Solar flares, sudden bursts of intense electromagnetic radiation from the Sun, can significantly disrupt technological infrastructure, including communication and navigation satellites. To mitigate these risks, accura...Solar flares, sudden bursts of intense electromagnetic radiation from the Sun, can significantly disrupt technological infrastructure, including communication and navigation satellites. To mitigate these risks, accurate forecasting of solar activity is crucial. This study investigates the potential of the Sun’s background X-ray flux as a tool for predicting solar flares. We analyzed data collected by solar telescopes and satellites between the years 2013 and 2023, focusing on the duration, frequency, and intensity of solar flares. We compared these characteristics with the background X-ray flux at the time of each flare event. Our analysis employed statistical methods to identify potential correlations between these solar phenomena. The key finding of this study reveals a significant positive correlation between solar flare activity and the Sun’s background X-ray flux. This suggests that these phenomena are interconnected within the framework of overall solar activity. We observed a clear trend: periods with increased occurrences of solar flares coincided with elevated background flux levels. This finding has the potential to improve solar activity forecasting. By monitoring background flux variations, we may be able to develop a more effective early warning system for potentially disruptive solar flares. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between solar flares and the Sun’s overall radiative output. These findings indicate that lower-resolution X-ray sensors can be a valuable tool for identifying periods of increased solar activity by allowing us to monitor background flux variations. A more affordable approach to solar activity monitoring is advised.展开更多
Generally, wounds are of two categories, such as chronic and acute. Chronic wounds takes time to heal when compared to the acute wounds. Chronic wounds include vasculitis, non healing ulcer, pyoderma gangrenosum, and ...Generally, wounds are of two categories, such as chronic and acute. Chronic wounds takes time to heal when compared to the acute wounds. Chronic wounds include vasculitis, non healing ulcer, pyoderma gangrenosum, and diseases that cause ischemia. Chronic wounds are rapidly increasing among the elderly population with dysfunctional valves in their lower extremity deep veins, ulcer, neuropathic foot and pressure ulcers. The process of the healing of wounds has several steps with the involvement of immune cells and several other cell types. There are many evidences supporting the hypothesis that apoptosis of immune cells is involved in the wound healing process by ending inflammatory condition. It is also involved in the resolution of various phases of tissue repair. During final steps of wound healing most of the endothelial cells, macrophagesand myofibroblasts undergo apoptosis or exit from the wound, leaving a mass that contains few cells and consists mostly of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins to provide strength to the healing tissue. This review discusses the various phases of wound healing both in the chronic and acute wounds especially during diabetes mellitus and thus support the hypothesis that the oxidative stress, apoptosis, connexins and other molecules involved in the regulation of chronic wound healing in diabetes mellitus and gives proper understanding of the mechanisms controlling apoptosis and tissue repair during diabetes and may eventually develop therapeutic modalities to fasten the healing process in diabetic patients.展开更多
The increased global incidence of chronic metabolic diseases,a vital threat to human health and a burden on our healthcare systems,includes a series of clinical metabolic syndromes such as obesity,diabetes,hypertensio...The increased global incidence of chronic metabolic diseases,a vital threat to human health and a burden on our healthcare systems,includes a series of clinical metabolic syndromes such as obesity,diabetes,hypertension,and dyslipidemia.One of the well-known probiotic microorganisms,Lactiplantibacillus plantarum plays an important role in promoting human health,including inhibiting the occurrence and development of a variety of chronic metabolic diseases.The present study provides an overview of the preventive and therapeutic effects of L.plantarum on diabetes,obesity,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,kidney stone disease,and cardiovascular diseases in animal models and human clinical trials.Ingesting L.plantarum demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress levels by regulating the production of cytokines and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and the balance of intestinal microbial communities to alleviate the symptoms of chronic metabolic diseases.Furthermore,updated applications and technologies of L.plantarum in food and biopharmaceutical industries are also discussed.Understanding the characteristics and functions of L.plantarum will guide the development of related probiotic products and explore the modulatory benefit of L.plantarum supplementations on the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic metabolic diseases.展开更多
Nasal application of benzodiazepines might be an alternative to intravenous administration in acute clinical situations such as seizures emergencies. However, irritation and pain as well as symptoms like teary eyes, d...Nasal application of benzodiazepines might be an alternative to intravenous administration in acute clinical situations such as seizures emergencies. However, irritation and pain as well as symptoms like teary eyes, dizziness, discomfort, nasal drainage and bad taste usually accompany subject received midazolam and diazepam via the nasal route. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a new alcohol-free microemulsion system as a carrier for diazepam or midazolam given intranasally. Midazolam (base) or diazepam was solubilized in the microemulsion to obtain a high drug concentration of 25 mg/g (2.5% by weight), to provide 2.5 mg drug in 100 μl spray (d ≈ 1.00 g/ml). The nasal absorption of both drugs from the same microemulsion formulation (containing 20% aqueous phase) was found to be fairly rapid after administration of 0.4 mg/kg to rabbits. The absolute bioavailability of diazepam after intranasal administration using this formulation was 33.45% ± 12.36% and the tmax was 18.33 ± 23.09 min, which was twice longer than the tmax obtained after midazolam administration, 9.25 ± 6.75 min. The pharmacokinetic parameters of midazolam in W/O (20% water) microemulsion and their comparison with midazolam in O/W (50% water) microemulsion have shown that both formulations resulted in a relatively short time to reach the peak plasma level (tmax), that is, 9.25 ± 6.75 min and 6.75 ± 5.67 min, respectively. However, the peak plasma levels (Cmax) and the absolute bioavailability (FA) of midazolam were significantly higher after administration of the W/O formulation than those obtained after application of O/W formulation, i.e., 46.62 ± 17.38 μg/ml vs. 15.44 ± 4.00 μg/ml, and 35.19% ± 11.83% vs. 19.83% ± 16.32%, respectively. Our results suggest that the new microemulsion system may be useful for getting rapid-onset of midazolam and diazepam following intranasal administration, resulting in reasonable peak plasma levels and bioavailability, but most importantly, providing a high measure of tolerability and comfort.展开更多
