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Chivu A, Pascal SA, Damborská A, Tomescu MI. EEG Microstates in Mood and Anxiety Disorders: A Meta-analysis. Brain Topogr 2024; 37:357-368. [PMID: 37615799 PMCID: PMC11026263 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00999-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
To reduce the psycho-social burden increasing attention has focused on brain abnormalities in the most prevalent and highly co-occurring neuropsychiatric disorders, such as mood and anxiety. However, high inter-study variability in these patients results in inconsistent and contradictory alterations in the fast temporal dynamics of large-scale networks as measured by EEG microstates. Thus, in this meta-analysis, we aim to investigate the consistency of these changes to better understand possible common neuro-dynamical mechanisms of these disorders.In the systematic search, twelve studies investigating EEG microstate changes in participants with mood and anxiety disorders and individuals with subclinical depression were included in this meta-analysis, adding up to 787 participants.The results suggest that EEG microstates consistently discriminate mood and anxiety impairments from the general population in patients and subclinical states. Specifically, we found a small significant effect size for B microstates in patients compared to healthy controls, with larger effect sizes for increased B presence in unmedicated patients with comorbidity. In a subgroup meta-analysis of ten mood disorder studies, microstate D showed a significant effect size for decreased presence. When investigating only the two anxiety disorder studies, we found a significantly small effect size for the increased microstate A and a medium effect size for decreased microstate E (one study). However, more studies are needed to elucidate whether these findings are diagnostic-specific markers.Results are discussed in relation to the functional meaning of microstates and possible contribution to an explanatory mechanism of overlapping symptomatology of mood and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Chivu
- CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale" Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Applied Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Simona A Pascal
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Applied Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alena Damborská
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Multimodal and Functional Neuroimaging Research Group, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miralena I Tomescu
- CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale" Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
- Faculty of Educational Sciences, Department of Psychology, University "Stefan cel Mare" of Suceava, Suceava, Romania.
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Department of Cognitive Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
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2
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Gal C, Țincaș I, Moca VV, Ciuparu A, Dan EL, Smith ML, Gliga T, Mureșan RC. Randomness impacts the building of specific priors, visual exploration, and perception in object recognition. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8527. [PMID: 38609463 PMCID: PMC11014901 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59089-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Recognising objects is a vital skill on which humans heavily rely to respond quickly and adaptively to their environment. Yet, we lack a full understanding of the role visual information sampling plays in this process, and its relation to the individual's priors. To bridge this gap, the eye-movements of 18 adult participants were recorded during a free-viewing object-recognition task using Dots stimuli1. Participants viewed the stimuli in one of three orders: from most visible to least (Descending), least visible to most (Ascending), or in a randomised order (Random). This dictated the strength of their priors along the experiment. Visibility order influenced the participants' recognition performance and visual exploration. In addition, we found that while orders allowing for stronger priors generally led participants to visually sample more informative locations, this was not the case of Random participants. Indeed, they appeared to behave naïvely, and their use of specific object-related priors was fully impaired, while they maintained the ability to use general, task-related priors to guide their exploration. These findings have important implications for our understanding of perception, which appears to be influenced by complex cognitive processes, even at the basic level of visual sampling during object recognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Gal
- Department of Experimental and Theoretical Neuroscience, Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, Str. Ploiești 33, 400157, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Neurodynamics SRL, Str. Sibiului 4, 400229, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
- Psychology Department, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 2A, 1353, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ioana Țincaș
- Department of Experimental and Theoretical Neuroscience, Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, Str. Ploiești 33, 400157, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Vasile V Moca
- Department of Experimental and Theoretical Neuroscience, Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, Str. Ploiești 33, 400157, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Neurodynamics SRL, Str. Sibiului 4, 400229, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Ciuparu
- Department of Experimental and Theoretical Neuroscience, Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, Str. Ploiești 33, 400157, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Emanuela L Dan
- Department of Experimental and Theoretical Neuroscience, Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, Str. Ploiești 33, 400157, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Str. G. Barițiu 26-28, 400027, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marie L Smith
- Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK
| | - Teodora Gliga
- School of Psychology, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK
| | - Raul C Mureșan
- Department of Experimental and Theoretical Neuroscience, Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, Str. Ploiești 33, 400157, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Neurodynamics SRL, Str. Sibiului 4, 400229, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- STAR-UBB Institute, Babeș-Bolyai University, Str. Mihail Kogălniceanu Nr. 1, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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3
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Molnár B, Márton IB, Horvát S, Ercsey-Ravasz M. Community detection in directed weighted networks using Voronoi partitioning. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8124. [PMID: 38582947 PMCID: PMC10998900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58624-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Community detection is a ubiquitous problem in applied network analysis, however efficient techniques do not yet exist for all types of network data. Directed and weighted networks are an example, where the different information encoded by link weights and the possibly high graph density can cause difficulties for some approaches. Here we present an algorithm based on Voronoi partitioning generalized to deal with directed weighted networks. As an added benefit, this method can directly employ edge weights that represent lengths, in contrast to algorithms that operate with connection strengths, requiring ad-hoc transformations of length data. We demonstrate the method on inter-areal brain connectivity, air transportation networks, and several social networks. We compare the performance with several other well-known algorithms, applying them on a set of randomly generated benchmark networks. The algorithm can handle dense graphs where weights are the main factor determining communities. The hierarchical structure of networks can also be detected, as shown for the brain. Its time efficiency is comparable or even outperforms some of the state-of-the-art algorithms, the part with the highest time-complexity being Dijkstra's shortest paths algorithm ( O ( | E | + | V | log | V | ) ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Botond Molnár
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, 400191, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ildikó-Beáta Márton
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Szabolcs Horvát
- Department of Computer Science, Reykjavik University, 102, Reykjavík, Iceland.
- Max Planck Institute for Cell Biology and Genetics, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Center for Systems Biology Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Mária Ercsey-Ravasz
- Faculty of Physics, Babeș-Bolyai University, 400084, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Transylvanian Institute of Neuroscience, 400191, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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4
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Tiba AI. Psychological construction as a theoretical principle for guiding cognitive-behavioral treatments. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1363819. [PMID: 38566941 PMCID: PMC10985133 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1363819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
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5
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Óvári TA, Ababei G, Stoian G, Corodeanu S, Chiriac H, Lupu N. Direct observation of magnetic domain walls in glass-coated submicronic amorphous wires. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5728. [PMID: 38459163 PMCID: PMC10924078 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56359-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Results on the magnetic domain walls in rapidly solidified magnetostrictive and non-magnetostrictive amorphous submicronic wires are reported. Utilizing Lorentz transmission electron microscopy (LTEM) for the first time in this context, we have visualized and analyzed the domain walls in such ultra-thin amorphous wires. All the investigated samples display vortex magnetic domain walls, regardless of wire composition or diameter. In non-magnetostrictive wires, the domain walls maintain their structure and symmetry under varying magnetic field conditions. In contrast, magnetostrictive wires show an elongation of their domain walls upon magnetic field application, a response linked to the magnetoelastic coupling between magnetostriction and internal stresses induced during wire preparation. This study advances the understanding of magnetization reversal processes in amorphous submicronic wires. The insights gained are crucial for future developments in miniaturized magnetic devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-A Óvári
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Boulevard, 700050, Iași, Romania
| | - G Ababei
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Boulevard, 700050, Iași, Romania
| | - G Stoian
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Boulevard, 700050, Iași, Romania
| | - S Corodeanu
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Boulevard, 700050, Iași, Romania
| | - H Chiriac
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Boulevard, 700050, Iași, Romania
| | - N Lupu
- National Institute of Research and Development for Technical Physics, 47 Mangeron Boulevard, 700050, Iași, Romania.
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6
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Tiba AI. The grounded cognition foundation of the first cognitive model in cognitive behavior therapy: implications for practice. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1364458. [PMID: 38524297 PMCID: PMC10957667 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1364458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru I. Tiba
- Department of Psychology, University of Oradea, Oradea, Bihor, Romania
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7
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Stefan-van
Staden RI, Rasit EY, Gheorghe DC, van Staden J(KF. Disposable Stochastic Miniplatforms for Simultaneous Recognition and Determination of Vitamins B5, B7, and B9 in Food and Pharmaceutical Compounds. ACS Omega 2024; 9:10440-10444. [PMID: 38463335 PMCID: PMC10918658 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c08479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Vitamins are essential for supporting daily physiological functions and are crucial for metabolic processes, including preventing vascular events and delaying the progression of diabetic nephropathy. The specific assessment of food and pharmaceutical compound quality requires the highly sensitive evaluation of vitamins B5, B7, and B9. Therefore, it is necessary to have a fast screening method for multivitamin tablets, pharmaceutical tablets, water, food, including raw egg yolk, and biological fluids, including urine, in order to ensure the precise identification and measurement of vitamins B5, B7, and B9. This paper introduces a novel disposable stochastic miniplatform that utilizes an incorporated 2D stochastic sensor to be able to simultaneously assay the three vitamins. Cobalt-phthalocyanine was used to modify the carbon film of the 2D sensor. High sensitivities (of 102-108 s-1 g-1 mL magnitude order) and low detection limits (of pg mL-1 magnitude order) were recorded for the disposable stochastic miniplatforms. The validation procedure involved the utilization of pharmaceutical tablets, supplement tablets, water samples, food samples, including raw egg yolk, and biological samples, specifically urine. The disposable stochastic miniplatforms demonstrate cost-effectiveness and suitability for the fast screening tests, with a time frame of 6 min, across a range of samples, a capacity of over 150 measurements, and an endurance of up to one month. Recovery values higher than 94.00% with RSD (%) values lower than 1.00 were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca-Ioana Stefan-van
Staden
- Laboratory
of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National
Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 202 Splaiul Independentei Str., Bucharest-6 060021, Romania
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest 060021, Romania
| | - Ergün Yukmel Rasit
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Bucharest 060021, Romania
| | - Damaris-Cristina Gheorghe
- Laboratory
of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National
Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 202 Splaiul Independentei Str., Bucharest-6 060021, Romania
| | - Jacobus (Koos) Frederick van Staden
- Laboratory
of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National
Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 202 Splaiul Independentei Str., Bucharest-6 060021, Romania
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8
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Ungurianu A, Zanfirescu A, Margină D. Exploring the therapeutic potential of quercetin: A focus on its sirtuin-mediated benefits. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 38429891 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
As the global population ages, preventing lifestyle- and aging-related diseases is increasing, necessitating the search for safe and affordable therapeutic interventions. Among nutraceuticals, quercetin, a flavonoid ubiquitously present in various plants, has garnered considerable interest. This review aimed to collate and analyze existing literature on the therapeutic potentials of quercetin, especially its interactions with SIRTs and its clinical applicability based on its bioavailability and safety. This narrative review was based on a literature survey spanning from 2015 to 2023 using PUBMED. The keywords and MeSH terms used were: "quercetin" AND "bioavailability" OR "metabolism" OR "metabolites" as well as "quercetin" AND "SIRTuin" OR "SIRT*" AND "cellular effects" OR "pathway" OR "signaling" OR "neuroprotective" OR "cardioprotective" OR "nephroprotective" OR "antiatherosclerosis" OR "diabetes" OR "antidiabetic" OR "dyslipidemia" AND "mice" OR "rats". Quercetin demonstrates multiple therapeutic activities, including neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-atherosclerotic effects. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties are well-established. At a molecular level, it majorly interacts with SIRTs, particularly SIRT1 and SIRT6, and modulates numerous signaling pathways, contributing to its therapeutic effects. These pathways play roles in reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy regulation, mitochondrial biogenesis, glucose utilization, fatty acid oxidation, and genome stability. However, clinical trials on quercetin's effectiveness in humans are scarce. Quercetin exhibits a wide range of SIRT-mediated therapeutic effects. Despite the compelling preclinical data, more standardized clinical trials are needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential. Future research should focus on addressing its bioavailability and safety concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anca Ungurianu
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Anca Zanfirescu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Denisa Margină
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry, Bucharest, Romania
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9
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Hâncean MG, Lerner J, Perc M, Molina JL, Geantă M. Assortative mixing of opinions about COVID-19 vaccination in personal networks. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3385. [PMID: 38336858 PMCID: PMC10858210 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53825-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many countries worldwide had difficulties reaching a sufficiently high vaccination uptake during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given this context, we collected data from a panel of 30,000 individuals, which were representative of the population of Romania (a country in Eastern Europe with a low 42.6% vaccination rate) to determine whether people are more likely to be connected to peers displaying similar opinions about COVID-19 vaccination. We extracted 443 personal networks, amounting to 4430 alters. We estimated multilevel logistic regression models with random-ego-level intercepts to predict individual opinions about COVID-19 vaccination. Our evidence indicates positive opinions about the COVID-19 vaccination cluster. Namely, the likelihood of having a positive opinion about COVID-19 vaccination increases when peers have, on average, a more positive attitude than the rest of the nodes in the network (OR 1.31, p < 0.001). We also found that individuals with higher education and age are more likely to hold a positive opinion about COVID-19 vaccination. With the given empirical data, our study cannot reveal whether this assortative mixing of opinions is due to social influence or social selection. However, it may nevertheless have implications for public health interventions, especially in countries that strive to reach higher uptake rates. Understanding opinions about vaccination can act as an early warning system for potential outbreaks, inform predictions about vaccination uptake, or help supply chain management for vaccine distribution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marian-Gabriel Hâncean
- Department of Sociology, University of Bucharest, Panduri, 90-92, 050663, Bucharest, Romania.
