Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis,a fatal disease.It is widely distributed in various foods and environmental sources.In this review,we focused on addressing PCR-bas...Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis,a fatal disease.It is widely distributed in various foods and environmental sources.In this review,we focused on addressing PCR-based technologies,including conventional PCR,qPCR and droplet digital PCR(ddPCR).Specifically,we described(a)conventional PCR and mono-,duplex-and multiplex-qPCR methodologies;(b)development and applications of gene HlyA-,Iap-,PrfA–and SsrA-based conventional and qPCR assays as well as PCR assays targeting newly identified gene targets for specific detection of L.monocytogenes;differentiation of viable from dead L.monocytogenes by qPCR in conjugation with propidium monoazide pretreatment;PCR-based serotype identification of L.monocytogenes isolates;PCR-based detection of L.ivanovii,infecting ruminants,differentiation of L.monocytogenes from other Listeria species;and sigB-gene based PCR identification of Listeria spp;(c)applications of ddPCR in detection of L.monocytogenes;and(d)application of qPCR assays in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in milk and dairy products;meats,meat products and meat-processing environment;and seafood,seafood products and processing environment.Our goal was to provide a relatively comprehensive overview of PCR-based methodologies available in detection,characterization and subtyping of various strains of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources.展开更多
The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary s...The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .展开更多
Periodical cicadas(Magicicada spp.)are endemic to deciduous forests in the eastern United States.In successional forests,they must partition resources such as host trees to coexist.We measured tree size,emergence hole...Periodical cicadas(Magicicada spp.)are endemic to deciduous forests in the eastern United States.In successional forests,they must partition resources such as host trees to coexist.We measured tree size,emergence holes,oviposition scar bundles,and chorusing center abundances of Magicicada species on 12 common tree species in a deciduous forest to understand host-tree use.We predicted that the abundance of periodical cicadas and use of specific host-tree species would change depending on the Magicicada species and tree life stage.We considered the size of the tree(diameter at breast height)as a covariate to control for tree size and collected eggs for a greenhouse experiment to assess whether nymphs prefer to feed on Quercus rubra or Acer saccharum.More emergence holes were found below Quercus species than any other tree species.The abundance of periodical cicadas on host trees used for chorusing centers varied depending on the Magicicada species,but were most abundant on Quercus species.Oviposition scar bundles were also more frequent on Quercus.More nymphs were found on Quercus than Acer in the nymph preference study.Though periodical cicadas used Quercus hosts more than other tree species,their abundances on different host tree sizes and species differed significantly.Periodical cicada species may use specific host species and life stages as a way to partition resources and minimize competition among the Magicicada species during emergence years.展开更多
Listeria monocytogenes,one of the most important foodborne pathogens,can cause listeriosis,a lethal disease for humans.L.ivanovii,which is closely related to L.monocytogenes,is also widely distributed in nature and in...Listeria monocytogenes,one of the most important foodborne pathogens,can cause listeriosis,a lethal disease for humans.L.ivanovii,which is closely related to L.monocytogenes,is also widely distributed in nature and infects mainly warm-blooded ruminants,causing economic loss.Thus,there are high priority needs for methodologies for rapid,specific,cost-effective and accurate detection,characterization and subtyping of L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii in foods and environmental sources.In this review,we(A)described L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii,world-wide incidence of listeriosis,and prevalence of various L.monocytogenes strains in food and environmental sources;(B)comprehensively reviewed different types of traditional and newly developed methodologies,including culture-based,antigen/antibody-based,LOOP-mediated isothermal amplification,matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry,DNA microarray,and genomic sequencing for detection and characterization of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources;(C)comprehensively summarized different subtyping methodologies,including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis,multi-locus sequence typing,ribotyping,and phage-typing,and whole genomic sequencing etc.for subtyping of L.monocytogenes strains from food and environmental sources;and(D)described the applications of these methodologies in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in foods and food processing facilities.展开更多
