Search results for "BFR"

An in-depth analysis shows a hidden atherogenic lipoprotein profile in non-diabetic chronic kidney disease patients

2019

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an independent risk factor for atherosclerotic disease. We hypothesized that CKD promotes a proatherogenic lipid profile modifying lipoprotein composition and particle number. Methods: Cross-sectional study in 395 non-diabetic individuals (209 CKD patients and 186 controls) without statin therapy. Conventional lipid determinations were combined with advanced lipoprotein profiling by nuclear magnetic resonance, and their discrimination ability was assessed by machine learning. Results: CKD patients showed an increase of very-low-density (VLDL) particles and a reduction of LDL particle size. Cholesterol and triglyceride content of VLDLs and intermed…

Microbiological characterization and effect of resin composites in cervical lesions

2017

Background Non carious cervical lesions associated to muscle hyperfunctions are increasing. Microhybrid resin composites are used to restore cervical abfractions. The purpose of this study was to investigate if resin composites modify tooth plaque, inducing an increment of cariogenic microflora and evaluate their effect, in vivo and in vitro, against S. mutans. Material and Methods Eight abfractions were restored with two microhybrid resin composites (Venus, Heraeus-Kulzer® and Esthet-X, Dentsply®), after gnatological therapy, in three patients with muscle hyperfunctions. For each abfraction three samples of plaque were taken from the cervical perimeter: before the restoration, one week and…

Treatment of Advanced Hormone Receptor-Positive (HR+) HER2-negative Breast Cancer

2019

AbstractThe article gives an overview of current treatment options for metastatic hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer. The focus is on combined therapies, e.g., with CDK4/6 inhibition compared with purely endocrine-based therapies in the pre- and postmenopause, presenting the latest study results. The addition of a CDK4/6 inhibitor to endocrine-based therapy with an aromatase inhibitor or fulvestrant leads to a marked improvement in progression-free survival and is independently beneficial whether palbociclib, ribociclib or abemaciclib is involved. The particular clinical status of inhibition of cyclin-dependent kinases argues for its use in the first-line treatment of…

Experimental investigation on the effectiveness of basalt-fibre strengthening systems for confining masonry elements

L’impiego di materiali compositi per il rinforzo di colonne in muratura è diventato una pratica ampiamente diffusa nel corso degli ultimi decenni. Questa tecnica, che consiste generalmente nell’applicazione di materiali polimerici fibrorinforzati (Fibre Reinforced Polymer-FRP), ha mostrato buone potenzialità, essendo in grado di garantire notevoli incrementi di resistenza e duttilità dell’elemento rinforzato, grazie ad un’azione di confinamento passivo. Tuttavia, l’impiego di compositi a matrice polimerica presenta alcuni limiti legati soprattutto alle prestazioni delle resine epossidiche, che a causa della loro natura sintetica danno luogo a problemi di compatibilità con il supporto murari…

Effectiveness of BFRP confinement on the compressive behaviour of clay brick masonry cylinders

2020

Abstract This paper presents the results of an experimental and analytical study on the compressive behaviour of small clay brick masonry cylinders reinforced with a basalt fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP) composite. Fourteen cylinders, manufactured using two assembling schemes and confined using either one or two layers of BFRP grids, were tested under monotonic compression loading. Traditional strain measuring systems were integrated with digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The BFRP confined masonry cylinders showed a ductile behaviour characterised by a softening branch of the stress–strain curve. The experimental strains, strength, and full stress–strain curves were modelled using…

On the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) for evaluating the tensile behaviour of BFRCM strips

2019

Abstract. Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (FRCM) composites are becoming largely adopted for retrofitting masonry structures. These materials offer several advantages in comparison to Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites, such as good resistance to fire and high temperatures, vapour permeability, possibility to be applied on wet surfaces, higher compatibility with the masonry substrate. However, the tensile behavior of FRCM materials is more complex compared to FRP composites, due to the limited tensile strength of the cement-based matrix. For this reason, FRCM materials require appropriate tensile characterization and, in this context, the use of non-conventional measurement syst…

LDL and HDL subfractions, dysfunctional HDL: treatment options.

2014

Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are considered as important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), while highdensity lipoproteins (HDL) are well recognized for their putative role in reverse cholesterol transport and other atheroprotective functions. Both LDL and HDL are heterogeneous in nature, including various subfractions depending on the method of isolation (≥ 7 LDL and 10 HDL subspecies, respectively). While it is established that small, dense LDL (sdLDL) have atherogenic potential, the role of different HDL subfractions is still largely unclear. The majority of clinical studies suggest an atheroprotective role of larger HDL particles, although recent work has highlighted the…

AGO Algorithms for the Treatment of Breast Cancer: Update 2021

2021

Geburtshilfe und Frauenheilkunde 81(10), 1101-1111 (2021). doi:10.1055/a-1519-7089

Investigation on Application of Basalt Materials as Reinforcement for Flexural Elements of Concrete Bridges

2015

Basalt polymers are rather new materials for civil engineering; therefore, identification of peculiarities and limitations of application of such polymers in concrete structures (particularly bridges) is of vital importance. This paper experimentally investigates deformation behaviour and cracking of flexural elements, which are predominant parameters governing serviceability of the bridges. Unlike a common practice, the present study is not limited by the analysis of concrete beams reinforced with the polymer bars; it also considers effectiveness of basalt fibre reinforced polymer sheets for repairing the beams. The analysis has revealed that a combination of the high strength and elastici…

Lipoprotein profile and high-density lipoproteins: subfractions distribution in centenarians.

1998

In order to assess the role of HDL on longevity, we studied HDL subfraction distribution in centenarian women compared with a group of weight- and gender-matched healthy normolipidemic controls. We did not find any significant difference in the mean plasma lipid, apolipoprotein, and Lp(a) levels. On the contrary, in spite of similar HDL-cholesterol concentrations (1.32 ± 0.41 mmol/l in centenarians vs. 1.32 ± 0.25 mmol/l in controls, p = not significant), HDL<sub>2b</sub> and HDL<sub>3a</sub> levels were, respectively, significantly increased and significantly reduced in centenarians in comparison with controls (HDL<sub>2b</sub> 32.4 ± 9.2% in centenarian…