Origin State Research Articles

Particle size primarily shifts chemical composition of organic matter under long‐term fertilization in paddy soil

AbstractThe chemistry of soil organic matter (SOM) is critical for soil functions. However, the chemical composition and oxidation state of physical SOM fractions under long‐term mineral and organic amendments in paddy soils are still unclear. Here, we investigated this issue using three particle size classes of SOM sampled from five long‐term (37‐years) fertilisation regimes in a subtropical paddy soil which were analysed using pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). Coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM, >250 μm), fine particulate organic matter (fPOM, 53–250 μm) and mineral‐associated organic matter (MOM, <53 μm) were isolated. The five fertilisation regimes were (1) unfertilised (control), (2) nitrogen (N, urea), (3) nitrogen + phosphorus + potassium (NPK, urea + Ca(H2PO4)2 + KCl), (4) NPK + straw (NPKS) and (5) NPK + Astragalus sinicus L. + pig manure (NPKM). After 37‐years, the SOM content of the control, N, NPK, NPKS and NPKM treatments had increased by 16.3%, 12.3%, 31.6%, 41.7% and 59.8% compared with the initial level, respectively. The pools of soil organic carbon (SOC) and total N (TN), as well as the C/N ratio in the soil matrix, were localised by particle size, with the majority in the mineral‐associated organic matter (MOM). Particle size, not fertilisation regime, primarily associated with shifts in the chemical composition of SOM, with selective preservation of lignin and polysaccharides in the particulate organic matter (POM) and enrichments of lipids and N‐containing compounds in the MOM. The origin (plant‐ and microbial‐derived) and oxidation state of SOM were also regulated by particle size (especially the coarse particles) but not fertilisation treatment. Despite long‐term persistence, the MOM had a lower C oxidation state (implying higher vulnerability to microbial utilisation) than the coarse POM (cPOM) and fine POM (fPOM). In conclusion, fertilisation regime regulated the bulk SOM (SOC and TN) pool, whereas physical particle size generated a divergence trend in the chemical composition and oxidation state of SOM in the subropical paddy soil, indicating the greater role of physical arrangement in SOM chemistry than the quality of amendments.Highlights Particle size, not fertilisation regime, regulated chemical composition and oxidation state of SOM. POM is enriched in lignin and polysaccharides while MOM is enriched in lipids and N‐containing compounds. Physical arrangement plays a greater role in SOM chemistry than the quality of amendments.

INTRAPLEURAL AMPHOTERICIN B INSTILLATION: A NOVEL APPROACH TO THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC PULMONARY COCCIDIOIDOMYCOSIS

TOPIC: Chest Infections TYPE: Medical Student/Resident Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Coccidioidomycosis is transmitted by inhalation of fungal spores commonly found in southwestern border of United States and South America. Most primary coccidioidomycosis cases are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. Symptomatic progressive coccidioidomycosis affect people with certain risk factors: ethnic origin, advanced age, pregnancy, and immunosuppressive state. Most cases are effectively treated with oral triazoles. Intravenous (IV) amphotericin B (AMB) is reserved for severe cases. Although intrapleural instillation of AMB has been reported in cases for aspergillus empyema, it has not been reported for other diseases (1). We are reporting the first known case of successful novel use of intrapleural instillation of amphotericin B in the treatment of chronic progressive pulmonary coccidioidomycosis. CASE PRESENTATION: A 48-year-old Hawaiian man with diabetes mellitus type 2 presented with 10 days of epigastric pain, anorexia, constipation, chills, progressive shortness of breath, and low-grade fever. He had a 9-month nonproductive cough after returning from Las Vegas. He was admitted to another facility where he was diagnosed with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia and treated with moderate dose prednisone for over 6 months. Initial chest x-ray here revealed a large left pneumothorax. Chest tube insertion did not provide significant improvement. Subsequent chest computerized tomography (CT) revealed a large hydropneumothorax with lingular and left lung base consolidation. Transbronchial biopsy showed coccidioides. After 7 days of hospitalization, patient was discharged home with fluconazole. He was readmitted 2 weeks later due to recurrence of same set of symptoms. Chest CT scan now revealed progression of multifocal necrotizing pneumonia. Based on continued deterioration despite IV AMB, there was a high suspicion of persisting intrapleural infection with coccidioides. A left pneumonectomy with placement of a special drainage catheter for intrapleural instillation was performed, in addition to continued IV AMB. He tolerated 7 days of intrapleural AMB well and discharged home 9 days afterward with continued fluconazole. One year later he was able to resume all normal activities. DISCUSSION: Our patient developed progressive coccidioidomycosis due to uncontrolled diabetes mellitus from prednisone prolonged use. He has progressive pneumonia, pulmonary nodules and cavities, fever, cough, chills, hemoptysis, abdominal pain, anorexia, weight loss, and weakness. Due to the many adverse reactions of AMB, it is generally reserved for severe cases; in our case, the addition of intrapleural instillation was successful in conjunction with his pneumonectomy and IV antifungal therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first known reported case of intrapleural amphotericin B instillation, in combination with conventional therapy, in the successful treatment of chronic progressive coccidioidomycosis. REFERENCE #1: Almuhareb, A., & Habib, Z. (2018). Management of Aspergillus Pleural Empyema with Combined Systemic and Intrapleural Antifungal Therapy in a Pediatric Patient: Case Report. Journal of Infection and Public Health, 11(2), 280-282. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Angelica Guzman Paz, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Takkin Lo, source=Web Response

