Statistical exponential distribution function as distance indicator to stellar groups

AbstractIn this paper, statistical distribution functions are developed for distance determination of stellar groups. This method depends on the assumption that, absolute magnitudes and apparent magnitudes follow an exponential distribution function. The developed approaches have been implemented to determine distances of some clusters and stellar associations. The comparison with the distances derived by different authors revealed good agreement

Stimulation of the histamine 4 receptor with 4-methylhistamine modulates the effects of chronic stress on the Th1/Th2 cytokine balance.

Alterations to the immune system caused by stress have been considered to markedly increase the risk for immune-related diseases such as cancer and autoimmune disorders. We investigated the potential anti-stress effects of the histamine 4 receptor (H4R) agonist, 4-methylhistamine (4-MeH), in a murine stress model. Mice were placed in 50ml conical centrifuge tubes for 12h followed by a 12h rest. The effects of treatment with 4-MeH (30mg/kg, i.p., twice daily) for 2 days were assessed. At 2 days after physical restraint, mice were sacrificed and tissues harvested. We evaluated the effects of 4-MeH treatment on CD4(+) T cell production, and intracellular IFN-γ and IL-4 expression in these cells. We also assessed IL-1β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-4 mRNA expression as well as IFN-γ, TNF-α, GITR, Ox40 and IL-4 protein expression in the spleen. The results showed that 4-MeH treatment of stressed mice results in a substantial increase in the CD4(+) T cells as well as in IFN-γ production by these cells. Compared to both untreated and stressed controls. In contrast, IL-4 expression decreased significantly following 4-MeH treatment of mice. Moreover, stimulation of the H4R resulted in up-regulated expression of IL-1β, IFN-γ and TNF-α mRNAs and decreased the expression of IL-4. Western blot analysis confirmed decreased protein expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, GITR, Ox40 and increased IL-4 in the SC group and treatment of mice with 4-MeH reversed these effects. Our results confirm the significant impact of chronic stress on T cell function and production of Th1/Th2 mediators H4R

Regulation of TNF-α and NF-κB activation through the JAK/STAT signaling pathway downstream of histamine 4 receptor in a rat model of LPS-induced joint inflammation.

Histamine 4 receptor (H4R) is a novel target for the pharmacological modulation of histamine-mediated immune signals during inflammatory diseases. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the H4R agonist 4-methylhistamine dihydrochloride (4-MeH) and antagonist JNJ7777120 (JNJ) in the inflamed rat knee. Animals were fasted for 18h before a single dose of 4-MeH or JNJ (30mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.), both followed by intra-articular (i.a.) injection of LPS 2h later. Blood and synovial fluid were collected after a short incubation period and TNF-α, NF-κB, and IkB-α levels were measured via flow cytometry. Additionally, we assessed the effects of H4R engagement on the expression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNAs and the protein levels of TNF-α, NF-κB, JAK-1, and STAT-3 in the inflamed knee tissue. These results revealed increased TNF-α and NF-κB expression and decreased IkB-α levels in both the LPS alone and 4-MeH treated groups in whole blood and synovial fluid. Further, IL-1β, TNF-α, and NF-κB mRNA levels were significantly increased and western blot analysis confirmed increased expression of TNF-α, NF-κB, JAK-1, and STAT-3 in both LPS and 4-MeH treatment groups. Furthermore, these increases were completely inhibited in the inflamed knee tissue of the JNJ-treated group. Thus, the inhibition of inflammatory mediators and signaling pathways by the H4R antagonist JNJ suggests the anti-arthritic importance of this molecule

Community pharmacists’ knowledge, attitude, and practices towards dispensing antibiotics without prescription (DAwP): a cross-sectional survey in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia

Objectives: To evaluate knowledge, attitude, and practices of community pharmacists towards dispensing antibiotics without prescription (DAwP) in Makkah Province, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and February 2016 using a structured, validated, and pilot-tested questionnaire. A four-step systematic approach was used to recruit community pharmacists who completed a 28-item questionnaire either in English or Arabic language based on their personal preference. Results: Of the 200 community pharmacists approached, 189 completed the questionnaire. More than two-thirds (70.5%) of the pharmacists were not aware that DAwP is illegal practice. Lack of patient willingness to consult a physician for a non-serious infection (69.9%) and an inability to afford a consultation with a physician (65.3%) were the most common reasons cited for DAwP. A statistically significant association was found between the number of antibiotics dispensed and educating patients about the importance of adherence and completion of the full course of antibiotics (p = 0.007). Conclusions: In general, community pharmacists have a poor understanding of the regulations prohibiting the over-the-counter sale of antibiotics in Saudi Arabia, explaining the high rate of DAwP in the country. A multifaceted approach consisting of educational interventions and improving the access to and affordability of healthcare facilities for the general public is required to effectively reduce DAwP and its negative consequences on public health

The tree clustering technique and the physical reality of galaxy groups

In this paper the tree clustering technique (the Euclidean separation distance coefficients) is suggested to test how the Hickson compact groups of galaxies (HCGs) are really physical groups. The method is applied on groups of 5 members only in Hickson’s catalog