The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary s...The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .展开更多
Periodical cicadas(Magicicada spp.)are endemic to deciduous forests in the eastern United States.In successional forests,they must partition resources such as host trees to coexist.We measured tree size,emergence hole...Periodical cicadas(Magicicada spp.)are endemic to deciduous forests in the eastern United States.In successional forests,they must partition resources such as host trees to coexist.We measured tree size,emergence holes,oviposition scar bundles,and chorusing center abundances of Magicicada species on 12 common tree species in a deciduous forest to understand host-tree use.We predicted that the abundance of periodical cicadas and use of specific host-tree species would change depending on the Magicicada species and tree life stage.We considered the size of the tree(diameter at breast height)as a covariate to control for tree size and collected eggs for a greenhouse experiment to assess whether nymphs prefer to feed on Quercus rubra or Acer saccharum.More emergence holes were found below Quercus species than any other tree species.The abundance of periodical cicadas on host trees used for chorusing centers varied depending on the Magicicada species,but were most abundant on Quercus species.Oviposition scar bundles were also more frequent on Quercus.More nymphs were found on Quercus than Acer in the nymph preference study.Though periodical cicadas used Quercus hosts more than other tree species,their abundances on different host tree sizes and species differed significantly.Periodical cicada species may use specific host species and life stages as a way to partition resources and minimize competition among the Magicicada species during emergence years.展开更多
Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis,a fatal disease.It is widely distributed in various foods and environmental sources.In this review,we focused on addressing PCR-bas...Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis,a fatal disease.It is widely distributed in various foods and environmental sources.In this review,we focused on addressing PCR-based technologies,including conventional PCR,qPCR and droplet digital PCR(ddPCR).Specifically,we described(a)conventional PCR and mono-,duplex-and multiplex-qPCR methodologies;(b)development and applications of gene HlyA-,Iap-,PrfA–and SsrA-based conventional and qPCR assays as well as PCR assays targeting newly identified gene targets for specific detection of L.monocytogenes;differentiation of viable from dead L.monocytogenes by qPCR in conjugation with propidium monoazide pretreatment;PCR-based serotype identification of L.monocytogenes isolates;PCR-based detection of L.ivanovii,infecting ruminants,differentiation of L.monocytogenes from other Listeria species;and sigB-gene based PCR identification of Listeria spp;(c)applications of ddPCR in detection of L.monocytogenes;and(d)application of qPCR assays in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in milk and dairy products;meats,meat products and meat-processing environment;and seafood,seafood products and processing environment.Our goal was to provide a relatively comprehensive overview of PCR-based methodologies available in detection,characterization and subtyping of various strains of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources.展开更多
Listeria monocytogenes,one of the most important foodborne pathogens,can cause listeriosis,a lethal disease for humans.L.ivanovii,which is closely related to L.monocytogenes,is also widely distributed in nature and in...Listeria monocytogenes,one of the most important foodborne pathogens,can cause listeriosis,a lethal disease for humans.L.ivanovii,which is closely related to L.monocytogenes,is also widely distributed in nature and infects mainly warm-blooded ruminants,causing economic loss.Thus,there are high priority needs for methodologies for rapid,specific,cost-effective and accurate detection,characterization and subtyping of L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii in foods and environmental sources.In this review,we(A)described L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii,world-wide incidence of listeriosis,and prevalence of various L.monocytogenes strains in food and environmental sources;(B)comprehensively reviewed different types of traditional and newly developed methodologies,including culture-based,antigen/antibody-based,LOOP-mediated isothermal amplification,matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry,DNA microarray,and genomic sequencing for detection and characterization of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources;(C)comprehensively summarized different subtyping methodologies,including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis,multi-locus sequence typing,ribotyping,and phage-typing,and whole genomic sequencing etc.for subtyping of L.monocytogenes strains from food and environmental sources;and(D)described the applications of these methodologies in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in foods and food processing facilities.展开更多
Purpose: To assess the possibility of using a public calibration function for radiochromic film dosimetry in dose QA of highly conformal treatment plans. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2 from l...Purpose: To assess the possibility of using a public calibration function for radiochromic film dosimetry in dose QA of highly conformal treatment plans. