Objectives were to determine the effect of progesterone (P4) concentration on fertility of lactating dairy cows induced to ovulate follicles of the first follicular wave. Lactating dairy cows (n=989) ...at 38±3d postpartum were balanced by parity and body condition score and randomly assigned to 3 treatments: first follicular wave (FFW), first follicular wave with exogenous P4 (FFWP), or second follicular wave (SFW). All cows had their estrous cycle presynchronized with 2 injections of prostaglandin (PG) F2α given 14d apart. Cows in the FFW and FFWP treatments started the ovulation synchronization protocol 3d after the last PGF2α of the presynchronization protocol, whereas SFW cows received a GnRH injection (100μg of gonadorelin diacetate; Cystorelin, Merial Ltd., Duluth, GA) 3d after the last PGF2α of the presynchronization protocol and started the synchronization protocol 7d later. The synchronization protocol consisted of GnRH on d −10, PGF2α on d −3, and GnRH concurrent with timed artificial insemination (AI) on d 0. Cows in the FFWP treatment received 2 controlled internal drug release inserts containing 1.38g of P4 from d −8 to −3. Progesterone concentration was determined on d −10, −8, −6, −3, and 0 from all cows and at 7, 14, and 21d after AI from a subsample of cows (n=170). Cows (n=715) had their ovaries scanned by ultrasound on d −10, −3, and 7d. Pregnancy was diagnosed at 38 and 66d after AI. Concentration of P4 from study d −8 to −3 was lowest for FFW cows (1.4±0.1ng/mL) and similar between SFW (3.7±0.2ng/mL) and FFWP (3.7±0.1ng/mL) cows. Diameter of the dominant follicle on study d −3 was greater for FFW cows (16.5±0.3mm) than for SFW cows (15.4±0.3mm), but diameter of the dominant follicle of FFWP cows was not different (15.9±0.3mm) compared with that of SFW and FFW cows. The incidence of multiple ovulation was largest for FFW cows (SFW=19.5, FFW=33.6, FFWP=19.0%), but pregnancy per AI (P/AI) at 66d was smallest for FFW cows (SFW=38.9, FFW=22.3, FFWP=32.0%). Anovular cows in the SFW (19.4 vs. 42.8%) and FFWP (22.1 vs. 37.2%) treatments had reduced P/AI compared with cyclic cows, despite having similar or greater P4 concentration from study d −8 to −3, respectively. Estrus and ovulation synchronization protocols for lactating dairy cows must result in growth of ovulatory follicle under P4 concentration >2ng/mL to ensure high P/AI.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
In this paper, novel mixed Tutton salts with the chemical formulas K2Mn0.03Ni0.97(SO4)2(H2O)6 and K2Mn0.18Cu0.82(SO4)2(H2O)6 were synthesized and studied as compounds for thermochemical heat storage ...potential. The crystallographic structures of single crystals were determined by X-ray diffraction. Additionally, a comprehensive computational study, based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations and Hirshfeld surface analysis, was performed to calculate structural, electronic, and thermodynamic properties of the coordination complexes MII(H2O)62+ (MII = Mn, Ni, and Cu), as well as to investigate intermolecular interactions and voids in the framework. The axial compressions relative to octahedral coordination geometry observed in the crystal structures were correlated and elucidated using DFT investigations regarding Jahn–Teller effects arising from complexes with different spin multiplicities. The spatial distributions of the frontier molecular orbital and spin densities, as well as energy gaps, provided further insights into the stability of these complexes. Thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques were also applied to identify the thermal stability and physicochemical properties of the mixed crystals. Values of dehydration enthalpy and storage energy density per volume were also estimated. The two mixed sulfate hydrates reported here have low dehydration temperatures and high energy densities. Both have promising thermal properties for residential heat storage systems, superior to the Tutton salts previously reported.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
We studied 2351 participants with coronavirus disease 2019; 1177 (50%) reported previous dengue infection. Those without previous dengue had a higher risk of death (hazard ratio: .44; 95% ...confidence interval: .22–.89; P = .023) in 60-day follow-up. These findings raise the possibility that dengue might induce immunological protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Currently, the inappropriate disposal of plastic materials, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) wastes, is a major environmental problem since it can cause serious damage to the environment and ...contribute to the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. To reduce this accumulation, PET-type bottles have been recycled, and also explored in other applications such as the development of membranes. Thus, this research aims to develop electrospun microfiber membranes from PET wastes and evaluate their use as an air filter media. The solution concentrations varied from 20 to 12% wt% of PET wastes, which caused a reduction of the average fiber diameter by 60% (from 3.25 µm to 1.27 µm). The electrospun filter membranes showed high mechanical resistance (4 MPa), adequate permeability (4.4 × 10
m
), high porosity (96%), and provided a high collection efficiency (about 100%) and low-pressure drop (212 Pa, whose face velocity was 4.8 cm/s) for the removal of viable aerosol nanoparticles. It can include bacteria, fungi, and also viruses, mainly SARS-CoV-2 (about 100 nm). Therefore, the developed electrospun membranes can be applied as indoor air filters, where extremely clean air is needed (e.g., hospitals, clean zones of pharmaceutical and food industry, aircraft, among others).
