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Granulation tissue enriched by aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids in healing experimental periodontal lesion
Get PDFAims. Granulation tissue (GT) and specialized proresolving mediators such as lipoxins and resolvins are key elements in the successful resolution of periodontitis. Aspirin triggered lipoxins and resolvins are even more powerful than their natural analogues. Their biosynthesis can be accelerated by omega3 fatty acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of GT enriched by aspirin and omega‑3 fatty acids during the surgical treatment of periodontitis in an experimental animal model (rabbit). Methods. In each of 24 rabbits, two experimental periodontal defects were created. In total, 47 defects were treated with open flap debridement and one of three procedures: (1) GT extracted and soaked with aspirin and omega‑3 fatty acids (ASA+OMEGA3 group); (2) GT soaked with saline (PLACEBO group); or (3) GT left untreated (CONTROL group). Then, the GT was replaced in situ. Primary evaluated criteria were the probing pocket depth (PPD) and the clinical at‑ tachment level (CAL). Necropsies were harvested 2, 6, and 12 weeks after surgery. The samples were used for histological and molecular biological assessment. Results. A trend of greater PPD and CAL in the ASA+OMEGA3 group was observed at 6 weeks. However, there was no significant difference between them. During the observation period, tissue levels of FGF‑7, IL1β and TIMP1 showed a statistically significant decrease (P<0.05). For the other variables, the ASA+OMEGA3 group was comparable with the PLACEBO and CONTROL groups. Conclusion. This experiment did not demonstrate the superiority of the proposed approach. However, the enriched granulation tissue did not impair healing outcomes
Predictive Methods in Cyber Defense: Current Experience and Research Challenges
Get PDFPredictive analysis allows next-generation cyber defense that is more proactive than current approaches based on intrusion detection. In this paper, we discuss various aspects of predictive methods in cyber defense and illustrate them on three examples of recent approaches. The first approach uses data mining to extract frequent attack scenarios and uses them to project ongoing cyberattacks. The second approach uses a dynamic network entity reputation score to predict malicious actors. The third approach uses time series analysis to forecast attack rates in the network. This paper presents a unique evaluation of the three distinct methods in a common environment of an intrusion detection alert sharing platform, which allows for a comparison of the approaches and illustrates the capabilities of predictive analysis for current and future research and cybersecurity operations. Our experiments show that all three methods achieved a sufficient technology readiness level for experimental deployment in an operational setting with promising accuracy and usability. Namely prediction and projection methods, despite their differences, are highly usable for predictive blacklisting, the first provides a more detailed output, and the second is more extensible. Network security situation forecasting is lightweight and displays very high accuracy, but does not provide details on predicted events
The Stack: Unplugged Activities for Teaching Computer Science
Get PDFThe Stack is a free open repository of learning activities for adults that illustrate computing principles without a computer. We explain the rationale behind its development, describe its content with an example, and discuss its applications in university teaching practice
Russian Disinformation Threat : Comparative Case Study of Czech and Slovak Approaches
Get PDFThis comparative case analysis focuses on the approaches of the Czech and Slovak governments to Russian disinformation activities, with particular attention to the securitization of the threat. The paper argues that the extent of energy relations with Russia plays an important role in the securitization of the threat posed by the said state. It employs a rational model of policy-making to better understand the rationale for the decisions of the actors leading to the different approaches taken by the governments of the examined states. The analysis shows that while the Czech approach seems to be driven mostly by security interests, in Slovakia, the economic goals are of primary importance, with the primary factor being the importance of energy relations with Russia. The Czech approach is considered as an appropriate one in this paper, as it allows for more objective threat assessment and consequently better preparedness and resilience, whereas a rather pragmatic approach of Slovakia leads to increasing vulnerability of disinformation activities
Introduction : Framing community and spatial exclusion
Get PDFThis section focuses on the community and spatial aspects of social exclusion. For this introduction, we define spatial aspects of exclusion as the unintended reduction of mobility outside and inside of a person’s home and the community aspect of exclusion as the unintended reduction of participation in local life
Endocrine disrupting potential of replacement flame retardants-Review of current knowledge for nuclear receptors associated with reproductive outcomes
Get PDFBackground and aim: Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) constitute a major public health concern because they can induce a large spectrum of adverse effects by interfering with the hormonal system. Rapid identification of potential EDCs using in vitro screenings is therefore critical, particularly for chemicals of emerging concerns such as replacement flame retardants (FRs). The review aimed at identifying (1) data gaps and research needs regarding endocrine disrupting (ED) properties of replacement FRs and (2) potential EDCs among these emerging chemicals. Methods: A systematic search was performed from open literature and ToxCast/Tox21 programs, and results from in vitro tests on the activities of 52 replacement FRs towards five hormone nuclear receptors (NRs) associated with reproductive outcomes (estrogen, androgen, glucocorticoid, progesterone, and aryl hydrocarbon receptors) were compiled and organized into tables. Findings were complemented with information from structure-based in silico model predictions and in vivo information when relevant. Results: For the majority of the 52 replacement FRs, experimental in vitro data on activities towards these five NRs were either incomplete (15 FRs) or not found (24 FRs). Within the replacement FRs for which effect data were found, some appeared as candidate EDCs, such as triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) and tris(1,3-dichloropropyl) phosphate (TDCIPP). The search also revealed shared ED profiles. For example, anti-androgenic activity was reported for 19 FRs and predicted for another 21 FRs. Discussion: This comprehensive review points to critical gaps in knowledge on ED potential for many replacement FRs, including chemicals to which the general population is likely exposed. Although this review does not cover all possible characteristics of ED, it allowed the identification of potential EDCs associated with reproductive outcomes, calling for deeper evaluation and possibly future regulation of these chemicals. By identifying shared ED profiles, this work also raises concerns for mixture effects since the population is co-exposed to several FRs and other chemicals
