Unique Responses of Stem Cell-Derived Vascular Endothelial and Mesenchymal Cells to High Levels of Glucose

Diabetes leads to complications in selected organ systems, and vascular endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction and loss is the key initiating and perpetuating step in the development of these complications. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that hyperglycemia leads to EC dysfunction in diabetes. Vascular stem cells that give rise to endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and mesenchymal progenitor cells (MPCs) represent an attractive target for cell therapy for diabetic patients. Whether these vascular stem/progenitor cells succumb to the adverse effects of high glucose remains unknown. We sought to determine whether adult vascular stem/progenitor cells display cellular activation and dysfunction upon exposure to high levels of glucose as seen in diabetic complications. Mononuclear cell fraction was prepared from adult blood and bone marrow. EPCs and MPCs were derived, characterized, and exposed to either normal glucose (5 mmol/L) or high glucose levels (25 mmol/L). We then assayed for cell activity and molecular changes following both acute and chronic exposure to high glucose. Our results show that high levels of glucose do not alter the derivation of either EPCs or MPCs. The adult blood-derived EPCs were also resistant to the effects of glucose in terms of growth. Acute exposure to high glucose levels increased caspase-3 activity in EPCs (1.4x increase) and mature ECs (2.3x increase). Interestingly, MPCs showed a transient reduction in growth upon glucose challenge. Our results also show that glucose skews the differentiation of MPCs towards the adipocyte lineage while suppressing other mesenchymal lineages. In summary, our studies show that EPCs are resistant to the effects of high levels of glucose, even following chronic exposure. The findings further show that hyperglycemia may have detrimental effects on the MPCs, causing reduced growth and altering the differentiation potential

Genetic or pharmaceutical blockade of phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110δ prevents chronic rejection of heart allografts.

Chronic rejection is the major cause of long-term heart allograft failure, characterized by tissue infiltration by recipient T cells with indirect allospecificity. Phosphoinositol-3-kinase p110δ is a key mediator of T cell receptor signaling, regulating both T cell activation and migration of primed T cells to non-lymphoid antigen-rich tissue. We investigated the effect of genetic or pharmacologic inactivation of PI3K p110δ on the development of chronic allograft rejection in a murine model in which HY-mismatched male hearts were transplanted into female recipients. We show that suppression of p110δ activity significantly attenuates the development of chronic rejection of heart grafts in the absence of any additional immunosuppressive treatment by impairing the localization of antigen-specific T cells to the grafts, while not inducing specific T cell tolerance. p110δ pharmacologic inactivation is effective when initiated after transplantation. Targeting p110δ activity might be a viable strategy for the treatment of heart chronic rejection in humans

Study of the stock removal remaining influence of the roughing operations in the finishing operations applying the high speed milling