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract
Active Pixel sensors play a crucial role in enabling successful low-light scientific experiments due to their inherent advantages and capabilities. Such devices not only offer high spatial ...resolution but also feature individual pixels with integrated amplifiers, allowing for direct signal amplification at the pixel level. This results in reduced readout noise and improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which are particularly vital when dealing with limited photon counts in low-light environments. This holds particularly true for scientific CMOS (sCMOS) sensors, acknowledged as an advanced evolution of Active Pixel sensors. However, despite their advantages, such sensors can still exhibit limitations such as higher cost and presence of noise artifacts that should be closely investigated. In particular, CYGNO project fits in a global effort aimed at direct detection of Dark Matter particles. CYGNO collaboration intends to build a detector based on a Time Projection Chamber making use of Gas Electron Multipliers for the amplification of ionization electrons. The GEM multiplication process produces photons that can be readout by a high-resolution sCMOS sensor. Such detection system is being designed to have enough sensitivity to detect low-energy particles and to measure released energy with enough granularity so to reconstruct direction and energy profile along their trajectories. The image sensor has an important role in the detector performance, having a direct impact on the SNR of the experiment. This work proposes a study on the performance of three different sCMOS sensors with respect to their sensitivity to low-energy particles and their intrinsic noise, which are of the utmost importance for various scientific experiments.
Sequestration of Plasmodium falciparum-infected erythrocytes (Pf-iEs) in the microvasculature of vital organs plays a key role in the pathogenesis of life-threatening malaria complications, such as ...cerebral malaria and malaria in pregnancy. This phenomenon is marked by the cytoadhesion of Pf-iEs to host receptors on the surfaces of endothelial cells, on noninfected erythrocytes, and in the placental trophoblast; therefore, these sites are potential targets for antiadhesion therapies. In this context, glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), including heparin, have shown the ability to inhibit Pf-iE cytoadherence and growth. Nevertheless, the use of heparin was discontinued due to serious side effects, such as bleeding. Other GAG-based therapies were hampered due to the potential risk of contamination with prions and viruses, as some GAGs are isolated from mammals. In this context, we investigated the effects and mechanism of action of fucosylated chondroitin sulfate (FucCS), a unique and highly sulfated GAG isolated from the sea cucumber, with respect to P. falciparum cytoadhesion and development. FucCS was effective in inhibiting the cytoadherence of Pf-iEs to human lung endothelial cells and placenta cryosections under static and flow conditions. Removal of the sulfated fucose branches of the FucCS structure virtually abolished the inhibitory effects of FucCS. Importantly, FucCS rapidly disrupted rosettes at high levels, and it was also able to block parasite development by interfering with merozoite invasion. Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of FucCS as a candidate for adjunct therapy against severe malaria.
The tumour mass is composed not only of heterogeneous neoplastic cells, but also a variety of other components that may affect cancer cells behaviour. The lack of detailed knowledge about all the ...constituents of the tumour microenvironment restricts the design of effective treatments. Nerves have been reported to contribute to the growth and maintenance of numerous tissues. The effects of sensory innervations on tumour growth remain unclear. Here, by using state‐of‐the‐art techniques, including Cre/loxP technologies, confocal microscopy, in vivo‐tracing and chemical denervation, we revealed the presence of sensory nerves infiltrating within the melanoma microenvironment, and affecting cancer progression. Strikingly, melanoma growth in vivo was accelerated following genetic ablation or chemical denervation of sensory nerves. In humans, a retrospective analysis of melanoma patients revealed that increased expression of genes related to sensory nerves in tumours was associated with better clinical outcomes. These findings suggest that sensory innervations counteract melanoma progression. The emerging knowledge from this research provides a novel target in the tumour microenvironment for therapeutic benefit in cancer patients.
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FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SAZU, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of ultrasound (US)-mediated phonophoresis alone or in association with diclofenac diethylammonium (DCF) administered topically in animal ...models of inflammation. A pre-clinical, prospective, and randomized experimental study of quantitative and qualitative nature was carried out. Phonophoresis was performed using a therapeutic ultrasound apparatus in two distinct models of acute inflammation. Edema was induced by an intraplantar injection of carrageenan and measured by plethysmography. The Hargreaves test was used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity and investigate the action of phonophoresis on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α production. A histological analysis with hematoxylin-eosin was used to evaluate tissue repair, and the expression of COX-2 was determined by immunohistochemical analysis. At the peak of inflammatory activity (3 h), treatment with US, US+DCF, and DCF significantly reduced edema formation compared to the control group. Treatment with US+DCF was more effective than treatment with US alone at both analyzed times. In the analysis of the antinociceptive activity, the treatments significantly increased the latency time in response to the thermal stimulus. Histopathological analysis revealed a reduction of the inflammatory infiltrates and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the association was effective in reducing COX-2 expression compared to the control group. The association of DCF with US produced anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects in rat models of inflammation, which may be associated with inhibition of COX-2 and TNF-α production.
Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were first reported as a microbicidal strategy for activated neutrophils. Through an immunologic response against several stimuli, neutrophils release their DNA ...together with proteins from granules, nucleus, and cytoplasm (e.g., elastase and myeloperoxidase). To date, NETs have been implicated in tissue damage during intense inflammatory processes, mainly when their release is dependent on oxygen radical generation. Flavonoids are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents; of these, quercetin is commonly found in our daily diet. Therefore, quercetin could exert some protective activity against tissue damage induced by NETs. In our in vitro assays, quercetin reduced NETs, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and elastase release from neutrophils stimulated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). The activity of these enzymes also decreased in the presence of quercetin. Quercetin also reduced the cytotoxic effect of NETs on alveolar cells (A549 cell line). Further, in silico assays indicated favorable interactions between quercetin and NET proteins (MPO and elastase). Overall, our results demonstrate that quercetin decreases deleterious cellular effects of NETs by reducing their release from activated neutrophils, and diminishing the enzymatic activity of MPO and elastase, possibly through direct interaction.
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