Angels and the Theology of Salvation in the Bible: The Interpretive approach of Saint Augustine

Angels play a central role for Augustine in the Bible and, consequently, in the doctrine of salvation. In his works, he seeks to design a structure to explain the ontological position of angels in order to introduce them as important elements of the theology of salvation. Belief in angels as the helpers of Christ, and Christ himself as the agent of salvation, raises a fundamental question in Augustine's thought: how can the functional role of angels in the process of salvation be considered in the context of the Bible in view of Christ as the Savior of mankind. The authors believe that Augustine interprets the Bible in three stages to solve this dilemma: first, he offers a new interpretation of the theology of the Bible in order to give a different color to the incarnation, and to maintain Christ's superiority over the angels; Second, it describes the role of angels in mediating salvation in view of Christ's saving dignity, and third, it outlines a system of spiritual battle. However, studies show that he did not succeed in this goal. In this study, we aim to consider the basics of the theology of salvation according to the role of angels in Augustine's thought and how it is combined with the place of Christ's salvation, relying on works such as Genesis and commentaries on the Holy Trinity, Psalms and the City of God and his other works. Examine with interpretive-analytical method

Production and activity assay of recombinant micro-plasminogen in Pichia pastoris

Introduction: Plasmin is a trypsin like serine protease that can catalyze the hydrolytic cleavage of peptide bonds at the COOH sides of arginines and lysines in extracellular matrix (ECM) components including fibrin, laminin and fibronectin. Microplasminogen (µPlg) is the COOH-terminal portion of plasminogen from 531 to 791, and has molecular weight of about 30kDa. µPlg consists of the catalytic domain of plasminogen and can be converted by many plasminogen activators, for example, streptokinase (SK) into microplasmin, which shares the same catalytic properties as human plasmin. µPlg can be used as a therapeutic agent in vitreoretinopathies and thrombotic diseases. Methods and Results: The purpose of this study was production and activation of recombinant µPlg. After codon optimization and synthesis of the µPlg gene, it was inserted into expression vector pPICZα and this plasmid was transformed into Pichia pastoris X-33 cells by electroporation. The selected positive transforments were transferred into YPM (yeast extract-peptone-methanol) medium and were induced by methanol. The recombinant protein (33kDa) was successfully secreted into the supernatant of the induction medium and was purified by Ni-sepharose column. The presence of the recombinant µPlg was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The activation of µPlg by streptokinase was performed at a 1:1 molar ratio of streptokinase to µPlg at 37°C for 2hr in Tris-HCl buffer, pH=7.8. Microplasminogen activity was measured by FDP (Fibrinogen Degradation Product) ELISA kit. In a blood sample the clot is broken down by plasmin. Some of These broken fibrin fragments are called d-dimers. In general, D-dimer elevation indicates increased fibrin turnover. In this procedure, 30 μL of active enzyme was added. And the rate of D-dimers was measured at 380 μg/mL. While the natural amount of D-dimers in the blood is less than 40 μg/mL. Conclusions: The availability of microplasminogen with lower molecular weight can be a valuable pharmaceutical tool for treatment of thrombotic diseases and vitreoretinopathies because the isolation of autologous plasmin is an expensive and time-consuming process. In this study we managed to produce microplasminogen and successfully turn it into active microplasmin. However more effort is needed to increase the yields of Protein Production

Use of Intra-Oral Osmotic Self-Inflating Tissue Expanders for Bone Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of the Jaws

Reconstruction of oral and maxillofacial defects is challenging. Insufficient soft tissues may render hard tissue reconstruction problematic. Several surgical techniques have been used over time to address this issue; these techniques are usually complicated and unpredictable. Soft tissue expansion is a physiological process that leads to the formation of new cells and growth of tissue and allows for soft tissue with similar color, texture and function to that of the adjacent tissues. In this article we present the applications of osmotic tissue expanders in facilitating bone graft augmentation. OSMED (Ilmenau, Germany) self-inflating tissue expanders were used prior to bone augmentation in our patients. After making a 1.5 cm full thickness incision, a sub-periosteal tunnel was prepared and the tissue expander was implanted sub-periosteally. The tissue expanders were removed approximately 6–10 weeks later in the course of augmentation surgery. In all patients after the use of the tissue expander, sufficient soft tissue was available for primary, tension-free, wound closure and there was no need for local or regional flap techniques. No complications such as infection, necrosis, or graft loss occurred and the functional and esthetic outcomes were acceptable. Use of this tissue expander prior to bone augmentation was effective in facilitating bone graft augmentation

Supply Chain Reactions To The Rise Of The Internet Of Things: Reseller Adoption Of Smart Microgrid Solutions

This study applies technology adoption and strategic orientation theories to investigate the reseller adoption of smart microgrids (SMGs). These intelligent power generation solutions, operating on the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, rely on sustainable energy sources to supply small-scale loads. Using data from 100 power system resellers in North America, the study reveals that resellers’ performance expectancy and vendors’ innovation orientation foster reseller adoption of SMG solutions, while adoption is not driven by resellers’ effort expectancy. Furthermore, supply chain members play a crucial role in IoT technology diffusion, but the existing research lacks comprehensive models to help illuminate reseller adoption

