The vibration signals resulting from rolling bearings are nonlinear and nonstationary, and an approach for the fault diagnosis of rolling bearings using the quantile permutation entropy and EMD ...(empirical mode decomposition) is proposed. Firstly, the EMD is used to decompose the rolling bearings vibration signal, and several IMFs (intrinsic mode functions) spanning different scales are obtained. Secondly, aiming at the shortcomings of the permutation entropy algorithm, a new permutation entropy algorithm based on sample quantile is proposed, and the quantile permutation entropy of the first few IMFs, which contain the main fault information, is calculated. The quantile permutation entropies are accordingly seen as the characteristic vector and then input to the particle swarm optimization and support vector machine. Finally, the proposed method is applied to the experimental data. The analysis results show that the proposed approach can effectively achieve fault diagnosis of rolling bearings.
The development of highly sensitive HPV‐genotyping tests has opened the possibility of treating HPV‐infected women before high‐grade lesions appear. The lack of efficient intervention for persistent ...high‐risk HPV infection necessitates the need for development of novel therapeutic strategy. Here we demonstrate that REBACIN®, a proprietary antiviral biologics, has shown potent efficacy in the clearance of persistent HPV infections. Two independent parallel clinical studies were investigated, which a total of 199 patients were enrolled and randomly divided into a REBACIN®‐test group and a control group without treatment. The viral clearance rates for the REBACIN® groups were 61.5% (24/39) and 62.5% (35/56), respectively, for the two independent parallel studies. In contrast, the nontreatment groups showed self‐clearance rates at 20.0% (8/40) and 12.5% (8/64). We further found that REBACIN® was able to significantly repress the expression of HPV E6 and E7 oncogenes in TC‐1 and Hela cells. The two viral genes are well known for the development of high‐grade premalignancy lesion and cervical cancer. In a mouse model, REBACIN® was indicated to notably suppress E6/E7‐induced tumor growth, suggesting E6 and E7 oncogenes as a potential target of REBACIN®. Taken together, our studies shed light into the development of a novel noninvasive therapeutic intervention for clearance of persistent HPV infection with significant efficacy.
What's new?
While most HPV infections clear up on their own, persistent infections can lead to cancer. No antiviral drugs are currently available to fight HPV infection. In this paper, the authors tested a proprietary biologic antiviral they developed, called REBACIN®. The drug successfully eliminated HPV infection in 60% of treated patients, while in the control group only 20% of infections cleared on their own. All patients began the trial with high‐risk HPV infection lasting one year or more. The authors also found that REBACIN® inhibited mRNA transcription of HPV oncogenes E6/E7 and reduced E6/E7‐stimulated tumor growth in mice.
Grapes are a major fruit crop around the world. Heat stress can significantly reduce grape yield and quality. Changes at the molecular level in response to heat stress and subsequent recovery are ...poorly understood. To elucidate the effect of heat stress and subsequent recovery on expression of genes by grape leaves representing the classic heat stress response and thermotolerance mechanisms, transcript abundance of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) leaves was quantified using the Affymetrix Grape Genome oligonucleotide microarray (15,700 transcripts), followed by quantitative Real-Time PCR validation for some transcript profiles.
We found that about 8% of the total probe sets were responsive to heat stress and/or to subsequent recovery in grape leaves. The heat stress and recovery responses were characterized by different transcriptional changes. The number of heat stress-regulated genes was almost twice the number of recovery-regulated genes. The responsive genes identified in this study belong to a large number of important traits and biological pathways, including cell rescue (i.e., antioxidant enzymes), protein fate (i.e., HSPs), primary and secondary metabolism, transcription factors, signal transduction, and development. We have identified some common genes and heat shock factors (HSFs) that were modulated differentially by heat stress and recovery. Most HSP genes were upregulated by heat stress but were downregulated by the recovery. On the other hand, some specific HSP genes or HSFs were uniquely responsive to heat stress or recovery.
The effect of heat stress and recovery on grape appears to be associated with multiple processes and mechanisms including stress-related genes, transcription factors, and metabolism. Heat stress and recovery elicited common up- or downregulated genes as well as unique sets of responsive genes. Moreover, some genes were regulated in opposite directions by heat stress and recovery. The results indicated HSPs, especially small HSPs, antioxidant enzymes (i.e., ascorbate peroxidase), and galactinol synthase may be important to thermotolerance of grape. HSF30 may be a key regulator for heat stress and recovery, while HSF7 and HSF1 may only be specific to recovery. The identification of heat stress or recovery responsive genes in this study provides novel insights into the molecular basis for heat tolerance in grape leaves.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Some porous materials have been developed to enhance biologic fusion of the implants to bone in spine fusion surgeries. However, there are several inherent limitations. In this study, a novel ...biomedical porous tantalum was applied to in vitro and in vivo experiments to test its biocompatibility and osteocompatibility.
Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) were cultured on porous tantalum implant. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay were used to evaluate the cell toxicity and biocompatibility. Twenty-four rabbits were performed discectomy only (control group), discectomy with autologous bone implanted (autograft group), and discectomy with porous tantalum implanted (tantalum group) at 3 levels: L3-L4, L4-L5, and L5-L6 in random order. All the 24 rabbits were randomly sacrificed at the different post-operative times (2, 4, 6, and 12 months; n = 6 at each time point). Histologic examination and micro-computed tomography scans were done to evaluate the fusion process. Comparison of fusion index scores between groups was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. Other comparisons of numerical variables between groups were made by Student t test.
All rabbits survived and recovered without any symptoms of nerve injury. Radiographic fusion index scores at 12 months post-operatively between autograft and tantalum groups showed no significant difference (2.89 ± 0.32 vs. 2.83 ± 0.38, F = 244.60, P = 0.709). Cell Counting Kit-8 assay showed no significant difference of absorbance values between the leaching liquor group and control group (1.25 ± 0.06 vs. 1.23 ± 0.04, t = -0.644, P = 0.545), which indicated the BMSC proliferation without toxicity. SEM images showed that these cells had irregular shapes with long spindles adhered to the surface of tantalum implant. No implant degradation, wear debris, or osteolysis was observed. Histologic results showed solid fusion in the porous tantalum and autologous bone implanted intervertebral spaces.
This novel porous tantalum implant showed a good biocompatibility and osteocompatibility, which could be a valid biomaterial for interbody fusion cages.
Periprosthetic fracture (PPF) is one of the severe complications in patients with osteosarcoma and carries the risk of limb loss. This study describes the characteristics, treatment strategies, and ...outcomes of this complication.
Patients were consecutively included who were treated at our institution between 2016 and 2020 with a PPF of distal femur. The treatment strategies included two types: 1) open reduction and internal fixation with plates and screws and 2) replacement with long-stem endoprosthesis and reinforcement with wire rope if necessary.
A total of 11 patients (mean age 12.2 years (9-14)) were included, and the mean follow-up period was 36.5 (21-54) months. Most fractures were caused by direct or indirect trauma (n = 8), and others (n = 3) underwent PPF without obvious cause. The first type of treatment was performed on four patients, and the second type was performed on seven patients. The mean Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 20 (17-23). All patients recovered from the complication, and limb preservation could be achieved.
PPF is a big challenge for musculoskeletal oncologists, particularly in younger patients. Additionally, PPF poses a challenge for orthopedic surgeons, as limb preservation should be an important goal. Hence, internal fixation with plates and endoprosthetic replacement are optional treatment strategies based on fracture type and patient needs.
The selective oxidation capacity of free radicals in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) is important for the accurate determination of the degradation pathways of organic contaminants when various ...active species coexist in the catalytic system. In this study, diclofenac sodium (DCF) was selected as a model contaminant due to its toxicity and structural characteristics (containing organic moieties with varying electronegativity). A 3D hexagonal star-shaped cobalt oxide electrode was synthesized and used as the electric anode to simultaneously combine with AOPs based on peroxymonosulfate (EAOPs/PMS) to generate two active species (SO4− and OH) and achieve efficient mineralization of DCF. The selectivity property of the free radicals was investigated by comparing DCF transformation pathways in three systems: EAOPs/PMS (containing both SO4− and OH), EAOPs/PMS + TBA (containing only SO4−), and Fe2+/H2O2 (containing only OH). When present simultaneously, SO4− favored attacking the electron-donating moieties (amino groups and aromatic rings), while OH was more disposed to attack the electron-withdrawing moieties (carboxyl groups and chlorine atoms). This study, for the first time, sheds light on the selective oxidation capacity of coexisting SO4− and OH towards organic moieties with differing electronegativity and provides an in-depth analysis of the degradation pathways of an organic contaminant.
Display omitted
•The selective oxidation of co-existing SO4− and OH was systematically explored for the first time.•The efficient mineralization of DCF could be achieved in the EAOPs/PMS system.•Through comparing the DCF transformation pathways in three systems, the selective oxidation of SO4− and OH was well investigated.•When they were present simultaneously, SO4− favored to attack on the electron-donating moieties, while OH was disposed to attack the electron-drawing moieties.
Vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) is frequently used in abdominal surgeries. However, relevant guidelines are rare. Chinese Trauma Surgeon Association organized a committee composed of 28 experts across ...China in July 2017, aiming to provide an evidence-based recommendation for the application of VSD in abdominal surgeries.
