2,674 research outputs found
BPI-fold (BPIF) containing/plunc protein expression in human fetal major and minor salivary glands.
The aim of this study was to determine expression, not previously described, of PLUNC (palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone) (BPI-fold containing) proteins in major and minor salivary glands from very early fetal tissue to the end of the second trimester and thus gain further insight into the function of these proteins. Early fetal heads, and major and minor salivary glands were collected retrospectively and glands were classified according to morphodifferentiation stage. Expression of BPI-fold containing proteins was localized through immunohistochemistry. BPIFA2, the major BPI-fold containing protein in adult salivary glands, was detected only in the laryngeal pharynx; the lack of staining in salivary glands suggested salivary expression is either very late in development or is only in adult tissues. Early expression of BPIFA1 was seen in the trachea and nasal cavity with salivary gland expression only seen in late morphodifferentiation stages. BPIFB1 was seen in early neural tissue and at later stages in submandibular and sublingual glands. BPIFA1 is significantly expressed in early fetal oral tissue but BPIFB1 has extremely limited expression and the major salivary BPIF protein (BPIFA2) is not produced in fetal development. Further studies, with more sensitive techniques, will confirm the expression pattern and enable a better understanding of embryonic BPIF protein function
Patient-Specific Prosthetic Fingers by Remote Collaboration - A Case Study
The concealment of amputation through prosthesis usage can shield an amputee
from social stigma and help improve the emotional healing process especially at
the early stages of hand or finger loss. However, the traditional techniques in
prosthesis fabrication defy this as the patients need numerous visits to the
clinics for measurements, fitting and follow-ups. This paper presents a method
for constructing a prosthetic finger through online collaboration with the
designer. The main input from the amputee comes from the Computer Tomography
(CT) data in the region of the affected and the non-affected fingers. These
data are sent over the internet and the prosthesis is constructed using
visualization, computer-aided design and manufacturing tools. The finished
product is then shipped to the patient. A case study with a single patient
having an amputated ring finger at the proximal interphalangeal joint shows
that the proposed method has a potential to address the patient's psychosocial
concerns and minimize the exposure of the finger loss to the public.Comment: Open Access articl
Involving Citizen Scientists in Biodiversity Observation
The involvement of non-professionals in scientific research and environmental monitoring, termed Citizen Science (CS), has now become a mainstream approach for collecting data on earth processes, ecosystems and biodiversity. This chapter examines how CS might contribute to ongoing efforts in biodiversity monitoring, enhancing observation and recording of key species and systems in a standardised manner, thereby supporting data relevant to the Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs), as well as reaching key constituencies who would benefit Biodiversity Observation Networks (BONs). The design of successful monitoring or observation networks that rely on citizen observers requires a careful balancing of the two primary user groups, namely data users and data contributors (i.e., citizen scientists). To this end, this chapter identifies examples of successful CS programs as well as considering practical issues such as the reliability of the data, participant recruitment and motivation, and the use of emerging technologies
Terrestrial impact structures as geoheritage: an assessment method of their scientific value and its application to Brazil
Terrestrial impact structures are geological and geomorphological features with particular importance to understand the history and evolution of the planet. Impact structures are scattered around the world but in many countries these features are under threat, essentially due to anthropic factors. Impact structures with higher scienti c value should be considered as geological heritage and, consequently, be subjected to geoconservation strategies. In order to select the most important impact structures to be properly conserved and managed, this paper proposes a quantitative assessment method of the scienti c value of these structures. The eight Brazilian impact structures were used to test this method that has the potential to be applied to any geological context in any country. The structures known as Araguainha Dome-MT and Serra da Cangalha-TO reached a higher scienti c value, which justi es the need to develop geoconservation strategies and a proper management.The Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e
Desenvolvimento (CNPq / National Council for
Research and Development) and the Programa
Ciências sem Fronteiras / Science Without Borders
Programme are acknowledged for the support
of the postdoctoral grant No 233209/2013-1 of
the 1st author. The work was co-funded by the
European Union through the European Regional
Development Fund, based on COMPETE 2020
(Programa Operacional da Competitividade
e Internacionalização), project ICT (UID/
GEO/04683/2013) with reference POCI-01-0145-
FEDER-007690 and Portuguese funds provided by
Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio
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