Meixner Wavelet Transform: A Tool for Studying Stationary Discrete-Time Stochastic Processes

A general approach to analyzing discrete stochastic processes in the context of spectral analysis in the Laplace domain is considered. It is shown that a multichannel algorithm, which may be used for determining a discrete Laplace transform of the correlation function corresponding to a stationary discrete-time stochastic process, may be designed on the basis of Meixner wavelets.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45795/1/11175_2004_Article_463362.pd

Theory of Laplace Analysis of Non-Gaussian Noise

An algorithm for directly calculating third-order noise operation spectra, which includes no evaluation of the third-order correlation function as a preliminary stage, is found. For the Ershler–Randles circuit, an expression is found, which links bispectra of the equilibrium electrode potential fluctuation determined in the imaginary and real axes of the Laplace plane. Advantages of using the Laplace space in studies of the fine non-Gaussian structure of random time series are discussed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/45797/1/11175_2004_Article_491780.pd

Factors associated with self-assessed increase in tobacco consumption among over-indebted individuals in Germany: a cross-sectional study

Background Over-indebtedness is an increasing phenomenon in industrialised nations causing individual hardship and societal problems. Nonetheless, few studies have explored smoking among over-indebted individuals. Methods A cross-sectional survey (n=949) on retrospectively assessed changes in tobacco consumption was carried out in 2006 and 2007 among clients of 84 officially approved debt and insolvency counselling centres in Germany (response rate 39.7%). Logistic regressions were performed to explore factors associated with reports of increased smoking after onset of over-indebtedness. Results 63% of all respondents stated daily or occasional tobacco consumption. Almost one fifth reported an increase in smoking after becoming over-indebted. Females were less likely to report increased smoking than men (aOR 0.66, 95% CI 0.44-0.99) whereas respondents who had been over-indebted for more than 10 years were more likely to report increased smoking than those who had been over-indebted for less than five years (aOR 1.66; 95%-CI 1.00-2.76). The odds of increased smoking were also elevated among those who reported that their families and friends had withdrawn from them as a consequence of their over-indebtedness (aOR 1.82; 95%-CI 1.06-3.14). Conclusions The study identifies over-indebted individuals and particularly over-indebted men as a high-risk group of smokers. Low levels of social embeddedness/support were associated with a further increase in smoking after becoming over-indebted. Given recent increases of over-indebtedness, the findings highlight the need to develop appropriate public health policies

Nanoscaled hydrated antimony (V) oxide as a new approach to first-line antileishmanial drugs

Antonia MR Franco,1 Iryna Grafova,2 Fabiane V Soares,1,3 Gennaro Gentile,4 Claudia DC Wyrepkowski,1,3 Marcos A Bolson,5 Ézio Sargentini Jr,5 Cosimo Carfagna,4 Markku Leskelä,2 Andriy Grafov2 1Laboratory of Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease, National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil; 2Department of Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; 3Multi-Institutional Post-Graduate Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Amazonas, Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil; 4Institute for Polymers, Composites, and Biomaterials, National Research Council, Pozzuoli, Naples Province, Italy; 5Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA), Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil Background: Coordination compounds of pentavalent antimony have been, and remain, the first-line drugs in leishmaniasis treatment for >70 years. Molecular forms of Sb (V) complexes are commercialized as sodium stibogluconate (Pentostam®) and meglumine antimoniate (MA) (Glucantime®). Ever-increasing drug resistance in the parasites limits the use of antimonials, due to the low drug concentrations being administered against high parasitic counts. Sb5+ toxicity provokes severe side effects during treatment. To enhance therapeutic potency and to increase Sb (V) concentration within the target cells, we decided to try a new active substance form, a hydrosol of Sb2O5⋅nH2O nanoparticles (NPs), instead of molecular drugs. Methodology/principal findings: Sb2O5⋅nH2O NPs were synthesized by controlled SbCl5 hydrolysis in a great excess of water. Sb2O5⋅nH2O phase formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. The surface of Sb (V) NPs was treated with ligands with a high affinity for target cell membrane receptors. The mean particle size determined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy was ~35–45 nm. In vitro tests demonstrated a 2.5–3 times higher antiparasitic activity of Sb (V) nanohybrid hydrosols, when compared to MA solution. A similar comparison for in vivo treatment of experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis with Sb5+ nanohybrids showed a 1.75–1.85 times more effective decrease in the lesions. Microimages of tissue fragments confirmed the presence of NPs inside the cytoplasm of infected macrophages. Conclusion/significance: Sb2O5⋅nH2O hydrosols are proposed as a new form of treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania amazonensis. The NPs penetrate directly into the affected cells, creating a high local concentration of the drug, a precondition to overcoming the parasite resistance to molecular forms of pentavalent antimonials. The nanohybrids are more effective at a lower dose, when compared to MA, the molecular drug. Our data suggest that the new form of treatment has the potential to reduce and simplify the course of cutaneous leishmaniasis treatment. At the same time, Sb2O5⋅nH2O hydrosols provide an opportunity to avoid toxic antimony (V) spreading throughout the body. Keywords: nanoparticle, leishmaniasis, hydrated antimony (V) oxide, TEM, transmission electron microscop

CERVICAL MUCUS NEUTROPHILS FUNCTIONAL STATUS INTERACTION WITH THE SPECIES COMPOSITION OF VAGINAL LACTOBACILLI IN PREGNANT WOMEN

Aim. Of the study is to assess cervical mucus neutrophils functional status depend on dominant lactobacillus strain in I trimester of pregnancy women. Material and methods. We definded 40 lactobacillus strains obtained from the genital tract of the pregnant women. We used mass spectrometry analysis to identify vaginal lactobacilli and evaluated biofilm formation. Also, we studied cervical mucus neutrophils viability, lysosomal activity, spontaneous and induced NBT test (Nitroblue Tetrazolium test), ability to absorb the latex particles. Isolated strains were divided into 3 groups depending on presence or absence of vaginal or cervical channel infectious diseases. Results. We identified 5 lactobacilli types: L. jensenii, L. mspatus, L. аcidophilus, L. gasseri, L. delbrueckii among 40 definded strains. We determined different intensity of phagocytosis depending on dominant strain in normocenosis. With the L. crispatus prevalence demonstrated the least intensity of phagocytosis compared with L. acidophilus and L.jensenii. Lactobacilli able to intensively produce biomatrix in condition of genital infection. Thus blocking antigenic potential and result in absence of NBT-reducing power of neutrophilic granulocytes and reduction antimicrobial protection of pregnant women genital tract mucosa. Conclusion. The indicators of neutrophils functional status depend on dominant lactobacilli strain in I trimester of pregnancy women