We consider an extension of the standard newsvendor problem by allowing for multiple classes of customers. The product is first sold to customers with the highest priority, and the remaining units (if any) are sold at...We consider an extension of the standard newsvendor problem by allowing for multiple classes of customers. The product is first sold to customers with the highest priority, and the remaining units (if any) are sold at a discounted price to customers in decreasing order of priority until all classes of customers have been served, limited only by the available stock. Unsold items, if any, have a salvage value. The demands of different priority customers are independent random variables with known probability distributions. The problem is to find the purchase quantity that maximizes the expected profit. We show that this problem actually reduces to the standard newsvendor problem with the demand distribution being a mixture of the input demand distributions. Since this mixture of distributions is typically hard to handle analytically, we propose a simple general heuristic which can be implemented using different types of distributions. Some of these implementations produce near optimal solutions. We tested these implementations for the case of two demand classes of customers and found that they outperform previously published heuristics in almost all instances. We suggest applications for this model in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, apparel industry, and perishable goods among others. We also propose an extension involving shortage cost.展开更多
The Lambert W function has its origin traced back 250 years, but it’s just been in the past several decades when some of the real usefulness of the function has been brought to the attention of the scientific community.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using texture analyzer to predict sensory attributes of cosmetic emulsions.Eleven emulsions prepared in the lab and twelve commercial products have been ...The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using texture analyzer to predict sensory attributes of cosmetic emulsions.Eleven emulsions prepared in the lab and twelve commercial products have been tested by texture analyzer and evaluated by a trained sensory panel.Based on the collected data,a series of precise predictive equations were presented,and the predictive models were developed using simple linear regression by the best Pearson’s correlation coefficients.The results showed that the texture analyzer can predict sensory attributes of spreadability,firmness,ease of pick-up,peak after pick-up and tackiness by single corresponding parameter.All the values of R2 for these predictive models were above 0.80 except for the attribute of spreadability(R2=0.71).New methods were designed to measure three sensory attributes of ease of pick-up,peak after pick-up and tackiness,while the modified methods were developed to measure spreadability and firmness.These reported methods in the research are very effective and easy to operate and can support alternatives to traditional sensory profiles obtained with trained panels.展开更多
The Internet Accessible Mathematical Computation (IAMC) framework aims to make it easy to supply mathematical computing powers over the Internet/Web. The protocol-based IAMC framework enables developers to create int... The Internet Accessible Mathematical Computation (IAMC) framework aims to make it easy to supply mathematical computing powers over the Internet/Web. The protocol-based IAMC framework enables developers to create interoperable clients and servers easily and independently. Presented are conceptual and experimental work on the IAMC framework architecture and major components: the Mathematical Computation Protocol (MCP), a client prototype (Dragonfly), a server prototype (Starfish), a mathematical encoding converter (XMEC), and an open mathematical compute engine interface (OMEI).展开更多
In order to overcome all encapsulation variations during a complex coacervation process, the replacement of gelatin cationic polymer has been performed using p(AMA). The synthesis of p(AMA) was realized through a rand...In order to overcome all encapsulation variations during a complex coacervation process, the replacement of gelatin cationic polymer has been performed using p(AMA). The synthesis of p(AMA) was realized through a random radical methodology. Under these conditions a polymer with 18,600 g/mol was found appropriate for optimal capsule yield and physico-chemical properties. Turbidity measurements performed during the coacervation reactions with different ratios of both CMC and p(AMA) allowed optimizing coacervation conditions. Coacervates characterizations particularly demonstrate the stability of the capsules exhibiting a break strength over 3 N/m<sup>2</sup>.展开更多
