Fano Resonance in High-Permittivity Objects

In this chapter, Fano resonances in simple structures with high permittivity such as spheres or core-shell particles are analyzed by Mie theory. The Mie scattering coefficients can be decomposed into slow varying backgrounds and narrow resonances, which cause the Fano resonances in scattered field. For structures of arbitrary shapes, temporal coupled-mode theory is applied to explain the Fano resonances found in the scattering cross section. At last, we analyze the periodic structures by using band diagram, and it shows that the Fano resonances can be viewed as the superposition of the Bloch wave and the Mie scattering wave

Oroxylin A attenuates cytokines in neonatal asthmatic mice by regulating Notch signaling pathway

Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of oroxylin A against neonatal asthma in mice. Methods: Asthma was induced in P12 mice with ovalbumin (OVA) immediately after litter (day 0), and on day 14 of protocol. Oroxylin A was given daily in two doses (2 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) from day 0 to 14, 2 h before the administration of OVA. The protective effect of oroxylin A against asthma was determined by evaluating lung function and levels of cytokines and IgE in OVA-challenged mice. Moreover, Western blot assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to determine the effect of oroxylin A on Notch signaling pathway in OVA-challenged mice. Results: Oroxylin A improved lung function in OVA-challenged mice. There were significant (p < 0.01) reductions in levels of IgE and cytokines in the BALF of oroxylin A-treated group, when compared to OVA group of mice. Furthermore, treatment with oroxylin A significantly ameliorated the OVA-induced changes in protein expressions of Notch1, Jagged1, NICD, PTEN, PI3K and Akt in the CD+ cells of OVA-challenged mice (p < 0.01). Conclusion: These results indicate that oroxylin A improves lung function and reduces the level of cytokines in neonatal asthmatic rat by downregulating Notch signaling. Thus, oroxylin A may be clinically beneficial in the management of asthma

Ph-sensitive chitosan nanoparticles for salivary protein delivery

Salivary proteins such as histatins (HTNs) have demonstrated critical biological functions directly related to tooth homeostasis and prevention of dental caries. However, HTNs are susceptible to the high proteolytic activities in the oral environment. Therefore, pH-sensitive chitosan nanoparti-cles (CNs) have been proposed as potential carriers to protect proteins from enzymatic degradation at physiological salivary pH. Four different types of chitosan polymers were investigated and the optimal formulation had good batch to batch reproducibility, with an average hydrodynamic diame-ter of 144 ± 6 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.15 ± 0.04, and a zeta potential of 18 ± 4 mV at a final pH of 6.3. HTN3 encapsulation and release profiles were characterized by cationic polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The CNs successfully encapsulated HTN3 and selectively swelled at acidic pH to facilitate HTN3 release. Protection of HTN3 against enzymatic degradation was investigated in diluted whole saliva. HTN3 encapsulated in the CNs had a prolonged survival time compared to the free HTN3. CNs with and without HTN3 also successfully reduced biofilm weight and bacterial viability. The results of this study have demonstrated the suitability of CNs as potential protein carriers for oral applications, especially for complications occurring at acidic conditions