Detection of lipocortin 1 in human lung lavage fluid: lipocortin degradation as a possible proteolytic mechanism in the control of inflammatory mediators and inflammation.

Lipocortins are structurally related, glucocorticoid-inducible proteins that inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2), thereby reducing the liberation of arachidonic acid from phospholipids and so limiting the synthesis of eicosanoid inflammatory mediators. This study is the first demonstration of one lipocortin, lipocortin 1 (Lc 1; 37 kDa), in human lung lavage supernatants. In lavage fluid from healthy volunteers, a higher percentage (greater than 70%) of the detected Lc 1 was in its native form, compared to that from patients with abnormal lungs. In patients' lavage fluids, Lc 1 was more likely to be partially degraded (34 kDa). In abnormal bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), the more polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN)/lavage, the lower the proportion of Lc 1 in the native (37 kDa) form (n = 7 pairs, rs = -0.8214, p less than 0.05). Furthermore, when BALF cells were cultured and the harvested conditioned media incubated with pure human recombinant Lc 1, degradation of the 37 kDa form increased with the percentage of PMN (n = 10 pairs, s = -0.7200 after 1 hr; n = 6 pairs, rs = -0.9241 after 6 hr). These results suggest that factors released from the PMN are responsible for Lc 1 degradation in man. When recombinant human Lc 1 was incubated with human neutrophil elastase, the enzyme degraded Lc 1 in a dose-dependent way, suggesting that neutrophil elastase may be one such factor. Since PMNs are ubiquitous at sites of inflammation, it is possible that Lc 1 degradation is a permissive mechanism, which ensures that sufficient inflammation occurs to destroy the provocative stimulus. However, it is equally possible that, in some circumstances, the mechanism may be pathological and that the inactivation of Lc 1 leads to chronic, uncontrolled inflammation

Susceptibility of lung epithelium to neutrophil elastase: protection by native inhibitors

The development of emphysema is thought to be due to an imbalance of proteases (especially neutrophil elastase [NE]) and antiproteases with loosening of the respiratory epithelium as an early event. We investigated the effect of NE on respiratory epithelial cell adherence in vitro , in the presence of varying concentrations and combinations of native inhibitors, α-1-proteinase inhibitor (PI) and secretory leukoprotease inhibitor (SLPI). SLPI was two to 12 times more effective than PI at preventing the effects of NE, especially when enzyme:inhibitor ratios were almost equivalent. Even when the concentration of SLPI was only 10% of the total (as in normal peripheral lung secretions), it gave greater protection than PI alone. This suggests that SLPI plays an important role in controlling neutrophil elastaseinduced inflammation and tissue damage

Type II pneumocytes in mixed cell culture of human lung: a light and electron microscopic study.

Alveolar Type II epithelial cells dedifferentiate rapidly in vitro. Studies with animal tissue suggest that cell-cell and extracellular matrix-cell interactions are important in the retention of Type II cell morphology in vitro. Thus, in this study with human tissue, alveolar Type II cells, alveolar macrophages, and spindle cells were prepared from the same sample of lung (obtained following lobectomy for cancer, n = 3), cocultured on glass cover slips or tissue culture plastic, and studied by light microscopy with scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy for 8 days. The primary cell isolates contained approximately 45% Type II cells; the remainder were macrophages or unidentifiable cells. Clusters, made up of a single layer of cuboidal Type II cells around a central core of connective tissue (largely collagen and some elastic tissue), formed above a monolayer of spindle cells. The Type II cells were morphologically similar to those seen in vivo. The cells were still cuboidal at 8 days but had lost their lamellar bodies, which were released into the medium via the apical surface. The clusters increased in size with time (area, microns 2: day 1, 29(5-143) x 10(2); day 8, 63(10-311) x 10(2); mean(range); p less than 0.02) without changing in number per culture, suggesting Type II cell proliferation. This may have been due to factors produced by the other cells and adherence to the extracellular matrix (ECM); (free collagen fibers, present in the original preparation, spindle cells, and/or Type II cells could be responsible for presence of ECM). We propose this as a useful model for the study of human Type II epithelial cells in vitro

