Response Of System Research Articles

Home Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation Rehabilitation Program for Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: Crossover Trial.

Maintaining physical function and preserving spinal flexibility have been challenging in managing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Most rehabilitation programs, including manual therapy, massage, hydrotherapy, and acupuncture, cannot be performed at home. The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) was validated in treating AS, but no home TENS system has explored its efficacy to date. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a home TENS system with a novel treatment program for patients with AS. The modified WeHeal TS-200 TENS and galvanic response system provided home-based TENS treatment for patients with AS. Patients were divided into a 2-month course group and a 1-month course group. After the first treatment course, patients went through a washout period for the same duration of their treatment course. Participants could decide whether to accept the second course of treatment. The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Schober test, finger-to-floor flexion test, enthesis score, cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulins were measured to evaluate its efficacy. The clinical trial protocol (1096607481) received approval from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan. A total of 9 patients (5 in a 2-month course group and 4 in a 1-month course group) completed the first treatment course, and 5 patients (4 in a 2-month course group and 1 in a 1-month course group) completed the sequential treatment course. The weighted results showed that patients reported an improving BASFI score (mean difference -0.9, SD 1.7; P=.03) after treatment. Looking into the trajectories, declined BASFI and BASDAI scores were noticed during treatments; this score increased during the washout period. There were improving trends in the Schober test (mean difference 1.9, SD 4.9; P=.11) and finger-to-floor flexion test (mean difference -0.6, SD 9.5; P=.79), but the results were not statistically significant. The response of cytokines, chemokines, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulins before and after treatment did not show a consistent trend, and all results were not statistically significant (all P>.05). The home TENS device demonstrated a potential role in AS management. It may improve accessibility and adherence for patients with AS and provide remote monitoring for clinicians. Further research can compare the effectiveness of electrotherapy at home or in a medical setting and focus on integrating the home TENS system and exercise program to enhance patients' physical functions and spinal flexibility.

Variations in access to acute care services by immigrant background and sociodemographic factors

Abstract Background The Emergency Medical Communication Center (EMCC) plays a vital role in the medical emergency response system by triaging contacts, notifying local physicians, and providing medical advice. The utilization of acute care services and the subsequent care pathway by individuals with immigrant background remains unclear in the Norwegian context. This study aims to investigate whether disparities exist in the acute care pathway for patients with different sociodemographic background who use ambulance services. Methods We examined all code red ambulance dispatches for life-threatening emergencies in 2021 in Norway. These ambulance dispatches were linked to primary health care and specialist health care contacts to trace patient pathways and outcomes. Statistical analyses were conducted using linear regression models, adjusted for patient characteristics, such as immigrant background, age, sex, municipality of residence, living condition, socioeconomic status, comorbidity and cause of emergency contact. Results Preliminary crude findings indicate that patients with immigrant background are overrepresented in the groups receiving acute primary care only and underrepresented in the groups transferred directly to specialist health care, within 8 hours after ambulance arrival at the patients’ location. Conclusions The preliminary results suggest challenges for the EMCC in triaging patients with immigrant background, but further research is needed to explore potential systematic differences. This study aims to improve understanding of disparities in access to acute care and inform targeted interventions to optimize resource allocation in emergency departments. Key messages • This study may improve understanding of disparities in access to acute care in Norway. • This study can inform targeted interventions to improve resource allocation in emergency departments.

A potential role of gut microbiota in stroke: mechanisms, therapeutic strategies and future prospective.

Neurological conditions like Stroke and Alzheimer's disease (AD) often include inflammatory responses in the nervous system. Stroke, linked to high disability and mortality rates, poses challenges related to organ-related complications. Recent focus on understanding the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke includes aspects like cellular excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, cell death mechanisms, and neuroinflammation. The objective of this paper is to summarize and explore the pathophysiology of ischemic stroke, elucidates the gut-brain axis mechanism, and discusses recent clinical trials, shedding light on novel treatments and future possibilities. Changes in gut architecture and microbiota contribute to dementia by enhancing intestinal permeability, activating the immune system, elevating proinflammatory mediators, altering blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and ultimately leading to neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The gut-brain axis's potential role in disease pathophysiology offers new avenues for cell-based regenerative medicine in treating neurological conditions. In conclusion, the gut microbiome significantly impacts stroke prognosis by highlighting the role of the gut-brain axis in ischemic stroke mechanisms. This insight suggests potential therapeutic strategies for improving outcomes.