- The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, University of Bucharest, Panduri, 90-92, 050663, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Jürgen Lerner
- Department of Computer and Information Science, University of Konstanz, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
- Human Technology Center, RWTH Aachen University, 52062, Aachen, Germany
| | - Matjaž Perc
- Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Koroška Cesta 160, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, 404332, Taiwan
- Community Healthcare Center Dr. Adolf Drolc Maribor, Vošnjakova Ulica 2, 2000, Maribor, Slovenia
- Complexity Science Hub Vienna, Josefstädterstraße 39, 1080, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Physics, Kyung Hee University, 26 Kyungheedae-Ro, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - José Luis Molina
- GRAFO - Department of Social and Cultural Anthtropology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marius Geantă
- Center for Innovation in Medicine, Th. Pallady 42J, 032266, Bucharest, Romania
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10
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Schiopu I, Dragomir I, Asandei A. Single molecule technique unveils the role of electrostatic interactions in ssDNA-gp32 molecular complex stability. RSC Adv 2024; 14:5449-5460. [PMID: 38352678 PMCID: PMC10862658 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra07746b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The exploration of single-strand DNA-binding protein (SSB)-ssDNA interactions and their crucial roles in essential biological processes lagged behind other types of protein-nucleic acid interactions, such as protein-dsDNA and protein-RNA interactions. The ssDNA binding protein gene product 32 (gp32) of the T4 bacteriophage is a central integrating component of the replication complex that must continuously bind to and unbind from transiently exposed template strands during the DNA synthesis. To gain deeper insights into the electrostatic conditions influencing the stability of the ssDNA-gp32 molecular complex, like the salt concentration or some metal ions proven to specifically bind to gp32, we employed a method that performs rapid measurements of the DNA-protein stability using an α-Hemolysin (α-HL) protein nanopore. We indirectly probed the stability of a protein-nucleic acid complex by monitoring the dissociation process between the gp32 protein and the ssDNA molecular complex in single-molecular electrophysiology experiments, but also through fluorescence spectroscopy techniques. We have shown that the complex is more stable in 0.5 M KCl solution than in 2 M KCl solution and that the presence of Zn2+ ions further increases this stability for any salt used in the present study. This method can be applied to other nucleic acid-protein molecular complexes, as well as for an accurate determination of the drug-protein carrier stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Schiopu
- The Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iaşi 700506 Iasi Romania
| | - Isabela Dragomir
- The Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iaşi 700506 Iasi Romania
| | - Alina Asandei
- The Institute of Interdisciplinary Research, Department of Exact Sciences and Natural Sciences, "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" University of Iaşi 700506 Iasi Romania
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11
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Sándor B, Gros C, Manoonpong P. Editorial: The roles of self-organization and sensory adaptation for locomotion in animals and robots. Front Neurorobot 2024; 18:1372772. [PMID: 38379849 PMCID: PMC10877031 DOI: 10.3389/fnbot.2024.1372772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Bulcsú Sándor
- Department of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Claudius Gros
- Institute for Theoretical Physics, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Poramate Manoonpong
- Bio-inspired Robotics and Neural Engineering Lab, School of Information Science and Technology, Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, Rayong, Thailand
- Embodied Artificial Intelligence and Neurorobotics Lab, SDU Biorobotics, The Mærsk Mc-Kinney Møller Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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12
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Yao F, Li L, Liang J. Spatial and temporal evolution of urban resilience in China and analysis of barriers: Based on a sustainable development perspective. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0285113. [PMID: 38319927 PMCID: PMC10846694 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
With the increasing uncertainty of urban security, urban resilience construction with risk awareness and bottom-line thinking has become essential for promoting sustainable urban development. This paper measures China's urban resilience development index (CRDI) based on 284 cities in China (except Tibet) using the entropy method from four dimensions: economic, social, environmental, and infrastructure, and analyzes it by combining coupling coordination degree and barrier factor analysis. We find that: (1) At the national level, CRDI and its sub-dimensions show an increasing trend in time, a decreasing spatial layout from coastal to inland, and a "high-high-low-low" clustering feature in space. (2) At the regional level, the CRDI is from high to low in the east, middle, and west order. The sub-dimensions are from high to low in the order of east, middle, and west for economic, social, and infrastructure resilience and from high to low in the order of east, west, and middle for environmental resilience. (3) To coupling coordination degree, the CRDI index coupling coordination is increasing in time trend but is still on the verge of dissonance. (4) Social resilience is the main obstacle factor. In the indicator layer, human resources, innovation, education, security, living, and environmental protection are the areas where CRDI coordinated development is the key to improvement. Based on the above empirical evidence, this paper proposes countermeasures to optimize urban resilience construction from four perspectives: economic, social, environmental, and infrastructure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengge Yao
- School of Finance, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China
| | - Lin Li
- School of Finance, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China
| | - Jiayuan Liang
- School of Finance, Harbin University of Commerce, Harbin, China
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13
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Danila GM, Cretu M, Puscasu C. Simultaneous quantification of seven glycols in antifreeze liquids using direct liquid injection gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 2024; 38:e9686. [PMID: 38212649 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.9686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Glycol-based antifreeze liquids, commonly composed of ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, have important uses in automotive cooling, but they should be handled with care due to their toxicity. Ethylene glycol is highly toxic to humans and animals. A fast, accurate, precise, and robust method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of seven most important glycols and their isomers. METHODS Glycols were analyzed from diluted sample solution of coolants using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MC) in single ion monitoring mode. RESULTS The method was developed and validated for seven individual glycols (ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, propylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, and tripropylene glycol). Limits of detection (1-2 μg/mL) and limits of quantification (10 μg/mL) obtained were appropriate. The present method was applied for the determination of glycols in 10 different antifreeze liquids commercially available on the Romanian market, proving to be reliable. CONCLUSIONS A method that requires only a two-step dilution of antifreeze samples combined with direct liquid injection GC-MS was validated for the simultaneous quantification of seven glycols (and their isomers) in 10 different types of antifreeze liquids. The results obtained in the validation procedure proved that the GC-MS method is sensitive and precise for the quantification of glycols.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Madalin Danila
- Cromatec Plus SRL, Research Center for Instrumental Analysis SCIENT, Tancabesti, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Mihaiella Cretu
- National Research and Development Institute of Gas Turbines COMOTI, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristian Puscasu
- National Research and Development Institute of Gas Turbines COMOTI, Bucharest, Romania
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14
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Lupa L, Tolea NS, Iosivoni M, Maranescu B, Plesu N, Visa A. Performance of ionic liquid functionalized metal organic frameworks in the adsorption process of phenol derivatives. RSC Adv 2024; 14:4759-4777. [PMID: 38318619 PMCID: PMC10840391 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08024b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The growth of industrial activities has produced a significant increase in the release of toxic organic pollutants (OPs) to the environment from industrial wastewater. On this premise, this study reports the use of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) impregnated with various ionic liquids (ILs) in the adsorption of phenol derivatives, i.e., 2,6-dimethylphenol and 4,4'-dihydroxybiphenyl. MOFs were prepared starting from 1-hydroxyethylidene-1,1-diphosphonic acid (HEDP) with divalent (Co, Ni, Cu) and trivalent (Ce) metal salts in mild hydrothermal conditions using water as a green solvent. Imidazolium base ionic liquids, namely 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium nitrate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, and 1-hexyl-3-methyl-imidazolium chloride, were used to modify MOFs, leading to composite materials (IL@MOF), which show the structural characteristics of MOFs, and complement the advantages of ILs. SEM, EDX images, and TG data indicate that the IL is just attached on the surface of the adsorbent material, with no changes in crystal size or morphology, but with slightly altered thermal stabilities of IL@MOF composites compared to the original ILs and MOFs, pointing to some interionic interaction between IL and MOF. This research consists of equilibrium experiments, studying the effect of the initial concentration of OPs on the adsorption efficiency of the as-prepared MOFs and IL@MOF, in order to determine the influence of the nature of the adsorbent on its developed adsorption capacity and to investigate the performance of both ILs and MOFs. To determine the maximum adsorption capacity, several empirical isotherms were used: Langmuir, Freundlich, Redlich-Peterson, and Dubinin-Radushkevich. The characteristic parameters for each isotherm and the correlation coefficient (R2) were identified. The IL modification of MOFs increased the adsorption capacity of IL@MOF for the removal of phenol derivatives from aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity function of the MOF structure follows the trend CeHEDP > CoHEDP > NiHEDP > CuHEDP. The best performance was achieved by adsorbent materials based on Ce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lavinia Lupa
- Faculty of Industrial Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Politehnica University Timisoara 6 Vasile Parvan Blv 300223 Timisoara Romania
- "Coriolan Dragulescu" Institute of Chemistry 24 Mihai Viteazul Blv 300223 Timisoara Romania
| | - Nick Samuel Tolea
- "Coriolan Dragulescu" Institute of Chemistry 24 Mihai Viteazul Blv 300223 Timisoara Romania
- National Institute of Research and Development for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter Dr. A. P. Podeanu 144 300569 Timişoara Romania
| | - Marcela Iosivoni
- "Coriolan Dragulescu" Institute of Chemistry 24 Mihai Viteazul Blv 300223 Timisoara Romania
| | - Bianca Maranescu
- "Coriolan Dragulescu" Institute of Chemistry 24 Mihai Viteazul Blv 300223 Timisoara Romania
- Department of Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University 16 Pestalozzi Street 300115 Timisoara Romania
| | - Nicoleta Plesu
- "Coriolan Dragulescu" Institute of Chemistry 24 Mihai Viteazul Blv 300223 Timisoara Romania
| | - Aurelia Visa
- "Coriolan Dragulescu" Institute of Chemistry 24 Mihai Viteazul Blv 300223 Timisoara Romania
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15
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Kelemen S, Józsa M, Hartel T, Csóka G, Néda Z. Tree size distribution as the stationary limit of an evolutionary master equation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1168. [PMID: 38216657 PMCID: PMC10786858 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51553-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The diameter distribution of a given species of deciduous trees is well approximated by a Gamma distribution. Here we give new experimental evidence for this conjecture by analyzing deciduous tree size data in mature semi-natural forest and ancient, traditionally managed wood-pasture from Central Europe. These distribution functions collapse on a universal shape if the tree sizes are normalized to the mean value in the considered sample. A new evolutionary master equation is used to model the observed distribution. The model incorporates four ecological processes: tree growth, mortality, recruitment, and diversification. Utilizing simple and realistic kernel functions describing the first three, along with an assumed multiplicative dilution due to diversification, the stationary solution of the master equation yields the experimentally observed Gamma distribution. The model as it is formulated allows an analytically compact solution and has only two fitting parameters whose values are consistent with the experimental data related to these processes. We found that the equilibrium size distribution of tree species with different ecology, originating from two contrastingly different semi-natural ecosystem types can be accurately described by a single dynamical mean-field model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szabolcs Kelemen
- Faculty of Physics, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400347, Romania
| | - Máté Józsa
- Faculty of Physics, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400347, Romania
| | - Tibor Hartel
- Faculty of Environmental Science and Engineering, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400294, Romania
| | - György Csóka
- Forest Research Institute, University of Sopron, Mátrafüred, Sopron, 3232, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Néda
- Faculty of Physics, Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, 400347, Romania.
