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This research investigates novel polymeric composite materials for automotive interior trim applications. The composites utilize recycled polypropylene (PPr) matrix and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) as filler (PPr/CMC: 100/0, 95/5, and 90/10 wt.%). The materials were processed by extrusion and injection molding. Considering their intended application, the composites were evaluated for resistance to key climatic factors, i.e., temperature, humidity, and UV radiation. In addition, structural analyses and FTIR analyses were performed to assess potential heterogeneity and thermal stability. Following FTIR tests, the incorporation of carboxymethyl cellulose in polypropylene is confirmed by the detection of characteristic CMC bands for -OH, C=O, and C-O-C groups. The results indicate slight structural heterogeneity in the 5% and 10% CMC composites. However, no thermal distortions were observed in either the composites or the PPr matrix itself. The behavior of PPr/CMC composites under the action of the mentioned climatic factors has been assessed from the variation of dielectric characteristics with frequency. The strong polarization of CMC leads to a sharp increase in composites electrical conductivity after submersion in water for 480 h, suggesting weakening of the composite structure. After exposure to UV radiation, a sharp increase in conductivity is observed even after the first cycle (72 h) of UV radiation. Following the experimental results obtained in our study, it is recommended to use the PPr +10% CMC composite for obtaining different interior ornaments (carpets, supports, etc.). At the same time, the use of these materials also has the advantage of lightening the mass of the vehicle due to their lower density than polymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the technological process used to manufacture composite paints with a high content of metallic microparticles (Al and Fe) for automotive electromagnetic compatibility applications. The thickness of the deposited paint layer was larger for paints with a greater metal content, regardless of the plastic support used for paint deposition. The roughness of paint layers with a greater content of metal particles was about 30%–35% higher than that of layers with a lower metal particle content, regardless of the metal type. The surface roughness of paint layers containing Al was at least 2.5-times higher than that of paint layers containing Fe, an aspect that could be explained by the better formulation of the paint containing Fe. The dielectric loss and conductivity values crucially depend on the plastic substrate used, meaning that the dipolar polarization of the substrate enhances the effect of conductive paints. Based on the dielectric properties measured at 10 kHz, the optimal recipe for efficient electromagnetic compatibility was found to be 20 wt.% Fe powder, deposited on a sandblasted polycarbonate (PC) substrate. It is expected that formulations of paints with a high percentage of metallic particles will effectively compete with traditional plastic metallization technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the obtaining and characterization of recycled polypropylene/strontium ferrite (PP/SrFe12O19) polymer composite materials with applications in the electromagnetic shielding of vehicle interiors (mainly automotive electronics—carcasses) from the electromagnetic radiation emitted mainly by exterior sources—electrical lines and supply sources—in terms of the development of the new electrical vehicles. With this aim, suitable polymer composite materials were developed using SrFe12O19 filler in two forms (powder and concentrate). The recycled PP polymer and composite materials with a PP/SrFe12O19 weight ratio of 75/25 and 70/30 were obtained in two stages, i.e., pellets by extrusion and samples for testing through a melt injection process. The characterization of the obtained materials took into account the requirements imposed by the desired applications. It consisted of determining the mechanical and dielectric properties, and microstructure analyses, along with the determination of the resistance to the action of a temperature of 70 °C, which is higher than the temperatures created during the summer inside vehicles. The performance of these materials as electromagnetic shields was assessed through functional tests consisting of the determination of magnetic permeability and the estimation of the electromagnetic shielding efficiency (SE). The obtained results confirmed the improvement of the mechanical, dielectric, and magnetic properties of the PP/SrFe12O19 composites compared to the selected PP polymers. It is also found that all the composite materials exhibited reflective shielding properties (SER from −71.5 dB to −56.7 dB), with very little absorption shielding. The most performant material was the composite made of PP/SrFe12O19 powder with a weight ratio of 70/30. The promising results recommend this composite material for potential use in automotive shielding applications against electromagnetic pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper describes the process of obtaining geopolymer composites using raw materials from critical waste, i.e., mixed power