Skin aging is a process of structural and compositional remodeling that can be manifested by wrinkling and sagging. Remarkably, the dermis plays a dominant role in the aging process. Recent studies suggest that microR...Skin aging is a process of structural and compositional remodeling that can be manifested by wrinkling and sagging. Remarkably, the dermis plays a dominant role in the aging process. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs are implicated in the regulation of gene expression during aging. However, studies about age-related microRNAs and how they modulate skin aging remain limited. In the present work, a complex of hydrolyzed natural yeast proteins (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and hydrolyzed natural soya bean was developed and showed the ability to modulate the expression of telomere-binding protein TRF2, which is a key factor for telomere protection and to prevent cellular senescence in vitro and DNA damage. The aim of the study was to identify microRNAs specifically modulated after application of the ingredient complex to cultured fibroblasts, and their possible involvement in remodeling of the human extracellular matrix and fibroblast senescence. Consequently, human skin fibroblasts were cultured and treated with 1% of the ingredient complex for 48 h before analyzing microRNA modulation by RT-qPCR. The use of bioinformatics allowed us to predict the target genes for modulated microRNAs. Results show that the ingredient complex modulated a pattern of microRNAs including the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p, which are associated with fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the human dermal extracellular matrix. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p possibly represent key microRNAs that impact human fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the dermal extracellular matrix.展开更多
Purpose: To assess the possibility of using a public calibration function for radiochromic film dosimetry in dose QA of highly conformal treatment plans. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2 from l...Purpose: To assess the possibility of using a public calibration function for radiochromic film dosimetry in dose QA of highly conformal treatment plans. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2 from lots A101212 and A011713) were exposed on a Varian Trilogy at a facility to a 10 × 10 cm2 open field at doses of 80, 160, 320 cGy using 6MV photons. Together with a strip of unexposed film from the same lot, the exposed films were digitized in a single scan using different Epson 10,000 XL scanners at two different facilities. The dose-response data for each color-channel from each facility were generated using the same calibration function X(D) = a + b/(D - c), where X(D) is the response at dose D and a, b and c are the coefficients. Different batches of EBT3 film were exposed to a VMAT beam. These films, plus two reference strips exposed to doses of zero and 160 cGy, were digitized on the scanners at the two facilities. Using the multi-channel dosimetry method and One-scan protocol (Med Phys, 39: 6339-6349, 2012) the recorded doses on the VMAT films were calculated and the results were compared with the VMAT plan using a Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. Results: The passing rates obtained for dose maps calculated for all combinations of VMAT images and calibration functions were nearly unchanged, using the One-scan protocol. Also, in all cases a passing rate of >99% was obtained for Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. On the other hand, if the One-scan protocol was not employed, the dose maps for VMAT images and calibration functions from different scanners showed poor correlation with the treatment plan. This is probably due to the scan-to-scan variability. Conclusions: The authors have found that it is feasible to use a public calibration function for a given radiochromic film lot using the same methodology, One-scan protocol, for patient-specific QA.展开更多
The spring-to-summer transition is of special importance in long range forecasting, as the general circulation transitions to a less energetic regime. This affects the Midwestern United States in a profound way, since...The spring-to-summer transition is of special importance in long range forecasting, as the general circulation transitions to a less energetic regime. This affects the Midwestern United States in a profound way, since agriculture is very sensitive to the variability of weather and climate. Beginning at the local scale, surface temperature observations are used from a representative station in the West Central Missouri Plains region in order to identify the shift from late spring to early summer. Using upper-air re-analyses as a supplement, the 500-mb height observations are examined to find a spring-to-summer transition date by tracking the location of a representative contour. Each of these is used to identify spring-to-summer transition date and then statistical analysis is performed on this long-term data set. Finally, teleconnections, specifically the influence of El Ni?o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and blocking are examined in order to quantify interannual variability. It was found that examining these criteria, developed in an earlier study that covered a much shorter time period, produced similar statistics to this 68-year study of spring-to-summer transitions. It was also found that the onset of La Ni?a was associated with hotter summers in the region, a result first found in the earlier study, but this association was much stronger here.展开更多