Volume estimation of soil stored in agricultural terrace systems: A geomorphometric approach

High-resolution topographic (HRT) techniques allow the mapping and characterization of geomorphological features with wide-ranging perspectives at multiple scales. We can exploit geomorphometric information in the study of the most extensive and common landforms that humans have ever produced: agricultural terraces. We can only develop an understanding of these historical landform through in-depth knowledge of their origin, evolution and current state in the landscape. These factors can ultimately assist in the future preservation of such landforms in a world increasingly affected by anthropogenic activities. From HRT surveys, it is possible to produce high-resolution Digital Terrain Models (DTMs) from which important geomorphometric parameters such as topographic curvature, to identify terrace edges can be extracted, even if abandoned or covered by uncontrolled vegetation. By using riser bases as well as terrace edges (riser tops) and through the computation of minimum curvature, it is possible to obtain environmentally useful information on these agricultural systems such as terrace soil thickness and volumes. The quantification of terrace volumes can provide new benchmarks for soil erosion models, new perspectives to stakeholders for terrace management in terms of natural hazard and offer a measure of the effect of these agricultural systems on soil organic carbon sequestration. This paper presents the realization and testing of an innovative and rapid methodological workflow to estimate the anthropogenic reworked and moved soil of terrace systems in different landscapes. We start with remote terrace mapping at large scale and then utilize more detailed HRT surveys to extract geomorphological features, from which the original theoretical slope-surface of terrace systems were derived. These last elements were compared with sub-surface information obtained from the excavations across the study sites that confirm the reliability of the methodology used. The results of this work have produced accurate DTMs of Difference (DoD) for three terrace sites in central Europe in Italy and Belgium. Differences between actual and theoretical terraces from DTM and excavation evidence have been used to estimate the soil volumes and masses used to remould slopes. The utilization of terrace and lynchet volumetric data, enriched by geomorphometric analysis through indices such as sediment conductivity provides a unique and efficient methodology for the greater understanding of these globally important landforms, in a period of increasing land pressure.

Wildlife-pet markets in a one-health context

Background and Aim: Wildlife markets are centers of trade involving live animals and their derivatives from wild-caught and captive-bred non-domesticated animals, including for the culinary, fashion, traditional medicine, curio, and pet sectors. These markets occur in Southeast Asia, India, North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, and elsewhere. This study aims to address a diversity of related issues that have a one-health bearing while focusing on wildlife markets in relation to the pet trade. Across relevant regions and countries, all major animal classes are traded at wildlife-pet markets. Wildlife markets, in general, are considered distinct from so-called "wet markets" at which domesticated animals, fish, and other "seafood" are offered only for consumption. Several aspects of wildlife markets have attracted scientific and popular scrutiny, including animal welfare concerns, species conservation threats, legality, ecological alteration, introduction of invasive alien species, presence of undescribed species, and public and agricultural animal health issues. Materials and Methods: Onsite inspections were conducted for markets in the United States, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands, and the UK, as well as observational research of visual imagery of market conditions, and we compared these conditions with evidence-based standards for animal welfare and public health management. Results: Wildlife markets globally shared common similar structures and practices including the presence of sick, injured, or stressed animals; mixing of animals of uncertain origin and health state; and no specific or any hygiene protocols, with issues of animal welfare, public health and safety, agricultural animal health, and other one-health concerns being inherently involved. Conclusion: We conclude that wildlife markets are incompatible with responsible standards and practices, and we recommend that such events are banned globally to ameliorate inherent major problems.