plant ash and furnace slag powder. Using such geopolymer composites, structural insulation panels were made in the laboratory, which were subjected to tests specific to construction applications. At the same time, some special properties, such as sound insulation and electromagnetic shielding properties for special applications, were tested. The results obtained from the functional tests led to the conclusion that the panels made of geopolymer composites provided both sound and electromagnetic attenuation values clearly superior to those obtained from autoclaved cellular concrete, brick, or concrete structures, which encourages us to suggest such material concepts for complex shielding purposes. The sustainability of the technology for producing such geopolymer composites was fully demonstrated from the economic, environmental, and social perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mutations in the Early‐Growth Response 2 (EGR2) gene cause various hereditary neuropathies, including demyelinating Charcot–Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease type 1D (CMT1D), congenital hypomyelinating neuropathy type 1 (CHN1), Déjerine–Sottas syndrome (DSS), and axonal CMT (CMT2). Methods: In this study, we identified 14 patients with heterozygous EGR2 mutations diagnosed between 2000 and 2022. Results: Mean age was 44 years (15–70), 10 patients were female (71%), and mean disease duration was 28 years (1–56). Disease onset was before age 15 years in nine cases (64%), after age 35 years in four cases (28%), and one patient aged 26 years was asymptomatic (7%). All symptomatic patients had pes cavus and distal lower limbs weakness (100%). Distal lower limbs sensory symptoms were observed in 86% of cases, hand atrophy in 71%, and scoliosis in 21%. Nerve conduction studies showed a predominantly demyelinating sensorimotor neuropathy in all cases (100%), and five patients needed walking assistance after a mean disease duration of 50 years (47–56) (36%). Three patients were misdiagnosed as inflammatory neuropathy and treated with immunosuppressive drugs for years before diagnosis was corrected. Two patients presented with an additional neurologic disorder, including Steinert's myotonic dystrophy and spinocerebellar ataxia (14%). Eight EGR2 gene mutations were found, including four previously undescribed. Interpretation.: Our findings demonstrate EGR2 gene‐related hereditary neuropathies are rare and slowly progressive demyelinating neuropathies with two major clinical presentations, including a childhood‐onset variant and an adult‐onset variant which may mimic inflammatory neuropathy. Our study also expands the genotypic spectrum of EGR2 gene mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European methodology for plastics, as a feature of the EU's circular economy activity plan, ought to support the decrease in plastic waste. The improvement of recycled plastics' economics and quality is one important part of this action plan. Additionally, achieving the requirement that all plastic packaging sold in the EU by 2030 be recyclable or reusable is an important objective. This means that food packaging materials should be recycled in a closed loop at the end. One of the most significant engineering polymers is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), which is widely used. Due to its numerous crucial qualities, it has a wide variety of applications, from packaging to fibers. The thermoplastic polyolefin, primarily polyethylene and polypropylene (PP), is a popular choice utilized globally in a wide range of applications. In the first phase of the current experiment, the materials were obtained by hot pressing with the press machine. The reinforcer is made of Al nanopowder 800 nm and Fe nanopowder 790 nm and the quality of the recycled polymer was examined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). From DSC variation curves as a function of temperature, the values from the transformation processes (glass transition, crystallization, and melting) are obtained. SEM measurements revealed that the polymer composites with Al have smooth spherical particles while the ones with Fe have bigger rough spherical particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Formulations incorporating benzophenone oligodimethacrylate (BP-DMA) and graphene structures (graphene oxide/GO, reduced graphene oxide/RGO) were exposed to UV/vis irradiation or femtosecond laser beam to achieve hybrid composites. All structures were characterized through various methods including 1H NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, optical microscopy, TEM, SEM/EDAX analysis, and DSC/XRD techniques. The photopolymerization of BP-DMA in monomer compositions with and without GO or RGO was investigated by photo-DSC and FTIR methods for determining the polymerization kinetic parameters. The photopolymerization experiments revealed a good photoreactivity of the monomers (degree of conversion: 65-77%) after 1 minute exposure to UV/vis irradiation and the addition of graphene (up to 0.5%), whereas the polymerization rate varied between 0.14 and 0.1 s-1. Moreover, two-photon photopolymerization of the formulations in presence/absence of GO or RGO nanosheets (0.1 wt.%) generated 2D microstructures by direct laser writing procedure. Also, the morphology and the properties of composites materials were analyzed.

