bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early Warning for Ovarian Diseases Based on Plasma Non-esterified Fatty Acid and Calcium Concentrations in Dairy Cows
Authors: Song Yuxi , Cheng Jiaxin , Yu Hang , Wang Zhijie , Bai Yunlong , Xia Cheng , Xu Chuang
Published: December 2021

Inactive ovaries (IO) and ovarian (follicular or luteal) cysts (FC or LC) are two common ovarian diseases leading to infertility in dairy cattle. Both disorders are associated with altered metabolites and hormones. There are currently no known effective biomarkers that can be used for early diagnosis of ovarian diseases. The purpose of this study was to identify the plasma biomarkers of ovarian diseases in Holstein dairy cows that facilitate an early diagnosis of the diseases and control its progression. The experiment was performed from 3 weeks postpartum and last for 7 weeks. Seventy-six multiparous Holstein cows (mean age, 4.36 years; weight, 635.63 kg) were divided into healthy control group (HC, n = 22), FC group (n = 18), LC group (n = 18) and IO group (n = 18) by rectal palpation or ultrasonography during the last 2 weeks before trial end. Blood was collected via tail vein for measurement of plasma energy metabolites, liver function indicators, minerals, and hormones at 3 and 8 weeks postpartum. Data were analyzed by Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlation, binary logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis, where applicable. At 8 weeks postpartum, FC cows had a more severe body condition score loss and these had greater levels of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and estradiol, and lesser levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), progesterone and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels than HC cows (P < 0.05). LC cows had a lower milk yield, higher NEFA and progesterone levels, and lower calcium, phosphorus and magnesium levels than HC cows (P < 0.05). IO cows had a lower body condition score, higher NEFA levels, and lower ALT, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, estradiol, progesterone and IGF-1 levels than HC cows (P < 0.05). At 3 weeks postpartum, cows with ovarian diseases had greater (P < 0.05) concentrations of NEFA, and lesser concentrations of ALT, calcium, phosphorus and IGF-1 than HC cows. Early warning values for ovarian diseases were plasma NEFA concentrations >0.50 mmol/L, or calcium concentrations <2.02 mmol/L. Therefore, plasma NEFA and calcium could be used as early-warning indicators for ovarian diseases in dairy cows.
High Dose Vardenafil Blunts the Hypertensive Effects of Toll-Like Receptor 3 Activation During Pregnancy
Authors: Balasubbramanian Dakshnapriya , Dharani Sathish , Tauseef Mohammad , Khan Mansoor A. , Rahman Ziyaur , Mitchell Brett M.
Published: December 2021

The maternal innate immune system plays a central role in preeclampsia (PE). Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune system receptors that recognize characteristics of extracellular endogenous ligands or pathogens, and their activation leads to a pro-inflammatory immune response. We and others have reported that excessive activation of TLRs causes pregnancy-dependent hypertension in animals and is associated with PE in women. Activation of TLR3 by poly I:C mimics the innate immune system activation by viruses that women who develop PE encounter during pregnancy. Vardenafil was approved by the FDA for erectile dysfunction but has recently been examined as a potential PE medication due to studies done with a similar drug, sildenafil. Preclinical as well as recent clinical studies demonstrate the potential effectiveness of sildenafil for PE. However, vardenafil is more potent than sildenafil and acts by increasing expression of placental growth factor in addition to increasing cGMP levels. We hypothesized that vardenafil will be more potent and effective in reducing the negative health effects in a mouse model of virus-induced PE. Pregnant mice were injected with the TLR3 agonist poly I:C (PPIC) on gestational days 13, 15, and 17. We treated PPIC mice with a high dose of vardenafil (50 mg human equivalent), a lower dose of vardenafil (20 mg human equivalent), or sildenafil (50 mg human equivalent) on gestational days 15–17 after hypertension was established. Daily i.p. injections of either high dose or low dose vardenafil significantly decreased systolic blood pressure in PPIC mice whereas sildenafil had no effect. There were no differences in body weight between the groups. The splenomegaly induced in PPIC mice was ameliorated in high dose vardenafil-treated PPIC mice, while low dose vardenafil-treated and sildenafil-treated PPIC mice still exhibited splenomegaly. High dose vardenafil-treated PPIC mice also did not exhibit any fetal demise characteristic of PPIC mice, while low dose vardenafil-treated and sildenafil-treated PPIC mice still had significantly increased incidences of fetal demise. These data support the notion that high dose vardenafil may be safe and effective at reducing blood pressure during a virus-associated hypertensive pregnancy.
A short implantátumok alkalmazásának tapasztalatai az irodalomban
Authors: Vajdovich István , Orosz Mihály
Published: December 2021

Az irodalomban és a napi fogorvosi praxisban is egyre többet találkozhatunk a short implantátumok alkalmazásával.A témával foglalkozó nemzetközi publikációk száma jelentősen megnőtt az elmúlt években. Mivel az alkalmazással kapcsolatbannagyon sok a vitatott kérdés, a szerzők célul tűzték ki, hogy az irodalomban fellelhető publikációk legfontosabbtapasztalatait bemutassák a téma iránt érdeklődő, a dentális implantológiát művelő kollégák számára. A 33 közlemény(melyből 9 review, 24 clinical study) eredményei alapján, a megfelelő indikációk és kontraindikációk figyelembevételévela szerzők a short implantátumok alkalmazására a napi fogorvosi–implantológiai praxisban is lehetőséget látnak ésazt javasolják.
BMP-2 hatása a humán embrionális szájpadlásból származó mesenchymalis preosteoblast sejtek morfológiájára és proliferációjára
Authors: Hrubi Edit , Imre László , Bacsó Zsolt , Bíró Sándor , Jenei Attila , Hegedűs Csaba
Published: December 2021