Background: Cancer immunotherapy treatments enhance the cancer treatment approach. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyteratio (NLR) has been associated with cancer prognosis, affecting progression, chemosensitivity, radiosensi...Background: Cancer immunotherapy treatments enhance the cancer treatment approach. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyteratio (NLR) has been associated with cancer prognosis, affecting progression, chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity and toxicity. Patients and Methods: Ten patients (nine males, one female), aged 68 ± 10 years, were included in this study. Six patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs and two had adenocarcinoma of the lungs. One patient suffered from limb soft tissue sarcoma and one had renal cell carcinoma. All patients had metastatic disease and were pretreated with chemotherapy or biologic agents. The rationale of testing NLR was to compare it to the clinical response of the patients assessed by RECIST criteria using computerized tomography (CT) scans. Results: In regression analysis, older patients were found to respond better to immunotherapy treatment than younger patients. NLR was 4.26 ± 2.25 (p 0.01) in the older patients group and 2.84 ± 0.90 (p 0.01) in the younger patients group. No difference in response according to tumor type (p = 0.479) was observed. Conclusion: We provide preliminary evidence demonstrating that low NLR helps in understanding the value of the underlying immune system in expecting a good outcome to immune treatment. The NLR is a simple and available biomarker, easy to apply in clinical practice.展开更多
Objective: Unilateral mimicking bilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (umb-BPPV) was attributed to inappropriate head positioning during testing of the posterior canal. Despite its inclusion in theDiagnostic ...Objective: Unilateral mimicking bilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (umb-BPPV) was attributed to inappropriate head positioning during testing of the posterior canal. Despite its inclusion in theDiagnostic criteria for the classification of vestibular disorders of the Barany Society, the clinical characteristics and treatment responsiveness of this BPPV subtype have not been intensively studied.Methods: Records of patients with BPPV seen at a single outpatient dizziness clinic during the years 2000e2020 were reviewed. Eighty seven patients with umb-BPPV and 86 random patients with posteriorcanal BPPV (p-BPPV) were retrieved. Their demographics and BPPV characteristics were analyzed.Results: Patients' and BPPV characteristics were similar in umb- and p-BPPV except for the prevalence ofmales in the umb-BPPV group. No differences were found between treatment responsiveness and recurrences in both groups. The recurrence rate of umb-BPPV was not influenced by age, gender, BPPV side,duration of symptoms or treatment responsiveness during the first attack.Conclusions: In accordance with our hypothesis about mixed canalo- and cupulolithiasis as the underlying mechanism of umb-BPPV, patients did not differ in characteristics and treatment responsivenessfrom p-BPPV patients. Recognition of umb-BPPV is important since inappropriate treatment can cause anunnecessary delay in therapy success.展开更多
There are many studies on Italian and Jewish immigration in the United States, mainly based on socio-demographic statistics, the theme of exile, Fascist anti-Semitism or ethnic conflicts. Many of these researches focu...There are many studies on Italian and Jewish immigration in the United States, mainly based on socio-demographic statistics, the theme of exile, Fascist anti-Semitism or ethnic conflicts. Many of these researches focus primarily on Jewish or Italians, but rarely address at Italian Jews as a whole, and, in their relation with Italian American and Jews. One of the reasons of this paucity of studies, might be the little number of Italian Jews who immigrated to the United States, especially in New York in the 1930s and 1940s, that drove several scholars not to pay really attention to this tiny group in ignoring their presence. Thus, this article aims to investigate through some memoirs, interviews and autobiographies the life of Italian Jews who were living in New York and the Metropolitan area during and after War World II, with particular emphasis to those who were born there in these years and their formation of an American identity. This essay will also clarify an Italian Jewish identity--which made Italian the role of memory and ＂nostalgia＂ in an Italian identity--above all Jews a unique group and a minority within a minority.展开更多
Let P（z） and P（z） be polynomials of the same degree. We consider the equations u＂ = P（z）u and u＂ = P（z）u （z ∈ C） whose solutions are u（z） and u（z）, respectively. Let Zk（U） and zk（u）, k = 1, 2,...,...Let P（z） and P（z） be polynomials of the same degree. We consider the equations u＂ = P（z）u and u＂ = P（z）u （z ∈ C） whose solutions are u（z） and u（z）, respectively. Let Zk（U） and zk（u）, k = 1, 2,..., be the zeros of u（z） and u（z）, respectively. We derive bounds for the quantity sup j inf k｜1/zk（u）-1/zj（u）｜展开更多
The “science of prevention” approach has advanced research in the realm of drug abuse. Emphasis, however, was clearly accorded to risk factors rather than to uncovering protective factors. In the 1980s, Antonovsky p...The “science of prevention” approach has advanced research in the realm of drug abuse. Emphasis, however, was clearly accorded to risk factors rather than to uncovering protective factors. In the 1980s, Antonovsky proposed a new paradigm—salutogenesis—which provided a different theoretical and practical basis for constructing and evaluating prevention programs. According to the salutogenic model, prevention programs should relate to the extent that these protective factors advance youths—as well as the systems in which they live—towards promoting comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. The paper describes salutogenic directed programs and research, and discusses the contribution of the theory to advancement of both practice and research in the area of drug abuse.展开更多
Skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma, is the most common type of malignancy, which causes substantial morbidities and mortalities. Although the significant increase in the understanding of skin cancer...Skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma, is the most common type of malignancy, which causes substantial morbidities and mortalities. Although the significant increase in the understanding of skin cancer formation and the development of novel personalized drug regimens have occurred, new treatment options are always of need. The use of natural compounds to alleviate the symptoms or even to prevent and treat cancer has long been proposed. Specifically, the use of marine-based organisms as a source for cancer cure and remedy is being evaluated extensively. The objective of the current study was to assess the ability of the green microalgae Dunaliella salina, the Dead-Sea-derived Haloferax volcanii, and its combinations to treat skin cancer in vitro. The results demonstrate the Dunaliella and Haloferax can reduce sarcoma and basal cell carcinoma cellular growth. Importantly, their combination acts synergistically in a caspase-3 independent manner. Moreover, a synergistic action was found when evaluated sarcoma cell invasion rate, which was completely blocked at pharmacological relevant amounts of the compounds. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the combination of Haloferax volcanii and Dunaliella salina can be used as a new treatment for skin cancer. The specific mechanism of action and further in vivo validation studies are of need.展开更多
The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Sir John B Gurdon and Shinya Ya-manaka “for the discovery that mature cells can be re-programmed to become pluripotent”. Professor John B Gordon ...The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Sir John B Gurdon and Shinya Ya-manaka “for the discovery that mature cells can be re-programmed to become pluripotent”. Professor John B Gordon who pioneered the feld of somatic cell nuclear transfer was the frst to show that a nucleus of a ma-ture cell can be transplanted into an enucleated egg and give rise to a living organism. His pioneering “clon-ing” technique paved the way for genome reprogram-ming and has led to subsequent cloning of differentani-mal species. Professor Shinya Yamanaka revolutionized the fled of stem cell production by showing that the introduction of four selected genes into cells transform them into induced pluripotent stem cells that resemble embryonic stem cells and serve as promising cells for future regenerative medicine.展开更多
In 2006 anew biology curriculum called “Human Biology: Emphasizing the Role of Homeostasis” was introduced into the Israeli high school system. Complex systems like those that make up the human body have become incr...In 2006 anew biology curriculum called “Human Biology: Emphasizing the Role of Homeostasis” was introduced into the Israeli high school system. Complex systems like those that make up the human body have become increasingly important as a focus of high school education. This study examines the effectiveness of the concept map as a assessment tool for students’ systems thinking, a tool that provides researchers with a detailed picture of the systems thinking development taking place within individual students. The content of the students’ concept maps was translated into information about students’ system thinking using the Systems Thinking Hierarchy (STH) model, a model in which system thinking is categorized according to eight hierarchical characteristics or abilities. The goal was to use the maps to characterize Israeli high school students’ understanding of the body’s systemic nature. To do this, we identified the extent to which the students understand three central elements of systems, namely hierarchy, homeostasis, and dynamism, and then analyzed this understanding according to its place within the hierarchical stages of the STH model. The extensive qualitative data analysis of 48 concept maps made by 11th grade biology majors suggest that the strength of the concept map is in its ability to describe the first two levels of system thinking (analysis and synthesis). However, it proved less successful in eliciting evidence of the third and highest level, particularly of students’ understanding of patterns, of homeostasis and their capacity for temporal thinking.展开更多
Immobilization of active molecules by attachment onto solid surfaces is a well-established practice in many processes and applications. Silica micro- and nano-particles are attractive candidates as support for active ...Immobilization of active molecules by attachment onto solid surfaces is a well-established practice in many processes and applications. Silica micro- and nano-particles are attractive candidates as support for active molecules as a result of a combination of desirable properties. The present study deals with grafting of a functional UV active molecule onto silica surfaces via hydrosilylation reactions using multivalent organosilicon spacers. Different types of organosilicon precursors based on dimethylsiloxysilanes containing multiple SiH groups were used as spacers between vinyl-modified silica surface and the benzotriazole UV-absorber (UVA). Firstly, the surface of silica was modified with vinyltrimetoxsisilane coupling agent. The UVA molecules were attached to the silica-vinyl by a two-step procedure involving hydrosilylation reaction. The successful grafting was confirmed by FTIR, TGA and UV-Vis characterization. More than fivefold increase in UVA loading was found for the MH30 multifunctional spacer, which contains approximately 75 SiH groups per molecule, when compared to a four-functional spacer. Furthermore a branched, bulky six-functional spacer is preferred over a linear spacer of the same functionality. UV activity of functionalized silica was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, indicating that the immobilization of UVA onto silica surface has not altered its UV absorbance properties.展开更多
