Estimation of Dysregulated Pathway Regions in MPP+ Treated Human Neuroblastoma SH-EP Cells with Structural Equation Model

Daniele Pepe,도진환 한국바이오칩학회 2015 BioChip Journal Vol.9 No.2

As it is widely accepted that the cellularsystem is modular and complex diseases are caused bycombinations of genetic alternations affecting component of the cellular system, module-centric approaches are promising in the study of Parkinson’s disease (PD). To identify module/pathways associated with PD, the gene signaling pathway analysis of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) treated cells of the PD model was performed with their genome-wide gene expression data. Significant pathway perturbation was observed at 14 KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) pathways. To capture differentially regulated regions by MPP+ treatment within these 14 perturbed pathways, the shortest path models linking differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were constructed for each pathway. Each shortest path model was analyzed with structural equation model (SEM) and the significant regulation structure by MPP+ treatment was observed in three shortest pathway models including cell cycle, neurotrophin and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathways. In addition, the connection of neurotrophin and phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway via CALM1 was observed. Our results suggest that the dys-regulation of these three pathways might play important role in neuronal cell death by MPP+ treatment.

Chios Mastic Gum Consumption Has a Protective Effect on Ovariectomy-Induced Bone Loss in Rats

Angeliki Eirini Pepe,Pavlos Lelovas,Vasiliki K. Pachi,Maria Halabalaki,Antonis Galanos,Panagiota Mikou,Dimitrios Pitidis Poutos,George Papadomichelakis,Stavros Kourkoulis,Ermioni Pasiou,Sofia Mitakou 한국식품영양과학회 2021 Preventive Nutrition and Food Science Vol.26 No.2

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential effect of Chios Mastic Gum (CMG) consumption on bone mineral density (BMD) and strength of ovariectomized rats. CMG is a known resin used from ancient times for its beneficial biological properties. Thirty mature female Wistar rats were randomized into three equal groups: sham-operated (control), ovariectomized (OVX), and ovariectomized and administered CMG per os (OVX+CMG). BMD of the total tibia, proximal tibia, and the 6th lumbar vertebra were measured at baseline and at 3 and 6 months post ovariectomy. Bone strength was assessed with three-point-bending (3pb) of the right femur. At 3 and 6 months, BMD values of the OVX+CMG group were significantly higher for the anatomical cites evaluated than those of the OVX group. Femoral thickness assessed via 3pb had intermediate values in the treated group compared to the other groups. Cytology of vaginal smears and uterine weight of the OVX+CMG group were consistent with estrogen depletion. Gastrocnemius muscle and intraperitoneal fat ratios to body weight (BW) of the OVX+CMG group did not significantly differ from the control group. Daily consumption CMG had a protective effect on BMD of the total and proximal tibia and the 6th lumbar vertebra of the rats, without causing undesirable effects on the vaginal epithelium and uterus. The 3pb results also demonstrated a favorable effect on the thickness of rat femurs. In addition, CMG was beneficial for both the muscular system and the intraperitoneal fat/BW ratio of the rats.

The Emerging Geopolitics of Hydrogen Value and Supply Chains: A Focus on EU’s Future Relations with the Eurasian Supercontinent

Jacopo Maria Pepe 고려대학교 일민국제관계연구원 2023 국제관계연구 Vol.28 No.2

Hydrogen is gaining momentum as countries prioritize decarbonization of hard-to-abate sectors. However, hydrogen production entails technological and resource-intensive processes, resulting in intricate value chains and complex dependencies along them. Apart from that, hydrogen trade and market dynamics have the potential to alter not only economic but also power relations between countries and the geopolitical landscape. Eurasia, often overlooked in the context of Europe’s hydrogen plans, emerges as a pivotal macro-region due to the concentration of technology and abundant resources (fossil fuels, renewable energy and critical minerals) along important transit routes as well as evolving intra-continental trade ties beyond Europe and the geographic West. Thus, the present paper will explore Eurasia’s anticipated role within hydrogen value and supply chains and delve into how the European Union’s (EU) hydrogen initiatives may reshape Europe’s energy and geopolitical relationships with countries spanning the supercontinent. It underscores the importance of considering agency, priorities, interests, and motivations of potential hydrogen partners in effectively managing the arising dependencies. The findings highlight the need for a comprehensive understanding of the evolving hydrogen landscape, which promises to reshape energy relations and geopolitics across the Eurasian supercontinent.

