Search Results (16)

To investigate the energy transfer mechanisms during the micro-explosive initiator-driven flyer process and to guide the performance evaluation of micro-sized charges and the structural design of micro-initiators, a combined approach of numerical simulations and experimental tests was employed to study the detonation process of copper-based azide micro-charges driving a flyer. The output pressure and detonation velocity of the copper-based azide micro-charge were measured using the manganese–copper piezoresistive method and electrical probe technique, and the corresponding JWL equation of the state parameters was subsequently fitted. A simulation model for the micro-charge-driven flyer was established and validated using Photonic Doppler Velocimetry (PDV), and the influence of charge conditions, structural parameters, and other factors on the flyer velocity and morphology was investigated. The results indicate that the flyer velocity decreases as its thickness increases, whereas the specific kinetic energy of the flyer initially increases and then decreases with increasing thickness. The optimal flyer thickness was found to be in the range of 30 to 70 μm. The flyer velocity increases with the density and height of the micro-charge; however, when the micro-charge density exceeds a certain threshold, the flyer velocity decreases. The flyer velocity exhibits an exponential decline as the diameter of the acceleration chamber increases, whereas it shows a slight increase with the increase in the length of the acceleration chamber. The diameter of the acceleration chamber should not exceed the charge diameter and must be no smaller than the critical diameter required for detonation initiation of the underlying charge. The use of a multi-layer accelerating chamber structure leads to a slight reduction in flyer velocity and further increases in the transmission hole diameter while having no significant impact on the flyer velocity. Full article

The conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT) has been used as a target site for mucosal vaccinations in several animals. In this study, we compared the morphological features of CALT in the eyelid and third eyelid between Holstein calves and adult cows. In the eyelids, CALTs in the form of diffused lymphoid tissue (DLT) and lymphatic follicles (LF) were observed, where DLTs were dominant and LFs were scarce. The CALTs of cows comprised T-, B-cells, macrophages, and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). In particular, B-cells were dominant except in the eyelids of the calves. The epithelial layer covering the CALT is often discontinuous and lacks goblet cells. Cytokeratin18 is strongly expressed in the epithelial layer covering the CALT, except in the third eyelids of adult cows. IgA-positive cells were diffusely distributed in the lamina propria of the conjunctiva of the eyelids and third eyelids. The eyelid CALT area in calves was lower than that in adult cows. Furthermore, the CALT of calves had a lower cellularity of B-cells and a higher cellularity of macrophages than that of adult cows. These histological characteristics indicate that CALT plays a role in the mucosal immune-inductive and effector sites. Furthermore, lower cellularity of B-cells in the CALT of calves indicates that the function of CALT as a mucosal immune induction site is less developed in calves than in adult cows. Full article

The lowland tapir is one of four species belonging to the Tapiridae family of the Ceratomorpha suborder, similar to Rhinocerotidae. This study describes anatomy with morphometry, histology (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson-Goldner trichrome, Movat pentachrome, mucicarmine, picro-Mallory trichrome) and histochemistry (PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5; AB pH2.5/PAS and HDI) of the upper and lower eyelids, and superficial gland of the third eyelid with the third eyelid, deep gland of the third eyelid, and lacrimal gland. The aim of the work is to show the features of the above-mentioned structures typical only for Tapiridae, as well as to show the presence of similarities and differences between the families forming the order Perissodactyla. The eyelashes on the upper eyelid were long, while those of the lower eyelid were short and much less prominent. In the upper and lower eyelid sebaceous glands, a characteristic simple alveolar gland producing a mucus-like secretion and poorly developed tarsal glands were observed. The marginal zone of the posterior surface of the eyelids was covered by stratified columnar epithelium with 18–21 layers of nucleated cells, while the bulbar zone of these surfaces was covered by cubic multilayer epithelium with 6–11 non-keratinized layers of cells and with sparse goblet cells. In only lower eyelids, numerous lymphoid nodules, diffuse lymphocytes and high endothelial venules were observed. The superficial gland was an acinar complex which secreted mucous and contained plasma cells within the interlobular and interlobular connective tissue. The upper and lower branches of the third eyelid were the shape of a bent “caudal fin” and were composed of hyaline cartilage, and they contained conjunctiva associated lymphoid tissue (CALT). The deep gland was also an acinar complex producing a serous character and having numerous diffuse lymphocytes. The lacrimal gland was an acinar complex producing seromucous secretions and had numerous plasma cells located in the glandular interstitium. The results of our research indicate that the features of the anatomy of the eyelids and orbital region in the lowland tapir are also typical of the family Tapiridae, but also have features common to the families Equidae and Rhinocerotidae. We confirm the presence of poorly developed tarsal glands in both eyelids as well as presence of a palpebral part of the lacrimal gland in the upper eyelid, which is typical only to Tapirus terrestris. Full article