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16
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Neculae A, Barnett ZC, Miok K, Dalosto MM, Kuklina I, Kawai T, Santos S, Furse JM, Sîrbu OI, Stoeckel JA, Pârvulescu L. Living on the edge: Crayfish as drivers to anoxification of their own shelter microenvironment. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0287888. [PMID: 38165988 PMCID: PMC10760702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Burrowing is a common trait among crayfish thought to help species deal with adverse environmental challenges. However, little is known about the microhabitat ecology of crayfish taxa in relation to their burrows. To fill this knowledge gap, we assessed the availability of oxygen inside the crayfish shelter by series of in-vivo and in-silico modelling experiments. Under modeled condition, we found that, except for the entrance region of the 200 mm, a flooded burrow microenvironment became anoxic within 8 h, on average. Multiple 12-hour day-night cycles, with burrows occupied by crayfish for 12 h and empty for 12 h, were not sufficient for refreshing the burrow microenvironment. We then examined the degree to which crayfish species with different propensities for burrowing are tolerant of self-created anoxia. From these experiments, primary and secondary burrowers showed best and most consistent tolerance-exhibiting ≥ 64% survival to anoxia and 25-91% survival of ≥ 9 h at anoxia, respectively. Tertiary burrowers exhibited little to no tolerance of anoxia with 0-50% survival to anoxia and only one species exhibiting survival (2%) of ≥ 9 h at anoxia. Results suggest that moderate to strongly burrowing crayfish can quickly draw down the dissolved oxygen in burrow water but appear to have conserved a legacy of strong tolerance of anoxia from their monophyletic ancestors-the lobsters-whereas tertiary burrowers have lost (or never evolved) this ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Neculae
- Faculty of Physics, West University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Zanethia C. Barnett
- Center for Bottomland Hardwoods Research, Southern Research Station, USDA Forest Service, Oxford, MS, United States of Ameirca
| | - Kristian Miok
- Crayfish Research Centre, Institute for Advanced Environmental Research, West University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marcelo M. Dalosto
- Laboratório de Carcinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Iryna Kuklina
- South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Tadashi Kawai
- Central Fisheries Research Institute, Yoichi, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Sandro Santos
- Laboratório de Carcinologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biodiversidade Animal, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - James M. Furse
- Coastal and Marine Research Centre, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ovidiu I. Sîrbu
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - James A. Stoeckel
- School of Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Sciences, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States of America
| | - Lucian Pârvulescu
- Crayfish Research Centre, Institute for Advanced Environmental Research, West University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biology-Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, Biology, Geography, West University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
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17
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Irimeș MB, Tertiș M, Oprean R, Cristea C. Unrevealing the connection between real sample analysis and analytical method. The case of cytokines. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:23-65. [PMID: 37246889 DOI: 10.1002/med.21978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are compounds that belong to a special class of signaling biomolecules that are responsible for several functions in the human body, being involved in cell growth, inflammatory, and neoplastic processes. Thus, they represent valuable biomarkers for diagnosing and drug therapy monitoring certain medical conditions. Because cytokines are secreted in the human body, they can be detected in both conventional samples, such as blood or urine, but also in samples less used in medical practice such as sweat or saliva. As the importance of cytokines was identified, various analytical methods for their determination in biological fluids were reported. The gold standard in cytokine detection is considered the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method and the most recent ones have been considered and compared in this study. It is known that the conventional methods are accompanied by a few disadvantages that new methods of analysis, especially electrochemical sensors, are trying to overcome. Electrochemical sensors proved to be suited for the elaboration of integrated, portable, and wearable sensing devices, which could also facilitate cytokines determination in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Bianca Irimeș
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mihaela Tertiș
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Radu Oprean
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cecilia Cristea
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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18
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Cismaru CA, Tomuleasa C, Jurj A, Chira S, Isachekcu E, Cismaru G, Gherman LM, Gulei D, Munteanu R, Berindan Neagoe I. Synergistic Effect of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin and Granulocyte Colony Stimulating Factor in the Mobilization of HSPCs Improves Overall Survival After PBSCT in a Preclinical Murine Model. Are We Far Enough for Therapy? Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:206-217. [PMID: 37922107 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10648-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Strategies to improve hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization from the bone marrow can have a pivotal role in addressing iatrogenic bone-marrow insufficiency from chemo(radio)therapy and overcoming peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) limitations such as insufficient mobilization. Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) represents the standard mobilization strategy for HSPC and has done so for more than three decades since its FDA approval. Its association with non-G-CSF agents is often employed for difficult HSPC mobilization. However, obtaining a synergistic effect between the two classes is limited by different timing and mechanisms of action. Based on our previous in vitro results, we tested the mobilization potential of human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), alone and in combination with G-CSF in vivo in a murine study. Our results show an improved mobilization capability of the combination, which seems to act synergistically in stimulating hematopoiesis. With the current understanding of the dynamics of HSPCs and their origins in more primitive cells related to the germline, new strategies to employ the mobilization of hematopoietic progenitors using chorionic gonadotropins could soon become clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosmin Andrei Cismaru
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, P.O. 400393, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- MEDFUTURE - The Research Center for Advanced Medicine "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, P.O. 400393, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Sergiu Chira
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, P.O. 400393, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ekaterina Isachekcu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, P.O. 400393, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Gabriel Cismaru
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cardiology-Rehabilitation, "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Luciana Madalina Gherman
- Laboratory Animal Facility - Centre for Experimental Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Diana Gulei
- MEDFUTURE - The Research Center for Advanced Medicine "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Raluca Munteanu
- MEDFUTURE - The Research Center for Advanced Medicine "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, "Iuliu Hatieganu", University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 23 Gheorghe Marinescu Street, P.O. 400393, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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19
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Tomescu MI, Papasteri C, Sofonea A, Berceanu AI, Carcea I. Personality Moderates Intra-Individual Variability in EEG Microstates and Spontaneous Thoughts. Brain Topogr 2023:10.1007/s10548-023-01019-x. [PMID: 38038786 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-01019-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Variability in brain activity that persists after accounting for overt behavioral and physiological states is often considered noise and controlled as a covariate in research. However, studying intra-individual variability in brain function can provide valuable insights into the dynamic nature of the brain. To explore this, we conducted a study on 43 participants analyzing the EEG microstate dynamics and self-reported spontaneous mental activity during five-minute resting-state recordings on two separate days with a twenty days average delay between recordings. Our results showed that the associations between EEG microstates and spontaneous cognition significantly changed from one day to another. Moreover, microstate changes were associated with changes in spontaneous cognition. Specifically, inter-day changes in Verbal thoughts about Others and future Planning were positively related to bottom-up sensory network-related microstate changes and negatively associated with top-down, attention, and salience network-related microstates. In addition, we find that personality traits are related to inter-day changes in microstates and spontaneous thoughts. Specifically, extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness, and openness to experience moderated the relationship between inter-day changes in EEG microstates and spontaneous thoughts. Our study provides valuable information on the dynamic changes in the EEG microstate-spontaneous cognition organization, which could be essential for developing interventions and treatments for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miralena I Tomescu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Educational Sciences, University "Stefan cel Mare" of Suceava, Suceava, Romania.
- Departement of Research and Development, CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale", Bucharest, Romania.
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Claudiu Papasteri
- Departement of Research and Development, CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale", Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Cognitive Sciences, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Sofonea
- Departement of Research and Development, CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandru I Berceanu
- Departement of Research and Development, CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana Carcea
- Departement of Research and Development, CINETic Center, National University of Theatre and Film "I.L. Caragiale", Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers Brain Health Institute, New Jersey, NJ, USA
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20
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Oane I, Barborica A, Daneasa A, Maliia MD, Ciurea J, Stoica S, Dabu A, Bratu F, Lentoiu C, Mindruta I. Organization of the epileptogenic zone and signal analysis at seizure onset in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy due to focal cortical dysplasia with mTOR pathway gene mutations-An SEEG study. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1588-1595. [PMID: 37574648 PMCID: PMC10690691 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy surgery in genetic drug-resistant epilepsy is a debated subject as more histological and molecular data are available. We retrospectively collected data from focal drug-resistant epilepsy patients that underwent stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) invasive recordings. Patients with nonlesional brain imaging or in whom a first epilepsy surgery failed to control seizures were selected. We computed and displayed the intracranial ictal onset activity pattern on structural imaging. Patients underwent epilepsy gene panel testing, next generation sequencing-NGS. Of 113 patients, 13 underwent genetic testing, and in 6 patients, a mechanistic target of rapamycin pathway gene germline mutation (mTOR) was identified. Brain imaging was nonlesional except for one patient in whom two abnormalities suggestive of focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) were found. Patients underwent tailored brain surgery based on SEEG data, tissue analysis revealed FCD and postsurgical outcome was favorable. Our findings are similar to previous case series suggesting that epilepsy surgery can be a treatment option in patients with mTOR pathway mutation. In patients with mTOR pathway mutation, the postsurgical outcome is favorable if complete resection of the epileptogenic zone is performed. Electrophysiological seizure onset patterns in FCDs associated with mTOR pathway mutations display low-voltage fast activity as previously described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Oane
- Epilepsy Monitoring UnitUniversity Emergency Hospital BucharestBucharestRomania
| | | | - Andrei Daneasa
- Epilepsy Monitoring UnitUniversity Emergency Hospital BucharestBucharestRomania
| | | | - Jean Ciurea
- Neurosurgery Department“Bagdasar‐Arseni” Emergency HospitalBucharestRomania
| | - Sergiu Stoica
- Neurosurgery DepartmentBrain Institute, Monza HospitalBucharestRomania
| | - Aurelia Dabu
- Neurosurgery DepartmentUniversity Emergency Hospital BucharestBucharestRomania
| | - Flavius Bratu
- Epilepsy Monitoring UnitUniversity Emergency Hospital BucharestBucharestRomania
| | - Camelia Lentoiu
- Epilepsy Monitoring UnitUniversity Emergency Hospital BucharestBucharestRomania
| | - Ioana Mindruta
- Epilepsy Monitoring UnitUniversity Emergency Hospital BucharestBucharestRomania
- Neurology Department, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila BucharestBucharestRomania
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21
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Ion A. Primary affective systems and personality: Disentangling the within-person reciprocal relationships. J Pers 2023. [PMID: 38018605 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Personality traits and affective functioning have been closely linked. Empirical evidence suggests that the Five-Factor Model traits have been linked with Panskepp's six primary affective systems, as measured by the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales: SEEKING, PLAY, CARE (positive emotions) and FEAR, SADNESS, ANGER (negative emotions). OBJECTIVE The present work investigated the dynamic relations between primary affective systems and FFM personality. METHOD Drawing from a sample of 220 participants completing surveys on four consecutive days, we used the random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RI-CLPM) to investigate the associations between primary affective systems and personality traits. RESULTS The following associations were identified: bidirectional associations between negative emotions and neuroticism, unidirectional associations from SEEKING to openness and from agreeableness to three primary affective systems. No significant associations were observed between extraversion and primary affective systems. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the importance of disentangling the within-person effects when examining the relationship between primary affective systems and personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Ion
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Assessment and Individual Differences-AID Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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22
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Moldovan OT, Carrell AA, Bulzu PA, Levei E, Bucur R, Sitar C, Faur L, Mirea IC, Șenilă M, Cadar O, Podar M. The gut microbiome mediates adaptation to scarce food in Coleoptera. Environ Microbiome 2023; 18:80. [PMID: 37957741 PMCID: PMC10644639 DOI: 10.1186/s40793-023-00537-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Beetles are ubiquitous cave invertebrates worldwide that adapted to scarce subterranean resources when they colonized caves. Here, we investigated the potential role of gut microbiota in the adaptation of beetles to caves from different climatic regions of the Carpathians. The beetles' microbiota was host-specific, reflecting phylogenetic and nutritional adaptation. The microbial community structure further resolved conspecific beetles by caves suggesting microbiota-host coevolution and influences by local environmental factors. The detritivore species hosted a variety of bacteria known to decompose and ferment organic matter, suggesting turnover and host cooperative digestion of the sedimentary microbiota and allochthonous-derived nutrients. The cave Carabidae, with strong mandibula, adapted to predation and scavenging of animal and plant remains, had distinct microbiota dominated by symbiotic lineages Spiroplasma or Wolbachia. All beetles had relatively high levels of fermentative Carnobacterium and Vagococcus involved in lipid accumulation and a reduction of metabolic activity, and both features characterize adaptation to caves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Teodora Moldovan
- Cluj-Napoca Department, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Clinicilor 5, Cluj- Napoca, 400006, Romania.
