Upnp-Based Discovery And Management Of Hypervisors And Virtual Machines

The paper introduces a Universal Plug and Play based discovery and management toolkitthat facilitates collaboration between cloud infrastructure providers and users. The presentedtools construct a unified hierarchy of devices and their management-related services, thatrepresents the current deployment of users’ (virtual) infrastructures in the provider’s (physical)infrastructure as well as the management interfaces of respective devices. The hierarchycan be used to enhance the capabilities of the provider’s infrastructure management system.To maintain user independence, the set of management operations exposed by a particulardevice is always defined by the device owner (either the provider or user)

Administration of Rhodiola kirilowii

The use of antibiotics during pregnancy and lactation is associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders. One of the natural medicinal plants—Rhodiola kirilowii, widely used as an immunostimulant in adults—might be a good alternative to antibiotic treatment. The aim of present study was to assess whether daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg of Rhodiola kirilowii aqueous (RKW) or 50% hydroalcoholic (RKW-A) extracts affected hematological and immunological parameters of 6-week-old mouse progeny. There was no significant change in hematological parameters of blood with the exception of hemoglobin, which was significantly higher (about 4%) in RKW group. Offspring of mothers fed Rhodiola kirilowii extracts had increased percentage of granulocytes and decreased percentage of lymphocytes. These changes correlated with decreased percentage of CD3+/CD4+ T-cells (RKW and RKW-A), decrease of CD8+ cells, and increase percentage of NK cells in RKW group. In addition, both types of Rhodiola kirilowii extracts stimulated granulocyte phagocytosis and increased level of respiratory burst. In conclusion, the long-term supplementation of mouse mothers during pregnancy and lactation with RKW or RKW-A extracts affects the immune system of their progeny. These results should be taken into consideration before administration of Rhodiola kirilowii to pregnant and lactating women

Retinoic Acid and Its Derivatives in Skin

The retinoids are a group of compounds including vitamin A and its active metabolite all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA). Retinoids regulate a variety of physiological functions in multiple organ systems, are essential for normal immune competence, and are involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. Vitamin A derivatives have held promise in cancer treatment and ATRA is used in differentiation therapy of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). ATRA and other retinoids have also been successfully applied in a variety of dermatological conditions such as skin cancer, psoriasis, acne, and ichthyosis. Moreover, modulation of retinoic acid receptors and retinoid X (or rexinoid) receptors function may affect dermal cells. The studies using complex genetic models with various combinations of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) and retinoid X (or rexinoid) receptors (RXRs) indicate that retinoic acid and its derivatives have therapeutic potential for a variety of serious dermatological disorders including some malignant conditions. Here, we provide a synopsis of the main advances in understanding the role of ATRA and its receptors in dermatology

An analysis of the composition of kidney stones

The presence of stones in the patient’s urinary tract is a sign of a disease process leading to the precipitation of chemical compounds and formation of deposits. It is estimated that kidney stone formation affects up to 10% of population, and the first identified deposit is associated with 25% risk of recurrence within 10 years. Therefore, it is very important from the diagnostic point of view to analyse every spontaneously excreted or surgically removed stone. Precise determination of the structure and chemical composition of stones allows to identify the reasons of their formation, choose appropriate treatment method and modify patient’s diet, and thus prevent recurrence. A number of methods have been developed for the analysis of urinary stones, such as qualitative chemical analysis, polarised light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and computed tomography. The paper discusses different analytic techniques for the evaluation of kidney stones, including their advantages and limitations. In the current state of knowledge, infrared spectroscopy seems to be the most effective, rapid and precise measuring technique. It should be noted, however, that a comprehensive approach, i.e. the use of several different techniques, is of key importance in the diagnosis, as only their simultaneous use allows to compare the obtained results and obtain full information about the patient’s condition. Innovative methods for the analysis of kidney stones, such as nanoscale flow cytometry, are currently sought to improve deposit identification and rapid implementation of appropriate treatment. Works to improve the currently used techniques as well as the search for new quicker and more effective methods give rise to hopes that a single unique method for a comprehensive assessment of stones collected from patients will be selected