Via quantitative polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） test method, the efficacy of hexapeptide-2 was studied, including silencing on miR-29 and increasing miR-218 expression which targeted collagen coding mRNA （message...Via quantitative polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） test method, the efficacy of hexapeptide-2 was studied, including silencing on miR-29 and increasing miR-218 expression which targeted collagen coding mRNA （message RNA） then decreases the collagen synthesis, and the latter silences the melanin synthesis related enzyme. Then the double blind spilt-face clinical test on 35 Asian people （18 male and 17 female） was conducted to evaluate the whitening and anti-wrinkle effect. The qPCR test showed that hexapeptide-2 can decrease miR-29 expression for human fibroblast of different age （P 〈 0.05）; and the result on human melanocyte showed that it can increase miR-218 expression （P 〈 0.05）. Immunostaining results showed that it can increase the expression of collagen I and III significantly （P 〈 0.05）. The double blind split - face test showed that 1% hexapeptide-2 displays significant efficacy for skin whitening, spots lightening, skin erythema and skin dullness improvement, as well as skin wrinkles reduction as comparing with that from the placebo side （P 〈 0.05）.展开更多
Recent articles reviewed the molecular damaging pathway of various pollutants especially PM2.5 particles and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon. AhR （aryl hydrocarbon receptor） pathway, tobacco-similar pathway, oxidatio...Recent articles reviewed the molecular damaging pathway of various pollutants especially PM2.5 particles and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon. AhR （aryl hydrocarbon receptor） pathway, tobacco-similar pathway, oxidation, as well as epigenetics pathway were reviewed. Based on the working mechanism, the reported study method and methodology used in Ashland lab were reviewed, including cell level experiment, through reconstructed human skin to in vivo study.展开更多
Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli(STEC)outbreak is a public health concern as it can potentially cause a variety of clinical manifestations including diarrhea,hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS...Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli(STEC)outbreak is a public health concern as it can potentially cause a variety of clinical manifestations including diarrhea,hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS).However E.coli are generally innocuous commensal organisms,and there is a need to discriminate pathogenic from non-pathogenic isolates rapidly and accurately.In this study,we have used standard culture based methods and advanced molecular approaches to characterize E.coli in food in a local outbreak investigation.We show that the application of DNA based detection methods including real-time PCR and DNA microarray along with a traditional culture method can identify the organism implicated in an outbreak at the strain level for pathogenic potential.展开更多
Cigarette smoke was used to simulate a polluted environment and an experiment was performed to reveal how healthy and bleached hair are damaged by a polluted environment. The dry/wet combability, surface contact angle...Cigarette smoke was used to simulate a polluted environment and an experiment was performed to reveal how healthy and bleached hair are damaged by a polluted environment. The dry/wet combability, surface contact angle, tryptophan content, and cuticle morphology of the smoke-exposed hair were evaluated, and compared to unexposed virgin hair. The results showed that pollution exposure can cause significant chemical damage to hair. In particular, virgin hair exposure to pollution can cause damage to the hair cuticles(higher wet/dry combing), protein degradation, and a more hydrophilic hair surface.展开更多
文摘Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis,a fatal disease.It is widely distributed in various foods and environmental sources.In this review,we focused on addressing PCR-based technologies,including conventional PCR,qPCR and droplet digital PCR(ddPCR).Specifically,we described(a)conventional PCR and mono-,duplex-and multiplex-qPCR methodologies;(b)development and applications of gene HlyA-,Iap-,PrfA–and SsrA-based conventional and qPCR assays as well as PCR assays targeting newly identified gene targets for specific detection of L.monocytogenes;differentiation of viable from dead L.monocytogenes by qPCR in conjugation with propidium monoazide pretreatment;PCR-based serotype identification of L.monocytogenes isolates;PCR-based detection of L.ivanovii,infecting ruminants,differentiation of L.monocytogenes from other Listeria species;and sigB-gene based PCR identification of Listeria spp;(c)applications of ddPCR in detection of L.monocytogenes;and(d)application of qPCR assays in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in milk and dairy products;meats,meat products and meat-processing environment;and seafood,seafood products and processing environment.Our goal was to provide a relatively comprehensive overview of PCR-based methodologies available in detection,characterization and subtyping of various strains of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources.
