Alpha Form Research Articles

Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Chitin from Galeodes araneoides (Pallas, 1772) (Arachnida: Solifugae)

: Chitin is a biomaterial which has a high potential of use in many areas of technology. It is found as a structural material in the outer skeletons of arthropods, the cell walls of mushrooms, and the shells of marine invertebrates. Chitin is the most abundant biopolymer in nature after cellulose and contains nitrogen in its structure. In recent years, apart from traditional chitin sources, insects, arachnids, coral/crustacean eggs and even bat guano have been reported as alternative chitin sources. In this study, chitin was first extracted from external skeleton of a solifugids species, Galeodes araneoides (Pallas, 1772) and the isolated chitin was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and TGA. The obtained chitin has been found to have high thermal stability, nanofiber and nanoporous surface, and alpha form and it is suggested that it can be an alternative chitin source.

A case-matched study of imatinib mesylate between different formulations on plasma trough concentration, adverse events, quality of life and outcomes in gastrointestinal stromal tumor patients.

Genike, the imatinib (IM)-alpha form is widely used in the treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients in China. We wanted to investigate whether there are differences in IM plasma concentrations, adverse events, health-related quality of life (QOL) and outcomes between patients treated with Genike and Glivec. Thirty included GIST patients receiving IM treatment were matched to either Genike or Glivec according to gastrectomy, body weight, body surface area and sex. There was no statistically significant difference in IM trough plasma levels between the two groups. There were no significant differences in very common adverse events of IM between the Genike and Glivec groups. IM was well tolerated, although it was associated with a significant change in cognitive function (P < 0.001), fatigue (P = 0.015), pain (P = 0.015), nausea/vomiting (P = 0.029), insomnia (P = 0.019), diarrhea (P = 0.003) and financial difficulties (P < 0.001). Physical functioning, financial burden and insomnia were significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.026). Until Aug. 2022, there was no significant difference in time to imatinib treatment failure (TTF) between the two groups. In conclusion, there was no difference in IM plasma concentration and adverse events between Genike and Glivec. Both Genike and Glivec could partially decrease the QOL of GIST patients. Physical functioning was worse in Genike group than in Glivec group, while the economic burden and symptoms of insomnia in Glivec patients were worse. There was no significant difference in TTF between the two groups.

Health Effects of Ionizing Radiation on the Human Body.

Radioactivity is a process in which the nuclei of unstable atoms spontaneously decay, producing other nuclei and releasing energy in the form of ionizing radiation in the form of alpha (α) and beta (β) particles as well as the emission of gamma (γ) electromagnetic waves. People may be exposed to radiation in various forms, as casualties of nuclear accidents, workers in power plants, or while working and using different radiation sources in medicine and health care. Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) occurs in subjects exposed to a very high dose of radiation in a very short period of time. Each form of radiation has a unique pathophysiological effect. Unfortunately, higher organisms-human beings-in the course of evolution have not acquired receptors for the direct "capture" of radiation energy, which is transferred at the level of DNA, cells, tissues, and organs. Radiation in biological systems depends on the amount of absorbed energy and its spatial distribution, particularly depending on the linear energy transfer (LET). Photon radiation with low LET leads to homogeneous energy deposition in the entire tissue volume. On the other hand, radiation with a high LET produces a fast Bragg peak, which generates a low input dose, whereby the penetration depth into the tissue increases with the radiation energy. The consequences are mutations, apoptosis, the development of cancer, and cell death. The most sensitive cells are those that divide intensively-bone marrow cells, digestive tract cells, reproductive cells, and skin cells. The health care system and the public should raise awareness of the consequences of ionizing radiation. Therefore, our aim is to identify the consequences of ARS taking into account radiation damage to the respiratory system, nervous system, hematopoietic system, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.