Effect of dexamethasone on carrageenin-induced inflammation in the lung

To study the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of glucocorticoids, we have compared the effects of intratracheal carrageenin (2.5 mg) on control rats and those in which inflammation was subdued by prior dexamethasone treatment (10 mg/l in drinking water). Inflammation was maximal 48 h post-carrageenin. After dexamethasone, carrageenin caused tittle inflammation or oedema (wet lung (mg), n = 6, mean ± S.E.M.; control, 995 ± 51; carrageenin + dexamethasone, 1144 ± 83; compared with carrageenin alone, 1881 ± 198), but rats had more lung lavage neutrophils than those given carrageenin alone (PMN × 106 /lung, mean ± S.E.M.; control, 0.055 ± 0.003; carrageenin + dexamethasone, 8.54 ± 1.52; compared with carrageenin alone, 6.30 ± 1.71). Proteolysis and partial inactivation of the anti-inflammatory mediator, lipocortin 1 (Lcl), in carrageenin-instilled rats was offset in those also given dexamethasone, by increased Lc1 levels (intact Lc1 ng/ml lavage fluid, n = 4, mean ± S.E.M.; control 24 ± 6; carrageenin 15 ± 4; carrageenin + dexamethasone, 40 ± 15). Maintenance of sufficient intact (fully active) extracellular Lc1 may contribute to the actions of glucocorticoids

An evaluation of the signal power distribution of a standard 802.11 transmitter in the room

В роботі розглянуто особливості поширення сигналів діапазону 2,4 ГГц у приміщенні. Основним параметром для досліджень було обрано рівень потужності сигналу на вході приймального пристрою для мережі стандарту 802.11n. Крім того, запропоновано структуру мережі і методику для оцінки розподілу потужності та визначено оптимальні умови для розташування безпровідного обладнання. Під час проведення досліджень встановлено, що середовище передачі безпровідного каналу стандарту 802.11 є досить складним. В результаті особливостей поширення хвиль діапазону 2.4 ГГц, виникає досить неоднорідний розподіл потужності у приміщенні, де виникають ділянки підсилення сигналу та ділянки послаблення сигналу, із різницею до 5 дб.In this paper, the features of signals propagation in the 2.4 GHz range in the room were considered. The main parameter chosen to study was the power level of signal at the input of a standard 802.11n receiving device. In addition, a network construction was proposed and the optimal conditions for the location of wireless equipment were defined. However, during the research a transmission medium of the standard 802.11wireless channels was found to be enough complex. The data revealed, in consequence of the features of wave propagation in the 2.4 GHz range a quite inhomogeneous distribution of signals in the room emerges, where areas of signal amplification and areas of signal attenuation appear, with a difference to 5 dB

Analysis of corpus callosum size depending on age and sex

Background: The aim of the study was to analyse changes in the size of the corpus callosum (CC) depending on age and sex and to establish the reference values of the morphometric indices of the CC in the Polish population.  Materials and methods: The results of magnetic resonance studies of 1108 patients performed in the years 2010–2014 were analysed. Two independent radiologists evaluated cerebral images to exclude deviations from normal state. In patients divided according to sex and to 10 age groups, measurements of CC and brain dimensions were made and morphometric indices were calculated.  Results: The results of measurements related to the following parameters: lengths of longitudinal cross-section of CC (CD), CC thickness in the narrowest place — isthmus (EF), the largest linear dimension of the brain from the frontal pole to the occipital pole (AB), the longitudinal cross-section area of the CC (A1) and cerebral cross-section area (A2) as well as CD/AB and A1/A2 ratios are summarised in 7 figures and 3 tables.  Conclusions: It was demonstrated, that in all age groups there are statistically significant differences in the values of the analysed parameters and ratios of CC size. It was indicated, that there are no statistically significant differences between men and women in the CD, EF, and A1 parameters related to CC size, and the profiles of variations of these parameters are very similar. It was proved that the- re are statistical differences between women and men in parameters/indicators concerning of the brain size.

