Visible Changes Research Articles

The Epithelial Immune Response to Human Papillomavirus Infection

The skin is a complex organ, containing an intricate network of immune cells that are crucial for host barrier function and defence against pathogens. Human papillomavirus (HPV) exclusively infects the skin, and its lifecycle is intimately associated with epithelial cell division and differentiation. There are over 450 HPV types, 12 of which are classified as carcinogenic. The primary focus of this review is the epithelial immune response to HPV infection of the cervix during the initial stages of infection, productive infection, and disease progression. During the early stages of infection, cells are HPV-positive; however, there are no attributable histological changes to the epithelium. The HPV-infected cells have the capacity for innate sensing and signalling through toll-like receptors in response to viral nucleic acids. However, HPV has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade the innate response. During productive infection, all viral antigens are expressed and there are visible histological changes to the epithelium, including koilocytosis. Disease regression is associated with Tbet positive cells in the infected epithelium and the presence of CD4 and CD8 T cells in the lamina propria. Disease progression is associated with the overexpression of the E6 and E7 oncoproteins after integration of viral genomes into the host chromosomal DNA. Histologically, the epithelium is less differentiated, and changes to cells include a higher nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio and an increased mitotic index. Immune changes associated with disease progression include increased numbers of cells expressing suppressor molecules, such as FoxP3, Blimp-1, and HMGB1, and myeloid cell infiltrates with an M2-like phenotype. This review highlights the gaps in the understanding of the immune response in HPV-positive cervical neoplasia, and in regression and progression of disease. This knowledge is critical for the development of effective immunotherapies that reliably cause HPV-positive cervical neoplasia to regress.

Smart-Sandwich: A Thin Flexible Sensing Device Based on an Agarose-Chitosan-Agarose (ACA) Triple-Layer Biofilm for Onsite Monitoring of Escherichia coli.

Portable, cost-effective, and durable thin-film sensors are essential for real-time E. coli detection, ensuring safe drinking water and public health protection. In this work, we developed a solid-state, flexible sensing device using an agarose-chitosan-agarose (ACA) sandwich biofilm for the selective colorimetric detection of E. coli in water. The chitosan in ACA biofilm functions as an artificial enzyme, exhibiting peroxidase-like activity, which catalyzes the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Upon incubating the ACA biofilm with E. coli, the agarose layers undergo enzymatic degradation by the β-galactosidase enzyme produced by E. coli. The degradation takes place due to the cleavage of β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. This exposes the underlying chitosan layer which enhances the catalytic activity, triggering a visible color change due to TMB oxidation within 30 min. The device achieves a highly sensitive detection limit of 6.8 CFU/mL, with excellent accuracy in real samples, further supported by android-based, smartphone-assisted detection. The developed solid-state, flexible ACA biofilm offers a novel, rapid, and reliable solution for onsite E. coli detection, combining sensitivity, stability, and ease of use.

Deciphering the biophysical aspects of the interaction of 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene with ribonuclease A: spectroscopic and computational studies.

Drug-receptor interaction is an important aspect in drug action, drug discovery, and pharmacological aspects. The molecule 3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene known as resveratrol is a natural polyphenol and exhibits diverse biological activities. Ribonuclease A catalyses the degradation of RNA by its ribonucleolytic activity. The report presents the binding interaction of resveratrol with RNase A using experimental and theoretical techniques. Experimental studies revealed the interaction strength of 104M-1 order with a single binding site. Resveratrol quenched the ribonuclease A fluorescence with a quenching constant of 104M-1 range. The accessible fraction of the fluorophore was found to be 0.75 besides non-radiative energy transfer from ribonuclease A to resveratrol. The donor-acceptor distance was 2.14nm from FRET calculations. No visible changes in the protein structure was evident from the circular dichroism studies. The interface residues involved in the interaction were obtained from docking studies. Further, the participation of the active site residues, His 12, His 119, and Lys 41 with interaction indicates the location of resveratrol near to the active site of ribonuclease A and indicates its possible potential to inhibit the ribonuclease A activity. The RMSD of less than 3Å indicates stable conformation of protein in the complex. The protein RMSF value in the complex less than 3Å shows no deviation of protein residues over time and thus suggests no conformational variation in the protein after binding.

Controlled synthesis of bimetallic Au@Os nanoparticles as peroxidase mimics: A novel approach to cysteine detection.

Controlled synthesis of bimetallic Au@Os nanoparticles as peroxidase mimics: A novel approach to cysteine detection.