Administration of Rhodiola kirilowii Extracts during Mouse Pregnancy and Lactation Stimulates Innate but Not Adaptive Immunity of the Offspring

The use of antibiotics during pregnancy and lactation is associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders. One of the natural medicinal plants—Rhodiola kirilowii, widely used as an immunostimulant in adults—might be a good alternative to antibiotic treatment. The aim of present study was to assess whether daily oral administration of 20 mg/kg of Rhodiola kirilowii aqueous (RKW) or 50% hydroalcoholic (RKW-A) extracts affected hematological and immunological parameters of 6-week-old mouse progeny. There was no significant change in hematological parameters of blood with the exception of hemoglobin, which was significantly higher (about 4%) in RKW group. Offspring of mothers fed Rhodiola kirilowii extracts had increased percentage of granulocytes and decreased percentage of lymphocytes. These changes correlated with decreased percentage of CD3+/CD4+ T-cells (RKW and RKW-A), decrease of CD8+ cells, and increase percentage of NK cells in RKW group. In addition, both types of Rhodiola kirilowii extracts stimulated granulocyte phagocytosis and increased level of respiratory burst. In conclusion, the long-term supplementation of mouse mothers during pregnancy and lactation with RKW or RKW-A extracts affects the immune system of their progeny. These results should be taken into consideration before administration of Rhodiola kirilowii to pregnant and lactating women

Fas/FasL pathway and cytokines in keratinocytes in atopic dermatitis - Manipulation by the electromagnetic field.

BACKGROUND:Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most frequent skin diseases. Changes of the keratinocytes functionality play a major role in the development of AD. For example, activation of the Fas (CD95)/FasL (CD178) pathway in AD does not lead to extensive apoptosis in skin. Binding of the Fas receptor to its protein ligand-FasL, which are present on the (AD)-modified keratinocytes, should result in the sequential induction of cell death, but there is no evidence of extensive apoptosis of these cells. This suggests that non-apoptotic mechanism of Fas/FasL pathway is commonly encountered, although not examined in the case of AD, phenomenon. An electromagnetic field, which was used to influence cultured cells in this study, can modulate proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and metabolism in various cells. OBJECTIVE:Here, we evaluate the possibility to manipulate the immune activation of AD keratinocytes and their response to the electromagnetic field, which was not tested before. METHODS:Keratinocytes isolated from the skin of healthy subjects (n = 20) and patients with atopic dermatitis (n = 20) as well as HaCaT and PCS-200-010 cell were exposed to the 900 MHz electromagnetic field for 60 minutes. Cytometric analysis of viability, Fas/FasL, p-ERK, p-p38 and p-JNK expression and Luminex analysis of cytokine concentration were performed in two-time points: 4 and 24 hours after the exposition. RESULTS:This research has shown upregulated Fas, FasL, p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK expression along with increased cytokine secretion (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-31 and TNFα) by keratinocytes derived from the skin of patients with the AD when compared with healthy control. Exposure of keratinocyte cultures obtained from AD patients to EMF resulted in a decrease of 1β, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, I L-13, IL-17, IL-31 and TNFα levels. Keratinocytes derived from the skin of AD patients are characterized by elevated Fas and FasL expression when compared to healthy control. CONCLUSION:Apoptotic and nonapoptotic activation of the Fas/FasL-dependent signaling pathway may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of AD, by adjusting the local cytokine and chemokine environment at the site of inflammation. Moreover, the electromagnetic field exhibits strong immunomodulatory effects on AD-modified keratinocytes

Influence of protein deficient diet, vitamin B₂ supplementation and physical training on serum composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in rats

