protection

The biological changes caused by oxidative stress (OS) are known to be involved in the etiology of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. The brain is particularly vulnerable to OS due to its high lipid content and extensive consumption of oxygen. OS processes, particularly the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), play a critical role in how neurodegenerative disorders develop. This is evidenced by in vivo studies investigating various biomolecules related to OS, such as products of lipid and DNA oxidation. Accordingly, ROS can also cause oxidative-related damage in neurodegenerative disorders, including dopamine auto-oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, glial cell activation, α-synuclein aggregation, excessive free iron, and changes in calcium signaling. Furthermore, excessive levels of cellular oxidants reduce antioxidant defenses, which in turn propagate the cycle of OS. As such, it is increasingly important to determine the linkage between a high intake of antioxidants through dietary interventions and a lower risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases. Indeed, in addition to modulating the immune system, optimal nutritional status is capable of changing various processes of neuroinflammation known to be involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration. Accordingly, a better understanding of the role ROS plays in the etiology of neurodegeneration is needed, along with the identification of dietary interventions that may lead to improved therapeutic strategies for both the treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, this review presents a comprehensive summary of the role of ROS in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. In addition, nutrients believed to be useful for mitigating and counteracting ROS are discussed. 

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus constitutes a major problem in public health worldwide. The disease poses a high risk of severe microvascular and macrovascular complications. Diabetic kidney disease is the most common cause of end-stage chronic kidney disease and contributes to the increasing morbidity and mortality associated to diabetes. Sodium-glucose contransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2 inhibitors) are the latest oral diabetic medications, which exhibit a great nephroprotective potential, not only by improving glycemic control, but also by glucose-independent mechanisms, such as decreasing blood pressure and other direct renal effects. We conduct a literature review based on the most recent scientific evidence with the goal to elucidate the postulated mechanisms of action of SGLT2 inhibitors in diabetic kidney disease, which are the base of the beneficial clinical effects that are seen in the condition.

Repressive regulation of potassium channel genes by Polycomb group (PcG) proteins contributes to PcG protein-mediated neuroprotection against neuronal ischemic injury, as seen in an ischemic stroke. Here we asked the question whether Trithorax group (TrxG) proteins, the antagonistic partners of PcG proteins (i.e, epigenetic activators targeting the same genes) may also regulate potassium channels. Results of patch-clamp studies on cultured neuronal cells showed that inhibition of TrxG protein MLL-1 led to an increase in potassium channel activity, an unexpected effect for a presumed gene activator. In contrast, decreased sodium currents were observed with MLL-1 inhibition. Increased or decreased levels of potassium channel protein Kv2.1 or sodium channel protein Nav1.2, respectively, were seen with MLL-1 inhibition, as determined by immunocytochemistry. These results, for the first time, demonstrate an involvement of TrxG protein MLL-1 in regulating neuronal ion channels, potentially repressing potassium channel genes.

