RESUMEN
Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are widely used in industry due to their impressive strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and high durability. One of the primary components of FRPs is synthetic resins, specifically epoxy, which has been identified as harmful to the environment. To address this concern, an eco-friendly alternative made from basalt fibres and bio resin has the potential to reduce the environmental impact. This study investigates Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) laminates manufactured using two bio resins, AMPRO™ BIO and Change Climate, comparing them to one conventional epoxy resin, WEST SYSTEM®, in terms of tensile modulus, strength and fracture toughness, as well as shear properties. The results indicate that BFRP laminates made with bio resins exhibit comparable or better mechanical properties to their conventional counterparts with tensile strength being between 6 and 17% more in bio resins compared to the conventional resin, thereby paving the way for further exploration of sustainable FRP laminates in future engineering applications.
RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether enhanced daily weekend physiotherapy (EWP) for patients with hip fracture was associated with improved clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed all previously ambulatory adults admitted with hip fracture to our tertiary hospital, comparing 'usual' ('control') care (09/19-03/20) to EWP (09/20-03/21). Outcomes included Day-7 mobility ≥20 m (primary), additional mobility measures, specified postoperative complications, new residential facility placement, acute length-of-stay (LOS) and 30-day death. RESULTS: Amongst 235 eligible patients (128 control, 107 EWP), 66% were female, mean age was 80.4 years (SD 10.5), 20% from residential care and 49% (114/235) were mobilising without aid at baseline (no between-group differences; all p ≥ .20). Median acute LOS was 10 days (IQR 6-15), total hospital LOS was 21 days (IQR 12-37) and 3% (n = 6) died by Day 30. Median Day-7 distance mobilised was 25 m (IQR 7-50) with EWP versus 10 m (3-40) (p = .06). No EWP patients developed pressure injury (0 vs. 6, p = .02); other outcomes were similar between groups. Adjusting for age, residence, baseline cognitive impairment, American Society of Anesthesiologist score and preadmission mobilisation without aids, EWP was independently associated with increased likelihood of mobilising ≥20 m at Day 7 (aOR 1.83, 95% CI 1.04-3.23, p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced daily weekend physiotherapy was associated with improvement in early mobility, but not other outcomes assessed. These data would be strengthened by randomised controlled trial data exploring more intense physiotherapy, cost-benefit analysis and patient experience measures.
RESUMEN
Ex vivo-expanded mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transduced with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) retroviral construct and subsequently infused into 3 adult baboons following lethal total body irradiation and hematopoietic support or without any prior conditioning. To study the long-term fate of these MSCs, necropsies were performed between 9 and 21 months following MSC infusion, and an average of 16 distinct tissues were recovered from each recipient and evaluated for the presence of the GFP transgene in purified genomic DNA by sensitive real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Two baboons received autologous and one allogeneic GFP-transduced MSCs. Both allogeneic and autologous MSCs appeared to distribute in a similar manner. Gastrointestinal tissues harbored high concentrations of transgene per microgram of DNA. Additional tissues including kidney, lung, liver, thymus, and skin were also found to contain relatively high amounts of DNA equivalents. Estimated levels of engraftment in these tissues ranged from 0.1% to 2.7%. The nonconditioned recipient appeared to have less abundant engraftment. These data suggest that MSCs initially distribute broadly following systemic infusion and later may participate in ongoing cellular turnover and replacement in a wide variety of tissues.