Protective Function Research Articles

The diagnostic role of Lactobacillus spp. as representatives of the normal microbiome of the lower urogenital tract

Currently, scientific knowledge about various Lactobacillus species, which are representatives of the resident flora of the vagina, is actively expanding. We know, lactobacilli are an integral part of the female genital tract. Currently, about 20 different types of lactobacilli are known. Most of the lactobacilli already studied contribute to maintaining vaginal health by providing protection from pathogenic microorganisms, the development of dysbiosis, pregnancy complications, including premature birth. The protective function is provided primarily by the formation of Dand L-forms of lactic acid, which maintains an optimal acidic pH, from the glycogen of the vaginal epithelium. Lactobacillus spp. also prevent adhesion and invasion of pathogens into epithelial cells, synthesize bacteriocins, and inhibit the release of proinflammatory cytokines. However, to date, there is already evidence that not all representatives of lactobacilli have a positive effect on the health of the female body. Thus, patients with the CSTIII morphotype, dominated by L. iners, are especially predisposed to the development of vaginal dysbiosis, and the dominance of L. acidophilus in patients is probably associated with infertility. Currently, there is no reliable evidence of the positive and/or negative effects of many lactobacilli on the female body, and existing studies on a number of bacteria are limited and contradictory. In this regard, it is relevant to further study the characteristics and properties of Lactobacillus spp., colonizing the vagina, for a more accurate understanding of the role of lactobacilli in the vagina and the application of the knowledge gained in clinical practice for the treatment and prevention of various disorders of the normal vaginal microbiome.

Mediterranean Islands as Refugia for Elasmobranch and Threatened Fishes

ABSTRACTAimThe Mediterranean Sea is one of the most anthropized seas in the world but also a marine biodiversity hotspot with many fish species under threat. The main goal of the study is to test whether on the heavily fished and anthropized Mediterranean coast, the less impacted Corsica and Balearic Islands, can be considered as refugia for threatened and elasmobranch fishes independently of protection by marine reserves.LocationThe French Mediterranean coast and three north‐western Mediterranean islands: Corsica and also Mallorca and Minorca from the Balearic archipelago.MethodsWe performed 187 fish surveys using environmental DNA metabarcoding on three islands and 109 along the continental coast. Of the 78 surveys on islands 22 correspond to no‐take marine reserves and of the 109 continental surveys 26 were carried out within reserves. After eDNA filtration, extraction, amplification, and sequencing we estimated the number of fish species but also the number commercial, threatened and elasmobranch fish species on each sample. We then performed an ANOVA by permutation to test the effect of insularity and protection on these four biodiversity metrics. We also modelled these four biodiversity metrics as a function of protection and human pressure but also environmental, habitat and sampling conditions. We also built species accumulation curves to obtain asymptotes representing the potential regional pools for each species category on both island and continental coasts.ResultsWe obtained a total of 175,982,610 reads over the 187 eDNA samples that were assigned to 153 fish species including 17 elasmobranch species among which 7 were only detected on islands. We observed a higher total fish richness on continental than island surveys regardless of protection but a higher threatened and elasmobranch fish richness on the island than on continental surveys. We obtained a significant, negative and predominant human gravity impact on the diversity of elasmobranch species. The modelled asymptote reached 148 teleostean fish species on islands and 196 on the continental coastline with a very similar rate of diversity increase with sampling effort but the shape of the species accumulation curves differed markedly for elasmobranchs with a stronger increase in diversity with sampling effort on islands.Main ConclusionsOur findings highlight that Mediterranean islands can be refugia for sharks and rays but also threatened fishes in this overexploited region. Our results also suggest that reducing or banning trawling activities may play a key role for conserving vulnerable fishes, beyond the benefits of no‐take marine reserves, which appear limited on these large home‐range species.