Arabidopsis sepals coordinate flower opening in the morning as ambient temperature rises;however,the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Mutation of one heat shock proteinencoding gene, HSP70-16, im...Arabidopsis sepals coordinate flower opening in the morning as ambient temperature rises;however,the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Mutation of one heat shock proteinencoding gene, HSP70-16, impaired sepal heat stress responses (HSR), disrupting lipid metabolism,especially sepal cuticular lipids, leading to abnormal flower opening. To further explore, to what extent,lipids play roles in this process, in this study, we compared lipidomic changes in sepals of hsp70-16 andvdac3 (mutant of a voltage-dependent anion channel, VDAC3, an HSP70-16 interactor) grown underboth normal (22 C) and mild heat stress (27 C, mild HS) temperatures. Under normal temperature,neither hsp70-16 nor vdac3 sepals showed significant changes in total lipids;however, vdac3 but nothsp70-16 sepals exhibited significant reductions in the ratios of all detected 11 lipid classes, except themonogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs). Under mild HS temperature, hsp70-16 but not vdac3 sepalsshowed dramatic reduction in total lipids. In addition, vdac3 sepals exhibited a significant accumulationof plastidic lipids, especially sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDGs) and phosphatidylglycerols (PGs),whereas hsp70-16 sepals had a significant accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and simultaneousdramatic reductions in SQDGs and phospholipids (PLs), such as phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and phosphatidylserines (PSs). These findings revealed that the impact ofmild HS on sepal lipidome is influenced by genetic factors, and further, that HSP70-16 and VDAC3differently affect sepal lipidomic responses to mild HS. Our studies provide a lipidomic insight intofunctions of HSP and VDAC proteins in the plant’s HSR, in the context of floral development.展开更多
Today,the discussion about colonizing different planets has shifted from the"IF"mode to the"WHEN"mode,and the substantial large group of humans living for a long time in an isolated,hostile,and enc...Today,the discussion about colonizing different planets has shifted from the"IF"mode to the"WHEN"mode,and the substantial large group of humans living for a long time in an isolated,hostile,and enclosed environment is about to become a reality.Thus,the space-related healthcare methodologies should shift as well from a small number of selected persons to much more extensive groups with much less health homogeneity.Moreover,the development of human colonies,first on the Moon and later on Mars,will be a game changer in allthat we know and use to see in space travel and eventually in space health.Humans will leave Earth but will carry human society's health patterns,adjusted to the environment.The foundation for space epidemiology modeling can be set today and should attract the attention of the epidemiological and space research communities.展开更多
Silver nanoparticles are among the most widely researched and used for nanotechnology-derived structures due to their extraordinary inherent optical properties,chemical stability,catalytic activity,and high conductivi...Silver nanoparticles are among the most widely researched and used for nanotechnology-derived structures due to their extraordinary inherent optical properties,chemical stability,catalytic activity,and high conductivity.These idiosyncratic properties can be attributed to their unique physico-chemical characteristics,such as ultrafine sizes,high surface area,diverse shapes,and strong localized surface plasmon resonance.These distinctive features can be tailored using various physical,chemical,and biological synthesis methods.Various physical techniques are viable for producing silver nanoparticles on a large scale,but they suffer from drawbacks such as high-power con-sumption,expensive set-up,and limited control over nanoparticle size distribution.Chemical methods provide benefits like high yield,consistent shape and size distribution,and cost efficiency,but the residual toxicity of the chemicals involved hinders their biological applications.Biological synthesis approaches effectively overcome the limitations of both physical and chemical methods by eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals,requiring less energy,enabling diverse nanoparticle morphologies,and offering eco-friendliness and exceptional biocom-patibility.The novel and promising properties of nanosilver-based biomaterials have been demonstrated to be suitable for a wide range of pharmacological and therapeutic biomedical applications.Their extensive application in wound healing,dentistry,cardiovascular disease treatment,nerve tissue engineering,cancer treatment,and biosensing can be attributed to their inherent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity,antithrombotic properties,potential for nerve regeneration,photothermal conversion efficiency and sensitivity,respectively.This review discusses the different methods employed for synthesising silver nanoparticles and focuses on using nanosilver-based biomaterials for various biomedical applications.展开更多
Polycyclie aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are a group of compounds consisting of two or more fused aromatic rings.Most of them are formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials such as wood and fossil fuels,pe...Polycyclie aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are a group of compounds consisting of two or more fused aromatic rings.Most of them are formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials such as wood and fossil fuels,petroleum products,and coal.The composition of PAH mixtures varies with the source and is also affected by selective weathering effects in the environment.PAHs are ubiquitous pollutants frequently found in a variety of environments such as fresh water and marine sediments,the atmosphere,and ice.Due to their widespread distribution,the environmental pollution due to PAHs has aroused global concern.Many PAHs and their epoxides are highly toxic,mutagenic and/or carcinogenic to microorganisms as well as to higher forms of life including humans.The main aim of this review is to provide contemporary information on PAH sources,route of exposure,worldwide emission rate,and adverse effects on humans,especially with reference to cancer.展开更多
Erdheim-Chester disease(ECD) is a rare inflammatory syndrome in which systemic infiltration of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes occurs in different sites. Both the etiology and pathophysiology of ECD are unknown, but C...Erdheim-Chester disease(ECD) is a rare inflammatory syndrome in which systemic infiltration of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes occurs in different sites. Both the etiology and pathophysiology of ECD are unknown, but CD68 positive CD 1a/S100 negative cells are characteristic. The presentation of ECD differs according to the involved organs. This case report describes a patient with ECD and the gastrointestinal manifestations and unique endoscopic appearance as seen in gastroscopy and colonoscopy with histological proof of histiocyte infiltration of the lamina propria. The clinical and endoscopic findings of this unique case, to our knowledge, were never described before, so were the features of the gastrointestinal involvement in this disease.展开更多
