Factors associated with preservation of C-peptide levels at the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes

Aims

The level of C-peptide can identify individuals most likely to respond to immune interventions carried out to prevent pancreatic β-cell damage.The aim of the study was to evaluate factors associated with C-peptide levels at type 1 diabetes (T1D) diagnosis.

Anti-Alpha-Toxin Monoclonal Antibody and Antibiotic Combination Therapy Improves Disease Outcome and Accelerates Healing in a Staphylococcus aureus Dermonecrosis Model

Alpha-toxin (AT) is a major virulence determinant in Staphylococcus aureus skin and soft tissue infection models. We previously demonstrated that prophylactic administration of 2A3, an AT-neutralizing monoclonal antibody (MAb), prevents S. aureus disease in a mouse dermonecrosis model by neutralizing AT-mediated tissue necrosis and immune evasion. In the present study, MEDI4893*, an affinity-optimized version of 2A3, was characterized for therapeutic activity in the dermonecrosis model as a single agent and in combination with two frontline antibiotics, vancomycin and linezolid. MEDI4893* postinfection therapy was found to exhibit a therapeutic treatment window similar to that for linezolid but longer than that for vancomycin. Additionally, when combined with either vancomycin or linezolid, MEDI4893* resulted in reduced tissue damage, increased neutrophil and macrophage infiltration and abscess formation, and accelerated healing relative to those with the antibiotic monotherapies. These data suggest that AT neutralization with a potent MAb holds promise for both prophylaxis and adjunctive therapy with antibiotics and may be a valuable addition to currently available options for the treatment of S. aureus skin and soft tissue infections.     

Applicability of pedometry and accelerometry in the calculation of energy expenditure during walking and Nordic walking among women in relation to their exercise heart rate

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of pedometry and accelerometry in the measurement of the energy expenditures in Nordic walking and conventional walking as diagnostic parameters. [Subjects and Methods] The study included 20 female students (age, 24 ± 2.3 years). The study used three types of measuring devices, namely a heart rate monitor (Polar S610i), a Caltrac accelerometer, and a pedometer (Yamax SW-800). The walking pace at the level of 110 steps/min was determined by using a metronome. [Results] The students who walked with poles covered a distance of 1,000 m at a speed 36.3 sec faster and with 65.5 fewer steps than in conventional walking. Correlation analysis revealed a moderate interrelationship between the results obtained with a pedometer and those obtained with an accelerometer during Nordic walking (r = 0.55) and a high correlation during conventional walking (r = 0.85). [Conclusion] A pedometer and Caltrac accelerometer should not be used as alternative measurement instruments in the comparison of energy expenditure in Nordic walking.Key words: Nordic walking, Accelerometer, Energy expenditure     

Motivation for and adherence to growth hormone replacement therapy in adults with hypopituitarism: the patients‘ perspective

Pituitary - While reasons for non-adherence in children requiring growth hormone (GH) replacement (GH-Rx) are well researched, few studies have investigated adherence in adult GH deficient...     

Influence of MXene (Ti3C2) Phase Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Silicon Nitride Ceramics

This paper discusses the influence of Ti₃C₂ (MXene) addition on silicon nitride and its impact on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the latter. Composites were prepared through powder processing and sintered using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) technic. Relative density, hardness and fracture toughness, were analyzed. The highest fracture toughness at 5.3 MPa·m^1/2 and the highest hardness at HV5 2217 were achieved for 0.7 and 2 wt.% Ti₃C₂, respectively. Moreover, the formation of the Si₂N₂O phase was observed as a result of both the MXene addition and the preservation of the α-Si₃N₄→β-Si₃N₄ phase transformation during the sintering process.     

Ductility of the Tensile Zone in Bent Wooden Beams Strengthened with CFRP Materials

This article presents experimental results from the bending of technical-scale models of beams reinforced in the tension zone with CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers) materials, with a focus on the benefits resulting from the increased ductility in the tension zone of these beams. In experimental tests, the mechanical properties of reinforced beams were compared with unreinforced beams in terms of the maximum load, deflection, images of damage, stiffness, and distribution of deformation. The results showed that the proposed reinforcement solution was advantageous due to its strength and stiffness, and the safety of the structure. Based on this analysis, it was concluded that the reinforcement of wood with CFRP materials has a positive effect on the behavior and safety of structures. Also, a method of analytical checking of strengthened beams with small cross-sections was presented in the article.