28 research outputs found
Introducing standardized field methods for fracture-focused surface process research
Rock fractures are a key contributor to a broad array of Earth surface processes due to their direct control on rock strength as well as rock porosity and permeability. However, to date, there has been no standardization for the quantification of rock fractures in surface process research. In this work, the case is made for standardization within fracture-focused research, and prior work is reviewed to identify various key datasets and methodologies. Then, a suite of standardized methods is presented as a starting “baseline” for fracture-based research in surface process studies. These methods have been shown in pre-existing work from structural geology, geotechnical engineering, and surface process disciplines to comprise best practices for the characterization of fractures in clasts and outcrops. This practical, accessible, and detailed guide can be readily employed across all fracture-focused weathering and geomorphology applications. The wide adoption of a baseline of data collected using the same methods will enable comparison and compilation of datasets among studies globally and will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the links and feedbacks between rock fracture and landscape evolution.</p
Physicians’ Knowledge about Radiation Dose in Radiological Investigation in Iran
Background: Although ionizing radiation is very important in diagnostic and
treatment of many diseases, the hazards of this radiation are considerable and irrefutable.
One of the main stages in radiation protection is knowledge about radiation dose
in radiological investigation. The aim of this study was to determine the physicians’
knowledge in radiological examinations.
Material and Methods: The data collected by questionnaire were designed
and the most commonly requested radiological investigations were listed. The questionnaire
was distributed among 106 consultant physicians. The survey was conducted
on the awareness about the radiation dose and risks among health professionals in Iran.
Results: The results indicated that the majority of physicians did not know about
ionizing radiation and evaluation of absorbed dose in patients. Many of these physicians
were not aware of radiations risks and the most important aspects of radiation
protection; although, they have passed some courses in radiobiology and medical
physics.
Conclusion: Since radiological examinations play an indispensable role in medicine,
knowledge about radiation doses and hazards is very important. Generally, this
study showed that knowledge of radiation doses is inadequate among physicians
MicroRNAs and response to therapy in leukemia
A variety of epigenetic factors involved in leukemia pathogenesis. Among various epigenetic factors, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as important players, which affect a sequence of cellular and molecular signaling pathways. Leukemia is known as progressive cancer, which is related to many health problems in the world. It has been shown that the destruction of the blood-forming organs could lead to abnormal effects on the proliferation and development of leukocytes and their precursors. Despite many attempts for approved effective and powerful therapies for patients with leukemia, finding and developing new therapeutic approaches are required. One of the important aspects of leukemia therapy, identification of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of leukemia. Several miRNAs (ie, miR-103, miR-101, mit-7, let-7i, miR-424, miR-27a, and miR-29c) and play major roles in response to therapy in patients with leukemia. miRNAs exert their effects by targeting a variety of targets, which are associated with response to therapy in patients with leukemia. It seems that more understanding about the roles of miRNAs in response to therapy in patients with leukemia could contribute to better treatment of patients with leukemia. Here, for the first time, we summarized various miRNAs, which are involved in response to therapy in the treatment patients with leukemia. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Neutrophil Functional Heterogeneity and Implications for Viral Infections and Treatments
Evidence suggests that neutrophils exert specialized effector functions during infection and inflammation, and that these cells can affect the duration, severity, and outcome of the infection. These functions are related to variations in phenotypes that have implications in immunoregulation during viral infections. Although the complexity of the heterogeneity of neutrophils is still in the process of being uncovered, evidence indicates that they display phenotypes and functions that can assist in viral clearance or augment and amplify the immunopathology of viruses. Therefore, deciphering and understanding neutrophil subsets and their polarization in viral infections is of importance. In this review, the different phenotypes of neutrophils and the roles they play in viral infections are discussed. We also examine the possible ways to target neutrophil subsets during viral infections as potential anti-viral treatments
Neutrophil Functional Heterogeneity and Implications for Viral Infections and Treatments
Evidence suggests that neutrophils exert specialized effector functions during infection and inflammation, and that these cells can affect the duration, severity, and outcome of the infection. These functions are related to variations in phenotypes that have implications in immunoregulation during viral infections. Although the complexity of the heterogeneity of neutrophils is still in the process of being uncovered, evidence indicates that they display phenotypes and functions that can assist in viral clearance or augment and amplify the immunopathology of viruses. Therefore, deciphering and understanding neutrophil subsets and their polarization in viral infections is of importance. In this review, the different phenotypes of neutrophils and the roles they play in viral infections are discussed. We also examine the possible ways to target neutrophil subsets during viral infections as potential anti-viral treatments
Communication between Mast Cells and Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Skin
The skin is a dynamic organ with a complex immune network critical for maintaining balance and defending against various pathogens. Different types of cells in the skin, such as mast cells (MCs) and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s), contribute to immune regulation and play essential roles in the early immune response to various triggers, including allergens. It is beneficial to dissect cell-to-cell interactions in the skin to elucidate the mechanisms underlying skin immunity. The current manuscript concentrates explicitly on the communication pathways between MCs and ILC2s in the skin, highlighting their ability to regulate immune responses, inflammation, and tissue repair. Furthermore, it discusses how the interactions between MCs and ILC2s play a crucial role in various skin conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, dermatological disorders, and allergic reactions. Understanding the complex interactions between MCs and ILC2s in different skin conditions is crucial to developing targeted treatments for related disorders. The discovery of shared pathways could pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions to restore immunological balance in diseased skin tissues
Vitamin D Influences the Activity of Mast Cells in Allergic Manifestations and Potentiates Their Effector Functions against Pathogens
Mast cells (MCs) are abundant at sites exposed to the external environment and pathogens. Local activation of these cells, either directly via pathogen recognition or indirectly via interaction with other activated immune cells and results in the release of pre-stored mediators in MC granules. The release of these pre-stored mediators helps to enhance pathogen clearance. While MCs are well known for their protective role against parasites, there is also significant evidence in the literature demonstrating their ability to respond to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin and hormone that plays a vital role in regulating calcium and phosphorus metabolism to maintain skeletal homeostasis. Emerging evidence suggests that vitamin D also has immunomodulatory properties on both the innate and adaptive immune systems, making it a critical regulator of immune homeostasis. Vitamin D binds to its receptor, called the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which is present in almost all immune system cells. The literature suggests that a vitamin D deficiency can activate MCs, and vitamin D is necessary for MC stabilization. This manuscript explores the potential of vitamin D to regulate MC activity and combat pathogens, with a focus on its ability to fight viruses