Continuous,real-time monitoring and identification of bacteria through detection of microbially emitted volatile molecules are highly sought albeit elusive goals.We introduce an artificial nose for sensing and disting...Continuous,real-time monitoring and identification of bacteria through detection of microbially emitted volatile molecules are highly sought albeit elusive goals.We introduce an artificial nose for sensing and distinguishing vapor molecules,based upon recording the capacitance of interdigitated electrodes(IDEs)coated with carbon dots(C-dots)exhibiting different polarities.Exposure of the C-dot-IDEs to volatile molecules induced rapid capacitance changes that were intimately dependent upon the polarities of both gas molecules and the electrode-deposited C-dots.We deciphered the mechanism of capacitance transformations,specifically substitution of electrode-adsorbed water by gas molecules,with concomitant changes in capacitance related to both the polarity and dielectric constants of the vapor molecules tested.The C-dot-IDE gas sensor exhibited excellent selectivity,aided by application of machine learning algorithms.The capacitive C-dot-IDE sensor was employed to continuously monitor microbial proliferation,discriminating among bacteria through detection of distinctive“volatile compound fingerprint”for each bacterial species.The C-dot-IDE platform is robust,reusable,readily assembled from inexpensive building blocks and constitutes a versatile and powerful vehicle for gas sensing in general,bacterial monitoring in particular.展开更多
文摘Solar flares, sudden bursts of intense electromagnetic radiation from the Sun, can significantly disrupt technological infrastructure, including communication and navigation satellites. To mitigate these risks, accurate forecasting of solar activity is crucial. This study investigates the potential of the Sun’s background X-ray flux as a tool for predicting solar flares. We analyzed data collected by solar telescopes and satellites between the years 2013 and 2023, focusing on the duration, frequency, and intensity of solar flares. We compared these characteristics with the background X-ray flux at the time of each flare event. Our analysis employed statistical methods to identify potential correlations between these solar phenomena. The key finding of this study reveals a significant positive correlation between solar flare activity and the Sun’s background X-ray flux. This suggests that these phenomena are interconnected within the framework of overall solar activity. We observed a clear trend: periods with increased occurrences of solar flares coincided with elevated background flux levels. This finding has the potential to improve solar activity forecasting. By monitoring background flux variations, we may be able to develop a more effective early warning system for potentially disruptive solar flares. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between solar flares and the Sun’s overall radiative output. These findings indicate that lower-resolution X-ray sensors can be a valuable tool for identifying periods of increased solar activity by allowing us to monitor background flux variations. A more affordable approach to solar activity monitoring is advised.
文摘Generally, wounds are of two categories, such as chronic and acute. Chronic wounds takes time to heal when compared to the acute wounds. Chronic wounds include vasculitis, non healing ulcer, pyoderma gangrenosum, and diseases that cause ischemia. Chronic wounds are rapidly increasing among the elderly population with dysfunctional valves in their lower extremity deep veins, ulcer, neuropathic foot and pressure ulcers. The process of the healing of wounds has several steps with the involvement of immune cells and several other cell types. There are many evidences supporting the hypothesis that apoptosis of immune cells is involved in the wound healing process by ending inflammatory condition. It is also involved in the resolution of various phases of tissue repair. During final steps of wound healing most of the endothelial cells, macrophagesand myofibroblasts undergo apoptosis or exit from the wound, leaving a mass that contains few cells and consists mostly of collagen and other extracellular matrix proteins to provide strength to the healing tissue. This review discusses the various phases of wound healing both in the chronic and acute wounds especially during diabetes mellitus and thus support the hypothesis that the oxidative stress, apoptosis, connexins and other molecules involved in the regulation of chronic wound healing in diabetes mellitus and gives proper understanding of the mechanisms controlling apoptosis and tissue repair during diabetes and may eventually develop therapeutic modalities to fasten the healing process in diabetic patients.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Projects(2019YFE0103800)Sichuan Science and Technology Program(2021ZHFP0045,2021YFN0092)+2 种基金International Research and Development Program of Sichuan(2019YFH0113,2021YFH0060,2021YFH0072)Chinese Hungarian Bilateral Project(2018-2.1.14-TÉT-CN-2018-00011,Chinese No.8-4)Food Fermentation Technology Research Team of Luzhou Vocational and Technical College(2021YJTD02).
文摘The increased global incidence of chronic metabolic diseases,a vital threat to human health and a burden on our healthcare systems,includes a series of clinical metabolic syndromes such as obesity,diabetes,hypertension,and dyslipidemia.One of the well-known probiotic microorganisms,Lactiplantibacillus plantarum plays an important role in promoting human health,including inhibiting the occurrence and development of a variety of chronic metabolic diseases.The present study provides an overview of the preventive and therapeutic effects of L.plantarum on diabetes,obesity,non-alcoholic fatty liver disease,kidney stone disease,and cardiovascular diseases in animal models and human clinical trials.Ingesting L.plantarum demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress levels by regulating the production of cytokines and short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),the activity of antioxidant enzymes,and the balance of intestinal microbial communities to alleviate the symptoms of chronic metabolic diseases.Furthermore,updated applications and technologies of L.plantarum in food and biopharmaceutical industries are also discussed.Understanding the characteristics and functions of L.plantarum will guide the development of related probiotic products and explore the modulatory benefit of L.plantarum supplementations on the prevention and treatment of multiple chronic metabolic diseases.