Fogászati implantáció során a hiányzó fogat vagy fogakat „műgyökerek”, beültetésével pótoljuk. Az integráció folyamatánakfelgyorsítása érdekében az egyik legújabb törekvés bioaktív anyagokkal, növekedési faktorokkal segíteni azimplantátum körül a csontképződést. Ilyen molekula az amerikai gyógyszer- és élelmiszerügyi hatóság (FDA) által iselfogadott növekedési faktor a Bone Morfogenic Protein 2 (BMP-2) is. A BMP-2 ilyen jellegű alkalmazását in vitro tesztelésrealkalmas sejtvonalakon vizsgálják. Egyike ezeknek az osteoblast progenitor jellegű humán embrionális szájpadlásmesenchyma (HEPM) sejtvonal. Kísérleteink során vizsgáltuk a BMP-2 homodimer fehérjék hatását HEPM sejtek morfológiájáravalamint proliferációjára, rövid idejű, háromnapos kezelés után.Eredményeink azt mutatták, hogy háromnapos kezelés hatására a BMP-2 koncentrációjának függvényében a kezeltsejtek hamarabb tapadtak le, de végleges morfológiájukban, valamint proliferációjukban nem volt különbség.A kezelés idejét növelve azonban a sejtek osztódási képessége lecsökkent, ami utalhat a sejtek differenciációjára.
Biotípus jelentősége a fogászati-parodontális kezelések kiszámíthatóságában
Authors: Palkovics Dániel , Gera István
Published: December 2021

Háttér: A feszes íny dimenziója fontos szempont a parodontális egészség fenntartásában, a bakteriális plakk akkumulációjára adott válaszreakciójában, és befolyásolja fogászati sikeres kimenetelét. Ezért a gingivális biotípus meghatáro-zása kiemelt fontosságú a fogorvosi gyakorlatban. Keresztmetszeti vizsgálatunk célja, hogy egészséges egyénekben meghatározzuk a gingiva vastagságát és szélességét parodontálisan, és antropometriai adatokat szolgáltassunk a magyar lakosságról.Anyag és eszköz: A vizsgálatban 68 parodontálisan egészséges páciens vett részt. Átlagéletkoruk 21 év volt (14–28 év). A biotípust a szonda gingivális transzparenciája alapján határoztuk meg az egyes fogak mellett, a fogak buccalis oldalán a középvonalban. Három biotípus osztályt különítettünk el. Amennyiben az íny vastagsága > 1 mm, akkor vékony biotípusról, ha 1–2 mm, akkor közepes biotípusról, ha pedig < 2 mm, akkor vastag biotípusról beszélhetünk. A biotípust és az íny szélességét egyaránt UNC-15 parodontális szondával határoztuk meg. Az adatokat statisztikailag elemeztük és összehasonlítottuk egymással, nem, állcsont és fogcsoport szempontjából.Eredmények: Vékony biotípus szignifikánsan gyakrabban fordult elő nőkben, a férfiakban a vastag biotípus volt dominánsabb. Gyakori volt az egy állcsonton belüli biotípusváltás az egyes fogcsoportok között. A keratinizált íny átlagszélessége nagyobb volt a maxillán, mint a mandibulán. A biotípus és a fogak mellett mért ínyszélességek között nem találtunk szoros összefüggést. Manifeszt ínyrecesszió csak vékony biotípus esetén fordult elő.Konklúzió: Felmérésünkben megállapítottuk, hogy a biotípus nemenként és fogcsoportonként igen eltérő lehet, és hogy a biotípus nem volt hatással a keratinizált íny szélességére.
Dohányzás és pikkelysömör mint együttes rizikófaktor a fogágybetegségben
Authors: Gheorghita Dorottya , Antal Márk , Nagy Katalin , Kertész Annamária , Braunitzer Gábor
Published: December 2021

Az irodalom a dohányzást és a pikkelysömört is a krónikus parodontitisre hajlamosító tényezők között tartja számon. Azis ismert, hogy a dohányzás a pikkelysömörben és a parodontitisben is állapotromlást idéz elő. Mindeddig azonban csaksaját, korábbi tanulmányunk foglalkozott azzal, hogy a parodontitisre nézve milyen következményekkel jár, ha a pikkelysömörösbeteg dohányzik is. Jelen munkánkban kibővített mintán ismételtük meg korábbi méréseinket. A vizsgálatban82 beteg és 117 kontrollszemély vett részt. A parodontalis státusz jellemzéséhez teljes szájüregi vizsgálatot végeztünk.Az egyes kockázati tényezők fennállása esetén azt vizsgáltuk, hogy ezek mennyivel növelik meg a parodontitis súlyosabbstádiumainak kialakulási esélyét. A dohányzáshoz köthető kockázatnövekedés 1,32-szorosnak adódott (p = 0,465),a betegség fennállásával összefüggésbe hozható kockázatnövekedés pedig 1,85-szoros volt (p = 0,163). Ha a dohányzása betegséggel együttesen állt fenn, a súlyos stádiumok kialakulásának esélye 6,22-ra növekedett (p < 0,001), ami többszöröseannak, mintha a kockázati tényezők egyszerűen kombinálódtak volna. Ez a kockázati tényezők szinergiájára utal.
Fogbél eredetű őssejtek hatása a titánimplantátumok osszeointegrálódására patkány farokcsigolya-modellben
Authors: Perczel-Kovách Katalin Erzsébet , Farkasdi Sándor , Kálló Karola , Hegedűs Orsolya , Kerémi Beáta , Cuisinier Frederic , Blazsek József , Varga Gábor
Published: December 2021

