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Endometriosis, a benign, chronic gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity, affects 15% of women of reproductive age. Galectins, a family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins, regulate inflammation and autoimmunity and are widely expressed in reproductive tissues. This study aimed to assess Galectin-3 (Gal-3) levels in the serum of patients with endometriosis compared to asymptomatic controls and investigate serum Gal-3 level changes over a one-year follow-up period of patients with endometriosis. To determine the levels of soluble Gal-3 in the serum of women with endometriosis or gynecological tumors as well as healthy controls, a human Gal-3-specific ELISA was used. Our findings revealed significantly elevated serum Gal-3 levels in patients with endometriosis compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, Gal-3 concentrations were markedly higher in patients with malignant gynecological transformation of the endometrium than in patients with or without endometriosis. During the one-year follow-up, patients with endometriosis exhibited a progressive increase in serum Gal-3 levels. These findings highlight the potential of Gal-3 as a biomarker for endometriosis and related gynecological conditions. However, further prospective studies with larger, more representative patient cohorts are needed to validate its clinical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This bibliometric analysis aims to explore the current research landscape on virtual reality (VR) therapy in stomatology, identifying key publication trends, influential contributors, research themes, and potential gaps in this evolving field. Materials and methods: Using the Web of Science database, publications from 2019 to 2024 were extracted with the keywords "virtual reality" and "dentistry" resulting in 32 articles. The analysis included publication trends, leading authors, journals, collaboration networks, and thematic categorization. Results: The study found a growing interest in VR therapy, especially in the last three years, with key themes including anxiety management, dental education, clinical training, and procedural simulations. Major contributors are primarily from the USA, China, and India, with limited representation from Romania. Collaboration networks highlight the field's interdisciplinary nature. Identified gaps include the need for standardized protocols, cost-effectiveness, and understanding long-term impacts. Conclusions: This analysis provides insights into the evolving role of VR in stomatology, emphasizing its potential benefits. Addressing challenges such as implementation costs and standardization can guide future research to optimize VR's use in dental care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Film and television coverage of the “Little Hungarian World” following the Second Vienna Award remains incomplete. The media products, mostly funded by Hungary, usually portray the period between 1940 and 1944 in a one-sided manner, resulting from the lack of an unvarnished and honest confrontation with our own history. The question arises: if we try to understand this phenomenon based on the available audiovisual productions, how distorted will our perception become? Is it possible to create a media product about this subject without nationalistic overtones and, if so, how? In this paper, I begin to reflect on this question primarily as a filmmaker who has produced a documentary on this subject. In 2015, in our film Sweet Transylvania, We Were Here, we attempted to reconstruct the brief period of Northern Transylvania's return to Hungary based on oral history collections. I now aim to examine this phenomenon through the lens of available audiovisual products, complemented by the interviews collected for our documentary. This examination will focus on the following keywords: Second Vienna Award, the relationship between Hungarians from the Homeland and those from Transylvania, anti-Semitism, regime change, and sense of identity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists are now commonly used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. GLP-1R signaling in the spinal cord has been suggested to account for the mild tachycardia caused by GLP-1R agonists, and may also be involved in the therapeutic effects of these drugs. However, the neuroanatomy of the GLP-1/GLP-1R system in the spinal cord is still poorly understood. Here we applied in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to characterize this system, and its relation to cholinergic neurons. GLP-1R transcript and protein were expressed in neuronal cell bodies across the gray matter, in matching distribution patterns. GLP-1R-immunolabeling was also robust in dendrites and axons, especially in laminae II–III in the dorsal horn. Cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons expressed GLP-1R protein at exceedingly high levels. Only small subpopulations of cholinergic neurons expressed GLP-1R, including a subset of sympathetic preganglionic neurons at the rostral tip of the intermediolateral nucleus. GLP-1 axons innervated all regions where GLP-1R neurons were distributed, except laminae II–III. Scattered preproglucagon (Gcg) mRNA-expressing neurons were identified in the cervical and lumbar enlargements. The results will facilitate further studies on how GLP-1 regulates the sympathetic system and other autonomic and somatic functions via