Rod Test Research Articles

Synthesis and Characterization of Mint Leaf (Mentha Spicata) Biological Silver Nanoparticles and their Impact on Rat’s Motor Coordination and Cognition

Background: The utilization of silver nanoparticles is rising, since nanotechnology is blossoming in daily products and biomedicine. According to research on animals, silver nanoparticles can damage the brain, liver, kidneys, intestines, and lungs, among other organs. Several studies have found a link between various methods of administering nanoparticles and cognitive and behavioral impairments. Objective: The current study aims to investigate the impact of mint leaf silver nanoparticles on rats' psychological behavior. Method: Silver nanoparticles were prepared using fresh leaves of mint as bioreducing agents. It was verified that silver nanoparticles were formed via characterization with UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR analysis, SEM, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Zeta potential. Rats were treated with silver nanoparticles for 21 days orally (50 mg/kg body weight) and were tested for cognitive function of learning in the form of Morris water maze (MWM), nociception was studied by the Eddy hot plate test (HPT), Randal pain test (RPT), motor coordination was done by the Roto rod test (RRT), and depression-like behavior was studied with the Porsolt forced swim test (FWT). Results: UV spectroscopy has revealed a peak at 420 nm indicating the formation of green silver nanoparticles; the fluorescent spectrum showed a peak at 400 nm displaying the fluorescent activity of synthesized silver nanoparticles. FTIR showed that silver nanoparticles were capped with mint leaf secondary metabolites. Even Zeta potential analysis confirmed the green nanoparticles; SEM has shown the spherical shape of silver nanoparticles; and X-rays with energy dispersive spectra reveal the constituent elements of silver generated at 3 keV. Learning and memory abilities of rats screened with MWM, HPT, RPT, RRT, and FWT. Data have revealed variations in test results between animals exposed to nanoparticles in comparison with control animals. Conclusion: This study concludes that nanoparticles therapy in rats impairs learning, memory, and other behavioral abilities.

Stability of Steel Reinforced Rods with I-Beam Core

Purpose: The purpose of the work is to determine the longitudinal bending coefficient for steel reinforced rods of various flexibility.Methodology: Design and testing of rods with various flexibility with about 10 % reinforcement. Creation of FE models of structures similar to the tested ones.Research findings: Test results show that coefficients of longitudinal bending in rods are significantly overestimated and do not provide a margin for the structural analysis, which is confirmed by the FE models. The value spread in can reach 38 %.Value: The dependence of longitudinal bending coefficient is suggested for structures over the entire range of flexibility from 0 l h/ = 6 to 0 l h/ =20 under the dynamic load. The proposed non-linear curve corresponds to theoretical calculations. Systematic studies concern the stability of steel reinforced rods in a wide range of flexibility.

Olive oil and castor oil-based self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system of flurbiprofen can relieve peripheral pain and inflammation through reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers: a comprehensive formulation and pharmacological insights.