Introduction Prolonged shortages of protein in the diet significantly alter the composition and content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in tissues and body fluids. One of nutritional factors which may reduce negative effects of protein malnutrition might be vitamin B2 due to its influence on lipids metabolism. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of low protein (LP) diet enriched with vitamin B2 on the content and composition of PUFA in the blood serum of rats treated with dosed physical exercise. Material and Methods The experiment was carried out for 3 months on 72 growing male Wistar rats divided into 5 groups. Animals were fed ad libitum on a diet with an energy value of 350 kcal/100 g, in which 4.5% of the energy was provided by protein. In the control diet, 20% of the energy was provided by protein. Two groups were fed the diet enriched with vitamin B2. The two groups of tested animals were trained for 5 days a week. Results LP diet caused a decrease in α-linolenic acid (ALA) after 30 days, and a decrease in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) after 60 days of experiment, compared with rats fed the control diet. After 60 and 90 days of the experiment, a significant decrease was noted in arachidonic acid (AA) in serum of trained rats, compared with sedentary rats fed the LP diet. Physical activity increased LA (mainly on day 30), EPA (on day 90) and reduced AA content (on day 90) in serum of rats fed the LP diet. B2 supplementation in the trained LP group did not change the EPA and AA dependence; however, there was a decrease in LA content in comparison to the non-supplemented trained group. Conclusions Results of this study suggest that all investigated factors (protein deficiency, physical exercise and supplementation of vitamin B2) have significant impact on PUFA composition of serum in rats

Effects of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm Laser Irradiation on the Dermal Cells

Background: The invention of non-ionizing emission devices revolutionized science, medicine, industry, and the military. Currently, different laser systems are commonly used, generating the potential threat of excessive radiation exposure, which can lead to adverse health effects. Skin is the organ most exposed to laser irradiation; therefore, this study aims to evaluate the effects of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm non-ionizing irradiation on keratinocytes and fibroblasts. Methods: Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were exposed to a different fluency of 445 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm laser irradiation. In addition, viability, type of cell death, cell cycle distribution, and proliferation rates were investigated. Results: The 445 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta (≥58.7 J/cm2) but not to Ker-CT cells. Exposure influenced the cell cycle distribution of Ker-CT (≥61.2 J/cm2) and BJ-5ta (≥27.6 J/cm2) cells, as well as the Bj-5ta proliferation rate (≥50.5 J/cm2). The 520 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta (≥468.4 J/cm2) and Ker-CT (≥385.7 J/cm2) cells. Cell cycle distribution (≥27.6 J/cm2) of Ker-CT cells was also affected. The 638 nm irradiation was cytotoxic to BJ-5ta and Ker-CT cells (≥151.5 J/cm2). The proliferation rate and cell cycle distribution of BJ-5ta (≥192.9 J/cm2) and Ker-CT (13.8 and 41.3 J/cm2) cells were also affected. Conclusions: At high fluences, 455 nm, 520 nm, and 638 nm irradiation, representing blue, green, and red light spectra, are hazardous to keratinocytes and fibroblasts. However, laser irradiation may benefit the cells at low fluences by modulating the cell cycle and proliferation rate

Influence of protein deficient diet, vitamin B₂ supplementation and physical training on serum composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in rats

Introduction Prolonged shortages of protein in the diet significantly alter the composition and content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in tissues and body fluids. One of nutritional factors which may reduce negative effects of protein malnutrition might be vitamin B2 due to its influence on lipids metabolism. Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of low protein (LP) diet enriched with vitamin B2 on the content and composition of PUFA in the blood serum of rats treated with dosed physical exercise. Material and Methods The experiment was carried out for 3 months on 72 growing male Wistar rats divided into 5 groups. Animals were fed ad libitum on a diet with an energy value of 350 kcal/100 g, in which 4.5% of the energy was provided by protein. In the control diet, 20% of the energy was provided by protein. Two groups were fed the diet enriched with vitamin B2. The two groups of tested animals were trained for 5 days a week. Results LP diet caused a decrease in α-linolenic acid (ALA) after 30 days, and a decrease in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) after 60 days of experiment, compared with rats fed the control diet. After 60 and 90 days of the experiment, a significant decrease was noted in arachidonic acid (AA) in serum of trained rats, compared with sedentary rats fed the LP diet. Physical activity increased LA (mainly on day 30), EPA (on day 90) and reduced AA content (on day 90) in serum of rats fed the LP diet. B2 supplementation in the trained LP group did not change the EPA and AA dependence; however, there was a decrease in LA content in comparison to the non-supplemented trained group. Conclusions Results of this study suggest that all investigated factors (protein deficiency, physical exercise and supplementation of vitamin B2) have significant impact on PUFA composition of serum in rats