Potassium extrusion by plant cells: evolution from an emergency valve to a driver of long-distance transport.

The ability to accumulate nutrients is a hallmark for living creatures and plants evolved highly effective nutrient transport systems, especially for the uptake of potassium (K+). However, plants also developed mechanisms that enable the rapid extrusion of K+ in combination with anions. The combined release of K+ and anions is probably an ancient extrusion system, as it is found in the Characeae that are closely related to land plants. We postulate that the ion extrusion mechanisms have developed as an emergency valve, which enabled plant cells to rapidly reduce their turgor, and prevent them from bursting. Later in evolution, seed plants adapted this system for various responses, such as the closure of stomata, long-distance stress waves, dropping of leaves by pulvini, and loading of xylem vessels. We discuss the molecular nature of the transport proteins that are involved in ion extrusion-based functions of plants and describe the functions that they obtained during evolution.

From Monitoring to Observability: A Paradigm Shift in IT Operations

This article explores the paradigm shift from traditional monitoring to observability in IT operations, driven by the increasing complexity of modern distributed systems, data overload, evolving cybersecurity threats, and the need for proactive problem-solving. Observability platforms, built on the four pillars of events, metrics, traces, and logs, provide comprehensive insights into system behavior and performance. Adopting observability practices offers numerous benefits, including automated discovery of system components, dependency mapping, topology visualization, correlative intelligence, faster root cause diagnosis, and more accurate anomaly detection through auto-baselining. Organizations that embrace observability report significant improvements in incident response times, system reliability, and overall operational efficiency. The article guides successfully transitioning to an observability-focused approach by embracing automation, fostering a culture of observability, implementing the right tools, and leveraging AI and machine learning for advanced analytics and insights.

Spectral element method for random vibration analysis of the vehicle-track coupling system

In this paper, we propose a new random vibration analysis model for the vertical vehicle-track coupling system, which combines the symplectic method and the spectral element method (SEM) to enhance calculation efficiency and accuracy. The model assumed that the vehicle is composed of a multi-rigid body with 10 DOFs, and its motion equation is derived using the traditional frequency analysis method. Tracks are considered periodic structures, and the part between sleeper support points is considered a substructure. The motion equation of the periodic track-substructure is established by spectral element method (SEM), and the propagation of vibration wave between the substructures is calculated by the symplectic method. The frequency responses of the vehicle-track coupling system are calculated by using the German low-interference irregularity spectrum and short-wave irregularity spectrum as excitation. Then, the rationality of this method is verified by comparing it with the results from the traditional symplectic method and simulations using Universal Mechanism software. The comparison shows that this method surpasses the traditional symplectic method in high-frequency accuracy while maintaining high computational efficiency. Although the finite element method also has the capability for high-frequency analysis, this method can calculate the high-frequency vibration of an infinitely long track using just one element, making it more suitable for the efficient analysis of vehicle-track coupling systems. Finally, the model is applied to analyze the distribution characteristics of the vibration response of the coupled system in the frequency domain.

Performance-Based Design Method of Hinged Wall with Buckling-Restrained Braces at Base Using the Elastic Displacement Spectrum

A performance-based seismic design method using the elastic displacement design spectrum based on equal displacement approximation is proposed for the Hinged Wall with BRBs at Base (HWBB) structural system. HWBB is simplified as an Equivalent Single Degree of Freedom (ESDOF) system. Design flowcharts are given. The proposed design approach aims to limit the lateral displacements to an allowable target displacement. Design examples are presented and target displacements are compared with numerical results. The results indicate that the plastic response of the HWBB structural system is accurately predicted by the elastic displacement spectrum, which verified that the performance-based design method of HWBB is accurate.

Autonomic nervous system responses to hypo- and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and prediabetes.