the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I examine oral history collections through five documentaries I have made over the past ten years. These articulate different types of memories, which are divided into three categories: films of collective, individual and posthumous memory. I investigate how useful and reliable is the method of oral history as compared to traditional historical sources, what is the responsibility of the filmmaker and how far does it go. Finally, I provide a sample of how, without any critical apparatus, misinformation becomes reality in the memory culture of a whole community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In my paper, I examine the borderline between documentary and feature films by enumerating the typical differences and similarities. My question is: in adapting a true story, is the documentary an unbiased presentation of reality, or rather a representation of the director’s subjective objectivity? I compare the adaptations of the popular story of Oskar Schindler: Steven Spielberg’s world hit feature film Schinder’s List and Jon Blair’s documentary, Schindler: The Real Story, examining the adaptation techniques of the two genres, focusing on the emphasis of the episodes of the well-known story in each of the two works. Finally, I show, through a case study of my own work, how the boundaries between the two cinematic genres are blurred in the processing of memory and documentary data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A critical feature of cancer is the ability to induce immunosuppression and evade immune responses. Tumor-induced immunosuppression diminishes the effectiveness of endogenous immune responses and decreases the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. In this study, we describe a new immunosuppressive pathway in which adenosine promotes Casitas Blineage lymphoma b (Cbl-b)-mediated Notch1 degradation, causing suppression of CD8+ T-cells effector functions. Genetic knockout and pharmacological inhibition of Cbl-b prevents Notch1 degradation in response to adenosine and reactivates its signaling. Reactivation of Notch1 results in enhanced CD8+ T-cell effector functions, anti-cancer response and resistance to immunosuppression. Our work provides evidence that targeting the Cbl-b-Notch1 axis is a novel promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Magyar Nőorvosok Lapja is the property of Hungarian Society of Obsterics & Gynaecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Smartphones have rapidly become indispensable in modern life. The wide spectrum of activities and virtual interaction possibilities with the mobile device render some individuals prone to exaggerated use exhibiting core symptoms akin to substance addiction. The core common symptoms of addictions can be framed within the 'components model of addiction.' Based on the different pattern of smartphone use in various age groups, the symptoms and the risk of smartphone addiction may differ during various life stages. Some age groups may be more at risk of smartphone addiction than others. This hypothesis was tested utilizing data from six surveys comprising 1603 individuals representing various age groups. Results obtained through two recommended age-group analyses both confirmed that preschool children and young adults are at highest risk for smartphone-related addictive behavior. Furthermore, the various components of addiction also differed between the age groups. These results suggest that preventive measures should be primarily targeted to the two most vulnerable age groups represented by preschool children and emerging adults. The results of the present study help identify the dominant addiction symptoms in the various age groups that could pinpoint aspects which should be targeted in implementation of various measures aimed at the prevention of dysfunctional smartphone use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION Symptoms of nicotine dependence among adolescents occur at an early stage in smoking onset and can be present even with low exposure to cigarettes. We aim to examine the early occurrence of symptoms of nicotine dependence and how they predict later smoking behavior. METHODS Participants were ninety-four currently smoking 9th-graders attending high school in Targu Mures, Romania. They were followed for 6 months with two assessment points: baseline, and follow-up at 6 months. We assessed the following: 1) the number of smoked cigarettes in the last 30 days, 7 days, and 24 hours using the Minnesota Smoking Index; 2) vulnerability to addiction manifested in cessation difficulties, using the 9-item version of the Hooked On Nicotine Checklist (HONC), 3) loss of autonomy using the endorsement of at least one HONC item, and 4) dependence, using the modified Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire (mFTQ). We performed statistical analysis with SPSS version 19, using paired-sample t-tests for comparing the differences between baseline and follow-up data. We also conducted linear regression analysis to demonstrate the predictive role of the assessed variables, such as the scores of the mFTQ and the HONC in maintaining smoking and reported smoking status. RESULTS Regression models indicated that baseline-measures for symptoms of dependence (β=0.64, p<0.001), vulnerability to addiction (β=0.47, p<0.001), and loss of autonomy (β=0.34, p<0.001) regarding smoking cessation were significant predictors of smoking, explaining 41.7% of the variability of the