Search

IntroductionThe prevalence of peanut allergies is increasing, emphasizing the need for an animal model to enhance our understanding of peanut allergy pathogenesis and to advance diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions. While mice are frequently used as model organisms, their allergic responses do not fully mirror those observed in humans, warranting the exploration of a higher animal model. The porcine gastrointestinal system closely resembles that of humans, and exhibits allergy symptoms akin to human responses, making pigs a promising model for peanut allergy research.MethodsIn this study we compared two allergen sensitization protocols involving either topical allergen application after repeated tape stripping (TS) or intraperitoneal (IP) injections to induce peanut-specific allergy and anaphylaxis reactions in mini pigs. Mini pigs sensitized with a combination of peanut protein extract (PE) and cholera toxin (CT) through either the IP or the TS route.ResultsSensitized pigs via both methods developed systemic PE-specific IgG and IgE responses. Following peanut challenge via the IP route, both TS- and IP-sensitized pigs displayed allergy symptoms, including lethargy, skin rashes, vomiting, and a drop in body temperature. However, respiratory distress was observed exclusively in pigs sensitized through the TS route and not in those sensitized through the IP route. However, it is noteworthy that both groups of sensitized pigs maintained peanut hypersensitivity for up to two months post-sensitization, albeit with a reduction in the severity of allergy symptoms. Importantly, both groups exhibited sustained levels of PE-specific IgG, IgE, and elevated concentrations of mast cell protease in their blood following the IP challenges.DiscussionOverall, this study reports TS and IP as two different modes of sensitization leading to onset of peanut specific allergic reactions in mini pigs, but only the TS-sensitization led to systemic anaphylaxis (simultaneous presence of symptoms: breathing difficulty, intense skin rash, and impaired mobility). A distinctive feature of these sensitization protocols is the 100% success rate (N = 4 pigs per group) in sensitizing the subjects.

The article presents study results showing the increasing role of unregulated activity as a boost for innovative processes in energy companies and their investment appeal. A summary of academic literature, reports by leading consulting companies, and international energy agencies make it possible to outline the landscape of the most economically viable areas of business activity in the energy industry, the most promising of which are energy efficiency, design and deployment of EV charging networks, smart grids, and telecom services. Analysis of financial performance statements of over 30 energy companies from different countries demonstrates the contribution of unregulated activities to their financial stability, which shows in growing profits, capitalization, and stock prices. It is revealed that despite the active promotion of unregulated activities by the state that primarily seeks to achieve the goals of the low-carbon transition, there is a stronger government presence in the capital structure of energy companies, which in the future will slow down investment activity in the industry. In this regard, the discussion considers the barriers to organizing unregulated business in the electricity sector and methods to eliminate them. In particular, a set of necessary conditions is defined, under which entrepreneurship in the industry contributes to improving the efficiency of the main business processes—production and transportation of energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to present the essential parameters related to the highest quality football teams attack tactics to the scientific and professional public by analyzing the longterm competitive manifestations in the Champions League elite football competition. The analysis comprises all the matches that have been played since the 2014/15 season ending up with the 2018/19 season, which means 625 played matches in total. In order to clearly present the top teams criteria related to the attack tactics, in this research, variables describing the ball possession and the attacks after which the goals were scored were observed. The results showed that the teams spent most of their time gaining the ball possession in the maneuvering third of the field (51%) and that the organization of the attack was dominated by the passes in the middle distances (10 - 30m). Apart from that, it was noticed that every tenth shot towardsthe goalrepresents an effective attack and that most of the goals are scored in the last 15 minutes of the game (p=0.008). When it comes to the structure of the effective attacks, the results showed that 76% of the goals are scored after the ball possession, while 1/4 of the effective actions ocurred after the organized set pieces attack. Additionaly, no significant differences regarding the prevalence of the activities that preceded the scoring of the goals from the game (p=0.16) and after the set pieces (p=0.88) by seasons were found. However, the final shots from the game were usually preceded by a pass from the side in the form of a cross shot and a return ball (p=0.000), and when it comes to organizing the offensive set pieces (p=0.000), the goals were most often scored after corners and penalties. The results obtained in thisresearch provide objective information that can be used for planning and organizing training units in the preparation of teams for competitive performances.