A new dithieno[2,3-b]pyridine-fused BODIPY fluorescent probe for specific Cu2+ recognition.

A new dithieno[2,3-b]pyridine-fused BODIPY fluorescent probe for specific Cu2+ recognition.

Development of pH-responsive active intelligent chitosan film incorporated with pomegranate cellulose nanocrystals and curcumin nanoparticles.

Development of pH-responsive active intelligent chitosan film incorporated with pomegranate cellulose nanocrystals and curcumin nanoparticles.

ZnGlu MOF-enhanced anthocyanin-gelatin films: A novel approach for monitoring chicken meat freshness through experimental and molecular dynamics insights.

ZnGlu MOF-enhanced anthocyanin-gelatin films: A novel approach for monitoring chicken meat freshness through experimental and molecular dynamics insights.

Stress can be detected during emotion-evoking smartphone use: a pilot study using machine learning

IntroductionThe detrimental consequences of stress highlight the need for precise stress detection, as this offers a window for timely intervention. However, both objective and subjective measurements suffer from validity limitations. Contactless sensing technologies using machine learning methods present a potential alternative and could be used to estimate stress from externally visible physiological changes, such as emotional facial expressions. Although previous studies were able to classify stress from emotional expressions with accuracies of up to 88.32%, most works employed a classification approach and relied on data from contexts where stress was induced. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to clarify whether stress can be detected from facial expressions of six basic emotions (anxiety, anger, disgust, sadness, joy, love) and relaxation using a prediction approach.MethodTo attain this goal, we analyzed video recordings of facial emotional expressions collected from n = 69 participants in a secondary analysis of a dataset from an interventional study. We aimed to explore associations with stress (assessed by the PSS-10 and a one-item stress measure).ResultsComparing two regression machine learning models [Random Forest (RF) and XGBoost], we found that facial emotional expressions were promising indicators of stress scores, with model fit being best when data from all six emotional facial expressions was used to train the model (one-item stress measure: MSE (XGB) = 2.31, MAE (XGB) = 1.32, MSE (RF) = 3.86, MAE (RF) = 1.69; PSS-10: MSE (XGB) = 25.65, MAE (XGB) = 4.16, MSE (RF) = 26.32, MAE (RF) = 4.14). XGBoost showed to be more reliable for prediction, with lower error for both training and test data.DiscussionThe findings provide further evidence that non-invasive video recordings can complement standard objective and subjective markers of stress.

Biochemical and Rapid Paper Sensory Detection of Heavy Metals in Milk Based on Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Milk is an emulsion of proteins and fats in water that contributes to a nutritious diet and enhances our immune system. However, contamination of heavy metals in milk due to an increase in industrialization and urbanization can be a serious threat to human health. This study focused on the rapid detection of heavy metals particularly lead and mercury in milk using biochemical assays as well as paper-based colorimetric sensor based on green synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from leaf extract of Hemigraphis colorata. Biochemical assays such as the lead chromate test and sodium hydroxide test were employed to detect lead and mercury in milk samples. The biogenic AgNPs were characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction. The unique properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) like surface plasma resonance (SPR), large surface area and visible colour change upon aggregation when metal ions interact, enable them to detect heavy metals. This is a portable and affordable method of detection that ensures safer milk consumption and sustainable environmental practices.

The Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2024

Documented on April 8, 2024, from Idabel, Oklahoma, this series of photographs captures the progression of the Great American Total Solar Eclipse, an astronomical event last observable in North America until 2044. Each phase, from partial eclipse to totality, reveals the dynamic changes in solar visibility, culminating in a spectacular view of the solar corona. This phenomenon, visible due to the moon's alignment with the sun, allows a rare glimpse of the outer solar atmosphere.

Investigations of Microstructural Changes in Tin Bronzes During Cremation

Abstract For many centuries, cremations were common and the ashes were buried in urns. During the late Bronze Age (ca. 1300–800 BC), cremations took place in Inzersdorf ob der Traisen as well. Thus, bronze artefacts in the urns were heat-treated. By experimental archaeology, cremations could be recreated and various microstructural changes in the bronze could be identified. For comparison, ancient bronze artefacts from Inzersdorf ob der Traisen were examined and similar structural changes to those found in experimental cremations were detected. In order to obtain more precise information about the effects of heat treatment, bronze sheets containing 10 wt.% Sn were annealed in a laboratory furnace at different temperatures and for different times. The heat-treated sheets were examined by metallography, light optical microscope (LOM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The newly formed microstructures, produced by these experiments, will be compared with those of ancient artefacts as well as those from the experimental archaeology samples. It was found that up to 500 °C no visible changes in the bronze structure occurred. At about 800 °C recrystallization of the bronze occurred. First melting occurred at 950 °C, which was even more pronounced at 1000 °C.