Influence of water and trehalose on α- and β-relaxation of freeze-dried lysozyme formulations

Molecular mobility in form of alpha and beta relaxations is considered crucial for characterization of amorphous lyophilizates and reflected in the transition temperatures Tgα and Tgβ. Based on an overview of applied methods to study beta relaxations, Dynamic Mechanical analysis was used to measure Tgα and Tgβ in amorphous freeze-dried samples. Lysozyme and trehalose as well as their mixtures in varying ratios were investigated. Three different residual moisture levels, ranging from roughly 0.5–7 % (w/w), were prepared via equilibration of the freeze-dried samples. Known plasticising effects of water on Tgα were confirmed, also via differential scanning calorimetry. In addition and contrary to expectations, an influence of water on the Tgβ also was observed. On the other hand, an increasing amount of trehalose lowered Tgα but increased Tgβ showing that Tgα and Tgβ are not paired. The findings were interpreted with regard to their underlying molecular mechanisms and a correlation with the known influences of water and trehalose on stability. The results provide encouraging hints for future stability studies of freeze-dried protein formulations, which are urgently needed, not least for reasons of sustainability.

APP96-110 Elicits Neuroprotective Effects Following Ischemic Insult in Animal Models.

Competitive amyloidogenic pathways play an important role in many neurological diseases such as the onset of various degenerative diseases and ischemic stroke. Overexpression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and amyloid-beta is modulated via the amyloidogenic pathway, which plays a crucial role in neuroinflammation. During ischemic conditions, the activity of the anti-inflammatory non-amyloidogenic pathway decreases, thus increasing the activity of amyloidogenic pathway. The soluble alpha form of APP (sAPPα), formed via the non-amyloidogenic pathway, exhibits neuroprotective effects against neurological diseases. sAPPα is thought to have a modulatory effect on several cell survival pathways, including its ability to inhibit the phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) pathway, thereby inhibiting the inflammatory response. The APP derivative, APP96-110, could act as a functional substitute for native sAPPα. Herein, we investigated whether APP96-110 has neuroprotective effects against neuroinflammation and damage following cerebral ischemic stroke. Treatment with diluted APP96-110 (0.005mg/kg) in mice after 30min of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) showed improved motor function and reduced expression of the inflammatory marker CD86. APP96-110 decreased the infarct size and induced an anti-inflammatory response by inhibiting the PI3K pathway. These results suggest that the treatment of APP96-110 is efficacious in reducing neuroinflammation and infarct size in ischemic stroke.

Alpinumisoflavone ameliorates choroidal neovascularisation and fibrosis in age-related macular degeneration in in vitro and in vivo models

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of vision loss in the elderly population. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody therapy is applicable to neovascularisation of AMD; however, the prevention of fibrosis after anti-VEGF monotherapy is an unmet medical need. Subretinal fibrosis causes vision loss in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) even with anti-VEGF therapy. We report the anti-fibrotic and anti-neovascularisation effects of alpinumisoflavone (AIF), an isoflavonoid derived from unripe Maclura tricuspidata fruit, in in vitro and in vivo models. For in vitro study, we treated H2O2 or THP-1 conditioned media (TCM) following activation with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in a human retinal pigment epithelial cell line (ARPE-19). Choroidal neovascularisation (CNV) was induced by laser photocoagulation in mice, immediately followed by intravitreal administration of 25 μg AIF. CNV area and fibrosis were measured 7 days after laser photocoagulation. AIF showed anti-fibrosis and anti-neovascularisation effects in both the models. The laser induced CNV area was reduced upon AIF administration in nAMD mouse model. Additionally, AIF decreased the levels of the cleaved form of crystallin alpha B (CRYAB), a chaperone associated with VEGF stabilisation and fibrosis. Our results demonstrate a novel therapeutic application of AIF against neovascularisation and fibrosis in nAMD.