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2 from lots A101212 and A011713) were exposed on a Varian Trilogy at a facility to a 10 × 10 cm2 open field at doses of 80, 160, 320 cGy using 6MV photons. Together with a strip of unexposed film from the same lot, the exposed films were digitized in a single scan using different Epson 10,000 XL scanners at two different facilities. The dose-response data for each color-channel from each facility were generated using the same calibration function X(D) = a + b/(D - c), where X(D) is the response at dose D and a, b and c are the coefficients. Different batches of EBT3 film were exposed to a VMAT beam. These films, plus two reference strips exposed to doses of zero and 160 cGy, were digitized on the scanners at the two facilities. Using the multi-channel dosimetry method and One-scan protocol (Med Phys, 39: 6339-6349, 2012) the recorded doses on the VMAT films were calculated and the results were compared with the VMAT plan using a Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. Results: The passing rates obtained for dose maps calculated for all combinations of VMAT images and calibration functions were nearly unchanged, using the One-scan protocol. Also, in all cases a passing rate of >99% was obtained for Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. On the other hand, if the One-scan protocol was not employed, the dose maps for VMAT images and calibration functions from different scanners showed poor correlation with the treatment plan. This is probably due to the scan-to-scan variability. Conclusions: The authors have found that it is feasible to use a public calibration function for a given radiochromic film lot using the same methodology, One-scan protocol, for patient-specific QA.展开更多
Skin aging is a process of structural and compositional remodeling that can be manifested by wrinkling and sagging. Remarkably, the dermis plays a dominant role in the aging process. Recent studies suggest that microR...Skin aging is a process of structural and compositional remodeling that can be manifested by wrinkling and sagging. Remarkably, the dermis plays a dominant role in the aging process. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs are implicated in the regulation of gene expression during aging. However, studies about age-related microRNAs and how they modulate skin aging remain limited. In the present work, a complex of hydrolyzed natural yeast proteins (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and hydrolyzed natural soya bean was developed and showed the ability to modulate the expression of telomere-binding protein TRF2, which is a key factor for telomere protection and to prevent cellular senescence in vitro and DNA damage. The aim of the study was to identify microRNAs specifically modulated after application of the ingredient complex to cultured fibroblasts, and their possible involvement in remodeling of the human extracellular matrix and fibroblast senescence. Consequently, human skin fibroblasts were cultured and treated with 1% of the ingredient complex for 48 h before analyzing microRNA modulation by RT-qPCR. The use of bioinformatics allowed us to predict the target genes for modulated microRNAs. Results show that the ingredient complex modulated a pattern of microRNAs including the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p, which are associated with fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the human dermal extracellular matrix. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p possibly represent key microRNAs that impact human fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the dermal extracellular matrix.展开更多
文摘The skin’s primary function is to protect the body against a spectrum of environmental stressors, including mechanical insults, microorganisms, chemicals, and allergens. Located in the outermost layers, the primary structures and components responsible for the skin’s barrier function are susceptible to environmental variables, dermatological conditions, and the aging process. The ensuing alterations to structure, composition, and organizational attributes of the epidermal barrier can impact its integrity and functionality. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of a novel complex composed of a ceramide, energizing peptide, and Camu Camu extract (SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex) on specific markers of epidermal barrier integrity, as well as epidermal and dermal function. All the experiments were conducted on fresh human abdominal skin explants. Intradermal production of hyaluronic acid, epidermal claudin-1, and ceramide synthase 3 expressions, as well as epidermal lipids content were assessed using specific fluorescent stainings on ex vivo skin after the application of the complex or placebo. Additionally, dermal elastase and collagenase activities were assessed using in tubo enzymatic assays. Lastly, the effect of a cosmetic cream containing SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex was assessed using subjective Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS) in a small cohort of patients after 60 days of use. The application of the SUPCERAT<sup>TM</sup> complex on ex vivo skin led to significant increase in dermal hyaluronic acid content and epidermal activity of claudin-1, ceramide synthase 3 and epidermal ceramide content. Furthermore, in tubo enzymatic assays demonstrated inhibition of both dermal elastase and collagenase activities. In addition, the patient-reported results indicated significant improvements in skin quality and appearance. .
基金supported by the Herrick Foundation,Kent University。
文摘Periodical cicadas(Magicicada spp.)are endemic to deciduous forests in the eastern United States.In successional forests,they must partition resources such as host trees to coexist.We measured tree size,emergence holes,oviposition scar bundles,and chorusing center abundances of Magicicada species on 12 common tree species in a deciduous forest to understand host-tree use.We predicted that the abundance of periodical cicadas and use of specific host-tree species would change depending on the Magicicada species and tree life stage.We considered the size of the tree(diameter at breast height)as a covariate to control for tree size and collected eggs for a greenhouse experiment to assess whether nymphs prefer to feed on Quercus rubra or Acer saccharum.More emergence holes were found below Quercus species than any other tree species.The abundance of periodical cicadas on host trees used for chorusing centers varied depending on the Magicicada species,but were most abundant on Quercus species.Oviposition scar bundles were also more frequent on Quercus.More nymphs were found on Quercus than Acer in the nymph preference study.Though periodical cicadas used Quercus hosts more than other tree species,their abundances on different host tree sizes and species differed significantly.Periodical cicada species may use specific host species and life stages as a way to partition resources and minimize competition among the Magicicada species during emergence years.
