The N- and C-terminal domains of parathyroid hormone-related protein affect differently the osteogenic and adipogenic potential of human mesenchymal stem cells

Antonio Casado-Díaz,Raquel Santiago-Mora,José Manuel Quesada 생화학분자생물학회 2010 Experimental and molecular medicine Vol.42 No.2

Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is synthesized by diverse tissues, and its processing produces several fragments, each with apparently distinct autocrine and paracrine bioactivities. In bone, PTHrP appears to modulate bone formation in part through promoting osteoblast differentiation. The putative effect of PTH-like and PTH-unrelated fragments of PTHrP on human mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) is not well known. Human MSCs were treated with PTHrP (1-36)or PTHrP (107-139) or both (each at 10 nM) in osteogenic or adipogenic medium, from the start or after 6days of exposure to the corresponding medium, and the expression of several osteoblastogenic and adipogenic markers was analyzed. PTHrP (1-36) inhibited adipogenesis in MSCs and favoured the expression of osteogenic early markers. The opposite was observed with treatment of MSCs with PTHrP (107-139). Moreover, inhibition of the adipogenic differentiation by PTHrP (1-36) prevailed in the presence of PTHrP (107-139). The PTH/PTHrP type 1 receptor (PTH1R)gene expression was maximum in the earlier and later stages of osteogenesis and adipogenesis, respectively. While PTHrP (107-139) did not modify the PTH1R overexpression during adipogenesis, PTHrP (1-36) did inhibit it; an effect which was partially affected by PTHrP (7-34), a PTH1R antagonist, at 1 μM. These findings demonstrate that both PTHrP domains can exert varying effects on human MSCs differentiation. PTHrP (107-139) showed a tendency to favor adipogenesis,while PTHrP (1-36) induced a mild osteogenic effect in these cells, and inhibited their adipocytic commitment. This further supports the potential anabolic action of the latter peptide in humans.

More Integrated than Ever? Long-Term Market and Policy Drivers of Intra-Asian Trade

Alejandro Ayuso-Díaz(Alejandro Ayuso-Díaz ),Antonio G. Gómez-Plana(Antonio G. Gómez-Plana ) 세종대학교 경제통합연구소 2023 Journal of Economic Integration Vol.38 No.1

Since the Doha Round stalemate after 2001, trade liberalization has progressed through regional trade agreements (RTAs) and East and Southeast Asia is not unfamiliar with this. Before assessing the effectiveness of recent trade agreements, the long tradition of trade exchange in this region that has lasted for more than 2,000 years necessitates an understanding of the evolution of intra-Asian trade across history. In this regard, this study contributes to the literature examining whether present intra-Asian trade is more or less intense than before 1938. This research outperforms previous studies using a gravity model that controls for changes in GDP and trade costs in the region across four different time periods (between 1840 and 2018). The results show that contemporary regional trade in East and Southeast Asia is slightly less intense than before World War II. A second question addressed is the relevance of trade agreements after the 1985 Plaza Accord on trade integration, compared with market determinants. A second gravity model for regional imports after 1986 is regressed on both policy and market indicators, indicating that the latest wave of intra-Asian trade is characterized by trade complementarities that are fueled by regional foreign direct investment, and free trade agreements are less effective. This result is validated through a network analysis demonstrating the symbiosis between trade and investment flows in the region, which should be considered in RTAs that are in place or in negotiation to take intra-Asian trade beyond its historical limits.

Molecular epidemiology of Aleutian mink disease virus causing outbreaks in mink farms from Southwestern Europe: a retrospective study from 2012 to 2019

Alberto Prieto,Ricardo Fernández-Antonio,Gonzalo López-Lorenzo,José Manuel Díaz-Cao,Cynthia López-Novo,Susana Remesar,Rosario Panadero,Pablo Díaz,Patrocinio Morrondo,Pablo Díez-Baños,Gonzalo Fernández 대한수의학회 2020 Journal of Veterinary Science Vol.21 No.4

Background: Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) causes major economic losses in fur-bearing animal production. The control of most AMDV outbreaks is complex due to the difficulties of establishing the source of infection based only on the available on-farm epidemiological data. In this sense, phylogenetic analysis of the strains present in a farm may help elucidate the origin of the infection and improve the control and biosecurity measures. Objectives: This study had the following aims: characterize the AMDV strains from most outbreaks produced at Spanish farms between 2012–2019 at the molecular level, and assess the utility of the combined use of molecular and epidemiological data to track the possible routes of infection. Methods: Thirty-seven strains from 17 farms were partially sequenced for the NS1 and VP2 genes and analyzed phylogenetically with other strains described worldwide. Results: Spanish AMDV strains are clustered in four major clades that generally show a good geographical correlation, confirming that most had been established in Spain a long time ago. The combined study of phylogenetic results and epidemiological information of each farm suggests that most of the AMDV outbreaks since 2012 had been produced by within-farm reservoirs, while a few of them may have been due to the introduction of the virus through international trade. Conclusions: The combination of phylogenetic inference, together with epidemiological data, helps assess the possible origin of AMDV infections in mink farms and improving the control and prevention of this disease.