Stimuli‐Responsive Nanotheranostics

Stimuli‐Responsive Nanotheranostics

U.S. Interstate Trade Will Mitigate the Negative Impact of Climate Change on Crop Profit

According to the current Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change report, climate change will increase the probability of occurrence of droughts in some areas. Recent contributions at the international level indicate that trade is expected to act as an efficient tool to mitigate the adverse effect of future climate conditions on agriculture. However, no contribution has focused on the similar capacity of trade within any country yet. The U.S. is an obvious choice given that many climate impact studies focus on its agriculture and around 90% of the U.S. crop trade is domestic. Combining a recent state‐to‐state trade flow dataset with detailed drought records at a fine spatial and temporal resolution, this paper highlights first that trade increases as the destination state experiences more drought and inversely in the origin state. As a result, crop growers' profits depend on both local and trade partners' weather conditions. Projections based on future weather data convert the crop grower's expected loss without trade into expected profit. As such, this paper challenges the estimates of the current climate impact literature and concludes that trade is expected to act as a $14.5 billion mitigation tool in the near future.

Brassica carinata: Biology and agronomy as a biofuel crop

AbstractThe environmental consequences of using nonrenewable fossil fuels have motivated a global quest for sustainable alternatives from renewable sources. Carinata has been developed as a low carbon intensity, non‐food oilseed biomolecular platform to produce advanced drop‐in renewable fuels, meal, and co‐products. The crop is widely adaptable to grow in the humid subtropical and humid continental climatic regions of Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, and Australia as a spring or winter crop. Carinata is heat tolerant, resistant to diseases and seed shattering with lower water‐use requirements than other oilseed brassicas. Adopting carinata in double‐cropping systems would require continuing research to integrate crop biology with agronomy, to understand growth and development and its interaction with agricultural inputs and management. Site‐specific best management agronomic practices and crop improvement research to develop frost‐tolerant, early‐maturing, nutrient use‐efficient, and high yielding varieties with desirable oil content and fatty acid profile will enhance the crop's adaptability and economic viability. The exploitation of intra‐ and interspecific and intra‐ and intergeneric diversity will further enhance carinata productivity and resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. This review attempts to present a comprehensive description of carinata's biology, beginning with its origin and current state of distribution, availability of genetic and genomic resources, and a discussion of its morphology, phenology, and reproduction. A detailed analysis of the agronomy of the crop, including planting and germination and management practices, is presented in the context of crop growth and development. This will facilitate global adoption, sustainable production, and commercialization of carinata as a dedicated biofuel oilseed crop in diverse cropping systems and growing regions of the world, including the Southeast United States.

Characterization of oxygen-bearing geolipids in the Upper Permian Lucaogou shale, Santanghu Basin, NE China, using stepwise pyrolysis and hydrous pyrolysis

Oxygen-bearing geolipids, including fatty acids, lactones, and ketones, have been identified in abundance in the Upper Permian shale of the Lucaogou Formation in the Sangtanghu Basin in China. However, the potential for petroleum generation, possible origin, and occurrence state of these compounds remain undetermined. Pyrolysis experiments were conducted by combining flash pyrolysis with hydrous pyrolysis. Flash pyrolysis revealed that the oxygen-bearing geolipids, including fatty acids, lactones, and isoprenoid ketones, exist in both free and adsorbed states, and methyl ketones can be produced by pyrolysis at temperature above 400 °C. The evolution behaviors of pyrolyzates and gases produced at different temperatures are related to the thermal desorption and cleavage of chemical bonds in kerogen. Comparison of the oxygen-bearing compounds detected in flash pyrolysis and gases produced in hydrous pyrolysis suggested that the oxygen-bearing geolipids were possible sources of CO2 formation at low temperatures in the Lucaogou shale. The decomposition of fatty acids, lactones, and ketones causes the removal of oxygen-containing functional groups and the formation of CO2 and petroleum. Our study firstly demonstrates that the oxygen-bearing geolipids in the Lucaogou shale occur primarily in the free and/or adsorbed state, which indicates that these geolipids derived from microbial degradation. The short chain C19–C26 steranes and C26–C29 norhopanes detected in Lucaogou shale are also proved this source. Furthermore, petroleum and gases can be produced via deoxygenation of oxygen-bearing compounds, may revealing that the oxygen-bearing geolipids play a significant role in the process of petroleum generation.