Saliva is produced by and secreted from salivary glands. It is an extra-cellular fluid, 98% water, plus electrolytes, mucus, white blood cells, epithelial cells, enzymes, and anti-microbial agents. Saliva serves a critical role in the maintenance of oral, dental, and general health and well-being. Hence, alteration(s) in the amount/quantity and/or quality of secreted saliva may induce the development of several oro-dental variations, thereby the negatively-impacting overall quality of life. Diverse factors may affect the process of saliva production and quantity/quality of secretion, including medications, systemic or local pathologies and/or reversible/irreversible damage. Herein, chemo- and/or radio-therapy, particularly, in cases of head and neck cancer, for example, are well-documented to induce serious damage and dysfunction to the radio-sensitive salivary gland tissue, resulting in hypo-salivation, xerostomia (dry mouth) as well as numerous other adverse Intra-/extra-oral, medical and quality-of-life issues. Indeed, radio-therapy inevitably causes damage to the normal head and neck tissues including nerve structures (brain stem, spinal cord, and brachial plexus), mucous membranes, and swallowing muscles. Current commercially-available remedies as well as therapeutic interventions provide only temporary symptom relief, hence, do not address irreversible glandular damage. Further, despite salivary gland-sparing techniques and modified dosing strategies, long-term hypo-function remains a significant problem. Although a single governing mechanism of radiation-induced salivary gland tissue damage and dysfunction has not been yet elucidated, the potential for synergy in radio-protection (mainly, and possibly -reparation) via a combinatorial approach of mechanistically distinct strategies, has been suggested and explored over the years. This is, undoubtfully, in parallel to the ongoing efforts in improving the precision, safety, delivery, and efficacy of clinical radiotherapy protocols/outcomes, and in designing, developing, evaluating and optimizing (for translation) new artificial intelligence, technological and bio-pharmaceutical alternatives, topics covered in this review.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) have become the leading cause of death worldwide: for no other reason as many people die every year from CVD. This problem affects low and middle-income countries to varying degrees. More than 80% of deaths from CVD occur in these countries, almost equally among men and women, however, patients who survived after Myocardial Infarction (MI) are at high risk of death. According to the main facts of the WHO, 17.9 million people died from CVD in 2016, which accounted for 31% of all deaths in the world. In this connection, it is necessary to improve medical rehabilitation and physical rehabilitation, in particular for CVD, especially on an outpatient basis. Competent physical rehabilitation and cardiac rehabilitation in patients with myocardial infarction are associated with improved survival and effectiveness of quality of life, as well as prevention of recurrent MI. There is a legislative framework FZ-No. 323 of 21.11.2011 “On the basics of health protection of citizens in the Russian Federation” concerning medical rehabilitation and “Procedure for organizing medical rehabilitation” No. 1705n of 29.12.2012.This study shows physical rehabilitation methods of health path and Nordic walking. Terrenkur is a method of sanatorium-and-spa treatment, which provides for dosed physical activity in the form of walking tours (5 km - 6 km daily at 12.00 - 13.00). Nordic walking - walking with sticks, a type of physical activity that uses a certain training methodology and walking technique with the help of specially designed sticks (5 km - 6 km daily at 12.00 - 13.00).Multiple meta-analyses showed that Cardiovascular Rehabilitation (CVR) reduces mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Despite the recommendations and recommendations for the use of programs for patients with previous MI, patient participation in these programs remains low, which has led to the development of alternative models of medical rehabilitation.

Every society organizes itself to reduce the complexity of living together in order to ensure relative peace of mind for its members. Major technological accidents such as the Chernobyl or Fukushima nuclear accidents are violent disruptions that affect the quality of life of tens of thousands of people and generate increased distrust and anxiety among them as well as the questioning of the state system’s ability to restore some peace of mind. Past experience has shown that the measurement of radiation and the development of local projects with the support of professionals and experts prove to be effective levers for those affected to regain the ability to make decisions for their protection and to assess the protective actions implemented collectively. It also showed that restoring confidence and restoring the dignity of these people, seriously impaired by the accident, takes time.

With each passing year a new record for global emissions is set (1) and policymakers and utility companies must embrace all avenues for decarbonization of energy. Universal adoption of electrification for every building and home by 2050 (2) is not practical, a balance must be struck between an equitable transition to cleaner energy supplies and ensuring uninterrupted, safe delivery of energy to utility customers. Renewable Natual Gas (RNG) is a molecule-for-molecule replacement of traditional geological natural gas with tangible life cycle emissions reductions. California continues to lead the way, initially starting with the low carbon fuel standard (LCFS) which aimed to reduce the carbon intensity of transportation fuel, and subsequently, Senate Bill 1440, which established RNG procurement goals including 12% RNG by 2030 (3). Other States are starting to adopt similar changes such as Oregon’s Senate Bill 98 and Colorado’s Senate Bill 21-264. As utilities attempt to transition the energy network, they must never compromise system safety and reliability. Recognizing that raw biogas has dangerous levels of contaminants of concern (COC) and must be conditioned to pipeline quality, its important utility companies better understand the methods with which methane is extracted and the testing protocols used to confirm performance. This paper highlights the equipment, processes, and testing regime National Grid and its partner the New York City Department of Environmental Protection (NYC DEP) deployed as part of its Newtown Creek RNG project, which successfully began injecting RNG into the NYC gas distribution network in October 2022.