The Evaluation of Exogenous Melatonin Administration in Supraspinatus Overuse Tendinopathy in an Experimental Rat Model

Onur Kocadal,Murad Pepe,Nalan Akyurek,Zafer Gunes,Hatice Surer,Ertugrul Aksahin,Betul Ogut,Cem Nuri Aktekin 대한견주관절학회 2019 대한견주관절학회지 Vol.22 No.2

Background: Increased oxidative stress and inflammation play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of chronic tendinopathy. Melatonin is an endogenous molecule that exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemi-cal and histopathological effects of exogenous melatonin administrations in supraspinatus overuse tendinopathy.Methods: Fifty rats were divided into the following four groups: cage activity, melatonin treatment, corticosteriod therapy, and control. Melatonin (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal; twice a day) and triamcinolone (0.3 mg/kg, subacromial; weekly) were administered to the treat-ment groups after the overuse period. Biochemical and histopathological evaluations were performed on serum samples and biopsies obtained from rats. Plasma inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels were evaluated biochemically. Results: The TAS, TOS, OSI, iNOS, and VEGF values were significantly lower than the pre-treatment levels in rats receiving exogenous melatonin treatment (3 or 6 weeks) (p<0.05). TOS, iNOS, VEGF, and OSI values after 3 weeks of triamcinolone administration, and TOS, VEGF, and OSI levels after 6 weeks of triamcinolone application, were significantly lower than the pre-treatment levels (p<0.05). Conclusions: Exogenous melatonin application in overuse tendinopathy reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin might be an alternative potential molecule to corticosteroids in the treatment of chronic tendinopathy.

Mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients admitted to the intensive care unit in the United States with or without respiratory failure secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia: a retrospective comparison of characteristics and outcomes

Johnson Jesse A.,Kashka F. Mallari,Pepe Vincent M.,Treacy Taylor,McDonough Gregory,Khaing Phue,McGrath Christopher,George Brandon J.,Yoo Erika J. 대한중환자의학회 2023 Acute and Critical Care Vol.38 No.3

Background: There is increasing heterogeneity in the clinical phenotype of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and reasons for mechanical ventilation are not limited to COVID pneumonia. We aimed to compare the characteristics and outcomes of intubated patients admitted to the ICU with the primary diagnosis of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure (AHRF) attributed to COVID pneumonia with those of patients admitted for an alternative diagnosis.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of adults with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection admitted to one of nine ICUs between March 18, 2020, and April 30, 2021, at an urban university institution. We compared characteristics between the two groups using appropriate statistics and performed logistic regression to identify risk factors for death in the mechanically ventilated COVID-19 population. Results: After exclusions, the final sample consisted of 319 patients with respiratory failure secondary to COVID pneumonia and 150 patients intubated for alternative diagnoses. The former group had higher rates of ICU mortality (57.7% vs. 36.7%, P<0.0001) and hospital mortality (58.9% vs. 39.3%, P<0.0001). Patients with AHRF secondary to COVID-19 pneumonia also had longer lengths of stay in the ICU (12 vs. 6 days, P<0.0001) and hospital (20 vs. 13.5 days, P=0.0001). Following risk adjustment, these COVID-19 patients had 2.25 times greater odds of death (95% confidence interval, 1.42¬–3.56; P=0.001).Conclusions: Mechanically ventilated patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19–associated respiratory failure are at higher risk of hospital death and have worse utilization outcomes than those whose reason for ICU admission is unrelated to COVID pneumonia.

BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES OF CONTROLLING A LED AFS (ADAPTIVE FRONT-LIGHTING SYSTEM) USING FUZZY LOGIC

L. LUKACS,M. DASSANAYAKE,R. MAGALHAES,C. FONTES,M. EMBIRUCU,I. M. PEPE 한국자동차공학회 2011 International journal of automotive technology Vol.12 No.4

The vehicular illumination system has undergone considerable technological advances in recent decades such as the use of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), which represents an industry breakthrough in lighting technology and is rapidly becoming one of the most important innovative technologies around the world in the lighting community. This paper presents AFS control alternatives using fuzzy logic (types 1 and 2) to determine its operating parameters taking into consideration the road conditions in the state of São Paulo (Brazil). Fuzzy logic is a well-known extension of the conventional (Boolean) logic that enables the treatment of uncertainty present in the information through the definition of intermediary membership values between the “completely true” and the “completely false”. This technique or modeling strategy is particularly important when a multi-parameter decision must be taken or the decisions are based on the human knowledge. The results show the potential of the methodology proposed and its suitability for light control providing safer nighttime driving.

The ^K−^π+ S-wave from the ^D+→^K−^π+^π+ decay

Link, J.M.,Yager, P.M.,Anjos, J.C.,Bediaga, I.,Castromonte, C.,Machado, A.A.,Magnin, J.,Massafferri, A.,de Miranda, J.M.,Pepe, I.M.,Polycarpo, E.,dos Reis, A.C.,Carrillo, S.,Cuautle, E.,Sá,nchez Elsevier 2009 Physics letters: B Vol.681 No.1

<P><B>Abstract</B></P><P>Using data from FOCUS (E831) experiment at Fermilab, we present a model independent partial-wave analysis of the <SUP>K−</SUP><SUP>π+</SUP> S-wave amplitude from the decay <SUP>D+</SUP>→<SUP>K−</SUP><SUP>π+</SUP><SUP>π+</SUP>. The S-wave is a generic complex function to be determined directly from the data fit. The P- and D-waves are parameterized by a sum of Breit–Wigner amplitudes. The measurement of the S-wave amplitude covers the whole elastic range of the <SUP>K−</SUP><SUP>π+</SUP> system.</P>