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IntroductionThere are no reports in LATAM related to longitudinal humoral and cellular response to adenovirus based COVID-19 vaccines in people with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS) under different disease modifying therapies (DMTs) and neutralization of the Omicron and Wuhan variants of SARS-COV-2.MethodsIgG anti- SARS-COV-2 spike titer were measured in a cohort of 101 pwMS under fingolimod, dimethyl fumarate, cladribine and antiCD20, as well as 28 healthy controls (HC) were measured 6 weeks after vaccination with 2nd dose (Sputnik V or AZD1222) and 3nd dose (homologous or heterologous schedule). Neutralizing capacity was against Omicron (BA.1) and Wuhan (D614G) variants and pseudotyped particles and Cellular response were analyzed.ResultsMultivariate regression analysis showed anti-cd20 (β= -,349, 95% CI: -3655.6 - -369.01, p=0.017) and fingolimod (β=-,399, 95% CI: -3363.8 - -250.9, p=0.023) treatments as an independent factor associated with low antibody response (r2 adjusted=0.157). After the 2nd dose we found a correlation between total and neutralizing titers against D614G (rho=0.6; p

Conventional coaxial magnetic gears are structures with permanent magnets, which working principle is equivalent to that of epicyclic gearing. The motion is transferred between different axles, without contact in the rotating elements, by modulating the magnetic field generated by permanent magnets on inner and outer rotors of the machine, exploiting ferromagnetic poles in the middle rotor. The challenge of replacing standard mechanical gears in an automotive powertrain has led to the development of a new technology of paramount importance for the automotive industry which could solve several problems related to classical gears like, e.g. need of lubricant, wearing, vibration, noise, and need of friction material. In this paper a novel topology of magnetic gearbox is proposed. The presented solution is expected to have a higher reliability and efficiency compared to equivalent mechanical gearboxes, allowing the torque transmission from the power source (electrical or thermal) to the wheels, with a certain number of fixed gear ratios. Several topological solutions of magnetic gearbox are proposed, with possible application in different industrial fields. The gearshift phase has been dynamically analysed with an analytical approach and then a magnetic powertrain has been developed in Matlab/Simulink to validate the proposed technology, as alternative to the mechanical one.

Periodontal ligament (PDL) has become an elective source of mesenchymal stem cells (PDLSCs) in dentistry. This research aimed to compare healthy PDLSCs (hPDLSCs) and periodontitis PDLSCs (pPDLSCs) to ascertain any possible functional differences owing to their milieux of origin. Cells were tested in terms of colony-forming unit efficiency; multi differentiating capacity; immunophenotype, stemness, and senescent state were studied by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and β-galactosidase staining; gene expression using RT-PCR. Both hPDLSCs and pPDLSCs were comparable in terms of their immunophenotype and multilineage differentiation capabilities, but pPDLSCs showed a senescent phenotype more frequently. Thus, a selective small molecule inhibitor of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT), RG108, known for its effect on senescence, was used to possibly reverse this phenotype. RG108 did not affect the proliferation and apoptosis of PDLSCs, and it showed little effect on hPDLSCs, while a significant reduction of both p16 and p21 was detected along with an increase of SOX2 and OCT4 in pPDLSCs after treatment at 100 μM RG108. Moreover, the subset of PDLSCs co-expressing OCT4 and p21 decreased, and adipogenic potential increased in pPDLSCs after treatment. pPDLSCs displayed a senescent phenotype that could be reversed, opening new perspectives for the treatment of periodontitis.

The development of technologies for the additive manufacturing, in particular of metallic materials, is offering the possibility of producing parts with complex geometries. This opens up to the possibility of using topological optimization methods for the design of electromagnetic devices. Hence, a wide variety of approaches, originally developed for solid mechanics, have recently become attractive also in the field of electromagnetics. The general distinction between gradient-based and gradient-free methods drives the structure of the paper, with the latter becoming particularly attractive in the last years due to the concepts of artificial neural networks. The aim of this paper is twofold. On one hand, the paper aims at summarizing and describing the state-of-art on topology optimization techniques while on the other it aims at showing how the latter methodologies developed in non-electromagnetic framework (e.g., solid mechanics field) can be applied for the optimization of electromagnetic devices. Discussions and comparisons are both supported by theoretical aspects and numerical results.

