SMC SMP 24: A newly radio-detected planetary nebula in the small magellanic cloud

In this paper we report new radio-continuum detection of an extragalactic PN: SMC SMP 24. We show the radio-continuum image of this PN and present the measured radio data. The newly reduced radio observations are consistent with the multi-wavelength data and derived parameters found in the literature. SMC SMP 24 appear to be a young and compact PN, optically thick at frequencies below 2 GHz.Comment: accepted for publication in Serbian Astronomical Journa

Radio-continuum detections of Galactic Planetary Nebulae I. MASH PNe detected in large-scale radio surveys

We present an updated and newly compiled radio-continuum data-base for MASH PNe detected in the extant large scale "blind" radio-continuum surveys (NVSS, SUMSS/MGPS-2 and PMN) and, for a small number of MASH PNe, observed and detected in targeted radio-continuum observations. We found radio counterparts for approximately 250 MASH PNe. In comparison with the percentage of previously known Galactic PNe detected in the NVSS and MGPS-2 radio-continuum surveys and according to their position on the flux density-angular diameter and the radio brightness temperature evolutionary diagrams we conclude, unsurprisingly, that the MASH sample presents the radio-faint end of the known Galactic PNe population. Also, we present radio-continuum spectral properties of a small sub-sample of MASH PNe located in the strip between declinations -30arcdeg and -40arcdeg, that are detected in both the NVSS and MGPS-2 radio surveys.Comment: 13 figures and 7 tables, accepted for publication in MNRA

Polymeric Micelles in Ocular Drug Delivery: Rationale, Strategies and Challenges

Polymeric micelles that can deliver drug to intended sites of the eye have attracted much scientific attention recently. The aim here is to review the aqueous-based formulation of drug loaded polymeric micelles that hold significant promise for ophthalmic drug delivery. These innovative nanosystems can provide the biopharmaceutical advantages of higher permeation and enhancement of residence time at ocular surface for better drug absorption through ocular barriers. Mucoadhesive properties of biopolymers forming micelle enhance their contact time and minimize their elimination from the absorbing surface, consequently increasing the bioavailability of the drug. Their physicochemical characteristics are also important with respect to the industrial production and patient compliance. Drug loaded polymeric micelles can be fabricated by simple and cost effective techniques with improved physical stability which fulfils the requirements for industrial acceptance. Innovative polymeric micelle formulations allow their easy application in the form of eye drops without blurring of vision and discomfort, thus achieving patient compliance requirements

Innate immune responses to acute viral infection during pregnancy

Immunological adaptations in pregnancy allow maternal tolerance of the semi-allogeneic fetus but also increase maternal susceptibility to infection. At implantation, the endometrial stroma, glands, arteries and immune cells undergo anatomical and functional transformation to create the decidua, the specialised secretory endometrium of pregnancy. The maternal decidua and the invading fetal trophoblast constitute a dynamic junction that facilitates a complex immunological dialogue between the two. The decidual and peripheral immune systems together assume a pivotal role in regulating the critical balance between tolerance and defence against infection. Throughout pregnancy, this equilibrium is repeatedly subjected to microbial challenge. Acute viral infection in pregnancy is associated with a wide spectrum of adverse consequences for both mother and fetus. Vertical transmission from mother to fetus can cause developmental anomalies, growth restriction, preterm birth and stillbirth, while the mother is predisposed to heightened morbidity and maternal death. A rapid, effective response to invasive pathogens is therefore essential in order to avoid overwhelming maternal infection and consequent fetal compromise. This sentinel response is mediated by the innate immune system: a heritable, highly evolutionarily conserved system comprising physical barriers, antimicrobial peptides and a variety of immune cells – principally neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells and natural killer cells – which express pattern-receptors that detect invariant molecular signatures unique to pathogenic micro-organisms. Recognition of these signatures during acute infection triggers signalling cascades that enhance antimicrobial properties such as phagocytosis, secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and activation of the complement system. As well as coordinating the initial immune response, macrophages and dendritic cells present microbial antigens to lymphocytes, initiating and influencing the development of specific, long-lasting adaptive immunity. Despite extensive progress in unravelling the immunological adaptations of pregnancy, pregnant women remain particularly susceptible to certain acute viral infections and continue to experience mortality rates equivalent to those observed in pandemics several decades ago. Here, we focus specifically on the pregnancy-induced vulnerabilities in innate immunity that contribute to the disproportionately high maternal mortality observed in the following acute viral infections: Lassa fever, Ebola virus disease, dengue fever, hepatitis E, influenza, and novel coronavirus infections

Effects of sevoflurane and propofol on left ventricular diastolic function in patients with pre-existing diastolic dysfunction

Background. The effects of anaesthetics on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in patients with pre-existing diastolic dysfunction are not well known. We hypothesized that propofol but not sevoflurane will worsen the pre-existing LV diastolic dysfunction. Methods. Of 24 randomized patients, 23 fulfilled the predefined echocardiographic criterion for diastolic dysfunction. They received general anaesthesia with sevoflurane 1 MAC (n=12) or propofol 4 μg ml−1 (n=11). Echocardiographic examinations were performed at baseline and in anaesthetized patients under spontaneous breathing and under positive pressure ventilation. Analysis focused on peak early diastolic velocity of the mitral annulus (Ea). Results. During spontaneous breathing, Ea was higher in the sevoflurane than in the propofol group [mean (95% CI) 7.0 (5.9-8.1) vs 5.5 (4.7-6.3) cm s−1; P<0.05], reflecting an increase of Ea from baseline only in the sevoflurane group (P<0.01). Haemodynamic findings were similar in both groups, but the end-tidal carbon dioxide content was more elevated in the propofol group (P<0.01). During positive pressure ventilation, Ea was similarly low in the sevoflurane and propofol groups [5.3 (4.2-6.3) and 4.4 (3.6-5.2) cm s−1, respectively]. Conclusions. During spontaneous breathing, early diastolic function improved in the sevoflurane but not in the propofol group. However, during positive pressure ventilation and balanced anaesthesia, there was no evidence of different effects caused by the two anaesthetic

