанализированы все случаи ШЛУ-ТБ, зарегистрированные на территории Архангельской области в гражданском обществе с ноября 2006 г. по декабрь 2016 г., и оценены результаты лечения 21 больного, где в схему лечения включены новые противотуберкулезные препараты (бедаквилин, деламанид, линезолид, клофазимин, имипенем в комбинации с амоксиклавом). У 16 больных схема лечения состояла из 4 новых противотуберкулезных препаратов. В схему лечения по IV категории 2 пациентам добавлены два препарата ‒ бедаквилин, линезолид и бедаквилин, клофаземин и 3 больным ‒ один бедаквилин.С ноября 2006 г. по декабрь 2017 г. в Архангельской области зарегистрировано 175 больных ШЛУ-ТБ. Эффективный курс химиотерапии с новыми лекарственными препаратами составил 57%, а смертность ‒ 4,7%. На прием новых лекарственных средств наблюдались в большинстве случаев побочные реакции слабой и умеренной степени тяжести.Необходимо продолжить изучение новых противотуберкулезных препаратов для разработки наиболее эффективного режима терапии для больных с ШЛУ-ТБ