Nowadays, it is relevant to consider changes in the structure of the fuel and energy balance of industrial regions and the availability of imported fuel and energy resources, especially in the areas that lack energy sources. The ongoing structural shifts in energy consumption systems and the growing uncertainty in energy markets encourage the development of tools for improving the sustainable development of regional energy systems. To refine the theoretical and methodological basis of the study, we defined its conceptual framework, described the difference s betwee n sustainabl e functionin g an d developmen t o f th e energy sector and determined the factors of its regional differentiation and manifestations of the energy crisis. Further, we identified the shortcomings of the existing methods for forecasting the demand for electricity. We paid special attention to quality factors of strategic planning in the region, in particular, the used statistics and documents. Based on the analysis of integrated resource planning (IRP) methodology, our experience in forecasting fuel and energy balances, assessment of sectoral indicators of energy efficiency and energy demand in the region, we proposed a model for predictive and analytical justification of regional programmes for energy development. Such a model significantly increases the information reliability of these programmes’ implementation. Considering organisational tools to support sustainable development, we developed a regional energy management scheme and a mechanism stimulating local energy companies to improve energy efficiency in the consumption sector, enhance regional competition and attract investments in the renewal of fixed assets. The study has practical significance due to recommendations and tools for adjusting regional energy policy based on the coordination of the predicted parameters for various participants in the energy supply process.

Background/Aim. Despite technological advances in diagnosis and treatment, in-hospital mortality with acute aortic dissection type B is still about 11%. The purpose of this study was to assess the risk factors for early and long-term adverse outcomes in patients with acute aortic dissection type B treated medically or with conventional open surgery. Methods. The present study included 104 consecutive patients with acute aortic dissection type B treated in our Center from January 1st, 1998 to January 1st, 2007. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics as well as in-hospital complications were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate testing was performed to identify the predictors of in-hospital (30-day) and late (within 9 years) mortality. Results. 92 (88.5%) patients were treated medically, while 12 (11.5%) patients with complicated acute aortic dissection type B were treated by open surgical repair. In-hospital complications occurred in 35.7% patients, the most often being acute renal failure (28%), hypotension/shock (24%), mesenteric ischemia (12%), and limb ischemia (8%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 15.7% and the 9-year mortality rate was 51.9%. Independent predictors of early mortality in patients with acute aortic dissection type B were uncontrolled hypertension (HR-20.69) and a dissecting aorta diameter >4.75 cm (HR-6.30). Independent predictors of late mortality were relapsing pain (HR-7.93), uncontrolled hypertension (HR-7.25), and a pathologic difference in arterial blood pressure (>20 mmHg) (HR-5.33). Conclusion. Knowledge of key risk factors may help with a better choice of treatment and mortality reduction in acute aortic dissection type B patients.

This paper presents a methodology for aerodynamic optimization of UAV with VTOL capabilities. Aircrafts such as these usually fly at low speeds and due to that low Reynolds numbers are to be expected. The friction drag is highly dependent on the quality of the production process so unless special measures are undertaken, high friction drag coefficients could drastically influence overall performance of the aircraft. Changes of the geometrical parameters influence not only the induced drag of the wing, but also the distribution of the base drag due to sensitivity to changes of the Reynolds numbers. In order to determine the optimal geometrical parameters of the wing, a code for wing performance analysis was written. All necessary factors were calculated by utilizing the Glauert's solution of the Prandtl's equation for multi-segmented wings. By including experimental data of numerous airfoils optimized for low Reynolds numbers, the base drag distribution, along with the induced drag of the wings were calculated for a wide range of angles-of-attack. The obtained results are presented through diagrams and the methodology for the selection of the highest efficiency wing is described. The design of the T - shaped stabilizer was achieved by utilizing analytical methods while the Vortex Lattice Method, DATCOM and CFD were used for verification purposes.

