FPGA implementation of a hybrid on-line process monitoring in PC based real-time systems

This paper presents one way of FPGA implementation of hybrid (hardware-software based) on-line process monitoring in Real-Time systems (RTS). The reasons for RTS monitoring are presented at the beginning. The summary of different RTS monitoring approaches along with its advantages and drawbacks are also exposed. Finally, monitoring module is described in details. Also, FPGA implementation results and some useful monitoring system applications are mentioned

Effects of different Cucumber exstracts (Cucumis sativus L. cv. Chinese long) on the encephalitogenic potential of T lymphocytes in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Eksperimentalni autoimunski encefalomijelitis (EAE) je model multiple skleroze (MS), hronične inflamatorne bolesti centralnog nervnog sistema (CNS). Osnovne patogene populacije u EAE su efektorski T limfociti koji produkuju interferon-γ (Th1) ili interleukin-17 (Th17) i aktivirani makrofagi koji dovode do oštećenja CNS. Imajući u vidu da krastavac (Cucumis sativus) predstavlja bogat izvor sekundarnih metabolita kao što su polifenoli i kukurbitacini, u ovoj studiji je po prvi put ispitivano dejstvo različitih ekstrakata krastavca na encefalitogeni potencijal T limfocita, efektorske funkcije makrofaga i antigen-prezentujuću aktivnost dendritskih ćelija (DĆ). Rezultati su pokazali da ekstrakt lista krastavca (ELK) ostvaruje najpotentnije dejstvo, inhibirajući produkciju IFN-γ i IL-17 od strane encefalitogenih T limfocita, modulišući signalne puteve Nf-κB i p38 (MAPK). Pored toga, ELK je ostvario inhibitorno dejstvo na efektorske funkcije makrofaga i antigen-prezentujuću aktivnost DĆ u koncentracijama koje nisu pokazale citotoksičnost na embrione zebrice (Danio rerio) in vivo. Dalje, ELK je uspešno inhibirao encefalitogene T limfocite nakon in vivo primene u EAE. Kvantitativna i kvalitativna analiza ELK metodom masene spektrometrije potvrdila je prisustvo 37 različitih jedinjenja od kojih su kukurbitacini bili najzastupljenija jedinjenja. Shodno tome, ispitana su i imunomodulacijska dejstva kukurbitacina B i kukurbitacina E na glavnim imunskim ćelijama uključenim u patogenezu EAE. Ova ispitivanja su potvrdila dejstva ELK, sugerišući da su kukurbitacini, kao glavni konstituenti ovog ekstrakta, barem delimično odgovorni za ostvarena dejstva ELK. Rezultati ove doktorske disertacije ukazuju na to da ekstrakt lista krastavca i kukurbitacini ostvaruju snažne antiencefalitogene efekte u modelu EAE i ukazuju na važnost dodatnih istraživanja u cilju pronalaženja odgovarajućih tretmana autoimunosti CNS.Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS). T lymphocytes, which produce interferon-γ (Th1) or interleukin-17 (Th17), and activated macrophages, that lead to CNS damage, are the major pathogenic cell populations in EAE. Having in mind that cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is a rich source of secondary metabolites such as polyphenols and cucurbitacins, in this study, for the first time, the effects of various cucumber extracts were investigated on encephalytogenic T lymphocytes, effector function of macrophages and antigen-presenting activities of dendritic cells (DC). The results show that cucumber leaf extract (CLE) expresses the most potent effect by inhibiting the production of IFN-γ and IL-17 in encephalytogenic T lymphocytes, through modulation of signaling pathways Nf-κB and p38 (MAPK). Additionally, CLE imposes an inhibitory effect on the effector functions of macrophages and antigen-presenting activity of DC in concentrations that do not show cytotoxicity in zebrafish (Danio rerio) in vivo. Also, CLE inhibits generation of encephalitogenic cells in vivo. Phytochemical analysis of CLE, characterized by mass spectrometry, confirmed the presence of 37 different compounds, among which cucurbitacins were the most abundant compounds. Hence, the immunomodulatory effects of cucurbitacin B and cucurbitacin E were also examined on the major immune cells involved in EAE pathogenesis. The obtained results confirm the effects of CLE, suggesting that cucurbitacins are, at least partially, responsible for its effects. The results of this doctoral dissertation indicate that the cucumber leaf extract and its major constituents cucurbitacins have anti-encephalitogenic effects in the EAE model, Moreover, they suggest the importance of additional research towards novel highly efficient CNS autoimmunity treatments