Analysis of the shelf life of chitosan stored in different types of packaging, using colorimetry and dentin microhardness

Antonio Miranda da Cruz-Filho,Angelo Rafael de Vito Bordin,Luis Eduardo Souza-Flamini,Débora Fernandes da Costa Guedes,Paulo César Saquy,Ricardo Gariba Silva,Jesus Djalma Pécora 대한치과보존학회 2017 Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics Vol.42 No.2

Objectives: Chitosan has been widely investigated and used. However, the literature does not refer to the shelf life of this solution. This study evaluated, through the colorimetric titration technique and an analysis of dentin micro-hardness, the shelf life of 0.2% chitosan solution. Materials and Methods: Thirty human canines were sectioned, and specimens were obtained from the second and third slices, from cemento-enamel junction to the apex. A 0.2% chitosan solution was prepared and distributed in 3 identical glass bottles (v1, v2, and v3) and 3 plastic bottles (p1, p2, and p3). At 0, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 days, the specimens were immersed in each solution for 5 minutes (n = 3 each). The chelating effect of the solution was assessed by micro-hardness and colorimetric analysis of the dentin specimens. 17% EDTA and distilled water were used as controls. Data were analyzed statistically by two-way and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparison (α = 0.05). Results: There was no statistically significant difference among the solutions with respect to the study time (p = 0.113) and micro-hardness/time interaction (p = 0.329). Chitosan solutions and EDTA reduced the micro-hardness in a similar manner and differed significantly from the control group (p < 0.001). Chitosan solutions chelated calcium ions throughout the entire experiment. Conclusions: Regardless of the storage form, chitosan demonstrates a chelating property for a minimum period of 6 months.

A novel tool to optimize the performance of SCARA robots used in pick and place operations

Max Antonio González-Palacios,Mario A. Garcia-Murillo,Mariana González-Dávila 대한기계학회 2021 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.35 No.10

SCARA robots have been manufactured in different sizes and link ratios to satisfy a range of applications such as pick-and-place operations. Studies about kinematic design have reported several approaches to quantify the performance of these robots. However, some of these are configuration-dependant, and some others are dedicated to solving specific applications. The novel tool reported here provides an image of the workspace in which the manipulator generates quasi-optimal trajectories for a given ratio of the link lengths. This single value is named optimal kinematic performance index. It provides the best link lengths ratio and a map of pick-and-place points that would perform the task with a minimum angular displacement of the links. Examples related to the optimization of the trajectory, design of the link lengths or to the selection of a commercial model, are presented. A survey of commercial SCARA robots is conducted to classify them according to their OKPI.

Cissus sicyoides: Analysis of Glycemic Control in Diabetic Rats Through Biomarkers

Jocelem Mastrodi Salgado,Débora Niero Mansi,Antonio Gagliardi 한국식품영양과학회 2009 Journal of medicinal food Vol.12 No.4

Diabetes is a chronic degenerative disease with no cure, is found in millions of people worldwide, and can cause life-threatening complications at any age. The plant Cissus sicyoides L. is a runner plant found abundantly in Brazil, especially in the Amazon. Its therapeutic properties are widely used in popular medicine as a diuretic, anti-influenza, anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsion, and hypoglycemic agent. The objective of this study was to analyze the effects of aqueous extracts from the leaves and stem of C. sicyoides L., administered for 60 days, for the control of glycemia in alloxan (monohydrate)-induced diabetic rats, monitored by biomarkers. Data obtained in this study confirmed that C. sicyoides has a hypoglycemic effect on diabetic rats. Administration of its aqueous extracts promoted a 45% decrease in glucose levels after 60 days of administration. Furthermore, indices of hepatic glycogen, blood glucose, C-reactive peptide, and fructosamine were found to be efficient biomarkers to monitor diabetes in rats.