文摘Nasal application of benzodiazepines might be an alternative to intravenous administration in acute clinical situations such as seizures emergencies. However, irritation and pain as well as symptoms like teary eyes, dizziness, discomfort, nasal drainage and bad taste usually accompany subject received midazolam and diazepam via the nasal route. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of a new alcohol-free microemulsion system as a carrier for diazepam or midazolam given intranasally. Midazolam (base) or diazepam was solubilized in the microemulsion to obtain a high drug concentration of 25 mg/g (2.5% by weight), to provide 2.5 mg drug in 100 μl spray (d ≈ 1.00 g/ml). The nasal absorption of both drugs from the same microemulsion formulation (containing 20% aqueous phase) was found to be fairly rapid after administration of 0.4 mg/kg to rabbits. The absolute bioavailability of diazepam after intranasal administration using this formulation was 33.45% ± 12.36% and the tmax was 18.33 ± 23.09 min, which was twice longer than the tmax obtained after midazolam administration, 9.25 ± 6.75 min. The pharmacokinetic parameters of midazolam in W/O (20% water) microemulsion and their comparison with midazolam in O/W (50% water) microemulsion have shown that both formulations resulted in a relatively short time to reach the peak plasma level (tmax), that is, 9.25 ± 6.75 min and 6.75 ± 5.67 min, respectively. However, the peak plasma levels (Cmax) and the absolute bioavailability (FA) of midazolam were significantly higher after administration of the W/O formulation than those obtained after application of O/W formulation, i.e., 46.62 ± 17.38 μg/ml vs. 15.44 ± 4.00 μg/ml, and 35.19% ± 11.83% vs. 19.83% ± 16.32%, respectively. Our results suggest that the new microemulsion system may be useful for getting rapid-onset of midazolam and diazepam following intranasal administration, resulting in reasonable peak plasma levels and bioavailability, but most importantly, providing a high measure of tolerability and comfort.
文摘Background: Cancer immunotherapy treatments enhance the cancer treatment approach. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyteratio (NLR) has been associated with cancer prognosis, affecting progression, chemosensitivity, radiosensitivity and toxicity. Patients and Methods: Ten patients (nine males, one female), aged 68 ± 10 years, were included in this study. Six patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the lungs and two had adenocarcinoma of the lungs. One patient suffered from limb soft tissue sarcoma and one had renal cell carcinoma. All patients had metastatic disease and were pretreated with chemotherapy or biologic agents. The rationale of testing NLR was to compare it to the clinical response of the patients assessed by RECIST criteria using computerized tomography (CT) scans. Results: In regression analysis, older patients were found to respond better to immunotherapy treatment than younger patients. NLR was 4.26 ± 2.25 (p 0.01) in the older patients group and 2.84 ± 0.90 (p 0.01) in the younger patients group. No difference in response according to tumor type (p = 0.479) was observed. Conclusion: We provide preliminary evidence demonstrating that low NLR helps in understanding the value of the underlying immune system in expecting a good outcome to immune treatment. The NLR is a simple and available biomarker, easy to apply in clinical practice.
文摘Objective: Unilateral mimicking bilateral benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (umb-BPPV) was attributed to inappropriate head positioning during testing of the posterior canal. Despite its inclusion in theDiagnostic criteria for the classification of vestibular disorders of the Barany Society, the clinical characteristics and treatment responsiveness of this BPPV subtype have not been intensively studied.Methods: Records of patients with BPPV seen at a single outpatient dizziness clinic during the years 2000e2020 were reviewed. Eighty seven patients with umb-BPPV and 86 random patients with posteriorcanal BPPV (p-BPPV) were retrieved. Their demographics and BPPV characteristics were analyzed.Results: Patients' and BPPV characteristics were similar in umb- and p-BPPV except for the prevalence ofmales in the umb-BPPV group. No differences were found between treatment responsiveness and recurrences in both groups. The recurrence rate of umb-BPPV was not influenced by age, gender, BPPV side,duration of symptoms or treatment responsiveness during the first attack.Conclusions: In accordance with our hypothesis about mixed canalo- and cupulolithiasis as the underlying mechanism of umb-BPPV, patients did not differ in characteristics and treatment responsivenessfrom p-BPPV patients. Recognition of umb-BPPV is important since inappropriate treatment can cause anunnecessary delay in therapy success.
文摘There are many studies on Italian and Jewish immigration in the United States, mainly based on socio-demographic statistics, the theme of exile, Fascist anti-Semitism or ethnic conflicts. Many of these researches focus primarily on Jewish or Italians, but rarely address at Italian Jews as a whole, and, in their relation with Italian American and Jews. One of the reasons of this paucity of studies, might be the little number of Italian Jews who immigrated to the United States, especially in New York in the 1930s and 1940s, that drove several scholars not to pay really attention to this tiny group in ignoring their presence. Thus, this article aims to investigate through some memoirs, interviews and autobiographies the life of Italian Jews who were living in New York and the Metropolitan area during and after War World II, with particular emphasis to those who were born there in these years and their formation of an American identity. This essay will also clarify an Italian Jewish identity--which made Italian the role of memory and ＂nostalgia＂ in an Italian identity--above all Jews a unique group and a minority within a minority.
文摘Let P（z） and P（z） be polynomials of the same degree. We consider the equations u＂ = P（z）u and u＂ = P（z）u （z ∈ C） whose solutions are u（z） and u（z）, respectively. Let Zk（U） and zk（u）, k = 1, 2,..., be the zeros of u（z） and u（z）, respectively. We derive bounds for the quantity sup j inf k｜1/zk（u）-1/zj（u）｜
文摘The “science of prevention” approach has advanced research in the realm of drug abuse. Emphasis, however, was clearly accorded to risk factors rather than to uncovering protective factors. In the 1980s, Antonovsky proposed a new paradigm—salutogenesis—which provided a different theoretical and practical basis for constructing and evaluating prevention programs. According to the salutogenic model, prevention programs should relate to the extent that these protective factors advance youths—as well as the systems in which they live—towards promoting comprehensibility, manageability, and meaningfulness. The paper describes salutogenic directed programs and research, and discusses the contribution of the theory to advancement of both practice and research in the area of drug abuse.