Flurbiprofen (FBP) is poorly water-soluble BCS class II drug with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, used to treat arthritis and degenerative joint diseases. This study was aimed to develop SNEDDS loaded with FBP. Six SNEDDS using two oils olive oil (F1OLV, F2OLV, F3OLV) and castor oil (F4CAS, F5CAS, F6CAS) with three different Smix ratios consisting of Tween 20 and PEG 400 (1:1, 1:2, 2:1) were prepared and characterized. Compatibility between FBP and polymers was investigated using FTIR. SNEDDS were characterized for physicochemical attributes. Two optimized formulations were investigated at 10mg/kg dose given orally in Wistar rats for analgesic activity by hot plate and tail flick methods, and anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced paw edema method. Anti-inflammatory activity was further explored by motor coordination and motility by Rota rod and cage activity tests. Following anesthesia blood samples were collected before dissection to measure inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers. Sciatica nerves and hind paws of rats were also removed for histopathological evaluation.FTIR studies revealed compatibility of FBP with other components. Droplet size of F1OLV, F2OLV, F3OLV was 128.5 ± 0.7 nm, 202.5 ± 1.3 nm, and 541.5 ± 1.7 nm, whereas it was 142.5 ± 1.1 nm, 215.4 ± 1.2 nm and 349.9 ± 1.8 nm for F4CAS, F5CAS, F6CAS. %EE of F1OLV, F2OLV, F3OLV was found 85 ± 4.89%-91 ± 4.67%, whereas the %EE F4CAS, F5CAS, F6CAS was 84 ± 4.15%-90 ± 4.21%. DSC curves of F1OLVand F4CASrevealed amorphous nature of the FBP. SEM showed spherical shape of globules. % of drug released in the pH medium 1.2 for plain FBP, F1OLVand F4CASwas 25%, 59% and 57%. % drug released in the pH 6.8 for plain FBP, F1OLVand F4CASwas 59%, 85% and 83%. Oral administration of FBP-loaded SNEDDS (F1OLV and F4CAS) significantly decreased paw diameter and enhanced motor coordination in rats when compared to the disease control group. This was linked to the ability of FBP to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, with histological studies indicating decreased tissue damage in SNEDDS treated groups, implying the possibility of tissue recovery. Administration of both formulations started to demonstrate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects after one hour of administration. In addition to anti-inflammatory effect, both formulations improved motor coordination, motility, and reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the inflamed paws. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were attributed to decreased serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, increased activity of SOD and reduced nitrite content in sciatic nerves. Histopathological evaluation revealed reduced vascularity, inflammation and synovial hyperplasia. The overall findings suggest that the FBP loaded SNEDDS can be used as carriers for improved delivery of FBP which can effectively be used to cure pain and inflammation.

Assessment of Phoria Associated with Myopia in Students and Staff before and after Refractive Correction

Aim: To assess the phoria associated with myopia before and after refractive correction. Study Design: It was a cross sectional study. Duration and Setting of the Study: The study was conducted from March 2023 till August 2023 at ISRA University Islamabad campus. Methods: University students and staff members with myopia ages 18 and above, were included using a non-probabilitysampling technique. Verbal consent from the study population was obtained, and ethical consideration was obtained from the ethical committee of the Pakistan Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences (PIRS) at ISRA University Islamabad. Data was collected using a self-constructed questionnaire (Performa) with the use of cover test Maddox Rod and Maddox Wing test. Study data was analyzed using the statistical software SPSS 20. Results: Total subjects were 100 in which 54 were female. Before correction, the mean value for total phoria came out to be 1.96 ± 0.84 Prism Diopter and after correction, (the mean value was 1.65 ±0.91 Prism Diopter). Significant differences P<0.01 were seen before and after correction. The study showed that without refractive correction, 52% of participants had exophoria, 30% had orthophoria, 14% had esophoria, 02% had hyperphoria, and 2% had hypophoria. While after myopia refractive correction 61% of subjects had orthophoria, 24% had exophoria, 11% had esophoria, 3% had hyperphoria, and 01% had hypophoria. Conclusion:The study highlight the significance of refractive correction, especially in treating exophoria, as treatment resulted in a notable shift towards orthophoria. When doing evaluations, optometrists and other eye care specialists should take the prevalence of various ocular disorders into account and adjust refractive corrections accordingly.

The effect of virtual visual scene inclination transitions on gait modulation in healthy older versus young adults-A virtual reality study.

