Determination of Optimal Tightened Normal Tightened Plan Using a Genetic Algorithm

Designing a tightened normal tightened sampling plan requires sample sizes and acceptance number with switching criterion. An evolutionary algorithm, the genetic algorithm, is designed to identify optimal sample sizes and acceptance number of a tightened normal tightened sampling plan for a specified consumer’s risk, producer’s risk, and switching criterion. Optimal sample sizes and acceptance number are obtained by implementing the genetic algorithm. Tables are reported for various choices of switching criterion, consumer’s quality level, and producer’s quality level

Augmented Reality Marketing-Impact on Intrinsic Motivation and Optimal User Experiences

Augmented reality marketing (AR marketing) has emerged as a transformative tool with the promise of a captivating user experience through the use of technology. Through the lens of flow theory, this study examines and seeks to understand how AR marketing triggers intrinsic motivation and fosters optimal user experiences. Based on the concept of flow theory which elucidates the psychological state of deep engagement and enjoyment, this research-in-progress proposes to examine how AR marketing campaigns can cultivate flow experiences to enhance attitudes towards both, the advertisement and the brand. This research-in-progress will adopt a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative surveys and qualitative analyses, to explore the interplay between flow experiences, attitudes, and user engagement in AR marketing contexts. By examining key components of flow theory, such as clear goals, immediate feedback, and balance between skill and challenge, the research aims to identify strategies for designing AR marketing experiences that facilitate flow states and subsequently influence attitudes towards the advertisement and the brand. The findings of the study are expected to have significant implications for marketing and technology academicians and practitioners. Additionally, the findings will guide industry practitioners in leveraging AR technology to create immersive and impactful brand experiences, ultimately fostering positive attitudes and stronger consumer relationships in an increasingly digital landscape

Aqueous extracts of cigarette smoke promote the oxidation of low density lipoprotein by peroxidases

AbstractOxidation of low density lipoprotein (LDL) by cigarette smoke has been considered a potential mechanism by which smoking may promote atherosclerosis. We report in this study that cigarette smoke extract (CSE) inhibited copper-induced oxidation of LDL suggesting the presence of antioxidants in CSE. It is currently believed that peroxidases may oxidize LDL in vivo and during such oxidations antioxidants become pro-oxidants. Accordingly, when LDL was oxidized by peroxidase in the presence of CSE there was an increase in the oxidation of LDL. This is the first study suggesting that smoking may promote atherosclerosis by enhancing peroxidase-catalyzed lipid peroxidation

Irbesartan, an angiotensin type 1 receptor inhibitor, regulates markers of inflammation in patients with premature atherosclerosis

AbstractOBJECTIVESThis study assessed the role of angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptor antagonists on inflammatory mechanisms involved in atherogenesis. Specific inflammatory markers included solubilized tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor II (sTNF-αRII), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and superoxide. In addition, the AT1receptor blocker irbesartan was evaluated for its ability to suppress these markers in individuals with atherosclerosis.BACKGROUNDMechanisms involved in the complex process of atherogenesis include alterations in the inflammatory responses. The use of compounds that suppress these responses may reduce the degree of damage seen in atherosclerosis.METHODSWith a cross-sectional study design, 33 normotensive patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) were treated with irbesartan for a 24-week period. These patients were compared against a control population with no known coronary atherosclerosis. Marker levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique and lucigenin chemiluminescence assay and statistically evaluated by two-way repeated measures analysis of variance.RESULTSAll patients with coronary artery disease had increased levels of inflammatory molecules over those of control patients. Treatment with irbesartan in these patients significantly reduced levels of inflammatory molecules measured. Soluble VCAM-1 levels were reduced by 36%; soluble TNF-alpha levels were reduced by 54% and superoxide level decreased by 52%. Maximal suppression of inflammatory markers by irbesartan therapy in patients with CAD was seen at 12 weeks.CONCLUSIONSThe effect of irbesartan on each inflammatory marker is significant. Our results show that use of irbesartan may retard the inflammatory process seen in premature forms of atherosclerosis

Induction of Early Biomarkers in a Thrombus-Induced Sheep Model of Ischemic Heart Failure

The levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) are known to be increased in the sera of subjects with heart failure. Existing models do not account for the biomass of thrombus that occurs in patients undergoing myocardial infarction. In this study, we compared the expressions of sheep-derived genes for BNP, MCP-1, and atrial natriuretic peptide in a new large-animal model of thrombus-induced heart failure. Thrombus of autologous platelets was injected directly into the left circumflex coronary arteries of sheep. Cardiac ischemic injury was evaluated by troponin I levels, and heart failure progression was monitored with the aid of echocardiogram-based evaluation. After outlined time intervals, the sheep were killed and their hearts excised for tissue sampling. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were performed to establish gene and protein expressions. At 72 hours after embolization, myocardial BNP and MCP-1 expressions had increased significantly in the ischemic region, compared either with the nonischemic region or with tissue from healthy sheep. As heart failure progressed to 90 days after embolization, the expression of BNP in the ischemic region decreased, whereas its expression in the nonischemic region increased several fold. In contrast, MCP-1 gene expression showed no changes in either tissue after 90 days of embolization. Plasma levels of BNP, determined by Western blot and ELISA, also correlated with the gene-expression studies. Our results show regional changes in BNP and MCP-1, as well as differences in the expression of these 2 genes

Myeloperoxidase As A Potential Target In Women With Endometriosis Undergoing Ivf

As infertility is intimately associated with endometriosis, the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a leukocyte enzyme and an oxidative stress marker, were determined in a case-control prospective study of 68 women with and without endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization in the outpatient fertility center within a tertiary care academic medical center. Measured values included plasma and follicular fluid (FF) concentrations of MPO, plasma estradiol, as well as oocyte quality, fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy rates in these women. In FF (mean ± standard error of mean [SEM]), the MPO concentrations (ng/ mL) for controls were 4.3±0.37, mild endometriosis (stages I-II) 3.9±0.17, and moderate/severe endometriosis (stages III-IV) 16.6±12.5 (P \u3c 0.0143). In FF, among patients supplemented with vitamins E and C, the MPO levels decreased significantly only in moderate/severe endometriosis from 25.3 ± 22.0 ng/mL to 4.9 ± 1.61 ng/mL, respectively. Plasma levels of MPO between groups did not change. Outcome data revealed a trend toward decreased percentage of mature oocytes, implantation rate, and clinical pregnancy rate with severity of endometriosis and MPO levels. Myeloperoxidase may be a potential oxidative stress target for endometriosis-associated infertility

Identification And Evaluation Of Anti-Inflammatory Properties Of Aqueous Components Extracted From Sesame (Sesamum Indicum) Oil

We previously reported that sesame oil (SO) has anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerotic and lipid lowering properties in vivo. Our recent studies have shown that, an aqueous extract of sesame oil (SOAE) has also anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties but with no lipid lowering effects. The extent of reduction in atherosclerosis led us to identify components of SOAE and evaluate their anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. Liquid chromatography mass spectrometric method was used to detect and identify components of SOAE. Methoxyphenol derivatives, short and long chain carboxylic acids, dicarboxylic acids, hydroxy and oxo- carboxylic acids were detected. To our surprise, sesamol and its derivatives (lignans), were not present in the SOAE. Among the identified, a combination of methoxy phenol compounds were selected and tested their ability to reduce LPS induced inflammatory gene expression. Monocyte derived macrophages/RAW 264.7 macrophages were pre-treated with these compounds for 2 h, followed by LPS stimulation for 24 h and pro-inflammatory gene expressions were analyzed. These methoxyphenol derivatives showed potent anti-inflammatory properties. In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory molecules associated with SO may contribute the anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic properties. Also, our results shed light for the development of SOAE based non-pharmacological therapeutics, nutritional supplements and health products for various inflammatory diseases in the future

Partial Ligation-Induced Carotid Artery Occlusion Induces Leukocyte Recruitment And Lipid Accumulation-A Shear Stress Model Of Atherosclerosis

Recent studies suggest that disturbed blood flow-induced shear stress can induce atherosclerosis (ATH) in humans and animals without a high fat diet. Therefore, we hypothesize that partial ligation of the left carotid artery can generate disturbed blood flow and shear stress and would lead to ATH in a predisposed genetic model of Apo E-/- mice. The partial left carotid artery model was generated by ligating three out of four branches of the left carotid artery compared with controls which experienced similar surgery conditions but no ligation. Animals were sacrificed 2 weeks post-ligation and examined for plaque formation, infiltration of leukocytes, pro-inflammatory immune response, and blood flow velocity. Our findings suggest a significant (p \u3c 0.05) increase in plaque formation and lipid deposition in the partial ligated animals compared with controls, confirmed with hematoxylin and eosin and oil red O staining. Furthermore, there was a significant (p \u3c 0.05) increase in the number of M1 macrophages and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and TNFα, as compared with the control. Moreover, partial ligated carotid arteries demonstrated disturbed blood flow as their systolic velocity was significantly reduced. In conclusion, our data suggest that partial ligation of the left carotid artery induces disturbed flow and shear stress in the predisposed genetic model of Apo E-/- mice and leads to significantly developed ATH. Similarities to clinical patients who develop ATH independent of a high fat diet show that this could be a potential animal model to examine various parameters in ATH. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media New York