Surface pressure measurement by oxygen quenching of luminescence

Methods and compositions for measuring the pressure of an oxygen-containing gas on an aerodynamic surface, by oxygen-quenching of luminescence of molecular sensors is disclosed. Objects are coated with luminescent films containing a first sensor and at least one of two additional sensors, each of the sensors having luminescences that have different dependencies on temperature and oxygen pressure. Methods and compositions are also provided for improving pressure measurements (qualitative or quantitive) on surfaces coated with a film having one or more types of sensor

Recombinant production of Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (sTRAIL) as a therapeutic protein

Abstract:  Successfully cancer therapies aim to induce apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Recent advances in cancer therapy based on the use of some recombinant proteins such as tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). TRAIL is a new member of the TNF superfamily. In this paper, we report the expression, purification, and  preparation of a recombinant form of the extracelluar domain of the TRAIL (sTRAIL) in Escherichia coli rosetta gami under the control of T7 promoter; which  may selectively induce apoptosis of tumor cells in vitro. To obtain recombinant sTRAIL protein, the encoding region for sTRAIL was cloned between Xho1 and BamHI in pET28a expression vector. The results showed that the recombinant sTRAIL was efficiently produced in Ecoli rosetta gami strain.                               Introduction: Apoptosis is an evolutionarily conserved and essential for maintenance of  tissue homeostasis and removal of unwanted cells. TRAIL belongs to the group of therapeutic agents selectively targeting a wide variety of cancer cells without affecting the normal cells .The therapeutic potential of TRAIL is attributed to its receptor expression in a variety of tissues; which initiates apoptosis in cancer cells through interaction with the death receptors DR4 and DR5. Due to its selective nature, it is considered as a significant therapeutic agent in cancer therapy. The purpose of this study was to produce recombinant human sTRAIL in Rosetta Gami2 E.coli strain and its functions on cancerous cells in vitro. Methods and results:  we optimized the coding sequence of this protein. The recombinant plasmid was transformed into Rosetta Gami2 E.coli strain for expression. The transformed bacteria which contain recombinant plasmid were cultured in 37ºC with 250 rpm in LB and in 20ºC in TB medium for 18 hours. TRAIL was purified by Ni sepharose column, and the presence of the recombinant protein was confirmed by SDS-PAGE. The concentration of purified protein was measured by Bradford assay. Our finding showed that the recombinant protein (34kD) has been successfully produced for next experiments, the purified protein was desalted and applied toward cancerous cells. Conclusions: In summary, TRAIL can be considered as a promising therapeutic agent for effective, targeted and less toxic agents for treatment of cancers

Using Entrepreneurial Marketing to Foster Reseller Adoption of Smart Micro-Grid Technology

This article investigates how entrepreneurial marketing can encourage resellers to adopt smart micro-grid technology. An online survey based on the literature on user adoption and entrepreneurial marketing was used to gather data from 99 power systems resellers. The data were analyzed using the partial least squares method to validate a model of the relationships between reseller’s antecedents and intention to adopt smart micro-grid technology, and the role of vendor’s entrepreneurial marketing in the adoption. The results suggest that user adoption models can only partially be applied to the reseller context, and future research should develop models that can further explain reseller’s decision making with regards to becoming involved in an emerging technology. As to the implications for practice, vendors need to demonstrate proactive entrepreneurial marketing, particularly entrepreneurial orientation, to increase the performance expectancy perceived by their resellers by increasing awareness and understanding of smart micro-grid technology to cultivate its diffusion

Comparison of the root canal debridement ability of two single file systems with a conventional multiple rotary system in long oval-shaped root canals : in vitro study

This study sought to compare the root canal debridement ability of Neolix, Reciproc and ProTaper rotary systems in long oval-shaped root canals. Eighty five extracted single-rooted human teeth with long oval-shaped single root canals were selected and divided into three experimental groups(n=25) and one control group (n= 10). Root canals were filled with Vitapex radiopaque contrast medium and prepared with Neolix, Reciproc or ProTaper systems. The control group only received irrigation. Digital radiographs were obtained at baseline and postoperatively and subjected to digital subtraction. The percentage of reduction in contrast medium was quantified at 0-5 mm and 5-10 mm distances from the apex. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and t-test. The mean percentage of the contrast medium removed was not significantly different in the 0-5mm segment among the three groups (P=0.6). In the 5-10mm segment a significant difference was found in this regard among the ProTaper and Reciproc groups (P=0.02) and the highest mean percentage of contrast medium was removed by ProTaper. But, difference between ProTaper and Neolix as well as Neolix and Reciproc was not significant. In Neolix (P=0.024) and Reciproc (P=0.002) systems, the mean percentage of the contrast medium removed from the 0-5mm segment was significantly greater than that in 5-10mm segment; however, this difference was not significant in ProTaper group (P=0.069). Neolix single-file system may be a suitable alternative to ProTaper multiple-file system in debridement of long oval shaped canals