Az elmúlt évtizedben számos reménykeltő, sikeres kísérlet történt nagyobb kiterjedésű csonthiányok gyógyítására őssejtekalkalmazásával. Az implantátumok osszeointegrációjának őssejtekkel történő elősegítését illető ismereteink ugyanakkorsporadikusak. Kutatócsoportunk számos korábbi munkájában foglalkozott fog eredetű őssejtkultúrák jellemzésével,elsősorban in vitro körülmények között. Emellett patkány farokcsigolyában a közelmúltban kifejlesztettünk egy kvantitatívmódon követhető osszeointegrációs modellt. Jelen vizsgálatunk célja volt megismerni, hogy az implantátumokosszeointegrációját hogyan befolyásolják az implantátum és csont közé bejuttatott patkányfog eredű mesenchymalisőssejtek (DPSC) differenciálatlan, illetve oszteogén irányba elődifferenciáltatott állapotban. Eredményeink szerint az implantátumés csont közé beékelődött differenciálatlan pulpasejtek lassítják az implantátum integrációját. Ezzel szembenaz oszteogén irányba elődifferenciáltatott DPSC sejtek már nem rontják az osszeointegrációt. Eredményeink arra utalnak,hogy a mesenchymalis őssejtek alkalmazásának sikere nagyban függ az alkalmazás körülményeitől, különösen isa vivőanyagok és oszteogén komponensek együttes alkalmazásától.
TMI diszfunkcióval rendelkező páciens komplett ellátása
Authors: Sápi Béla , Nemes Júlia , Tóth Zsuzsanna
Published: December 2021

A nem megfelelő temporomandibuláris ízületi pozíció következménye a rágóizomzat hibás működése is lehet, amely gyakran más területen is jelentkező, igen különböző tünetekért felelős. A korszerű fogorvosi felfogás szerint a komplett protetikai rehabilitáció során a rágószervek – mint a szervezet egészébe illeszkedő anatómiai és élettani egységek –optimális pozíciójának elérésére törekszünk. Ezért fontos, hogy kiterjedtebb fogpótlás készítése során felhasználjuk gnatológiai alapismereteinket, hiszen így megelőzhetünk/helyreállíthatunk állkapocs-ízületi problémákat is. A bemuta-tott esetben egy 72 éves hölgy páciens krónikus fej- és nyakfájását sikerült megfelelő protetikai ellátással panasz és tünetmentessé tenni.
Gyökéramputált és betéttel restaurált felső moláris fogak törési ellenállásának in vitro vizsgálata
Authors: Szabó Balázs , Gabriella Eördegh , Szabó P. Balázs , Fráter Márk
Published: December 2021

Bevezetés: Jelen vizsgálat célja az ép parodonciummal és a furkáció érintett, parodontális defektussal körülvett, gyökéramputált és betéttel restaurált fogak töréssel szembeni ellenállásának vizsgálata.Anyag és módszer: 14 darab kihúzott és gyökérkezelt, II. osztályú MOD kavitással rendelkező felső nagyőrlő fogat csonkfelépítést követően kompozit betéttel restauráltunk. Ezt követően a fogak meziobukkális gyökerét amputáltuk és a fogakat a gyökerek körüli beágyazás szintje alapján két csoportba osztottunk. Beágyazást követően a fogakat törésig statikus terhelési tesztnek tettük ki. A töréssel szembeni ellenállás mellett a törés mintázatát is vizsgáltuk.Eredmények: Az ép parodontális viszonyokkal rendelkező csoport töréssel szembeni ellenállása átlagosan 2655,53 N(n = 7, SD = ±1107,27 N) volt, míg a károsodott parodontális viszonyokkal rendelkező csoporté 1624,12N (n = 7, SD = ±535,03 N). A törési mintázat tekintetében ez utóbbi csoport összes mintája kedvezőtlen, nem restaurálható törést hozott létre.Megbeszélés: jelen vizsgálat alapján a gyökéramputált fogak körül lévő csontos megtámasztás mértéke befolyásolja a fogak töréssel szembeni ellenállását és a létrejött törés mintázatát is.
A Luminescent, Water-Soluble Ir(III) Complex as a Potential Photosensitizer for Two-Photon Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Szerb Elisabeta I. , Chatterjee Sharmistha , La Deda Massimo , Palermo Giovanna , Sancey Lucie , Strangi Giuseppe , Ricciardi Loredana
Published: December 2021

This work reports the study of two-photon induced properties of a highly luminescent cyclometalated Ir(III) complex, [Ir(ppy)2(en)] OOCCH3 (1), ppy = 2-phenylpyridine, en = ethylenediamine. Steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence measurements were performed by exciting 1 at the biologically relevant wavelength of 800 nm, whereas, the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) was evaluated using 9,10-Anthracenediyl-bis(methylene)dimalonic acid (ABDA) as a detection probe. Preliminary in vitro experiments with U87-MG cells were performed, showing the potential of this compound as a two-photon photodynamic therapy (2P-PDT) agent at NIR wavelengths.
Viscosupplementation in the Therapy for Osteoarthritic Knee
Authors: Park Junghyun , Park Hue Jung , Rho Min Cheol , Joo Jin
Published: December 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative disease that is spreading worldwide due to an aging population. This is not simply a disease caused by worn out joints, but a complex disease accompanied by various mechanisms such as inflammatory reactions. Among various joints, knee joints show degenerative changes earlier than other joints because they carry most of the weight load, causing social-economic problems. In the case of OA of the knee that does not respond to relatively simple conservative treatments such as physical therapy or medication, intra-articular injection is preferred. However, intra-articular injection drugs have limited effectiveness and uncertainties. There are several intra-articular viscous supplement drugs such as hyaluronic acid. Tissue regeneration active materials such as polydeoxyribonucleotide and polynucleotide are also newly used. The objective of this paper was to compare effects of intra-articular supplementation drugs used for degenerative arthritis of the knee.
Soil Fungal Diversity of the Aguarongo Andean Forest (Ecuador)
Authors: Delgado Ernesto F. , Valdez Adrián T. , Covarrubias Sergio A. , Tosi Solveig , Nicola Lidia
Published: December 2021