Atualmente, devido à globalização das empresas e de seus produtos, tem havido uma competição acirrada no mercado mundial entre as organizações. Estas empresas se veêm obrigadas a contemplar as expectativas do mercado quanto à alta tecnologia, a qualidade do produto, os baixos custos e a redução dos tempos de desenvolvimento do produto. Todo este mecanismo gera uma busca contínua de desenvolvimento da tecnologia dentro das empresas na área de fabricação, as quais estão intimamente relacionadas ao surgimento de novos materiais de difícil usinagem, assim como de novos revestimentos para ferramentas e de máquinas-ferramentas cada vez mais rápidas e eficientes. A utilização da tecnologia de usinagem com altas velocidades de corte HSM (High Speed Machining) tem demonstrado grande eficiência para a fabricação de moldes e matrizes com formas complexas, propiciando uma vantagem competitiva para as organizações. Entretanto, o fresamento de formas complexas ainda apresenta vários gargalos na linha produção. Após as operações de desbaste, além do sobremetal deixado para as operações de acabamento, um volume excedente de material indesejado permanece na geometria. Este volume está relacionado à estratégia de desbaste em 2 1/2 eixos, ao grau de curvatura da superfície e à geometria da ferramenta de desbaste. Por não ser uniforme esta quantidade excedente de material acaba prejudicando o processo, especialmente quando uma das exigências é uma extrema precisão dimensional. Este trabalho procura identificar as características mais relevantes para preservar a qualidade superficial em função da flexão da ferramenta, devido a esse excedente de sobremetal. Desta forma, as variáveis de influência consideradas foram o balanço e o diâmetro da ferramenta, sua trajetória e o volume não-uniforme de material a ser removido. Os piores valores de rugosidade ocorreram com o máximo balanço independentemente de sua inclinação. Também foi possível constatar que a estratégia de usinagem ascendente gerou uma melhor rugosidade comparada com a descendente. Contudo em superfícies com pouca inclinação horizontal e com variações bruscas de sobremetal a usinagem descendente obteve melhores resultados do que a ascendente.Nowadays the companies and their products have become global and, consequently, are facing an intense competition in the world market. These companies are forced to match the expectations of the market regarding technology, product quality, low costs and reduction of product development time. This entire mechanism generates continue search for the development of manufacturing technology, which are intimately linked to the arise of new and difficult to cut materials, as well as of new coatings for tools, fast and more efficient machine-tools. The use of high speed milling has demonstrate to be of great efficiency for the production of moulds and dies with complex forms, leading to a competitive advantage for companies. However, milling complex form still presents several bottle necks in the production line. After the roughing operations, besides the stock removal left for the finishing operations, an extra volume of unwanted material remains on the workpiece. This material is related to the roughing strategy in 2 1/2 axes, to the degree of curvature of the surface and the geometry of the cutting tool. Since the distribution of that material is not uniform, it affects the product quality, especially when one of the requirements is a high dimensional precision. The present work aims at identifying the most important characteristics necessaries to obtain a good high superficial quality despite of the tool flexion during cutting. The tool length and its diameter are considered as well as the cutting strategy to remove the stock and its excess. The highest roughness values occurred with the largest in-balance length, independently on the surface inclination. It was also verified that for some cases upward cutting has produced smaller roughness being compared to the downward strategy. However, on surfaces with little horizontal inclination and with abrupt variations of stock removal the downward cutting can produce better result than upward cutting

Utah’s Greenbelt Program Has Caused Unintended Effects on Farmland Protection

Since the 1950s, the amount of farmland in the United States has decreased continually every year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, total farm acreage nationwide fell by 74.7 million acres, an area the size of Nevada, between 1997 and 2022. Utah is among the states that lost farmland during this period, experiencing a decline of 13%, primarily because of urban expansion (Siu, Li, and Caplan, 2023). This trend raises concerns about the effectiveness of the state’s farmland protection policies

Effectiveness of microwave disinfection of three acrylic resin contaminated by yeast of Cadida

