The main objective of this study is to investigate the feasibility of clean gaseous fuels made from plastics, automobile tire rubber, municipal solid waste (MSW), and woody biomass feedstock using a ...high-temperature pure-steam gasification process. Super-high-temperature steam at 1000 °C was used as the gasifying agent to generate the syngas which mainly contains hydrogen and carbon monoxide and can be used as a gaseous fuel. Since the process does not involve air, the syngas is free of nitrogen and its oxides which usually dilutes the syngas and lowers its heating value in the case of an air-blown partial-oxidation/partial gasification process. A lab-scale experimental apparatus was used to produce the high-quality syngas, and the gas was analyzed using a gas chromatography. The results showed that the syngas contained very high H2 concentrations, and the heating values of the syngas for all four types of feedstock reached 8–10 MJ/m3 which were approximately 2.5 times higher by weight and 1.6 times by volume as compared to those from the previous air-blown gasification system. In addition, a thermodynamic equilibrium model was developed and successfully verified by the experimental results.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
Innate cell function can be artificially engineered and reprogrammed by introducing biomolecules, such as DNAs, RNAs, plasmid DNAs, proteins, or nanomaterials, into the cytosol or nucleus. This ...process of delivering exogenous cargos into living cells is referred to as intracellular delivery. For instance, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)‐Cas9 gene editing begins with internalizing Cas9 protein and guide RNA into cells, and chimeric antigen receptor‐T (CAR‐T) cells are prepared by delivering CAR genes into T lymphocytes for cancer immunotherapies. To deliver external biomolecules into cells, tools, including viral vectors, and electroporation have been traditionally used; however, they are suboptimal for achieving high levels of intracellular delivery while preserving cell viability, phenotype, and function. Notably, as emerging solutions, microfluidic and nanofluidic approaches have shown remarkable potential for addressing this open challenge. This review provides an overview of recent advances in microfluidic and nanofluidic intracellular delivery strategies and discusses new opportunities and challenges for clinical applications. Furthermore, key considerations for future efforts to develop microfluidics‐ and nanofluidics‐enabled next‐generation intracellular delivery platforms are outlined.
This review provides an overview of recent advances in microfluidic and nanofluidic intracellular delivery strategies, enabling cellular engineering and cell therapy. New opportunities and challenges from micro(nano)fluidic intracellular delivery are highlighted, and key considerations on the establishment of microfluidics‐ and nanofluidics‐enabled next‐generation intracellular delivery platforms are also discussed.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Crustacean female sex hormone (CFSH) controls gradually developing adult female-specific morphological features essential for mating and brood care. Specifically, ovigerous hairs are developed during ...the prepuberty molt cycle of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus that are essential for carrying the eggs until they finish development. Reduced CFSH transcripts by CFSH-dsRNA injections result in fewer and shorter ovigerous hairs than the control. This study aimed to identify the specific genes responsible for ovigerous hair formation using transcriptomic, genomic and expression analyses of the ovigerous setae at three stages: prepuberty at early (OE) and late premolt (OL), and adult (AO) stages.
The de novo Trinity assembly on filtered sequence reads produced 96,684 Trinity genes and 124,128 transcripts with an N50 of 1,615 bp. About 27.3% of the assembled Trinity genes are annotated to the public protein sequence databases (i.e., NR, Swiss-Prot, COG, KEGG, and GO databases). The OE vs. OL, OL vs. AO, and OE vs. AO comparisons resulted in 6,547, 7,793, and 7,481 differentially expressed genes, respectively, at a log2-fold difference. Specifically, the genes involved in the Wnt signaling and cell cycle pathways are positively associated with ovigerous hair development. Moreover, the transcripts of ten cuticle protein genes containing chitin-binding domains are most significantly changed by transcriptomic analysis and RT-qPCR assays, which shows a molt-stage specific, down-up-down mode across the OE-OL-AO stages. Furthermore, the expression of the cuticle genes with the chitin-binding domain, Rebers and Riddiford domain (RR)-1 appears at early premolt, followed by RR-2 at late premolt stage. Mapping these 10 cuticle protein sequences to the C. sapidus genome reveals that two scaffolds with a 549.5Kb region and 35 with a 1.19 Mb region harbor 21 RR1 and 20 RR2 cuticle protein genes, respectively. With these findings, a putative mode of CFSH action in decapod crustaceans is proposed.