Management of Biliopancreatic Limb Bleeding after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: A Case Report

Christophe Riquoir,Luis Antonio Díaz,David Chiliquinga,Roberto Candia,Fernando Pimentel,Alex Arenas 대한소화기내시경학회 2021 Clinical Endoscopy Vol.54 No.5

The Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most extensive surgical treatments for obesity. The treatment of upper gastrointestinalbleeding after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is complex due to the difficulty of accessing the excluded gastric antrum and duodenal bulb. There is no consensus regarding the management of this complication. While various techniques have been described to accessthe biliopancreatic limb, double-balloon enteroscopy is the most commonly used. If double-balloon enteroscopy is unavailable, apediatric colonoscope may be used as an alternative; however, its use in such cases has not been described. We report the case of a50-year-old male patient who underwent gastric bypass 13 years ago and was admitted for a second episode of upper gastrointestinalbleeding. The initial approach using upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and abdominal computed tomography angiography did notreveal the cause of gastrointestinal hemorrhage; therefore, an endoscopic study of the biliopancreatic limb was performed using apediatric colonoscope. A Forrest Ib ulcer was found in the duodenal bulb, and endoscopic therapy was administered. The evolutionwas found to be satisfactory.

Hybrid Polyester Composites Reinforced with Curauá Fibres and Nanoclays

Gilberto García del Pino,Antonio Claudio Kieling,Abderrezak Bezazi,Haithem Boumediri,Juliana Fontolan Rolim de Souza,Francisco Valenzuela Díaz,Jose Luis Valin Rivera,Jamile Dehaini,Tulio Hallak Panzer 한국섬유공학회 2020 Fibers and polymers Vol.21 No.2

This work investigates a hybrid polyester composite consisted of Curauá natural fibres and organophilic clay nanoparticles. A Taguchi method is used to identify the effects of fibre fraction (10, 20 and 30 wt%), alkaline treatmentconcentration (NaOH, 2.5, 5 and 10 wt%), treatment time (2, 4 and 8 h) and nanoparticle content (2.5, 5 and 10 wt%) on the mechanical behaviour of the hybrid composites under tension and three-point bending. X-ray, FTIR and microstructural analysis are performed to assess the treated and untreated fibre surfaces. The optimum combination of the process parameters for the tensile and flexural properties is: fibre content at 30 wt%, NaOH concentration at 5 wt%, treatment time at 8 h and nanoclay inclusions at 5 wt%. A mean tensile and flexural strength of 36.13 MPa and 32.55 MPa are obtained, whichrepresents percent increases of 39.22 % and 25.43 % compared to the polyester polymer in pristine condition.

The extent of aortic lymphadenectomy in locally advanced cervical cancer impacts on survival

Antoni Llueca,Javier Escrig,Antonio Gil-Moreno,Virginia Benito,Alicia Hernández,Berta Díaz-Feijoo 대한부인종양학회 2021 Journal of Gynecologic Oncology Vol.32 No.1

Objective: The prognostic impact of surgical paraaortic staging remains unclear in patientswith locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC). The objective of our study was to evaluate theresults of the surgical technique of preoperative aortic lymphadenectomy in LACC related totumor burden and disease spread to assess its influence on survival. Methods: Data of 1,072 patients with cervical cancer were taken from 11 Spanishhospitals (Spain-Gynecologic Oncology Group [GOG] working group). Complete aorticlymphadenectomy surgery (CALS) was considered when the lymph nodes (LNs) were excisedup to the left renal vein. The extent of the disease was performed evaluating the LNs bycalculating the geometric means and quantifying the log odds between positive LNs andnegative LNs. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the survival distribution. A Coxproportional hazards model was used to account for the influence of multiple variables. Results: A total of 394 patients were included. Pathological analysis revealed positiveaortic LNs in 119 patients (30%). LODDS cut-off value of −2 was established as a prognosticindicator. CALS and LODDS <−2 were associated with better disease free survival and overallsurvival than suboptimal aortic lymphadenectomy surgery and LODDS ≥−2. In a multivariatemodel analysis, CALS is revealed as an independent prognostic factor in LACC. Conclusion: When performing preoperative surgical staging in LACC, it is not advisable totake simple samples from the regional nodes. Radical dissection of the aortic and pelvicregions offers a more reliable staging of the LNs and has a favorable influence on survival.

Sideslip angle estimator based on ANFIS for vehicle handling and stability

Beatriz L. Boada,María Jesús L. Boada,Antonio Gauchía,Ester Olmeda,Vicente Díaz 대한기계학회 2015 JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY Vol.29 No.4

Most of the existing ESC (Electronic stability control) systems rely on the measurement of both yaw rate and sideslip angle. However,one of the main issues is that the sideslip angle cannot be measured directly because the sensors are too expensive. For this reason, sideslipangle estimation has been widely discussed in literature. The modeling of sideslip angle is complex due to the non-linear dynamics ofthe vehicle. This work proposes a new methodology based on ANFIS to estimate the vehicle sideslip angle. The estimator has been validatedby comparing the proposed ANFIS prediction model with the values provided by CARSIM model, which is an experimentallyvalidated software. The advantage of this estimation is the modeling of the non-linear dynamics of the vehicle by means of signals whichare directly measured from vehicle sensors. The results show the effectiveness of the proposed ANFIS-based sideslip angle estimator.