Remediation of heavy metal contaminated soils by using urtica dioica

Soil pollution with heavy metals not only degrades soil fertility, but also negatively affects the human health and well-being through the food chain. In order to protect the soil, as well as other parts of the environment, special attention should be paid to the remediation techniques of soil contaminated with heavy metals. The majority of physical and chemical remediation techniques, despite of their high efficiency, are expensive, environmentally destructive, harmful to soil fertility and therefore not well accepted by the public. Therefore, the use of environmentally friendly and cost-effective biological remediation techniques is a more acceptable approach for the remediation of contaminated soil. Phytoremediation is an ecofriendly approach that using native plants for remediation of heavy metal polluted soil in a costeffective way. The aim of this paper is review of the most important results about of using plant stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) for removal of heavy metals from polluted soil

Diversity in susceptibility reactions of winter wheat genotypes to obligate pathogens under fluctuating climatic conditions

To date, studies have usually focused on the impact of abiotic factors on the distribution of plant pathogens and have built forecast models for the prediction of pathogen outbreaks. However, the impact of the combined effects of biotic and abiotic factors on the prevalence of economically important pathogens has usually been neglected. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between powdery mildew and rusts of wheat and to examine how the combined effects of abiotic and biotic factors influence their prevalence. The study was conducted in the period 2016-2019 using the collection of 2158 genotypes of winter wheat. The most influential factors on disease indices and relationships among obligate pathogens were determined using multiple regression models and principal component analysis. The possibility of the coexistence of different rust species in the same growing season and in the same field was shown. The significant influence of fluctuations in winter temperatures on changes in the prevalence of obligate pathogens was determined. The strong impact of genotypes and their reaction on climatic elements in certain phenological stages were shown to be significant factors influencing the interactions among obligate pathogens and the predominance of one pathogen over another

Micro RNA-155 participates in re-activation of encephalitogenic T cells

MicroRNAs (miR) are small non-coding RNAs involved in the immune response regulation. miR-155 has been attributed a major pro-inflammatory role in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Here, a role of miR-155 in re-activation of encephalitogenic CD4(+) T cells was investigated. Dark Agouti rats were immunized with myelin basic protein (MBP) emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. CD4(+) T cells were purified from draining lymph node cells (DLNC) obtained in the inductive phase and from spinal cord immune cells (SCIC) isolated at the peak of EAE. CD4(+) T cells obtained from SCIC (i.e., in vivo re-activated cells) had markedly higher expression of miR-155 in comparison to those purified from DLNC (not re-activated). Likewise, in vitro re-activation of DLNC with MBP led to increase in miR-155 expression. Further, DLNC and DLNC CD4(+) T cells were transfected with an inhibitor of miR-155 during in vitro re-activation. As a result, expression of important CD4(+) T cell effector cytokines IFN-gamma and IL-17, but not of regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta, was reduced. These results imply that miR-155 supports re-activation of encephalitogenic CD4+ T cells. Our results contribute to a view that miR-155 might be a valuable target in multiple sclerosis therapy

Short term exposure to ethyl pyruvate has long term anti-inflammatory effects on microglial cells

Ethyl pyruvate (EP) has been increasingly appreciated as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent with potent pharmacological properties relevant for treatment of various CNS disorders. Microglial cells seem to be particularly sensitive to its effects. In this study, microglial cells were exposed to EP for relatively short periods (10-120 min) and inflammatory properties of the cells were determined after 24 h of cultivation. Application of EP in the short-term periods inhibited production of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor and nitric oxide in microglial cells. At the same time, the effects on cell viability, reactive oxygen species generation and expression of F4/80 and CD40 of microglial cells were minor. NFkB activation was not affected by EP in the cells during the short exposures, thus implying that the observed effect of EP on cytokine and nitric oxide generation was performed in NFkB independent way. Importantly, effects of the short term EP treatment on microglial cells were detected by a real time cell analysis, as well. The observed ability of EP to affect microglial cell function after relatively short time of exposure is relevant for its therapeutic potential against inflammatory disorders of the CNS. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia {[}OI173035, OI173013

EFFECTS OF THE SCHROTH METHOD IN CHILDREN WITH IDIOPATHIC SCOLIOSIS

Scoliosis is a multifactorial three-dimensional (3D) spinal deformation which always includes elementary deformations on three planes: a lateral curvature on the frontal plane, loss of natural physiological curvature on the sagittal plane and, in most cases, increase of lordosis in the lumbosacral joint (hyperlordosis), and a (very typical) vertebral axial rotation on the horizontal plane. One of the best methods in scoliosis correction is the Schroth method. In view of the above, the objective of this study is to identify the effects of the Schroth method on correcting functional-motor status in children with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (IS). The participant sample comprised 20 children, of an average age of 14.5, who took part in the 10-day Schroth Camp. The following measure instruments were used for the assessment of the effect of the Schroth method: the Sorensen test, the Sit-and-reach test, and height assessment. Statistically significant improvements were identified across the results of all three tests, for the Sorensen test: 45.6±19.29 s, the Sit-and-reach test: 4.05±2.25 cm, and height 1.4±0.66 cm. It can be concluded that the conducted Schroth method exercise program exerted a positive effect on improving motor functionality, as well as enhancing flexibility and isometric endurance of the lumbar extensors of the spine. Additionally, there was an increase in height, which indicates a positive effect in terms of the functionality and symmetry of the left and right sides of the body, and in terms of improved posture on the frontal and sagittal planes