文摘Listeria monocytogenes is an important foodborne pathogen responsible for listeriosis,a fatal disease.It is widely distributed in various foods and environmental sources.In this review,we focused on addressing PCR-based technologies,including conventional PCR,qPCR and droplet digital PCR(ddPCR).Specifically,we described(a)conventional PCR and mono-,duplex-and multiplex-qPCR methodologies;(b)development and applications of gene HlyA-,Iap-,PrfA–and SsrA-based conventional and qPCR assays as well as PCR assays targeting newly identified gene targets for specific detection of L.monocytogenes;differentiation of viable from dead L.monocytogenes by qPCR in conjugation with propidium monoazide pretreatment;PCR-based serotype identification of L.monocytogenes isolates;PCR-based detection of L.ivanovii,infecting ruminants,differentiation of L.monocytogenes from other Listeria species;and sigB-gene based PCR identification of Listeria spp;(c)applications of ddPCR in detection of L.monocytogenes;and(d)application of qPCR assays in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in milk and dairy products;meats,meat products and meat-processing environment;and seafood,seafood products and processing environment.Our goal was to provide a relatively comprehensive overview of PCR-based methodologies available in detection,characterization and subtyping of various strains of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources.
文摘Listeria monocytogenes,one of the most important foodborne pathogens,can cause listeriosis,a lethal disease for humans.L.ivanovii,which is closely related to L.monocytogenes,is also widely distributed in nature and infects mainly warm-blooded ruminants,causing economic loss.Thus,there are high priority needs for methodologies for rapid,specific,cost-effective and accurate detection,characterization and subtyping of L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii in foods and environmental sources.In this review,we(A)described L.monocytogenes and L.ivanovii,world-wide incidence of listeriosis,and prevalence of various L.monocytogenes strains in food and environmental sources;(B)comprehensively reviewed different types of traditional and newly developed methodologies,including culture-based,antigen/antibody-based,LOOP-mediated isothermal amplification,matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometry,DNA microarray,and genomic sequencing for detection and characterization of L.monocytogenes in foods and environmental sources;(C)comprehensively summarized different subtyping methodologies,including pulsed-field gel electrophoresis,multi-locus sequence typing,ribotyping,and phage-typing,and whole genomic sequencing etc.for subtyping of L.monocytogenes strains from food and environmental sources;and(D)described the applications of these methodologies in detection and subtyping of L.monocytogenes in foods and food processing facilities.
文摘Purpose: To assess the possibility of using a public calibration function for radiochromic film dosimetry in dose QA of highly conformal treatment plans. Methods: EBT3 film calibration strips (3.5 × 20 cm2 from lots A101212 and A011713) were exposed on a Varian Trilogy at a facility to a 10 × 10 cm2 open field at doses of 80, 160, 320 cGy using 6MV photons. Together with a strip of unexposed film from the same lot, the exposed films were digitized in a single scan using different Epson 10,000 XL scanners at two different facilities. The dose-response data for each color-channel from each facility were generated using the same calibration function X(D) = a + b/(D - c), where X(D) is the response at dose D and a, b and c are the coefficients. Different batches of EBT3 film were exposed to a VMAT beam. These films, plus two reference strips exposed to doses of zero and 160 cGy, were digitized on the scanners at the two facilities. Using the multi-channel dosimetry method and One-scan protocol (Med Phys, 39: 6339-6349, 2012) the recorded doses on the VMAT films were calculated and the results were compared with the VMAT plan using a Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. Results: The passing rates obtained for dose maps calculated for all combinations of VMAT images and calibration functions were nearly unchanged, using the One-scan protocol. Also, in all cases a passing rate of >99% was obtained for Gamma index of 3%/3 mm. On the other hand, if the One-scan protocol was not employed, the dose maps for VMAT images and calibration functions from different scanners showed poor correlation with the treatment plan. This is probably due to the scan-to-scan variability. Conclusions: The authors have found that it is feasible to use a public calibration function for a given radiochromic film lot using the same methodology, One-scan protocol, for patient-specific QA.
文摘Skin aging is a process of structural and compositional remodeling that can be manifested by wrinkling and sagging. Remarkably, the dermis plays a dominant role in the aging process. Recent studies suggest that microRNAs are implicated in the regulation of gene expression during aging. However, studies about age-related microRNAs and how they modulate skin aging remain limited. In the present work, a complex of hydrolyzed natural yeast proteins (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and hydrolyzed natural soya bean was developed and showed the ability to modulate the expression of telomere-binding protein TRF2, which is a key factor for telomere protection and to prevent cellular senescence in vitro and DNA damage. The aim of the study was to identify microRNAs specifically modulated after application of the ingredient complex to cultured fibroblasts, and their possible involvement in remodeling of the human extracellular matrix and fibroblast senescence. Consequently, human skin fibroblasts were cultured and treated with 1% of the ingredient complex for 48 h before analyzing microRNA modulation by RT-qPCR. The use of bioinformatics allowed us to predict the target genes for modulated microRNAs. Results show that the ingredient complex modulated a pattern of microRNAs including the down-regulation of miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p, which are associated with fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the human dermal extracellular matrix. In conclusion, our results indicate that miR-29a-3p, miR-30a-5p and miR-34a-5p possibly represent key microRNAs that impact human fibroblast senescence and remodeling of the dermal extracellular matrix.