Severe COVID-19 infections are at high risk of causing thromboembolic events (TEEs). However, the usual exams may be unavailable or unreliable in predicting the risk of TEEs at admission or during hospitalization. We performed a retrospective analysis of two centers (n = 124 patients) including severe COVID-19 patients to determine the specific risk factors of TEEs in SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission and during stays at the intensive care unit (ICU). We used stepwise regression to create two composite scores in order to predict TEEs in the first 48 h (H0–H48) and during the first 15 days (D1–D15) in ICU. We then evaluated the performance of our scores in our cohort. During the period H0–H48, patients with a TEE diagnosis had higher D-Dimers and ferritin values at day 1 (D1) and day 3 (D3) and a greater drop in fibrinogen between D1 and D3 compared with patients without TEEs. Over the period D1-D15, patients with a diagnosis of a TEE showed a more marked drop in fibrinogen and had higher D-Dimers and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) values at D1 and D3. Based on ROC analysis, the COVID-related acute lung and deep vein thrombosis (CALT) 1 score, calculated at D1, had a diagnostic performance for TEEs at H0–H48, estimated using an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.85 (CI95%: 0.76–0.93, p < 10⁻³). The CALT 2 score, calculated at D3, predicted the occurrence of TEEs over the period D1-D15 with an estimated AUC of 0.85 (CI95%: 0.77–0.93, p < 10⁻³). These two scores were used as the basis for the development of the CALT protocol, a tool to assist in the decision to use anticoagulation during severe SARS-CoV-2 infections. The CALT scores showed good performances in predicting the risk of TEEs in severe COVID-19 patients at admission and during ICU stays. They could, therefore, be used as a decision support protocol on whether or not to initiate therapeutic anticoagulation. Full article

Research into various proteins capable of blocking metabolic pathways has improved the detection and treatment of multiple pathologies associated with the malfunction and overexpression of different metabolites. However, antigen-binding proteins have limitations. To overcome the disadvantages of the available antigen-binding proteins, the present investigation aims to provide chimeric antigen-binding peptides by binding a complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) of variable domains of new antigen receptors (VNARs) with a conotoxin. Six non-natural antibodies (NoNaBodies) were obtained from the complexes of conotoxin cal14.1a with six CDR3s from the VNARs of Heterodontus francisci and two NoNaBodies from the VNARs of other shark species. The peptides cal_P98Y vs. vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF₁₆₅), cal_T10 vs. transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and cal_CV043 vs. carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) showed in-silico and in vitro recognition capacity. Likewise, cal_P98Y and cal_CV043 demonstrated the capacity to neutralize the antigens for which they were designed. Full article

