Interferon-γ (IFNγ) is the pivotal mediator in murine models of primary haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH). Given the similarities between primary and secondary HLH (sec-HLH), including ...macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), we investigate the involvement of the IFNγ pathway in MAS by evaluating levels of IFNγ and of the induced chemokines, and their relation with laboratory parameters of MAS in systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) patients with MAS and in a murine MAS model.
The Luminex multiplexing assay was used to assess serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IFNγ and of the IFNγ-induced chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11 in patients with sec-HLH (n=11) and in patients with sJIA (n=54), of whom 20 had active MAS at sampling. Expression of IFNγ-induced chemokines was assessed in IL-6 transgenic mice in which MAS is induced by TLR4 stimulation with lipopolysaccharide.
Levels of IFNγ and of IFNγ-induced chemokines were markedly elevated during active MAS and sec-HLH and were significantly higher in patients with MAS compared with active sJIA without MAS. Levels in patients with active sJIA without MAS were comparable to those of patients with clinically inactive sJIA. During MAS, ferritin and alanine transferase levels and neutrophil and platelet counts were significantly correlated with serum levels of IFNγ and CXCL9. In murine MAS, serum levels of ferritin were significantly correlated with mRNA levels of Cxcl9 in liver and spleen.
The high levels of IFNγ and of IFNγ-induced chemokines and their correlation with the severity of laboratory abnormalities of MAS suggest a pivotal role of IFNγ in MAS.
Abstract
Thanks to ground-based infrared and submillimeter observations the study of the dusty torus of nearby active galactic nuclei has greatly advanced in the last years. With the aim of further ...investigating the nuclear mid-infrared emission of the archetypal Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 1068, here we present a fitting to the
N
- and
Q
-band Michelle/Gemini spectra. We initially test several available spectral energy distribution (SED) libraries, including smooth, clumpy and two-phase torus models, and a clumpy disk+wind model. We find that the spectra of NGC 1068 cannot be reproduced with any of these models. Although, the smooth torus models describe the spectra of NGC 1068 if we allow variation of some model parameters among the two spectral bands. Motivated by this result, we produced new SEDs using the radiative transfer code
SKIRT
. We use two concentric tori that allow us to test a more complex geometry. We test different values for the inner and outer radii, half-opening angle, radial, and polar exponent of the power-law density profile, opacity, and viewing angle. Furthermore, we also test the dust grains’ size and different optical and calorimetric properties of silicate grains. The best-fitting model consists of two concentric components with outer radii of 1.8 and 28 pc, respectively. We find that the size and the optical and calorimetric properties of graphite and silicate grains in the dust structure are key to reproducing the spectra of NGC 1068. A maximum grain size of 1
μ
m leads to a significant improvement in the fit. We conclude that the dust in NGC 1068 reaches different scales, where the highest contribution to the mid-infrared is given by a central and compact component. A less dense and extended component is present, which can be either part of the same torus (conforming a flared disk) or can represent the emission of a polar dust component, as already suggested from interferometric observations.
The Global Color of Pluto from New Horizons Olkin, Catherine B.; Spencer, John R.; Grundy, William M. ...
The Astronomical journal,
12/2017, Letnik:
154, Številka:
6
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
The New Horizons flyby provided the first high-resolution color maps of Pluto. We present here, for the first time, an analysis of the color of the entire sunlit surface of Pluto and the first ...quantitative analysis of color and elevation on the encounter hemisphere. These maps show the color variation across the surface from the very red terrain in the equatorial region, to the more neutral colors of the volatile ices in Sputnik Planitia, the blue terrain of East Tombaugh Regio, and the yellow hue on Pluto's North Pole. There are two distinct color mixing lines in the color-color diagrams derived from images of Pluto. Both mixing lines have an apparent starting point in common: the relatively neutral-color volatile-ice covered terrain. One line extends to the dark red terrain exemplified by Cthulhu Regio and the other extends to the yellow hue in the northern latitudes. There is a latitudinal dependence of the predominant color mixing line with the most red terrain located near the equator, less red distributed at mid-latitudes and more neutral terrain at the North Pole. This is consistent with the seasonal cycle controlling the distribution of colors on Pluto. Additionally, the red color is consistent with tholins. The yellow terrain (in the false color images) located at the northern latitudes occurs at higher elevations.
The lack of academic agreement in the practical or clinical use of declarative knowledge can generate unnecessary confusion and miscommunication. The concept Centric Occlusion (CO) is part of the ...body of declarative knowledge in dentistry, but its definition remains unclear.
To ascertain the CO concept in articles published in dental journals as a study case for the dentistry "corpus" of declarative knowledge.
The alternative definitions of CO used by the GPT (Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms) from 1956-1977, 'CO as a synonym for maximum intercuspal contact (MIC)', or by the GPT from 1987-2017, 'CO may or may not coincide with MIC', were searched in the articles. The association between the CO definition used and variables such as article aims, journal scope and authors specialty was assessed.