On the issue of imposing boundary conditions on quantum fields

An interesting example of the deep interrelation between Physics and Mathematics is obtained when trying to impose mathematical boundary conditions on physical quantum fields. This procedure has recently been re-examined with care. Comments on that and previous analysis are here provided, together with considerations on the results of the purely mathematical zeta-function method, in an attempt at clarifying the issue. Hadamard regularization is invoked in order to fill the gap between the infinities appearing in the QFT renormalized results and the finite values obtained in the literature with other procedures.Comment: 13 pages, no figure

Перфоративна гастродуоденальна виразка. Вибір методики операції

The aim of the work: to analyze the results of surgical treatment and quality of life of patients operated on perforative gastroduodenal ulcer. Materials and Methods. The work is based on the analysis of the results of surgical treatment of 261 patients with perforated gastroduodenal ulcer. Patients of working age predominated: there were 235 (90 %) people under 60 years of age. The average age of patients was 38.7 years. Depending on the type of surgery, all patients were divided into two groups. The group I consisted of 159 patients who underwent surgery for excision of the ulcer with pyroplasty without vagotomy, group 2 – 102 patients who underwent surgery for excision of the ulcer with vagotomy. The following methods were used for the examination of patients: clinical blood test, clinical urine analysis, biochemical study, blood groups, rhesus factor, electrocardiography, radiological examination of abdominal and chest organs. The following hematologic indices were identified: leukocyte intoxication index (LII), nuclear displacement index (NID), and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes (N/L). Results and Discussion. The results of surgical treatment of 261 patients with perforated gastric and duodenal ulcers were analysed. The analysis had shown that in all cases was present chronic ulcer perforation. It was found out, that patients operated in remote terms had morphological peculiarities of gastric mucous membrane, such as chronic atrophic gastritis with focuses of complete intestinal metaplasia. At surgical treatment of patients with perforated gastroduodenal ulcers the excision of ulcer with pyloroplasty and therapeutic correcting treatment is recommended.Цель работы: проанализировать результаты хирургического лечения и качества жизни больных, оперированных по поводу перфоративной гастродуоденальной язвы. Материалы и методы. Работа базируется на анализе результатов хирургического лечения 261 больного с перфоративной гастродуоденальной язвой. Преобладали больные трудоспособного возраста: в возрасте до 60 лет было 235 (90 %) человек. Средний возраст больных составлял 38,7 лет. В зависимости от вида операции все больные были разделены на две группы. Первую группу составили 159 больных, которым выполнена операция иссечение язвы с пилоропластикой без ваготомии, вторую – 102 больных, которым выполнена операция иссечение язвы с ваготомией. Для обследования больных были использованы следующие методы: клинический анализ крови, клинический анализ мочи, биохимическое исследование, группы крови, резус-фактора, электрокардиография, рентгенологическое исследование органов брюшной полости и грудной клетки. Были определены следующие гематологические индексы: лейкоцитарный индекс интоксикации (ЛИИ), ядерный индекс сдвига (ЯИС), а также отношение нейтрофилов к лимфоцитам (Н/л). Результаты исследований и их обсуждение. Проведен анализ результатов оперативного лечения 261 больного с перфоративной язвой желудка и двенадцатиперстной кишки. Анализ показал, что во всех случаях имела место перфорация хронической язвы. Выяснено, что в отдаленные сроки у оперированных больных слизистая оболочка желудка имела морфологические особенности, характерные для хронического атрофического гастрита с очагами полной кишечной метаплазии. При хирургическом лечении больных перфоративной гастродуоденальной язвы рекомендуется выполнять иссечение язвы с выполнением пилоропластики и проведением медикаментозной корректирующей терапии.Мета роботи: проаналізувати результати хірургічного лікування і якость життя хворих, оперованих із приводу перфоративної гастродуоденальнї виразки. Матеріали і методи. Робота базується на аналізі результатів хірургічного лікування 261 хворого з перфоративною гастродуоденальною виразкою. Переважали хворі працездатного віку: у віці до 60 років було 235 (90 %) осіб. Середній вік хворих складав 38,7 року. Залежно від виду операції усі хворі були розподілені на дві групи. Першу групу склали 159 хворих, яким виконана операція висічення виразки з пілоропластикою без ваготомії, другу – 102 хворі, яким виконана операція висічення виразки з ваготомією. Для обстеження хворих були використані такі методи: клінічний аналіз крові, клінічний аналіз сечі, біохімічне дослідження, групи крові, резус-фактора, електрокардіографія, рентгенологічне дослідження органів черевної порожнини та грудної клітки. Були визначені такі гематологічні індекси: лейкоцитарний індекс інтоксикації (ЛІІ), ядерний індекс зсуву (ЯІЗ), а також відношення нейтрофілів до лімфоцитів (Н/Л). Результати досліджень та їх обговорення. Аналіз показав, що в усіх випадках мала місце перфорація хронічної виразки. Зясовано, що у віддалені терміни у оперованих хворих слизова оболонка шлунка мала морфологічні особливості, характерні для хронічного атрофічного гастриту з вогнищами повної кишкової метаплазії. При хірургічному лікуванні хворих на перфоративну гастродуоденальну виразку рекомендовано виконувати висічення виразки з виконанням пілоропластики та проведенням медикаментозної коригуючої терапії