Previous research points to a role of the brain in the regulation of glucose and pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) via modulation of counter-regulatory hormone secretion and activity in the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The aim of this study was to investigate glucose-dependent responses of catecholamines and ANS activity in individuals with T2D, prediabetes (PD) and normoglycemia (NG). Cross-sectional. Individuals with T2D (n=19, 7 men, HbA1c 49 mmol/mol), prediabetes (PD, n=18, 8 men) and normoglycemia (NG, n=17, 3 men) underwent one stepwise hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic-hypoglycemic and one hyperglycemic clamp with repeated measurements of catecholamines, symptoms, heart rate variability (HRV) and hemodynamics. The hypoglycemic response of adrenaline was augmented in T2D and PD vs NG (both p<0.05) and there was a strong association with insulin resistance (p<0.05 for M-value). In relation to achieved glucose levels in both clamps, noradrenaline exhibited a steeper rise during hypoglycemia in T2D vs NG and PD (both p<0.05). There were trends toward more marked autonomic hypoglycemic symptoms in T2D vs PD and NG. By contrast, insulin resistance was associated with attenuated responses of heart rate and HRV-indices PLF and PHF at the target glucose plateau of 2.7 mmol/l (p<0.05), independent of BMI and HbA1c. Alterations in glucose-dependent responses of counter-regulatory hormones and the autonomic nervous system appear before, and probably contribute to, the onset of T2D. Together with other reported alterations in neuroendocrine pathways, the findings suggest that a maladaptation of the brain's responses to glucose fluctuations is important in T2D progression.

Strategy Of The Local Government Of Mamasa Regency In Preventing Religious Conflicts To Realize National Security

Managing diversity based on local democracy is a preventive step to prevent prolonged conflicts toward social reintegration. Religious segmentation is used as a way to unravel the political conflicts that previously echoed in this area. Efforts to carry out the representation of religious identity (Islamic-Christian) in each Regional Election event are used as a new political format to minimize the tension of identity politics that can erode the spirit of community togetherness. Representation politics is then manifested in the form of pairs of candidates to occupy the position of regional head until the last twenty years have been institutions that have the ability to maintain unity and unity. This research uses a qualitative approach. For data collection techniques, researchers conduct interviews, observation, and documentation procedures. The theories and concepts used in this study include strategy theory, peace theory, conflict theory, conflict prevention concept, Conflict early Warning and Early Response System (CEWERS) concept, and state defense concept. Based on the results of the study, it can be understood that overall, conflict management carried out by the government, both the central government and local governments, is very poor. Efforts to resolve conflicts only occur at the elite level and do not include people who suffer more and lose more due to conflict. An elitist resolution will only meet the interests and demands of the elite. The demands of the masses that should also be accommodated are ignored. As a form of strategic steps of the local government of Mamasa Regency in preventing conflicts in the administration of government and its relationship with the roots of religious conflicts in Mamasa Regency, some of the descriptions of the steps taken include the Education and Socialization Approach, Increasing the Role of the Religious Harmony Forum (FKUB), Strengthening the Economy and Social Welfare, Fair and Transparent Law Enforcement, and Inclusive Infrastructure and Public Facilities Development.

Key stakeholders’ perspectives of public health emergency preparedness in Palestine: A qualitative exploratory study

ObjectivesPalestine continues to face emergencies and a series of humanitarian crises. This study aims to comprehend emergency planning and response including the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Comprehending and recording these experiences will facilitate on-going improvement of Palestine's Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP). Study designA qualitative exploratory study. MethodsFifteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informant decision-makers representing various sectors of the Palestinian health system. The data collection period took place from April 2022–December 2022. A convenient purposive sample was chosen based on identifying important stakeholders in the West Bank's health sector. Every interview was transcribed. Major themes and subthemes were identified using content thematic analysis. ResultsThe study demonstrates Palestine's inadequate preparation for emergencies, instead there is a focus on response once a crisis has occurred. No national entity or mechanism is leading the collective preparedness efforts, which might ultimately result in a stronger emergency response. Instead, the efforts are dispersed across several entities, and decisions are not made cooperatively. As for resources, the study indicates that an emergency budget has not been allocated. The study showed a good degree of multi-sectoral collaboration with some reservations regarding the creation of various committees and their efficacy in handling crises. ConclusionThe findings made it abundantly evident that significant efforts are needed to improve Palestine's level of preparedness and planning. One of the study's primary conclusions is that the health sector must shift from a reactionary to a preparedness-oriented mindset. Additionally, it is necessary to keep an eye on any changes in the nation's health and analysis must take place to strengthen the health system's response plans. Moreover, the activation of the emergency operation center in Palestine is one of the key advancements of the preparedness system.