In this paper, the obtaining and characterization of five experimental models of novel polymer composite materials with ferrite nano-powder are presented. The composites were obtained by mechanically mixing two components and pressing the obtained mixture on a hot plate press. The ferrite powders were obtained by an innovative economic co-precipitation route. The characterization of these composites consisted of physical and thermal properties: hydrostatic density, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and TG DSC thermal analyses, along with functional electromagnetic tests in order to demonstrate the functionality of these materials as electromagnetic shields (magnetic permeability, dielectric characteristics, and shielding effectiveness). The purpose of this work was to obtain a flexible composite material, applicable to any type of architecture for the electrical and automotive industry, necessary for protection against electromagnetic interference. The results demonstrated the efficiency of such materials at lower frequencies, but also in the microwave domain, with higher thermal stability and lifetime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: In addition to combined central and peripheral demyelination, other immune diseases could involve both the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Methods: To identify immune‐mediated diseases responsible for symptomatic combined central/peripheral nervous system involvement (ICCPs), we conducted a multicentric retrospective study and assessed clinical, electrophysiological, and radiological features of patients fulfilling our ICCP criteria. Results: Thirty patients (20 males) were included and followed during a median of 79.5 months (interquartile range [IQR] = 43–145). The median age at onset was 51.5 years (IQR = 39–58). Patients were assigned to one of four groups: (i) monophasic disease with concomitant CNS/PNS involvement including anti‐GQ1b syndrome (acute polyradiculoneuropathy + rhombencephalitis, n = 2), checkpoint inhibitor‐related toxicities (acute polyradiculoneuropathy + encephalitis, n = 3), and anti‐glial fibrillary acidic protein astrocytopathy (subacute polyradiculoneuropathy and meningoencephalomyelitis with linear gadolinium enhancements, n = 2); (ii) chronic course with concomitant CNS/PNS involvement including paraneoplastic syndromes (ganglionopathy/peripheral hyperexcitability + limbic encephalitis, n = 4); (iii) chronic course with sequential CNS/PNS involvement including POEMS (polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, skin changes) syndrome (polyradiculoneuropathy + strokes, n = 2), histiocytosis (polyradiculoneuropathy + lepto‐/pachymeningitis, n = 1), and systemic vasculitis (multineuropathy + CNS vasculitis/pachymeningitis, n = 2); and (iv) chronic course with concomitant or sequential CNS/PNS involvement including combined central and peripheral demyelination (polyradiculoneuropathy + CNS demyelinating lesions, n = 10) and connective tissue diseases (ganglionopathy/radiculopathy/multineuropathy + limbic encephalitis/transverse myelitis/stroke, n = 4). Conclusions: We diagnosed nine ICCPs. The timing of central and peripheral manifestations and the disease course help determine the underlying immune disease. When antibody against neuroglial antigen is identified, CNS and PNS involvement is systematically concomitant, suggesting a common CNS/PNS antigen and a simultaneous disruption of blood–nerve and blood–brain barriers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this paper was to obtain new hybrid composite materials (HCM) with applications in electromagnetic shielding and their characterization using new methods. The paper presents 6 experimental models (EM) of new hybrid composite materials (HCM) with applications in the electromagnetic shielding and their characterization using new methods. EMs were obtained by extrusion and melt injection, with different ratios of HDPE/hybrid NiFe2O4/Ag mixture concentrations: 100/0 - I0; 97/3 - I1; 95/5 - I2; 93/7 - I3; 90/10 - I4 and 80/20 - I5. The characterizations performed within this work are imposed and correlated with the operating conditions of these materials. Thus, we studied the behavior of polymer composite materials with hybrid fillers, under the action of different degradation factors such as ionizing radiation, UV radiation and moisture. Following the tests performed, the experimental model I5, composite with maximum ferrite concentration, i.e. 20 %, was chosen as the optimal variant. It was aimed to identify the degree of degradation of the developed composite materials, as a function of the variation of tan d with frequency, at different aging/conditioning cycles. The originality element of the paper consisted in determining the life time remaining of the HCM until the moment it needs to be replaced, by an original method protected of by an invention patent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRv) is a disabling and life-threatening disease that primarily affects the nervous system and heart. Its kidney involvement has not been systematically studied, particularly in non-V30M mutations, and is not well known to nephrologists. Methods We