A Closer Look at the Kaplan-Meier and Life Table Models in Survival Analysis

Survival analysis comprises a set of statistical methods deployed in studying the timing and occurrence of events. This paper studied survival functions with particular reference to Kaplan-Meier (K-M) estimators and Life Tables. Secondary data of In-patients who reported cases of malaria (origin state) to time until death or recovering (censored) was extracted and analyzed using Kaplan-Meir and Life Table functions in SPSS. Through this discourse, we showed how survival probabilities could be obtained and graphed. We inferred from the data provided in this paper that the mean years of life left for a new born child e0 was 61.9 years. The expectation of life was equal to 0.016, which translates to 160 deaths per 100,000 person-years. Again, the number of new born children dying before age twenty (20) was given by l0 - l20 = 100000 - 97127 = 2873. The probability of new born children dying before age twenty (20) years was 0.0287. The population survival curves for the two classes of users of ITN, after adjusting for gender, gave us a p-value of 0.002 < 0.05 which was highly significant, implying that there was a statistically significant difference between the population survival curves. For the patients who subscribed to ITNs, the probability that they would survive for at least a day after admission was 0.9, while for non-users of ITNs, the probability was 0.8, again, the probability that patients who use ITNs will survive for at least 30 days after admission was 0.6, while for non-users the probability was 0.2. It should be noted that survival analysis is suitable for studies that has to do with time until the occurrence of events. It could also be used to identify factors which significantly influence an event.

The Cox Proportional Hazard Regression Model Vis-&amp;#224;-Vis ITN-Factor Impact on Mortality Due to Malaria

This study has provided a starting point for defining and working with Cox models in respect of multivariate modeling. In medical researches, there may be situations, where several risk factors potentially affect patient prognosis, howbeit, only one or two might predict patient’s predicament. In seeking to find out which of the risk factors contribute the most to the survival times of patients, there was the need for researchers to adjust the covariates to realize their impact on survival times of patients. Aside the multivariate nature of the covariates, some covariates might be categorical while others might be quantitative. Again, there might be cases where researchers need a model that has the capability of extending survival analysis methods to assessing simultaneously the effect of several risk factors on survival times. This study unveiled the Cox model as a robust technique which could accomplish the aforementioned cases. An investigation meant to evaluate the ITN-factor vis-à-vis its contribution towards death due to Malaria was exemplified with the Cox model. Data were taken from hospitals in Ghana. In doing so, we assessed hospital in-patients who reported cases of malaria (origin state) to time until death or censoring (destination stage) as a result of predictive factors (exposure to the malaria parasites) and some socioeconomic variables. We purposefully used Cox models to quantify the effect of the ITN-factor in the presence of other risk factors to obtain some measures of effect that could describe the relationship between the exposure variable and time until death adjusting for other variables. PH assumption holds for all three covariates. Sex of patient was insignificant to deaths due to malaria. Age of patient and user status were both significant. The magnitude of the coefficient (0.384) of ITN user status depicts its high contribution to the variation in the dependent variable.

Socio-historical and cultural determinants of Sufi teaching

The article deals with some aspects that characterize one of the most mysterious philosophical and religious teachings in Islam-Sufism. The article examines the history of its origin, development and current state. It is proposed to use his positive experience in the spiritual education of the individual. It also reveals the distinctive features of the philosophical aspects of the philosophy of Sufism from classical philosophy and theology.

Recreating the Follicular Environment: A Customized Approach for In Vitro Culture of Bovine Oocytes Based on the Origin and Differentiation State.

The mammalian ovary is a large source of oocytes organized into follicles at various stages of folliculogenesis. However, only a limited number of them can be used for in vitro embryo production (IVEP), while most have yet to complete growth and development to attain full meiotic and embryonic developmental competence. While the in vitro growth of primordial follicles in the ovarian cortex has the potential to produce mature oocytes, it is still at an experimental stage. The population of early antral follicles (EAFs), instead, may represent a reserve of oocytes close to completing the growth phase, which might be more easily exploited in vitro and could increase the number of female gametes dedicated to IVEP.Here we present in vitro culture strategies that have been developed utilizing physiological parameters to support the specific needs of oocytes at distinct stages of differentiation, in order to expand the source of female gametes for IVEP by maximizing the attainment of fertilizable oocytes. Furthermore, these culture systems provide powerful tools to dissect the molecular processes that direct the final differentiation of the mammalian oocyte.