Backup subscription scheme for differential protection using IEC61850-9-2 sampled values

In IEC-61850-based digital substations, the protection IED’s performance is dependent on merging unit’s vendor implementation, communication networks, and measurement circuit’s health conditions. As the process bus Sampled Value(SV) enables the availability of all sensor data on a communication network, this paper proposes a Backup Subscription scheme (BSS) for a transformer differential protection (87T, PDIF) function. BSS utilizes sensor data in digital substations to achieve a flexible protection scheme using a dynamic subscription feature. Thus, in case of failure of one sensor, differential protection would be maintained. The paper presents the implementation and verification of a prototyped scheme using a Hardware-in-the-loop simulation test bed. The main result is that BSS integration into differential protection ensures its dependability and security. Moreover, delay compensation and seamless switching feature increases the availability of differential protection.

Exploring the protective role of jelly capsules in jelly‐nest tree frog eggs based on proteomic and peptidomic studies

AbstractTypically, frog eggs are aquatic, being deposited and undergoing development within freshwater habitats. However, certain species within the Rhacophoridae have evolved reproductive modes that are non‐aquatic. The jelly‐nest tree frog (Feihyla palpebralis) has terrestrial eggs that are enclosed in gel, with embryos detaching from the aquatic milieu during the embryonic phase. The jelly enveloping these embryos performs a critical role in defense against biotic and abiotic threats in the terrestrial environment. To investigate the protective function of the jelly, we characterized its proteome and peptidome. In total, 83 proteins were identified and categorized into eight main groups: protease inhibitors, glycoproteins, cytoskeleton proteins, nucleotide‐binding proteins, regulatory proteins, metabolic enzyme, glycoprotein hormones, and oxidative stress‐related proteins. These proteins are believed to play a role in protecting the eggs by creating biochemical and physical barriers, maintaining moisture and structural integrity, and preventing oxidative damage. In addition, 1642 peptides were isolated from tree frog jelly envelopes. Among these, RPPGFSPFR showed predator deterrent properties, LPF and AVPYPQ performed anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and IYSP functioned as a proteinase inhibitor. These findings help to clarify the protective mechanisms involved in the egg development process of the jelly‐nest tree frog.

Seasonality influences skin bacterial community structure and anti-Bd function in two anuran species

Microorganisms on amphibian skin reduce disease susceptibility and play an important role in pathogen defense. We hypothesized that anuran skin bacterial communities would change in response to seasonal variation and host species. To test this hypothesis, we used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to identify cutaneous bacterial communities of two frogs from the Qinling Mountains of China, Pelophylax nigromaculatus and Nanorana quadranus. We matched the amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) of microbes exhibiting protective effects against the pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), using a database containing over 1900 16S rRNA gene sequences from amphibian skin bacteria. The results showed that seasonal variation had a stronger effect than host species on the structure (alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, species composition and abundance, and biomarkers) and anti-Bd function of cutaneous bacterial communities. These communities were highly dynamic but varied similarly between hosts. Their structural similarities were more consistent at the phylum level, but markedly less so at finer taxonomic levels. The highest relative abundance of anti-Bd reads was observed in P. nigromaculatus during summer, but anti-Bd reads were present in both frog species during different seasons. Therefore, the protective function of cutaneous microbial communities appears to be continuous despite between-species differences in anti-Bd ASV abundance. This observation does not directly explain why Bd infections have not been recorded in the region, butprovides important insight on anuran pathogen defense mechanisms. Our findings also suggest that specific seasons can be periods of high infection risk, with major implications for research on amphibian ecology and conservation.

A durable self-cleaning superhydrophobic coating fabricated using the preset grid-spraying method