conducted a retrospective study describing the kidney phenotype of all prevalent patients with ATTR mutations, with neurological or cardiac involvement or presymptomatic carriers, followed up in two university hospitals from the South of France between June 2011 and June 2021. Results A total of 103 patients were included, among whom 79 were symptomatic and 24 were presymptomatic carriers. Patients carried 21 different ATTR mutations and 54% carried the V30M mutation. After a mean follow-up of 7.9 ± 25.7 years, 30.4% of the symptomatic patients had developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) and 20.3% had a urinary protein:creatinine ratio ≥0.5 g/g. None of the presymptomatic carriers had CKD or proteinuria. In a multivariate analysis, late onset of symptoms (after 60 years), the V122I mutation and proteinuria were significantly associated with CKD. The median CKD-free survival in symptomatic patients was estimated at 81.0 years (interquartile range 77.1–84.9). It did not differ between V30M and non-V30M patients, but was lower in patients with the V122I mutation. The average age of the onset of CKD was 69.3 ± 13.0 years. In one 38-year-old V30M female who presented a kidney-predominant phenotype, treatment with patisiran resulted in remission of the nephrotic syndrome. Conclusion CKD affects almost one-third of patients with symptomatic ATTRv. The role of ATTRv per se in the development of CKD in this population remains to be determined, but some patients may benefit from specific therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

L'approvisionnement en immunoglobulines humaines polyvalentes est marqué depuis plusieurs années par des tensions très fortes. Celles-ci ont généré une priorisation des indications et une augmentation record du montant de son remboursement sans résoudre le problème de la demande. Le traitement par plasmaphérèse thérapeutique apparaît comme une alternative à envisager pour le traitement de certaines pathologies dysimmunitaires. Afin de discuter cette alternative, nous réalisons une étude médico-économique comparant la stratégie des immunoglobulines humaines polyvalentes versus différents systèmes de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique ambulatoire dans le traitement d'une pathologie dysimmunitaire chronique. L'étude médico-économique est réalisée à partir de l'exemple d'un patient de 75 kg avec polyradiculonévrite chronique, dépendant d'un traitement chronique, avec comparaison du traitement séquentiel par une séance de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique versus une cure d'immunoglobulines humaines polyvalentes en intraveineux. L'étude médico-économique comprend une évaluation adoptant le point de vue du système de soins public complété par une approche adoptant le point de vue de la structure de soins qui justifie d'estimer le coût de différents systèmes de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique à partir d'une approche de microcosting bottom up. Du point de vue du système de soins, pour information, un flacon de 20 g d'immunoglobulines humaines polyvalentes a un coût similaire à une séance de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique. Dans notre exemple, le montant de prise en charge du traitement d'entretien répété toutes les 2 à 4 semaines dans la polyradiculonévrite chronique chez un patient pesant 75 kg est de 1284,13 euros pour une séance de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique versus 7331,60 à 9426,84 euros pour une cure de 1,5 à 2 mg/kg d'immunoglobulines humaines polyvalentes. Par ailleurs, du point de vue du système hospitalier, le coût des différentes techniques de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique évaluées varie modérément, avec un coût dépendant surtout de la quantité d'albumine perfusée ou du dispositif médical utilisé. Dans le traitement chronique séquentiel de la polyradiculonévrite chronique, le coût de la plasmaphérèse thérapeutique pourrait être moindre qu'avec les immunoglobulines humaines polyvalentes selon la perspective du système de soins. Le coût pour l'établissement de santé entre différentes techniques de plasmaphérèse thérapeutique diffère peu. Cette étude apporte des arguments suggérant que si la plasmaphérèse thérapeutique peut être mise en place avec un plateau technique dédié, elle est une alternative sérieuse à envisager, et sans surcoût. The supply of human polyvalent immunoglobulin has been under severe pressure for several years. This has led to a prioritisation of indications and a record increase in the amount of reimbursement without solving the problem of demand. Treatment by therapeutic plasmapheresis appears to be an alternative to be considered for the treatment of certain dysimmune diseseases. To discuss this alternative, we are conducting a medico-economic study comparing the polyvalent immunoglobulin strategy versus different therapeutic plasmapheresis system in the treatment of a chronic dysimmune disease. The medico-economic study was conducted using the example of a 75 kg patient with chronic polyradiculoneuritis dependent on chronic therapy with a comparison of sequential treatment with one session of therapeutic plasmapheresis versus a course of intravenous polyvalent immunoglobulin. The medico-economic study includes