Prior exposure to racial discrimination and patterns of acute parasympathetic nervous system responses to a race-related stress task among Black adults.

Black adults' prior exposure to racial discrimination may be associated with their acute parasympathetic reactivity to and recovery from a new race-related stressor. Existing analytical approaches to investigating this link obscure nuances in the timing, magnitude, and patterns of these acute parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) responses. In a re-analysis of a prior study, we utilize an hidden Markov model (HMM) approach to examine how prior experiences of racial discrimination are associated with intraindividual patterns of (1) physiological states of PNS activity and (2) patterns of and variability in transitions between these physiological states. Participants (N = 118) were Black young adults (range 18-29 years; Mage = 19.67, SDage = 2.04) who completed an online survey to index prior racial discrimination exposure, followed by an in-person lab visit during which their PNS activity in response to a race-related stress task was measured via electrocardiogram and converted into respiratory sinus arrhythmia. HMMs indicated evidence for two states: baseline and a second state representing a significant reduction in respiratory sinus arrhythmia. Most participants (93.22%) demonstrated a blunted response to the task, indicating that they did not transition from baseline during the procedure. Prior racial discrimination was not associated with HMM states or state transition parameters. Blunted physiological responses may be an important area of future investigation that could inform early life course mental and physical health screenings.

Immune system benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disease characterized by pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Inflammatory mediators show relationships with shortness of breath, exercise intolerance and health related quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), a comprehensive education and exercise training programme, is the most effective therapy for COPD and is associated with reduced exacerbation and hospitalization rates and increased survival. Exercise training, the primary physiological intervention within PR, is known to exert a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in health and chronic diseases. The question of this review article is whether exercise training can also make such a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect in COPD. Experimental studies using smoke exposure mice models suggest that the response of the immune system to exercise training is favourably anti-inflammatory. However, the evidence about the response of most known inflammatory mediators (C-reactive protein, tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin 6, interleukin 10) to exercise training in COPD patients is inconsistent, making it difficult to conclude whether regular exercise training has an anti-inflammatory effect in COPD. It is also unclear whether COPD patients with more persistent inflammation are a subgroup that would benefit more from hypothesized immunomodulatory effects of exercise training (i.e., personalized treatment). Nevertheless, it seems that PR combined with maintenance exercise training (i.e., lifestyle change) might be more beneficial in controlling inflammation and slowing disease progress in COPD patients, specifically in those with early stages of disease.

Design, Simulation, and Implementation of MRAC Controller with PMAC Target Hardware for Controlling 7.5 m Antenna

The article presents the design of an adaptive controller, simulation, code generation, and porting of the algorithm into target hardware, movement of the 7.5 m antenna, testing, verification, and validation of theoretical and experimental results of the antenna system. The conventional servo control methods based on PID controllers are being used for tracking X-band missions. As the need for higher data rates is increasing, missions are switching to the Ka band, as a result the satellite ground stations will have to track the satellite in the Ka band where the antenna band beam width is narrowed by a factor of 3 when compared to the X-band antenna beamwidth. These challenges had driven the designer to design and implement a Model Reference Adaptive Controller over PID to improve and achieve the tracking accuracy of less than 25m° from the present 30 m°. Thus, consistent and constant performance is achieved throughout the trajectory tracking of the mission using PID + MRAC (Model Reference Adaptive Control). MRAC uses a reference model that specifies the desired response of the antenna system and adjusts the controller parameters such that the plant follows the reference to achieve the desired performance. The entire drive chain modules and their parameters are considered in the design of the plant, namely MRAC controller, PID controller, Power Drive electronic (Rectifier and Inverter), Servo Motor, mechanical torque coupling, Gear reducer, Slew Ring Bearing (SRB), and absolute encoder modules of each axis for position feedback from the antenna. Model Order Reduction of higher-order actual Plant model to the standard second-order system is optimized. The modelled and analysed outcomes of the MRAC scheme using the Modified MIT are demonstrated. The developed model is tested against step, ramp, parabolic, satellite trajectory, velocity and acceleration inputs in MATLAB/Simulink and validated with practical/ experimental test results with antenna load at the satellite ground Station. The achieved results indicate that the PID + MRAC controller has significant and consistent performance improvements when compared to the PID controller alone.