文摘Skin cancer, including both melanoma and non-melanoma, is the most common type of malignancy, which causes substantial morbidities and mortalities. Although the significant increase in the understanding of skin cancer formation and the development of novel personalized drug regimens have occurred, new treatment options are always of need. The use of natural compounds to alleviate the symptoms or even to prevent and treat cancer has long been proposed. Specifically, the use of marine-based organisms as a source for cancer cure and remedy is being evaluated extensively. The objective of the current study was to assess the ability of the green microalgae Dunaliella salina, the Dead-Sea-derived Haloferax volcanii, and its combinations to treat skin cancer in vitro. The results demonstrate the Dunaliella and Haloferax can reduce sarcoma and basal cell carcinoma cellular growth. Importantly, their combination acts synergistically in a caspase-3 independent manner. Moreover, a synergistic action was found when evaluated sarcoma cell invasion rate, which was completely blocked at pharmacological relevant amounts of the compounds. Collectively, the results demonstrate that the combination of Haloferax volcanii and Dunaliella salina can be used as a new treatment for skin cancer. The specific mechanism of action and further in vivo validation studies are of need.
基金Supported by The United States-Israel Binational Science Foundationthe Israel Science Foundation administered by the Israel Academy of Science and Humanities,in partIsakov N holds the Joseph H Krupp Chair in Cancer Immunobiology
文摘The 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded jointly to Sir John B Gurdon and Shinya Ya-manaka “for the discovery that mature cells can be re-programmed to become pluripotent”. Professor John B Gordon who pioneered the feld of somatic cell nuclear transfer was the frst to show that a nucleus of a ma-ture cell can be transplanted into an enucleated egg and give rise to a living organism. His pioneering “clon-ing” technique paved the way for genome reprogram-ming and has led to subsequent cloning of differentani-mal species. Professor Shinya Yamanaka revolutionized the fled of stem cell production by showing that the introduction of four selected genes into cells transform them into induced pluripotent stem cells that resemble embryonic stem cells and serve as promising cells for future regenerative medicine.
文摘In 2006 anew biology curriculum called “Human Biology: Emphasizing the Role of Homeostasis” was introduced into the Israeli high school system. Complex systems like those that make up the human body have become increasingly important as a focus of high school education. This study examines the effectiveness of the concept map as a assessment tool for students’ systems thinking, a tool that provides researchers with a detailed picture of the systems thinking development taking place within individual students. The content of the students’ concept maps was translated into information about students’ system thinking using the Systems Thinking Hierarchy (STH) model, a model in which system thinking is categorized according to eight hierarchical characteristics or abilities. The goal was to use the maps to characterize Israeli high school students’ understanding of the body’s systemic nature. To do this, we identified the extent to which the students understand three central elements of systems, namely hierarchy, homeostasis, and dynamism, and then analyzed this understanding according to its place within the hierarchical stages of the STH model. The extensive qualitative data analysis of 48 concept maps made by 11th grade biology majors suggest that the strength of the concept map is in its ability to describe the first two levels of system thinking (analysis and synthesis). However, it proved less successful in eliciting evidence of the third and highest level, particularly of students’ understanding of patterns, of homeostasis and their capacity for temporal thinking.
文摘Immobilization of active molecules by attachment onto solid surfaces is a well-established practice in many processes and applications. Silica micro- and nano-particles are attractive candidates as support for active molecules as a result of a combination of desirable properties. The present study deals with grafting of a functional UV active molecule onto silica surfaces via hydrosilylation reactions using multivalent organosilicon spacers. Different types of organosilicon precursors based on dimethylsiloxysilanes containing multiple SiH groups were used as spacers between vinyl-modified silica surface and the benzotriazole UV-absorber (UVA). Firstly, the surface of silica was modified with vinyltrimetoxsisilane coupling agent. The UVA molecules were attached to the silica-vinyl by a two-step procedure involving hydrosilylation reaction. The successful grafting was confirmed by FTIR, TGA and UV-Vis characterization. More than fivefold increase in UVA loading was found for the MH30 multifunctional spacer, which contains approximately 75 SiH groups per molecule, when compared to a four-functional spacer. Furthermore a branched, bulky six-functional spacer is preferred over a linear spacer of the same functionality. UV activity of functionalized silica was studied by UV-Vis spectroscopy, indicating that the immobilization of UVA onto silica surface has not altered its UV absorbance properties.
基金supported by National Natural Sciences Foundation of China(31671511 and 31971907)the SJTU JiRLMDS Joint Research Fund(MDS-JF-2019B02)the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities(111 Project,B14016).
文摘Arabidopsis sepals coordinate flower opening in the morning as ambient temperature rises;however,the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Mutation of one heat shock proteinencoding gene, HSP70-16, impaired sepal heat stress responses (HSR), disrupting lipid metabolism,especially sepal cuticular lipids, leading to abnormal flower opening. To further explore, to what extent,lipids play roles in this process, in this study, we compared lipidomic changes in sepals of hsp70-16 andvdac3 (mutant of a voltage-dependent anion channel, VDAC3, an HSP70-16 interactor) grown underboth normal (22 C) and mild heat stress (27 C, mild HS) temperatures. Under normal temperature,neither hsp70-16 nor vdac3 sepals showed significant changes in total lipids;however, vdac3 but nothsp70-16 sepals exhibited significant reductions in the ratios of all detected 11 lipid classes, except themonogalactosyldiacylglycerols (MGDGs). Under mild HS temperature, hsp70-16 but not vdac3 sepalsshowed dramatic reduction in total lipids. In addition, vdac3 sepals exhibited a significant accumulationof plastidic lipids, especially sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerols (SQDGs) and phosphatidylglycerols (PGs),whereas hsp70-16 sepals had a significant accumulation of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and simultaneousdramatic reductions in SQDGs and phospholipids (PLs), such as phosphatidylcholines (PCs), phosphatidylethanolamines (PEs), and phosphatidylserines (PSs). These findings revealed that the impact ofmild HS on sepal lipidome is influenced by genetic factors, and further, that HSP70-16 and VDAC3differently affect sepal lipidomic responses to mild HS. Our studies provide a lipidomic insight intofunctions of HSP and VDAC proteins in the plant’s HSR, in the context of floral development.
