Soluble ST2 levels and left ventricular structure and function in patients with metabolic syndrome

Background: A biomarker that is of great interest in relation to adverse cardiovascular events is soluble ST2 (sST2), a member of the interleukin family. Considering that metabolic syndrome (MetS) is accompanied by a proinflammatory state, we aimed to assess the relationship between sST2 and left ventricular (LV) structure and function in patients with MetS. Methods: A multicentric, cross-sectional study was conducted on180 MetS subjects with normal LV ejection fraction as determined by echocardiography. LV hypertrophy (LVH) was defined as an LV mass index greater than the gender-specific upper limit of normal as determined by echocardiography. LV diastolic dysfunction (DD) was assessed by pulse-wave and tissue Doppler imaging. sST2 was measured by using a quantitative monoclonal ELISA assay. Results: LV mass index (β=0.337, P<0 .001, linear regression) was independently associated with sST2 concentrations. Increased sST2 was associated with an increased likelihood of LVH [Exp (B)=2.20, P=0.048, logistic regression] and increased systolic blood pressure [Exp (B)=1.02, P=0.05, logistic regression]. Comparing mean sST2 concentrations (adjusted for age, body mass index, gender) between different LV remodeling patterns, we found the greatest sST2 level in the group with concentric hypertrophy. There were no differences in sST2 concentration between groups with and without LV DD. Conclusions: Increased sST2 concentration in patients with MetS was associated with a greater likelihood of exhibiting LVH. Our results suggest that inflammation could be one of the principal triggering mechanisms for LV remodeling in MetS

A REVIEW OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING IN THE CONDITIONS OF DIGITAL AND GREEN TRANSITION

Additive Manufacturing (AM), commonly known as 3D printing, represents a groundbreaking technology driving the advancement of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). The production of models, rapid prototypes, components, and final-use parts using 3D printing is significantly more cost-effective compared to traditional manufacturing methods. The primary objective of this paper is to highlight the role of sustainable development in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology for effectively implementing Industry 4.0 amidst the green and digital transition. With the capability to realize virtually any desired object, 3D printing finds applications across various industries including construction, architecture, automotive, aviation, household goods, and medical fields. The analysis of Additive Manufacturing 3D printing technologies involves categorization based on process type, purpose, production equipment, energy consumption, materials, and other factors that influence sustainable development. The implementation of green initiatives and digital transformation is fully integrated into these innovative 3D technologies

Uticaj pH vrijednosti vodene otopine na klijavost sjemena graška

Under the laboratory conditions and with the rolled paper method we investigated the effect of different pH values of water solution (5 and 6) on the seed germination of two varieties of pea (Petit Provensal and American Wonder). The pH value of water solution significantly affected the germination energy, germination and seedling root length. The highest values for the above properties were obtained at pH 5. A statistically significant difference was found between the varieties but also between different pH values of the water solution. The results of this study suggest the importance of variety and soil pH as one of the most important factors in the cultivation of peas.U laboratorijskim uslovima metodom rolanog papira istraživan je uticaj različitih pH vrijednosti vodene otopine (5 i 6) na klijavost sjemena dvije sorte graška (Mali provansalac i Čudo Amerike). PH vrijednost vodene otopine značajno je uticala na energiju klijanja, klijavost i dužinu korijena klijanaca. Najveće vrijednosti za navedena svojstva su dobivene na pH 5. Statistički značajna razlika utvrđena je između sorti ali i između različitih pH vrijednosti vodene otopine. Rezultati ovog istraživanja ukazuju na značaj sorte i pH tla kao jednog od bitnih faktora u uzgoju graška

Comparison of tribological properties of steel and Al-alloys sheet metals intended for deep drawing

During the last few years, aluminum alloys are increasingly more used in production of light constructions, especially for manufacture of light car bodies of passenger cars. From the aspect of tribological factors influence, experience in application of low carbon steel sheet metals in manufacture of car body parts by deep drawing procedures up to now differs significantly regarding the application of Al alloys. The paper presents the results of tribological investigations of specified materials properties at sliding tests, as well as results at deep drawing with variable blank holding force.Publishe