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, V. Fulicea 3, Cluj-Napoca, 400022, Romania.
- Centro Nacional de Investigación sobre la Evolución Humana, CENIEH, Paseo Sierra de Atapuerca 3, Burgos, 09002, Spain.
| | - Alyssa A Carrell
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
| | - Paul-Adrian Bulzu
- Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology, Institute of Hydrobiology, Biology Centre of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, České Budějovice, 370 05, Czech Republic
| | - Erika Levei
- Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation subsidiary, National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics INOE 2000, Donath 67, Cluj-Napoca, 400293, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Bucur
- Cluj-Napoca Department, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Clinicilor 5, Cluj- Napoca, 400006, Romania
| | - Cristian Sitar
- Cluj-Napoca Department, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, Clinicilor 5, Cluj- Napoca, 400006, Romania
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, V. Fulicea 3, Cluj-Napoca, 400022, Romania
- Zoological Museum, Babeș Bolyai University, Clinicilor 5, Cluj-Napoca, 400006, Romania
| | - Luchiana Faur
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, V. Fulicea 3, Cluj-Napoca, 400022, Romania
- Department of Geospeleology and Paleontology, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, 13 Septembrie 13, Bucharest, 050711, Romania
| | - Ionuț Cornel Mirea
- Romanian Institute of Science and Technology, V. Fulicea 3, Cluj-Napoca, 400022, Romania
- Department of Geospeleology and Paleontology, Emil Racovita Institute of Speleology, 13 Septembrie 13, Bucharest, 050711, Romania
| | - Marin Șenilă
- Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation subsidiary, National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics INOE 2000, Donath 67, Cluj-Napoca, 400293, Romania
| | - Oana Cadar
- Research Institute for Analytical Instrumentation subsidiary, National Institute of Research and Development for Optoelectronics INOE 2000, Donath 67, Cluj-Napoca, 400293, Romania
| | - Mircea Podar
- Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831, USA
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Crișan I, Sava FA. Validity assessment in Eastern Europe: cross-validation of the Dot Counting Test and MODEMM against the TOMM-1 and Rey-15 in a Romanian mixed clinical sample. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023:acad085. [PMID: 37961918 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated performance validity in the understudied Romanian clinical population by exploring classification accuracies of the Dot Counting Test (DCT) and the first Romanian performance validity test (PVT) (Memory of Objects and Digits and Evaluation of Memory Malingering/MODEMM) in a heterogeneous clinical sample. METHODS We evaluated 54 outpatients (26 females; MAge = 62.02; SDAge = 12.3; MEducation = 2.41, SDEducation = 2.82) with the Test of Memory Malingering 1 (TOMM-1), Rey Fifteen Items Test (Rey-15) (free recall and recognition trials), DCT, MODEMM, and MMSE/MoCA as part of their neuropsychological assessment. Accuracy parameters and base failure rates were computed for the DCT and MODEMM indicators against the TOMM-1 and Rey-15. Two patient groups were constructed according to psychometrically defined credible/noncredible performance (i.e., pass/fail both TOMM-1 and Rey-15). RESULTS Similar to other cultures, a cutoff of ≥18 on the DCT E score produced the best combination between sensitivity (0.50-0.57) and specificity (≥0.90). MODEMM indicators based on recognition accuracy, inconsistencies, and inclusion false positives generated 0.75-0.86 sensitivities at ≥0.90 specificities. Multivariable models of MODEMM indicators reached perfect sensitivities at ≥0.90 specificities against two PVTs. Patients who failed the TOMM-1 and Rey-15 were significantly more likely to fail the DCT and MODEMM than patients who passed both PVTs. CONCLUSIONS Our results offer proof of concept for the DCT's cross-cultural validity and the applicability of the MODEMM on Romanian clinical examinees, further recommending the use of heterogeneous validity indicators in clinical assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iulia Crișan
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timișoara, Timișoara 300223, Romania
| | - Florin Alin Sava
- Department of Psychology, West University of Timişoara, Timișoara 300223, Romania
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Macarie RD, Tucureanu MM, Ciortan L, Gan AM, Butoi E, Mânduțeanu I. Ficolin-2 amplifies inflammation in macrophage-smooth muscle cell cross-talk and increases monocyte transmigration by mechanisms involving IL-1β and IL-6. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19431. [PMID: 37940674 PMCID: PMC10632380 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46770-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Ficolin-2, recently identified in atherosclerotic plaques, has been correlated with future acute cardiovascular events, but its role remains unknown. We hypothesize that it could influence plaque vulnerability by interfering in the cross-talk between macrophages (MØ) and smooth muscle cells (SMC). To examine its role and mechanism of action, we exposed an in-vitro co-culture system of SMC and MØ to ficolin-2 (10 µg/mL) and then performed cytokine array, protease array, ELISA, qPCR, Western Blot, and monocyte transmigration assay. Carotid plaque samples from atherosclerotic patients with high plasma levels of ficolin-2 were analyzed by immunofluorescence. We show that ficolin-2: (i) promotes a pro-inflammatory phenotype in SMC following interaction with MØ by elevating the gene expression of MCP-1, upregulating gene and protein expression of IL-6 and TLR4, and by activating ERK/MAPK and NF-KB signaling pathways; (ii) increased IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP-1β in MØ beyond the level induced by cellular interaction with SMC; (iii) elevated the secretion of IL-1β, IL-6, and CCL4 in the conditioned medium; (iv) enhanced monocyte transmigration and (v) in atherosclerotic plaques from patients with high plasma levels of ficolin-2, we observed co-localization of ficolin-2 with SMC marker αSMA and the cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. These findings shed light on previously unknown mechanisms underlying ficolin-2-dependent pathological inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Răzvan Daniel Macarie
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Mădălina Tucureanu
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Letiția Ciortan
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Gan
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Butoi
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Mânduțeanu
- Biopathology and Therapy of Inflammation Department, Institute of Cellular Biology and Pathology "Nicolae Simionescu", Bucharest, Romania
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25
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Cotuțiu VD, Ionică AM, Dan T, Cazan CD, Borșan SD, Culda CA, Mihaiu M, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD. Diversity of Thelazia spp. in domestic cattle from Romania: epidemiology and molecular diagnosis by a novel multiplex PCR. Parasit Vectors 2023; 16:400. [PMID: 37924115 PMCID: PMC10623811 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-023-06012-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Thelaziosis is a neglected vector-borne disease caused by parasitic nematode worms of the genus Thelazia which affects various hosts. Limited attention has been given to ungulate-associated Thelazia species. Current diagnosis of thelaziosis and the identification/differentiation of species heavily relies on morphological features. Therefore, we conducted an epidemiological study in Romanian cattle, with the aim to obtain morphological and molecular data that can be used for species identification. METHODS The eyes of 705 slaughtered cattle were sampled and subjected to morphological identification, morphometric analysis, and molecular characterization. PCR amplification and sequence analysis were performed based on the cytochromec oxidase subunit 1 (COI) gene. Statistical tests assessed the correlations between infection parameters and ecological or biogeographical factors. A novel PCR method was developed based on the consensus sequence from each species. Specific forward primers were designed for each of the three species, and a reverse primer (COIintR) was used for all reactions. A consensus thermal profile was established by gradient PCR amplification of each species separately. RESULTS Of the sampled cattle, 19.3% were infected with Thelazia spp. Prevalence varied significantly with ecogeographical factors. A total of 585 Thelazia nematodes were recovered, with T. rhodesi being the most abundant, followed by T. skrjabini and T. gulosa. Morphometric and molecular analyses supported the morphological identification, yielding unique sequences for each species. From the 59 T. rhodesi specimens sequenced, 29 unique sequences were obtained, with a 99.1-99.85% nucleotide identity to the only other COI sequence present in GenBank®. All nine T. gulosa isolates were unique (99.37-100% nucleotide identity to other sequences), while T. skrjabini specimens displayed 98.47-100% nucleotide identity to the sole available sequence. CONCLUSIONS Bovine thelaziosis is prevalent in Romania, raising concerns for animal welfare and potential economic impacts. Infected cattle grazing alongside vulnerable wild ruminants, such as the European bison, may affect conservation efforts. Our newly developed multiplex PCR shows promise as a valuable surveillance tool, enabling the detection of occult infections in apparently healthy animals through lachrymal secretion testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad-Dan Cotuțiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases Cluj-Napoca, Iuliu Moldovan Street nr 23, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Teodora Dan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina Daniela Cazan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Silvia Diana Borșan
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Carla Andreea Culda
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Marian Mihaiu
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- Department of Parasitology and Parasitic Diseases, University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Calea Mănăștur 3-5, 400372, Cluj-Napoca-Napoca, Romania
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Zetes M, Hada AM, Todea M, Gaina LI, Astilean S, Craciun AM. Dual-emissive solid-state histidine-stabilized gold nanoclusters for applications in white-light generation. Nanoscale Adv 2023; 5:5810-5818. [PMID: 37881697 PMCID: PMC10597560 DOI: 10.1039/d3na00555k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
The majority of present-day white-light emitting devices (WLEDs) are built upon the use of rare-earth elements, which have a short supply, are expensive and can become extremely toxic. Thus, in this work, we synthesized an eco-friendly, efficient and cheap white-light emitting material (WLEM) based on solid-state histidine-stabilized gold nanoclusters (His-AuNCs), obtained through the lyophilization of microwave-synthesized photoluminescent His-AuNCs. Their morphological and structural characterization was followed by thorough evaluation of their intrinsic solid-state photoluminescence properties via steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy, at multiple excitation wavelengths. A white-light emission was observed under UV light excitation due to the two-band broad emission, with maxima at 475 and 520 nm, covering a large area of the visible spectrum. In order to evaluate the purity of the white-light emission we calculated the chromaticity coordinates, at different wavelengths, and displayed them on a CIE (Commision Internationale d'Eclairage) diagram. An excellent value of (0.36, 0.33) was found at 420 nm excitation, which falls within the range of pure white-light emission. Moreover, the His-AuNCs show great photo- and thermo-stability, thus proving their ability to perform as a reliable WLEM with potential use in the development of eco-friendly WLEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Zetes
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University 42 T. Laurian Str. 400271 Cluj-Napoca Romania
- Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str. 400084 Cluj-Napoca Romania
| | - Alexandru-Milentie Hada
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University 42 T. Laurian Str. 400271 Cluj-Napoca Romania
- Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str. 400084 Cluj-Napoca Romania
| | - Milica Todea
- Nanostructured Materials and Bio-Nano-Interfaces Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University 42 T. Laurian Str. 400271 Cluj-Napoca Romania
- Department of Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca 400349 Romania
| | - Luiza Ioana Gaina
- Research Center on Fundamental and Applied Heterochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Babes-Bolyai University 11 A. Janos Str. 400028 Cluj-Napoca Romania
| | - Simion Astilean
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University 42 T. Laurian Str. 400271 Cluj-Napoca Romania
- Faculty of Physics, Babes-Bolyai University 1 M. Kogalniceanu Str. 400084 Cluj-Napoca Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Craciun
- Nanobiophotonics and Laser Microspectroscopy Center, Interdisciplinary Research Institute in Bio-Nano-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University 42 T. Laurian Str. 400271 Cluj-Napoca Romania