Activity concentrations and radiation hazard in the soil of Ashaka Cement PLC Gombe state, Nigeria with a multivariate statistical approach

Humans are exposed externally and internally in their environment to natural background radiation from radionuclides such as 40K, 238, U and 232Th which emit gamma, alpha, beta and other forms of radiation through their decay processes. These radionuclides are found in the soil, food and the water we consume. Human activities such as the mining of uranium, oil exploration, building materials, coal-fired power station can ignite the Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORMs). The aim was to assess radiation impact in Ashaka cement factory, Gombe state for their potential radiological hazards in order to maintain a safe environment. A prospective cross-sectional survey design was adopted and using a purposive sampling technique, fifteen (15) soil samples were collected using a geographical positioning system (GPS). The activity concentrations of these natural radionuclides were measured due to Gamma radiation by using a High Purity Germanium detector. Samples were analysed at the Radiation Protection Institute of Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Kwanbeya District, at Accra, Ghana. Fifteen (15) soil samples were collected from within the Ashaka Cement factory (Zone 1) and environment (Zone 2). Data was analyzed by the use of SPSS Version 22.0 (IBM Corp. Armonk NY, 2011). Descriptive statistics was employed to obtain the Mean and Standard deviation of the radioactivity concentrations. Inferential statistics was carried out to compare the radionuclides and radiological parameters. Statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. The mean activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K in soil samples at Zone 1 are 42.70 Bqkg-1, 29.00 Bqkg-1, 375 Bqkg-1 and Zone 2 is 46.11 Bqkg-1, 35.00 Bqkg-1, 780.30 Bqkg-1respectively. Radiation hazard indices at Zone 1 and 2 shows the mean for External Hazard index, Internal Hazard index, Gamma Index, External Absorbed Dose Rate, Annual Effective Does Rate, External Annual Effective Does Rate, Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk and Annual Gonadal Effective Dose is 0.31, 0.42, 0.83, 38.80nGyh-1, 0.32x10-3, 0.048mSvyr-1, 0.17mSvyr-1, 371mSvyr-1 and 0.42, 0.55, 1.18, 45.70nGyhr-1, 0.46mSvyr-1, 0.056mSvyr-1, 0.20x10-3, 533.80mSvyr-1 respectively. This implies that both staffs and members of the public in the factory might be at risk due to cumulative effect of radiation exposure high activity concentration from 238U and Annual Gonal effective dose exceeding the world average limits.

Combination of nanosomal form of doxorubicin, interferon alpha, and nitroglycerin in the threatment of 101.8 glioblastoma in Wistar rats

The search for effective approaches to the treatment of patients with glioblastoma is one of the difficult tasks of neurooncology; standard methods of therapy show limited results. Combined therapy, which includes different antitumor mechanisms, can increase its effectiveness. The combination of PLGA nanoform of doxorubicin (Dox-PLGA), antitumor cytokine — interferon alfa (IFN-α), and nitrogen oxide (NO) donor nitroglycerin (NG) was investigated in this work both in vitro (rat C6 glioma) and in vivo (rat 101.8 glioblastoma). MTT assay in the C6 cell line showed great cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effect of the combination of IFN-α with Dox-PLGA and NG. The lowest tumour cell survival was observed when using a high dose of IFN-α (10 ng/ml) in mono-mode. In the in vivo experiment, 32 female Wistar rats with 101.8 glioblastoma received therapy in the following modes: Dox-PLGA + NG; Dox-PLGA + IFN-α; Dox- PLGA + IFN-α + NG. There was a significant increase in median survival and life expectancy (ILE) in all groups receiving therapy compared to the group that did not undergo treatment. The longest median lifespan (27 days), survival up to 100 days (1 animal), ILE (131%) were observed in animals that received the combination Dox-PLGA + IFN-α+ NG, compared to the group without treatment, in which the median lifespan was 15 days. Thus, the therapy of experimental glioblastoma both in vivo and in vitro with the combination of Dox-PLGA + IFN-α + NG has the most pronounced therapeutic and antitumor effect, which must be taken into account when developing new more effective methods of treating human glioblastomas.