Application of Spectroscopic and Hyperspectral Imaging Techniques for Rapid and Nondestructive Investigation of Jewish Ritual Parchment

The article presents a multi-analytic investigation of a severely degraded Jewish ritual parchment coming from a private collection. The main aim of the study was to obtain key information on the parchment manufacturing technique and original materials used, information that could help understand the historical context of the object. To this aim, a series of noninvasive investigations were carried out by means of multi- and hyperspectral imaging, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. Specific degradations and mapping of previous conservation treatments could be highlighted via multispectral imaging. Short-wave infrared images indicated the use of both iron gall and carbon black ink, probably one related to the original writing and the other to a later intervention. To improve the imaging of degraded or partially lost text, a linear spectral unmixing classification of the HSI dataset was proposed that showed promising results, allowing it to be applied to similar objects. XRF analysis offered an in-depth view of the chemical fingerprint of the original iron gall ink and critical findings on the existence of other inorganic compounds originating from the parchment manufacture. Registered FTIR data indicated denaturation of the collagen fibers and the presence of fungal-derived calcium oxalates and zinc carboxylates. In accordance with ancient Jewish parchment preparation techniques, the use of calcium sulfate, vegetable tannins, and oils was also inferred from the registered infrared spectra. The corroborated results offer valuable information on the origin, production technology, and overall degradation state of the parchment manuscript. Not least, the findings could be of great interest for conservators and restorers in the field.

Hubungan Tenaga Kerja,Rumah Tangga Dan Produksi Perikanan Dalam Aglomerasi Industri Di Kabupaten Tanggamus

This study aims to research the causality relationship between industrial agglomeration in labor, fisheries production, and fisheries households in Tanggamus district. The agglomeration index measured using the Balassa Hoover Index analysis tool and Geographic Information System (GIS) using Geoda. The data used are secondary data obtained directly from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the Department of Fisheries and Maritime Affairs of Tanggamus Regency. The number of cross-section data is 20 districts in the period 2012-2016. analyzed using the Granger Causality Analysis method. The Hoover Ballassa index results show a strong degree of agglomeration in only 6 districts. The results of the analysis of the relationship between states of origin state that there is a unidirectional causality between the agglomeration and labor variables, which statistically significantly influence the agglomeration and do not apply otherwise. Unidirectional causality occurs between agglomeration variables and fisheries production only fisheries production which statistically significantly influences agglomeration and does not apply vice versa. Unidirectional causality occurs between agglomeration variables and fisheries households ie only fishery households that statistically significantly influence agglomeration and do not apply otherwise.

Circulating exosomal microRNAs as emerging non‐invasive clinical biomarkers in heart failure: Mega bio‐roles of a nano bio‐particle

Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles containing a cell-specific biologically active cargo of proteins and genetic materials. Exosomes are constitutively released from almost all cell-types and affect neighboring or distant cells through a complex intercellular exchange of the genetic information and/or regulation of certain gene expressions that change the function and behavior of recipient cells. Those released into body fluids are the major mediators of intercellular communications. The success of the biological functions of exosomes is highly mediated by the effective transfer of microRNAs (miRs). Exosomes secreted by a damaged or diseased heart can exhibit alterations in the miRs' profile that may reflect the cellular origin and (patho)physiological state, as a "signature" or "fingerprint" of the donor cell. It has been shown that the transportation of cardiac-specific miRs in exosomes can be rapidly detected and measured, holding great potential as biomarkers in heart diseases. Currently, the search for new biomarkers of heart diseases remains a large and increasing enterprise. Notably, circulating exosomal miRs (Exo-miRs) have successfully gained huge interests for their diagnostic and prognostic potentials. The present review highlights circulating Exo-miRs explored for diagnosis/prognosis and outcome prediction in patients with heart failure (HF). To this end, we explain the feasibility of exosomes as clinical biomarkers, discuss the priority of circulating Exo-miRs over non-exosomal ones as a biomarker, and then outline reported circulating Exo-miRs having the biomarker function in HF patients, together with their mechanism of action. In conclusion, circulating Exo-miRs represent emerging diagnostic (Exo-miR-92b-5p, Exo-miR-146a, Exo-miR-181c, and Exo-miR-495) and prognostic (Exo-miR-192, Exo-miR-194, Exo-miR-34a, Exo-miR-425, Exo-miR-744) biomarkers for HF.