Fungi represent an essential component of ecosystems, functioning as decomposers and biotrophs, and they are one of the most diverse groups of Eukarya. In the tropics, many species are unknown. In this work, high-throughput DNA sequencing was used to discover the biodiversity of soil fungi in the Aguarongo forest reserve, one of the richest biodiversity hotspots in Ecuador. The rDNA metabarcoding analysis revealed the presence of seven phyla: Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, Mucoromycota, Glomeromycota, Chytridiomycota, and Monoblepharomycota. A total of 440 identified species were recorded. They mainly belonged to Ascomycota (263) and Basidiomycota (127). In Mortierellomycota, 12 species were recorded, among which Podila verticillata is extremely frequent and represents the dominant species in the entire mycobiota of Aguarongo. The present research provides the first account of the entire soil mycobiota in the Aguarongo forest, where many fungal species exist that have strong application potential in agriculture, bioremediation, chemical, and the food industry. The Aguarongo forest hides a huge number of unknown fungal species that could be assessed, and its protection is of the utmost importance.
Engineering a Pseudo-26-kDa Schistosoma Glutathione Transferase from bovis/haematobium for Structure, Kinetics, and Ligandin Studies
Authors: Padi Neo , Akumadu Blessing Oluebube , Faerch Olga , Aloke Chinyere , Meyer Vanessa , Achilonu Ikechukwu
Published: December 2021

Glutathione transferases (GSTs) are the main detoxification enzymes in schistosomes. These parasitic enzymes tend to be upregulated during drug treatment, with Schistosoma haematobium being one of the species that mainly affect humans. There is a lack of complete sequence information on the closely related bovis and haematobium 26-kDa GST isoforms in any database. Consequently, we engineered a pseudo-26-kDa S. bovis/haematobium GST (Sbh26GST) to understand structure–function relations and ligandin activity towards selected potential ligands. Sbh26GST was overexpressed in Escherichia coli as an MBP-fusion protein, purified to homogeneity and catalyzed 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene-glutathione (CDNB-GSH) conjugation activity, with a specific activity of 13 μmol/min/mg. This activity decreased by ~95% in the presence of bromosulfophthalein (BSP), which showed an IC50 of 27 µM. Additionally, enzyme kinetics revealed that BSP acts as a non-competitive inhibitor relative to GSH. Spectroscopic studies affirmed that Sbh26GST adopts the canonical GST structure, which is predominantly α-helical. Further extrinsic 8-anilino-1-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) spectroscopy illustrated that BSP, praziquantel (PZQ), and artemisinin (ART) might preferentially bind at the dimer interface or in proximity to the hydrophobic substrate-binding site of the enzyme. The Sbh26GST-BSP interaction is both enthalpically and entropically driven, with a stoichiometry of one BSP molecule per Sbh26GST dimer. Enzyme stability appeared enhanced in the presence of BSP and GSH. Induced fit ligand docking affirmed the spectroscopic, thermodynamic, and molecular modelling results. In conclusion, BSP is a potent inhibitor of Sbh26GST and could potentially be rationalized as a treatment for schistosomiasis.
Differences in Distribution and Biological Effects of F3O4@PEG Nanoparticles in Normotensive and Hypertensive Rats—Focus on Vascular Function and Liver
Authors: Micurova Andrea , Kluknavsky Michal , Liskova Silvia , Balis Peter , Skratek Martin , Okruhlicova Ludmila , Manka Jan , Bernatova Iveta
Published: December 2021

We investigate the distribution and biological effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated magnetite (Fe3O4@PEG) nanoparticles (~30 nm core size, ~51 nm hydrodynamic size, 2 mg Fe/kg/day, intravenously, for two days) in the aorta and liver of Wistar–Kyoto (WKY) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Fe3O4@PEG had no effect on open-field behaviour but reduced the blood pressure (BP) of Fe3O4@PEG-treated SHR (SHRu) significantly, compared to both Fe3O4@PEG-treated WKY (WKYu) and saline-treated control SHR (SHRc). The Fe3O4@PEG content was significantly elevated in the aorta and liver of SHRu vs. WKYu. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was unaltered in the aorta, but significantly increased in the liver of SHRu vs. SHRc. In the aorta, Fe3O4@PEG treatment increased eNOS, iNOS, NRF2, and DMT1 gene expression (considered main effects). In the liver, Fe3O4@PEG significantly elevated eNOS and iNOS gene expression in SHRu vs. SHRc, as well as DMT1 and FTH1 gene expression (considered main effects). Noradrenaline-induced contractions of the femoral arteries were elevated, while endothelium-dependent contractions were reduced in SHRu vs. SHRc. No differences were found in these parameters in WKY rats. In conclusion, the results indicated that the altered haemodynamics in SHR affect the tissue distribution and selected biological effects of Fe3O4@PEG in the vasculature and liver, suggesting that caution should be taken when using iron oxide nanoparticles in hypertensive subjects.
2D Projection Maps of WSS and OSI Reveal Distinct Spatiotemporal Changes in Hemodynamics in the Murine Aorta during Ageing and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Andelovic Kristina , Winter Patrick , Kampf Thomas , Xu Anton , Jakob Peter Michael , Herold Volker , Bauer Wolfgang Rudolf , Zernecke Alma
Published: December 2021