Calotropis procera (C. procera) is a wild shrub that is a medicinal plant found in abundance throughout Saudi Arabia. In this study, we investigated the phytochemical composition and antigenotoxic properties of the ethanolic extract of C. procera, in addition to the antimicrobial activity of the plant and its rhizospheric actinobacteria effects against pathogenic microorganisms. Soil-extract medium supplemented with glycerol as a carbon source and starch–casein agar medium was used for isolation of actinobacteria from rhizosphere. From the plant, a total of 31 compounds were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The main components were α-amyrin (39.36%), lupeol acetate (17.94%), phytol (13.32%), hexadecanoic acid (5.55%), stigmasterol (3.16%), linolenic acid (3.04%), and gombasterol A (2.14%). C. procera plant extract’s antimicrobial activity was investigated using an agar well-diffusion assay and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against six pathogenic microbial strains. The plant extract of C. procera was considered significantly active against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia coli, with inhibition zones of 18.66 mm, 21.26 mm, and 21.93 mm, respectively. The plant extract was considered to be a moderate inhibitor against Bacillus subtilis, with MIC ranging from 0.60–1.50 mg/mL. On the other hand, the isolated actinobacteria were considered to be a moderate inhibitor against S. aureus (MIC of 86 µg/mL), and a potent inhibitor, strain CALT_2, against Candida albicans (MIC of 35 µg/mL). The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the potential strains belonged to the genus Streptomyces. The effect of C. procera extract against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced genotoxicity was examined by evaluating chromosome abnormalities in mouse somatic cells and DNA fragmentation assays. The current study revealed that oral pretreatment of C. procera (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg b.w.) for 1, 7, and 14 days to cyclophosphamide-treated animals significantly reduced chromosomal abnormalities as well as DNA fragmentation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, C. procera extract had antimicrobial and antigenotoxic effects against CP-induced genotoxicity. Full article

In this study, we present first data concerning the morphological observations of the orbital region, eye tunics, upper and lower eyelids, superficial gland of the third eyelid with the third eyelid, and lacrimal gland in captive adult male Asiatic black bear. The following research methods were used in the work: the eyeball morphometry, the orbital region description, macroscopic description, morphometric and histological analysis of the eye tunics and selected the accessory organs of the eye (Fontana–Masson, hematoxylin & eosin (H&E), Methyl-green-pyronin Y (MGP Y), Movat pentachrome, and picro-Mallory trichrome) as well as histochemical examination (PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5, AB pH 2.5/PAS and HDI). The eyeball of the Asiatic black bear was a spherical shape, while the periorbita was funnel/conical-shaped and the eye socket was of the open type. The cornea was absent of the Bowman’s membrane similar to all domestic dogs and some wild dogs. There were palisades of Vogt in the corneal limbus epithelium similar to the Canidae. Degenerative choroidal tapetum lucidum similar to ranch mink (Mustelidae) has been found. The pupil was big and round in shape. The ciliary muscle, dilatator and sphincter muscle were well developed, similar to the pinnipeds. The lens was biconvex round, similar to the Canidae. The retina was composed similarly to the diurnal terrestrial carnivores. In both eyelids were observed very well-developed tarsal glands, ciliary glands and sebaceous glands. The orbital zone in the eyelids was characterized by lymphoid follicles, diffuse lymphocytes and specialized high endothelial venules. In the anterior palpebral margin of the upper eyelid, soft and short eyelashes were observed, while in the lower eyelids they were absent. The third eyelid was T-shaped and composed of the hyaline tissue, and it contained CALT, similar to that in Canidae. The superficial gland of the third eyelid was a multilobar alveolar branched complex with seromucous nature, while the lacrimal gland was also a multilobar acinar branched complex gland, but producing a mucous–serous secretion. The results of our research indicate that the features of the anatomy of the eye and orbital region in Asiatic black bear are also typical of the Ursidae family. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the morphological eye region may be useful in comparative studies and veterinary diagnostics in this bear species. Full article