reported increase in cigarette consumption. At follow-up at 6-months, the three variables were responsible for 14.9% for the variance in cigarette consumption (R2=0.14, F(1,92)=16.05, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Nicotine dependence at baseline and at follow-up show significant differences in the control group while in the intervention group the scores remained stable. The findings suggest that participation in the Romanian version of ASPIRE was protective against progression towards nicotine addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a decisive period in the development of a healthy lifestyle and in the persistence of habits which are endangering to health. Adult health behavior, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, but at the same time risk behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, abnormal eating are becoming habitual in adolescence and are maintained until adulthood. Our research focuses on the individual factors of healthdamaging behavior, focusing on the impulsiveness and the expression of aggression. A total of 385 adolescents participated in our study, belonging to the 16-18 age group, according to gender there were 182 boys (47.3%) and 203 girls (52.7%). Our questionnaire consisted of demographic (gender, age, school type, school outcomes) and health behavior related items (physical activity, nutrition, smoking, alcohol consumption). In addition, the participants filled out the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-A, Fossati et al., 2002) adapted for adolescents and the Anger Expression Scale (A/EX, Spielberger, 1985). There were significant differences between adolescents characterized by high health-risk and low health-risk behavior along the impulsivity scores, such as attention impulsiveness, motor impulsiveness and lack of planning. As for the expression of aggression, there were also significant differences in the expression of anger, as well as the inner-oriented anger. In addition, significant differences between high and low health-risk adolescents were found in the lack of planning and its sub-factors. Regarding the expression of aggression, significant differences were observed with respect to the health-protection behavior of inward-oriented anger. The variables measured by the impulsivity scale, such as lack of planning, high impulsiveness, and expression of anger, have a predictive role for healthrisk behavior. Our research highlights the role of impulsiveness and anger in adolescents with adverse health behaviors. Our results are well suited for the practical prevention of risk behavior and the planning of counseling programs for adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Among different species there are comparable structural characteristics in tissues and organs, but they also have different particularities responsible for certain functions. The components of the cardiovascular system should correspond to the solicitations given by the pressure and blood flow in a particular segment. If the solicitations exceed a particular threshold, the functional adaptation requires supporting morphological changes. The development of the circulatory system in lambs is correlated with the development of the digestive system, the type of nutrition and the characteristics of this species as ruminants. To capture the adaptive changes we resorted to anatomical investigations. The aim of this research was to identify and describe the particularities of the celiac artery in lambs. The study included 15 hybrid Merino lambs, 4-6 months old, sacrificed by the breeder. After removing the skin, the abdominal aorta was identified through stratigraphic dissection. Further on, latex and red coloring substance were injected. This facilitated the following stratigraphic dissection which worked towards the identification of the celiac artery with its collaterals and terminals. We identified that the celiac artery has its origin on the ventral wall of the abdominal in 3 terminal branches: the splenic artery, the hepatic artery and the left gastric artery. All terminal arteries give collaterals to the forestomach. On its trajectory the celiac artery gives only one collateral branch, the caudal phrenic artery. In conclusion, through the collaterals of aorta, near the diaphragm. From the origin, it has a ventro-caudal direction and after 2 cm it separates its terminal branches, the celiac artery is the main blood supplier to the forestomach. Furthermore, the collateral arteries present specific particularities due to the yet incomplete growth of young individuals that were taken into study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A hallmark of prostate cancer progression is dysregulation of lipid metabolism via overexpression of fatty acid synthase (FASN), a key enzyme in de novo fatty acid synthesis. Metastatic castrationresistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) develops resistance to inhibitors of androgen receptor (AR) signaling through a variety of mechanisms, including the emergence of the constitutively active AR variant V7 (AR-V7). Here, we developed an FASN inhibitor (IPI-9119) and demonstrated that selective FASN inhibition antagonizes CRPC growth through metabolic reprogramming and results in reduced protein expression and transcriptional activity of both full-length AR (AR-FL) and AR-V7. Activation of the reticulum endoplasmic stress response resulting in reduced protein synthesis was involved in IPI-9119-mediated inhibition