Outcomes in Pediatric Burn Patients With Additional Trauma-Related Injuries

The addition of trauma to burn injuries may result in higher morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of pediatric patients with a combination of burn and trauma injuries, and included all pediatric Burn only, Trauma only, and combined Burn-Trauma patients admitted between 2011 and 2020. Mean length of stay, ICU length of stay, and ventilator days were highest for the Burn-Trauma group. The odds of mortality were almost 13 times higher for the Burn-Trauma group when compared to the Burn only group (P = .1299). After using inverse probability of treatment weighting, the odds of mortality were almost 10 times higher for the Burn-Trauma group in comparison to the Burn only group (P < .0066). Thus, the addition of trauma to burn injuries was associated with increased odds of mortality, as well as longer ICU and overall hospital length of stay in this patient population

Determination of tailor welded blanks formability characteristics

Presented in the paper are the results of experimental investigations of tailor welded blanks formability. Blanks were made by laser welding of two sheets with different thickness (0.8 mm and 1.5 mm), the same material (high strength steel with BH effect) and the same surface condition (galvanic zinc coating). Investigation by uniaxial tension were applied on series of specimens with transverse weld line. Folowing formability properties are determined: basic mechanical properties, strengthening curves, r-value and n-value. Forming analysis of each sheet separately and assembly was performed. Conclusions are pointing out specific influence of inhomogenity caused by different thickness and welding zone and leading to further investigations with longitudinal and angled positions of welded line related to force action direction.Publishe

Influence of Silica Fume on SCC Concrete Properties

The use of recycled materials or waste increases sustainability in the construction sector. Likewise, the self-compacting concrete (SCC) has shown improvement in mechanical properties, when made with some waste pozzolanic materials. The differences in the compressive strength of the SCC concrete sample in the case of 5% by mass share of silica fume compared to samples with 7% were explored. The results shown that optimal replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement by silica fume is 5%, under applied experimental conditions

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) Antidepressants in Pregnancy and Congenital Anomalies: Analysis of Linked Databases in Wales, Norway and Funen, Denmark

Background: Hypothesised associations between in utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and congenital anomalies, particularly congenital heart defects (CHD), remain controversial. We investigated the putative teratogenicity of SSRI prescription in the 91 days either side of first day of last menstrual period (LMP). Methods and Findings: Three population-based EUROCAT congenital anomaly registries- Norway (2004–2010), Wales (2000–2010) and Funen, Denmark (2000–2010)—were linked to the electronic healthcare databases holding prospectively collected prescription information for all pregnancies in the timeframes available. We included 519,117 deliveries, including foetuses terminated for congenital anomalies, with data covering pregnancy and the preceding quarter, including 462,641 with data covering pregnancy and one year either side. For SSRI exposures 91 days either side of LMP, separately and together, odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (ORs, 95%CI) for all major anomalies were estimated. We also explored: pausing or discontinuing SSRIs preconception, confounding, high dose regimens, and, in Wales, diagnosis of depression. Results were combined in meta-analyses. SSRI prescription 91 days either side of LMP was associated with increased prevalence of severe congenital heart defects (CHD) (as defined by EUROCAT guide 1.3, 2005) (34/12,962 [0.26%] vs. 865/506,155 [0.17%] OR 1.50, 1.06–2.11), and the composite adverse outcome of 'anomaly or stillbirth' (473/12962, 3.65% vs. 15829/506,155, 3.13%, OR 1.13, 1.03–1.24). The increased prevalence of all major anomalies combined did not reach statistical significance (3.09% [400/12,962] vs. 2.67% [13,536/506,155] OR 1.09, 0.99–1.21). Adjusting for socio-economic status left ORs largely unchanged. The prevalence of anomalies and severe CHD was reduced when SSRI prescriptions were stopped or paused preconception, and increased when >1 prescription was recorded, but differences were not statistically significant. The dose-response relationship between severe CHD and SSRI dose (meta-regression OR 1.49, 1.12–1.97) was consistent with SSRI-exposure related risk. Analyses in Wales suggested no associations between anomalies and diagnosed depression. Conclusion: The additional absolute risk of teratogenesis associated with SSRIs, if causal, is small. However, the high prevalence of SSRI use augments its public health importance, justifying modifications to preconception care