Bipedal locomotion requires body adaptation to maintain stability after encountering a transition to incline walking. A major part of this adaptation is reflected by adjusting walking speed. When transitioning to uphill walking, people exert more energy to counteract gravitational forces pulling them backward, while when transitioning to downhill walking people break to avoid uncontrolled acceleration. These behaviors are affected by body-based (proprioception and vestibular) cues as well as by visual cues. Since older age adversely affects walking, it is unclear whether older adults rely on vision during locomotion in a similar manner to younger individuals. In this study, we tested whether the influence of visual cues on these walking speed modulations in healthy older adults (60-75 years old, N = 15) were comparable to those found in healthy young adults (20-40 years old, N = 12). Using a fully immersive virtual-reality system embedded with a self-paced treadmill and projected visual scene, we manipulated the inclinations of both the treadmill and the visual scene in an independent manner, and measured participants walking speed. In addition, we also measured individual visual field dependency using the rod and frame test. The older adults presented the expected braking (decelerating) and exertion (accelerating) effects, in response to downhill and uphill visual illusions, respectively, in a similar manner to the young group. Furthermore, we found a significant correlation between the magnitude of walking speed modulation and visual field dependency in each of the groups with significantly higher visual field dependency in older adults. These results suggest that with aging individuals maintain their reliance on the visual system to modulate their gait in accordance with surface inclination in a manner similar to that of younger adults.

Insights into RNA-mediated pathology in new mouse models of Huntington's disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative polyglutamine (polyQ) disease resulting from the expansion of CAG repeats located in the ORF of the huntingtin gene (HTT). The extent to which mutant mRNA-driven disruptions contribute to HD pathogenesis, particularly in comparison to the dominant mechanisms related to the gain-of-function effects of the mutant polyQ protein, is still debatable. To evaluate this contribution invivo, we generated two mouse models through a knock-in strategy at the Rosa26 locus. These models expressed distinct variants of human mutant HTT cDNA fragment: a translated variant (HD/100Q model, serving as a reference) and a nontranslated variant (HD/100CAG model). The cohorts of animals were subjected to a broad spectrum of molecular, behavioral, and cognitive analysis for 21 months. Behavioral testing revealed alterations in both models, with the HD/100Q model exhibiting late disease phenotype. The rotarod, static rod, and open-field tests showed some motor deficits in HD/100CAG and HD/100Q model mice during the light phase, while ActiMot indicated hyperkinesis during the dark phase. Both models also exhibited certain gene deregulations in the striatum that are related to disrupted pathways and phenotype alterations observed in HD. In conclusion, we provide invivo evidence for a minor contributory role of mutant RNA in HD pathogenesis. The separated effects resulting from the presence of mutant RNA in the HD/100CAG model led to less severe but, to some extent, similar types of impairments as in the HD/100Q model. Increased anxiety was one of the most substantial effects caused by mutant HTT RNA.

Design and Construction of Analog Water Heater Chamber (AWHC) for Sma Rod and Spring Tensile Testing

This study details the design and construction of an Analog Water Heater Chamber (AWHC) specifically tailored for tensile testing of Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) rods and springs. The AWHC is designed to simulate various temperature conditions, enabling precise control over the thermo-mechanical behavior of SMA specimens. Energy conversion from the electrical to heat form is achieved using an electrical heating element of 1000 watts. This heat is transferred to the SMA spring/wire using convection using a water medium, and phase transformation occurs. The chamber's unique design allows for real-time monitoring of deformation and recovery processes under controlled temperature and loading conditions. Different test results for both the SMA rod and SMA spring at various loading rates and constant temperature, and continuous loading rate and different temperatures showed a good thermo-mechanical coupling result The AWHC's performance was validated through tensile testing of SMA rods and springs, demonstrating its efficacy in evaluating the mechanical properties and phase transformation temperatures of these materials. The results show excellent correlation with theoretical predictions, confirming the AWHC's suitability for characterizing SMA behavior under diverse thermal and mechanical conditions. This research contributes to the development of efficient testing protocols for SMA components, paving the way for their enhanced integration into various engineering applications, thus the aim of which AWHC is designed for is achieved.