Yellow rust of wheat in Serbia - control challenges and perspectives

Prouzrokovač žute rđe (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) dobio je na posebnom značaju u Srbiji od proizvodne 2013/2014, iako je u genetičkoj kolekciji na Rimskim šančevima registrovan od strane Jevtića i sar. još 1997. godine. Imajući u vidu način prenošenja prouzrokovača žute rđe i visoku sposobnost prevazilaženja otpornosti biljaka domaćina, cilj ovog rada je da ukaže na faktore koji utiču na dinamiku pojave i osnovne probleme u kontroli ovog patogena u Srbiji. Klimatski faktori 2023. godine pogodovali su jačoj pojavi žute rđe pšenice u Srbiji kao i 2014, 2016. i 2018. Međutim, ne treba izgubiti iz vida da se rasni sastav ovog patogena može menjati iz godine u godinu, kao i da reakcija osetljivosti i/ili otpornosti genotpova pšenice zavisi od kombinovanog efekta abiotičkog i biotičkog stresa. Kompleksnost delovanja faktora koji utiču na nivo osetljivosti ili pad otpronosti pšenice prema žutoj rđi potvrđen je i u genetičkoj kolekciji na Rimskim šančevima 2023. godine kada je značajno veći broja genotipova (80%) bio zaražen žutom rđom nego prethodnih godina sa indeksom oboljenja preko 41%. Procenat genotipova sa reakcijom osetljivosti prema žutoj rđi (DI>41%) bio je 47,7 % u 2016. i 43 % u 2018. godini.The causal agent of yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici) gained special attention in Serbia since the 2013/2014 production year, although its presence in the genetic collection at Rimski šančevi was noted by Jevtić et al. as early as 1997. Considering the mode of transmission of the yellow rust and its high ability to overcome host plant resistance, the aim of this study is to highlight the factors that influence the dynamics of its occurrence and the main challenges in controlling this pathogen in Serbia. The climatic factors in 2023 favored occurrence of wheat yellow rust in Serbia, similar to 2014, 2016, and 2018. However, it should be noted that the race composition of this pathogen can change from year to year, and the susceptibility and/or resistance of wheat genotypes to yellow rust depends on the combined effect of abiotic and biotic stressors. The complexity of factors influencing the level of susceptibility or resistance breakdown in wheat towards yellow rust has also been confirmed in the genetic collection at Rimski šančevi in 2023 when a significantly higher number of genotypes (80%) were infected with yellow rust compared to previous years, with a disease index exceeding 41%. The percentage of genotypes showing susceptibility reaction to yellow rust (DI>41%) was 47.7% in 2016 and 43% in 2018

Ethyl Pyruvate Induces Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells

Altres ajuts: Cost Action BM1305Dendritic cells (DC) are professional antigen presenting cells that have a key role in shaping the immune response. Tolerogenic DC (tolDC) have immuno-regulatory properties and they are a promising prospective therapy for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Ethyl pyruvate (EP) is a redox analog of dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera), a drug for multiple sclerosis treatment. We have recently shown that EP ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a multiple sclerosis murine model. Here, we expanded our study to its tolerogenic effects on DC. Phenotypic analysis has shown that DC obtained from mice or humans reduce expression of molecules required for T cell activation such as CD86, CD83, and HLA-DR under the influence of EP, while CD11c expression and viability of DC are not affected. Furthermore, EP-treated DC restrain proliferation and modulate cytokine production of allogeneic lymphocytes. These results demonstrate that EP has the ability to direct DC toward tolDC

Variability of a Pannonian wheat collection used for organic breeding

Wheat is the most important plant used for human consumption in Europe and represents the crop most widely grown in the organic agriculture. Moreover, wheat also represents the largest range of organic products available on the market. Because of its importance, for the improvement of organic wheat production great efforts and resources are invested. The main goal is to obtain high and stable yields. During the breeding process of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), when creating a new variety for organic use, it is necessary to incorporate genes responsible for high yield potential and adaptability to different production conditions. In order to determine the variability of grain yield, hectolitre weight, 1000 grain weight and plant height, collection of 30 winter wheat cultivars widely grown in the Pannonian Plain was chosen. The experiment was carried out in a typical Pannonian location at the experimental field of the Institute of Field and Vegetable Crops, Novi Sad, Serbia. The results showed significant variations in the examined traits between the chosen cultivars. Knowledge about the variability between the wheat cultivars could be used for selecting the most suitable ones for breeding in the organic agriculture of the Pannonian Plain