Orientadores: Rafael Leonardo Xediek Consani, Janaína de Cássia Orlandi SardiTese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de PiracicabaResumo: Este trabalho avaliou o efeito do número de ciclos de desinfecção por energia de micro-ondas na dureza Knoop, rugosidade e brilho de resinas termopolimerizadas para prótese total. Foram confeccionados 20 corpos-de-prova de cada material medindo 20 mm de diâmetro por 2 mm de altura, os quais foram distribuídos em 6 grupos de acordo com as resinas: QC-20, Onda Cryl, Clássico, Vipi Cril, Vipi Wave e Vipi Caracterizada. Todos os corpos-de-prova foram submetidos aos ensaios de rugosidade, dureza e brilho antes (controle, dia 0) e em cada ciclo de desinfecção (7, 14, 21 e 28 dias). Os corpos-de-prova foram polimerizados de acordo com as recomendações dos fabricantes, desincluídos e o acabamento realizado com pedra abrasiva para resina, lixas de carbeto de silício e pastas para polimento. A desinfecção por micro-ondas foi realizada a 650 W por 3 minutos, uma vez por dia durante 28 dias. Entre as desinfecções, as amostras permaneceram imersas em água e armazenadas em estufa a 37°C. Nos ensaios de rugosidade e dureza Knoop foram realizadas três mensurações na superfície de cada corpo-de-prova, sendo registrada a média das leituras. Os valores de brilho foram mensurados com medidor de brilho e para cada corpo-de-prova foram realizadas quatro mensurações, uma em cada quadrante, com feixe de luz incidindo em 60 graus. Os valores obtidos foram submetidos à ANOVA dois fatores para medidas repetidas, e teste de Tukey (5%). Os resultados mostraram que a resina Clássico apresentou o maior e a Vipi Wave o menor valor de rugosidade. Quando se avaliou a dureza, a resina Onda Cryl apresentou os maiores valores nos ciclos de 14 e 21 dias e não houve diferença estatística nos valores de dureza Knoop entre as demais resinas. A resina QC-20 apresentou os maiores valores de brilho, sendo maiores no controle (dia 0) e nos ciclos de 7 e 14 dias, os quais foram diferentes estatisticamente dos ciclos de 21 e 28 dias. Concluiu-se que houve influência da desinfecção por micro-ondas na rugosidade e dureza de todas as resinas, independente do número de ciclos. Com exceção da Clássico, as demais resinas mostraram valores de brilho com diferença estatisticamente significativa entre controle e ciclos de desinfecçãoAbstract: This study evaluated the effect of repeated disinfection by microwave irradiation on hardness, surface roughness and gloss of denture base acrylic resins. Twenty samples were prepared for each material measuring 20 mm in diameter and 2 mm in height, which were divided into six groups according to the resins: QC-20, Wave Cryl, Classico, Vipi Cril, Vipi Wave and Vipi Characterized. All samples were tested for roughness, hardness and gloss analysis before and after disinfection cycles. Samples were polymerized according to the manufacturers' recommendations, deflasked and finished with abrasive stones, silicon carbide abrasives and polishing slurry. Disinfection by microwave irradiation was made at 650 W for 3 minutes, one time by day during 28 days. Between disinfection cycles the samples were stored in an incubator at 37°C. Three roughness measurements were made on the polished surface and the average was recorded as the roughness value (Ra, mm) for each sample. Hardness was recorded with three Knoop penetrations with a load of 50 kgf for 10 seconds. Three readings of each sample were used to obtain arithmetic mean for each analysis. The gloss values were measured with glossmeter. Four measurements were performed in each sample, one in each quadrant focusing the light beam at 60 degrees. The readings were recorded as the value of unit gloss (Gloss Unit - GU) and the data were recorded in the software. The values obtained were subjected to two-way ANOVA for repeated measures and Tukey's test (5%). The results showed that Classico had the highest value and Vipi Wave the lowest for surface roughness. Onda Cryl showed the highest values for hardness at 14- and 21-day cycles and there was no statistical difference among other resins. For gloss, QC-20 resin showed the highest values being higher at control and 7- and 14-day cycles, statistically different from 21- and 28-day cycles. It was concluded that there was influence of microwave irradiation in the roughness and hardness for all resins, regardless the number of cycles. Whit exception of Classico, there was statistically significant difference in gloss for all acrylic resinsDoutoradoProtese DentalMestre em Clínica Odontológic

Problematika mereni velkych prutoku zemniho plynu ve vysokotlakych plynovodech

The thesis submitted refers to the stud of the accuracy connected with the measurement of large amounts of natural gas. It describes the influence of physical property uncertainty on the orifoce plate meter system and the advantage of accurate calculation methods applied in the gas industry. General rules for the calculation of measurement of flow-rate uncertainty are done on the basis of International Standard ISO 5167. In addiction to the near future possibility of the importation of natural gas from Norway to the Czech Republic, the main emphasis insists on the methods for calculation of the compressibility factor, the isentropic exponent and dynamic viscosity, which occur in the basic volume flow-rate formulae. The comparison of computation results with experimental data of seven methods for the compressibility factor calculations are provided. From the classical equations of state the Soave-Redlich-Kwong and Bennedict-Webb-Rubin methods were employed there. Furthermore, the first method constructed for natural gases AGA NX-19, in the Czech Republic still applied its modified version (AGA NX-19mod.) were used to do. At the end the three methods (AGA8 DC-92, SGERG-88 and MGERG-88) which represent today's state of the art were also selected. For the calculation of the isentropic exponent there are comparisons of these eight methods: Soave-Redlich-Kwong, Bennedict-Webb-Rubin, MGERG-88, AGA8-DC92, three empirical equations and the ratio of ideal molar heat capacities. The calculation of the dynamic viscosity is provided in three steps: the low pressure gas viscosity, the gas mixture viscosity at low pressures and the viscosity at high pressures. The computation results of thirty-seven combinations of methods are compared with experimental data. The new methods (especially AGA8-DC92 and SGERG-88) allow the accurate calculation of the compressibility factor with relative percentage difference between calculated and experimental magnitudes of less than 0,1% for wider ranges of natural gas compositions and pressure and temperature fields. The Accuracy within 0,05% for common Norwegian and Russian natural gases for the current high-presure pipeline flow-rate measurement conditions can be achieved. The isentropic exponent can be calculated by the AGA8-DC92 method with uncertainty of less than 0,5%. The calculation of the dynamic viscosity of natural gases seems to be more problematic. The mentioned methods allow the calculation with a relative percentage difference less than 1%Available from STL Prague, CZ / NTK - National Technical LibrarySIGLECZCzech Republi

