Reproductive tract immune cells from pregnant women or those using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate show no excess susceptibility to HIV-1: Results of an ex vivo fusion assay

IntroductionEx vivo fusion assays offer an efficient method for studying HIV-1 entry associated with contraceptive use and pregnancy outside of cohort studies of HIV-1 incidence.MethodsWe measured ex vivo HIV-1 fusion to cervical or endometrial immune cells from three groups of women: pregnant, non-pregnant not using hormonal or intrauterine contraception, and using depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA).Results and conclusionsThere was no excess susceptibility to HIV-1 fusion of cells from pregnant women or DMPA users compared to controls. Although the number of target cells in endometrium was higher in DMPA users compared to controls, HIV-1 fusion was lower.ImplicationsIn ex vivo assays, HIV-1 showed no enhanced fusion to cervical immune cells from pregnant women or DMPA users compared to controls, and lower fusion to endometrial immune cells from DMPA users. This assay is useful for studying hormonal and contraceptive effects on HIV-1 entry into reproductive tract immune cells.     

Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 indirectly potentiates antitumor effects of photodynamic therapy in mice.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to potentiate the antitumor effectiveness of photodynamic therapy (PDT). A cDNA microarray analysis was used to evaluate the gene expression pattern after Photofrin-mediated PDT to find more effective combination treatment with PDT and inhibitor(s) of the identified gene product(s) overexpressed in tumor cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Atlas Mouse Stress Array was used to compare the expression profile of control and PDT-treated C-26 cells. The microarray results have been confirmed using Western blotting. Cytostatic/cytotoxic in vitro assay as well as in vivo tumor models were used to investigate the antitumor effectiveness of PDT in combination with cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 inhibitors. RESULTS: PDT induced the expression of 5 of 140 stress-related genes. One of these genes encodes for COX-2, an enzyme important in the tumor progression. Inhibition of COX-2 in vitro with NS-398, rofecoxib, or nimesulide, or before PDT with nimesulide did not influence the therapeutic efficacy of the treatment. Administration of a selective COX-2 inhibitor after PDT produced potentiated antitumor effects leading to complete responses in the majority of treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: COX-2 inhibitors do not sensitize tumor cells to PDT-mediated killing. However, these drugs can be used to potentiate the antitumor effectiveness of this treatment regimen when administered after tumor illumination.     

Proposition of a New POLA Index to Assess the Immunomodulatory Properties of the Diet and Its Relationship with the Gut Microbiota,Using the Example of the Incidence of COVID-19 in a Group of People without Comorbidities

A rise in the incidence of infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has sparked the search for protective strategies against the new pathogen. It is known that individual food components can interact with different immune cells, modulating the immune response of the body. The aim of this study was to develop an index assessing the immunomodulatory potential of diet (POLA index) and to test its utility for the prediction of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a group of healthy young people following a traditional or vegetarian diet. Data on body composition, anthropometric measurements, physical activity, dietary intake, and gut microbiota were obtained from 95 adults (mean age, 34.66 ± 5.76 years). There was a strong correlation between the dietary inflammatory index and the POLA index (r = 0.90; p < 0.0001). Based on Cohen’s kappa statistic, there was a good agreement in qualitative interpretation between the two indices (kappa = 0.61; p < 0.0001). People on a diet with beneficial immunomodulatory effects had a lower risk of COVID-19 of approximately 80%, as compared with those on a diet with highly unbeneficial immunomodulatory effects. In daily practice, the POLA index might serve as a useful tool for dietitians to identify individuals whose diet is deficient in ingredients for optimal immune system function and change their dietary behavior to ensure optimal immune function that reduces the risk of infection.     

