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A man I knew had an extreme allergy to poison ivy when he was a child. When he was about four-teen, he was hanging out with a group of his friends who dared him to eat some poison ivy. He did, and never got poison ivy again. Presumably, the ingestion of the allergen led to the development of immunity. This might be a pathway to eliminating allergies–ingest the allergen. For example, cutting up poison ivy leaves into small pieces and crushing them with a mortar and pestle should lead to some juice in the mortar. Allow that to evaporate and have a test subject ingest the resultant powder, which, like pollen, etc., could be compressed into a pill. Wait 48 hours, and then see if the subject gets a rash when a small, unimportant area of the body is exposed to poison ivy leaves–and have Ivy-Dry handy. This could be a way to eliminate allergies–ingestion of the allergen.

Nearly all energy production in living organisms is by oxidation reactions (fires are large oxidative embers) Oxidation reactions produce, through complex intermediate steps, small energy packages that are more easily stored than a sudden combustion oxidation. The slow and controlled production of energy in a nuclear power plant allows its use, a massive explosion produces the result that we know ... It’s the same thing in our bodies. These reactions are never 100% efficient, not all the energy produced is used as bio fuel. Indeed, during the intermediate stages, they induce a deterioration of cells and tissues by consuming about 10% of this energy. They cause significant “wear and tear” when there is no longer any compensation for these parasitic oxidations. The latter can be excessively used in pathological situations inducing inflammatory reactions, or simply during metabolic overproduction, or even simple intense and prolonged efforts.

Stroke and acute myocardial infarction are primary global causes of mortality. Statistical studies have shown that acute myocardial infarction is responsible for around 9 million deaths each year. Ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction have a significant role in global adult physical disabilities. While reperfusion is vital for tissue recovery, it may paradoxically, inadvertently increase damage through oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. Early reperfusion procedures are currently the sole therapy to reduce infarct size. There are many mysteries about heart biology. It is not known the source of energy for myocardial tissues. The heart-beating force (120 mm Hg) cannot explain how erythrocytes are impelled through almost 95,000 km of capillaries in less than 5 minutes. A better knowledge of how the heart is oxygenated should allow the development of new therapies.

Light is an important regulator of plant morphogenesis and plant-pathogen interactions via specific photoreceptors and signaling pathways. Besides visible light, other electromagnetic radiations may play roles, notably ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV part of the electromagnetic spectrum includes UV-A (315 nm - 400 nm), UV-B (280 nm - 315 nm) and UV-C radiations (200 nm -280 nm). UV-B and UV-C have been reported to increase plant resistance to plant pathogens after the UV perception and signaling stages. The perception of UV-B radiation is achieved by the dimer protein UVR8 (UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8). Even though the action spectrum of this photoreceptor overlaps in the UV-C domain, it has never been formally demonstrated that UVR8 could also act as a photoreceptor of UV-C light. We provide here original observations showing that UVR8 can indeed perceive UV-C light provided that the latter is in the form of flashes (1s) and not continuous illuminations (the 60s). Our observations also show that the response of UVR8 to flashes of UV-C light is dose-dependent. They could explain why flashes of UV-C light are more effective for stimulating plant defenses than continuous illuminations for the same amount of energy delivered to plants (J/m2). Eventually, our observations support ongoing trials that aim at using UV-C light as an environmental-friendly plant resistance inducer in field conditions.

Ailment repairing regiments has turn out to be arduous, despite a plenty of understanding and knowledge acquired in the past relating to the molecular underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease (AD. Umpteen clinical experiments targeting the fabrication and accumulation have been turned fruitless to fit potency standards. The tests aiming beta-amyloid hypothesis also turned futile making it exigent for further handling tactics. The new emanation of a comparably candid, economical, and punctilious system known as gene editing have showed light in path of cure for AD by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. Being a straight approach this procedure has already shown assurance in other neurological disorders too such as Huntington’s disease. This review standpoint the immanent service of CRISPR/Cas9 as a remedial option for AD by aiming on specific genes inclusive of those that induce early-onset AD, as well as those that are substantial risk components for late-onset AD such as the apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) gene.

Purpose: Adaptive planning is often needed in lung cancer proton therapy to account for geometrical variations, such as tumor shrinkage and other anatomical changes. The purpose of this study is to present our findings in adaptive radiotherapy for lung cancer using uniform scanning proton beams, including clinical workflow, adaptation strategies and considerations, and toxicities. Methods: We analyzed 165 lung patients treated using uniform scanning proton beams at our center. Quality assurance (QA) plans were generated after repeated computerized tomography (CT) scan to evaluate anatomic and dosimetric change during the course of treatment. Plan adaptation was determined mutually by physicists and physicians after QA plan evaluation, based on several clinical and practical considerations including potential clinical benefit and associated cost in plan adaption. Detailed analysis was performed for all patients with a plan adaptation, including the type of anatomy change, at which fraction the adaption was made, and the strategy for adaptation. Toxicities were compared between patients with and without plan adaptation. Results: In total, 32 adaptive plans were made for 31 patients out of 165 patients, with one patient undergoing adaptive planning twice. Anatomy changes leading to plan adaptation included tumor shrinkage (17), pleural effusion (3), patient weight loss (2), and tumor growth or other anatomy change (9). The plan adaptation occurred at the 15th fraction on average and ranged from the 1st to 31st fraction. Strategies of plan adaptation included range change only (18), re-planning with new patient-specific hardware (9), and others (5). Most toxicities were Grade 1 or 2, with dermatitis the highest toxicity rate. Conclusion: Adaptive planning is necessary in proton therapy to account for anatomy change and its effect on proton penetration depth during the course of treatment. It is important to take practical considerations into account and fully understand the limitations of plan adaptation process and tools to make wise decision on adaptive planning. USPT is a safe treatment for lung cancer patients with no Grade 4 toxicity.