Herein, a new durable superhydrophobic coating was prepared using the preset grid-spraying method which was low cost and simple. To achieve the regular continuous grid structure which had protection and support function to the coatings, the sieve mesh was preset on the substrate with hot pressing process. After spraying the superhydrophobic coating on the substrate of the preset mesh followed by curing, a superhydrophobic coating was obtained. The surface morphology of the superhydrophobic coating prepared using the preset grid-spraying method was primarily composed of the regular grid structure and island-like structure with the micro-nano scale rough structure on them. Compared with the superhydrophobic coating prepared with the traditional spraying method, the mechanical stability of the superhydrophobic coating, which was prepared using the preset grid-spraying method, was considerably higher along with good hydrophobic properties. The superhydrophobic coating demonstrated superhydrophobic properties after 170 cycles of the sandpaper abrasion test, which was about 300% higher than the traditional superhydrophobic coating. Furthermore, the superhydrophobic coating prepared using the preset grid-spraying method had excellent self-cleaning performance and weather resistance. Self-cleaning efficiencies of this superhydrophobic coatings on kaolin and sand were 99.2% and 98.9%, respectively. Even after 170 cycles of the sandpaper abrasion test, the self-cleaning efficiency of superhydrophobic coatings on kaolin and sand remained over 85% and 90%, respectively. The coated surface still showed superhydrophobic properties after 30 days of the outdoor placement experiment. Showing excellent comprehensive properties and low cost, the superhydrophobic coating prepared using the preset grid-spraying method had a board application prospect.

Exploring the role of genetic variability and exposure to bisphenols and parabens on excess body weight in Spanish children

Gene-environment interaction studies are emerging as a promising tool to shed light on the reasons for the rapid increase in excess body weight (overweight and obesity). We aimed to investigate the influence of several polymorphisms on excess weight in Spanish children according to a short- and long-term exposure to bisphenols and parabens, combining individual approach with the joint effect of them. This case-control study included 144 controls and 98 cases children aged 3-12 years. Thirty SNPs in genes involved in obesity-related pathways, xenobiotic metabolism and hormone systems were genotyped using the GSA microchip technology and qPCRs with Taqman® probes. Levels of bisphenols and parabens in urine and hair were used to assess short- and long-term exposure, respectively, via UHPLC-MS/MS system. LEPR rs9436303 was identified as a relevant risk variant for excess weight (ORDom:AAvsAG+GG=2.65, p<0.001), and this effect persisted across exposure-stratified models. For long-term exposure, GPX1 rs1050450 was associated with increased excess weight at low single paraben exposure (ORGvsA=2.00, p=0.028, p-interaction=0.016), whereas LEPR rs1137101 exhibited a protective function at high co-exposure (ORDom:AAvsAG+GG=0.17, p=0.007, p-interaction=0.043). ESR2 rs3020450 (ORDom:GGvsAG+AA=5.17, p=0.020, p-interaction=0.028) and CYP2C19 rs4244285 (ORDom:GGvsAG+AA=3.54, p=0.039, p-interaction=0.285) were identified as predisposing variants at low and high co-exposure, respectively. In short-term exposure, higher odds were observed for INSIG2 rs7566605 at high bisphenol exposure (ORCvsG=2.97, p=0.035, p-interaction=0.017) and for GSTP1 rs1695 at low levels (ORDom:AAvsAG+GG=5.38, p=0.016, p-interaction=0.016). At low and medium co-exposure, SH2B1 rs7498665 (ORAvsG=0.17, p=0.015, p-interaction=0.085) and MC4R rs17782313 (ORAvsG=0.10, p=0.023, p-interaction=0.045) displayed a protective effect, whereas ESR2 rs3020450 maintained its contributing role (ORGvsA=3.12, p=0.030, p-interaction=0.010). Our findings demonstrate for the first time that understanding the genetic variation in excess weight and how the level of exposure to bisphenols and parabens might interact with it, is crucial for a more in-depth comprehension of the complex polygenic and multifactorial aetiology of overweight and obesity.