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Rusen E, Toader G, Diacon A, Dîrloman FM, Matache LC, Alexe F, Dinescu A, Mocanu A. Synthesis and Mechanical Performances of Polyurethane Bio-Based Adhesives Resulted from the Depolymerization of Lignocellulose Biomass. ACS Omega 2023; 8:38178-38190. [PMID: 37867717 PMCID: PMC10586253 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c04393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to valorize biomass waste into products with added value for indoor applications. Thus, broadleaf sawdust was chemically processed by the solvolysis reaction in acid catalysis in the presence of diethylene glycol at 160 °C for 4 h. After filtration and removal of the unreacted biomass, the glycolysis product was used in 6 different polyurethane adhesive formulations for wood bonding. The adhesive films were characterized by FT-IR, TGA, and DMA, while the mechanical performances were investigated by tensile and three-point bending tests. An innovative method for the determination of the working time was proposed. After the displacement of the wood substrates by the tensile test, the bonded area was investigated by SEM analysis. To confirm a correlation between the mechanical performances of the adhesives and their structure/formulation, two-dimensional (2D) simulations were performed based on the tensile tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Rusen
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Toader
- Military
Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39-49 George Cosbuc Avenue, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurel Diacon
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- Military
Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39-49 George Cosbuc Avenue, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florin Marian Dîrloman
- Military
Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39-49 George Cosbuc Avenue, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Liviu Cristian Matache
- Military
Technical Academy “Ferdinand I”, 39-49 George Cosbuc Avenue, 050141 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Florentina Alexe
- Research
and Innovation Center for CBRN Defense and Ecology, 225 Oltenitei, 041327 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Adrian Dinescu
- National
Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies—IMT
Bucharest, 126A Erou
Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Mocanu
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, University Politehnica of Bucharest, 1-7 Gh. Polizu Street, 011061 Bucharest, Romania
- National
Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies—IMT
Bucharest, 126A Erou
Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190 Bucharest, Romania
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Tivig I, Moisescu MG, Savopol T. OpenDEP: An Open-Source Platform for Dielectrophoresis Spectra Acquisition and Analysis. ACS Omega 2023; 8:38715-38722. [PMID: 37867645 PMCID: PMC10586268 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Dielectrophoretic (DEP) cell separation, which utilizes electric fields to selectively manipulate and separate cells based on their electrical properties, has emerged as a cutting-edge label-free technique. DEP separation techniques rely on differences in the electrical and morphological properties of cells, which can be obtained by a thorough analysis of DEP spectra. This article presents a novel platform, named OpenDEP, for acquiring and processing DEP spectra of suspended cells. The platform consists of lab-on-a-chip and open-source software that enables the determination of DEP spectra and electric parameters. The performance of OpenDEP was validated by comparing the results obtained using this platform with the results obtained using a commercially available device, 3DEP from DEPtech. The lab-on-a-chip design features two indium tin oxide-coated slides with a specific geometry, forming a chamber where cells are exposed to an inhomogeneous alternating electric field with different frequencies, and microscopic images of cell distributions are acquired. A custom-built software written in the Python programing language was developed to convert the acquired images into DEP spectra, allowing for the estimation of membrane and cytoplasm conductivities and permittivities. The platform was validated using two cell lines, DC3F and NIH 3T3. The OpenDEP platform offers several advantages, including easy manufacturing, statistically robust computations due to large cell population analysis, and a closed environment for sterile work. Furthermore, continuous observation using any microscope allows for integration with other techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioan Tivig
- Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology
Department, Excellence Center for Research in Biophysics and Cellular
Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol
Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Bucharest 050474, Romania
| | - Mihaela Georgeta Moisescu
- Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology
Department, Excellence Center for Research in Biophysics and Cellular
Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol
Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Bucharest 050474, Romania
| | - Tudor Savopol
- Biophysics and Cellular Biotechnology
Department, Excellence Center for Research in Biophysics and Cellular
Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Carol
Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Eroii Sanitari Blvd., Bucharest 050474, Romania
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Kalmár Z, Sándor AD, Balea A, Borşan SD, Matei IA, Ionică AM, Gherman CM, Mihalca AD, Cozma-Petruț A, Mircean V, Györke A. Toxoplasma gondii in small mammals in Romania: the influence of host, season and sampling location. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:177. [PMID: 37773155 PMCID: PMC10540334 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03729-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that infects a large spectrum of warm-blooded animals, including humans. Small rodents and insectivores play an important role in the epidemiology of T. gondii and may serve as a source of infection for both, domestic and wild definitive felid hosts. Factors influencing the occurrence of T. gondii in wild small mammals are unknown, despite the fact that many intermediate host species are identified. We have used small mammals (Rodentia and Lipotyphla) captured over two years in various habitats, both in urbanised and in natural landscapes. We assessed the importance of land-use, season and host ecology on T. gondii infection. RESULTS We examined 471 individuals belonging to 20 small mammal species, collected at 63 locations spread over wide altitude, habitat and land-use ranges from Romania. Heart tissue samples were individually analysed by PCR targeting the 529 bp repetitive DNA fragment of T. gondii. The overall prevalence of infection was 7.3%, with nine species of rodents and two species of shrews being found to carry T. gondii DNA. Five species showed high frequency of infection, with the highest prevalence found in Myodes glareolus (35.5%), followed by Spermophilus citellus (33.3%), Sorex minutus (23.1%), S. araneus (21.7%) and Micromys minutus (11.1%). Adults seemed more often infected than young, however when controlling for season, the difference was not significant, as in spring both adults and young showed higher infection rates, but more adults were sampled. Contrary to our expectations, urban/rural areas (with their implicit high density of domestic feline presence) had no effect on infection prevalence. In addition, neither habitat, nor land-use at sampling sites was important as only geographical location and host species were contributing factors to the infection risk. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of T. gondii infection showed a highly localised, patchy occurrence, with long living and higher mobility host species being the most common carriers, especially during autumn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Kalmár
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- “Iuliu Hațieganu“ University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila D. Sándor
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- HUN-REN-UVMB Climate Change: New Blood-sucking Parasites and Vector-borne Pathogens Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Parasitology and Zoology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anamaria Balea
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- Sanitary Veterinary and Food Safety Directorate Cluj, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Silvia-Diana Borşan
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Ioana Adriana Matei
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Angela Monica Ionică
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
- Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Călin Mircea Gherman
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Andrei Daniel Mihalca
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | | | - Viorica Mircean
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
| | - Adriana Györke
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj-Napoca, Cluj- Napoca, RO-400372 Romania
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Mészáros Á, Molnár K, Fazakas C, Nógrádi B, Lüvi A, Dudás T, Tiszlavicz L, Farkas AE, Krizbai IA, Wilhelm I. Inflammasome activation in peritumoral astrocytes is a key player in breast cancer brain metastasis development. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:155. [PMID: 37749707 PMCID: PMC10521486 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammasomes, primarily responsible for the activation of IL-1β, have emerged as critical regulators of the tumor microenvironment. By using in vivo and in vitro brain metastasis models, as well as human samples to study the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) brain metastases, we found NLRP3 inflammasome components and IL-1β to be highly and specifically expressed in peritumoral astrocytes. Soluble factors from TNBC cells induced upregulation and activation of NLRP3 and IL-1β in astrocytes, while astrocyte-derived mediators augmented the proliferation of metastatic cells. In addition, inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activity using MCC950 or dampening the downstream effect of IL-1β prevented the proliferation increase in cancer cells. In vivo, MCC950 reduced IL-1β expression in peritumoral astrocytes, as well as the levels of inflammasome components and active IL-1β. Most importantly, significantly retarded growth of brain metastatic tumors was observed in mice treated with MCC950. Overall, astrocytes contribute to TNBC progression in the brain through activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and consequent IL-1β release. We conclude that pharmacological targeting of inflammasomes may become a novel strategy in controlling brain metastatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bernát Nógrádi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Adél Lüvi
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamás Dudás
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
- Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Attila Elek Farkas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Adorján Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, ELKH (Eötvös Loránd Research Network), Temesvári Krt. 62, 6726, Szeged, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
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31
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Marton G, Koenis MAJ, Liu HB, Bewley CA, Buma WJ, Nicu VP. An Artificial Intelligence Approach for Tackling Conformational Energy Uncertainties in Chiroptical Spectroscopies. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202307053. [PMID: 37335229 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202307053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Determination of the absolute configuration of chiral molecules is a prerequisite for obtaining a fundamental understanding in any chirality-related field. The interaction with polarised light has proven to be a powerful means to determine this absolute configuration, but its application rests on the comparison between experimental and computed spectra for which the inherent uncertainty in conformational Boltzmann factors has proven to be extremely hard to tackle. Here we present a novel approach that overcomes this issue by combining a genetic algorithm that identifies the relevant conformers by accounting for the uncertainties in DFT relative energies, and a hierarchical clustering algorithm that analyses the trends in the spectra of the considered conformers and identifies on-the-fly when a given chiroptical technique is not able to make reliable predictions. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by considering the challenging cases of papuamine and haliclonadiamine, two bis-indane natural products with eight chiral centres and considerable conformational heterogeneity that could not be assigned unambiguously with current approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Marton
- Provitam Foundation, Caisului Street 16, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Mark A J Koenis
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hong-Bing Liu
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-0820, United States
| | - Carole A Bewley
- Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, 20892-0820, United States
| | - Wybren Jan Buma
- Van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Radboud University, Institute for Molecules and Materials, FELIX Laboratory, Toernooiveld 7c, 6525 ED, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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32
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Bruns W, Ichim B. Computations of volumes in five candidates elections. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13266. [PMID: 37582840 PMCID: PMC10427648 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39656-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
We describe several analytical (i.e., precise) results obtained in five candidates social choice elections under the assumption of the Impartial Anonymous Culture. These include the Condorcet and Borda paradoxes, as well as the Condorcet efficiency of plurality, negative plurality and Borda voting, including their runoff versions. The computations are done by Normaliz. It finds precise probabilities as volumes of polytopes in dimension 119, using its recent implementation of the Lawrence algorithm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Winfried Bruns
- Institut für Mathematik, Universität Osnabrück, 49069, Osnabrück, Germany.