One of the factors of assisted reproduction technology (ART) success is an adequate growth and development of endometrium. At the end of follicular phase of menstrual cycle endometrium reaches its greatest thickness. It is believed that there is a critical limit of endometrial thickness beyond which the implantation of embryo is unlikely or impossible [1-5]. In practice of ART programs ultrasound measurement of endometrial thickness is used to evaluate uterine lining growth. Scientific literature is debatable as to what thickness of endometrium should be considered optimal, some researchers emphasize the negative impact of “thin endometrium” on the success of ART programs [1-12], while others do not agree [6,7,9]. Nevertheless, when endometrial thickness in ART program does not exceed 6 mm the chance of pregnancy occurring is very low (Kumbak B, et al. 2009). 

Cranioplasty is a reconstructive procedure for the repair of skull defects or deformities. Polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) is a commonly used alloplastic material when autologous bone is unavailable. However, manual shaping of bone cement for frontal and orbital bone defects is challenging and may not lead to cosmetically satisfactory results. Advances in computer-aided 3-dimensional (3D) design and printing technology allow the production of patient-customized implants with improved cosmetic and functional results. A 39-year-old female patient presented with right-sided frontal swelling and headache. Computerized tomography (CT) demonstrated a right frontal calvarial mass extending to the orbital wall. The boundaries of the lesion were marked using a 3D design software. A polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) mold was manufactured with help of a 3D printer. Artificial bone flap was formed by pouring PMMA into the mold. After surgical resection of the calvarial mass, customized PMMA implant was applied with titanium mini plate and screws. The defect was closed properly with good aesthetic results. Production of customized PMMA cranioplasty implants with 3D printed molds is a useful technique and can be preferred for calvarial defects due to skull tumors, bone resorption and traumatic bone loss.

Background: Cervical Cancer poses a significant global health challenge, especially in lowresource settings. It is a significant health problem worldwide, with over half a million new cases diagnosed each year, accounting for approximately 6.6% of all gynecological Cancer cases and over 300,000 deaths each year. In Zambia, it is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among women. The number of cases has increased by approximately 40%. This study explored the lived experiences of Cervical Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy at the Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, focusing on their subjective experiences. By examining their journeys through chemotherapy, the study aimed to highlight the subtle complexities in which treatment impacts patients’ lives and well-being.  Methods and procedures: Employing a qualitative descriptive phenomenological study design, in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 participants with diverse demographics. The sample size was determined by data saturation and saturation was reached at 10. Ethical protocols were ensured, and Study approval was obtained from UNZABREC and the National Health Research Authority. Thematic analysis was conducted on audio-recorded interviews with cervical cancer patients, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy while discerning significant patterns and themes in their narratives. Results/findings: Emotional experiences ranged from anxiety to gratitude. Psychological challenges encompassed coping mechanisms, stress management, emotional adjustments, and treatment-related fears. Socially, community support, workplace accommodations, and healthcare provider roles were key. Physical experiences revealed side effects managed through coping strategies. Financial challenges significantly impacted individuals and families.  Conclusions and recommendations: The study revealed that cervical cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy face complex challenges spanning emotional, psychological, social, physical, and financial domains, underscoring the imperative for comprehensive patient-centered care. Recommendations suggest focusing on financial aid for cancer patients and tackling treatment expenses and insurance issues. The Cancer Diseases Hospital should establish multidisciplinary teams for holistic care, and enhance patient education efforts. Nurses should adopt strategies integrating cultural competence and patient-centered care to address diverse challenges during chemotherapy. These aim to enhance the well-being and care quality of Cervical Cancer patients.

This review paper analyzes the response of renal function during two types of exercise: 1) exercise of increasing intensity and 2) exercise of submaximal intensity and prolonged duration. During an effort of increasing intensity there is a decrease in renal blood flow that, theoretically, could compromise renal function. However, several studies seem to show that the kidney has self-regulatory mechanisms that allow maintaining the filtration fraction. On the other hand, ultra resistance exercises, such as ironman, are becoming more frequent. Knowing the renal response to this type of exercise is essential to apply knowledge to emergency situations such as dehydration or hyponatremia.