Growth, ageing and atherosclerotic plaque development alter the biomechanical forces acting on the vessel wall. However, monitoring the detailed local changes in wall shear stress (WSS) at distinct sites of the murine aortic arch over time has been challenging. Here, we studied the temporal and spatial changes in flow, WSS, oscillatory shear index (OSI) and elastic properties of healthy wildtype (WT, n = 5) and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E-deficient (Apoe−/−, n = 6) mice during ageing and atherosclerosis using high-resolution 4D flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Spatially resolved 2D projection maps of WSS and OSI of the complete aortic arch were generated, allowing the pixel-wise statistical analysis of inter- and intragroup hemodynamic changes over time and local correlations between WSS, pulse wave velocity (PWV), plaque and vessel wall characteristics. The study revealed converse differences of local hemodynamic profiles in healthy WT and atherosclerotic Apoe−/− mice, and we identified the circumferential WSS as potential marker of plaque size and composition in advanced atherosclerosis and the radial strain as a potential marker for vascular elasticity. Two-dimensional (2D) projection maps of WSS and OSI, including statistical analysis provide a powerful tool to monitor local aortic hemodynamics during ageing and atherosclerosis. The correlation of spatially resolved hemodynamics and plaque characteristics could significantly improve our understanding of the impact of hemodynamics on atherosclerosis, which may be key to understand plaque progression towards vulnerability.
Thalidomide Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Cutaneous Lupus by Inhibiting the IRF4/NF-ҡB and AMPK1/mTOR Pathways
Authors: Domingo Sandra , Solé Cristina , Moliné Teresa , Ferrer Berta , Cortés-Hernández Josefina
Published: December 2021

Thalidomide is effective in patients with refractory cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE). However, the mechanism of action is not completely understood, and its use is limited by its potential, severe side-effects. Immune cell subset analysis in thalidomide’s CLE responder patients showed a reduction of circulating and tissue cytotoxic T-cells with an increase of iNKT cells and a shift towards a Th2 response. We conducted an RNA-sequencing study using CLE skin biopsies performing a Therapeutic Performance Mapping System (TMPS) analysis in order to generate a predictive model of its mechanism of action and to identify new potential therapeutic targets. Integrating RNA-seq data, public databases, and literature, TMPS analysis generated mathematical models which predicted that thalidomide acts via two CRBN-CRL4A- (CRL4CRBN) dependent pathways: IRF4/NF-ҡB and AMPK1/mTOR. Skin biopsies showed a significant reduction of IRF4 and mTOR in post-treatment samples by immunofluorescence. In vitro experiments confirmed the effect of thalidomide downregulating IRF4 in PBMCs and mTOR in keratinocytes, which converged in an NF-ҡB reduction that led to a resolution of the inflammatory lesion. These results emphasize the anti-inflammatory role of thalidomide in CLE treatment, providing novel molecular targets for the development of new therapies that could avoid thalidomide’s side effects while maintaining its efficacy.
Assessing Surface Texture Features of Asphalt Pavement Based on Three-Dimensional Laser Scanning Technology
Authors: Chen Bo , Xiong Chunlong , Li Weixiong , He Jiarui , Zhang Xiaoning
Published: December 2021

Pavement surface texture features are one of key factors affecting the skid resistance of pavement. In this study, a set of stable and reliable texture measurement equipment was firstly assembled by using the linear laser ranging sensor, control system and data acquisition system. Secondly, the equipment was calibrated, and the superposition error of sensor and control system was tested by making a standard gauge block. Thirdly, four different kinds of asphalt mixture were designed, and their surface texture features were obtained by leveraging a three-dimensional laser scanner. Therefore, the surface texture features were characterized as one-dimensional profile features and three-dimensional surface features. At the end of this study, a multi-scale texture feature characterization method was proposed. Results demonstrate that the measurement accuracy of the laser scanning system in the x-axis direction can be controlled ranging from −0.01 mm to 0.01 mm, the resolution in the XY plane is 0.05 mm, and the reconstructed surface model of surface texture features can achieve a good visualization effect. They also show that the root mean square deviation of surface profiles of different asphalt pavements fluctuates greatly, which is mainly affected by the nominal particle size of asphalt mixture and the proportion of coarse aggregate, and the non-uniformity of pavement texture distribution makes it difficult to characterize the roughness of asphalt pavement effectively by a single pavement surface profile. This study proposed a texture section method to describe the 3D distribution of road surface texture at different depths. The macrotexture of the road surface gradually changes from sparse to dense starting from the shallow layer. The actual asphalt pavement texture can be characterized by a simplified combination model of “cone + sphere + column”. By calculating the surface area distribution of macro and microtextures of different asphalt pavements, it was concluded that the surface area of asphalt pavement under micro scale is about 1.8–2.2 times of the cutting area, and the surface area of macrotexture is about 1.4 times of the cutting area. Moreover, this study proposed texture distribution density to characterize the roughness of asphalt pavement texture at different scales. The SMA index can represent the macroscopic structure level of different asphalt pavements to a certain extent, and the SMI index can well represent the friction level of different asphalt pavements.
Understanding the Function of a Locus Using the Knowledge Available at Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Nikpay Majid , Ravati Sepehr , Dent Robert , McPherson Ruth
Published: December 2021