Опыт применения назальных форм интерферона в лечении и профилактике острых респираторных инфекций

По данным ВОЗ, каждый третий житель планеты ежегодно обращается за медицинской помощью по поводу острой респираторной инфекции. Результаты многих исследований показывают, что коррекция иммунных процессов в очаге воспаления дает больший эффект, чем влияние на иммунокомпетентные клетки кровеносного русла (при системном использовании препаратов). Поэтому логичным подходом к терапии респираторных вирусных инфекций, поражающих респираторный эпителий, является интраназальное применение препаратов интерферонов, которые обеспечивают противовирусное, иммуномодулирующее и противобактериальное действие в месте развития инфекционного процесса. В доступной литературе имеется достаточное количество клинических исследований, посвященных изучению эффективности назальных и аэрозольных форм интерферона альфа при острых респираторных вирусных инфекциях (ОРВИ). В них показано, что рекомбинантный интерферон альфа является эффективным препаратом для лечения и профилактики ОРВИ. Его применение сокращает сроки клинического выздоровления больных, уменьшает степень выраженности клинических симптомов заболевания, позволяет избежать манифестации заболевания. Также препараты интерферонов могут применяться как средство предотвращения ОРВИ и гриппа.

Direct RT-qPCR assay for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Alpha, B.1.1.7 and Beta, B.1.351) detection and quantification in wastewater

Less than a year following the Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, variants of concern have emerged in the form of variant Alpha (B.1.1.7, the British variant) and Beta (B.1.351, the South Africa variant). Due to their high infectivity and morbidity, it has become clear that it is crucial to quickly and effectively detect these and other variants. Here, we report improved primers-probe sets for reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for SARS-CoV-2 detection including a rapid, cost-effective, and direct RT-qPCR method for detection of the two variants of concern (Alpha, B.1.1.7 and Beta, B.1.351). All the developed primers-probe sets were fully characterized, demonstrating sensitive and specific detection. These primer-probe sets were also successfully employed on wastewater samples aimed at detecting and even quantifying new variants in a geographical area, even prior to the reports by the medical testing. The novel primers-probe sets presented here will enable proper responses for pandemic containment, particularly considering the emergence of variants of concern.

Retracing Storage Polysaccharide Evolution in Stramenopila

Eukaryotes most often synthesize storage polysaccharides in the cytosol or vacuoles in the form of either alpha (glycogen/starch)- or beta-glucosidic (chrysolaminarins and paramylon) linked glucan polymers. In both cases, the glucose can be packed either in water-soluble (glycogen and chrysolaminarins) or solid crystalline (starch and paramylon) forms with different impacts, respectively, on the osmotic pressure, the glucose accessibility, and the amounts stored. Glycogen or starch accumulation appears universal in all free-living unikonts (metazoa, fungi, amoebozoa, etc.), as well as Archaeplastida and alveolata, while other lineages offer a more complex picture featuring both alpha- and beta-glucan accumulators. We now infer the distribution of these polymers in stramenopiles through the bioinformatic detection of their suspected metabolic pathways. Detailed phylogenetic analysis of key enzymes of these pathways correlated to the phylogeny of Stramenopila enables us to retrace the evolution of storage polysaccharide metabolism in this diverse group of organisms. The possible ancestral nature of glycogen metabolism in eukaryotes and the underlying source of its replacement by beta-glucans are discussed.

ESG Investments: Filtering versus Machine Learning Approaches

We designed a machine learning algorithm that identifies patterns between ESG profiles and financial performances for companies in a large investment universe. The algorithm consists of regularly updated sets of rules that map regions into the high-dimensional space of ESG features to excess return predictions. The final aggregated predictions are transformed into scores which allow us to design simple strategies that screen the investment universe for stocks with positive scores. By linking the ESG features with financial performances in a non-linear way, our strategy based upon our machine learning algorithm turns out to be an efficient stock picking tool, which outperforms classic strategies that screen stocks according to their ESG ratings, as the popular best-in-class approach. Our paper brings new ideas in the growing field of financial literature that investigates the links between ESG behavior and the economy. We show indeed that there is clearly some form of alpha in the ESG profile of a company, but that this alpha can be accessed only with powerful, non-linear techniques such as machine learning.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms and pregnancy: Overview and practice recommendations.