The present study describes a first step in understanding the mechanism underlying ovigerous hair formation in C. sapidus at the molecular level. Overall, demonstrating the first transcriptome analysis of crustacean ovigerous setae, our results may facilitate future studies into the decapod female reproduction belonging to the suborder Pleocyemata.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii are the two etiologic agents of cryptococcosis. They belong to the phylum Basidiomycota and can be readily distinguished from other pathogenic yeasts ...such as Candida by the presence of a polysaccharide capsule, formation of melanin, and urease activity, which all function as virulence determinants. Infection proceeds via inhalation and subsequent dissemination to the central nervous system to cause meningoencephalitis. The most common risk for cryptococcosis caused by C. neoformans is AIDS, whereas infections caused by C. gattii are more often reported in immunocompetent patients with undefined risk than in the immunocompromised. There have been many chapters, reviews, and books written on C. neoformans. The topics we focus on in this article include species description, pathogenesis, life cycle, capsule, and stress response, which serve to highlight the specializations in virulence that have occurred in this unique encapsulated melanin-forming yeast that causes global deaths estimated at more than 600,000 annually.
Organs-on-chips (OoCs) have attracted significant attention because they can be designed to mimic in vivo environments. Beyond constructing a single OoC, recent efforts have tried to integrate ...multiple OoCs to broaden potential applications such as disease modeling and drug discoveries. However, various challenges remain for integrating OoCs towards in vivo-like operation, such as incorporating various connections for integrating multiple OoCs. We review multiplexed OoCs and challenges they face: scaling, vascularization, and innervation. In our opinion, future OoCs will be constructed to have increased predictive power for in vivo phenomena and will ultimately become a mainstream tool for high quality biomedical and pharmaceutical research.
Major considerations for integrating organs-on-chips (OoCs) include scaling and interconnection via vascularization and innervation.Scaling rules are crucial for predicting events that occur in vivo, but so far, there are no optimal scaling rules for microsystems.To develop scaling rules for microsystems, data should be acquired using mesoscale approaches by using in vitro tissues fabricated by bioreactors or 3D printing.Beyond numerous OoC models of vascularization, organ-specific microvasculature and the main connections between each organ part should also be considered for mimicking the in vivo vascular system.There are still few examples of on-chip innervation, but innervated OoCs and neuronal connections between each part in vitro will give new insights into corresponding in vivo behavior.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
In order to provide the optimized chilldown strategy for a cryogenic transport line, a study on pulse flow chilldown was conducted. A comparison between continuous flow and pulse flow patterns on ...heat transfer characteristics was presented to reveal the effect of flow oscillation. Liquid nitrogen was used as the working fluid and upward flows with Reynolds numbers ranging from 2500 to 7000 in a round tube were examined. To gain a better understanding of the effect of flow pulsation on the chilldown process, different square wave pulse flow strategies were examined. Analysis of the ability of different flow patterns to chill down transport lines indicated that there is no single best strategy for all boiling regimes and Reynolds numbers. In terms of the efficiency, the continuous flow is optimal for most boiling regimes at low Reynolds numbers. On the other hand, pulse flow is ideal in the film boiling regime at higher Reynolds numbers. In terms of the total efficiency, continuous flows with high Reynolds numbers are generally more efficient at transferring heat than other patterns or those of lower Reynolds numbers. If a short chilldown duration is a priority, the continuous flow consistently offers the quickest chilldown times. A general guideline for chilldown strategy is suggested as a conclusion.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
A novel inertial focusing platform creates a single‐stream microparticle train in a single‐focal plane without sheath fluids and external forces, all in a high‐throughput manner. The proposed design ...consists of a low‐aspect‐ratio straight channel interspersed with a series of constrictions in height arranged orthogonally, making use of inertial focusing and geometry‐induced secondary flows. Focusing efficiency as high as 99.77% is demonstrated with throughput as high as 36 000 particles s−1 for a variety of different sized particles and cells.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Aims
Although severe hyperbilirubinaemia causes kernicterus in neonates, normal to modestly elevated bilirubin concentrations have been reported to be neuroprotective. However, the relationship ...between serum bilirubin concentrations and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes is currently unknown. This study assessed the relationships between physiological serum total bilirubin concentrations and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Methods
A total of 2991 patients with Type 2 diabetes were investigated in this cross‐sectional study. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was diagnosed by a cardiovascular reflex test. According to the American Diabetes Association criteria, the degree of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction was graded into normal, early, definite and severe. Cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy was either definite or severe in the present study. An analysis of covariance after adjustment for other covariates was performed. A logistic regression model was used to assess an association of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy with serum total bilirubin tertiles.