文摘The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .
基金supported by the Herrick Foundation,Kent University。
文摘Periodical cicadas(Magicicada spp.)are endemic to deciduous forests in the eastern United States.In successional forests,they must partition resources such as host trees to coexist.We measured tree size,emergence holes,oviposition scar bundles,and chorusing center abundances of Magicicada species on 12 common tree species in a deciduous forest to understand host-tree use.We predicted that the abundance of periodical cicadas and use of specific host-tree species would change depending on the Magicicada species and tree life stage.We considered the size of the tree(diameter at breast height)as a covariate to control for tree size and collected eggs for a greenhouse experiment to assess whether nymphs prefer to feed on Quercus rubra or Acer saccharum.More emergence holes were found below Quercus species than any other tree species.The abundance of periodical cicadas on host trees used for chorusing centers varied depending on the Magicicada species,but were most abundant on Quercus species.Oviposition scar bundles were also more frequent on Quercus.More nymphs were found on Quercus than Acer in the nymph preference study.Though periodical cicadas used Quercus hosts more than other tree species,their abundances on different host tree sizes and species differed significantly.Periodical cicada species may use specific host species and life stages as a way to partition resources and minimize competition among the Magicicada species during emergence years.
文摘Listeria monocytogenes,one of the most important foodborne pathogens,can cause listeriosis,a lethal disease for humans.L.ivanovii,which is closely related to L.monocytogenes,is also widely distributed in nature and infects mainly warm-blooded ruminants,causing economic loss.Thus,there are high priority needs for methodologies for rapid,specific,cost-effective and accurate detection,characterization and subtyping of L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii in foods and environmental sources.In this review,we(A)described L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii,world-wide incidence of listeriosis,and prevalence of various L.monocytogenes strains in food and environmental sources;(B)comprehensively reviewed different types of traditional and newly developed methodologies,including culture-based,antigen/antibody-based,LOOP-mediated isothermal amplification,matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry,DNA microarray,and genomic sequencing for detection and characterization of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources;(C)comprehensively summarized different subtyping methodologies,including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis,multi-locus sequence typing,ribotyping,and phage-typing,and whole genomic sequencing etc.for subtyping of L.monocytogenes strains from food and environmental sources;and(D)described the applications of these methodologies in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in foods and food processing facilities.
文摘We consider an extension of the standard newsvendor problem by allowing for multiple classes of customers. The product is first sold to customers with the highest priority, and the remaining units (if any) are sold at a discounted price to customers in decreasing order of priority until all classes of customers have been served, limited only by the available stock. Unsold items, if any, have a salvage value. The demands of different priority customers are independent random variables with known probability distributions. The problem is to find the purchase quantity that maximizes the expected profit. We show that this problem actually reduces to the standard newsvendor problem with the demand distribution being a mixture of the input demand distributions. Since this mixture of distributions is typically hard to handle analytically, we propose a simple general heuristic which can be implemented using different types of distributions. Some of these implementations produce near optimal solutions. We tested these implementations for the case of two demand classes of customers and found that they outperform previously published heuristics in almost all instances. We suggest applications for this model in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry, apparel industry, and perishable goods among others. We also propose an extension involving shortage cost.
文摘The Lambert W function has its origin traced back 250 years, but it’s just been in the past several decades when some of the real usefulness of the function has been brought to the attention of the scientific community.