This paper proposes a fast and accurate solver for implicit Continuous Set Model Predictive Control for the current control loop of synchronous motor drives with input constraints, allowing for reaching the maximum voltage feasible set. The related control problem requires an iterative solver to find the optimal solution. The real-time certification of the algorithm is of paramount importance to move the technology toward industrial-scale applications. A relevant feature of the proposed solver is that the total number of operations can be computed in the worst-case scenario. Thus, the maximum computational time is known a priori. The solver is deeply illustrated, showing its feasibility for real-time applications in the microseconds range by means of experimental tests. The proposed method outperforms general-purpose algorithms in terms of computation time, while keeping the same accuracy.

The present work aims at quantifying how, and how much, the uncertainties on the components and material parameters of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for the static charge of electric vehicles affect the overall efficiency and functionality of the final produced device. With the aim of considering the perspective of a possible industrial developer, the parameters selected for the uncertainty quantification are chosen to be the capacitance values of the compensation capacitors and the electromagnetic material parameters used for the construction of the magnetic structure of a WPT system, i.e. the parameters of the elements to be purchased. The analysis is based on a standard system among the ones provided by the current SAE J2954 recommended practice.

Ferromagnetic poles in a magnetic transmission gear require particular attention during their design process. Usually, during the numerical simulation of these devices the effects of hysteresis for loss estimation are neglected and considered only during post-processing calculations. Since the literature lacks hysteresis models, this paper adopts a homogenized hysteretic model able to include eddy current and hysteresis losses in 2D laminated materials for iron poles. In this article the results related to the hysteresis in a magnetic gear are presented and compared to the non-hysteretic approach.

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exert immunosuppressive effects on immune cells including dendritic cells (DCs). However, many details of the bidirectional interaction of MSCs with DCs are still unsolved and information on key molecules by which DCs can modulate MSC functions is limited. Here, we report that osteopontin (OPN), a cytokine involved in homeostatic and pathophysiologic responses, is constitutively expressed by DCs and regulated in the DC/MSC cocultures depending on the activation state of MSCs. Resting MSCs promoted OPN production, whereas the production of OPN was suppressed when MSCs were activated by proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β). OPN induction required cell-to-cell contact, mediated at least in part, by β1 integrin (CD29). Conversely, activated MSCs inhibited the release of OPN via the production of soluble factors with a major role played by Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Accordingly, pretreatment with indomethacin significantly abrogated the MSC-mediated suppression of OPN while the direct addition of exogenous PGE2 inhibited OPN production by DCs. Furthermore, DC-conditioned medium promoted osteogenic differentiation of MSCs with a concomitant inhibition of adipogenesis. These effects were paralleled by the repression of the adipogenic markers PPARγ, adiponectin, and FABP4, and induction of the osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase, RUNX2, and of the bone-anabolic chemokine CCL5. Notably, blocking OPN activity with RGD peptides or with an antibody against CD29, one of the OPN receptors, prevented the effects of DC-conditioned medium on MSC differentiation and CCL5 induction. Because MSCs have a key role in maintenance of bone marrow (BM) hematopoietic stem cell niche through reciprocal regulation with immune cells, we investigated the possible MSC/DC interaction in human BM by immunohistochemistry. Although DCs (CD1c+) are a small percentage of BM cells, we demonstrated colocalization of CD271+ MSCs with CD1c+ DCs in normal and myelodysplastic BM. OPN reactivity was observed in occasional CD1c+ cells in the proximity of CD271+ MSCs. Altogether, these results candidate OPN as a signal modulated by MSCs according to their activation status and involved in DC regulation of MSC differentiation.