Xiyangshen Sanqi Danshen granules attenuated D-gal-induced C57BL/6J mouse aging through the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway

Aging is a pressing global concern and is frequently accompanied by the emergence of many chronic diseases. Xiyangshen Sanqi Danshen granules (XSD) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fatigue functions, but the mechanism of their anti-aging effects is not clear. This study elucidated the anti-aging mechanism and potentially active ingredients of XSD by performing transcriptomic analysis and network pharmacological analysis in a D-galactose (D-gal)-induced C57BL/6J mouse aging model. XSD improved learning and memory abilities while enhanced motor function in D-gal-induced aging mice, as shown by Morris water maze, passive avoidance test, and rotating rod test results. Additionally, XSD significantly increased the vascular pulse wave velocity (PWV), β-stiffness index and pressure strain elastic coefficient (EP), decreased carotid distensibility (CD) and decreased the expression levels of P53 and 8-OHdG in the common carotid arteries of D-gal mice. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified that the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway is the potential mechanism by which XSD attenuates aging. XSD also increased the protein levels of Ki67, AMPK, SIRT1 and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 while decreased the protein levels of P21, P53, IL-18, 8-OHdG, nitrotyrosine, and COX-2 and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the brains of D-gal-induced mice. The administration of the AMPK inhibitor and SIRT1 inhibitor hindered the anti-aging effect of XSD, as indicated by an elevation of 8-OHdG, COX-2, and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 ; and a decrease of Ki67 and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2. Network pharmacological analysis revealed that the potential active ingredients of XSD were quercetin, kaempferol, tanshinone IIA, isorhamnetin, ginsenoside F2, and cryptotanshinone. Collectively, XSD mitigated D-gal-induced aging in C57BL/6J mice through enhancing the AMPK/SIRT1 signaling pathway. This research provides potential drugs for anti-aging and also promotes the usage of the anti-aging effect of XSD.

Augmented-dose surgery based on the single Maddox rod test for acute acquired comitant esotropia

To compare the outcomes of augmented-dose surgery for acute acquired comitant esotropia (AACE) based on either the single Maddox rod test (SMRT), or the prism and alternate cover test (PACT), in cases where there is a clinically significant difference in the deviation using the two tests. The medical records of AACE patients who underwent augmented-dose surgery with a difference of ≥5Δ in preoperative deviations on PACT and SMRT were reviewed retrospectively. Augmented-dose surgery was based on the SMRT or PACT. Success was defined as elimination of diplopia and deviations ≤10Δ assessed with the PACT (PACT success) or with the SMRT (SMRT success) at both near and distance. There were 18 patients in the SMRT group and 15 in the PACT group. In the SMRT group, the rate of PACT success was 94%, and SMRT success, 78%; postoperative distance esodeviation on PACT and SMRT were 0.72Δ ± 1.64Δ and 5.94Δ ± 4.73Δ, respectively. In the PACT group, the rate of PACT success was 80%, and SMRT success, 33%; postoperative distance esodeviation was 4.07Δ ± 5.15Δ (PACT) and 13.73Δ ± 7.96Δ (SMRT). The SMRT success rate was significantly higher in the SMRT group than in the PACT group (P = 0.010). The postoperative distance deviation was smaller in the SMRT group (P < 0.05). In our cohort of AACE patients, those whose augmented-dose surgery was based on the SMRT achieved more favorable surgical outcomes than those based on the PACT when there was a difference of ≥5Δ in preoperative deviations assessed with the two methods.

Ginsenoside-Enriched Extract from Black Ginseng Anti-Fatigue Effects by Improving Antioxidant Capacity and Mitochondrial Function.

In this study, we investigated the anti-fatigue effects of black ginseng ginsenosides using exercise performance tests, serum analyses, and gene expression profiling. No significant differences in dietary intake or body weight were observed between groups. The low-dose black ginseng (LBG) group showed no significant improvements in swimming and rotating rod tests. In contrast, the medium (MBG)- and high-dose (HBG) groups showed notable increases in swimming time and significant improvements in the rotating rod test. All treatment groups exhibited longer running times, particularly the HBG group. Serum analysis revealed increased muscle and hepatic glycogen, catalase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels in the MBG and HBG groups, whereas lactate, lipid peroxide, and superoxide dismutase levels were decreased. Additionally, gene expression analysis showed significant upregulation of key antioxidant and mitochondrial function genes, including those encoding cationic amino acid transporter 2, stearoyl-CoA desaturase-2, nuclear respiratory factor 1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, mitochondrial transcription factor A, cytochrome c oxidase II, and NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase core subunit 1, particularly in the HBG group, indicating enhanced antioxidant capacity and improved mitochondrial function. These findings suggested that black ginseng ginsenosides effectively mitigated fatigue.