Pregnancy in the context of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) poses unique fetal and maternal challenges. Current literature in this regard mostly involves essential thrombocythemia (ET) and less so polycythemia vera (PV) or myelofibrosis. In ET, live birth rate is estimated at 70% with first trimester fetal loss (˜ 30%) as the major complication. Risk of pregnancy-associated complications is higher in PV, thus mandating a more aggressive treatment approach. Herein, we appraise the relevant literature, share our own experience and propose management recommendations. Aspirin therapy may offer protection against fetal loss; however the additive benefit of systemic anticoagulation or cytoreductive therapy, in the absence of high risk disease, is unclear. We recommend cytoreductive therapy in the form of interferon alpha in all high risk and select low-risk ET and PV patients with history of recurrent fetal loss, prominent splenomegaly or suboptimal hematocrit control with phlebotomy. In addition, all women with PV should maintain strict hematocrit control <45% with the aid of phlebotomy. Systemic anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin is advised in patients with history of venous thrombosis. Further clarification awaits prospective clinical trials that implement risk adapted therapeutic interventions.

Digital Multi-Channel analyzer for detection and analysis of radiation in nuclear spectroscopy

Radiation caused by radiation sources due to ionization in the form of alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray and neutron radiations is harmful to human health. Multi-Channel Analyzers (MCAs) are incorporated in nuclear instruments for various applications like Isotope identifiers, Alpha/Gamma spectroscopy and liquid scintillators etc., that demand wide resolutions. Analog signal which is detected by the detector from radiation source is converted into digital using Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). Trapezoidal shaping is done by the Digital Signal Processor (DSP) using the proposed algorithms. This work targets the design and implementation of Digital Multi Channel Analyzer implemented on FPGA that can be used in nuclear spectroscopy instruments. The MCA system is designed by using trapezoidal recursive algorithm with the help of Lower Level Discriminator (LLD) and Upper Level Discriminator (ULD) detection using peak detection. The height of the pulse is the proportional to the energy of the particle which is used for peak detection. The peak detection data is counted, and histograms are generated for data analysis. This system is designed and realized by using Verilog Hardware Description Language (HDL) with low power and high profile SmartFusion2 FPGA SoC that can be used in nuclear spectroscopy instruments. The peak detection and counting are done by the modules developed using Hardware Description language (HDL) aiming the target device to be the Smart Fusion 2 Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) which has in-built Digital Signal Processor (DSP).

Abstract 6397: Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition overcomes cisplatin resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)