Enhancing corrosion resistance of Al alloy sheets with potential gradient by arc-sprayed Zn coatings

To improve the corrosion resistance and wide the application of Al alloy sheet in the engineering production, a corrosion potential gradient along the thickness of the Al alloy sheet was fabricated using the sprayed Zn layer. The process of arc spraying was employed to obtain the Zn coating with optimizing the parameters. Electrochemical testing was conducted on the surface of Al alloy sprayed with Zn layers at different depths. As the depth in the thickness direction increases, the content of Zn alloy elements gradually decreases and the potential gradually increases. This exhibits a gradual decrease in corrosion tendency. The results of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) revealed the existence of pitting corrosion on the surface of the Al alloy. This even extended to the underlying substrate material. In contrast, the Zn coating, when exposed to a corrosive environment, demonstrated the beneficial cathodic effect as a sacrificial anode and the protective function of a passivating film, thus mitigating corrosion. The gradual increase in charge transfer resistance in the impedance spectrum suggested that the corrosion resistance of the sample is increasingly improved. Therefore, it exhibited remarkable resistance to corrosion. Additionally, the SEM surface morphology and XRD pattern were utilized to further explain the corrosion mechanism of the arc-sprayed Zn coating. The Zn coating can provide sacrificial protection to the Al layer due to its higher negative potential and localized corrosion reactivity. This is attributed to the micro-galvanic couples formed between the Zn and Al layer, thus increasing the corrosion resistance of the sheets.

STAKEHOLDERS ANALYSIS OF MANGROVE ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT IN SEGARA ANAKAN LAGOON, CILACAP

The mangrove ecosystems are one type of coastal ecosystem found along coastlines and river estuaries that are influenced by tides and inundation. Segara Anakan Lagoon, Cilacap as one type of coastal ecosystem has a protection function, coastal area buffer, and cultivation area function that must be supported from the aspects of policy and institutions, communication, and coordination. This study aims to identify the role of stakeholders and the relationship between stakeholders in mangrove ecosystem management in Segara Anakan Lagoon, Cilacap. The research method used was a survey and interview method analyzed with MACTOR software. The results showed that there were 18 stakeholders who involved in mangrove ecosystem management in Segara Anakan Lagoon, Cilacap. The stakeholders are classified into main stakeholders, key stakeholders, and supporting stakeholders using the objective of mangrove management as key activities such as silvofishery, mangrove conservation, fishing activity, industry activity, etc. The level of convergence between stakeholders was 96.1% and the level of divergence was 3.9%. These results indicate a relatively low potential for conflict between stakeholders. The research can be used as a model relation between stakeholders to support the management activity of Segara Anakan Lagoon.

The role of nesfatin-1 in kidney diseases.

Nesfatin-1 is a recently discovered protein with a pleiotropic function on various organs, including kidneys. This molecule presents antiapoptotic, antihyperglycemic, antioxidative, and anorectic features. Available data regarding the role of nesfatin-1 in kidney function and diseases focuses on chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, blood pressure, and renal cell carcinoma. Various studies have shown that the levels of nesfatin-1 were increased in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD); therefore, it was suggested that nesfatin-1 might act as an early DKD marker. Furthermore, the potential protective function of nesfatin-1 against inflammation, oxidative stress, fibrosis, and apoptosis in kidney tissues was described in several studies. Alternatively, as reported in the literature, a positive correlation between blood pressure elevation and nesfatin-1 levels was noted. Moreover, nesfatin-1 might exert influence on renal cell carcinoma progression and invasion of cancerous cells. Nesfatin-1 shows considerable potential for acting as a prognostic marker or a defensive factor for kidney diseases; however, further investigation, especially in the pediatric population, is still required.

Pulse current stabilizer with digital control for the power supply system of the plasmatron