Performance of a spaghetti calorimeter prototype with tungsten absorber and garnet crystal fibres

A spaghetti calorimeter (SPACAL) prototype with scintillating crystal fibres was assembled and tested with electron beams of energy from 1 to 5 GeV. The prototype comprised radiation-hard Cerium-doped GdAlGaO (GAGG:Ce) and YAlO (YAG:Ce) embedded in a pure tungsten absorber. The energy resolution was studied as a function of the incidence angle of the beam and found to be of the order of 10%/E⊕1%, in line with the LHCb Shashlik technology. The time resolution was measured with metal channel dynode photomultipliers placed in contact with the fibres or coupled via a light guide, additionally testing an optical tape to glue the components. Time resolution of a few tens of picosecond was achieved for all the energies reaching down to (18.5 ± 0.2) ps at 5 GeV.We acknowledge support by the CERN Strategic Programme on Technologies for Future Experiments, https://ep-rnd.web.cern.ch/, by the MCIN/AEI, GenCat and GVA (Spain), and by the NSFC (China) under grant Nos. 12175005, 12061141007. The measurements were performed at the Test Beam Facility at DESY Hamburg (Germany), a member of the Helmholtz Association (HGF). The authors would like to thank T. Schneider, H. Gerwig, N. Siegrist, and D. Deyrail (CERN) for their help in designing and assembling the prototype and the set-up, A. Barnyakov, Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics (BINP), Novosibirsk, for kindly providing the MCPs, and the ITEP ATLAS group for the DWCs

Measurement of the CKM angle γ from a combination of B±→Dh± analyses

A combination of three LHCb measurements of the CKM angle γ is presented. The decays B±→D K± and B±→Dπ± are used, where D denotes an admixture of D0 and D0 mesons, decaying into K+K−, π+π−, K±π∓, K±π∓π±π∓, K0Sπ+π−, or K0S K+K− final states. All measurements use a dataset corresponding to 1.0 fb−1 of integrated luminosity. Combining results from B±→D K± decays alone a best-fit value of γ =72.0◦ is found, and confidence intervals are set γ ∈ [56.4,86.7]◦ at 68% CL, γ ∈ [42.6,99.6]◦ at 95% CL. The best-fit value of γ found from a combination of results from B±→Dπ± decays alone, is γ =18.9◦, and the confidence intervals γ ∈ [7.4,99.2]◦ ∪ [167.9,176.4]◦ at 68% CL are set, without constraint at 95% CL. The combination of results from B± → D K± and B± → Dπ± decays gives a best-fit value of γ =72.6◦ and the confidence intervals γ ∈ [55.4,82.3]◦ at 68% CL, γ ∈ [40.2,92.7]◦ at 95% CL are set. All values are expressed modulo 180◦, and are obtained taking into account the effect of D0–D0 mixing