Introduction: Child Protection Services (CPSs) are dedicated to providing protection and responding to any threats a child could face as children worldwide could be abused. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic affected all aspects of life. Procedures implemented to restrict the spread of the disease (such as reduced access to services, school closure, and social distancing measures) had an impact on child life and maltreatment. Therefore, it is important to know the impact of this pandemic on child abuse and protection. Aim and rationales: This study aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on CPSs in Oman by studying the change in the number of reported cases of child abuse and the change in the reporting procedure at the Ministry of Social Development (MOSD). In addition, know the impact of the restriction measures on child rights and risk factors of child maltreatment based on CPSs workers’ opinions and experience. To understand the adaptation of the CPSs to the change in work and life environment imposed by COVID-19. Method: A cross-section study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, that was distributed to the workers involved in the CPSs at the MOSD in Oman. Data also were collected from the statistical bulletins on the Ministry’s website. Results: COVID-19 pandemic was not found associated with a significant change in the number and type of child abuse cases reported to the MOSD. The reporting procedures also did not change. In addition, the pattern of child abuse types did not change before and during the pandemic, as neglect cases were the most. The participants judged the restriction measures affecting family life through separation, cyber abuse, and reduced educational support. With regard to intervention and follow-up procedures, the main difference was in the communication processes by using online communication methods and reducing the fieldwork for mild cases.Conclusion: CPSs in Oman were not much affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which may reflect the success of this system in dealing with the restriction measures. However, more solutions should be developed to adapt to these circumstances in the future altogether.

This is a literature review study focusing on the expression of p53 and WT1. Both the p53 and WT1 proteins are tumor suppressors, which means that they play a role in preventing the progression into cancerous ones. If these proteins are altered or deleted, they lose the ability to carry out their role, which might result in the development of cancer. The primary objectives of this study were to review the literature regarding the expression of both p53 and WT1 and to investigate their prognostic significance; and to discuss our new hypothesis regarding the ratios of expression of WT1/p53, as well as our model regarding acute myeloid leukemia. In brief, the objectives were to make the focus in the suggested hypothesis as well as collecting the supportive literature. According to the findings of the current research, the level of expression of WT1 and p53 can indicate either a favorable or unfavorable prognosis for cancer patients. Further, we demonstrated that the expression, not just as a quality variable but also as a quantity variable, may have a more substantial explanation in the progression of tumors than we had previously thought. According to the theory that was derived from this research, if the expression of WT1/p53 (the expression is given as a ratio) is somewhere around 4, then p53 acts as though it were wild type and offers protection against tumors. In order to verify this idea, we need to do additional study.

The digital transformation in the health sector represents an extraordinary challenge not only concerning patient care and assistance processes but also for the purpose of promoting new models capable of responding to the growing complexity of the environment and its impact on health. Psychological services are among the non-medical healthcare services heavily invested by this radical transformation. The constant increase in online psychology demand by users follows the need to carefully regulate its practice since this digital space, virtually a non-place, is the focus of large commercial interests. Being a part of the application of digital technologies to psychological performance, the aim of the paper was to emphasize clinical work, especially focused on childhood and adolescence with the need of identifying the limits and problems of digital health psychology in this group of subjects. Considering also that the massive use of digitization in healthcare also raises considerations of a bioethical nature regarding the priority of the principle of patient autonomy in the complex and articulated process of healthcare and protection. In conclusion, although TM is spread in our area in an uneven way, the representations of TM are mostly positive. However, it seems to emerge a picture in which part of some professionals still look to be too cautious and resist this new way.

Coastal areas are subjected to both natural and man-made actions, leading to a deterioration of coastal structures. Climate change has had a heavy impact on these areas in recent years. An important consequence of these actions is sea level rise. This phenomenon is the most important cause of coastal erosion, a serious problem with ecological, economic, and human health consequences. The countermeasures to contrast this phenomenon and the degradation of the entire coastal system, are represented by engineering interventions. These basically consist of approaches for adaptation to sea level rise, namely protection, retreat, and accommodation. Variations and site adaptation of these actions can involve procedures of no intervention; advancement; protection; retreat; accommodation; and ecosystem-based adaptation. While these procedures have provided coastal benefits and protection, in the long run, they may cause further coastal disruption and further aggravate the situation. Such interventions, therefore, require an accurate assessment of the advantages and disadvantages. However, it is certainly necessary to proceed with actions aimed at mitigating climate change, respecting the rules in a sustainable way.