Eleven questions regarding the use of VSD in abdominal surgeries were addressed: (1) which type of materials should be respectively chosen for the intraperitoneal cavity, retroperitoneal cavity and superficial incisions? (2) Can VSD be preventively used for a high-risk abdominal incision with primary suture? (3) Can VSD be used in severely contaminated/infected abdominal surgical sites? (4) Can VSD be used for temporary abdominal cavity closure under some special conditions such as severe abdominal trauma, infection, liver transplantation and intra-abdominal volume increment in abdominal compartment syndrome? (5) Can VSD be used in abdominal organ inflammation, injury, or postoperative drainage? (6) Can VSD be used in the treatment of intestinal fistula and pancreatic fistula? (7) Can VSD be used in the treatment of intra-abdominal and extra-peritoneal abscess? (8) Can VSD be used in the treatment of abdominal wall wounds, wound cavity, and defects? (9) Does VSD increase the risk of bleeding? (10) Does VSD increase the risk of intestinal wall injury? (11) Does VSD increase the risk of peritoneal adhesion?
Focusing on these questions, evidence-based recommendations were given accordingly. VSD was strongly recommended regarding the questions 2–4. Weak recommendations were made regarding questions 1 and 5–11. Proper use of VSD in abdominal surgeries can lower the risk of infection in abdominal incisions with primary suture, treat severely contaminated/infected surgical sites and facilitate temporary abdominal cavity closure.
Studies on the intensification of water solubility for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including phenanthrene and pyrene using individual surfactant and dissolved organic matter (DOM) ...fractionated from pig wastewater or mixed surfactant–DOM solutions were conducted. Excess surfactant dosages producing critical micelle concentration (CMC) dramatically enhance the solubility of phenanthrene and pyrene in the contaminated soil. The synergetic effect from non-ionic surfactants such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, and Tween 80, and DOM on the solubility of PAHs was also evaluated using batch experiments. The current study shows that the solubility of PAHs is respectively increased with an increase in the concentrations of Tween 80 or DOM, especially in the dosage of CMC or high hydrophobic property of DOM. Furthermore, an increase in the solubility of PAHs strengthened by the coexistence of Tween 80 and DOM was strongly affected by the concentration of Tween 80. It proves that the selection of optimal surfactant dosage is the key factor while the way is possibly applied into the remediation technologies in the on-site soil region with pollution.
The dynamics of sugar (hexose) concentration in ripening grape berries (Vitis vinifera L.) were simulated with a refined mechanistic model. Changes in sugar concentration were reproduced by the sum ...of sugar import (S), sugar metabolism (M) and water budget (W). S and W were derived from model inputs of fresh and dry mass, and M was simulated with a relative metabolism rate describing the depletion of hexose. The relative metabolism rate was associated with the relative growth rate of dry mass with a coefficient (k) that was constant for a given cultivar under various growth conditions (temperature, water supply, and source-sink ratio) but varied with genotype. The k value was ~20% higher for cv. Merlot than for cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, indicating more imported sugars would be depleted by Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon. The model correctly simulated the negative effect of lowered leaf-to-fruit ratio and the positive effect of water shortage on sugar concentration. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the present model was weakly sensitive to k because of sugar accumulation being predominantly controlled by S, with M relatively small (~20%) with respect to the increment of sugar concentration. Model simulation indicated that the decreasing leaf-to-fruit ratio reduced S more than M and W, causing a net decrease in sugar concentration. In contrast, the water shortage decreased S less than M and W, resulting in a net increase in sugar concentration.
Display omitted
•Inorganic nanoparticle as a dual-readout probe was constructed and fabricated.•Only one substance realizes colorimetric/down-conversion fluorescence detection.•Dual-readout signals ...prevent mutual interference and verify the test results.•Probes simultaneously have superior sensitivity, good selectivity and fast response.
The pollution caused by heavy metals like Cu2+ remains a pressing issue, as the release of Cu2+-laden sewage can lead to detrimental effects on both soil ecosystems and human well-being. Herein, a novel colorimetric and down-conversion fluorescence probe, i.e. PEI@NaYF4: Eu3+ NPs, for selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ with colorimetric and down-conversion fluorescence dual signal changes was reported. Such dual-signal detection mode offers enhanced sensitivity, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in detecting Cu2+. The probe with spherical shape and excellent monodispersity was synthesized by a high temperature reflux method. The PEI moiety of the NPs is chosen due to the ability to chelate Cu2+ forming copper amine complexes. Such a unique feature is invoked to develop a versatile detection platform for the colorimetric detection of Cu2+ ions. In the presence of Cu2+, the visual color of probe in solution changes from colorless to blue with a low detection limit of 100 nM without any assistance of equipment. The probe emits down-conversion fluorescence with two main typical emission peaks centered at 592 and 614 nm under an excitation of 394 nm. The copper amine complexes formed by the combination of Cu2+ and the PEI moiety of the NPs quench down-conversion fluorescence by an internal filtration effect. Probe shows a specific on–off response to Cu2+ in aqueous solution with nanomolar LOD, fast response, and good selectivity, and without interference by a range of metal ions. A practical application shows that PEI@NaYF4: Eu3+ NPs have good recovery ranges of 96–105 % for Cu2+ detection in real environment water samples from different locations. This strategy proves that a colorimetric and down-conversion fluorescence probe is a potential tool for addressing heavy metal ions-induced water pollution.
PDF