In rod we trust-The evaluation of a virtual rod and frame test as a cybersickness screening instrument.

Although Virtual Reality (VR) holds massive potential, its applicability still faces challenges because some individuals experience cybersickness. This phenomenon includes general discomfort, disorientation, and/or nausea, and it threatens not only a pleasant user experience but also the user's safety. Thus, predicting a user's susceptibility without relying on screening questionnaires that focus on past experiences, would enable more pleasant, safer VR experiences, especially for first-time users. Hence, the current study uses the participant's controller input in a virtual Rod and Frame Test (RFT) as an effortlessly trackable performance measure. The RFT is an established method for measuring an individual's sense of verticality in visually displaced fields. It has been used in the context of simulator sickness and cybersickness. In line with the literature and the subjective vertical mismatch theory, a lower visual dependency is expected to be correlated positively with cybersickness. To evaluate the potential of the RFT as a screening method for cybersickness, a cybersickness-inducing virtual environment (the City) was deployed. In total, data from 76 participants were eligible for the statistical analysis. The study finds a positive correlation between lower visual dependency and cybersickness, but only for the group that took the RFT after experiencing the City and only for the post-RFT cybersickness ratings. As cybersickness symptoms were VR environment-specific, the predictive validity of the RFT considering the VR-specific attributes is limited. Further, other studies attributed different working mechanisms to explain the connection between visual dependence and cybersickness with conflicting evidence. Although the RFT is not applicable as a cybersickness screening method, the effect sizes suggest that the RFT could serve as an additional objective assessment of the individuals' current state during VR exposure. Future research should systematically explore interconnections between the various factors that contribute to cybersickness, pursuing the idea of open science for context sensitivity.

Subclinical variability in visual function modulates visual dependence - independent of age

Paradoxically visual dependence is reported to increase with age, contributing to falls risk, whereas visual function typically declines. This study assesses the relationship between age, objective and subjective measures of visual function and visual dependence, in healthy young and older adults. Forty-four healthy Young (YA; n = 32; 18 males, aged 26.2 ± 5.3 yrs.) and Older (OA; n = 12; 3 males, aged 62.4 ± 6.7 yrs.) adults were assessed for objective (visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, depth perception, and lower peripheral vision), and subjective visual function (VFQ-25) along with motion sickness susceptibility. Subjective Visual Vertical (SVV) and induced nausea and vection were assessed using the Rod and Disc Test (RDT). Groups were compared using Mann-Whitney U, whilst determinants of SVV variability were evaluated using Multiple regression modelling. Visual acuity (p < 0.01) and contrast sensitivity (p = 0.04) were lower in OA. Visual dependence (SVV tilt errors) was not associated with ageing (p = 0.46). YA experienced greater RDT-induced vection (p = 0.03). Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity accounted for modest proportions of variance in SVV tilt errors (VA; R2 = 0.14, F(1,42) = 8.00, p < 0.01; β = 6.37) and (CS; R2 = 0.06, F(1,42) = 3.93, p = 0.05; β = −4.97), respectively. Our findings suggest that subclinical differences in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity contribute to SVV tilt error variability, among both healthy young and older adults. Further studies are needed to define the inter-relationship between age-related visual function, non-visual factors (including vestibular and somatosensory fidelity, activity levels, fear of falling and cognitive function) and visual dependence.