Experimental evaluation on dynamic performance of medium–low-speed maglev vehicle running on low-positioned subgrade

ABSTRACT As a novel urban rail transit system with relatively low construction costs, medium–low-speed maglev transportation is currently experiencing rapid development in China. However, there have been rare studies on the experiments of medium–low-speed maglev vehicle passing curves and low-positioned subgrade. Therefore, this paper systematically conducts on-site dynamic tests on the Qingyuan Maglev Tourism Line. The experiment provides a detailed analysis of the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle system and subgrade under varying speeds up to 132 km/h. The study explores the impacts of operating speed, track layout, and type of girder structure. The results indicate that a significant increase in operating speed and the application of emergency braking intensify the dynamic response of the vehicle system. When passing through the R700m curve and low-positioned subgrade sections at different speeds, the primary vibration frequency of the sprung structure is below 2.5 hz, while the unsprung structure shows a wide frequency distribution. The peak frequencies of the vibration for the low-positioned subgrade are mainly distributed in the 60–140 hz range, and the vibration response of the girder remains at a low level. The Sperling index values, levitation gap, and lateral offset of the levitation electromagnet of the testing vehicle do not exceed 2.5, 4 mm, and 10 mm, respectively, indicating excellent ride comfort and stable levitation performance. The results of this test study provide a reliable assessment of the safety of the vehicle and subgrade system and would help precise modelling of vehicle and subgrade system in the future.

Comparative Study on the Response of Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis L.), Salvia (Salvia officinalis L.), and Oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) to Drought Stress Under Foliar Application of Selenium.

Drought is one of the most important abiotic factors limiting plant productivity. Although the aromatic plants of the Lamiaceae family often grow in arid regions, drought tolerance varies greatly among the different species of this family. The effect of induced drought stress can be reduced by the application of selenium. The current study aims to compare the growth and biochemical responses of three species of the Lamiaceae family (hyssop, salvia, and oregano) to drought stress and the possibility of reducing the effect of stress in these plants by foliar treatment with selenium. Drought stress reduced the fresh and dry biomass of hyssop (by 35% and 15%), salvia (by 45% and 41%), and oregano (by 51% and 32%). Se treatment did not affect the growth of plants under drought stress, but it improved relative water content in hyssop and salvia under moderate drought conditions. A reduction in the content of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b (in hyssop and salvia). In addition, an increase in the content of hydrogen peroxide (in oregano and salvia), malondialdehyde, and proline in plants cultivated under drought conditions was observed. Se treatment led to reduced levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde, along with an increase in chlorophyll a content (in hyssop and oregano) and proline content. The response of the antioxidant system depended on the plant species. Hyssop exhibited a significant increase in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and peroxidase activities. Oregano showed enhanced catalase activity. Salvia experienced a sharp increase in ascorbic acid content. Se treatment stimulated the accumulation of phenolic compounds and increased glutathione peroxidase activity in all studied species.

A new integrated modelling and control of ternary pumped storage hydro power generation for small signal stability studies