Purpose. Solution of theoretical and practical problems on providing digital control of a pulse converter using high-speed microprocessor tools in the output current stabilization mode with provision of a specified duration of transient processes caused by an increase in load voltage and output current astaticity, which allows to obtain significant advantages over analog versions. Methodology. Review of literary and patent sources on the subject, theory of pulse automatic control systems, mathematical modeling of processes in pulse current stabilizers in the MATLAB / Simulink software environment and physical prototyping. Findings. A simulation model of an autonomous power supply system based on a converter using soft switching technology of transistors and an arc load is presented. A control law is synthesized and a model of a pulse current stabilizer is developed. A method is proposed and ways are found to control a pulse current stabilizer that provide a given duration of transients and astatism of the output current. A model of a pulse stabilizer with digital control based on a single-crystal computing module is developed and manufactured. The results of the study confirm the achievement of a finite duration of transient processes caused by a step change in the load voltage, close to 3-4 periods of conversion and output current astaticism. It is shown that the use of a pulse stabilizer using a fully digital control circuit has undeniable advantages over analog systems. Originality. The problem of synthesizing a digital controller for a given control time by the method of desired transfer functions for a soft switching operating converter on an arc load is solved. In addition to the given control time, additional quality requirements in the steady state are provided. Practical value.The use of microprocessor technology makes it possible not only to implement complex and new highly efficient control algorithms for a converter operating in the pulse current stabilizer mode, but also to perform additional functions for overload protection, self-diagnostics and telemetry of pulse converters. The use of this same digital device simultaneously for the purpose of controlling a pulse converter will allow to abandon analog PWM controllers and thereby reduce its own energy consumption and weight and size characteristics, increase the reliability of the functioning of pulse converters in power supply systems as a whole.

EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF THE "BELEZAS DO AGRESTE" SKINCARE KIT IN THE SKIN CARE ROUTINE OF A GROUP OF UPE VOLUNTEERS

Highlighting the importance of the skin and its protective and thermoregulatory functions, skin conditions and their psychosocial effects, and the increase in the search for hygiene and beauty products, the following study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the skincare kit distributed to volunteers by the Belezas do Agreste 3.0 extension project. The interactions of Instagram® users with the extension project page, which publishes reliable information on skin care on a weekly basis, were analyzed, and a beauty kit consisting of moisturizing gel and neutral and exfoliating soaps was distributed to volunteers who freely agreed to participate in the research. The kit was produced by the members of the extension project under the best hygienic and sanitary conditions, and personalized instructions for use were distributed to the participants according to their skin type assessment. The research, approved by the Ethics and Experimentation Committee with Human Beings of UPE, was conducted based on the collection of participants' responses to a structured online questionnaire to evaluate the products, respecting the privacy and integrity of the data obtained. The results are presented in the form of graphs and report positive evaluations regarding the information published on the project's social network and the products present in the beauty kit; specifically in relation to Instagram®, an increase of just over 1000% was recorded in the reach of the extension project's page. Considering the distribution of the beauty kit and the evaluation of its products, the participants claimed an improvement in the appearance of their skin, in addition to the reduction of oiliness and promotion of softness. Thus, this work can be considered productive and satisfactory in terms of reaching the general population on the subject of aesthetics through the dissemination of quality information on a social network, in addition to distributing a beauty kit to participants who voluntarily joined the Belezas do Agreste extension project and evaluated the products in the kit as efficient in improving the general appearance of the skin.

Effects of combined action of proline-rich peptides of human saliva with antimicrobial proteins

BACKGROUND: The substances that make up mixed saliva exhibit activity against bacteria, viruses and fungi. Among them are various cationic antimicrobial peptides: alpha- and beta-defensins, cathelicidins, histatins, but their concentration is relatively low. On the other hand, saliva widely contains a fraction of proline-rich proteins and products of their proteolysis — peptides, the functions of which currently remain poorly studied and unclear. The study of the antimicrobial activity of proline-rich proteins, in particular, when they act together with antimicrobial peptides, and the deciphering of the molecular and cellular basis for the implementation of the protective functions of proline-rich peptides is an urgent task in medicine and biology. The data obtained will help to understand the mechanisms of anti-infective protection of the oral cavity with the participation of the innate immune system, and in the future will allow the creation of drugs based on proline-rich proteins in humans and animals. AIM: Study of the individual antibacterial action of proline-rich salivary proteins, their combined action with the antimicrobial proteins lactoferrin and lysozyme, as well as with one of the most significant endogenous protective peptides — cathelicidin LL-37 on the formation of bacterial biofilms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human lactoferrin and egg lysozyme were used in the work. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of peptides against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria were estimated using serial dilutions in a liquid nutrient medium. Using serial dilutions using the “chessboard” method, it was shown that proline-rich proteins can increase the antibacterial activity of innate immunity peptides present in the oral cavity. The ability of combinations of cationic proline-rich peptides with cathelicidin LL-37 to prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms was studied. RESULTS: In the presence of proline-rich peptides, the antimicrobial activity of some antimicrobial peptides and proteins present in saliva against planktonic bacteria increases. The combined action of proline-rich proteins with LL-37 increases the inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation. CONCLUSIONS: As a result of the study, it was shown that the analyzed cationic proline-rich peptides of human saliva exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, which suggests their significant role in the regulation of inflammatory processes in the oral cavity, as well as their participation in recovery processes.

