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Protective Role and Enhanced Intracellular Uptake of Curcumin in Retinal Cells Using Self-Emulsifying Drug Delivery Systems (SNEDDS)
No full textBackground: Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1), a histone deacetylase enzyme expressed in ocular tissues with intracellular localization, plays a critical protective role against various degenerative ocular diseases. The link between reduced SIRT1 levels and diabetic retinopathy (DR) has prompted the exploration of natural therapeutic compounds that act as SIRT1 agonists. Curcumin (CUR), which has been shown to upregulate SIRT1 expression, is one such promising compound. However, effective delivery of CUR to the deeper ocular tissues, particularly the retina, remains a challenge due to its poor solubility and limited ocular penetration following topical administration. Within this context, the development of self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) for CUR topical ocular delivery represents a novel approach. Methods: In accordance with our prior research, optimized SNEDDS loaded with CUR were developed and characterized post-reconstitution with simulated tear fluid (STF) at a 1:10 ratio, showing suitable physicochemical and technological parameters for ocular delivery. Results: An entrapment efficiency (EE%) of approximately 99% and an absence of drug precipitation were noticed upon resuspension with STF. CUR-SNEDDS resulted in a better stability and release profile than free CUR under simulated ocular conditions. In vitro analysis of mucoadhesive properties revealed that CUR-SNEDDS, modified with a cationic lipid, demonstrated enhanced interactions with mucin, indicating the potential for improved ocular retention. Cytotoxicity tests demonstrated that CUR-SNEDDS did not affect the viability of human corneal epithelial (HCE) cells up to concentrations of 3 μM and displayed superior antioxidant activity compared to free CUR in an oxidative stress model using retinal pigment epithelial (ARPE-19) cells exposed to hydroquinone (HQ). Cell uptake studies confirmed an enhanced accumulation of CUR within the retinal cells following exposure to CUR-SNEDDS compared to neat CUR. CUR-SNEDDS, at lower concentrations, were found to effectively induce SIRT1 expression. Conclusions: The cytocompatibility, antioxidant properties, and enhanced cellular uptake suggest that these developed systems hold promise as formulations for the delivery of CUR to the retina
Pätevyyskoe 14/2024 : Jätevesimääritykset II
No full textProftest Syke järjesti marras-joulukuussa 2024 pätevyyskokeen jätevesien alkaliniteetti-, ravinne-, pH-, sähkönjohtavuus- ja värimäärityksille. Pätevyyskokeeseen osallistui yhteensä 51 laboratoriota. Testisuureiden vertailuarvoina käytettiin joko laskennallista pitoisuutta tai osallistujien tulosten robustia keskiarvoa, keskiarvoa tai mediaania. Osallistujien pätevyyden arviointi tehtiin z- ja En-arvojen avulla. Koko tulosaineistossa oli z-arvoilla arvioituna 89 % hyväksyttäviä tuloksia, kun vertailuarvosta sallittiin pH-määrityksissä 0,2 pH-yksikön ja muissa määrityksissä 5–30 %:n poikkeama. Näytteen V3V VäriVisual-tulokset arvioitiin käyttäen En-arvoja ja näistä 100 % oli hyväksyttäviä. Kiitos pätevyyskokeen osallistujille!Proficiency test 14/2024: Wastewater analyses II
Proftest Syke carried out the proficiency test (PT) for analysis of alkalinity, colour, conductivity, nutrients, and pH in wastewaters in November-December 2024. In total, there were 51 participants in the PT. Either the calculated concentration or the robust mean, the mean, or the median of the reported results was used as the assigned values for the measurands. The overall performance of the participants was evaluated by using z scores. In this PT 89 % of the results were satisfactory when total deviation of 0.2 pH units for pH values and 5–30% for the other measurands was accepted from the assigned value. The ColourVisual results of the sample V3V were evaluated by using En scores and 100% of those results were satisfactory. Warm thanks to all participants in this proficiency test
Preschool Teachers for Multilingual Families
No full textSuccessful interaction between family and preschool is crucial in the early stages of bilingual development. Traditionally, a Finnish–Russian preschool brings together children from Finnish-speaking, Russian-speaking, and bilingual families. Educators communicate with children and parents in different languages, using specific translanguaging strategies to develop both languages. The study explores how educators interact with parents and how children interact with each other without a common language. Reflective interviews with teachers explore various aspects of their professional activities, emphasizing the expert use of different languages to expand children’s language skills and foster appreciation. Teachers’ attitudes can shift upon reflection, underscoring the need for partnerships with parents. Additionally, the study analyzes educators’ opinions about play without a common language among children with diverse languages. The longitudinal case study within a bilingual Finnish–Russian preschool thematically groups answers from 18 interviews, focusing on the dynamic relationship between teachers and parents, crucial for creating a supportive learning environment for children’s holistic development. The results show that educators, when reflecting on their role in bilingual education, emphasize a wide range of positive examples of interactions with parents, from constructive professional relationships to long-lasting friendships. They believe that while they cannot replace family interactions, they can develop the child’s abilities within their group of peers. Specifically, play without a common language allows children to communicate with peers in different languages
Peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase is important in mice for beta-cell cilia formation and insulin secretion but promotes diabetes risk through beta-cell independent mechanisms
No full textObjectives: Carriers of PAM (peptidylglycine alpha-amidating monooxygenase) coding variant alleles have reduced insulinogenic index, higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes (T2D), and islets from heterozygous carriers of the PAM p.Asp563Gly variant display reduced insulin secretion. Exactly how global PAM deficiency contributes to hyperglycemia remains unclear. PAM is the only enzyme capable of converting glycine-extended peptide hormones into amidated products. Like neuropeptide Y (NPY), c-melanocyte stimulating hormone (cMSH), and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), a beta cell peptide that forms islet amyloid in type 2 diabetes, is a PAM substrate. We hypothesized that Pam deficiency limited to beta cells would lead to reduced insulin secretion, prevent the production of amidated IAPP, and reveal the extent to which loss of Pam in R-cells could accelerate the onset of hyperglycemia in mice. Methods: PAM activity was assessed in human islets from donors based on their PAM genotype. We generated beta cell-specific Pam knockout (Ins1Cre/+, Pamf//f/; RPamKO) mice and performed islet culture, histological, and metabolic assays to evaluate the physiological roles of Pam in beta cells. We analyzed human IAPP (hIAPP) amyloid fibril forming kinetics using synthetic amidated and non-amidated hIAPP peptides, and generated hIAPP knock-in beta cell-specific Pam knockout (hIAPPw/w RPamKO) mice to determine the impact of hIAPP amidation on islet amyloid burden, islet graft survival, and glucose tolerance. Results: PAM enzyme activity was significantly reduced in islets from donors with the PAM p. Asp563Gly T2D-risk allele. Islets from RPamKO mice had impaired second-phase glucose-and KCl-induced insulin secretion. Beta cells from RPamKO mice had larger dense-core granules and fewer and shorter cilia. Interestingly, non-amidated hIAPP was less fibrillogenic in vitro, and high glucose-treated hIAPPw/w RPamKO islets had reduced amyloid burden. Despite these changes in beta cell function, RPamKO mice were not more susceptible to diet-induced hyperglycemia. In vitro beta cell death and in vivo islet graft survival remained comparable between hIAPPw/w RPamKO and hIAPPw/w islets. Surprisingly, aged hIAPPw/w RPamKO mice had improved insulin secretion and glucose tolerance. Conclusions: Eliminating Pam expression only in beta cells leads to morphological changes in insulin granules, reduced insulin secretion, reduced hIAPP amyloid burden and altered ciliogenesis. However, in mice beta-cell Pam deficiency has no impact on the development of diet-or hIAPP-induced hyperglycemia. Our data are consistent with current studies revealing ancient, highly conserved roles for peptidergic signaling in the coordination of the diverse signals needed to regulate fundamental processes such as glucose homeostasis. (c) 2025 Published by Elsevier GmbH. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).Peer reviewe
Biological data derived from European weather radars
No full textWeather radars detect more than weather, they also continuously register the movements of billions of animals aloft in the lower atmosphere. This makes archived, unfiltered weather radar data a goldmine for biological monitoring purposes, providing coverage of the aerial habitat in a way no other method can. Here we present two datasets of biological data extracted from European weather radar data, obtained through a collaboration with the Operational Programme for the Exchange of Weather Radar Information (OPERA) and three national meteorological services. The datasets were created by processing weather radar data with methods optimized for extracting bird targets, resulting in vertical profiles of biological targets. The datasets collectively cover 141 radar stations in 18 countries, from 2008 to 2023. Data quality and coverage differs between years, countries, and radar stations, so care must be taken when evaluating data for each specific use case. Despite these challenges the datasets are currently the most comprehensive of their kind in Europe and open new avenues in understanding continental scale movements of aerial animals
Parachlamydia acanthamoebae : disease-causing pathogen or opportunistic bystander?