Pumped storage hydro power generation (PSHPG), a reliable renewable energy source with an energy storage feature, can impart efficient damping torque to power system oscillations to improve small signal stability with appropriate modelling and additional compensation through the governor. But ternary PSHPG (T-PSHPG) has the unique feature of hydraulic short circuit (HSC) mode, where both pumping and generating modes operate simultaneously. This study presents a novel fourth-order modified Heffron Phillips (MHP) model of T-PSHPG in coordination with a multi-band Power system stabilizer (MB-PSS) employing 2-way penstock, where primary penstock circulates water from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir through the turbine and secondary penstock divides primary penstock, thereby creating short-circuit path through the pump. Also, this model includes additional reactive power droop control to maintain the voltage profile. A new state space matrix has been developed for coordinating T-PSHPG in HSC mode with MB-PSS. The control parameters of the proposed coordinated model are set by a new multi-objective differential evolution-improved particle swam optimization (DE-IPSO) algorithm. With variable load, random solar and wind source penetrations, it has been found that the proposed model can provide adequate damping actions. The sensitivity of the proposed model has been observed by varying critical model parameters by ±50 %. For all conditions, the settling time of speed variation is within 2.672 s to 5.951 s and the minimum damping ratio lies within 0.105 to 0.455. The minimum damping ratio is 0.32 and the settling time is found to be 3.1 s for system response subject to sudden solar power variation, which has been observed by shifting system eigenvalues toward the left half of the complex plane. Time and frequency domain parameters with sensitivity analysis predict system oscillations being damped effectively with consistency for the proposed modelling and control strategy. The results are verified in real-time with OPAL-RT real-time digital simulator. It has been justified by the present study that appropriate modelling of T-PSHPG along with coordinated control action provided by MB-PSS can handle critical power system oscillations efficiently and effective damping torque can be imparted in HSC mode.

Designing a multi-epitope influenza vaccine: an immunoinformatics approach

Influenza continues to be one of the top public health problems since it creates annual epidemics and can start a worldwide pandemic. The virus’s rapid evolution allows the virus to evade the host defense, and then seasonal vaccines need to be reformulated nearly annually. However, it takes almost half a year for the influenza vaccine to become accessible. This delay is especially concerning in the event of a pandemic breakout. By producing the vaccine through reverse vaccinology and phage display vaccines, this time can be reduced. In this study, epitopes of B lymphocytes, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and helper T lymphocytes of HA, NA, NP, and M2 proteins from two strains of Influenza A were anticipated. We found two proper epitopes (ASFIYNGRL and LHLILWITDRLFFKC) in Influenza virus proteins for CTL and HTL cells, respectively. Optimal epitopes and linkers in silico were cloned into the N-terminal end of M13 protein III (pIII) to create a multi-epitope-pIII construct, i.e., phage display vaccine. Also, prediction of tertiary structure, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and immune simulation were performed and showed that the designed multi-epitope vaccine can bind to the receptors and stimulate the immune system response.

The state of psychological and immunological indicators in graduate students of a medical university

Training future doctors for professional practice usually entails building awareness and embracing the significant responsibility inherent in the field. This, in turn, leads to significant psycho-emotional stress by the time of graduation from academic institution. With the aim of identifying the correlation between homeostatic system indicators, a comparative analysis was conducted to characterize the immunological and psychological parameters of final-year medical university students, contingent upon their respective training programs. The study involved sixth-year students of the Therapeutic and Preventive Faculty [TPF] (29 individuals) and the Military Training Center [MTC] (34 individuals) of Rostov State Medical University, a Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education. The exclusion criteria for all participants included the presence of chronic diseases and any infectious process of any origin within three months prior to the study. The groups were similar in terms of age (23.8±1.82 and 23.9±2.2 years, respectively), gender (all male), and corresponded to health group I. Psychological evaluation was conducted employing the Spielberger–Hanin Scale to gauge levels of personal and situational anxiety. The assessment of immunological status was carried out at the Scientific Research Institute of Clinical Immunology using standard methodological approaches. Registration cards for immunopathology analysis were used to characterize health status over the year. Analysis of the obtained data from psychological questionnaires revealed that students of the Therapeutic and Preventive Faculty, compared to their counterparts from the Military Training Center, demonstrated a higher degree of situational and, particularly, personal anxiety. Differences in the immune response system between the compared groups were identified with regards to indicators that characterize both adaptive and innate immunity. These differences were expressed in a more significant number of circulating regulatory T lymphocytes, a less pronounced lytic potential of effector cells, a greater number of TLR9+ monocytes with a decrease in the proportion of cells of the monocyte series carrying HLA-DR in medical students compared to their counterparts studying in the medical service officers’ program. Thus, the period of psychological preparation in a medical university for the commencement of professional activity varies based on the characteristics of the educational process and proves to be more effective for sixth-year students of MTC. Students from the TPF exhibit more pronounced psycho-emotional stress compared to their counterparts in military medical training, leading to evident signs of immune system dysregulation. It is imperative to develop strategies for timely detection of changes in both psychological and immunological adaptive capacities.