Understanding the function of a locus is an issue in molecular biology. Although numerous molecular data have been generated in the last decades, it remains difficult to grasp how these data are related at a locus. In this study, we describe an analytical workflow that can solve this problem using the knowledge available at the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) level. The underlying algorithm uses SNPs as connectors to link biological entities and identify correlations between them through a joint bioinformatics/statistics approach. We demonstrate its application in finding the mechanism whereby a mutation causes a phenotype and in revealing the path whereby a gene is regulated and impacts a phenotype. We translate our workflow into publicly available shell scripts. Our approach provides a basic framework to solve the information overload problem in biology surrounding the annotation of a locus and is a step toward repurposing GWAS data for new applications.
Controlling Switchable Electrochromic Glazing for Energy Savings, Visual Comfort and Thermal Comfort: A Model Predictive Control
Authors: Ganji Kheybari Abolfazl , Steiner Tim , Liu Steven , Hoffmann Sabine
Published: December 2021

Dynamic façades play an important role in enhancing the overall performance of buildings: they respond to the environmental conditions and adjust the amount of transmitted solar radiation. This paper proposes a simulation-based framework to evaluate the energy and comfort performance of different control strategies for switchable electrochromic glazing (EC). The presented method shows the impact of a model predictive control (MPC) on energy savings and on visual and thermal comfort for different orientations compared to other strategies. Besides manual operation and conventional rule-based controls, the benchmark in this study was a simulation-based control (multi-objective penalty-based control) with optimal performance. The hourly results of various control cases were analyzed based on the established performance indicators and criteria. The cumulative annual results show the capabilities and limitations of each control strategy for an EC glazing. For a temperate climate (Mannheim, Germany), results showed that an MPC for EC glazing provides visual and thermal comfort while saving energy of up to 14%, 37%, 37%, and 34% respectively for facing north, east, south, and west relative to the base-case.
High-Resolution Computed Tomography and Lung Ultrasound in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: Which One to Choose?
Authors: Ruaro Barbara , Baratella Elisa , Confalonieri Paola , Confalonieri Marco , Vassallo Fabio Giuseppe , Wade Barbara , Geri Pietro , Pozzan Riccardo , Caforio Gaetano , Marrocchio Cristina , Cova Maria Assunta , Salton Francesco
Published: December 2021

Imaging plays a pivotal role in systemic sclerosis for both diagnosis management of pulmonary complications, and high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the most sensitive technique for the evaluation of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease (SSc-ILD). Indeed, several studies have demonstrated that HRCT helps radiologists and clinicians to make a correct diagnosis on the basis of recognised typical patterns for SSc-ILD. Most SSc patients affected by ILD have a non-specific interstitial pneumonia pattern (NISP) on HRCT scan, whilst a minority of cases fulfil the criteria for usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP). Moreover, several recent studies have demonstrated that lung ultrasound (LUS) is an emergent tool in SSc diagnosis and follow-up, although its role is still to be confirmed. Therefore, this article aims at evaluating the role of LUS in SSc screening, aimed at limiting the use of CT to selected cases.
Organic Waste Gasification: A Selective Review
Authors: Frolov Sergey M.
Published: December 2021

This review considers the selective studies on environmentally friendly, combustion-free, allothermal, atmospheric-pressure, noncatalytic, direct H2O/CO2 gasification of organic feedstocks like biomass, sewage sludge wastes (SSW) and municipal solid wastes (MSW) to demonstrate the pros and cons of the approaches and provide future perspectives. The environmental friendliness of H2O/CO2 gasification is well known as it is accompanied by considerably less harmful emissions into the environment as compared to O2/air gasification. Comparative analysis of the various gasification technologies includes low-temperature H2O/CO2 gasification at temperatures up to 1000 °C, high-temperature plasma- and solar-assisted H2O/CO2 gasification at temperatures above 1200 °C, and an innovative gasification technology applying ultra-superheated steam (USS) with temperatures above 2000 °C obtained by pulsed or continuous gaseous detonations. Analysis shows that in terms of such characteristics as the carbon conversion efficiency (CCE), tar and char content, and the content of harmful by-products the plasma and detonation USS gasification technologies are most promising. However, as compared with plasma gasification, detonation USS gasification does not need enormous electric power with unnecessary and energy-consuming gas–plasma transition.
pH Modification of High-Concentrated Collagen Bioinks as a Factor Affecting Cell Viability, Mechanical Properties, and Printability
Authors: Stepanovska Jana , Otahal Martin , Hanzalek Karel , Supova Monika , Matejka Roman
Published: December 2021

The 3D bioprinting of cell-incorporated gels is a promising direction in tissue engineering applications. Collagen-based hydrogels, due to their similarity to extracellular matrix tissue, can be a good candidate for bioink and 3D bioprinting applications. However, low hydrogel concentrations of hydrogel (<10 mg/mL) provide insufficient structural support and, in highly concentrated gels, cell proliferation is reduced. In this study, we showed that it is possible to print highly concentrated collagen hydrogels with incorporated cells, where the viability of the cells in the gel remains very good. This can be achieved simply by optimizing the properties of the bioink, particularly the gel composition and pH modification, as well as by optimizing the printing parameters. The bioink composed of porcine collagen hydrogel with a collagen concentration of 20 mg/mL was tested, while the final bioink collagen concentration was 10 mg/mL. This bioink was modified with 0, 5, 9, 13, 17 and 20 μL/mL of 1M NaOH solution, which affected the resulting pH and gelling time. Cylindrical samples based on the given bioink, with the incorporation of porcine adipose-derived stromal cells, were printed with a custom 3D bioprinter. These constructs were cultivated in static conditions for 6 h, and 3 and 5 days. Cell viability and morphology were evaluated. Mechanical properties were evaluated by means of a compression test. Our results showed that optimal composition and the addition of 13 μL NaOH per mL of bioink adjusted the pH of the bioink enough to allow cells to grow and divide. This modification also contributed to a higher elastic modulus, making it possible to print structures up to several millimeters with sufficient mechanical resistance. We optimized the bioprinter parameters for printing low-viscosity bioinks. With this experiment, we showed that a high concentration of collagen gels may not be a limiting factor for cell proliferation.
Investigating Sand Production Phenomena: An Appraisal of Past and Emerging Laboratory Experiments and Analytical Models
Authors: Eshiet Kenneth Imo-Imo Israel , Sheng Yong
Published: December 2021