Experimental study of boiling critical heat flux with low mass flux under motion condition in a wetted perimeter equivalent rod

Experimental study of boiling critical heat flux with low mass flux under motion condition in a wetted perimeter equivalent rod

Огляд методу визначення пластичності литої асфальтобетонної суміші, який базується на встановлені глибини занурювання випробувального стрижня

Introduction. Mastic asphalt concrete is one of the oldest road construction materials used for road pavements. Problem Statement. Mastic asphalt concrete is a type of hot asphalt concrete, a feature of which is an increased amount of mineral powder and bitumen binder, due to which mastic mixtures can be placed in the road surface without compaction. Therefore, one of the main technological indicators of the quality of mastic asphalt mixtures is their fluidity. This indicator is one of the most important for designing the composition of the mastic asphalt mix, establishing the optimal amount of bitumen binder and setting the technological temperatures for preparing the mix at the plant and placing it in the road surface. Despite this, this indicator is not currently defined or standardized in the domestic road industry. The purpose. The aim of the study was to review the method for determining the plasticity of mastic asphalt mixtures based on the immersion depth of the test rod, as well as to establish the possibility and feasibility of its use for assessing the quality of mastic mixtures.

Fuel performance modelling of Cr-coated Zircaloy cladding under DBA/LOCA conditions

Fuel performance modelling of Cr-coated Zircaloy cladding under DBA/LOCA conditions

Visual Experience in Strabismus – A Concept-Based Learning for Postgraduates

Abstract Objective: To demonstrate various techniques of sensory and motor examination of strabismus which will be helpful for the residents in understanding basic concepts in an easy way and practice in their career. Materials and Methods: The demonstration of sensory and motor examination is done by making orthotropic eye optically esotropia,exotropia,hypotropia or hypertropia by placing prism in front of the eye displacing the retinal image leading to eye movement. The interpretation of Red glass test, Bagolini striated glass test, Maddox rod test, double Maddox rod test, after image test is demonstrated easily by making the examiners feel the real appearance of examination of strabismic patients. Results: This examination could play a role in allowing residents to improve their skills free from the burdens of space and time limitations. Additionally, residents developed the confidence to examine and diagnose children with strabismus. Conclusion: We strongly believe that these examinations aimed at assessing improvements in strabismus will significantly enhance residents’ abilities to diagnose and treat this condition effectively. This study was aimed to help ophthalmology residents; it could be beneficial for trained ophthalmologists to maintain or practice their skills.

The impact of dexmedetomidine on ketamine-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment in young mice.

The potential neuroprotective effects of dexmedetomidine against ketamine-induced neurotoxicity remain inconclusive. This study aims to investigate the influence of dexmedetomidine on ketamine-induced neuronal apoptosis and neurodevelopmental toxicity. In vitro experiments employed concentrations of 0.1uM for dexmedetomidine and 50 uM for ketamine individually as well as their combination. Changes in apoptotic proteins and dendritic development in neurons were assessed after a 6-h exposure to the drugs with evaluations conducted 24hs' post-treatment. In vivo experiments entailed intraperitoneal administration starting from postnatal Day 7 (P7) continuously for 3days (P7-P9) using dosages of 100 mg/kg for ketamine and 1mg/kg for dexmedetomidine alone or combined. Learning, memory and motor coordination abilities were evaluated via rotary rod tests and shuttle box experiments at P30 and P60, respectively. Dexmedetomidine effectively mitigated ketamine-induced apoptosis in hippocampal neurons but did not alleviate associated dendritic developmental abnormalities. Although causing reduced motor coordination in mice, no improvement was observed with regard to this effect or reaction speed when treated with dexmedetomidine alongside ketamine. This study demonstrates that while dexmedetomidine can mitigate ketamine-induced neuronal apoptosis, it has limited impact on its associated neurodevelopmental toxicities.