Results
Serum total bilirubin concentrations were significantly lower in subjects with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy. The mean total bilirubin values differed significantly according to the severity of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction (normal 13.0 μmol/l; early 12.3 μmol/l; definite 11.8 μmol/l; severe 10.1 μmol/l; P for trend < 0.001) after adjustment for other covariates. In multivariate analysis, serum total bilirubin levels were significantly associated with cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy (odds ratio 0.36; 95% CI 0.21–0.63 for the highest vs. the lowest bilirubin tertile, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Serum total bilirubin concentrations within the physiologic range are inversely associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
What's new?
Although normal to modestly elevated bilirubin concentrations have been suggested to be neuroprotective, the relationship between physiological serum bilirubin concentrations and cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes is currently unknown.
Our results show that serum total bilirubin concentrations within the physiologic range are inversely associated with the prevalence of cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes.
Our data suggest that serum total bilirubin levels might be associated with severity of cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE—In acute ischemic stroke, fast and complete recanalization of the occluded vessel is associated with improved outcomes. We describe a novel measure for newer generation ...devicesthe first pass effect (FPE). FPE is defined as achieving a complete recanalization with a single thrombectomy device pass.
METHODS—The North American Solitaire Acute Stroke Registry database was used to identify a FPE subgroup. Their baseline features and clinical outcomes were compared with non-FPE patients. Clinical outcome measures included 90-days modified Rankin Scale score, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine whether FPE independently resulted in improved outcomes and to identify predictors of FPE.
RESULTS—A total of 354 acute ischemic stroke patients underwent thrombectomy in the North American Solitaire Acute Stroke registry. FPE was achieved in 89 out of 354 (25.1%). More middle cerebral artery occlusions (64% versus 52.5%) and fewer internal carotid artery occlusions (10.1% versus 27.7%) were present in the FPE group. Balloon guide catheters were used more frequently with FPE (64.0% versus 34.7%). Median time to revascularization was significantly faster in the FPE group (median 34 versus 60 minutes; P=0.0003). FPE was an independent predictor of good clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2 was seen in 61.3% in FPE versus 35.3% in non-FPE cohort; P=0.013; odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–2.7). The independent predictors of achieving FPE were use of balloon guide catheters and non-internal carotid artery terminus occlusion.
CONCLUSIONS—The achievement of complete revascularization from a single Solitaire thrombectomy device pass (FPE) is associated with significantly higher rates of good clinical outcome. The FPE is more frequently associated with the use of balloon guide catheters and less likely to be achieved with internal carotid artery terminus occlusion.
Arthropod growth requires molt-associated changes in softness and stiffness of the cuticle that protects from desiccation, infection and injury. Cuticle hardening in insects depends on the ...blood-borne hormone, bursicon (Burs), although it has never been determined in hemolymph. Whilst also having Burs, decapod crustaceans reiterate molting many more times during their longer life span and are encased in a calcified exoskeleton, which after molting undergoes similar initial cuticle hardening processes as in insects. We investigated the role of homologous crustacean Burs in cuticular changes and growth in the blue crab, Callinectes sapidus. We found dramatic increases in size and number of Burs cells during development in paired thoracic ganglion complex (TGC) neurons with pericardial organs (POs) as neurohemal release sites. A skewed expression of Burs β/Burs α mRNA in TGC corresponds to protein contents of identified Burs β homodimer and Burs heterodimer in POs. In hemolymph, Burs is consistently present at ∼21 pM throughout the molt cycle, showing a peak of ∼89 pM at ecdysis. Since initial cuticle hardness determines the degree of molt-associated somatic increment (MSI), we applied recombinant Burs in vitro to cuticle explants of late premolt or early ecdysis. Burs stimulates cuticle thickening and granulation of hemocytes. These findings demonstrate novel cuticle-associated functions of Burs during molting, while the unambiguous and constant presence of Burs in cells and hemolymph throughout the molt cycle and life stages may implicate further functions of its homo- and heterodimer hormone isoforms in immunoprotective defense systems of arthropods.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
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