Effects of halothane, sevoflurane and propofol on left ventricular diastolic function in humans during spontaneous and mechanical ventilation

Background. There is limited knowledge of the effects of anaesthetics on left ventricular (LV) diastolic function in humans. Our aim was to evaluate these effects in humans free from cardiovascular disease. Methods. Sixty patients (aged 18-47 yr) who had no history or signs of cardiovascular disease were randomized to receive general anaesthesia with halothane, sevoflurane or propofol. Echocardiography was performed at baseline and during spontaneous respiration at 1 minimum alveolar concentration (MAC) of the inhalational agents or propofol 4 µg ml−1 (step 1), and repeated during positive-pressure ventilation with 1 and 1.5 MAC of the inhalational agents or with propofol 4 and 6 µg ml−1 (steps 2a and 2b). Analysis of echocardiographic measurements focused on heart rate corrected isovolumic relaxation time (IVRTc) and early diastolic peak velocity of the lateral mitral annulus (Ea). Results. IVRTc decreased from baseline to step 1 in the halothane group (82 [95% CI, 76-88] ms and 74 [95% CI, 68-80] ms respectively; P=0.02), remained stable in the sevoflurane group (78 [95% CI, 72-83] ms and 73 [95% CI, 67-81] ms; n.s.) and increased in the propofol group (80 [95% CI, 74-86] ms and 92 [95% CI, 84-102] ms; P=0.02). Ea decreased in the propofol group only (18.8 [95% CI, 16.5-19.9] cm s−1 and 16.0 [95% CI, 14.9-17.9] cm s−1; P=0.003). From step 2a to step 2b, IVRTc increased further in the propofol group (109 [95% CI, 99-121] ms and 119 [95% CI, 99-135] ms; P=0.04) but remained stable in the other two groups. Ea did not change from step 2a to step 2b. Conclusions. Halothane and sevoflurane did not impair LV relaxation, whereas propofol caused a mild impairment. However, the impairment by propofol was of a magnitude that is unlikely to cause clinical diastolic dysfunctio

Physical and mechanical characteristics of Hisex Brown hen eggs from three different housing systems

The aim of this study was to compare physical and mechanical characteristics of Hisex hen eggs collected from three different housing systems: enriched cage housing, aviary housing, and free-range systems. The following physical and mechanical characteristics if eggs were compared: dimensions, surface area, volume, sphericity, shape index, shell thickness, weight, composition, yolk to albumen ratio, rupture force, specific deformation, absorbed energy, and firmness. The largest and heaviest eggs were collected from cage housing, followed by eggs from free-range systems and aviary housing. According to shape index, eggs from aviary housing can be described as round, while eggs from cage housing and free-range systems can be characterised as normal or standard. Eggs from free-range laying hens had the highest yolk percentage and yolk to albumen ratio (26.2% and 0.427). In comparison to eggs from aviary housing and free-range systems, eggs from enriched cage housing had the thickest shells and the highest shell strength, and required the highest force to rupture those eggs. The average force required to rupture Hisex Brown hen eggs from cage housing in all three axes was 44.14 N, which was 12.1% higher than the average force required to rupture eggs from a free-range system (39.37 N) and 17.1% higher than the average force required to rupture eggs from aviary housing (37.68 N). The highest forces required to rupture eggs from all three housing systems were determined on loading along the X-front axis and the lowest forces were determined along the Z-axis. The results obtained in this study can be useful to producers when selecting hen housing systems in order to reduce egg damage during storage and transport.Keywords: egg composition, egg weight, rupture force, shape index, shell thicknes

MODELLING CONVECTIVE THIN-LAYER DRYING OF CARROT SLICES AND QUALITY PARAMETERS

The influence of thin layer convective dehydration parameters on drying kinetics parameters, chemical composition, and color parameters of carrot slices were investigated, and corresponding mathematical models were developed. In the carrot slices, convective dehydration process hot air temperature and the sample slice thickness were varied, while measured, calculated, and modeled responses were: time of dehydration, effective moisture diffusivity, the energy of activation, proteins and cellulose contents, lightness, redness, and yellowness. The obtained results showed that varied convective dehydration process parameters statistically significantly affected all investigated responses except activation energy. The most efficient drying model with the minimum thickness (3 mm) and the maximum drying temperature (70 °C) had the shortest drying time (231 minutes). This model had the minimum resistance to mass transfer (the minimum effective moisture diffusivity, 2.04. 10–08 – 7.12. 10–08 [m2s–1]), and the average maximum energy of activation (31.31 kJ/mol). As far as the carrot slices’ chemical composition and color parameters were concerned, the model with the maximum thickness (9 mm) and the minimum drying temperature (35 °C) was the optimal one. This model had the longest dehydration time (934 minutes), the maximum resistance to the mass transfer (8.87. 10–08 [m2s–1]), the minimum total protein content (5.26 %), and the darkest color (49.70). The highest protein content (7.91%) was found for the samples subjected to the highest drying temperatures and the lowest carrot slice thickness. In contrast, the process of convective dehydration had led to the lighter, reddish, and yellowish carrot slices. All developed mathematical models were statistically significan