Leveraging Optimal Sparse Sensor Placement to Aggregate a Network of Digital Twins for Nuclear Subsystems

Nuclear power plants (NPPs) require continuous monitoring of various systems, structures, and components to ensure safe and efficient operations. The critical safety testing of new fuel compositions and the analysis of the effects of power transients on core temperatures can be achieved through modeling and simulations. They capture the dynamics of the physical phenomenon associated with failure modes and facilitate the creation of digital twins (DTs). Accurate reconstruction of fields of interest (e.g., temperature, pressure, velocity) from sensor measurements is crucial to establish a two-way communication between physical experiments and models. Sensor placement is highly constrained in most nuclear subsystems due to challenging operating conditions and inherent spatial limitations. This study develops optimized data-driven sensor placements for full-field reconstruction within reactor and steam generator subsystems of NPPs. Optimized constrained sensors reconstruct field of interest within a tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel irradiation experiment, a lumped parameter model of a nuclear fuel test rod and a steam generator. The optimization procedure leverages reduced-order models of flow physics to provide a highly accurate full-field reconstruction of responses of interest, noise-induced uncertainty quantification and physically feasible sensor locations. Accurate sensor-based reconstructions establish a foundation for the digital twinning of subsystems, culminating in a comprehensive DT aggregate of an NPP.

Novel multi-frame super resolution algorithm for X-ray diffraction (XRD)

The spatial distribution of signals in X-ray diffraction (XRD) may be very narrow, posing challenges in obtaining high angular resolution results through traditional methods. This article explores multi-frame super-resolution algorithms from the field of image processing, selecting and refining the best suited to the requirements of the crystal truncation rod (CTR) test. Consequently, a new algorithm with a corresponding methodology is proposed. This approach is subsequently applied to characterize the CTR signal of SrTiO3 single-crystal samples, effectively enhancing the clarity of blurry and rough CTR cross-section signals. The resolution with this method surpasses that obtained using the pixel size alone, which is beneficial for characterizing weak signals. By combining data in three dimensions, a significantly enhanced three-dimensional CTR signal is obtained. This method enables the extraction of otherwise difficult-to-obtain information and can be conveniently integrated into subsequent theoretical work. Moreover, these methods hold potential for application in other techniques that require improved resolution under similar conditions.

Study of the neuroprotective properties of the heteroreceptor EPOR/CD131 agonist of peptide structure in tau-proteinopathy modeling

Introduction: Tau proteinopathy is a pathology associated with the activation of post-translational modifications and interactions of pathophysiological cascades of neuroinflammation with hyperphosphorylation of Tau aggregates. Therefore, preference is given to agents that have properties in reducing or slowing down the processes of neuroinflammation and post-translational modifications in the brain. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on male and female homozygous individuals of a transgenic murine line with overexpression of mutant human Tau gene (P301S) and a background wild mouse line C57Bl/6J. To assess the progression of Tau proteinopathy, behavioral tests were used at two control time points, and the last one measured the level of neuroinflammation markers and tau-proteinopathy. Results and Discussion: In the group of P301S mice treated with ARA-290, an improvement in the phenotypic picture of Tau proteinopathy was demonstrated compared with intact animals. In the Barnes circular maze test, mice showed a decrease in the total distance traveled and the latent time spent on the platform, which indicates a rapid entry into the shelter. In the O-shaped maze test, the group maintained a fairly high level of spontaneous exploratory behavior. In the vertical rod test, the animals recorded the best time indicators that they needed to turn and maintain balance compared to the intact group. A statistically significant decrease in the level of GSK-3β and an increase in CDK5 and PP2A were revealed, which indicates a dephosphorylating effect on Tau protein, as well as markers of neuroinflammation. NF-KB and TNF-α were significantly reduced by 57% and 32%, respectively, compared to the intact group. Conclusion: In the model of transgenic P301S murine line with overexpression of the mutant human Tau gene, the peptide agonist of the EPOR/CD 131 heteroreceptor demonstrated neuroprotective properties, which were confirmed by indicators of behavioral tests and markers of neuroinflammation and tau-proteinopathy.