Effect of Bacterial Infection on Ghrelin Receptor Regulation in Periodontal Cells and Tissues

The effect of bacterial infection on the expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R) was investigated in periodontal cells and tissues, and the actions of ghrelin were evaluated. GHS-R was assessed in periodontal tissues of rats with and without periodontitis. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) were exposed to Fusobacterium nucleatum in the presence and absence of ghrelin. GHS-R expression was determined by real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry. Furthermore, wound healing, cell viability, proliferation, and migration were evaluated. GHS-R expression was significantly higher at periodontitis sites as compared to healthy sites in rat tissues. F. nucleatum significantly increased the GHS-R expression and protein level in HGFs. Moreover, ghrelin significantly abrogated the stimulatory effects of F. nucleatum on CCL2 and IL-6 expressions in HGFs and did not affect cell viability and proliferation significantly. Ghrelin stimulated while F. nucleatum decreased wound closure, probably due to reduced cell migration. Our results show original evidence that bacterial infection upregulates GHS-R in rat periodontal tissues and HGFs. Moreover, our study shows that ghrelin inhibited the proinflammatory actions of F. nucleatum on HGFs without interfering with cell viability and proliferation, suggesting that ghrelin and its receptor may act as a protective molecule during bacterial infection on periodontal cells.     

Bona Fide Tumor Suppressor Genes Hypermethylated in Melanoma: A Narrative Review

Loss-of-function events in tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) contribute to the development and progression of cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Epigenetic alterations are the major mechanisms of TSG inactivation, in particular, silencing by promoter CpG-island hypermethylation. TSGs are valuable tools in diagnosis and prognosis and, possibly, in future targeted therapy. The aim of this narrative review is to outline bona fide TSGs affected by promoter CpG-island hypermethylation and their functional role in the progression of CMM. We conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies providing evidence of bona fide TSGs by cell line or animal experiments. We performed a broad first search and a gene-specific second search, supplemented by reference checking. We included studies describing bona fide TSGs in CMM with promoter CpG-island hypermethylation in which inactivating mechanisms were reported. We extracted data about protein role, pathway, experiments conducted to meet the bona fide criteria and hallmarks of cancer acquired by TSG inactivation. A total of 24 studies were included, describing 24 bona fide TSGs silenced by promoter CpG-island hypermethylation in CMM. Their effect on cell proliferation, apoptosis, growth, senescence, angiogenesis, migration, invasion or metastasis is also described. These data give further insight into the role of TSGs in the progression of CMM.     

An implantable closedloop asynchronous drug delivery system for the treatment of refractory epilepsy

In this paper, we present an implantable device for intra-cerebral electroencephalography (icEEG) data acquisition and real-time epileptic seizure detection with simultaneous focal antiepileptic drug injection feedback. This implantable device includes a neural signal amplifier, an asynchronous seizure detector, a drug delivery system (DDS) including a micropump, and a hybrid subdural electrode (HSE). The asynchronous detection algorithm is based on data-dependent analysis and validated with Matlab tools. The detector and DDS have a power saving mode. The HSE contacts are made of Platinum (Pt) encapsulated with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Given the heterogeneity of electrographic seizure signals and seizure suppression threshold, the implantable device provides tunable parameters facility through an external transmitter to adapt to each individual's neurophysiology prior to clinical deployment. The proposed detector and DDS were assembled in ? 50 mm and ? 30 mm circular printed circuit boards, respectively. The detector was validated using icEEG recordings of seven patients who had previously undergone an intracranial investigation for epilepsy surgery. The triggering of the DDS was tested and a predefined seizure suppression dose was delivered ~16 s after electrographical seizure onsets. The device's power consumption was reduced by 12% in active mode and 49% in power saving mode compared to similar seizure detection algorithms implemented with synchronous architecture.     