an evaluation from a public health care system perspective complemented by a hospital-based approach that justifies estimating the cost of different therapeutic plasmapheresis systems based on a bottom-up micro-costing approach. From the point of view of the care system, for information, a 20 g bottle of polyvalent immunoglobulin has a similar cost to a therapeutic plasmapheresis session. In our example, the cost of a maintenance treatment repeated every 2 to 4 weeks in chronic polyradiculoneuritis in a 75 kg patient is 1284.13 euros for a therapeutic plasmapheresis session versus 7331.60 to 9426.84 euros for a 1.5 to 2 mg/kg polyvalent immunoglobulin treatment. Furthermore, from the point of view of the hospital system, the cost of the different TT techniques evaluated varies moderately with the cost depending mainly on the quantity of albumin infused or the medical device used. In the chronic sequential treatment of chronic polyradiculoneuritis, the cost of therapeutic plasmapheresis could be lower than with polyvalent immunoglobulin from a healthcare system perspective. The cost to the health care facility between different therapeutic plasmapheresis techniques differs little. This study provides arguments suggesting that if therapeutic plasmapheresis can be implemented with a dedicated technical platform, it is a serious alternative to be considered without additional costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic compatibility issues and those generated by these radiations are a major concern for electrical and electronic products, mainly in the fields of communications, information technology, transportation, security and medical services. The paper presents the way to obtain nanostructured paint/plastic/nanopowder paint systems with electromagnetic shielding properties, as well as their characterization by FTIR analysis, DSC and dielectric tests. These systems have Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)/Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) applications in the manufacture of enclosures for various electronic devices and for the automotive industry. At the laboratory level, 4 non-additive experimental models (EM) coded M1-M4 and 16 additive experimental models coded M5-M20 were obtained. Revolutionary to these materials is the fact that inside they are insulating and, on the outside, they behave like a shield. The results obtained from the dielectric tests performed on the 16 additive systems showed that the samples with a maximum percentage (20 %) of metal nanopowders show the highest values of electrical conductivity. Of the two nanopowders used, that of Fe from samples M11, M12, M19 and M20 which induces the composite higher conductivities than Al nanopowders. The ATR/FTIR spectra of the two paint samples analyzed showed that they were almost identical, suggesting that the paints tested had the same basic chemical structure. DSC analysis showed that pigment paint (V2) has low thermal oxidation stability and lower decomposition temperatures than pigment-free paint (V1), therefore, V2 is less stable under usage conditions, under the influence of normal environmental factors (temperature, humidity, natural or artificial light, etc.) compared to V1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of LDPE (low-density polyethylene) and LDPE-PANSA (low-density polyethylene - 4-Amino-3-hydroxy-1-naphthalenesulfonic acid) copolymer with Ag0.5·Ni0.5·Fe2O4 powder (as a filler) composites were developed. Following the preliminary characterizations on the thermooxidability (by thermal analysis techniques), the dielectric behavior (by dielectric spectroscopy technique), the mechanical behavior, etc. it was found that the developed materials do not show significant changes after 240 h exposure to 150 mW / m2 UV. The addition of 3wt% PANSA in LDPE has the effect of increasing the mechanical performance of polymer composites with Ag0.5·Ni0.5·Fe2O4 filler. The addition of 15 wt% ferritic powder leads to significant increases in dielectric losses (by about 100% in the case of pure LDPE and about 185% of the LDPE copolymer with 3 wt% PANSA) and to the increase of the real component of the relative permittivity (by about 34.4 % in LPDE, respectively about 36.4% in LPDE copolymer / 3% wt PANSA). Dielectric behavior of the investigated materials indicates that the effect of Ag0.5·Ni0.5·Fe2O4 powder in LDPE and of copolimer LDPE with 3 wt% PANSA consists in the increasing of the shielding efficiency of electromagnetic waves - the maximum effect being recorded in the case of the composite material with the content: LDPE 84.5 wt%, 2.5 wt% / PANSA and 13% wt% Ag0.5·Ni0.5·Fe2O4. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Authors are encouraged to provide a concise description of the specific application or a potential application of the work. This section is not mandatory. Three types of dry polarizable electric bioimpedance sensor for skin bioimpedance monitoring without skin preparation have been developed. The sensitive materials as a component of these sensors are the conductive polypyrrole and hybrid nanocomposite polypyrrole-Ag, with 10% and 20% Ag incorporated in the polypyrrole matrix. The hybrid nanocomposites Ag nanoparticles (NPs)/polypyrrole were obtained by introducing the colloid solution of Ag NPs in pyrrole solution, followed by polymerisation, and calculated for 10% and 20% of monomer's mass. The structural characterisation and morphological analysis of these sensitive materials were carried-out by Raman spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. In making the electrodes, the technique of pressing powders of polypyrrole and hybrid composites Ag NPs/polypyrrole in a hydraulic press was used in the form of a disk. The electric bioimpedance performance of sensors was investigated using a two-point method in the frequency range of 1–300 kHz, at a voltage of 2 Vpeak-peak, on six human subjects, three men and three women. For these three bioimpedance sensors, it was found that the electric bioimpedance of the skin decreases across the frequency range and shows good linearity of the impedance-frequency curve on the range frequency of interest in bioimpedance measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In acute infarction patients, small cortical cerebellar infarctions (SCCI) on MRI (assessed on diffusion-weighted imaging, with SCCI often chronic and asymptomatic) are associated with acute cardioembolic infarction. In young cryptogenic stroke patients, patent foramen ovale (PFO) is thought to be a potential source of cardioembolic infarction. We hypothesize that SCCI on MRI would be associated with PFO in young cryptogenic stroke patients. Methods: A total of 321 consecutive young (≤50 years) stroke patients admitted between January 2015 and July 2019 were screened. Of these patients, 287 patients had diagnostic work-up including early-phase MRI, intra- and extracranial vessel imaging, contrast transoesophageal or contrast transthoracic echocardiography, and ≥24 h ECG-monitoring. We retrospectively analyzed MRI scans of the 112 patients with cryptogenic stroke, including 63 with and 49 without PFO. Between both groups, we compared baseline characteristics (including cardiovascular risk factors and history of stroke), MRI characteristics of acute symptomatic infarction (cortical/subcortical localization, arterial territory, lesion number, and lesion size in case of subcortical infarction), atrial septum aneurysm (ASA) presence, and acute and chronic SCCI and non-SCCI lesions assessed on diffusion-weighted imaging. Results: Groups with and without PFO were comparable in regard to performed vessel imaging and echocardiography modalities, baseline characteristics, and acute infarction characteristics, except for more frequent current smoking (67 vs. 44%, p = 0.022) and multiterritorial infarction (14 vs. 0%, p = 0.0024) and less frequent ASA (10 vs. 48%, p < 0.001) in the group without PFO. Risk of Paradoxal Embolism score was >6 in 76% of patients with PFO. SCCI was more frequent in patients with than without PFO (33 vs. 10%, p = 0.0061; OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.5–12.7), with chronic and asymptomatic SCCI in the vast majority of cases. No difference was observed for non-SCCI lesions. Conclusions: Chronic SCCI are strongly associated with PFO in young cryptogenic stroke patients. Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT04043559. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a native-Moroccan 39-year-old man with left hemiparesis, fever, weight loss, aphthous stomatitis, elbow arthritis and biological inflammatory syndrome. Patient examination showed an infiltrative lesion with heterogeneous restriction and gadolinium enhancement and he was diagnosed with Behcet's disease (BD). Also noted are BD's resulting ocular impairment if untreated and the involvement of the parenchymal central nervous system in BD mortality cases.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that the median door-to-needle (DTN) time for intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) treatment can be reduced to 45 min in a primary stroke centre with MRI-based screening for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS). Methods: From February 2015 to February 2017, the stroke unit of Perpignan general hospital, France, implemented a quality-improvement (QI) process. During this period, patients who received tPA within 4.5 h after AIS onset were included in the QI cohort. Their clinical characteristics and timing metrics were compared each semester and also with those of 135 consecutive patients with AIS treated by tPA during the 1-year pre-QI period (pre-QI cohort). Results: In the QI cohort, 274 patients (92.5%) underwent MRI screening. While the demographic and baseline characteristics were not significantly different between cohorts, the median DTN time was significantly lower in the QI than in the pre-QI cohort (52 vs. 84 min; p < 0.00001). Within the QI cohort, the median DTN time for each semester decreased from 65 to 44 min (p < 0.00001) and the proportion of treated patients with a DTN time ≤45 min increased from 25 to 58.9% (p < 0.0001). Overall, DTN time improvement was associated with a better outcome at 3 months (patients with a modified Rankin Scale score between 0 and 2: 61.8% in the QI vs. 39.3% in the pre-QI cohort; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: A QI process can reduce the DTN within 45 min with MRI as a screening tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The development of polymeric