Fatty Acids and Eicosanoids Change during High-Fiber Diet in NAFLD Patients—Randomized Control Trials (RCT)

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a wide spectrum condition characterized by excessive liver fat accumulation in people who do not abuse alcohol. There is no effective medical treatment for NAFLD; therefore, most important recommendations to reduce liver steatosis are diet and lifestyle, including proper physical activity. The aim of our study was to analyze the fatty acids and eicosanoids changes in the serum of patients who consumed high-fiber rolls for 8 weeks. Materials and Methods: The group of 28 Caucasian participants was randomly divided into two groups, those who received 24 g of fiber/day—from 2 buns of 12 g each (n = 14), and those who received 12 g of fiber/day—from 2 buns of 6 g (n = 14). At the beginning and on the last visit of the 8-week intervention, all patients underwent NAFLD evaluation, biochemical parameter measurements, and fatty acids and eicosanoids evaluation. Results: Patients who received 12 g of fiber had significantly reduced liver steatosis and body mass index. In the group who received 24 g of fiber/day, we observed a trend to liver steatosis reduction (p = 0.07) and significant decrease in aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.03) and total cholesterol (p = 0.03). All changes in fatty acid and eicosanoids profile were similar. Fatty acids analysis revealed that extra fiber intake was associated with a significant increase in monounsaturated fatty acids and decrease in saturated fatty acids. Moreover, both groups showed increased concentration of gamma linoleic acid and docosahexaenoic acid. We also observed reduction in prostaglandin E₂. Conclusions: Our study revealed that a high amount of fiber in the diet is associated with a reduction in fatty liver, although this effect was more pronounced in patients in the lower fiber group. However, regardless of the amount of fiber consumed, we observed significant changes in the profile of FAs, which may reflect the positive changes in the lipids liver metabolism. Regardless of the amount of fiber consumed, patients decreased the amount of PGE₂, which may indicate the lack of disease progression associated with the development of inflammation.     

Post-synthetically modified metal–porphyrin framework GaTCPP for carbon dioxide adsorption and energy storage in Li–S batteries

Lithium–sulphur batteries attract increasing interest due to their high theoretical specific capacity, advantageous economy, and “eco-friendliness”. In this study, a metal–organic framework (MOF) GaTCPP containing a porphyrinic base ligand was used as a conductive additive for sulphur. GaTCPP was synthesized, characterized, and post-synthetically modified by the transition metal ions (Co²⁺/Ni²⁺). The doping of GaTCPP ensured an increase in the carbon dioxide adsorption capacities, which were measured under different conditions. Post-synthetic modification of GaTCPP with Co²⁺/Ni²⁺ ions has been shown to increase carbon dioxide storage capacity from 22.8 wt% for unmodified material to 23.1 wt% and 26.5 wt% at 0 °C and 1 bar for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺-doped analogues, respectively. As a conductive part of cathode material, MOFs displayed successful sulphur capture and encapsulation proven by stable charge/discharge cycle performances, high-capacity retention, and coulombic efficiency. The electrodes with pristine GaTCPP showed a discharge capacity of 699 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.2C in the fiftieth cycle. However, the doping of GaTCPP by Ni²⁺ has a positive impact on the electrochemical properties, the capacity increased to 778 mA h g⁻¹ in the fiftieth cycle at 0.2C.

Metal–porphyrin framework GaTCPP was used for carbon dioxide adsorption and as a host for preparation of a Li–S battery cathode material.     

Properties of Cold Sprayed Titanium and Titanium Alloy Coatings after Laser Surface Treatment

Additive manufacturing (AM) has seen remarkable development in recent years due to relatively high efficiency of the process. Cold spraying (CS) is a particular method of AM, in which titanium and titanium alloy powders are used. CS is a very competitive technology enabling the deposition of coatings, repairing machine parts, and manufacturing new components. For specific applications, the surface of cold-sprayed materials may require further processing. This paper reports an attempt to employ laser surface treatment (LST) of cold-sprayed coatings on an aluminium alloy substrate. The influence of laser beam interaction time on the coatings’ properties was analysed. The microstructure was investigated and observed employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate residual stress after CS and LST, the sin²ψ technique was used. Investigations were also performed on Vickers hardness, contact angle, and surface roughness. Significant changes in the surface morphology of the coatings and elevated residual stress levels dependent on the laser beam interaction time were observed. Increased Vickers hardness was recorded for titanium alloy Ti6Al4V. LST also led to increased surface hydrophilicity of the modified materials Ti and Ti6Al4V.     