of the AR pathway. In vivo, IPI-9119 reduced growth of AR-V7-driven CRPC xenografts and human mCRPC-derived organoids and enhanced the efficacy of enzalutamide in CRPC cells. In human mCRPC, both FASN and AR-FL were detected in 87% of metastases. AR-V7 was found in 39% of bone metastases and consistently coexpressed with FASN. In patients treated with enzalutamide and/or abiraterone FASN/AR-V7 double-positive metastases were found in 77% of cases. These findings provide a compelling rationale for the use of FASN inhibitors in mCRPCs, including those overexpressing AR-V7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the end of the 19th century, a Transylvanian nobleman organized an expedition in several regions of East Africa. Count Sámuel Teleki's expedition resulted in several geographical discoveries, such as the Rudolph and Stephanie lakes or the Teleki Volcano. In this paper, we focus on the anthropological and historical dimensions of the Transylvanian explorer's journeys. After studying a number of unpublished documents related to the count's African voyages - his diary and some of his private letters - we draw a "portrait" of the three main groups of native populations that he encountered along the way: Arabs, East-Africans, and indigenous. Obviously, his descriptions cannot be considered "ethnographic" accounts, as Count Teleki lacked scientific training in this field; to the contemporary scholar, his diary notes and spontaneous remarks are filled with a sense of racism and superiority of the "civilised white man", and this is somehow understandable given the place and the historical period in which Count Teleki lived and was educated. However, we believe that these descriptions are important today not as an objective depiction of 19th century African populations, but as an account of the encounter between a representative of Central European nobility and the native populations of East Africa in the late period of the great expansions of the colonial powers in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Psychiatria Hungarica is the property of Hungarian Psychiatric Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The goal of the study was to validate the English version of the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (SABAS; Csibi et al. 2016), which is a short and easy-to-use tool for screening the risk of smartphone application-based addiction. Another aim was to identify the most frequently used smartphone applications and their perceived importance by the participants. Data were collected online from 240 English-speaking volunteers, aged 18 to 69 years. The instruments used were the SABAS, the Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale (BSSS), the Deprivation Sensation Scale (DSS), and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Participants also ranked the importance of their most frequently used smartphone applications. The six items of the SABAS yielded one component, which accounted for 52.38% of the total variance. The internal reliability of the scale was good (Cronbach’s alpha 0.81). NMP-Q was a significant predictor of SABAS, explaining 17.6% of the total variance. The regression analysis, with SABAS score as the dependent variable and NMP-Q, DSS, PHQ-9, and BSSS scores as predictors, indicated that approximately 47% of the variance in SABAS was accounted for by the predictors (R2 = 0.47). The English version of the SABAS appears to be a valid and reliable ultra-brief tool for a quick and easy assessment of smartphone application-based addiction symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Although web-based, multimedia smoking prevention programs have been tested in several high-income countries, their efficacy in Central and Eastern Europe is unknown. The aim of this trial was to assess the short-term effects of ASPIRA, among Romanian and Hungarian speaking ninth graders in Tirgu Mures, Romania. ASPIRA is the Romanian acronym for the translated and adapted version of ASPIRE, "A Smoking Prevention Interactive Experience," an evidence-based smoking prevention program originally developed to prevent tobacco use among high school students in the United States.Methods: Sixteen high schools in Tirgu Mures, Romania were randomized to receive five weekly sessions of the ASPIRA web-based, multimedia program or to a control condition. Socio-demographic data, psychosocial characteristics, and smoking behavior were collected from students at baseline and at 6 months. A hierarchical logistic regression analysis was conducted to test the efficacy of the intervention on smoking initiation and current smoking among 1369 students.Results: Never-smoker students in the intervention arm were 35% less likely to report smoking initiation 6 months after the baseline assessment (OR = 0.65, 95%CI: 0.44-0.97). Reduced smoking initiation was observed most notably among students who were exposed to at least 75% of the ASPIRA program. There was no statistically significant effect of the intervention on current tobacco use (OR = 0.80, 95%CI: 0.44-1.46).Conclusions: ASPIRA, an adapted version of the evidence-based, multimedia ASPIRE program that was originally developed and tested in the United States may decrease smoking initiation among multi-ethnic adolescents in Central and Eastern Europe.Implications: (1). Web-based, multimedia smoking prevention programs may be effective tools to prevent smoking initiation among multi-ethnic adolescent communities in Central and Eastern Europe. (2). The