How does a business family manage its wealth? A family office perspective

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find throughout history examples of wealth management of a family or business families that can be assimilated into the current concept of family offices (FOs). In such examples, the study identifies characteristics associated with the different dimensions of the concept of socioemotional wealth (SEW).Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the socioemotional perspective, this paper relates significant examples of FOs based on historical stages (ancient history, the middle ages, modern history, the contemporary period and the actual world). Each case is discussed with an effort to identify the dimensions of the SEW that fit and help in understanding the organization studied.FindingsMainly, FOs allow the management of the family legacy, philanthropy, promotion of entrepreneurship and family wealth preservation for future generations. Autonomy in decision-making, privacy and confidentiality and the achievement of more intangible goals make the FO preferable to other institutions. Through the study of historical cases, the FO constitutes a structure with objectives and activities that have remained consistent from Rome to the present, regardless of historical, political or social context. The results also identify four out of five FIBER dimensions of SEW.Originality/valueIn addition to contributing to the scarce literature on FOs, this paper uses various examples of historical periods to better understand its origin, evolution and current state. A selection of examples at different times allows us to verify that FOs undergo a series of changes throughout history but maintain their characteristics regardless of the historical context. This paper is the first to explore the origin and development of the FO as organization. Building on the findings, the authors present a conceptual SEW framework to deepen in the knowledge of FO. This framework could help researchers and practitioners in future researches providing a conceptual link that demonstrates the components of the SEW perspective best fit the objectives pursued by business families when establishing a family office.

CDC-derived extracellular vesicles reprogram inflammatory macrophages to an arginase 1-dependent proangiogenic phenotype.

Macrophages play a pivotal role in tissue repair following myocardial infarction (MI). In response to injury, they exist along a spectrum of activation states tightly regulated by their microenvironment. Cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) have been shown to mediate cardioprotection via modulation of the macrophage response. Our study was designed to gain mechanistic insight into the role of CDC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) in modulating macrophage phenotypes and operant signaling pathways to better understand their potential contribution to immunomodulatory cardioprotection. We found that CDC-derived EVs alter the functional phenotype of macrophages, modifying levels of phagocytosis and efferocytosis without changing viability or proliferation. Interestingly, extracellular vesicles differentially regulate several M1/M2 genes dependent on macrophage activation before EV treatment but consistently upregulate arginase 1 regardless of macrophage origin or polarization state. CDC-derived EVs polarize M1 macrophages to a proangiogenic phenotype dependent on arginase 1 upregulation and independent of VEGF-A. In addition, EV-dependent arginase 1 upregulation downregulates nitric oxide (NO) secretion in activated macrophages. These data suggest a novel urea-cycle-dependent mechanism in macrophages that promotes angiogenesis and provides additional mechanistic insight into the potential contribution of CDC-derived extracellular vesicles in immunomodulatory cardioprotection.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We hypothesized that in the window of therapeutic extracellular vesicle (EV) administration, inflammatory M1 macrophages are likely the primary target of cardiosphere-derived cell (CDC)-derived EVs. The effect of CDC-EVs on this population, however, is currently unknown. In this study, we demonstrate that CDC-derived EVs polarize M1 macrophages to a proangiogenic phenotype dependent on arginase 1 upregulation. These results provide insight into an immunomodulatory mechanism of CDC-EVs in a more physiologically relevant model of post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) macrophage polarization.

Synchronism Recovery of Discrete Event Systems

Abstract Most of the systems are build of components that should stay synchronized for the system to work properly. Usually, the synchronism of these subsystems is maintained through communication and this communication is subject to failures, leading the system to a undesirable state, where the states of the components do not match. In this sense, this paper deals with the problem of resynchronizing components of a system, leading to a global state where the individual states of the subsystems match with each other. In order to do so, an algorithm, using ideas of synchronizing automata, automata that reach a specific state when a synchronizing word is executed, regardless the origin state, is presented.

The Birth and Development of the Polish Integration Policy

The article describes the origin and current state of Polish integration policy as a part of the state migration policy. The authors provide a list of state bodies and nongovernmental organizations involved in the inclusion of immigrants into Polish society, evaluate their activities, and also declare the need to create a coherent state policy for the integration of foreigners.

Advances in extracellular vesicles analysis.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in intercellular communication in normal cellular process and pathological conditions by facilitating the transport of cellular content from one cell to another. EVs as conveyors of various biological molecules with their ability to redirect effects on a target cell physiological function in cell type-specific manner makes EVs an excellent candidate for drug delivery vehicle in disease therapy. Moreover, unique characteristics and contents of EVs which differ depends on cellular origin and physiological state make them a valuable source of diagnostic biomarker. Herein, we review the current progress in extracellular vesicle (EV) analysis, its transition from biomedical research to advancing therapy, and recent pioneered approaches to characterize and quantify EVs' subclasses with an emphasis on the integration of advanced technologies for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of EVs in different clinical tissue/body fluid samples.