Flame Retardants-Mediated Interferon Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Get PDFNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern worldwide, affecting 25% of the global population. NAFLD is a multifactorial disease with a broad spectrum of pathology includes steatosis, which gradually progresses to a more severe condition such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually leads to hepatic cancer. Several risk factors, including exposure to environmental toxicants, are involved in the development and progression of NAFLD. Environmental factors may promote the development and progression of NAFLD by various biological alterations, including mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxygen species production, nuclear receptors dysregulation, and interference in inflammatory and immune-mediated signaling. Moreover, environmental contaminants can influence immune responses by impairing the immune system's components and, ultimately, disease susceptibility. Flame retardants (FRs) are anthropogenic chemicals or mixtures that are being used to inhibit or delay the spread of fire. FRs have been employed in several household and outdoor products; therefore, human exposure is unavoidable. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms of FRs-associated immune and inflammatory signaling and their possible contribution to the development and progression of NAFLD, with an emphasis on FRs-mediated interferon signaling. Knowledge gaps are identified, and emerging pharmacotherapeutic molecules targeting the immune and inflammatory signaling for NAFLD are also discussed
The Role of Citizen Science and Deep Learning in Camera Trapping
Get PDFCamera traps are increasingly one of the fundamental pillars of environmental monitoring and management. Even outside the scientific community, thousands of camera traps in the hands of citizens may offer valuable data on terrestrial vertebrate fauna, bycatch data in particular, when guided according to already employed standards. This provides a promising setting for Citizen Science initiatives. Here, we suggest a possible pathway for isolated observations to be aggregated into a single database that respects the existing standards (with a proposed extension). Our approach aims to show a new perspective and to update the recent progress in engaging the enthusiasm of citizen scientists and in including machine learning processes into image classification in camera trap research. This approach (combining machine learning and the input from citizen scientists) may significantly assist in streamlining the processing of camera trap data while simultaneously raising public environmental awareness. We have thus developed a conceptual framework and analytical concept for a web-based camera trap database, incorporating the above-mentioned aspects that respect a combination of the roles of experts’ and citizens’ evaluations, the way of training a neural network and adding a taxon complexity index. This initiative could well serve scientists and the general public, as well as assisting public authorities to efficiently set spatially and temporarily well-targeted conservation policies.Fotopasti jsou stále častěji jedním ze základních pilířů monitorování a řízení životního prostředí. I mimo vědeckou komunitu mohou tisíce kamerových pastí v rukou občanů poskytnout cenné údaje o fauně suchozemských obratlovců, zejména údaje o vedlejších úlovcích, pokud jsou vedeny podle již používaných standardů. To představuje slibné prostředí pro občanskovědní iniciativy. Zde navrhujeme možnou cestu pro sdružování izolovaných pozorování do jedné databáze, která respektuje stávající standardy (s navrhovaným rozšířením). Cílem našeho přístupu je ukázat novou perspektivu a aktualizovat nedávný pokrok v zapojení nadšení občanských vědců a v zapojení procesů strojového učení do klasifikace obrazu ve výzkumu fotopastí. Tento přístup (kombinující strojové učení a vstupy občanských vědců) může významně napomoci zefektivnění zpracování dat z fotopastí a současně zvýšit povědomí veřejnosti o životním prostředí. Vyvinuli jsme koncepční rámec a analytický koncept webové databáze fotopastí, zahrnující výše uvedené aspekty, které respektují kombinaci rolí hodnocení odborníků a občanů, způsob trénování neuronové sítě a přidání indexu komplexnosti taxonů. Tato iniciativa by mohla dobře posloužit vědcům i široké veřejnosti a také pomoci orgánům veřejné správy účinně stanovovat prostorově a časově dobře zacílené politiky ochrany přírody.Camera traps are increasingly one of the fundamental pillars of environmental monitoring and management. Even outside the scientific community, thousands of camera traps in the hands of citizens may offer valuable data on terrestrial vertebrate fauna, bycatch data in particular, when guided according to already employed standards. This provides a promising setting for Citizen Science initiatives. Here, we suggest a possible pathway for isolated observations to be aggregated into a single database that respects the existing standards (with a proposed extension). Our approach aims to show a new perspective and to update the recent progress in engaging the enthusiasm of citizen scientists and in including machine learning processes into image classification in camera trap research. This approach (combining machine learning and the input from citizen scientists) may significantly assist in streamlining the processing of camera trap data while simultaneously raising public environmental awareness. We have thus developed a conceptual framework and analytical concept for a web-based camera trap database, incorporating the above-mentioned aspects that respect a combination of the roles of experts’ and citizens’ evaluations, the way of training a neural network and adding a taxon complexity index. This initiative could well serve scientists and the general public, as well as assisting public authorities to efficiently set spatially and temporarily well-targeted conservation policies
Rethinking Drama in the Crisis of Deliberative Communication : The Radical Theory of Martin Buber and Gustav Landauer
Get PDFThe article presents the basic elements of Gustav Landauer’s and Martin Buber’s thinking on theatre and drama. It shows they are rooted in the late 19th-century critique of language (Sprachkritik), trying to overcome the representational function of language. The author searches for shared elements in both thinkers’ philosophies: an integral idea of human personality (inner necessity), spirituality as a superpersonal unity tending towards a communitarian vision of the people, and so on. While Buber emphasizes the unity of opposites, or the union of the characters in the drama while preserving their differences, Landauer focuses on achieving unity with the ancestors and the cosmos through an inner immersion. Both direct their theory of drama towards political meaning. This paper proposes that their concept of drama can be used to rethink communication, transcending the post-politics of consensus, as it preserves difference in unity