文摘The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of using texture analyzer to predict sensory attributes of cosmetic emulsions.Eleven emulsions prepared in the lab and twelve commercial products have been tested by texture analyzer and evaluated by a trained sensory panel.Based on the collected data,a series of precise predictive equations were presented,and the predictive models were developed using simple linear regression by the best Pearson’s correlation coefficients.The results showed that the texture analyzer can predict sensory attributes of spreadability,firmness,ease of pick-up,peak after pick-up and tackiness by single corresponding parameter.All the values of R2 for these predictive models were above 0.80 except for the attribute of spreadability(R2=0.71).New methods were designed to measure three sensory attributes of ease of pick-up,peak after pick-up and tackiness,while the modified methods were developed to measure spreadability and firmness.These reported methods in the research are very effective and easy to operate and can support alternatives to traditional sensory profiles obtained with trained panels.
文摘 The Internet Accessible Mathematical Computation (IAMC) framework aims to make it easy to supply mathematical computing powers over the Internet/Web. The protocol-based IAMC framework enables developers to create interoperable clients and servers easily and independently. Presented are conceptual and experimental work on the IAMC framework architecture and major components: the Mathematical Computation Protocol (MCP), a client prototype (Dragonfly), a server prototype (Starfish), a mathematical encoding converter (XMEC), and an open mathematical compute engine interface (OMEI).
文摘In order to overcome all encapsulation variations during a complex coacervation process, the replacement of gelatin cationic polymer has been performed using p(AMA). The synthesis of p(AMA) was realized through a random radical methodology. Under these conditions a polymer with 18,600 g/mol was found appropriate for optimal capsule yield and physico-chemical properties. Turbidity measurements performed during the coacervation reactions with different ratios of both CMC and p(AMA) allowed optimizing coacervation conditions. Coacervates characterizations particularly demonstrate the stability of the capsules exhibiting a break strength over 3 N/m<sup>2</sup>.
文摘Skin aging is a process of structural and compositional remodeling that can be manifested by wrinkling and sagging. Remarkably, the dermis plays a dominant role in the aging process. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs are implicated in the regulation of gene expression during aging. However, studies about age-related microRNAs and how they modulate skin aging remain limited. In the present work, a complex of hydrolyzed natural yeast proteins (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and hydrolyzed natural soya bean was developed and showed the ability to modulate the expression of telomere-binding protein TRF2, which is a key factor for telomere protection and to prevent cellular senescence in vitro and DNA damage. The aim of the study was to identify microRNAs specifically modulated after application of the ingredient complex to cultured fibroblasts, and their possible involvement in remodeling of the human extracellular matrix and fibroblast senescence. Consequently, human skin fibroblasts were cultured and treated with 1% of the ingredient complex for 48 h before analyzing microRNA modulation by RT-qPCR. The use of bioinformatics allowed us to predict the target genes for modulated microRNAs. Results show that the ingredient complex modulated a pattern of microRNAs including the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p, which are associated with fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the human dermal extracellular matrix. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p possibly represent key microRNAs that impact human fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the dermal extracellular matrix.
文摘Purpose: To assess the possibility of using a public calibration function for radiochromic film dosimetry in dose QA of highly conformal treatment plans. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2 from lots A101212 and A011713) were exposed on a Varian Trilogy at a facility to a 10 × 10 cm2 open field at doses of 80, 160, 320 cGy using 6MV photons. Together with a strip of unexposed film from the same lot, the exposed films were digitized in a single scan using different Epson 10,000 XL scanners at two different facilities. The dose-response data for each color-channel from each facility were generated using the same calibration function X(D) = a + b/(D - c), where X(D) is the response at dose D and a, b and c are the coefficients. Different batches of EBT3 film were exposed to a VMAT beam. These films, plus two reference strips exposed to doses of zero and 160 cGy, were digitized on the scanners at the two facilities. Using the multi-channel dosimetry method and One-scan protocol (Med Phys, 39: 6339-6349, 2012) the recorded doses on the VMAT films were calculated and the results were compared with the VMAT plan using a Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. Results: The passing rates obtained for dose maps calculated for all combinations of VMAT images and calibration functions were nearly unchanged, using the One-scan protocol. Also, in all cases a passing rate of >99% was obtained for Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. On the other hand, if the One-scan protocol was not employed, the dose maps for VMAT images and calibration functions from different scanners showed poor correlation with the treatment plan. This is probably due to the scan-to-scan variability. Conclusions: The authors have found that it is feasible to use a public calibration function for a given radiochromic film lot using the same methodology, One-scan protocol, for patient-specific QA.