In this paper, starting from the experimental experience of the road embedment of a transmitting coil for wireless power transfer, a numerical model of such device is constructed. The model is then used to perform several parametric analyses which aim at investigating the influence of the main electromagnetic parameters of the concrete and the geometrical parameters of the wireless power transfer on the overall behavior of the device. The results of such study allow for providing guidelines for the design of the coil and the choice of the materials for the embedment. Moreover, as a secondary result of the adopted methodology, the electromagnetic characterization of the concrete adopted for the road embedment is obtained.

Imiquimod (IMQ) is an immune response modifier clinically used for the treatment of various topical diseases. However, its poor aqueous solubility and skin penetration capability make the topical delivery of IMQ a challenging task. This work aims at developing a nanomedicine-based topical formulation, carrying IMQ to control the scarring process for the treatment of aberrant wounds. For this purpose, IMQ was loaded in β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges and dispersed in a hydrogel suitable for dermal application. The formulation was characterized in vitro and compared with IMQ inclusion complexes, with (2-hydroxy)propyl β-cyclodextrin(HPβCD) and carboxymethyl β-cyclodextrin (CMβCD) showing enhanced penetration properties. The hydrogel containing IMQ-loaded nanosponges could act as a drug reservoir and guarantee the sustained release of IMQ through the skin. A greater inhibitory effect on fibroblast proliferation was observed for IMQ loaded in nanosponges compared to the other formulations.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by loss of articular cartilage also due to reduced chondrogenic activity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from patients. Adipose tissue is an attractive source of MSCs (ATD-MSCs), representing an effective tool for reparative medicine, particularly for treatment of osteoarthritis, due to their chondrogenic and osteogenic differentiation capability. The treatment of symptomatic knee arthritis with ATD-MSCs proved effective with a single infusion, but multiple infusions could be also more efficacious. Here we studied some crucial aspects of adipose tissue banking procedures, evaluating ATD-MSCs viability, and differentiation capability after cryopreservation, to guarantee the quality of the tissue for multiple infusions. We reported that the presence of local anesthetic during lipoaspiration negatively affects cell viability of cryopreserved adipose tissue and cell growth of ATD-MSCs in culture. We observed that DMSO guarantees a faster growth of ATD-MSCs in culture than trehalose. At last, ATD-MSCs derived from fresh and cryopreserved samples at −80°C and −196°C showed viability and differentiation ability comparable to fresh samples. These data indicate that cryopreservation of adipose tissue at −80°C and −196°C is equivalent and preserves the content of ATD-MSCs in Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF), guaranteeing the differentiation ability of ATD-MSCs.

Competitive costs, rapid recharge, and high-energy density make small direct methanol fuel cells promising power sources for electronic equipment. Cell performance depends on several parameters, including current density, methanol concentration, and catalyst loadings. In this paper, a 1-D analytical model able to simulate the cell performance is interfaced to a stochastic optimization procedure in order to maximize the battery duration while minimizing methanol crossover. Index Terms--Batteries, energy conversion, fuel cells, optimization methods.

In 1996, a superconducting magnetic energy storage arrangement was selected to become a benchmark problem for testing different optimization algorithms, both deterministic and stochastic ones. Since the forward problem can be solved semianalytically by Biot--Savart's law, this benchmark became quite popular. Nevertheless, the demands on optimization software have increased dramatically since then. To give an example, methods looking for Pareto-optimal points rather than for a single solution only have been introduced by several groups. In this paper, a proposal for an extended version of the benchmark problem will be made and some results will be presented. Index Terms--Optimization benchmark problem, Pareto optimality, superconducting magnetic energy storage (SMES) arrangement.

A full-Maxwell numerical algorithm based on the cell method, which is similar to finite-difference time-domain or FIT but allows complete freedom on the mesh, is presented in this paper. The algorithm can be used with tetrahedral or hexahedral primal meshes. The numerical scheme is explicit, does not need the introduction of new variables or local matrix inversions (as, e.g., in the microcell method), and allows the use of phase-matched layer type boundary conditions. Index Terms--FIT, full-Maxwell, time-domain, waveguides.