The appearance and spread of parasitic diseases around the world aroused the interest of the scientific community to discover new animal models for improving the quality and specificity of surveys. Calomys callosus is a rodent native to South America, an easy handling model, with satisfactory longevity and reproducibility. C. callosus is susceptible to toxoplasmosis and can be used as experimental model for the study the pathogenesis, treatment, vertical transmission, and ocular toxoplasmosis. C. callosus can also be used to study cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis, as the animals present cutaneous lesions, as well as parasites in the organs. C. callosus has epidemiological importance in Chagas disease, and since it is a Trypanosoma cruzi natural host in which rodents show high parasitemia and lethality, they are also effective as a model of congenital transmission. In the study of schistosomiasis, Schistosoma mansoni was proven to be a C. callosus natural host; thus, this rodent is a great model for fibrosis, hepatic granulomatous reaction, and celloma associated with lymphomyeloid tissue (CALT) during S. mansoni infection. In this review, we summarize the leading studies of parasitic diseases that used C. callosus as a rodent experimental model, describing the main uses and characteristics that led them to be considered an effective model. Full article

Propolis is a resinous mixture produced by bees from their secretions and plant material, so its composition varies depending on its botanical origin. Propolis has several beneficial bioactivities, but its skin sensitization properties have long been suspected. Nevertheless, the skin sensitization potency of Brazilian green propolis (BGP) has not been scientifically evaluated. Here, we used scientifically reliable tests to evaluate it. In vitro antigenicity test based on the human cell line activation test (OECD TG 442E) was performed by measuring the expression of CD54 and CD86, which are indicators of the antigenicity of test substances, on THP-1 and DC2.4 cells. BGP did not affect the expression of either marker on THP-1 cells, but upregulated the expression of CD86 on DC2.4 cells, suggesting that BGP may be a skin sensitizer. Then, we performed local lymph node assay (LLNA, OECD TG 429) as a definitive in vivo test. LLNA showed that 1.70% BGP primed skin sensitization and is a “moderate sensitizer”. Our results indicate scientific proof of the validity of arbitrary concentrations (1–2%), which have been used empirically, and provide the first scientific information on the safe use of BGP. Full article

Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technologies have attracted a lot of attention in recent decades, and the harvesters have been applied successfully in various fields, such as buildings, biomechanical and human motions. One important challenge is that the narrow frequency bandwidth of linear energy harvesting is inadequate to adapt the ambient vibrations, which are often random and broadband. Therefore, researchers have concentrated on developing efficient energy harvesters to realize broadband energy harvesting and improve energy-harvesting efficiency. Particularly, among these approaches, different types of energy harvesters adopting magnetic force have been designed with nonlinear characteristics for effective energy harvesting. This paper aims to review the main piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technologies with magnetic coupling, and determine the potential benefits of magnetic force on energy-harvesting techniques. They are classified into five categories according to their different structural characteristics: monostable, bistable, multistable, magnetic plucking, and hybrid piezoelectric–electromagnetic energy harvesters. The operating principles and representative designs of each type are provided. Finally, a summary of practical applications is also shown. This review contributes to the widespread understanding of the role of magnetic force on piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting. It also provides a meaningful perspective on designing piezoelectric harvesters for improving energy-harvesting efficiency. Full article

Conjunctiva-associated tissue (CALT) is assumed to play a crucial role in the immune system of the ocular surface. Its function in several ocular surface diseases (OSD) is still not fully understood. This study investigates the function of CALT in mouse models of dry-eye disease and ocular allergy. Since antigen-presentation is the central similarity in the pathologies, this study focuses on antigen-presentation in CALT Morphology and the expression of CALT, which was investigated in mice after induction of dry-eye, ocular allergy, topical antigen-stimulation, and after local depletion of phagocytic cells. Antigen uptake was investigated after the application of fluorescent ovalbumin (OVA). OSD influences the appearance and morphology of CALT in a disease-dependent manner. Ocular allergy leads to an increase and dry-eye disease to a decrease in number and size of CALT. The development of CALT is dependent on the presence of APCs. Professional APCs are present in CALT, and soluble antigen is transported into the follicle. CALT appearance is disease-specific and indicative of differing functions. Although the specific involvement of CALT in OSD needs further study, the existence of functional APCS and antigen-uptake supports the hypothesis that CALT is an immunological key player at the ocular surface. Full article