The treatment of severe aortic stenosis by transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is challenging in patients with high-risk coronary anatomy that is predisposed to iatrogenic or delayed coronary obstruction. Hence, the evidence on performing TAVI with adequate coronary protection with or without deploying a stent needs to be accumulated. We report two cases of TAVI performed in patients with low coronary heights, wherein a “wire only” strategy was used to provide coronary protection along with the implantation of a novel balloon-expandable Myval THV. The first patient underwent a valve-in-valve TAVI, while the second patient underwent the replacement of a native bicuspid Type 1A valve. This case series presents two high-risk TAVI cases wherein a guide extension catheter and a supportive coronary guidewire provided sufficient coronary protection. None of the cases required any rescue revascularization and no incidences of a new pacemaker implantation were reported.

The newly launched IAEA project MEREIA (MEthods for Radiological and Environmental Impact Assessment; 2021- 2025), MEREIA continues some activities of previous IAEA exercises in the field of radioecological modelling and focuses on areas where the probabilistic approach determines the predictive capability of environmental models. The program offered the opportunity to set up well-designed and verified scenarios to collect and compare exposures predicted by particular models based on this scenario and then perform a validation study of contributing models. It consists of the comparison of model prediction with observed data or in the case where there is a lack of measurement data to perform a comparison within model prognoses.  The previous international works have brought significant improvement in environmental modeling in terms of better understanding and mathematical description of complex physical and chemical phenomena that occur in various environmental media and also have promoted new areas for experimental investigations. The new experimental results yielded updated handbooks of a large number of environmental parameters for less-known elements. Moreover, the principal objective of the activities in environmental modelling was an integrated risk assessment of the reference group of population and biota associated with radionuclides releases from various kinds of nuclear facilities as from different types and power nuclear reactors, radioactive waste disposal and more complex nuclear research facility. This reflects recent international recommendations to extend protection against radiation hazards of humans to wildlife flora and fauna. However, the statistics supported knowledge on some essential environmental parameters still remain small. Therefore, one could be aware of some limitations of the probabilistic approach that required advanced methods of probabilistic prognosis Monte Carlo.

Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) pose a significant global health challenge, impacting millions with a gradual decline in neurons and cognitive abilities. Presently, available NDD therapies focus on symptom management rather than altering the disease trajectory. This underscores the critical necessity for groundbreaking treatments capable of addressing the root causes of neurodegeneration, offering both neuroprotection and neuro-restoration. This in-depth review delves into the forefront of emerging NDD therapies, encompassing gene therapy, stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, and neurotrophic factors. It sheds light on their potential advantages, hurdles, and recent advancements gleaned from both preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, the document outlines existing NDD treatments, spanning pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, along with their inherent limitations. The overarching conclusion emphasizes the immense potential of emerging therapies in NDD treatment, yet underscores the imperative for continued research and optimization to ensure their safety, efficacy, and specificity.

Biofungicides are prepared based on living micro/organisms or on matters prepared from them. They are based on the antagonism of fungal pathogens and their antagonists. Their effect depends on weather conditions (temperature and moisture) in comparison with chemical fungicides which are effective in all conditions but they let the residues in plants, animals, and men. The future of agriculture will be pure food without chemicals.

Pushing forward with leveraging water resources, promoting international cooperation, and ensuring transparency in deep-sea mining operations. There is also a concern about where to discharge the toxins of unpurified water. Artificial Intelligence has created a dominance in the applications field with a totally automated system.Out of a thorough analysis completed with indicators, satellite radar, and A Journals, there are 30 years of research and 8 years of monitored testing to achieve accuracy and relevance. The patents in place are, Oceanic Mining System (4446636), Flexible Solar Skin in Combination with an Airplane (4768738), Cargo Torpedo (4421050), Oceanic seaplow system (4398362), and previous articles like “Is Extracting Lithium and deep-sea mining more sustainable?”, “AI as a Means of Water Purification Protection”, “Global Water Distribution”, and “Can Deep Sea Water be Processed into Potable Water and Distributed into the Middle East’?To report some ballpark numbers on the proposal and how we would navigate these projects, there will be an exact location of where the plant will be built as well as a water/salinity report of the water being treated. There are still issues with analyzing the cost of desalination compared to other alternatives. Deep Sea Water proves to be a higher quality water and the investment is well worth it. The surveys lean toward clients preferring the International Standards Operating Procedure. All recipients agree there should be a sense of urgency on water shortages. Currently, AI has proven to be a vital asset in eliminating biases and expenses.