Effectiveness of microwave disinfection of three acrylic resin contaminated by yeast of Cadida

Orientadores: Rafael Leonardo Xediek Consani, Janaína de Cássia Orlandi SardiDissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Odontologia de PiracicabaResumo: Neste estudo o objetivo foi avaliar a efetividade da irradiação por energia de microondas na desinfecção de resinas acrílicas para confecção de próteses totais. Setenta e dois corpos-deprova em resina acrílica de diferentes tipos (Vipi convencional, Vipi Wave e Vipi convencional) foram confeccionados de forma padronizada e submetidos à esterilização com óxido de etileno. Na parte superior dos corpos-de-prova foram inoculados 100 µL do inóculo de uma das três espécies de Candida e posterior colocação em estufa a 37°C por 1 hora e 30 minutos para a realização da primeira aderência. Após este tempo, cada poço foi completado com meio estéril e a placa novamente levada à estufa para incubação a 37°C por 6 horas. Após essa incubação, os 54 corpos-de-prova foram imersos em 10 mL de água estéril e irradiados por energia de microondas a 650 W por 3 minutos. Dezoito corpos-deprova não irradiados foram considerados grupo controle. Após a incubação por 48 horas, tanto as placas das amostras irradiadas quanto as não irradiadas foram submetidas à contagem de colônias em contador de colônias digital. Os números de unidades formadoras de colônias por mililitro foram calculados e comparados estatísticamente para verificação da efetividade do método de desinfecção proposto. As semeaduras das placas de Petri referentes aos corpos-de-prova irradiados (grupo experimental) não apresentaram colônias viáveis para todos os microorganismos avaliados após incubação a 37ºC por 48 horas. Os resultados demonstraram efetiva esterilização após 3 minutos de irradiação a 650 W para todos os corpos-de-prova do grupo experimental. Os corpos-de-prova do grupo controle (não irradiadas) apresentaram crescimento microbiano após 48 horas de incubação. A irradiação por microondas a 650 W por 3 minutos mostrou ser um método efetivo na esterilização dos corpos-de-prova inoculados com C. albicans, C. dubliniensis e C. tropicalisAbstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of microwave irradiation in the disinfection of acrylic resins for the fabrication of dentures. Seventy two specimens of acrylic resin of different types were made in a standardized and subjected to sterilization with ethylene oxide. The specimens were individually inoculated with100 µL of inoculums of three species of Candida, and later placed in an incubator at 37°C for 1 hour and 30 minutes to perform the first adhesion. After this time, each well was supplemented with sterile media and the plate once again brought to a stove for incubation at 37°C for 6 hours. After this incubation, the 54 specimens were immersed in 10 mL of sterile water and irradiated by microwave energy at 650 W for 3 minutes. Eighteen specimens were considered non-irradiated control group. After incubation for 48 hours, both plates of the irradiated samples as the non-irradiated were subjected to counting of colonies in colony digital counter. The number of colonies forming units per milliliter were calculated and compared to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method of disinfection. Cultivation of Petri plates relating to specimens irradiated (experimental group) showed no viable colonies for all microorganisms assessed after incubation at 37°C for 48 hours. The results demonstrated effective sterilization after 3 minutes of irradiation at 650W for all specimens the experimental group. Petri plates sown with the bodies corresponding specimens control group (not irradiated) showed microbial growth after 48 hours of incubation. A microwave irradiation at 650 W for three minutes proved to be an effective method of sterilization of the specimens inoculated with C. albicans, C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalisMestradoProtese DentalMestre em Clínica Odontológic