materials offers new perspectives of science and technology due to their outstanding properties. These properties are obtained either due to the effect of dispersion polymers and their polymerization either due to their intervention in structure formation. They were prepared epoxy resin polymer concrete, Portland cement, coarse and fine aggregate and to evaluate the influence of resin dosage on microstructures and density of such structures reinforced concrete mixtures. The paper detailing the raw materials used in experimental works and structural properties of concrete studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of nanotechnologies in the applied biomedical sciences can offer a new way to treat infections and disinfect surfaces, materials, and products contaminated with various types of viruses, bacteria, and fungi. The Cu-Au nanoparticles (NPs) were obtained by an eco-friendly method that allowed the obtaining in a one-step process of size controlled, well dispersed, fully reduced, highly stable NPs at very mild conditions, using high energy ionizing radiations. The gamma irradiation was performed in an aqueous system of Cu2+/Au3+/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)/Ethylene Glycol. After irradiation, the change of color to ruby-red was the first indicator for the formation of NPs. Moreover, the UV-Vis spectra showed a maximum absorption peak between 524 and 540 nm, depending on the copper amount. The Cu-Au NPs presented nearly spherical shapes, sizes between 20 and 90 nm, and a zeta potential of about −44 mV indicating a good electrostatic stability. The biocidal properties performed according to various standards applied in the medical area, in dirty conditions, showed a 5 lg reduction for Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus hirae, a 5 lg reduction for both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses such as Adenovirus type 5, Murine Norovirus, and human Coronavirus 229E, and a 4 lg reduction for Candida albicans, respectively. Thus, the radiochemically synthesized Cu-Au alloy NPs proved to have high biocide efficiency against the tested bacteria, fungi, and viruses (both encapsulated and non-encapsulated). Therefore, these nanoparticle solutions are suitable to be used as disinfectants in the decontamination of hospital surfaces or public areas characterized by high levels of microbiological contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Refractory chronic migraine is a disabling disorder impacting quality of life. BOTOX® (Onabotulinumtoxin A) is approved as a prophylactic treatment of chronic migraine in patients unresponsive to at least three prior preventive treatments. The objective of this study was to determine the prophylactic effect of 145 U XEOMIN® (Incobotulinumtoxin A) injected at 31 specific sites in adult patients with refractory chronic migraine. Sixty-one patients (8 men and 53 women, mean age 50) with migraine were recruited, including 20 patients with isolated chronic migraine, 18 patients with chronic migraine associating tension-type headache, 12 patients with migraine associating medication overuse headache, and 11 patients with episodic disabling migraine. The mean number of injections and duration of treatment per patient was 3.5 (range 2–13) and 21 (6–68) months, respectively. From baseline to first injection, 44 patients (73%) had >50% reduction in frequency of migraine episodes, 29 patients (48%) showed >50% reduction in number of headache days, and 28 patients (46%) had a >50% reduction in drug intake. Stable response for all three parameters was observed after the last injection. XEOMIN® thus seems to represent an effective and sustained prophylactic treatment of chronic migraine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract 500 nm thick silver-zinc oxide (Ag-ZnO) films were grown by electron beam evaporation on 316 L stainless steel (SS) substrate and on 150 nm thick Inconel 600 (IN600) interlayer. The films were annealed in air at 500 °C for 1 h. The morphological and structural analyses confirmed smooth, uniform, homogeneous and crack-free surfaces with nanocrystalline grain size for all films. The elemental composition analysis yielded up to 0.6 wt% Ag in Ag-ZnO/IN600 films. The ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy along with mechanical and electrochemical tests revealed improved optical, scratch resistance and electrochemical properties of Ag-ZnO/IN600 films than Ag-ZnO films. Ag-ZnO/IN600 and Ag-ZnO films exhibited higher antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans pathogens, comparatively with IN600 films and SS substrate. The superior functional properties of Ag-ZnO/IN600 films suggest their potential for practical applications as antimicrobial and robust coatings on SS surface-contacting medical devices with limited exposure. Highlights • Efficient growing of Inconel 600 and Ag-ZnO films on 316L stainless steel • Electron beam evaporated and annealed Ag-ZnO films have crystalline nature. • Functional properties improvement of Ag-ZnO films using Inconel 600 interlayer • Ag-ZnO/Inconel 600 and Ag-ZnO films with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity • Ag-ZnO/Inconel 600 films are potential candidates for medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]