Abstract 5988: Microscopic colitis - rare events secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy

Abstract Introduction: Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have become the standard of care for cancer treatment but are associated with immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The combination of Nivolumab and Relatlimab (N+R) was approved in March 2022 for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. While colitis is a well-known toxicity of ICIs, microscopic colitis (MC) presenting as watery diarrhea with normal endoscopic mucosal appearance, has not yet been described in Summary of Product Characteristics of N and R. Description: We present the case of a 54-year-old man undergoing treatment with N+R for recurrent BRAFV600Emt cutaneous malignant melanoma with metastases to soft tissues and lymph nodes. Eight weeks after starting therapy, the patient developed grade 3 (per CTCAE v.5) watery diarrhea. Stool tests were negative for infectious agents, including Clostridium difficile. Abdominal imaging with computed tomography did not reveal any signs of colitis. However, due to elevated fecal calprotectin levels (12 times above normal) and N+R treatment, ir-colitis was diagnosed. Intravenous methylprednisolone at 1 mg/kg/day has been administered and led to a temporary reduction of symptoms to grade 1. However, within a week, watery diarrhea worsened again to grade 3 despite ongoing steroid therapy. Due to steroid refractory, another immunomodulator was administered, including two doses of infliximab, without improvement. The patient did not lose weight. Colonoscopy revealed normal-appearing mucosa in the entire colon and terminal ileum. Random biopsies were done throughout the colon and terminal ileum. Histopathological examination revealed inflammatory infiltrates and focal increases in intraepithelial lymphocytosis, confirmed by CD3+ immunohistochemistry across all samples. The treatment with next-generation steroid budesonide (9 mg orally once daily in the morning) was administered, resulting in symptom resolution within two days. Diarrhea did not recur over the following four months. The N+R was finished. The patient received three doses of N+R and achieved a complete response (CR) on imaging, which is ongoing. Conclusion: Various types of colitis were found secondary to ICIs such as pseudomembranous, granulomatous, or collagenous with endoscopically visible changes in the mucosa. MC is suspected to result from increased immune activity in the gut mucosa. It can develop following ICIs therapy and presents with severe symptoms, often requiring hospitalization, steroids, and other immunomodulators. This case highlights that a normal mucosal appearance on colonoscopy does not exclude immune-mediated colitis. Next-generation steroids, such as budesonide, can be effective in managing MC during immunotherapy. Raising awareness of the uncommon irAEs is essential, as some rare events can lead to fatal outcomes. Radiological, endoscopic, and microscopic pictures will be presented on the poster. Citation Format: Barbara Radecka, Michał Piątek, Jacek Pawełczak, Ewa Stobiecka, Krystian Kowalczyk, Patryk Zając. Microscopic colitis - rare events secondary to immune checkpoint inhibitors therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 5988.

Visualizing the Sliding Motion of Dynamic Rotaxanes by Surface Wrinkles.

Visualizing the sliding dynamics of a topological network can provide critical insight into determining the design and properties of mechanically interlocked materials. Although several auxiliary techniques have been proposed to infer the microscopic motion of rotaxanes, employing intuitive and convenient methods to explore the microscopic dynamics of a mechanically interlocked polymer remains a significant challenge. Herein, this work introduces a mechanically interlocked network (MIN) into the patterned surfaces for visualizing and regulating the sliding process of [2]rotaxane units through the evolution of surface wrinkles. Upon the photodimerization of the anthracene-functionalized polymer chain, the surface wrinkle can be formed after thermal treatment and subsequent cooling to room temperature. Specifically, the cross-linked films exhibit visible changes in wrinkle topography through the disruption of host-guest recognition by alkaline stimuli. Moreover, by leveraging the unique mechanical properties of surface wrinkles, we prolonged and amplified the originally extremely transient and difficult-to-detect sliding motion of rotaxane units in terms of time scale. Through statistical analysis of the changes in wrinkle morphology, we were able to correspondingly deconstruct the three processes of the rotaxane sliding motion: (I) unrestricted rapid sliding following host-guest dissociation; (II) restricted sliding; and (III) termination of sliding. The novel approach we propose opens a new avenue for studying the microscopic molecular motion of mechanically interlocked materials, facilitating the advancement and application of mechanically interlocked structures. In addition to using macroscopic surface patterns to visualize and explore microscopic molecular motion, the motion of microscopic molecules can also be used to regulate macroscopic surface patterns.

