Role of smoking on body fat distribution and coronary artery disease

Introduction

Smoking and obesity are recognized as important modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the general perception that smoking protects against obesity is a common reason for starting, and/or not quitting smoking.

Purpose

To detect the quantity, quality and relative distribution of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) estimated by abdominal computed tomography in smokers versus non- smokers.

Methods

The abdominal muscular wall was traced manually to calculate SAT and VAT areas (cm2) (outside and inside abdominal muscular wall respectively) as well as SAT density [Hounsfield units (HU)] at L4-L5 in 409 consecutive patients referred for evaluation of chest pain by multi-slice computed tomography coronary angiography (MSCT-CA).

Results

26% of the studied patients (n=107) were current smokers, while the remaining 74% (n=302) never smoked. Coronary artery atherosclerosis was more prevalent in smokers compared to non-smokers (64.5% vs 55.0%; p=0.09). Smokers had statistically significantly lower body mass index (BMI) (31.2±4.3 vs. 32.5±4.7 kg/m2; p=0.015), hip circumference (HC) (98.6±22.5 vs. 103.9±20.9 cm; p=0.031), total fat area (441.62±166.34 vs. 517.95±169.51cm2; p<0.001), and SAT area (313.07±125.54 vs. 390.93±143.28 cm2; p<0.001) as compared to non-smokers. However, smokers had statistically significantly greater waist-to-hip ratio (0.98±0.08 vs. 0.96±0.08; p=0.010), VAT/SAT area ratio (0.41±0.23 vs. 0.35±0.20; p=0.013), and denser SAT depot (−98.91±7.71 vs. −102.08±6.44 HU; p<0.001).

Conclusion

Smoking contributes to CAD and to the pathogenic redistribution of body fat towards VAT, through limiting SAT potential to expand.

Funding Acknowledgement

Type of funding source: None

Inclusion of graphene on LDPE properties

The spread of graphene in low-density polyethylene (LDPE) improves LDPE/graphene nanocompounds' thermal/mechanical/electrical characteristics. The images of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verify full graphene exfoliation at 1000 °C. Inclusion graphene develops crystallinity; increases the local order of lattice and thermal stability of LDPE/graphene nanocompounds. The consistent distributions and further inclusion of graphene caused the great heat breakdown strength, increasing heat breakdown activation energy and a superior melting point (Tm) for LDPE nanocompounds. Percolation occurs with the graphene incorporation of 0.5 wt%. The complex viscosity test showed Newtonian behavior for LDPE at a very low frequency. But, graphene inclusion to LDPE changed the viscosity performance from liquid-like to solid-like which caused a decrease in the melt flow rate (MFR) values for all LDPE/graphene nanocompounds.

The Effect of TMPTMA Addition on Electron-beam Irradiated LDPE, EVA and Blend Properties

In this work low density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) were blended in the presence of trimethylol propane trimethylacrylate (TMPTMA) (0 to 6 phr). The resultant blends were irradiated with a 3 MeV electron-beam resulting in dosages of 0 to 240 kGy using a rhodotron accelerator system. The effect of radiation exposure on the LDPE/EVA/TMPTMA blend properties were investigated with respect to gel content, tensile strength and elongation up to breakage of the blends. The findings indicate that increasing EVA and TMPTMA content yield tighter network structures through enhanced blend crosslinking, which is a direct consequence of irradiation. For pure EVA significant tensile strength improvements are evident as irradiation increases up to 210 kGy. Irradiated blends exhibit improved tensile strength and elongation at breakage with respect to pure LDPE and EVA. Volume resistivity (VR) and dielectric constant (DC) of the blends were also studied as a function of EVA content, TMPTMA content and radiation dosage. Increasing EVA and TMPTMA content enhances DC and VR values, whereas, increasing irradiation dosage only effects VR values of the blends. The maximum VR value attained in this work corresponds to a radiation dosage of 170 kGy and a blend comprising of 30 wt% of EVA.

Flammability and Thermal Characterization of Aluminum Hydroxide Filled with LDPE

Aluminum hydroxide (ATH), a non-toxic and environmentally friendly flame retardant, was characterized using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The effect of ATH content on flammability properties of LDPE was also determined using limiting oxygen index (LOI) and smoke density test. The thermal characterization studies showed that the effective temperature range for ATH as a flame retardant is 200 to 350°C. In water release test, it was determined that the release of the water by ATH degradation in ATH increased with increasing temperature. The LOI test showed that the flame retardancy of LDPE increased with increasing ATH content and decreasing ATH particle size. The smoke density test proved that addition of ATH reduced effectively the smoke density of a burning LDPE. It was studied in this paper the effect of ATH particle size on thermal, flammability and viscosity of ATH filled with LDPE.

Preparation of [61Cu]pyruvaldehyde-bis (N 4-methylthiosemicarbazone) complex as a possible PET radiopharmaceutical

Copper-61 (T1/2= 3.33 h) produced via the natZn(p,x) 61Cu nuclear reaction using natural zinc target, was separated from the irradiated target material by a two-step method developed in our laboratory and was used for the preparation of [61Cu]-pyruvaldehyde- bis (N4-methylthiosemicarbazone) ([61Cu]-PTSM) using an in house-made PTSM ligand. An electroplated natural zinc layer on a gold-coated copper backing (zinc and gold layer thicknesses were 80 and 50 μm respectively) was irradiated with 22 MeV; protons (22−12 MeV; on the target). 61Cu was separated by a two-step chromatography method using a cation and an anion exchange column which gave satisfactory results. After 180 μA irradiation of the target for 3.2 hours, about 6.006 Ci of 61Cu2+ was obtained with a radiochemical separation yield of more than 95% and a radionuclidic purity of more than 99% (60Cu as impurity). Colorimetric methods showed that traces of chemical impurities in the product were below the accepted limits. The solution of [61Cu]-PTSM was prepared with a radiochemical yield of higher than 80%, radiochemical purity of better than 98% and specific activity of about 246 Ci/mmol.