The effect of high levels of Glycyrrhiza glabra powder on performance, carcass characteristics, blood parameters, immunity, intestinal microbial flora, intestinal morphology and breast muscle fatty acid profile in broilers

In order to investigate the effect of licorice medicinal plant on performance, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile of breast muscle, intestinal microbial flora, blood constitutes and immunity of broiler chickens, an experiment using a completely randomized design with 3 treatments, 4 replications, 10 chicks per repetition and a total of 120 pieces of one-day-old male broiler chickens of commercial strain Ross 308 were performed for 42 days. Experimental treatments included three different levels of licorice (0, 300 and 400 mg/kg feed). Data was analyzed using SAS statistical software and averages were compared at the 5% probability level with Duncan's multiple range test. The results showed that although variation in feed consumption, weight gain and feed conversion ratio was not significant in any of the rearing periods (P≥0.05), the highest feed consumption, weight gain and the best feed conversion ratio was observed in the final period of chickens were fed with Diet containing 400mg/kg licorice. Also, according to the data, the best European index was related to this treatment. In addition, the use of two levels of licorice had no significant effect on carcass characteristics or intestinal microbial flora; however, the highest increase in body weight and the lowest number of Lactobacillus acidophilus bacteria were observed at the higher level of licorice. However, these high levels did not lead to a decrease in abdominal fat. According to the results obtained, different levels of licorice led to a significant reduction of harmful fats such as cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL and LDL (P&lt;0.05). Furthermore, although the level of HDL was not significant (P≥ 0.05), its highest amount was seen at high levels of licorice. In addition, the lowest amount of total protein, albumin and globulin was observed at the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice. According to these results, although the amount of glucose was lowest its level was not significant (P≥0.05), Also, the use of this same level of licorice had no significant effect on the function of the humoral immune system in response to antigen injection (SRBC Antibody against sheep red blood cell) or antibody titer against Newcastle virus and influenza (P≥0.05). Nevertheless, according to the data, the highest antibody titer against Newcastle virus and SRBC antigen was associated with this treatment. These results also showed that high levels of licorice led to an increase in the number of Bifidobacterium. Villi width and crypt depth decreased at the high dose of licorice, but the ratio of villi length to crypt depth increased. In addition, the use of different levels of licorice could not reduce the ratio of saturated to unsaturated fatty acids compared to the control group. Therefore, based on the results of this research, it is recommended to use the level of 400 mg/kg of licorice to supplement the diet of broilers of Ross 308 strain.

Biofilm Microenvironment-Sensitive Anti-Virulent and Immunomodulatory Nano-on-Nanodroplets to Combat Refractory Biofilm Infection Through Toxin Neutralization and Phagocytosis.

Biofilm-associated wound infection is principally perceived as the bacterial defense mechanism that hinders antibiotic penetration, causes toxin impairment, and suppresses the immunological responses of the host immune system. Several antibiofilm agents have been developed, but the least of these agents can simultaneously cornerstone on the biofilm-associated immunosuppression and bacterial toxin-induced cellular dysfunction. Inspired by the fusogenic property of nanodroplets and immunomodulatory functions of metal nanoparticles, biofilm targeted anti-virulent immunomodulatory cationic nanoparticle shelled nanodroplets (C-AgND) is fabricated to completely disintegrate and eradicate the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm. The specific binding of C-AgND neutralizes the negatively charged EPS layer, causing their destabilization followed by penetration of the nanoformulation into the biofilm matrix, killing the persister cells. Consequently, C-AgND eliminates the virulence property of the S. aureus biofilm through α-hemolysin neutralization. C-AgND promotes a strong immunomodulatory effect by polarizing macrophages into their M1 phenotype to induce phagocytosis of the disintegrated biofilm-released residual cells, rejuvenating the host's innate immune responses for the complete eradication of the biofilm. Moreover, the ex vivo skin wound infection model illustrates an excellent biofilm eradication efficacy of C-AgND in comparison to the commercial ones, rendering them to be a promising replacement of existing antibiofilm agents in clinical application.