Radiomics Analysis of Apparent Diffusion Coefficient Maps of Parotid Gland to Diagnose Morphologically Normal Sjogren Syndrome.

This study investigated novel radiomic features derived from apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps for diagnosing Sjögren syndrome (SS) in patients without visible magnetic resonance morphologic changes. This study prospectively analyzed 119 consecutive patients with SS and 95 healthy volunteers using 3.0 T magnetic resonance imaging, including diffusion-weighted imaging with b values of 0 and 1000 s/mm2. Regions of interest (ROIs) were manually delineated along the margins of the largest parotid gland slice on ADC maps, from which 838 quantitative features were automatically extracted. Based on the intraclass correlation coefficient and absolute correlation coefficient, 45 radiomic parameters were selected for analysis. The differentiation between patients with SS and healthy controls was evaluated using univariate analysis and receiver operating characteristic analysis. Multiple radiomic features were integrated using binary logistic regression analysis. Through machine learning algorithms, 4 predictive models were developed, and each was thoroughly evaluated for predictive performance. The Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) approach was employed to elucidate the predictive factors influencing the model. Twenty-two radiomic parameters demonstrated significant differences between SS and control groups. The AUCs were 0.681 ± 0.100 (0.559~0.878). The optimal diagnostic combination for SS consisted of 6 parameters: 0.975Quantile, 180dr_D(4)_Cluster Prominence, 225dr_D(7)_Entropy, 315dr_D(7)_Entropy, Compactness2, and Max3D Diameter, achieving an AUC of 0.956. The SVM, GBM, and XGBoost models were effectively distinguished SS from healthy controls. Among all the parameters, Max3DDiameter demonstrated the strongest predictive power in the model. Radiomic features derived from ADC maps demonstrate significant potential in facilitating the early diagnosis of SS.

A colorimetric POCT mediated by poly(tannic acid)-capped AgNPs for the detection of hazardous H₂S: Applications in meat spoilage monitoring and halitosis diagnosis.

A colorimetric POCT mediated by poly(tannic acid)-capped AgNPs for the detection of hazardous H₂S: Applications in meat spoilage monitoring and halitosis diagnosis.

Consumption and living standards in early modern rural households: Probate evidence from Southern Sweden, c. 1670–1860

Abstract This article presents new estimates of the material living standards among the rural population in southern Sweden from the 1670s up to 1865. The development of rural consumer patterns over the period is analyzed using a newly constructed database of 1665 probate inventories from three benchmark periods. It finds that that all rural households, no matter their socioeconomic status, diversified their composition of movable goods during the eighteenth century with a special focus toward increased comfort rather than household reproduction. The most visible change was an increase and diversification of cooking- and dining-ware, the furniture necessary to store and use these, as well as greatly expanded personal wardrobes. The consumer goods and behaviors adopted by the peasants and rural laborers during the eighteenth century correspond partly to the consumer revolution spreading through Europe during the period and suggest the development of a distinctly rural consumer culture. This development coincided with a diversification of rural household production, which would have given households an extra source of income, increased their reliance on interregional markets for household reproduction, and integrated the south-Swedish countryside into the wider European market from which the new consumer goods and habits associated with the consumer revolution could be introduced.

ECO-FRIENDLY SYNTHESIS OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM POMEGRANATE PEEL EXTRACT AND THEIR ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY

The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has created a pressing need for innovative and sustainable antimicrobial agents. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are well-known for their potent antibacterial properties; however, conventional chemical synthesis methods often involve toxic reagents and environmental hazards. In this study, an eco-friendly approach was employed for the green synthesis of AgNPs using Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel extract as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The extract, rich in polyphenols, tannins, and flavonoids, effectively reduced silver ions (Ag⁺) to metallic silver nanoparticles. A visible color change from pale yellow to dark brown confirmed the formation of AgNPs, and UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed a characteristic surface plasmon resonance peak at ~430 nm. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated the presence of bioactive functional groups responsible for the reduction and capping of nanoparticles. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) confirmed the crystalline nature of the synthesized AgNPs, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed predominantly spherical particles with sizes ranging from 20–80 nm. The antibacterial efficacy of the green-synthesized AgNPs was evaluated against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) using the agar well diffusion method. Results demonstrated significant inhibition zones, confirming the strong antimicrobial potential of AgNPs, particularly against S. aureus. The study highlights the dual benefit of utilizing agro-waste for nanoparticle synthesis while producing biocompatible and eco-safe antibacterial agents. These green AgNPs hold promising applications in medical textiles, wound dressings, and water purification systems.

Cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) peptide-positive neuron populations in the enteric nervous system of the porcine descending colon depend on age and gender

The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a complex structure located in the wall of the gastrointestinal tract. One of the less-known active substances found in the ENS is cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART). It is known that CART-positive enteric neurons take part in the reactions to pathological stimuli, but knowledge of physiological stimuli-dependent changes in their population is extremely limited. The aim of the present study was to investigate the age- and gender-dependent diversities in the distribution of CART-positive neurons in the porcine colonic ENS using the double immunofluorescence technique. The obtained results have shown that age affects the number of CART-positive neurons in the colonic ENS and the character and intensity of age-caused changes depend on the type of the enteric plexus, and the most visible changes have been noted in the myenteric plexus in which the percentage of CART-positive neurons amounted to 22.3 ± 0.2% in young females, 20.7 ± 0.4% in young males, 23.7 ± 0.2% in adult females and 25.8 ± 01% in adult males. Moreover, during the present study, sex-dependent diversities in the percentage of CART-positive neurons were found, especially in adult animals. The obtained results suggest that CART in the ENS takes part in neuroplasticity processes occurring during the development, maturation and/or aging of the gastrointestinal tract, as well as that the number of CART-positive neurons is controlled by sex hormones and depends on the gender. However, the elucidation of all aspects connected with the influence of age and gender on the population of CART-positive neurons in the ENS requires further comprehensive studies.

Need And Awareness Of Environmental Ethics: An Overview

In modern era of science and technology, we see visible and great changes in our surroundings. The life styles of the people so changed that their activity adversely affects our environment. Industrialization, Urbanization, as well as many anthropogenic activities affects the environments physical, chemical as well as biological components adversely. These effects can include changes in air water soil and ecosystems. Environmental ethics is the branch of philosophy that explores the moral relationship between human and the natural world. It involves the systematizing and recommending concepts of right and wrong about the environment. Environmental ethics investigates the questions like “What is the best way for the people to live?” “What actions are right and wrong in particular circumstances?” etc. it examines the values and principles that guide the interactions of man with the environment and seeks to understand the responsibilities of human beings towards the planet and resources. The need and awareness of environmental ethics has become more important in recent years due to various environmental issues as Pollution, Climate change, Deforestations, Biodiversity loss, Resource depletion as well as oil spills in the ocean. The awareness of environmental ethics leads to Sustainable practices, Conservation of natural resources, Protection of endangered species, reduction of waste and pollution and promotion of eco-friendly policies. Increasing awareness of environmental ethics bring significant changes in individuals, communities and societies to adopt more sustainable and environmentally conscious practices leading to a more equitable and thriving planet. The present paper deals about the overview of need and awareness of environmental ethics. Keywords : Environment, Environmental ethics, Environmentally conscious, Sustainable practices.

Silica-based optical chemosensors for rapid and reliable on-site detection of gamma-hydroxybutyrate in beverages and oral fluids

The illicit use of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) in drug-facilitated crimes underscores the urgent need for rapid and reliable detection technologies. This study introduces two innovative silica-based nanosensors that offer real-time, on-site detection of GHB in spiked beverages at concentrations typical of chemical submission cases. Both chemosensors are based on silica nanoparticles functionalized with 2-aminonaphtoxazole derivatives. The first nanosensor, modified with a p-nitroaniline chromogenic unit, enables a visible color change for immediate visual identification, while the second incorporates a fluorescein derivative for high-sensitivity detection via fluorescence. Both nanosystems demonstrate exceptional specificity to GHB, with minimal interference from other substances. Moreover, the solid-phase integration of these nanosensors onto hydrophobic cellulose-based substrates enhances their portability and user-friendliness, making them suitable for nightlife venues and forensic applications. Finally, chromogenic precursor 1 has proven to be an excellent chemosensor for the visual detection of GHB in oral fluid, with a calculated LOD of 19.2 μM, and a linear response in the 32–132 μM range.Graphical abstract