Eight hundred and twelve articles were analysed. The widespread use of CO as synonym of MIC was the main finding and was significantly associated to the Orthodontics field. The CO definition according to the GPT 1987-2017 was less frequently observed but appeared in all dentistry fields, showing a significant association with the Oral Rehabilitation field. The difficulty of incorporating the current definition of CO (by GPT) into the main clinical discussions was evidenced all the long of the review process.
The lack of consensus in the concept use was confirmed by the present study case, showing the influence of specific fields in Oral Health declarative knowledge. This methodology can provide a tool to the academy to assess controversial terms or concepts in Oral Health education, thus facilitating the critical and reflexive learning by students.
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•Conservation BC programs require confirmation of predator sources.•We optimize a DNA mark-capture procedure to confirm the dispersal of predators.•Orius laevigatus was marked for 6 ...days in the laboratory and in semi-field conditions.•In the field, 32 predators were marked on sticky traps placed between crops.•Such DNA mark-recaptured procedure has the potential to tag insect source habitats.
Implementation of landscape approaches to conservation biological control programs requires the confirmation of putative sources that contribute to predator colonization of crops. This study aims to confirm predator dispersal from an alfalfa field to a neighboring peach orchard with a DNA mark-capture procedure based on a topical application of a solution of grinded brine shrimp cysts, Artemia spp. (Anostraca: Artemiidae), followed by a conventional PCR.
To optimize the marking procedure, a well-known predator present in orchards as well as in arable crops, Orius laevigatus (Fieber) (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae), was used as a model in this study. In greenhouse trials, the acquisition and the retention time of the Artemia markings were determined, either directly by spraying them with the Artemia solution or indirectly via residual contact on caged plants after the spray. The topical mark remained detectable on O. laevigatus after 6 days, and 50% of the tested predators were positive 3 days after walking on the sprayed plants.
After that, a 25m2 strip of an alfalfa crop neighboring to a peach orchard was sprayed with the Artemia solution just after the alfalfa cuts, and several common predator species were collected using sticky traps placed between both crops. After PCR analysis with the Artemia specific primers, 32% of the analyzed predators (coccinellids, anthocorids, chrysopids, and mirids) showed the mark. The results of this study confirm the usefulness of this marking method to monitor dispersal of biological control agents between neighboring crops, in this case alfalfa and peach.
Dental implant success is threatened by peri-implantitis, an inflammation leading to implant failure. Conventional treatments struggle with the intricate microbial and host factors involved. ...Antibacterial membranes, acting as barriers and delivering antimicrobials, may offer a promising solution. Thus, this study highlights the potential of developing antibacterial membranes of poly-3-hydroxybutyrate and silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) to address peri-implantitis challenges, discussing design and efficacy against potential pathogens.
Electrospun membranes composed of PHB microfibers and Ag Nps were synthesized in a blend of DMF/chloroform at three different concentrations. Various studies were conducted on the characterization and antimicrobial activity of the membranes. The synthesized Ag Nps ranged from 4 to 8 nm in size. Furthermore, Young's modulus decreased, reducing from 13.308 MPa in PHB membranes without Ag Nps to 0.983 MPa in PHB membranes containing higher concentrations of Ag Nps. This demonstrates that adding Ag Nps results in a less stiff membrane. An increase in elongation at break was noted with the rise in Ag Nps concentration, from 23.597 % in PHB membranes to 60.136 % in PHB membranes loaded with Ag Nps.
The antibiotic and antibiofilm activity of the membranes were evaluated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans. The results indicated that all PHB membranes containing Ag Nps exhibited potent antibacterial activity by inhibiting the growth of biofilms and planktonic bacteria. However, inhibition of C. albicans occurred only with the PHB-Ag Nps C membrane.
These findings emphasize the versatility and potential of Ag Nps-incorporated membranes as a multifunctional approach for preventing and addressing microbial infections associated with peri-implantitis. The combination of antibacterial and antibiofilm properties in these membranes holds promise for improving the management and treatment of peri-implantitis-related complications.
•The study involved synthesizing silver nanoparticles (Ag Nps) into the Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) solution.•PHB solution containing silver nanoparticles was electrospun to develop scaffolds for tissue regeneration.•The antimicrobial activity of the PHB/Ag Nps scaffolds was evaluated over four different microorganisms.•The scaffolds loaded with Ag Nps showed a strong antibacterial activity over the different strains evaluated•Notably, inhibiting the growth of C. albicans required higher concentrations of Ag Nps loaded in scaffolds than the bacteria.