Climate Change, Air Pollution, African Dust Impacts on Public Health and Sustainability in Europe

Abstract Climate change poses a significant threat to environmental sustainability and public health, leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and biodiversity loss. Research on air pollution from African dust adversely associated with climate change highlights its significant role in trapping heat in the atmosphere and causing heat-related illnesses, cardiovascular disorders, and respiratory ailments. Smog, dust, acid rain, and ozone depletion also negatively impact ecosystems. The methods of the study also include the dynamics of climate change-induced air pollution. The implications for public health and environmental sustainability through GWR modeling and MODIS-NDVI analysis of controlling air pollution are crucial for reducing the climate crisis, safeguarding public health, and maintaining ecosystem sustainability. Results from particulate matter (PM 2.5-10), which consists of tiny particles with varying diameters, can enter the respiratory system through inhalation. This can lead to a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM 2.5-10). According to the relevant legislation, the limit value refers to the daily average value and must not exceed 50 μg/m3. While ozone in the stratosphere serves a protective function against ultraviolet radiation, excessive levels at ground level can be harmful and have been recorded in atmospheric samples ranging from 146.6 μg/m3 up to 702.3 μg/m3. impacting the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Policy leaders, businesses, and individuals need to be proactive in reducing air pollution, adopting clean energy technology, and implementing stricter pollution rules. Stricter pollution rules, environmentally friendly transportation choices, and the adoption of clean energy technology. The sustainability of the ecosystem and public health are significantly impacted by climate change linked to air pollution. To solve these global problems and move toward a healthier, cleaner future for future generations, we must act now on climate justice. Key messages • Examine the impact of African dust air pollution on public health and its significant impacts from climate change, provide solutions to mitigate its effects on environmental sustainability in Europe. • Public health workers, Policymakers and stakeholders must prioritize reducing emissions and enforcing strict air quality laws to mitigate the negative impact of African dust on European populations.

MW‐SAM:Mangrove wetland remote sensing image segmentation network based on segment anything model

AbstractMangrove wetlands are important ecosystems in tropical and subtropical coastal areas, providing wind and wave attenuation and embankment protection functions. However, mangrove wetlands worldwide are facing severe loss and degradation. Accurate identification of mangrove wetland extent is crucial for their protection, but traditional methods struggle to meet the requirements of large‐scale, high‐precision identification. Furthermore, field data collection and annotation in wetlands in complex intertidal zones pose challenges, and the lack of high‐quality training samples limits the application of deep learning methods in this field. This paper proposes a novel semantic segmentation framework for mangrove wetlands called mangrove wetland remote sensing image segmentation network based on segment anything model (MW‐SAM) to address these issues. MW‐SAM is based on the pre‐trained SAM and achieves cross‐domain adaptation through parameter‐efficient fine‐tuning techniques. It introduces wetland‐specific prompts, auxiliary branches, semi‐supervised training, and iterative optimization strategies to improve accuracy and tackle the problem of sample scarcity. Moreover, on the mangrove wetland dataset constructed in this paper, MW‐SAM significantly outperforms SAM and other traditional methods. MW‐SAM provides a new technology for monitoring and protecting mangrove wetlands, and the constructed dataset will be made publicly available, which is expected to promote the development of mangrove wetland conservation efforts.