Abstract Introduction: FAK is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase activated in response to interactions between transmembrane integrins and extracellular matrix involved in the activation of the PI3K–Akt pathway, required for cell proliferation and survival. Amplification of chromosome region 8q23-24, encoding FAK, is significantly associated with smoking, higher grade of dysplasia and progression from premalignant lesions to HNSCC. Multimodality treatment (surgery, radiation and platinum-based chemotherapy) is standard for locally advanced HNSCC. Local relapse/distant metastasis develop in 25-40% of patients with occurrence of platinum resistance. We hypothesize that FAK inhibition overcomes platinum resistance and immunosuppression in HNSCC. Methods: RNA was extracted from normal and cancer tissue of 12 retrospectively surgically collected formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded HNSCC samples and analyzed by NanoString PanCancer Pathway and Immune Profiling panels. 93VU and SCC1 cell lines were used and cell-derived spheroids were generated on attachment plates. Cell proliferation, wound healing and apoptosis were measured by IncuCyte S3 Live-Cell Analysis System (Essen BioScience). Cells were treated with the following commercially available FAK small molecule inhibitors: NVP-TAE-226 (Novartis); PF-573228, PF-562271, PF-431396 (Pfizer); GSK2256098 (GlaxoSmithKline); VS-6063 (Verastem). FAK expression was measured by western blotting and qPCR analysis. Results: In The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) HNSCC dataset, FAK RNA expression was significantly higher in stage IV compared to stage I–III cancers (p&amp;lt;0.001). Among the genes significantly overexpressed (&amp;gt;2-fold change) in the 12 HNSCC samples analyzed by Nanostring pathway and immune profile panels, 17 were involved in PI3K-Akt signaling activation and 15 of these were also involved in the anchorage-dependent cell proliferation and FAK activation including the alpha form of integrins (ITGA2, ITGA6, ITGA3), the beta form of integrins (ITGB4, ITGB6), collagens (COL5A2, COL1A1, COL27A1, COL4A6, COL11A1), and laminins (LAMA3, LAMB3, LAMC2). We screened and identified that the 93VU and SCC1 cell lines were tolerant to cisplatin up to a dose of 10 uM. TAE-226 was the most effective FAK inhibitor in significantly blocking cell proliferation and wound healing in 93VU and SCC1 cell lines. TAE-226 treatment also effectively inhibited spheroid growth and proliferation in 3D culture. FAK inhibition decreased expression of chemokines and cytokines known to promote immunosuppression and metastasis such as CSF3, CXCL1, CXCL2, IL8, GPI, LIF, and CCL1. Conclusion: Our data suggests that FAK expression is associated with higher cancer stage. Its inhibition might have a role in overcoming cisplatin resistance and in affecting immunosuppressive signals in HNSCC. Immunocompetent syngeneic HNSCC animal models are currently ongoing. Citation Format: Atish Mohanty, Rebecca Pharaon, Arin Nam, Holly Yin, Sue Chang, Linlin Guo, Raju Pillai, Prakash Kulkarni, Ravi Salgia, Erminia Massarelli. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibition overcomes cisplatin resistance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6397.

Isothermal by Design: Comparison with an Established Isothermal Nucleation Kinetics Analysis Method

AbstractThe nucleation kinetics of the alpha form of p‐aminobenzoic acid from ethanolic and aqueous solutions is examined through a comparative examination of temperature‐jump and anti‐solvent drown‐out isothermal crystallization methodologies. Analysis of the data reveals the measured induction times, and the calculated effective interfacial tensions as a function of the supersaturation show broadly equivalent behavior for the aqueous‐ethanol mixed‐solvent drown‐out and temperature‐jump ethanol solution systems, confirming the comparability of the two methodologies. The results also demonstrate poorer agreement with the temperature‐jump pure aqueous system, highlighting the importance of the strength of solvation/desolvation as the key rate‐limiting process for the overall nucleation behavior.

الدور الوظيفي الغامض للغدة الثايموسية في مجابهة كل من كوفيد- 19 وسارس كوف- 2- مراجعة أدبية