A New Model Supporting Stability Quality of Materials and Industrial Products

Stabilizing the quality of industrial product materials remains a challenge. This applies mainly to new or significantly modified materials. It also refers to special processes. The tests of product quality can stabilize the quality of industrial product materials. The popular method for this is using the non-destructive testing (NDT). The NDT identifies incompatibility but does not determine the cause of its occurrence. Hence, it was necessary to support the process of identifying causes of incompatibilities in products. The purpose of the article was to develop a model based on a new approach to determine the ranking of actions that are possible as part of the process of stabilizing the quality of industrial products. The model was developed to improve quality through sequential and systematic methods of identification (and reduce) and incompatibility. The quality management techniques and decision method were applied and combined in this model, i.e., SMART(-ER) the method, method of selecting a team of experts, brainstorming (BM), Ishikawa diagram with the 5M rule, Likert scale validation technique, arithmetic average, and Grey Relational Analysis (GRA). The test of this model was carried out to find cracks in the outer hull of 418 alloy four-point bearing (CPW-S 5616), which was identified by NDT (magnetic-powder method). As a result, a ranking of activities was obtained to stabilize the quality of the product and the main cause of incompatibility was indicated, i.e., the cause which can influence to the most degree influence on occurrence the incompatibility. The originality of the proposed model is an application in the right order of specially selected and combined qualitative methods and supporting decision methods. The finding of causes of incompatibility of products is the basis of product improvement in the area of stabilizing the quality of materials, mainly by the occurrence of special processes. The universality of the model refers to the possibility of its application for any material, processes of its formation, and processes of products, and any incompatibilities where the model can be integrated with quality control.     

Occupational Exposure to Silica Dust in Slovenia is Grossly Underestimated

As a by-product or material used in various industries crystalline silica contaminates the air many occupational settings. If its fine particles are inhaled, they are deposited in the lungs and may cause the development of silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer. The goal of this study was to estimate occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in Slovenia and the associated health risks. To do that, we ran two cross-sectional studies, one to determine the number of workers at risk of occupational exposure to RCS in Slovene industries and the other to determine and classify changes in the lung radiographs of glass factory workers exposed to RCS, as a means to infer health risks for other RCS exposed workers in Slovenia. However, the first study shows that official public data on occupational exposure to silica in Slovenia are unreliable and incomplete and that company representatives strongly underestimate occupational exposure to silica. Measurements of total and silica dust are made by 8.3 % and 1.8 % of companies working with silica, respectively. The second study shows that about a third of the exposed workers had lung changes associated with silicosis. We have failed to achieve the goal of our study, as the obtained data are grossly underestimated and unreliable, but it has opened our eyes as to what needs to be improved. All companies need to systematically be informed about occupational health risks, field inspections need to be consistent, regular, and intensified, and health surveillance of all exposed workers implemented regularly.Key words: construction industry, glass industry, respirable dust, silicon dioxide, quartz     

Liquid Moisture Transport in Cotton Woven Fabrics with Different Weft Yarns

Moisture transport in fabrics influences the thermal comfort of clothing due to drainage of sweat secreted by the human body. The moisture transport through textile materials takes place in two ways: water-vapor transport and liquid moisture transport. Both ways are equally important. In the present work, liquid moisture transport in cotton woven fabrics with different weft yarns was investigated. Measurement was done using the Moisture Management Tester MMT M290. The obtained results confirmed that the linear density of weft yarn significantly influenced the values of all parameters characterizing liquid moisture transport in the investigated fabrics. The best performance in liquid moisture transport was achieved by weft yarn of linear density 30 tex. For this fabric variant, the maximum wetted radius for both surfaces was the biggest: 25 mm for the inner and 26.6 mm for the outer surface of the fabric. This means that the fabric spread the liquid on the biggest area compared to the other variants being investigated to facilitate an evaporation of liquid sweat. The fabric variant with 30 tex weft yarn showed the highest spreading speed: 5.83 mm/s for both sides, and the shortest wetting time: 2.83 s for the inner and 3.00 s for the outer side of the fabric. The higher the linear density of weft yarn, the worse the ability of cotton woven fabrics to ensure liquid moisture transport.     

Expert opinion on the management and follow-up of uveitis patients during SARS-CoV-2 outbreak

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Routine medical and ophthalmic care is being drastically curtailed in the context of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic. Uveitis patients require particular attention because of their theoretical risk of viral infection, in the context of therapeutic immunosuppression.