Calculation of total effective dose equivalent and collective dose in the event of a LOCA in Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant

In this research, total effective dose equivalent (TEDE) and collective dose (CD) are calculated for the most adverse potential accident in Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant from the viewpoint of radionuclides release to the environment. Calculations are performed using a Gaussian diffusion model and a slightly modified version of AIREM computer code to adopt for conditions in Bushehr. The results are comparable with the final safety analysis report which used DOZAM code. Results of our calculations show no excessive dose in populated regions. Maximum TEDE is determined to be in the WSW direction. CD in the area around the nuclear power plant by a distance of 30 km (138 man Sv) is far below the accepted limits. Thyroid equivalent dose is also calculated for the WSW direction (maximum 25.6 mSv) and is below the limits at various distances from the reactor stack.

Preparation of [61Cu]-2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone complex as a possible PET tracer for malignancies

Due to the interesting anti-proliferative properties of copper-thiosemicarbazone complexes, the production of a (61)Cu-labeled thiosemicarbazone, i.e. 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone (APTS) was investigated. Copper-61 (T(1/2)=3.33 h) was produced via the (64)Zn(p,alpha)(61)Cu nuclear reaction using a natural zinc target irradiated with 22 MeV protons for 500 microAh. The (61)Cu was separated from the irradiated target material by a two-step method and converted to acetate; this yielded a final activity of 222 GBq (6.0 Ci), with a radiochemical yield of >95%. The (61)Cu-acetate was mixed with 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone for 30 min at room temperature to yield [(61)Cu]APTS with a radiochemical yield of more than 80%. Colorimetric methods showed that residual chemical impurities in the product were below the accepted limits. Radio thin layer chromatography (RTLC) showed a radiochemical purity of more than 99% after C(18) column chromatography. A specific activity of about 370-740 MBq/mmol (10-20 Ci/mmol) was obtained. The stability of the final product was checked in the absence and presence of human serum at 37 degrees C for up to 3 h. The partition coefficient of the final complex was also determined.

Synthesis of [75Se]5-ethoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-1,2,3-selenadiazole

Selenium-75 (t1/2 = 120.4d; 100% EC) was prepared in no-carrier-added form by 22MeV proton-bombardment of natural arsenic(III) oxide powder held in a copper-aluminum drawer target (highest yield, 35 microCi/microAh; maximum current, 6 microA), followed by oxidation to [75Se]selenium(IV) oxide. No-carrier-added [75Se]5-ethoxycarbonyl-4-methyl-1,2,3-selenadiazole was prepared in one step from ethylacetoacetate semicarbazone with [75Se]selenium(IV) oxide in glacial acetic acid at 50 degrees C. Column chromatography of the final solution afforded the desired labeled compound in 30% yield and greater than 98% radiochemical purity.

The surface (S-) layer is a virulence factor of Bacteroides forsythus

Bacteroides forsythus has emerged as a crucial periodontal pathogen with possible implications for systemic disease. The aim of this study was to isolate the S-layer from B. forsythus and examine its virulence potential as a part of efforts to characterize virulence factors of B. forsythus. The role of the S-layer in the haemagglutinating and adherent/invasive activities was evaluated. It was observed that the S-layer alone was able to mediate haemagglutination. In adherent and invasive studies, transmission electron microscopy clearly revealed that B. forsythus cells were able to attach to and invade KB cells, showing the formation of a microvillus-like extension around adherent and intracellular bacteria. The quantitative analysis showed that five different B. forsythus strains exhibited attachment (1.9-2.3 %) and invasion (0.4-0.7 %) capabilities. It was also observed through antibody inhibition assays that adherent/invasive activities of B. forsythus are mediated by the S-layer. Furthermore, an in vivo immunization study adopting a murine abscess model was used to prove that the S-layer is involved in the infectious process of abscess formation. While mice immunized with purified S-layer and B. forsythus whole cells did not develop any abscesses when challenged with viable B. forsythus cells, unimmunized mice developed abscesses. Collectively, the data obtained from these studies indicate that the S-layer of B. forsythus is a virulence factor.

Recovery of Candida dubliniensis and other yeasts from human immunodeficiency virus-associated periodontal lesions

Oral and subgingival samples from periodontal lesions were collected from 54 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive and 20 HIV-negative patients and cultured for yeast species. Of the 54 samples cultured from HIV-positive patients, 44 (82%) were positive for yeast species, of which 29 (66%) were subgingival. A total of 19 (48%) patients were positive for Candida dubliniensis, of which 15 (79%) were colonized in subgingival sites. Seven isolates of Candida glabrata, two isolates of Candida parapsilosis, and one isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae were recovered. This study reports for the first time the recovery of C. dubliniensis from subgingival intraoral sites and confirms the presence of Candida species in sites of periodontal disease associated with HIV.

[Differentiated treatment of acute infectious pulmonary destruction]

The results of treatment for pulmonary abscess and gangrene in 565 patients are analyzed. The treatment was conducted according to peculiarities of clinical course of the disease. The method of first choice is complex conservative treatment with performance of draining and delayed operations according to the indications.

Bilateral interstitial cell tumour of the testes

The authors report a case of bilateral interstitial cell tumour of the testes. A 64-year-old man presented with painless testicular swellings of many years' duration. No hormonal disturbance was manifested but the patient was achondroplastic and diabetic. Bilateral orchiectomy was performed. The patient remained well. This is a rare tumour and bilateral involvement is extremely unusual.