In this paper, a time-domain formulation for two-dimensional (2-D) eddy-current problems based on a discrete geometric approach is presented. The method bears very strong similarities with a mass-lumped [theta]-type finite-element method (FEM) formulation. Analogies and differences are highlighted, and a numerical experiment is reported. Index Terms--Discrete approaches, eddy-currents, mass lumping, [theta]-method.

C/EBPs are a family of B-Zip transcription factors--TFs--involved in the regulation of differentiation in several tissues. The two most studied members--C/EBPα and C/EBPβ--play important roles in skin homeostasis and their ablation reveals cells with stem cells signatures. Much less is known about C/EBPδ which is highly expressed in the granular layer of interfollicular epidermis and is a direct target of p63, the master regular of multilayered epithelia. We identified C/EBPδ target genes in human primary keratinocytes by ChIP on chip and profiling of cells functionally inactivated with siRNA. Categorization suggests a role in differentiation and control of cell-cycle, particularly of G2/M genes. Among positively controlled targets are numerous genes involved in barrier function. Functional inactivation of C/EBPδ as well as overexpressions of two TF targets--MafB and SOX2--affect expression of markers of keratinocyte differentiation. We performed IHC on skin tumor tissue arrays: expression of C/EBPδ is lost in Basal Cell Carcinomas, but a majority of Squamous Cell Carcinomas showed elevated levels of the protein. Our data indicate that C/EBPδ plays a role in late stages of keratinocyte differentiation.

In this paper, a proof of the symmetry of the system matrix arising in a class of vector potential cell methods with non-symmetric material matrices is presented. Some remarks on how to construct other schemes with symmetric system matrices are also presented. The explicit expression of the matrix entries derived in order to prove the symmetry is also used to show that this matrix is identical to the one arising in the standard edge finite-element method. Finally, some remarks on discrete regularizations of these formulations are given. Index Terms--Finite-element methods, Maxwell equations.

Langerhans cells (LC) represent a well characterized subset of dendritic cells located in the epidermis of skin and mucosae. In vivo, they originate from resident and blood-borne precursors in the presence of keratinocyte-derived TGFbeta. In vitro, LC can be generated from monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF, IL-4 and TGFbeta. However, the signals that induce LC during an inflammatory reaction are not fully investigated. Here we report that Activin A, a TGFbeta family member induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines and involved in skin morphogenesis and wound healing, induces the differentiation of human monocytes into LC in the absence of TGFbeta. Activin A-induced LC are Langerin+, Birbeck granules+, E-cadherin+, CLA+ and CCR6+ and possess typical APC functions. In human skin explants, intradermal injection of Activin A increased the number of CD1a+ and Langerin+ cells in both the epidermis and dermis by promoting the differentiation of resident precursor cells. High levels of Activin A were present in the upper epidermal layers and in the dermis of Lichen Planus biopsies in association with a marked infiltration of CD1a+ and Langerin+ cells. This study reports that Activin A induces the differentiation of circulating CD14+ cells into LC. Since Activin A is abundantly produced during inflammatory conditions which are also characterized by increased numbers of LC, we propose that this cytokine represents a new pathway, alternative to TGFbeta, responsible for LC differentiation during inflammatory/autoimmune conditions.

In this paper, the coupling of discontinuous finite elements (FEs) with standard conforming ones is applied to the special case of rotating electrical machines. The proposed scheme exploits the capability of discontinuous methods of dealing with non-matching grids, and the lower computational cost of conforming methods, by using first ones only where needed. Therefore, the technique is ideally suited for the treatment of the air-gap region of such devices where the rotation of one part of the mesh generates hanging nodes. The resulting purely finite flement scheme is applied to the TEAM 24 benchmark problem. Index Terms--Discontinuous finite elements, electrical machines, variational methods.