文摘Today,the discussion about colonizing different planets has shifted from the"IF"mode to the"WHEN"mode,and the substantial large group of humans living for a long time in an isolated,hostile,and enclosed environment is about to become a reality.Thus,the space-related healthcare methodologies should shift as well from a small number of selected persons to much more extensive groups with much less health homogeneity.Moreover,the development of human colonies,first on the Moon and later on Mars,will be a game changer in allthat we know and use to see in space travel and eventually in space health.Humans will leave Earth but will carry human society's health patterns,adjusted to the environment.The foundation for space epidemiology modeling can be set today and should attract the attention of the epidemiological and space research communities.
基金funded by the Science and Engineering Research Board(SERB),Govt.of India,vide project sanction no:EEQ/2021/000372.
文摘Silver nanoparticles are among the most widely researched and used for nanotechnology-derived structures due to their extraordinary inherent optical properties,chemical stability,catalytic activity,and high conductivity.These idiosyncratic properties can be attributed to their unique physico-chemical characteristics,such as ultrafine sizes,high surface area,diverse shapes,and strong localized surface plasmon resonance.These distinctive features can be tailored using various physical,chemical,and biological synthesis methods.Various physical techniques are viable for producing silver nanoparticles on a large scale,but they suffer from drawbacks such as high-power con-sumption,expensive set-up,and limited control over nanoparticle size distribution.Chemical methods provide benefits like high yield,consistent shape and size distribution,and cost efficiency,but the residual toxicity of the chemicals involved hinders their biological applications.Biological synthesis approaches effectively overcome the limitations of both physical and chemical methods by eliminating the need for hazardous chemicals,requiring less energy,enabling diverse nanoparticle morphologies,and offering eco-friendliness and exceptional biocom-patibility.The novel and promising properties of nanosilver-based biomaterials have been demonstrated to be suitable for a wide range of pharmacological and therapeutic biomedical applications.Their extensive application in wound healing,dentistry,cardiovascular disease treatment,nerve tissue engineering,cancer treatment,and biosensing can be attributed to their inherent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity,antithrombotic properties,potential for nerve regeneration,photothermal conversion efficiency and sensitivity,respectively.This review discusses the different methods employed for synthesising silver nanoparticles and focuses on using nanosilver-based biomaterials for various biomedical applications.
基金Supported by UGC-Non net plan(Grant No.No:co/Tara/UGC-Non-Net/UGC-XII Plan/Pharamacology&ET/2014/706 dated 28th march2014)
文摘Polycyclie aromatic hydrocarbons(PAHs) are a group of compounds consisting of two or more fused aromatic rings.Most of them are formed during incomplete combustion of organic materials such as wood and fossil fuels,petroleum products,and coal.The composition of PAH mixtures varies with the source and is also affected by selective weathering effects in the environment.PAHs are ubiquitous pollutants frequently found in a variety of environments such as fresh water and marine sediments,the atmosphere,and ice.Due to their widespread distribution,the environmental pollution due to PAHs has aroused global concern.Many PAHs and their epoxides are highly toxic,mutagenic and/or carcinogenic to microorganisms as well as to higher forms of life including humans.The main aim of this review is to provide contemporary information on PAH sources,route of exposure,worldwide emission rate,and adverse effects on humans,especially with reference to cancer.
文摘Erdheim-Chester disease(ECD) is a rare inflammatory syndrome in which systemic infiltration of non-Langerhans cell histiocytes occurs in different sites. Both the etiology and pathophysiology of ECD are unknown, but CD68 positive CD 1a/S100 negative cells are characteristic. The presentation of ECD differs according to the involved organs. This case report describes a patient with ECD and the gastrointestinal manifestations and unique endoscopic appearance as seen in gastroscopy and colonoscopy with histological proof of histiocyte infiltration of the lamina propria. The clinical and endoscopic findings of this unique case, to our knowledge, were never described before, so were the features of the gastrointestinal involvement in this disease.
基金We are grateful to Dr.Natalya Froumin(XPS),Dr.Yanna Milionshi(TGA),Dr.Jurgen Jopp(AFM),Dr.Igor Mokmanov for assistance with GC-MS experiments and Mrs.Galia Strinkovski for mentoring.
文摘Continuous,real-time monitoring and identification of bacteria through detection of microbially emitted volatile molecules are highly sought albeit elusive goals.We introduce an artificial nose for sensing and distinguishing vapor molecules,based upon recording the capacitance of interdigitated electrodes(IDEs)coated with carbon dots(C-dots)exhibiting different polarities.Exposure of the C-dot-IDEs to volatile molecules induced rapid capacitance changes that were intimately dependent upon the polarities of both gas molecules and the electrode-deposited C-dots.We deciphered the mechanism of capacitance transformations,specifically substitution of electrode-adsorbed water by gas molecules,with concomitant changes in capacitance related to both the polarity and dielectric constants of the vapor molecules tested.The C-dot-IDE gas sensor exhibited excellent selectivity,aided by application of machine learning algorithms.The capacitive C-dot-IDE sensor was employed to continuously monitor microbial proliferation,discriminating among bacteria through detection of distinctive“volatile compound fingerprint”for each bacterial species.The C-dot-IDE platform is robust,reusable,readily assembled from inexpensive building blocks and constitutes a versatile and powerful vehicle for gas sensing in general,bacterial monitoring in particular.