文摘The spring-to-summer transition is of special importance in long range forecasting, as the general circulation transitions to a less energetic regime. This affects the Midwestern United States in a profound way, since agriculture is very sensitive to the variability of weather and climate. Beginning at the local scale, surface temperature observations are used from a representative station in the West Central Missouri Plains region in order to identify the shift from late spring to early summer. Using upper-air re-analyses as a supplement, the 500-mb height observations are examined to find a spring-to-summer transition date by tracking the location of a representative contour. Each of these is used to identify spring-to-summer transition date and then statistical analysis is performed on this long-term data set. Finally, teleconnections, specifically the influence of El Ni?o Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and blocking are examined in order to quantify interannual variability. It was found that examining these criteria, developed in an earlier study that covered a much shorter time period, produced similar statistics to this 68-year study of spring-to-summer transitions. It was also found that the onset of La Ni?a was associated with hotter summers in the region, a result first found in the earlier study, but this association was much stronger here.
文摘Via quantitative polymerase chain reaction （qPCR） test method, the efficacy of hexapeptide-2 was studied, including silencing on miR-29 and increasing miR-218 expression which targeted collagen coding mRNA （message RNA） then decreases the collagen synthesis, and the latter silences the melanin synthesis related enzyme. Then the double blind spilt-face clinical test on 35 Asian people （18 male and 17 female） was conducted to evaluate the whitening and anti-wrinkle effect. The qPCR test showed that hexapeptide-2 can decrease miR-29 expression for human fibroblast of different age （P 〈 0.05）; and the result on human melanocyte showed that it can increase miR-218 expression （P 〈 0.05）. Immunostaining results showed that it can increase the expression of collagen I and III significantly （P 〈 0.05）. The double blind split - face test showed that 1% hexapeptide-2 displays significant efficacy for skin whitening, spots lightening, skin erythema and skin dullness improvement, as well as skin wrinkles reduction as comparing with that from the placebo side （P 〈 0.05）.
文摘Recent articles reviewed the molecular damaging pathway of various pollutants especially PM2.5 particles and polycylic aromatic hydrocarbon. AhR （aryl hydrocarbon receptor） pathway, tobacco-similar pathway, oxidation, as well as epigenetics pathway were reviewed. Based on the working mechanism, the reported study method and methodology used in Ashland lab were reviewed, including cell level experiment, through reconstructed human skin to in vivo study.
文摘Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli(STEC)outbreak is a public health concern as it can potentially cause a variety of clinical manifestations including diarrhea,hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome(HUS).However E.coli are generally innocuous commensal organisms,and there is a need to discriminate pathogenic from non-pathogenic isolates rapidly and accurately.In this study,we have used standard culture based methods and advanced molecular approaches to characterize E.coli in food in a local outbreak investigation.We show that the application of DNA based detection methods including real-time PCR and DNA microarray along with a traditional culture method can identify the organism implicated in an outbreak at the strain level for pathogenic potential.
文摘Cigarette smoke was used to simulate a polluted environment and an experiment was performed to reveal how healthy and bleached hair are damaged by a polluted environment. The dry/wet combability, surface contact angle, tryptophan content, and cuticle morphology of the smoke-exposed hair were evaluated, and compared to unexposed virgin hair. The results showed that pollution exposure can cause significant chemical damage to hair. In particular, virgin hair exposure to pollution can cause damage to the hair cuticles(higher wet/dry combing), protein degradation, and a more hydrophilic hair surface.