degree of exposure is critical, only high exposure to the multimedia smoking prevention program is associated with reduced smoking initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hungarian Medical Journal / Orvosi Hetilap is the property of Akademiai Kiado and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archive of Mechanical Engineering is the property of Polish Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) integrates multiple signals from growth factors, nutrients, and cellular energy status to control a wide range of metabolic processes, including mRNA biogenesis; protein, nucleotide, and lipid synthesis; and autophagy. Deregulation of the mTORC1 pathway is found in cancer as well as genetic disorders such as tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and sporadic lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Recent studies have shown that the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin and its analogs generally suppress proliferation rather than induce apoptosis. Therefore, it is critical to use alternative strategies to induce death of cells with activated mTORC1. In this study, a smallmolecule screen has revealed that the combination of glutaminase (GLS) and heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors selectively triggers death of TSC2-deficient cells. At a mechanistic level, high mTORC1-driven translation rates in TSC1/2-deficient cells, unlike wild-type cells, sensitizes these cells to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Thus, Hsp90 inhibition drives accumulation of unfolded protein and ER stress. When combining proteotoxic stress with oxidative stress by depletion of the intracellular antioxidant glutathione by GLS inhibition, acute cell death is observed in cells with activated mTORC1 signaling. This study suggests that this combination strategy may have the potential to be developed into a therapeutic use for the treatment of mTORC1-driven tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) causes vascular damage to arteries; however, there are no data for its effect on veins. Our aim was to clarify the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS both on venous biomechanics and on pharmacological reactivity in a rat model and to test the possible modulatory role of vitamin D3 (vitD). PCOS was induced in female Wistar rats by DHT treatment (83 μg/day, subcutaneous pellet). After 10 wk, the venous biomechanics, norepinephrine (NE)- induced contractility, and acetylcholine-induced relaxation were tested in saphenous veins from control animals and from animals treated with DHT or DHT with vitD using pressure angiography. Additionally, the expression levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX-2) were measured using immunohistochemistry. Increased diameter, wall thickness, and distensibility as well as decreased vasoconstriction were detected after the DHT treatment. Concomitant vitD treatment lowered the mechanical load on the veins, reduced distensibility, and resulted in vessels that were more relaxed. Although there was no difference in the endothelial dilation tested using acetylcholine (ACh), the blocking effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was lower and was accompanied by lower COX-2 expression in the endothelium after the DHT treatment. Supplementation with vitD prevented these alterations. eNOS expression did not differ among the three groups. We conclude that the hyperandrogenic state resulted in thicker vein walls. These veins showed early remodeling and altered vasorelaxant mechanisms similar to those of varicose veins. Alterations caused by the chronic DHT treatment were prevented partially by concomitant vitD administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper authors present a study on a rotational pneumatic drive with radial jet action. Rotational pneumatic drive with radial jet action is a special drive using power of compressed air to produce rotational motion. The rotating motion is generated by jets, generating tangential oriented forces which act on the rotor. This study presents some of the theoretical and experimental results referring the operating parameters of a jet rotation drive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cycloidal speed reducers are special high ratio transmissions developed to reduce speed. They are able to transmit and high power also. The applicability is in almost all operations of machinery, particularly where positioning accuracy is required (medical equipment, instrumentation and control, robotics, etc.). During function power loss occurs due to the friction between the contacting elements of this gear (elements of gearing, bearings, bearing on eccentric rollers on the pins) The power lost due to friction in kinematic couplings turns into heat, phenomenon that heats the reduction gears. A quantity of the heat is released into the atmosphere through the housing while another part is taken by the lubricating oil. The amount of heat produced in reducer during operation is determined considering its overall performance, respectively computing power losses of kinematic couplings. From the condition of thermal equilibrium (quantity of heat equal to the amount of heat released) the operating temperature is computed. If temperature exceeds the admitted maximum value it must be decreased by increasing the reduction gear housing's surface and the oil amount. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to manufacture epicycloidal gears used in cycloidal drives, a machine was designed to generate the epicycloidal and equidistant profiles of the shortened epicycloid. The designed machine mainly consists of two interchangeable gears, whose division diameters are equal to the diameters of the epicycloid generators. The shortened epicycloid generator point is materialized by the shaft of the shaft mill, while the circle whose center is the generating point and materializes the equidistant to the shortened epicycloid is represented by either the shaft mill or the mill. The piece execution required movements are the cutting motion (shaft mill spin), non-slip rolling motion, and circular feed motion. These motions are accomplished through a kinematic chain composed from a feeder box, a gearbox, and an eccentricity adjustment mechanism.. The adjustment of the feed gain, of the generating gear radius ratios, and of the eccentricity of the generator point are accomplished manually with the aid of sliding sled devices equipped with graded drums. The feeder box and the gearbox are driven by two DC motors, their required power alongside the cutting parameters being determined according to the included formulae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that acts as a sensor of cellular energy status switch regulating several systems including glucose and lipid metabolism. Recently, AMPK has been implicated in the control of skeletal muscle mass by decreasing mTORC1 activity and increasing protein degradation through regulation of ubiquitin-proteasome and autophagy pathways. In this review, we give an overview of the central role of AMPK in the control of skeletal muscle plasticity. We detail particularly its implication in the control of the hypertrophic and atrophic signaling pathways. In the light of these cumulative and attractive results, AMPK appears as a key player in regulating muscle homeostasis and the modulation of its activity may constitute a therapeutic potential in treating muscle wasting syndromes in humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of our study is to identify possible sources of aggressivity, such as the self-appreciation and modalities of coping used by the teenage participants. Our analysis refers to gender, self-image, coping modalities) and social variables (differences of support, class) of the surveyed teenagers. The used instruments were: Anger Expression Scale (Spielberger et al, 1985); Ways of Coping Scale (Lazarus & Folkman, 1985); Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Rosenberg 1965). The participants were 447 students of 11th and 12th grade, with a mean age of 17,4 years old. The results show a significant correlation between the level of self-appreciation, modalities of coping and level of aggressive expression. The inward or outward orientation of aggression shows differences depending on the subject's gender. Self-appreciation is more positive among boys and is strongly related to the expression of aggression and used coping modalities. There is also evidence of significant interaction between suppressed anger and self appreciation. Inwardly expressed anger was more associated with avoidant coping, and outwardly expressed anger with planful problem -- solving, distancing and self-controlling. The offensive actions and type of study also show noteworthy interactions. Analysis of variance suggested that easier anger expression is indicative of the occurrence of hostile acts in the last six months. The general manifestation of anger and the outwardly expressed anger considerably interact with differences of the social support from their fathers perceived by our participants. The support of mothers was especially significantly related to suppressed anger. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Mechanika is the property of Mechanika and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and diabetes by inhibiting insulin’s metabolic and potentiating its trophic effects. Whereas the precise mechanisms involved remain ill-defined, they appear to be associated with and dependent upon increased oxidative stress. We found Ang II to block insulin-dependent GLUT4 translocation in L6 myotubes in an NO- and O2•− dependent fashion suggesting the involvement of peroxynitrite. This hypothesis was confirmed by the ability of Ang II to induce tyrosine nitration of the MAP kinases ERK1/2 and of protein kinase B/Akt (Akt). Tyrosine nitration of ERK1/2 was required for their phosphorylation on Thr and Tyr and their subsequent activation, whereas it completely inhibited Akt phosphorylation on Ser473 and Thr308 as well as its activity. The inhibitory effect of nitration on Akt activity was confirmed by the ability of SIN-1 to completely block GSK3α phosphorylation in vitro. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and NAD(P)Hoxidase and scavenging of free radicals with myricetin restored insulinstimulated Akt phosphorylation and GLUT4 translocation in the presence of Ang II. Similar restoration was obtained by inhibiting the ERK activating kinase MEK, indicating that these kinases regulate Akt activation. We found a conserved nitration site of ERK1/2 to be located in their kinase domain on Tyr156/139, close to their active site Asp166/149, in agreement with a permissive function of nitration for their activation. Taken together, our data show that Ang II inhibits insulinmediated GLUT4 translocation in this skeletal muscle model through at least two pathways: first through the transient activation of ERK1/2 which inhibit IRS-1/2 and second through a direct inhibitory nitration of Akt. These observations indicate that not only oxidative but also nitrative stress play a key role in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. They underline the role of protein nitration as a major mechanism in the regulation of Ang II and insulin signaling pathways and more particularly as a key regulator of protein kinase activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mTORC1 pathway is required for both the terminal muscle differentiation and hypertrophy by controlling the mammalian translational machinery via phosphorylation of S6K1 and 4E-BP1. mTOR and S6K1 are connected by interacting with the eIF3 initiation complex. The regulatory subunit eIF3f plays a major role in muscle hypertrophy and is a key target that accounts for MAFbx function during atrophy. Here we present evidence that in MAFbx-induced atrophy the degradation of eIF3f suppresses S6K1 activation by mTOR, whereas an eIF3f mutant insensitive to MAFbx polyubiquitination maintained persistent phosphorylation of S6K1 and rpS6. During terminal muscle differentiation a conserved TOS motif in eIF3f connects mTOR/raptor complex, which phosphorylates S6K1 and regulates downstream effectors of mTOR and Cap-dependent translation initiation. Thus eIF3f plays a major role for proper activity of mTORC1 to regulate skeletal muscle size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ubiquitin ligase Atrogin1/Muscle Atrophy F-box (MAFbx) up-regulation is required for skeletal muscle atrophy but substrates and function during the atrophic process are poorly known. The transcription factor MyoD controls myogenic stem cell function and differentiation, and seems necessary to maintain the differentiated phenotype of adult fast skeletal muscle fibres. We previously showed that MAFbx mediates MyoD proteolysis in vitro. Here we present evidence that MAFbx targets MyoD for degradation in several models of skeletal muscle atrophy. In cultured myotubes undergoing atrophy, MAFbx expression increases, leading to a cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling of MAFbx and a selective suppression of MyoD. Conversely, transfection of myotubes with sh-RNA-mediated MAFbx gene silencing (shRNAi) inhibited MyoD proteolysis linked to atrophy. Furthermore, overexpression of a mutant MyoDK133R lacking MAFbx-mediated ubiquitination prevents atrophy of mouse primary myotubes and skeletal muscle fibres in vivo. Regarding the complex role of MyoD in adult skeletal muscle plasticity and homeostasis, its rapid suppression by MAFbx seems to be a major event leading to skeletal muscle wasting. Our results point out MyoD as the second MAFbx skeletal muscle target by which powerful therapies could be developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to cancer, AIDS, sepsis and other systemic diseases inducing muscle atrophy, the E3 ubiquitin ligase Atrogin1/MAFbx (MAFbx) is dramatically upregulated and this response is necessary for rapid atrophy. However, the precise function of MAFbx in muscle wasting has been questioned. Here, we present evidence that during muscle atrophy MAFbx targets the eukaryotic initiation factor 3 subunit 5 (eIF3-f) for ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome. Ectopic expression of MAFbx in myotubes induces atrophy and degradation of eIF3-f. Conversely, blockade of MAFbx expression by small hairpin RNA interference prevents eIF3-f degradation in myotubes undergoing atrophy. Furthermore, genetic activation of eIF3-f is sufficient to cause hypertrophy and to block atrophy in myotubes, whereas genetic blockade of eIF3-f expression induces atrophy in myotubes. Finally, eIF3-f induces increasing expression of muscle structural proteins and hypertrophy in both myotubes and mouse skeletal muscle. We conclude that eIF3-f is a key target that accounts for MAFbx function during muscle atrophy and has a major role in skeletal muscle hypertrophy. Thus, eIF3-f seems to be an attractive therapeutic target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents formulas which simplify the procedures for locating and evaluat-ing stresses and moments and for locating hold-downs in pretensioned con-crete structures. Topics covered include basic formulas and qualifications, formulas for building structures, formulas for bridge structures, and design of loading tables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights from the article: In the posterior compartment at the suspected endometriotic nodules and their adjacent tissues covered with peritoneum, the tissue displacement rates were computed. A difference in the tissue deformity values of more than twice that of control area was significant for the isolation of endometriosis nodule (P: 0,001). In 62% of DIE nodules the central area of the nodule was softer (green) then the marginal zone.

In the posterior compartment the suspected endometriotic nodules and their adjacent tissues covered with peritoneum, the tissue displacement rates were computed. In 61% of DIE nodules the central area of the nodule was softer (green) then the marginal zone. [Extracted from the article]

Regulation of organ size is achieved through the action of the mTOR and Hippo signalling pathways, which control cell proliferation and cell growth in response to extracellular cues. A link between these pathways is revealed by the finding that YAP downregulates PTEN to promote cell growth and tissue hyperplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]