This paper provides an in-depth review of research developments on a common phenomenon in oil and gas exploration: sand production. Due to its significant impact to reservoir productivity and production efficiency, sand production has been widely researched in recent years. This paper focused on the review of historical progress in experimental and analytical studies which helped to understand the nature of the sanding mechanism and identify conditions that favour the process. Collation of the experimental data and analytical solutions and formulations enabled the authors to comment on effectiveness and also limitations of the existing experimental protocols and analytical models. Sand production models were then grouped into categories based on initiation of sanding, rate and amount of sanding as well as the failure criterion incorporated in their formulation so that it will be more convenient for future researchers to identify and adopt an appropriate model for their own research. The review also confirms that there are still some aspects of sand production requiring further investigation, and maybe a hybrid approach combining experimental, analytical and numerical methods could be the best solution for future explorations.
HOX Protein Activity Regulation by Cellular Localization
Authors: Bridoux Laure , Gofflot Françoise , Rezsohazy René
Published: December 2021

While the functions of HOX genes have been and remain extensively studied in distinct model organisms from flies to mice, the molecular biology of HOX proteins remains poorly documented. In particular, the mechanisms involved in regulating the activity of HOX proteins have been poorly investigated. Nonetheless, based on data available from other well-characterized transcription factors, it can be assumed that HOX protein activity must be finely tuned in a cell-type-specific manner and in response to defined environmental cues. Indeed, records in protein–protein interaction databases or entries in post-translational modification registries clearly support that HOX proteins are the targets of multiple layers of regulation at the protein level. In this context, we review here what has been reported and what can be inferred about how the activities of HOX proteins are regulated by their intracellular distribution.
Aircraft Engine Performance Monitoring and Diagnostics Based on Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Fentaye Amare Desalegn , Zaccaria Valentina , Kyprianidis Konstantinos
Published: December 2021

The rapid advancement of machine-learning techniques has played a significant role in the evolution of engine health management technology. In the last decade, deep-learning methods have received a great deal of attention in many application domains, including object recognition and computer vision. Recently, there has been a rapid rise in the use of convolutional neural networks for rotating machinery diagnostics inspired by their powerful feature learning and classification capability. However, the application in the field of gas turbine diagnostics is still limited. This paper presents a gas turbine fault detection and isolation method using modular convolutional neural networks preceded by a physics-driven performance-trend-monitoring system. The trend-monitoring system was employed to capture performance changes due to degradation, establish a new baseline when it is needed, and generatefault signatures. The fault detection and isolation system was trained to step-by-step detect and classify gas path faults to the component level using fault signatures obtained from the physics part. The performance of the method proposed was evaluated based on different fault scenarios for a three-shaft turbofan engine, under significant measurement noise to ensure model robustness. Two comparative assessments were also carried out: with a single convolutional-neural-network-architecture-based fault classification method and with a deep long short-term memory-assisted fault detection and isolation method. The results obtained revealed the performance of the proposed method to detect and isolate multiple gas path faults with over 96% accuracy. Moreover, sharing diagnostic tasks with modular architectures is seen as relevant to significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Optimization and Control of a Planar Three Degrees of Freedom Manipulator with Cable Actuation
Authors: Krivošej Jan , Šika Zbyněk
Published: December 2021

The paper analyzes a planar three degrees of freedom manipulator with cable actuation. Such a system can be understood as a special type of hybrid parallel kinematic mechanism composed of the rigid serial chain and the additional auxiliary cable system. The advantage of the auxiliary cable mechanism is the ability to reconfigure the whole system. The fulfillment of sufficient prestressing is the constraint of the optimization process. Computed Torque Control with a cable force distribution algorithm is implemented. The control algorithm performance is examined on different trajectories, including non-smooth motion requests, and its robustness is tested by randomly generated errors of the model parameters in regulators. The results demonstrate that the optimized structure is capable of controlling the manipulator motion and keeping the cable prestressing within the given limits.
Ten Open Questions about Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures
Authors: Bonse Jörn , Gräf Stephan
Published: December 2021

Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are a simple and robust route for the nanostructuring of solids that can create various surface functionalities featuring applications in optics, medicine, tribology, energy technologies, etc. While the current laser technologies already allow surface processing rates at the level of m2/min, industrial applications of LIPSS are sometimes hampered by the complex interplay between the nanoscale surface topography and the specific surface chemistry, as well as by limitations in controlling the processing of LIPSS and in the long-term stability of the created surface functions. This Perspective article aims to identify some open questions about LIPSS, discusses the pending technological limitations, and sketches the current state of theoretical modelling. Hereby, we intend to stimulate further research and developments in the field of LIPSS for overcoming these limitations and for supporting the transfer of the LIPSS technology into industry.
Translation, Cultural Adaptation, and Psychometric Properties of the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age—Short Form (LSITA-SF12) for Use among Ethiopian Elders
Authors: Mekonnen Habtamu Sewunet , Lindgren Helena , Geda Biftu , Azale Telake , Erlandsson Kerstin
Published: December 2021