| | - Bogdan Ichim
- Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Bucharest, Str. Academiei 14, 010014, Bucharest, Romania
- Simion Stoilow Institute of Mathematics of the Romanian Academy, Research Unit 2, C.P. 1-764, 010702, Bucharest, Romania
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33
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Ion V, Teodorescu V, Birjega R, Dinescu M, Mitterbauer C, Alexandrou I, Ghitiu I, Craciun F, Scarisoreanu ND. Lead-Free Perovskite Thin Films with Tailored Pockels-Kerr Effects for Photonics. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2023; 15:38039-38048. [PMID: 37497599 PMCID: PMC10416211 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c06499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Pockels and Kerr effects are linear and nonlinear electro-optical effects, respectively, used in many applications. The modulation of the refractive index is employed in different photonic circuits. However, the greatest challenge is in photonic elements for quantum computing at room temperature. For this aim, materials with strong Pockels/Kerr effects and χ(2)/χ(3) nonlinear susceptibilities are necessary. Here, we demonstrate composition-modulated strong electro-optical response in epitaxial films of (Ba,Ca)(Ti,Zr)O3 perovskite titanate. These films are grown by pulsed laser deposition on SrTiO3. Depending on the ratios of Ca/Ba and Ti/Zr, films show high Pockels or Kerr optical nonlinearities. We relate the variable electro-optic response to the occurrence of nanopolar domains with different symmetries in a selected composition range. These findings open the route to easily implement nonlinear optical elements in integrated photonic circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Ion
- National
Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Valentin Teodorescu
- National
Institute of Materials Physics, 105 bis Atomistilor, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Ruxandra Birjega
- National
Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Maria Dinescu
- National
Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Christoph Mitterbauer
- Thermo
Fisher Scientific, Materials & Structural Analysis, De Schakel 2, Eindhoven 5651 GE, the Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Alexandrou
- Thermo
Fisher Scientific, Materials & Structural Analysis, De Schakel 2, Eindhoven 5651 GE, the Netherlands
| | - Ioan Ghitiu
- National
Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor, Magurele 077125, Romania
- Faculty
of Physics, University of Bucharest, Magurele 077125, Romania
| | - Floriana Craciun
- CNR-ISM,
Istituto di Struttura della Materia,
Area della Ricerca di Roma-Tor Vergata, Via del Fosso
del Cavaliere 100, Rome I-00133, Italy
| | - Nicu D. Scarisoreanu
- National
Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor, Magurele 077125, Romania
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34
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Wang Y, Li YX, Cseh L, Chen YX, Yang SG, Zeng X, Liu F, Hu W, Ungar G. Enantiomers Self-Sort into Separate Counter-Twisted Ribbons of the Fddd Liquid Crystal─Antiferrochirality and Parachirality. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:17443-17460. [PMID: 37523689 PMCID: PMC10416214 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c06164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The recently discovered orthorhombic liquid crystal (LC) phase of symmetry Fddd is proving to be widespread. In this work, a chiral hydroxybutyrate linkage is inserted into the molecular core of hexacatenar rodlike compounds, containing a thienylfluorenone fluorophore. In addition to more usual tools, the methods used include grazing-incidence X-ray scattering, modulated differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), flash DSC with rates up to 6000 K/s, and chiro-optical spectroscopies using Mueller matrix method, plus conformational mapping. Although pure R and S enantiomers form only a strongly chiral hexagonal columnar LC phase (Colh*), the racemic mixture forms a highly ordered Fddd phase with 4 right- and 4 left-handed twisted ribbon-like columns traversing its large unit cell. In that structure, the two enantiomers locally deracemize and self-sort into the columns of their preferred chirality. The twisted ribbons in Fddd, with a 7.54 nm pitch, consist of stacked rafts, each containing ∼2 side-by-side molecules, the successive rafts rotated by 17°. In contrast, an analogous achiral compound forms only the columnar phase. The multiple methods used gave a comprehensive picture and helped in-depth understanding not only of the Fddd phase but also of the "parachiral" Colh* in pure enantiomers with irregular helicity, whose chirality is compared to the magnetization of a paramagnet in a field. Unusual short-range ordering effects are also described. An explanation of these phenomena is proposed based on conformational analysis. Surprisingly, the isotropic-columnar transition is extremely fast, completing within ∼20 ms. A clear effect of phase on UV-vis absorption and emission is observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Shaanxi
International Research Centre for Soft Matter, State Key Laboratory
for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Ya-Xin Li
- School
of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan
University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Liliana Cseh
- Romanian
Academy, Coriolan Dragulescu Institute of Chemistry, Timisoara 300223, Romania
| | - Yong-Xuan Chen
- State
Key Laboratory of Coordinate Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Shu-Gui Yang
- Shaanxi
International Research Centre for Soft Matter, State Key Laboratory
for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Xiangbing Zeng
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, U.K.
| | - Feng Liu
- Shaanxi
International Research Centre for Soft Matter, State Key Laboratory
for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
| | - Wenbing Hu
- State
Key Laboratory of Coordinate Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical
Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
| | - Goran Ungar
- Shaanxi
International Research Centre for Soft Matter, State Key Laboratory
for Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, Xi’an
Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710049, China
- Department
of Materials Science and Engineering, University
of Sheffield, Sheffield S1 3JD, U.K.
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35
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Stefan-van Staden RI, Bratei AA, Ilie-Mihai RM, Gheorghe DC, Tuchiu BM, Gurzu S. Bioanalysis of MMR and KRAS - a key factor in diagnosis of colorectal cancer. RSC Adv 2023; 13:24086-24092. [PMID: 37577090 PMCID: PMC10415748 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra04260j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Two miniaturized electrochemical devices were designed for the simultaneous bioanalysis of MMR (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2), and of KRAS in whole blood, urine, saliva, and tumoral tissues. The devices comprised besides the electronic part of the potentiostat a combined 3D stochastic microsensor (combined microplatform) with the sensing part based on the modification of graphene decorated with nitrogen, sulfur and boron (NSB-EGR) modified with two types of frutafit: FTEX and FHD. For the assay of MSH2, MSH6, KRAS, and PMS2 higher sensitivities were recorded when the microdevice based on FHD was used, while for the assay of MLH1 the best sensitivity was achieved by using the microdevice based on FTEX. While the limits of quantification for MLH1, MSH2, and PMS2 were not influenced by the modifier, the microdevice based on FHD provided the lowest limit of quantification for KRAS, the microdevice based on FTEX provided the lowest limit of quantification for MSH6. The validation tests performed proved that recoveries of MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and of KRAS in whole blood, urine, saliva, and tumoral tissues higher than 98.50% with RSD (%) values lower than 0.10% were recorded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raluca-Ioana Stefan-van Staden
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40213163113 +40751507779
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Alexandru Adrian Bratei
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40213163113 +40751507779
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
- Department of Pathology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology Targu-Mures Romania
| | - Ruxandra-Maria Ilie-Mihai
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40213163113 +40751507779
| | - Damaris-Cristina Gheorghe
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40213163113 +40751507779
| | - Bianca Maria Tuchiu
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40213163113 +40751507779
| | - Simona Gurzu
- Department of Pathology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology Targu-Mures Romania
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36
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Ibanescu A, Olariu DI, Lutic D, Hulea V, Dragoi B. Engineering the Morphostructural Properties and Drug Loading Degree of Organic-Inorganic Fluorouracil-MgAl LDH Nanohybrids by Rational Control of Hydrothermal Treatment. ACS Omega 2023; 8:26102-26121. [PMID: 37521604 PMCID: PMC10372945 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c02288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) or hydrotalcite-like compounds have attracted great attention for the delivery of anticancer drugs due to their 2D structure, exhibiting a high surface-to-volume ratio and a high chemical versatility. The drug is protected between the layers from which it is slowly released, thus increasing the therapeutic effect and minimizing the side effects associated to nonspecific targeting. This work aimed to design LDHs with Mg and Al (molar ratio of 2/1) in brucite-like layers, which retained fluorouracil (5-FU; 5-FU/Al = 1, molar ratio) in the interlayer gallery as the layers grow during the co-precipitation step of the synthesis. To rationally control the physicochemical properties, particularly the size of the crystallites, the aging step following the co-precipitation was performed under carefully controlled conditions by changing the time and temperature (i.e., 25 °C for 16 h, 100 °C for 16 h, and 120 °C for 24 h). The results revealed the achievement of the control of the size of the crystals, which are gathered in three different agglomeration systems, from tight to loose, as well as the loading degree of the drug in the final organic-inorganic hybrid nanomaterials. The role played by the factors and parameters affecting the drug-controlled release was highlighted by assessing the release behavior of 5-FU by changing the pH, solid mass/volume ratio, and ionic strength. The results showed a pH-dependent behavior but not necessarily in a direct proportionality. After a certain limit, the mass of the solid diminishes the rate of release, whereas the ionic strength is essential for the payload discharge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Ibanescu
- TRANSCEND
Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology, 2-4 General Henri Mathias Berthelot, 700483 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty
of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iasi, 73 Prof. D. Mangeron Bvd., 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Dragos-Ioan Olariu
- TRANSCEND
Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology, 2-4 General Henri Mathias Berthelot, 700483 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Al. I. Cuza University, 11-Carol I Bvd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Doina Lutic
- TRANSCEND
Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology, 2-4 General Henri Mathias Berthelot, 700483 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Al. I. Cuza University, 11-Carol I Bvd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
| | - Vasile Hulea
- Institut
Charles Gerhardt Montpellier, UMR 5253, CNRS-UM-ENSCM,Montpellier 34296, France
| | - Brindusa Dragoi
- TRANSCEND
Research Center, Regional Institute of Oncology, 2-4 General Henri Mathias Berthelot, 700483 Iasi, Romania
- Faculty
of Chemistry, Al. I. Cuza University, 11-Carol I Bvd., 700506 Iasi, Romania
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37
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Asaftei M, Lucidi M, Cirtoaje C, Holban AM, Charitidis CA, Yang F, Wu A, Stanciu GA, Sağlam Ö, Lazar V, Visca P, Stanciu SG. Fighting bacterial pathogens with carbon nanotubes: focused review of recent progress. RSC Adv 2023; 13:19682-19694. [PMID: 37396836 PMCID: PMC10308885 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra01745a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The fast and global spread of bacterial resistance to currently available antibiotics results in a great and urgent need for alternative antibacterial agents and therapeutic strategies. Recent studies on the application of nanomaterials as antimicrobial agents have demonstrated their potential for the management of infectious diseases. Among the diverse palette of nanomaterials currently used in biomedical applications, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have gained massive interest given their many valuable properties, such as high thermal and electrical conductivity, tensile strength, flexibility convenient aspect ratio, and low fabrication costs. All these features are augmented by facile conjugation with functional groups. CNTs are currently available in many configurations, with two main categories being single-walled and multi-walled CNTs, depending on the number of rolled-up single-layer carbon atoms sheets making up the nanostructure. Both classes have been identified over the past years as promising antibacterial agents but the current level of understanding of their efficiency still harbors many pending questions. This mini-review surveys recent progress on the topic of antibacterial effects of CNTs and examines the proposed mechanisms of action(s) of different CNT typologies, placing the main focus on past studies addressing the antibacterial activity on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, two prototypical Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Asaftei
- Center for Microscopy-Microanalysis and Information Processing, University Politehnica of Bucharest Romania
- Department of Microbiology, University of Bucharest Romania
| | - Massimiliano Lucidi
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University Rome 00146 Italy
- NBFC, National Biodiversity Future Center Palermo 90133 Italy
| | | | | | - Costas A Charitidis
- Research Lab of Advanced, Composite, Nano-Materials and Nanotechnology, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens Greece
| | - Fang Yang
- CIXI Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute for Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences China
| | - Aiguo Wu
- CIXI Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Ningbo Institute for Materials Technology and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences China
| | - George A Stanciu
- Center for Microscopy-Microanalysis and Information Processing, University Politehnica of Bucharest Romania
| | - Özge Sağlam
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, İzmir University of Economics Turkey
| | - Veronica Lazar
- Department of Microbiology, University of Bucharest Romania
| | - Paolo Visca
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University Rome 00146 Italy
- Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS Rome 00179 Italy
| | - Stefan G Stanciu
- Center for Microscopy-Microanalysis and Information Processing, University Politehnica of Bucharest Romania
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38
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Alinei-Poiana T, Dulf EH, Kovacs L. Fractional calculus in mathematical oncology. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10083. [PMID: 37344605 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37196-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Even though, nowadays, cancer is one of the leading causes of death, too little is known about the behavior of this disease due to its unpredictability from one patient to another. Classical mathematical models of tumor growth have shaped our understanding of cancer and have broad practical implications for treatment scheduling and dosage. However, improvements are still necessary on these models. The primary objective of the present research is to prove the efficiency of fractional order calculus in mathematical oncology, more specifically in tumor growth modeling. For this, a generalization of the four most used differential equation models in tumor volume measurements fitting is realized, using the corresponding fractional order equivalent. Are established the fractional order Exponential, Logistic, Gompertz, General Bertalanffy-Pütter and Classical Bertalanffy-Pütter models for a treated and untreated dataset. The obtained results are compared by Mean Squared Error (MSE) with the integer order correspondent of each model. The results prove the superiority of the fractional order models. The MSE of fractional order models are reduced at least at half in comparison with the MSE of the integer order equivalent. It is demonstrated in this way that fractional order deterministic models can offer a good starting point in finding a proper mathematical model for tumor evolution prediction. Fractional calculus is a suitable method in this case due to its memory property, aspect that particularly characterizes biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Alinei-Poiana
- Department of Automation, Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Memorandumului Str. 28, 400014, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Eva-H Dulf
- Department of Automation, Faculty of Automation and Computer Science, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Memorandumului Str. 28, 400014, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, 3-5 Manastur Str., 400374, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Levente Kovacs
- Physiological Controls Research Center, Óbuda University, Budapest, 1034, Hungary
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Ahlawat S, Kanaujia BK, Rambabu K, Peter I, Matekovits L. Circularly polarized differential intra-oral antenna design validation and characterization for tongue drive system. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9935. [PMID: 37336931 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36717-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Assistive devices are becoming increasingly popular for physically disabled persons suffering tetraplegia and spinal cord injuries. Intraoral tongue drive system (iTDS) is one of the most feasible and non-invasive assistive technology (AT), which utilises the transferring and inferring of user intentions through different tongue gestures. Wireless transferring is of prime importance and requires a suitable design of the intra-oral antenna. In this paper, a compact circularly polarized differential intra-oral antenna is designed, and its performance is analysed within heterogeneous multilayer mouth and head models. It works at 2.4 GHz in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band. The footprint of the differential antenna prototype is 0.271 λg [Formula: see text] 0.271 λg [Formula: see text] 0.015 λg. It is achieved using two pairs of spiral segments loaded in diagonal form near the edges of the central rotated square slot and a high dielectric constant substrate. Its spiral-slotted geometry further provides the desired swirling and miniaturization at the desired frequency band for both mouth scenarios. Additionally, corner triangular slits on the radiating patch assist in tuning the axial ratio (< 3 dB) in the desired ISM band. To validate the performance of the proposed in-mouth antenna, the measurement was carried out using the minced pork and the saline solution for closed and opened mouth cases, respectively. The measured - 10 dB impedance bandwidth and peak gain values in the minced pork are from 2.28 to 2.53 GHz (10.39%) and - 18.17 dBi, respectively, and in the saline solution, are from 2.3 to 2.54 GHz (9.92%) and - 15.47 dBi, respectively. Further, the specific absorption rate (SAR) is estimated, and the data communication link is computed with and without a balun loss. This confirms that the proposed differential intraoral antenna can establish direct interfacing at the RF front end of the intraoral tongue drive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Ahlawat
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
| | - Binod Kumar Kanaujia
- School of Computational and Integrative Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, 110067, India
- Dr. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, 144011, India
| | - Karumudi Rambabu
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2V4, Canada
| | - Ildiko Peter
- Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540139, Târgu-Mureş, Romania.