Effect of multi-ions doping on the properties of carbonated hydroxyapatite bioceramic

The effect of multi-ions (Mg²⁺, SiO₄^4-, Zn²⁺, Cu²⁺) doping on the properties of carbonated hydroxyapatite (CHA) prepared by a wet chemical method has been investigated. Different combinations of ions were doped into the CHA and the as-synthesized compacts were sintered at 900?°C prior to body characterization. It was found that regardless of ions doping, the lattice structure of the CHA was not disrupted. In addition, secondary phases were not detected for all the multi-ions doped samples. The XRD and FTIR results further confirmed the presences of a B-Type CHA in the sintered samples. The XRD analysis revealed that the lattice parameters (c/a ratio) increased with dopant addition and resulted in a smaller crystallite size. The FESEM examination also showed the presences of smaller grain size for the multi-ions doped CHA samples thus indicating that the doping was beneficial in suppressing grain coarsening in carbonated hydroxyapatite.     

Surface decoration of magnetic nanoparticles with folate-conjugated poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-itaconic acid): A facial synthesis of dual-responsive nanocarrier for targeted delivery of doxorubicin

The aim of study was to develop a novel drug nanocarrier via facile coating of a folate-conjugated dual-responsive copolymer with carboxylic functional groups on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles for the efficient loading and cell-specific targeting of a positively charged anticancer agent. The nanocarrier exhibited many favorable capabilities such as narrow distributed nano-ranged size (～30 nm), high drug loading capacity (～65%), and stimuli-responsive drug release. The results of various cell cytotoxicity studies such as MTT assay, DAPI staining, and flow cytometry concluded that the developed smart nanocarrier paves a way for efficient cancer therapy by the multiple targeting strategies.     

Effect of phytic acid–modified layered double hydroxide on flammability and mechanical properties of intumescent flame retardant polypropylene system

Phytic acid–modified layered double hydroxide (Ph‐LDH) was synthesized via coprecipitation method and subsequently was used in polypropylene (PP) by combining with an ammonium polyphosphate (APP) via melt compounding method. The synergistic effect between APP and Ph‐LDH on the thermal stability, flammability, and mechanical properties of the resultant PP composites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimeter tests, tensile test, and impact test. Morphologies of the chars obtained from the samples after the cone calorimeter tests were studied by scanning electron microscopy. The combination of APP and Ph‐LDH slightly influenced the impact and tensile properties of PP. Also, the synergistic effect between APP and Ph‐LDH occurred in the cone calorimeter test. Moreover, the combination of APP and Ph‐LDH produced better quality char that effectively suppressed the spread of the flame and volatile and finally extinguished the fire.     

Quality of information and communication technology introduction

Software Quality Journal -     

An optimal algorithm for two robots path planning problem on the grid

This paper is a study on the problem of path planning for two robots on a grid. We consider the objective of minimizing the maximum path length which corresponds to minimizing the arrival time of the last robot at its goal position. We propose an optimal algorithm that solves the problem in linear time with respect to the size of the grid. We show that the algorithm is complete; meaning that it is sure to find an optimal solution or report if any does not exist.     

A modified design approach for compact ultra‐wideband microstrip filters

A modified design approach for compact ultra‐wideband microstrip filters with cascaded/folded stepped‐impedance resonators is described. The key feature of the proposed method is to facilitate stronger coupling between stepped‐impedance resonators and, at the same time, eliminate the requirement of extremely small gaps in coupled‐line sections, as found in traditional designs. Simulations and measurements demonstrate that the filters designed with this technique exhibit good reflection, insertion‐loss, and group‐delay performance within the 3.1–10.6 GHz band. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J RF and Microwave CAE 2010.     

What stimulates teachers to integrate ICT in their pedagogical practices? The use of digital learning materials in education

The question ‘What stimulates teachers to integrate Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in their pedagogical practices?’ was addressed in the context of teachers’ usage of digital learning materials (DLMs). We adopted Fishbein’s Integrative Model of Behavior Prediction (IMBP), to investigate the various relationships between distal and proximal variables and intention. Mediation analysis revealed that the proximal variables attitude, subjective norm, and self-efficacy towards DLMs were significant predictors of teachers’ intention to use DLMs. The contribution of subjective norm, however, was modest. Attitude, subjective norm and self-efficacy mediated the effects of the following three distal variables on intention: previous use of DLMs, perceived knowledge and skills to use DLMs, and colleagues’ usage of DLMs. Persuasive communication and skills based training seem, therefore, appropriate interventions to promote a positive attitude towards DLMs and improve self-efficacy in using DLMs.