Cross-Reactive Immune Response of Bovine Coronavirus Spike Glycoprotein to SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern

The high variability observed in the clinical symptoms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections has been attributed to the presence, in a proportion of infection-naive subjects, of pre-existing cross-reactive immune responses. Here, we demonstrate that the bovine coronavirus spike protein (BoS) may represent a source of protective immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Indeed, vaccination of BALB/c mice with a Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4)-based vector expressing BoS induced both cell-mediated and humoral immune responses that cross-react with SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. Although the spike-specific antibodies induced by BoS did not neutralize SARS-CoV-2, the T lymphocytes activated by BoS were able to induce cytotoxicity of cells expressing spike proteins derived from several SARS-CoV-2 variants. These results demonstrate that immunization with BoS may represent a source of cross-reactive immunity to SARS-CoV-2, and that these cross-reactive immune responses may exert protective functions. These results contribute to deciphering the mechanisms responsible for lack or mildness of symptoms observed in many individuals upon SARS-CoV-2 infection and may open new ways for the development of new vaccines for coronaviruses.

Some parameters of the immune system in women with hyperandrogenism

The article is dedicated to studying certain parameters of the immune system, which holds great significance in obstetrics and gynecology. Examining immune system parameters allows for identifying disruptions in reproductive-aged women with hyperandrogenism, which holds crucial practical implications. The authors conducted an immunological study of women with hyperandrogenism and women without this pathology. The aim of the study was to investigate the immune system status in women suffering from hyperandrogenism. Materials and methods of the study: 58 reproductive-aged women diagnosed with hyperandrogenism, under observation at the Women’s Health Center “AyolCare” in Tashkent, were examined. Comprehensive clinical and laboratory examinations were conducted for all women. The control group comprised 35 practically healthy reproductive-aged women. The obtained results indicate that women with altered hormonal balance, including those with hyperandrogenism, experience specific changes in the immune system. The conducted research revealed that the levels of T lymphocytes and T helper/inducer cells decrease, while the number of T killer cells, CD25+ cells (carrying IL-2 receptor), and CD95+ cells (carrying apoptosis signaling receptor) increases. The elevated levels of CD95+ cells indicate increased activation of apoptosis processes, which serve as a protective function of T killer cells. This increase in lymphocyte activation is likely associated with elevated levels of mature activated macrophages and a range of cytokines they produce, which directly stimulate lymphocytes. The detected imbalance in immunological parameters likely indicates that in hyperandrogenism, either the elimination of activated clones of T helper cells is absent or disrupted, which usually leads to the formation of immune response suppression. The increase in the number of activated clones of T lymphocytes is observed in the decreased process of their apoptosis, which is likely intensified by the influence of androgens.

Joint optimal PMU and DULR placement in distribution network considering fault reconstruction and state estimation accuracy

Due to the rapid development of the distribution network, there is an urgent need for high-precision state estimation and safe and stable operation, this paper proposes a joint optimal placement method for Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) and Dual Use Line Relay (DULR) in distribution networks considering fault reconstruction and state estimation accuracy. The proposed method aims to minimize the cost of PMU and DULR configuration. Based on the known pseudo-measurements and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) measurements, we use the E-optimal standard design of the state estimation error covariance matrix to form the state estimation accuracy index and take the relay protection function of Feeder Terminal Unit (FTU) device and DULR device into consideration of the fault reconstruction. By solving the mixed integer semidefinite programming (MISDP) model, the optimal placement result is obtained, so that the network under normal condition and the network after multiple fault reconstruction can meet the constraints of state estimation accuracy and load loss rate respectively. The proposed method is tested on IEEE 33-node, 123-node systems as an example. The experimental results show that the proposed method is effective and practical.Note to Practitioners—This study is stimulated by the need for optimizing the placement of Micro-PMU (µPMU) in distribution network. Since the new µPMU device DULR has the same relay protection function as FTU, and distributed generation can supply power to the island after failure, this paper adds the load loss rate to the constraint conditions to study the influence of fault reconstruction on the placement scheme. A new two-step SE method considering mixed measurements was used in this paper to improve the computational efficiency of real-time SE of large-scale system while ensuring the accuracy of the calculation results. We have conducted tests in IEEE-33 and IEEE-123 systems. After preliminary verification, compared with the single fault scenario, we find that the placement scheme considering multiple fault scenarios can effectively improve the accuracy of state estimation and reduce the load loss rate of each fault scenario and only increase the cost a little. The increase in the number of DG and contact lines in the network will also effectively improve the feasibility of the placement scheme. The increase of the number of FTU configurations can effectively reduce the configuration of DULR by adding a small amount of µPMU, reduce the total cost as a result. In future studies, we will further consider the integrated configuration of µPMU, DULR and FTU, to meet more failure scenarios while reducing costs.