Abstract Background and Aims Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) is a rare cause of glomerulonephritis and clinical presentation can be diverse. Despite recent ...developments in immunosuppressive treatments, AAV with renal involvement is still associated with poor renal prognosis and a high risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Kidney biopsy confirms the diagnosis, details the degree of active inflammation and chronicity of disease, also informing of renal prognosis. Berden histological classification categorizes renal histological findings into four classes but the ability to accurately predict renal outcomes varies among studied cohorts. In 2018 Brix et al developed and validated a new risk score, ANCA Renal Risk Score (ARRS), to determine renal outcomes based on histopathological and clinical indicators, with accurate ESRD prediction at 36 months. This study aims to assess the predictive value of ARRS in renal survival on a Portuguese cohort with newly diagnosed AAV with kidney involvement. Method We designed a retrospective study examining ANCA vasculitis in native kidney biopsies evaluated in a Portuguese kidney histomorphology-dedicated center between 2004 and 2023. Data collected from biopsies included percentage of normal glomeruli (PNG) and interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IFTA). Clinical and demographical data was also collected, including age, sex, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at presentation, date of diagnosis, ESRD and date of death. We calculated ARRS based on eGFR, PNG and IFTA, and patients were classified as being at low, intermediate and high risk of developing ESRD by 36 months. Primary endpoint was established as difference in kidney survival at 36 months. Secondary endpoint included difference in overall survival at 36 months and the contribution of each of the ARRS parameters in a Cox regression model. Results A total of 143 patients were obtained, 46.2% female, with a mean age at diagnosis of 67.1 years. There was a predominancy of MPO-related disease (77.2%) and 69% presented with rapidly progressive renal insufficiency. Median ARRS was 6.5, with 10.8%, 44.3% and 44.9% classified as low, intermediate, and high risk, respectively. Kaplan Meier estimates for renal survival computed at 36 months revealed an overall mean time to dialysis of 20 months, which decreased with an increase in risk category 33.4 (low risk), 24.7 (intermediate risk), 12.7 months (high risk), Log-R test: χ2(2) = 24.9, p < 0.001 with an ESRD survival of 92.9%, 63.6% and 29.7% at 36 months, respectively. Regarding secondary endpoints, overall survival at 36 months was not different between groups 33.7 (low risk) vs. 33.2 (intermediate risk) vs. 32.2 months (high risk), Log-R test: χ2(2) = 0.3, p = 0.9. Cox regression, plotted for ESRD at 36 months using the three score variables, revealed eGFR at presentation as the strongest predictor of kidney survival (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93-0.99, p = 0.004) whereas PNG and IFTA did not achieve significance (p = 0.189 and p = 0.066, respectively). Conclusion Our results corroborate Brix et al ARRS, accurately predicting ESRD in a Portuguese cohort of patients with renal involvement by ANCA vasculitis. Patients assessed as high-risk of developing ESRD had a lower mean time to dialysis, although overall survival did not differ between groups. Contrary to Brix et al findings, which revealed PGN as the only independent predictor of ESRD, in our study lower eGFR at the time of diagnosis was an independent risk factor. Type of immunosuppression used in each patient was not considered in this study and could maybe alter results of renal and overall survival. Despite this, Brix et al reported that, in their population, validity of ARRS was not influenced by immunosuppressive treatment. This new scoring system still requires validation in a larger cohort, but results seem promising and, in the future, may aid clinicians with treatment decisions. This is relevant since full immunosuppression induction schemes may be halted in patients with high probability of ESRD, diminishing infectious complications and potentially decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with AAV.
Scope
Phenolic compounds are bioactive molecules that are associated with several health benefits. Metabolization and absorption are the main determinants of their bioavailability and bioactivity. ...Thus, the study of the factors that modulate these processes, such as sex or diet is essential. Recently, it has been shown that biological rhythms may also play a key role. Hence, the aim of this study is to evaluate if the bioavailability of a grape proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) is affected by the administration time in an animal model of metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Methods and Results
Female and male Fischer 344 rats are fed either a standard or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 9 weeks, and an oral dose of GSPE (25 mg kg−1) is daily administered either at 8:00 am (zeitgeber time (ZT)‐0) or at 8:00 pm (ZT‐12) during the last 4 weeks. Plasma phenolic compounds are then quantified by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS). Phase‐II and gut microbiota‐derived phenolic metabolites are affected by ZT in all conditions or only in obese rats, respectively. CAF feeding affected the bioavailability of phenolic acids and free flavan‐3‐ols. Differences due to sex are also observed.
Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that ZT, diet, and sex are key factors influencing phenolic compounds bioavailability.
The administration or zeitgeber time (ZT) of a grape proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) strongly influences Phase‐II phenolic metabolites bioavailability in female and male Fischer 344 rats, fed either a standard or a cafeteria diet (CAF). Gut microbiota‐derived phenolic metabolites were affected by ZT only in CAF‐fed rats, and by sex. Finally, CAF feeding affected the bioavailability of phenolic acids and flavan‐3‐ols.
This paper reports on two cases of laparoscopic nephrotomy employed in the treatment of canine dioctophymosis, which is considered a unusual procedure and a new treatment proposal heretofore not ...performed in veterinary medicine. Two patients were treated, one with a history of hematuria and the other with incidental finding of the parasite in the abdominal cavity during elective ovariohysterectomy. Both dogs were subjected to abdominal ultrasound, which produced images indicating the presence of the parasite in the right side kidney, but with partial parenchymal preservation. The patients were therefore subjected to laparoscopic nephrotomy. The surgical procedure was effective in treating dioctophymosis and enabled minimum tissue invasion during surgery, in addition to preservation of the kidney.
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