Objective: To study the therapeutic effect of B-ultrasound-guided intrahepatic infusion of autologous bone marrow nucleated cells on decompensated cirrhosis. Methods: To observe the clinical treatment of 75 cases of decompensated cirrhosis. Among them, 30 cases received routine liver protection and diuretic treatment. 45 cases were treated by percutaneous transhepatic infusion of autologous bone marrow nucleated cells under the guidance of B ultrasound. There were no significant differences in liver function and blood routine indexes between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). Results: The indexes of liver function and blood routine at different time periods of 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months in the conventional treatment group did not change significantly. 6 cases died of liver failure within 1 year, the fatality rate was 20%. The indexes of liver function and blood routine of percutaneous liver transhepatic infusion of autologous bone marrow nucleated cells at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months under the guidance of B-ultrasound were significantly better than those of the conventional treatment group (p < 0.05). One case died of gastrointestinal bleeding in the group of percutaneous transhepatic infusion of autologous bone marrow nucleated cells guided by B ultrasound, with a fatality rate of 2.5%. Compared with the conventional treatment group, there were significant differences (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Conventional drug therapy has no obvious effect on decompensated cirrhosis. Intrahepatic infusion of bone marrow nucleated cells can significantly promote liver function reconstruction in decompensated cirrhosis.

Water deficit is a fundamental factor in public health and economic growth. Water supply and population growth are directly linked to water demand. The physio-chemistry and microbiology analysis of water is utmost significance in dietary requirements. Drinking water has the main concern especially it affects food security. This study includes a number of representative sites where 24 water samples (from wells, reservoirs and tap water) were analysed. These sites are located in the western villages of Baalbeck, the main city of the Bekaa Plain in Lebanon where the analysed water is used mainly for domestic needs and for irrigation. This study  investigates the physiochemical and microbiological properties. Among the selected sites, Hawsh Barada site shows a strong contamination by nitrate. At the Nabi Rashaded (tap), Beit Shema and Bednayel (borehole and tap), contamination above the norm by zinc ion was noted. From a microbiological point of view, Hawsh barada, Nabi-Rashadeh, Hawsh-bay, and Beit shema are markedly polluted and do not meet the standard for drinking water. Hence, water quality in Hawsh barada, Nabi-Rashadeh, Hawsh-bay, Beit shema and Bednayel are not suitable for drinking, and this must be informed to decision makers who can act implementing environmental controls for health protection in the studied region.

Treatment for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remains elusive. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF), an analog of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a high-affinity TrkB agonist, has been proposed as a viable therapeutic alternative to BDNF in crossing the Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) and promoting growth, differentiation, maintenance, and survival of neurons. Here, we expand on our previous study investigating the therapeutic role of DHF on the cortical and hippocampal brain regions of the Tg26 mice, an animal model of HAND. We detected increased immunoreactivity for ion channels (SUR1, TRPM4) and the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), suggesting an ionic and osmotic imbalance in the brains of Tg26 mice. Tg26 mice also exhibited loss of synaptic stability (SYN, SYP) and nicotinamide metabolism (NAMPT, SIRT1) that were associated with astrogliosis. Furthermore, Tg26 mice demonstrated increased iNOS and reduced HO-1/NRF2 expressions, implicating increased ER and oxidative stress. DHF treatment in Tg26 mice reversed these pathological changes. These data suggest crosstalk among TrkB, Akt, and related transcription factors (NF-κB, STAT3, and NRF2) as an underlying mechanism of Tg26-associated pathology in the brain. Finally, taken together with our prior study, these results further highlight a therapeutic role of DHF in promoting neuroprotection in HAND that may be applied in conjunction with current antiviral therapies.

This paper examines the effects of globalization on nations, focusing on economic, social, and cultural dimensions. It analyzes the roles of protectionism and globalization in shaping consumer welfare and producer earnings through qualitative methods and the Customs Union theory framework. The study discusses the benefits and drawbacks of globalization in the context of World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations. The findings indicate that globalization has intensified financial flows between countries, which can exacerbate economic crises. Countries with abundant human resources can capitalize on the international division of labor to specialize in high-value sectors, while those with limited resources risk falling behind in the digital landscape. This division of labor fosters specialization and improves production efficiency through targeted education. However, multinational corporations often impede cost-effective production in developing nations, underscoring the necessity to restructure research and development to facilitate technology adoption in underdeveloped areas. This restructuring can help close the technological gap and encourage equitable participation in the global economy. Jel code Classification: D6: Welfare economics, Fo1 Global outlook, F40: General F4: Macroeconomics aspects of international trade and finance