الخلفية والأهداف: بات مرض فيروس كورونا 2019 (كوفيد- 19) يشكل تهديدًا متصاعدًا على جميع الأصعدة المختلفة وذلك نظرًا لسرعة انتشاره حول العالم. على الرغم من تسجيل حالات إصابة بالعدوى في جميع الفئات العمرية إلا أنه تم ملاحظة ارتفاع في نسبة احتمالية ظهور الأعراض الانتهازية لدى الفيروس عند البالغين وكبار السن دون الأطفال. لذلك هذه المراجعة الأدبية الموجزة وجِدت لتقديم صورة أوسع حول تفسير سلوك فيروس كورونا المرتبط بالمتلازمة التنفسية الحادة الشديدة النوع 2 (سارس كوف- 2) العدائي وتَحَيُّزه لفئات عمرية محددة دون الأخرى وكذلك لإبراز الدور الفعّال للغدة الثايموسية في مجابهة عدوى كوفيد- 19 عند الأطفال و الذي قد يهمِّشه بشكل غير مقصود العاملون في المجال الصحي، بل أيضاً لمناقشة إِمكانيّة استخدام الثيموسين آلفا- 1 كداعم رئيسي في مجابهة كوفيد- 19. الطرق والوسائل: مراجعة للأدبيات والدراسات المنشورة مؤخرًا والمتعلقة بكوفيد – 19 وفيروس سارس كوف- 2 بواسطة كل من محركات البحث العلمية ببمد وميدلاين والباحث العلمي من جوجل. النتائج: أظهرت النتيجة الرئيســـية لهذه المراجـعة احتمالًا منخفضًا للإصـابة بعدوى سارس كوف – 2 بالإضافة إلى انخفاض معدل التعرض للمضاعفات الانتهازية لـدى الأطـــــــفال مقـــــــارنةً بالبالغين وكبار السن وكذلك أيضا أشارت إلى أنَّ نتيجة الفحوصات المختبرية المتمثلة بقلة اللِّمفَاويَّات لم تكن شائعة لدى الأطفال بعكس كبار السن والبالغين. لذلك قد يشير هذا التباين في نسب معدلات الإصابة والنتائج المختبرية إلى الأهمية القصوى للغدة الثايموسية التي تعمل بكامل طاقتها الوظيفية في مكافحة عدوى سارس كوف- 2 عند الأطفال. الخلاصة والتوصيات: لا يزال مرض كوفيد- 19 يشكل معضلة عالمية تسبب دمارًا هائلاً في جميع جوانب الحياة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية. ونظرًا لعدم التوّصل إلى علاج فعّال في هذا الصدد، وبسبب السلوك العدواني المتحيز لسارس كوف- 2 بين الفئات العمرية المختلفة الذي تم ملاحظته من خلال هذه المراجعة الأدبية؛ فإن الحاجة إلى المزيد من البحوث والتجارب السريرية لدراسة فعالية الثيموسين آلفا- 1 تُشكّل أهمية قصوى من أجل فهم الدور المحتمل للغدة الثايموسية في الحماية من الإصابة بعدوى سارس كوف- 2 وتخفيف أعراض ومضاعفات كوفيد- 19.

Еxternal forms of recombinant interferon alfa-2b - ointment and gel in the treatment of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in children

The review article presents the results of numerous studies on the effectiveness and safety of the newly developed forms of the human recombinant interferon alpha- 2b drug, ointment and gel, intended for the treatment and prevention of acute respiratory viral infections and influenza in children. Еxternal forms of the drug retain immunomodulatory, antiviral and antiproliferative effects. The dosage form of the preparation of interferon alpha-2b VIFERON® in the form of a gel or ointment allows to achieve a prolonged action due to good absorption, especially the gel, which increases its effectiveness, and also has a moisturizing effect and rarely causes allergies. All of the above properties justify the inclusion of the drug interferon alpha-2b VIFERON® in the form of a gel or ointment in the complex treatment of influenza and acute respiratory viral infections in children.

Measuring the Particle Packing of l-Glutamic Acid Crystals through X-ray Computed Tomography for Understanding Powder Flow and Consolidation Behavior

The morphology of free-flowed and gravity consolidated crystal powder beds of the alpha and beta polymorphic forms of l-glutamic acid, together with a detailed analysis of particle density and micr...

A so-called “Triglycine phosphate” is a dubious crystal

It is shown that a so-called triglycine phosphate (TGP) crystal claimed as new crystal by Meera et al. (J. Mol. Struct. 1144 (2017) 457–465) is not what the authors formulated. Based on reported unit cell parameters, powder X-ray diffraction pattern and infrared spectrum, it is proved that the so-called TGP, in fact, is glycine (alpha or gamma form). The determination of the crystal structure of the obtained crystal would allow the authors to avoid the error made.