(1) Background: Self-reported measures play a crucial role in research, clinical practice, and health assessment. Instruments used to assess life satisfaction need validation to ensure that they measure what they are intended to detect true variations over time. An adapted instrument measuring life satisfaction for use among Ethiopian elders was lacking; therefore, this study aimed to culturally adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Life Satisfaction Index for the Third Age—Short Form (LSITA-SF12) in Ethiopia. (2) Methods: Elderly people (n = 130) in Metropolitan cities of northwestern Ethiopia answered the LSITA-SF12 in the Amharic language. Selected reliability and validity tests were examined. (3) Result: The scale had an acceptable limit of content validity index, internal consistency, test-retest, inter-rater reliabilities, and concurrent and discriminant validities. (4) Conclusion: The Amharic language version of LSITA-SF12 appeared to be valid and reliable measures and can be recommended for use in research and clinical purposes among Amharic-speaking Ethiopian elders.
A Perspective on the Solar Modulation of Cosmic Anti-Matter
Authors: Potgieter Marius S. , Aslam O. P. M. , Bisschoff Driaan , Ngobeni Donald
Published: December 2021

Global modulation studies with comprehensive numerical models contribute meaningfully to the refinement of very local interstellar spectra (VLISs) for cosmic rays. Modulation of positrons and anti-protons are investigated to establish how the ratio of their intensity, and with respect to electrons and protons, are changing with solar activity. This includes the polarity reversal of the solar magnetic field which creates a 22-year modulation cycle. Modeling illustrates how they are modulated over time and the particle drift they experience which is significant at lower kinetic energy. The VLIS for anti-protons has a peculiar spectral shape in contrast to protons so that the total modulation of anti-protons is awkwardly different to that for protons. We find that the proton-to-anti-proton ratio between 1–2 GeV may change by a factor of 1.5 over a solar cycle and that the intensity for anti-protons may decrease by a factor of ~2 at 100 MeV during this cycle. A composition is presented of VLIS for protons, deuteron, helium isotopes, electrons, and particularly for positrons and anti-protons. Gaining knowledge of their respective 11 and 22 year modulation is useful to interpret observations of low-energy anti-nuclei at the Earth as tests of dark matter annihilation.
Overdose of Quetiapine—A Case Report with QT Prolongation
Authors: Bertol Elisabetta , Vaiano Fabio , Argo Antonina , Zerbo Stefania , Trignano Claudia , Protani Simone , Favretto Donata
Published: December 2021

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug used to treat bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder. Although several studies describe the adverse effects of intoxication with Quetiapine, only a few report an extreme overdose without comedications that lead to a life threat. We present a case of a 75-year-old male who tried to attempt suicide by ingesting 28 g of Quetiapine. During the management in the emergency department, both serum and urine samples were collected, allowing a complete pharmacokinetic analysis to be conducted, from the admission to the discharge.
Aspects of Gauss-Bonnet Scalarisation of Charged Black Holes
Authors: Herdeiro Carlos A. R. , Pombo Alexandre M. , Radu Eugen
Published: December 2021

The general relativity vacuum black holes (BHs) can be scalarised in models where a scalar field non-minimally couples to the Gauss-Bonnet (GB) invariant. Such GB scalarisation comes in two flavours, depending on the GB sign that triggers the phenomenon. Hereafter these two cases are termed GB± scalarisation. For vacuum BHs, only GB+ scalarisation is possible in the static case, while GB− scalarisation is spin induced. But for electrovacuum BHs, GB− is also charged induced. We discuss the GB− scalarisation of Reissner-Nordström and Kerr-Newman BHs, discussing zero modes and constructing fully non-linear solutions. Some comparisons with GB+ scalarisation are given. To assess the generality of the observed features, we also briefly consider the GB± scalarisation of stringy dilatonic BHs and coloured BHs which provide qualitative differences with respect to the electrovacuum case, namely on the distribution and existence of regions triggering GB− scalarisation.
A Single Vaccination of IBDV Subviral Particles Generated by Kluyveromyces marxianus Efficiently Protects Chickens against Novel Variant and Classical IBDV Strains
Authors: Yang Deqiang , Zhang Lixia , Duan Jinkun , Huang Qiang , Yu Yao , Zhou Jungang , Lu Hong
Published: December 2021

Infectious bursal disease (IBD), caused by the infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), is a highly contagious and immunosuppressive disease in chickens worldwide. The novel variant IBDV (nvIBDV) has been emerging in Chinese chicken farms since 2017, but there are no available vaccines that can provide effective protection. Herein, the capsid protein VP2 from nvIBDV strain FJ-18 was expressed in Kluyveromyces marxianus with the aim to produce nvIBDV subviral particles (SVPs). Two recombinant strains constructed for expression of nvIBDV VP2 (nvVP2) and His-tagged VP2 (nvHVP2) formed two types of nvIBDV subviral particles (SVPs), namely nvVP2-SVPs and nvHVP2-SVPs. TEM scans showed that both SVPs were about 25 nm in diameter, but there was a large portion of nvVP2-SVPs showing non-spherical particles. Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that an N-terminal His tag strengthened the interaction of the nvHVP2 monomer and contributed to the assembly of SVPs. Vaccination of chicks with the nvHVP2-SVPs provided 100% protection against novel variant IBDV infection when challenged with the FJ-18 strain, as well as the classical strain BC6/85. By contrast, vaccination with the nvVP2-SVPs only provided 60% protection against their parent FJ-18 strain, suggesting that the stable conformation of subviral particles posed a great impact on their protective efficacy. Our results showed that the nvHVP2-SVPs produced by the recombinant K. marxianus strain is an ideal vaccine candidate for IBDV eradication.