A Process Calculus for Molecular Interaction Maps

We present the MIM calculus, a modeling formalism with a strong biological basis, which provides biologically-meaningful operators for representing the interaction capabilities of molecular species. The operators of the calculus are inspired by the reaction symbols used in Molecular Interaction Maps (MIMs), a diagrammatic notation used by biologists. Models of the calculus can be easily derived from MIM diagrams, for which an unambiguous and executable interpretation is thus obtained. We give a formal definition of the syntax and semantics of the MIM calculus, and we study properties of the formalism. A case study is also presented to show the use of the calculus for modeling biomolecular networks.Comment: 15 pages; 8 figures; To be published on EPTCS, proceedings of MeCBIC 200

Determination of granulometrical composition of the clinker by grinding in a ball mill to determine the specific consumption of additional energy

This paper presents results regarding the grinding behaviour of two batches of material (clinker) in a ball mill with its own two-step grinding process: the first one with a ball load, the second with a load of cylindrical metal bodies. The first step was performed until the residue R009 has reached aprox.35%, and the second stage until Blaine's specific surface was over 3800 cm2/g. Periodically, at 10-minute intervals, the fineness of the clinker and the specific energy consumption were determined. These consumptions are quantified from the first determination and relates to the weight of the material subjected to grinding (20 kg clinker / from a source), determining the grinding ability of the material

THE SEPARATION OF POWERS IN THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE EU MEMBER STATES

The purpose of this study consists of realizing and offering an overview of the manner in which the principle of separation of powers is consecrated in the constitutions of the EU member states. We thereby aim to prove that there is no direct relationship between the form of government of a state, the expressis verbis constitutional regulation of the principle of separation of powers in the state and its effective observance, for the existence of the last fact being necessary the simultaneous concurrence of more social, economic and political factors at the level of the society as a whole. Also, we aim to offer a perspective as realistic and comprehensive as possible regarding what does the principle of separation of powers imply, mostly from a legal point of view, as well as about the implications that its respecting or lack of it, as the case, does have at the level of a society. Eventually, we hope to provide a relevant academic study regarding the subject of both great topicality and theoretical and practical interest regarding the fundamentals and especially the operating mode of the principle of separation of powers, a study which could serve, if it shall be taken into consideration by the political plan of the state, to the substantiation of some responsible decisions in the ongoing act of exercising the power

Liquid Biopsy and Dielectrophoretic Analysis—Complementary Methods in Skin Cancer Monitoring

The incidence and prevalence of skin cancers is currently increasing worldwide, with early detection, adequate treatment, and prevention of recurrences being topics of great interest for researchers nowadays. Although tumor biopsy remains the gold standard of diagnosis, this technique cannot be performed in a significant proportion of cases, so that the use of alternative methods with high sensitivity and specificity is becoming increasingly desirable. In this context, liquid biopsy appears to be a feasible solution for the study of cellular and molecular markers relevant to different types of skin cancers. Circulating tumor cells are just one of the components of interest obtained from performing liquid biopsy, and their study by complementary methods, such as dielectrophoresis, could bring additional benefits in terms of characterizing skin tumors and subsequently applying personalized therapy. One purpose of this review is to demonstrate the utility of liquid biopsy primarily in monitoring the most common types of skin tumors: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malign melanoma. In addition, the originality of the article is based on the detailed presentation of the dielectrophoretic analysis method of the most important elements obtained from liquid biopsy, with direct impact on the clinical and therapeutic approach of skin tumors

Liquid Biopsy and Dielectrophoretic Analysis—Complementary Methods in Skin Cancer Monitoring

The incidence and prevalence of skin cancers is currently increasing worldwide, with early detection, adequate treatment, and prevention of recurrences being topics of great interest for researchers nowadays. Although tumor biopsy remains the gold standard of diagnosis, this technique cannot be performed in a significant proportion of cases, so that the use of alternative methods with high sensitivity and specificity is becoming increasingly desirable. In this context, liquid biopsy appears to be a feasible solution for the study of cellular and molecular markers relevant to different types of skin cancers. Circulating tumor cells are just one of the components of interest obtained from performing liquid biopsy, and their study by complementary methods, such as dielectrophoresis, could bring additional benefits in terms of characterizing skin tumors and subsequently applying personalized therapy. One purpose of this review is to demonstrate the utility of liquid biopsy primarily in monitoring the most common types of skin tumors: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malign melanoma. In addition, the originality of the article is based on the detailed presentation of the dielectrophoretic analysis method of the most important elements obtained from liquid biopsy, with direct impact on the clinical and therapeutic approach of skin tumors