Stephen D Persell, 1, 2 Kunal N Karmali, 3 Ji Young Lee, 1 Danielle Lazar, 4 Tiffany Brown, 1 Elisha M Friesema, 1, 2, 5 Michael S Wolf 1 1Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; 2Center for Primary Care Innovation, Institute for Public Health and Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; 3Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; 4Access Community Health Network and the ACCESS Center for Discovery and Learning, Chicago, IL, USA; 5Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USACorrespondence: Stephen D PersellDivision of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 750 North Lake Shore Drive, 10th Floor, Chicago, IL 60611, USATel +1 312 503 6464Fax +1 312 503 2755Email spersell@nm.orgPurpose: Examine associations between health literacy and several medication self-management constructs among a population of adults with uncontrolled hypertension.Patients and Methods: Cross-sectional study of health center patients from the Chicago area with uncontrolled hypertension enrolled between April 2012 and February 2015. Medication self-management constructs—applied to hypertension medications, chronic condition medications and all medications—included: 1) medication reconciliation, 2) knowledge of drug indications, 3) understanding instructions and dosing, and 4) self-reported adherence over 4 days (no missed doses). We determined associations between health literacy and self-management outcomes using multivariable generalized linear regression.Results: There were 1460 patients who completed screening interviews; 62.9% enrolled and had complete baseline data collected, and were included in the analysis. Of 919 participants, 47.4% had likely limited (low), 33.2% possibly limited, and 19.4% likely adequate health literacy. Compared to participants with likely adequate health literacy, participants with low health literacy were less likely to have chronic medications reconciled (18.0% versus 29.6%, p=0.007), know indications for chronic medications (64.1% versus 83.1%, p< 0.001), and demonstrate understanding of instructions and dosing (68.1% versus 82.9%, p=0.001). Self-reported adherence to hypertension medications was higher among the low health literacy group (65.6% versus 56.0%, p=0.010). In multivariable models, health literacy was strongly associated with knowledge of drug indications, and understanding of instructions and dosing.Conclusion: Low health literacy was associated with worse medication self-management in several domains. However, non-adherence was greatest in the most health literate in unadjusted analysis. Among a population of patients with uncontrolled hypertension, the drivers of poor control may vary by health literacy.Keywords: health literacy, hypertension, medication reconciliation, community health centers

This study investigates the micromorphology and morphometrics of aggregate fruit (ripe hypanthium and achene) of eight wild Rosa species collected throughout Serbia. Field research was conducted to find roses at different habitats, collecting 1,836 aggregate fruits with 25,999 achenes from 137 shrubs. Multicellular glandular trichomes are found on the hypanthium surface, while long and short stalk capitate glandular trichomes were observed on the fruits of R. gallica, R. pendulina, R. tomentosa and R. villosa. Numerous unicellular non-glandular trichomes were found inside the urceolate hypanthium and on the surface of most studied achenes, except for R. spinosissima species. Micromorphological analysis revealed three types of exocarp ornamentation: scalariform (R. dumetorum, R. tomentosa and R. micrantha), reticulate (R. gallica, R. arvensis, R. spinosissima and R. villosa) and reticulate-smooth (R. pendulina). Morphometric analysis indicated significant differences among the 14 morphological characters. Achene length was the most significant morphometric feature for identifying Rosa species (P˂0.05). The results contribute to our poor knowledge of rose fruit morphology and provide some well-defined microcharacters that could be used as additional features for species delimitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to define the population indicators of the nutritional status among the working population of the Republic of Serbia based on the value of Body Mass Index (BMI). The sample consisted of a total of 7.125 working subjects, among which 4.525 males (63.51%) and 2.600 females (36.49%). The subjects were from the following regions: Northern Serbia-Vojvodina, Capital city - Belgrade, Central Serbia, Western Serbia, Southern Serbia and Eastern Serbia. The average BMI values based on test groups of men and women were 26.53±4.07 and 24.07±5.09 kg, respectively. On the basis of the obtained results, it was determined that statistically significant BMI differences exist among subjects in general, i.e. in relation to gender (F=58.412, p

In this paper a continous (cw) lasers in visible region were applied in order to study the influence of quantum generator to certain plants. The aim of such projects is to analyse biostimulation processes of living organizms which are linked to defined laser power density thresholds (exposition doses). The results of irradiation of corn and wheat seeds using He-Ne laser in the cw regime of 632.8nm, 50mW are presented and compared to results for other laser types. The dry and wet plant seeds were irradiated in defined time intervals and the germination period plant was monitored by days. Morphological data (stalk thickness, height, cob lenght) for chosen plants were monitored. From the recorded data, for the whole vegetative period, we performed appropriate statistical data processing. One part of experiments were the measurements of coefficient of reflection in visible range. Correlation estimations were calculated and discussed for our results. Main conclusion was that there were a significant increments in plant's height and also a cob lenght elongation for corn.