| | - Ladislau Matekovits
- Department of Electronics and Telecommunications, Politecnico di Torino, 10129, Turin, Italy
- Department of Measurements and Optical Electronics, Politehnica University Timisoara, 300223, Timisoara, Romania
- Instituto di Elettronica e di Ingegneria dell'informazione e delle Telecomunicazioni, National Research Council of Italy, 10129, Turin, Italy
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40
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Tigu AB, Hotea I, Drula R, Zimta AA, Dirzu N, Santa M, Constantinescu C, Dima D, Bergthorsson JT, Greiff V, Gulei D, Coriu D, Serban M, Mahlangu J, Tomuleasa C. RNA sequencing suggests that non-coding RNAs play a role in the development of acquired haemophilia. J Cell Mol Med 2023. [PMID: 37317065 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Acquired haemophilia (AH) is a rare disorder characterized by bleeding in patients with no personal or family history of coagulation/clotting-related diseases. This disease occurs when the immune system, by mistake, generates autoantibodies that target FVIII, causing bleeding. Small RNAs from plasma collected from AH patients (n = 2), mild classical haemophilia (n = 3), severe classical haemophilia (n = 3) and healthy donors (n = 2), for sequencing by Illumina, NextSeq500. Based on bioinformatic analysis, AH patients were compared to all experimental groups and a significant number of altered transcripts were identified with one transcript being modified compared to all groups at fold change level. The Venn diagram shows that haemoglobin subunit alpha 1 was highlighted to be the common upregulated transcript in AH compared to classical haemophilia and healthy patients. Non-coding RNAs might play a role in AH pathogenesis; however, due to the rarity of HA, the current study needs to be translated on a larger number of AH samples and classical haemophilia samples to generate more solid data that can confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Bogdan Tigu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Romanian Academy of Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ionut Hotea
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Rares Drula
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Romanian Academy of Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina-Andreea Zimta
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Noemi Dirzu
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Maria Santa
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Catalin Constantinescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Jon Thor Bergthorsson
- Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Diana Gulei
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Daniel Coriu
- Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
| | - Margit Serban
- Department of Pediatrics, Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Johnny Mahlangu
- Haemophilia Comprehensive Care Centre, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand and National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Ciprian Tomuleasa
- Medfuture Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj Napoca, Romania
- Romanian Academy of Scientists, Bucharest, Romania
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Tuchiu BM, Stefan-van Staden RI, van Staden JKF. Stochastic platform based on calix[6]arene and TiO 2-modified reduced graphene oxide electrode for on-site determination of nonivamide in pharmaceutical and water samples. RSC Adv 2023; 13:17628-17632. [PMID: 37312991 PMCID: PMC10258681 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra02363j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Using a detection platform based on an integrated sensor constructed by modifying TiO2 and reduced graphene oxide paste with calix[6]arene, a novel stochastic approach for both quantitative and qualitative analysis of nonivamide in pharmaceuticals and water samples has been developed. A wide analytical range of 1.00 × 10-18 to 1.00 × 10-1 mol L-1 was obtained with the stochastic detection platform for nonivamide determination. A very low limit of quantification of 1.00 × 10-18 mol L-1 was reached for this analyte. The platform was successfully tested on real samples, respectively, on topical pharmaceutical dosage form and surface water samples. The samples were analyzed without pretreatment in the case of pharmaceutical ointment or under minimal preliminary processing for surface waters proving a facile, rapid, and reliable method. Moreover, being portable, the developed detection platform is adequate for on-site analysis in various sample matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca-Maria Tuchiu
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40751507779
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Raluca-Ioana Stefan-van Staden
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40751507779
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnologies, Politehnica University of Bucharest Bucharest Romania
| | - Jacobus Koos Frederick van Staden
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter 202 Splaiul Independentei Str. 060021 Bucharest-6 Romania +40751507779
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Nikpour S, Atlasi R, Sanjari M, Aalaa M, Heshmat R, Mafinejad MK, Larijani B, Mehrdad N. Extracting virtual modules of diabetes courses for training primary health care professionals: a scoping review. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:73-81. [PMID: 37255842 PMCID: PMC10225411 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-023-01184-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Purpose There is plenty of evidence on the interventions that can improve outcomes of diabetes. Thus, there is an urgent need to innovate and provide cost-effective ways to optimize the best care for diabetes. The aim was to examine the components of diabetes courses to extract training virtual modules for training primary health care professionals (PHCPs) (i.e. general practitioners, nurses and nutritionists). Methods In this scoping review, a systematic approach based on the Arksey and O'Malley method was used. In order to develop the modules for diabetes courses, search strategy was developed using main keywords. Also, databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, ERIC and Embase, and Google search engine were searched up to April 10th 2021. Two researchers independently screened the retrieved courses. After removing duplicates, and according to the eligibility criteria, the components of each retrieved course were extracted. Results Diabetes training courses have been selected to examine their components to extract training modules. Initially, we found 120 courses related to the training of PHCPs. All information about 44 courses were available online. The researchers reviewed the courses according to tool approved by panel of experts, inclusion criteria, and purpose of the study. Thus, we first extracted 23 eligible programs and 15 final programs were considered for extracting the modules. According to the tool developed by the panel of experts, we extracted 9 virtual modules for diabetes courses including principles, prevention or delay, management, complications, education, special conditions, information technology, referral system of diabetes for training PHCPs. Conclusion Education is an important part of diabetes and needs of PHCPs should be addressed in educational programs in the future. The design of the diabetes training course based on extracted modules in this research for the training of PHCPs can help in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soghra Nikpour
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasha Atlasi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Sanjari
- Diabetes Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Aalaa
- Evidence Based Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Center for Educational Research in Medical Sciences (CERMS), Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramin Heshmat
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Khabaz Mafinejad
- Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Mehrdad
- Elderly Health Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Population Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, NO 10, Jalal-AL-Ahmad St., Chamran HWY, P.O. Box:14117-13137, Tehran, Iran
- Nursing Care Research Center (NCRC), School of Nursing and Midwifery, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Goncearenco E, Morjan IP, Fleaca CT, Dumitrache F, Dutu E, Scarisoreanu M, Teodorescu VS, Sandulescu A, Anastasescu C, Balint I. Titania nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation of ethanol under simulated solar light. Beilstein J Nanotechnol 2023; 14:616-630. [PMID: 37284551 PMCID: PMC10241093 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.14.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by laser pyrolysis from TiCl4 vapor in air in the presence of ethylene as sensitizer at different working pressures (250-850 mbar) with and without further calcination at 450 °C. The obtained powders were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and transmission electron microscopy. Also, specific surface area and photoluminescence with optical absorbance were evaluated. By varying the synthesis parameters (especially the working pressure), different TiO2 nanopowders were obtained, whose photodegradation properties were tested compared to a commercial Degussa P25 sample. Two series of samples were obtained. Series "a" includes thermally treated TiO2 nanoparticles (to remove impurities) that have different proportions of the anatase phase (41.12-90.74%) mixed with rutile and small crystallite sizes of 11-22 nm. Series "b" series represents nanoparticles with high purity, which did not require thermal treatment after synthesis (ca. 1 atom % of impurities). These nanoparticles show an increased anatase phase content (77.33-87.42%) and crystallite sizes of 23-45 nm. The TEM images showed that in both series small crystallites form spheroidal nanoparticles with dimensions of 40-80 nm, whose number increases with increasing the working pressure. The photocatalytic properties have been investigated regarding the photodegradation of ethanol vapors in Ar with 0.3% O2 using P25 powder as reference under simulated solar light. During the irradiation H2 gas production has been detected for the samples from series "b", whereas the CO2 evolution was observed for all samples from series "a".
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Affiliation(s)
- Evghenii Goncearenco
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor Str., No. 409, 077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Iuliana P Morjan
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor Str., No. 409, 077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Claudiu Teodor Fleaca
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor Str., No. 409, 077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Florian Dumitrache
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor Str., No. 409, 077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Elena Dutu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor Str., No. 409, 077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Monica Scarisoreanu
- National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Atomistilor Str., No. 409, 077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Valentin Serban Teodorescu
- National Institute of Materials Physics, Atomistilor Str., No. 405A, 077125, Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Alexandra Sandulescu
- Romanian Academy, Inst. Phys. Chem. Ilie Murgulescu, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Crina Anastasescu
- Romanian Academy, Inst. Phys. Chem. Ilie Murgulescu, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioan Balint
- Romanian Academy, Inst. Phys. Chem. Ilie Murgulescu, 202 Spl. Independentei, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
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Georgescu-State R, van Staden JKF, Staden RISV, State RN. Electrochemical platform based on molecularly imprinted polymer with zinc oxide nanoparticles and multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified screen-printed carbon electrode for amaranth determination. Mikrochim Acta 2023; 190:229. [PMID: 37204551 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-023-05811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
A novel electrochemical platform for amaranth determination has been developed using a rapid, easy, inexpensive, and portable molecularly imprinted polymer technique. The MIP platform was fabricated by electropolymerizing melamine as monomer in the presence of amaranth as template on the surface of ZnO-MWCNT/SPCE. Then, amaranth was completely eluted, leaving imprinted cavities in the polymeric film that could effectively recognize amaranth in solution. The electrochemical platform based on a molecularly imprinted polymelamine was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). Under optimum conditions, the developed MIP/ZnO-MWCNT/SPCE platform can be properly used for amaranth determination, with high sensitivity of 96.2 µA µM cm-2, two linear concentration ranges (0.01 to 1 µM and 1 to 1000 µM) and a low limit of detection of 0.003 µM. The anodic peak potential of amaranth was found to be 0.73 V. Additionally, the polymelamine MIP films specifically recognize amaranth molecules, making it possible to detect amaranth in a complex solution with high selectivity, excellent repeatability, reproducibility, and stability. The MIP/ZnO-MWCNT modified screen-printed carbon electrode was successfully applied to determine amaranth in pharmaceutical and water samples, with recovery values ranging from 99.7 to 102% and RSD% values less than 3.2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Georgescu-State
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research and Development for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021, Bucharest, Romania.