Gammacoronavirus infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) causes an economically important respiratory disease of poultry. Protective immunity is associated with the major structural protein, spike (S) glycoprotein, which induces neutralising antibodies and defines the serotype. Cross-protective immunity between serotypes is limited and can be difficult to predict. In this study, the ability of two recombinant IBV vaccine candidates, BeauR-M41(S) and BeauR-4/91(S), to induce cross-protection against a third serotype, QX, was assessed. Both rIBVs are genetically based on the Beaudette genome with only the S gene derived from either M41 or 4/91, two unrelated serotypes. The use of these rIBVs allowed for the assessment of the potential of M41 and 4/91 S glycoproteins to induce cross-protective immunity against a heterologous QX challenge. The impact of the order of vaccination was also assessed. Homologous primary and secondary vaccination with BeauR-M41(S) or BeauR-4/91(S) resulted in a significant reduction of infectious QX load in the trachea at four days post-challenge, whereas heterologous primary and secondary vaccination with BeauR-M41(S) and BeauR-4/91(S) reduced viral RNA load in the conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissue (CALT). Both homologous and heterologous vaccination regimes reduced clinical signs and birds recovered more rapidly as compared with an unvaccinated/challenge control group. Despite both rIBV BeauR-M41(S) and BeauR-4/91(S) displaying limited replication in vivo, serum titres in these vaccinated groups were higher as compared with the unvaccinated/challenge control group. This suggests that vaccination with rIBV primed the birds for a boosted humoral response to heterologous QX challenge. Collectively, vaccination with the rIBV elicited limited protection against challenge, with failure to protect against tracheal ciliostasis, clinical manifestations, and viral replication. The use of a less attenuated recombinant vector that replicates throughout the respiratory tract could be required to elicit a stronger and prolonged protective immune response. Full article

Nanofiltration membrane separation is an energy-saving technology that was used in this study to concentrate extracellular lipase and increase its total activity for biodiesel production. Lipase was produced by recombinant Aspergillus oryzae expressing Fusarium heterosporum lipase (FHL). A sulfonated polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane, NTR-7410, with a molecular weight cut-off of 3 kDa was used for the separation, because recombinant lipase has a molecular weight of approximately 20 kDa, which differs from commercial lipase at around 30 kDa for Callera^TM Trans L (CalT). After concentration via nanofiltration, recombinant lipase achieved a 96.8% yield of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from unrefined palm oil, compared to 50.2% for CalT in 24 h. Meanwhile, the initial lipase activity (32.6 U/mL) of recombinant lipase was similar to that of CalT. The composition of FAME produced from recombinant concentrated lipase, i.e., C14:1, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 cis, and C18:2 cis were 0.79%, 34.46%, 5.41%, 45.90%, and 12.46%, respectively, after transesterification. This FAME composition, even after being subjected to nanofiltration, was not significantly different from that produced from CalT. This study reveals the applicability of a simple and scalable nanofiltration membrane technology that can enhance enzymatic biodiesel production. Full article

Infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) is an acute respiratory disease of poultry caused by infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV). Control of the disease with live attenuated vaccines administered via eye drop build upon immune responses generated by the eye-associated lymphoid tissues. The aim of this study was to assess cytokine and lymphocyte changes in the conjunctiva-associated lymphoid tissues (CALT) and Harderian gland (HG) stimulated by the ocular inoculation of the ILTV chicken embryo origin (CEO) vaccine strain and virulent strain 63140. This study offers strong evidence to support the roles that the CALT and HG play in the development of protective ILTV immune responses. It supports the premise that ILTV-mediated immunomodulation favors the B cell response over those of T cells. Further, it provides evidence that expansions of CD8α⁺ cells, with the concomitant expression of the Granzyme A gene, are key to reducing viral genomes in the CALT and halting ILTV cytolytic replication in the conjunctiva. Ultimately, this study revealed that the early upregulation of interleukin (IL)-12p40 and Interferon (IFN)-γ cytokine genes, which shape the antigen-specific cell-mediated immune responses, retarded the decline of virus replication, and enhanced the development of lesions in the conjunctiva epithelium. Full article