Ginsenoside Rk3 Treats Corneal Injury Through the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB Pathway.

The cornea serves as a vital protective shield for the eye, safeguarding its intricate internal structures from external threats. Damage to the cornea compromises this protective function, triggering inflammation and potentially causing long-term harm. While ginsenoside Rk3 has demonstrated potential for repairing the corneal barrier and reducing inflammation, its effectiveness in treating corneal damage remains relatively unexplored. This comprehensive study uses both in vivo and in vitro models to investigate the therapeutic capabilities of ginsenoside Rk3. Using two models of corneal damage, a benzalkonium chloride-induced mouse model and a high osmolarity-induced human corneal epithelial cell model, we scrutinized the effects of ginsenoside Rk3 treatment. Our results showed that ginsenoside Rk3-treated mice manifested reduced corneal damage and inflammation compared with their untreated counterparts. Furthermore, mice treated with ginsenoside Rk3 exhibited an organized arrangement of corneal cells and diminished stromal layer thickness, indicating reparative properties of ginsenoside Rk3. Additionally, ginsenoside Rk3 increased the expression of tight junction proteins, suppressed inflammatory factors, and decreased HMGB1 protein expression, thereby modulating downstream signaling pathways. Collectively, our findings present compelling evidence that ginsenoside Rk3 is a promising therapeutic option for corneal injury. By repairing the corneal barrier, mitigating inflammation, and modulating specific protein levels, ginsenoside Rk3 opens new avenues for managing corneal damage.

Small heat shock protein B8: from cell functions to its involvement in diseases and potential therapeutic applications.

Heat shock protein family B (small) member 8 (HSPB8) is a 22 kDa ubiquitously expressed protein belonging to the family of small heat shock proteins. HSPB8 is involved in various cellular mechanisms mainly related to proteotoxic stress response and in other processes such as inflammation, cell division, and migration. HSPB8 binds misfolded clients to prevent their aggregation by assisting protein refolding or degradation through chaperone-assisted selective autophagy. In line with this function, the pro-degradative activity of HSPB8 has been found protective in several neurodegenerative and neuromuscular diseases characterized by protein misfolding and aggregation. In cancer, HSPB8 has a dual role being capable of exerting either a pro-or an anti-tumoral activity depending on the pathways and factors expressed by the model of cancer under investigation. Moreover, HSPB8 exerts a protective function in different diseases by modulating the inflammatory response, which characterizes not only neurodegenerative diseases, but also other chronic or acute conditions affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis and intracerebellar hemorrhage. Of note, HSPB8 modulation may represent a therapeutic approach in other neurological conditions that develop as a secondary consequence of other diseases. This is the case of cognitive impairment related to diabetes mellitus, in which HSPB8 exerts a protective activity by assuring mitochondrial homeostasis.This review aims to summarize the diverse and multiple functions of HSPB8 in different pathological conditions, focusing on the beneficial effects of its modulation. Drug-based and alternative therapeutic approaches targeting HSPB8 and its regulated pathways will be discussed, emphasizing how new strategies for cell and tissue-specific delivery represent an avenue to advance in disease treatments.