| | - Jacobus Koos Frederick van Staden
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research and Development for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Raluca-Ioana Stefan-van Staden
- Laboratory of Electrochemistry and PATLAB, National Institute of Research and Development for Electrochemistry and Condensed Matter, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Razvan Nicolae State
- "Ilie Murgulescu" Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Romanian Academy, 202 Splaiul Independentei Street, 060021, Bucharest, Romania
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Pavoni E, Mohebbi E, Stipa P, Pierantoni L, Mencarelli D, Dragoman M, Aldrigo M, Laudadio E. First-principles investigation of interface phenomena in hafnium-based metal-insulator-metal diodes. Nanoscale Adv 2023; 5:2748-2755. [PMID: 37205281 PMCID: PMC10187026 DOI: 10.1039/d2na00739h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Metal-insulator-metal (MIM) diodes are very interesting in many different applications exploiting environment-friendly renewable energy solutions. Moreover, since the dimensions of such devices are at the nanoscale, the size and the characteristics of their constitutive elements can drastically influence their macroscale performance. As it could be difficult to describe in detail the physical phenomena occurring among materials in nanoscale systems, in this work first-principles calculations have been used to study the structural and electrical properties of three different hafnium oxide (HfO2)-MIM diodes. These devices have been simulated at the atomistic level by interposing 3 nm of HfO2 between drain and source electrodes made of gold and platinum, respectively. The monoclinic and orthorhombic polymorphs of HfO2 have been considered to model different types of MIM diodes, and the interface geometries have been optimized to compute the current-voltage characteristics, reflecting the tunneling mechanisms occurring in such devices. The calculation of the transmission pathways has also been carried out to investigate the effects of atomistic coordinates despite the use of the same material. The results demonstrate the role of the Miller indices of metals and the influence of the HfO2 polymorphs on the MIM properties. In this study, the importance of interface phenomena on the measurable properties of the proposed devices has been investigated in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Pavoni
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Elaheh Mohebbi
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Pierluigi Stipa
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | - Luca Pierantoni
- Marche Polytechnic University Via Brecce Bianche 60131 Ancona Italy
| | | | - Mircea Dragoman
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, IMT-Bucharest 077190 Voluntari (Ilfov) Romania
| | - Martino Aldrigo
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, IMT-Bucharest 077190 Voluntari (Ilfov) Romania
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Rasoga O, Dragoman D, Dinescu A, Dirdal CA, Zgura I, Nastase F, Baracu AM, Iftimie S, Galca AC. Tuning the infrared resonance of thermal emission from metasurfaces working in near-infrared. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7499. [PMID: 37161016 PMCID: PMC10169807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34741-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
We simulated numerically and demonstrated experimentally that the thermal emittance of a metasurface consisting of an array of rectangular metallic meta-atoms patterned on a layered periodic dielectric structure grown on top of a metallic layer can be tuned by changing several parameters. The resonance frequency, designed to be in the near-infrared spectral region, can be tuned by modifying the number of dielectric periods, and the polarization and incidence angle of the incoming radiation. In addition, the absorbance/emittance value at the resonant wavelength can be tuned by modifying the orientation of meta-atoms with respect to the illumination direction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oana Rasoga
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
| | - Daniela Dragoman
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG-11, 077125, Magurele, Romania.
| | - Adrian Dinescu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies-IMT Bucharest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari, Romania
| | | | - Irina Zgura
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Florin Nastase
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies-IMT Bucharest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari, Romania
| | - Angela Mihaela Baracu
- National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies-IMT Bucharest, 126A, Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari, Romania
| | - Sorina Iftimie
- Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG-11, 077125, Magurele, Romania
| | - Aurelian Catalin Galca
- National Institute of Materials Physics, 405A Atomistilor Street, 077125, Magurele, Romania
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47
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Ion A, Bîlc MI, Pițur S, Pop CF, Szentágotai-Tătar A, Miu AC. Childhood maltreatment and emotion regulation in everyday life: an experience sampling study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7214. [PMID: 37138049 PMCID: PMC10156801 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34302-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is a major risk factor for psychopathology, and increasing evidence suggests that emotion regulation is one of the underlying mechanisms. However, most of this evidence comes from single assessments of habitual emotion regulation, which may not overlap with spontaneous emotion regulation in daily life and which fail to account for within-individual variability in emotion regulation across multiple contexts. In the present study, we investigated the relation between history of childhood maltreatment, positive and negative affect, and multiple dimensions of spontaneous emotion regulation (strategy use, emotion regulation goals, emotion regulation success and effort) in everyday life, using experience sampling method (3 assessments/day, for 10 consecutive days), in a sample of healthy volunteers (N = 118). Multilevel modeling results indicated that childhood maltreatment was associated with lower positive affect and higher negative affect. Childhood maltreatment was also related to lower use of reappraisal and savoring (but not suppression, rumination and distraction), reduced emotion regulation success (but not effort), as well as lower levels of and higher within-individual variability of hedonic (but not instrumental) emotion regulation goals. These results provide ecological evidence for multiple differences in emotion regulation in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Ion
- Assessment and Individual Differences - AID Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mirela I Bîlc
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 37 Republicii, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, CJ, Romania
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Medical Faculty, Otto-Von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Simina Pițur
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 37 Republicii, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, CJ, Romania
| | - Claudia Felicia Pop
- Nursing Discipline, Department Mother and Child, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iuliu Haţieganu, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Aurora Szentágotai-Tătar
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Andrei C Miu
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Babeș-Bolyai University, 37 Republicii, 400015, Cluj-Napoca, CJ, Romania.
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Falamas A, Cuibus D, Tosa N, Brezestean I, Muntean CM, Milenko K, Vereshchagina E, Moldovan R, Bodoki E, Farcau C. Toward microfluidic SERS and EC-SERS applications via tunable gold films over nanospheres. Discov Nano 2023; 18:73. [PMID: 37382835 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03851-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Many promising applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), such as microfluidic SERS and electrochemical (EC)-SERS, require immersion of plasmonic nanostructured films in aqueous media. Correlational investigations of the optical response and SERS efficiency of solid SERS substrates immersed in water are absent in the literature. This work presents an approach for tuning the efficiency of gold films over nanospheres (AuFoN) as SERS substrates for applications in aqueous environment. AuFoN are fabricated by convective self-assembly of colloidal polystyrene nanospheres of various diameters (300-800 nm), followed by magnetron sputtering of gold films. The optical reflectance of the AuFoN and Finite-Difference Time-Domain simulations in both water and air reveal the dependence of the surface plasmon band on nanospheres' diameter and environment. SERS enhancement of a common Raman reporter on AuFoN immersed in water is analyzed under 785 nm laser excitation, but also using the 633 nm line for the films in air. The provided correlations between the SERS efficiency and optical response in both air and water indicate the best structural parameters for high SERS efficiency and highlight a route for predicting and optimizing the SERS response of AuFoN in water based on the behavior in air, which is more practical. Finally, the AuFoN are successfully tested as electrodes for EC-SERS detection of the thiabendazole pesticide and as SERS substrates integrated in a flow-through microchannel format. The obtained results represent an important step toward the development of microfluidic EC-SERS devices for sensing applications.
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Grants
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
- RO-NO-2019-0517 Unitatea Executiva pentru Finantarea Invatamantului Superior, a Cercetarii, Dezvoltarii si Inovarii
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Falamas
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Denisa Cuibus
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Tosa
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Brezestean
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cristina M Muntean
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Karolina Milenko
- Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, SINTEF Digital, Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elizaveta Vereshchagina
- Department of Smart Sensors and Microsystems, SINTEF Digital, Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rebeca Moldovan
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Louis Pasteur, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ede Bodoki
- Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 4 Louis Pasteur, 400349, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Cosmin Farcau
- National Institute for Research and Development of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, 67-103 Donat, 400293, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research in Nano-Bio-Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, 42 T Laurian, 400271, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
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Wang J, Apostol P, Rambabu D, Guo X, Liu X, Robeyns K, Du M, Zhang Y, Pal S, Markowski R, Lucaccioni F, Lakraychi AE, Morari C, Gohy JF, Gupta D, Vlad A. Revealing the reversible solid-state electrochemistry of lithium-containing conjugated oximates for organic batteries. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadg6079. [PMID: 37115926 PMCID: PMC10146882 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg6079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
In the rising advent of organic Li-ion positive electrode materials with increased energy content, chemistries with high redox potential and intrinsic oxidation stability remain a challenge. Here, we report the solid-phase reversible electrochemistry of the oximate organic redox functionality. The disclosed oximate chemistries, including cyclic, acyclic, aliphatic, and tetra-functional stereotypes, uncover the complex interplay between the molecular structure and the electroactivity. Among the exotic features, the most appealing one is the reversible electrochemical polymerization accompanying the charge storage process in solid phase, through intermolecular azodioxy bond coupling. The best-performing oximate delivers a high reversible capacity of 350 mAh g-1 at an average potential of 3.0 versus Li+/Li0, attaining 1 kWh kg-1 specific energy content at the material level metric. This work ascertains a strong link between electrochemistry, organic chemistry, and battery science by emphasizing on how different phases, mechanisms, and performances can be accessed using a single chemical functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiande Wang
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Petru Apostol
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Darsi Rambabu
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Xiaolong Guo
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Xuelian Liu
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Koen Robeyns
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Mengyuan Du
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Yan Zhang
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Hunan Province Key Laboratory for Advanced Carbon Materials and Applied Technology, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, Hunan, P. R. China
| | - Shubhadeep Pal
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Robert Markowski
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Fabio Lucaccioni
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Alae Eddine Lakraychi
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Cristian Morari
- Institutul Național de Cercetare-Dezvoltare pentru Tehnologii Izotopice și Moleculare Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, România
| | - Jean-François Gohy
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
| | - Deepak Gupta
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
- Corresponding author. (D.G.); (A.V.)
| | - Alexandru Vlad
- Institute of Condensed Matter and Nanosciences, Molecular Chemistry, Materials and Catalysis, Université catholique de Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve B-1348, Belgium
- Corresponding author. (D.G.); (A.V.)
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Barborica A, Mindruta I, López-Madrona VJ, Alario FX, Trébuchon A, Donos C, Oane I, Pistol C, Mihai F, Bénar CG. Studying memory processes at different levels with simultaneous depth and surface EEG recordings. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:1154038. [PMID: 37082152 PMCID: PMC10110965 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.1154038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Investigating cognitive brain functions using non-invasive electrophysiology can be challenging due to the particularities of the task-related EEG activity, the depth of the activated brain areas, and the extent of the networks involved. Stereoelectroencephalographic (SEEG) investigations in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy offer an extraordinary opportunity to validate information derived from non-invasive recordings at macro-scales. The SEEG approach can provide brain activity with high spatial specificity during tasks that target specific cognitive processes (e.g., memory). Full validation is possible only when performing simultaneous scalp SEEG recordings, which allows recording signals in the exact same brain state. This is the approach we have taken in 12 subjects performing a visual memory task that requires the recognition of previously viewed objects. The intracranial signals on 965 contact pairs have been compared to 391 simultaneously recorded scalp signals at a regional and whole-brain level, using multivariate pattern analysis. The results show that the task conditions are best captured by intracranial sensors, despite the limited spatial coverage of SEEG electrodes, compared to the whole-brain non-invasive recordings. Applying beamformer source reconstruction or independent component analysis does not result in an improvement of the multivariate task decoding performance using surface sensor data. By analyzing a joint scalp and SEEG dataset, we investigated whether the two types of signals carry complementary information that might improve the machine-learning classifier performance. This joint analysis revealed that the results are driven by the modality exhibiting best individual performance, namely SEEG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Barborica
- Department of Physics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- *Correspondence: Andrei Barborica
| | - Ioana Mindruta
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Agnès Trébuchon
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology and Cerebral Rhythmology, Marseille, France
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Functional and Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Marseille, France
| | - Cristian Donos
- Department of Physics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Oane
- Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, Department of Neurology, Emergency University Hospital Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Felicia Mihai
- Department of Physics, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Christian G. Bénar
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, INS, Institute of Neuroscience System, Marseille, France
- Christian G. Bénar
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