Different Types of Deletions Created by Low-Copy Repeats Sequences Location in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome: Genotype–Phenotype Correlation

The most frequent microdeletion, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), has a wide and variable phenotype that causes difficulties in diagnosis. 22q11.2DS is a contiguous gene syndrome, but due to the existence of several low-copy-number repeat sequences (LCR) it displays a high variety of deletion types: typical deletions LCR A–D—the most common (~90%), proximal deletions LCR A–B, central deletions (LCR B, C–D) and distal deletions (LCR D–E, F). Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of 59 22q11.2SD cases, with the aim of highlighting phenotype–genotype correlations. All cases were tested using MLPA combined kits: SALSA MLPA KIT P245 and P250 (MRC Holland). Results: most cases (76%) presented classic deletion LCR A–D with various severity and phenotypic findings. A total of 14 atypical new deletions were identified: 2 proximal deletions LCR A–B, 1 CES (Cat Eye Syndrome region) to LCR B deletion, 4 nested deletions LCR B–D and 1 LCR C–D, 3 LCR A–E deletions, 1 LCR D–E, and 2 small single gene deletions: delDGCR8 and delTOP3B. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the wide phenotypic variety and incomplete penetrance of 22q11.2DS. Our findings contribute to the genotype–phenotype data regarding different types of 22q11.2 deletions and illustrate the usefulness of MLPA combined kits in 22q11.2DS diagnosis

Nanoporous Membranes for the Filtration of Proteins from Biological Fluids: Biocompatibility Tests on Cell Cultures and Suggested Applications for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Alzheimer’s disease has a significant epidemiological and socioeconomic impact, and, unfortunately, the extensive research focused on potential curative therapies has not yet proven to be successful. However, in recent years, important steps have been made in the development and functionalization of nanoporous alumina membranes, which might be of great interest for medical use, including the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, the aim of this article is to present the synthesis and biocompatibility testing of a special filtrating nano-membrane, which is planned to be used in an experimental device for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Methods: Firstly, the alumina nanoporous membrane was synthesized via the two-step anodizing process in oxalic acid-based electrolytes and functionalized via the atomic layer deposition technique. Subsequently, quality control tests (spectrophotometry and potential measurements), toxicity, and biocompatibility tests (cell viability assays) were conducted. Results: The proposed alumina nanoporous membrane proved to be efficient for amyloid-beta filtration according to the permeability studies conducted for 72 h. The proposed membrane has proven to be fully compatible with the tested cell cultures. Conclusions: The proposed alumina nanoporous membrane model is safe and could be incorporated into implantable devices for further in vivo experiments and might be an efficient therapeutic approach for Alzheimer’s disease

Genotype–Phenotype Correlations in 2q37-Deletion Syndrome: An Update of the Clinical Spectrum and Literature Review

2q37 microdeletion/deletion syndrome (2q37DS) is one of the most common subtelomeric deletion disorders, caused by a 2q37 deletion of variable size. The syndrome is characterized by a broad and diverse spectrum of clinical findings: characteristic facial dysmorphism, developmental delay/intellectual disability (ID), brachydactyly type E, short stature, obesity, hypotonia in infancy, and abnormal behavior with autism spectrum disorder. Although numerous cases have been described so far, the exact mapping of the genotype and phenotype have not yet been achieved. Materials and Methods: In this study we analyzed nine newly diagnosed cases with 2q37 deletion (3 male/6 female, aged between 2 and 30 years old), and followed up at the Iasi Regional Medical Genetics Centre. All patients were tested first with MLPA using combined kits P036/P070 subtelomeric screening mix and follow-up mix P264; after, the deletion size and location were confirmed via CGH-array. We compared our findings with the data of other cases reported in the literature. Results: From nine cases, four had pure 2q37 deletions of variable sizes, and five presented deletion/duplication rearrangements (with chromosomes 2q, 9q, and 11p). In most cases, characteristic phenotypic aspects were observed: 9/9 facial dysmorphism, 8/9 global developmental delay and ID, 6/9 hypotonia, 5/9 behavior disorders, and 8/9 skeletal anomalies—especially brachydactyly type E. Two cases had obesity, one case had craniosynostosis, and four had heart defects. Other features found in our cases included translucent skin and telangiectasias (6/9), and a hump of fat on the upper thorax (5/9). Conclusions: Our study enriches the literature data by describing new clinical features associated with 2q37 deletion, and possible genotype–phenotype correlations