No full textIntroduction. Parachlamydia acanthamoebae is an obligate intracellular bacterium related to disease-causing bacteria like Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae and is thus classified within the Chlamydiales order. Parachlamydia was initially discovered within an Acanthamoeba strain isolated from water in a humidifier during an investigation of an outbreak of respiratory infections in humans. Gap Statement. The disease-causing potential of this bacterium is not fully understood, but Parachlamydia has been associated with bronchiolitis, bronchitis, aspiration pneumonia and community-acquired pneumonia in humans. Additionally, diagnostic testing for Parachlamydia infection is not routinely performed, indicating that prevalence is underreported. Aim. This JMM profile aims to gauge what is currently known about the pathogenic potential of P. acanthamoebae and bring awareness to gaps in knowledge. Results. Amoebae appear to be the main reservoir of P. acanthamoebae and likely enter the nasal passages through contaminated water sources or contact with contaminated animals. The infected amoebae may then descend to the lower respiratory tract where the lytic cycle is triggered, causing human infection. Conclusion. By implementing serology and molecular testing, as well as conducting additional epidemiological studies, a better understanding of the association of human colonization with disease outcomes can be achieved.Peer reviewe
ARC (Australian Rotator Cuff) trial: study protocol for a randomised placebo-controlled trial comparing rotator cuff repair to no repair during arthroscopic shoulder surgery for people with shoulder pain and non-acute rotator cuff tears
No full textAbstract Background Degenerative rotator cuff tears are common and are often treated with surgical repair. Randomised trials have not shown a clear advantage to surgery over non-surgical treatment, but there have been no published placebo-controlled trials investigating rotator cuff repair. This study aims to compare arthroscopic shoulder surgery with rotator cuff repair to surgery without rotator cuff repair (placebo) for improving shoulder pain and function in people with shoulder pain and full-thickness degenerative rotator cuff tears. Methods The study is a multicentre two-parallel arm, blinded, individually randomised controlled trial (RCT). Participants will be people aged 40–75 years (inclusive) with more than 6 months of shoulder pain, a degenerative (non-traumatic) full thickness rotator cuff tear 1 to 4 cm in length for whom surgery is recommended and repair of the tear is the main reason for surgery. The intervention is arthroscopic surgery (including—as indicated—bursectomy, debridement, acromioclavicular joint resection, acromioplasty and biceps tenodesis or tenotomy) with rotator cuff repair. The control is the same arthroscopic shoulder surgery without rotator cuff repair. Participants will be randomised to cuff repair or no cuff repair in a 1:1 ratio intra-operatively, after all other surgical procedures have been performed. Participants, follow-up surgeons, physiotherapists, study staff and statisticians will be blinded. Post-surgical rehabilitation will be usual care for rotator cuff repair in both groups. The primary outcome will be shoulder pain and function measured using the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index at 6 months post-surgery. Discussion The ARC trial will provide low bias evidence on a common surgical procedure: rotator cuff repair for degenerative tears. Trial registration The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000789965) on 5 August 2020 and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (universal trial number U1111-1251-6599)
A Dialogical Self Approach to Self-Innovation and Narrative Continuity in Retirement From Elite Sport
No full textThis case study aims to uncover the processes of narrative change in retirement from elite sport. Using Dialogical Self Theory, we examined resistance to retirement and narrative work in a recently retired, Swiss, male elite athlete from an individual sport. Two narrative interviews at 3-months and 1-year post retirement were analyzed using a holistic-content analysis, and an analysis of multivoicedness and innovative moments. We identified 39 I-positions and key innovative moments which were exceptions to the athlete’s problematic narrative and supported athletic retirement. Importantly, results demonstrate that the participant’s self-innovation began proactively before retirement, was necessitated by dialogue and supported by the introduction of a new future-oriented position, the position I-as-healing. Innovation continued after retirement and the position I-as self-reflective allowed the athlete to observe changes to his self-concept and restore continuity. Based on our findings, athletes should be supported in accessing a variety of I-positions to enable rich inner dialogue before they approach retirement from elite sport. Reflective practices which encourage meta-positions and help trace continuity far into their futures may also be advantageous. Practical considerations for the identification of I-positions in personal narratives during transitions are discussed.Peer reviewe
Vibing to the Furthest Past : The Utilisation of Folklore and Mythology in the Exhibition of Prehistory at the National Museum of Finland
No full textIn this article, we examine the prehistory exhibition at the National Museum of Finland. The exhibition opened to the public in 2017, closed in 2023, and will reopen in 2027. The analysis is based on an examination of the exhibition texts and the immersive, multisensory elements incorporated into the exhibition. We argue that the representation of folklore and mythology in the exhibition is somewhat vague, merely serving to reimagine and embellish the distant past. It appears that folkloric elements are employed to 'fill the gaps' when the archaeological record provides insufficient or noinformation to portray individuals from prehistoric times. This results in the formation of intricate temporal interpretations wherein the archaeological periodisation is obscured and intertwined with the mythological past. This intertwining of archaeological artefacts, the 'touchable' past, and Finnic folklore and mythology highlights the difficulty of presenting the prehistoric past in museum exhibitions.Peer reviewe
Cross-taxa analysis of long-term data reveals a positive biodiversity-stability relationship with taxon-specific mechanistic underpinning
No full textAnthropogenic environmental change is altering biodiversity at unprecedented rates, threatening the stability of ecosystem services on which humans depend. However, most of what is known about biodiversity-stability relationships comes from experimental studies making extrapolation to real ecosystems difficult. Here, we ask whether the shape and underlying mechanisms of the biodiversity-stability relationship vary among taxa in real-world communities. Our study harnesses the power of six terrestrial and aquatic long-term monitoring datasets, encompassing entire assemblages at hundreds of georeferenced sites providing 20 years long community measurements, covering a 1200 km latitudinal gradient across Finland. In general, we detect a positive relationship between species richness and stability. Structural equation modelling reveals that this relationship is modified by functional trait community composition, with specific mechanisms varying among the taxa. Our study is among the first to highlight the importance of functional traits in elucidating both general and taxon-specific impacts of biodiversity on community stability.Peer reviewe