Magneto-optical trapping in a near-suface borehole.

Borehole gravity sensing can be used in a number of applications to measure features around a well, including rock-type change mapping and determination of reservoir porosity. Quantum technology gravity sensors, based on atom interferometry, have the ability to offer increased survey speeds and reduced need for calibration. While surface sensors have been demonstrated in real world environments, significant improvements in robustness and reductions to radial size, weight, and power consumption are required for such devices to be deployed in boreholes. To realise the first step towards the deployment of cold atom-based sensors down boreholes, we demonstrate a borehole-deployable magneto-optical trap, the core package of many cold atom-based systems. The enclosure containing the magneto-optical trap itself had an outer radius of (60 ± 0.1) mm at its widest point and a length of (890 ± 5) mm. This system was used to generate atom clouds at 1 m intervals in a 14 cm wide, 50 m deep borehole, to simulate how in-borehole gravity surveys are performed. During the survey, the system generated, on average, clouds of (3.0 ± 0.1) × 105 87Rb atoms with the standard deviation in atom number across the survey observed to be as low as 8.9 × 104.

Effect of intermittent fasting on saving zone of stasis in burn wounds in rats.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent Fasting (IF) has proved to have various positive effects on life span, diseases, and healing of tissues in rodents. We evaluated the protective effect of fasting in maintaining the ischemic zones in burn wounds. METHODS: In this study, 20 rats were divided into two groups where the IF rats were deprived of food for three months. Burn wounds were created by burn comb model on the back of all rats. On days 3 and 21 after injury, five rats in each group were euthanized whereby samples were collected for histopathological, immunohistochemical (Bcl2, P53 and VEGF), and biochemical (MDA, TAC, HP) evaluations. RESULTS: Histopathological analysis revealed epithelial layer and zone of ischemia remained viable in the intermittent fasting group on day 3. On the 21st day, epithelialization, angiogenesis, inflammation, fibrocyte-fibroblast, and collagen density were different in the ischemic and necrotic zones between the control and intermittent fasting groups (p<0.05). We found no statistical differences in Bcl2, P53, VEGF, MDA, TAC, and HP on day 3 between the intermittent fasting and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent fasting before burn wounds reduces tissue damage caused by ischemia and enhanced the viability of cells in zone of stasis. It also accelerated wound healing by increasing epithelialization and collagen production in the skin and regulating inflammatory responses. This intervention appears to be related to better collagen arrangement and angiogenesis.

Saving zone of stasis in burn wounds by nanoliposomal Mg-ATP.

ATP is a crucial molecule for every energy-dependent process in cells. In ischemic tissues, ATP production declines, and it finally results in cell death. One of the most common strategies in burn wound management is saving the zone of ischemia. In the current study, Mg-ATP-containing nanoliposomes were formulated and studied in vitro and in vivo. The particle size of the vesicles was between 50 and 100 nm and the mean zeta potential was -4.05 ± 0.52 mV as evaluated by dynamic light scattering and Zeta sizer instrument, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of ATP in the nanoliposomes was found to be 9.3%. The morphology and size of nanoliposomes were further studied by transmission electron microscopy. The standard MTT assay revealed no cytotoxicity of the nanoliposomes when tested on the rat fibroblast cells. Forty rats were randomly divided into four groups (N = 10 each). Burn wounds were created by burn comb model on the back of the rats and the zone of stasis in each group was treated every 12 h for 3 days by injecting them with the Mg-ATP-nanoliposomes. Control samples included empty nanoliposomes, unencapsulated Mg-ATP and the Krebs-Henseleit buffer. Laser Doppler flowmetry results revealed that blood perfusion in the zone of ischemia in rats treated with Mg-ATP-nanoliposomes was more than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Histopathology revealed saving zone of stasis by Mg-ATP-nanoliposomes. Findings obtained in this study demonstrated that the formulated Mg-ATP-nanoliposome has the potential to save the stasis zone in burn wounds.

Effects of isoflavone supplementation on endometrial thickness, endometrial hyperplasia, and cancer in ovariectomized cats.

Ovariectomy is identified as a standard treatment in different European countries. Isoflavones, as nonsteroidal compounds in plants, are common constituents of soy and soy products. Some available cat diets contain different concentrations of soy products. This study aimed to examine the effects of isoflavone supplementation on endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial thickness in ovariectomized cats. Fifteen neutered adult cats were divided into control, estradiol, and isoflavone groups (five cats per group). Subcutaneous injection of estradiol (0.5 µg) in sesame oil (100 µL) was done for 30 days in estradiol-treated cats. Isoflavone-treated cats ingested a single oral tablet of soy extract for 30 days, while the controls received subcutaneous injections of the vehicle and oral placebo for 30 days. Histopathological findings of hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections revealed a significant difference between the estradiol group and other groups in terms of hyperplastic epithelium and simple hyperplasia. Thickness of myometrium was greater in the estradiol group compared to the isoflavone and control groups. Higher concentrations of estrogen can affect the endometrium and myometrium, while 30-day ingestion of isoflavone didn't have any uterine effect.

Quantum sensing for gravity cartography.

The sensing of gravity has emerged as a tool in geophysics applications such as engineering and climate research1-3, including the monitoring of temporal variations in aquifers4 and geodesy5. However, it is impractical to use gravity cartography to resolve metre-scale underground features because of the long measurement times needed for the removal of vibrational noise6. Here we overcome this limitation by realizing a practical quantum gravity gradient sensor. Our design suppresses the effects of micro-seismic and laser noise, thermal and magnetic field variations, and instrument tilt. The instrument achieves a statistical uncertainty of 20 E (1 E = 10-9 s-2) and is used to perform a 0.5-metre-spatial-resolution survey across an 8.5-metre-long line, detecting a 2-metre tunnel with a signal-to-noise ratio of 8. Using a Bayesian inference method, we determine the centre to ±0.19 metres horizontally and the centre depth as (1.89 -0.59/+2.3) metres. The removal of vibrational noise enables improvements in instrument performance to directly translate into reduced measurement time in mapping. The sensor parameters are compatible with applications in mapping aquifers and evaluating impacts on the water table7, archaeology8-11, determination of soil properties12 and water content13, and reducing the risk of unforeseen ground conditions in the construction of critical energy, transport and utilities infrastructure14, providing a new window into the underground.

Immunomodulatory and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Thymoquinone.

BACKGROUND: The immunomodulatory properties of Nigella sativa seed, as a basis of its clinical applications by many cultures have been reviewed. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the major bioactive components of the volatile oil of N. sativa seeds. METHODS: The review on immunomodulatory and anti- inflammatory effects of TQ was focused on published literature in the English language. The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed (2004-2017), Scopus (2004-2017) and Google Scholar (2004-2017). The keywords used were the following terms: thymoquinone, immunomodulation, inflammation, autoimmune and asthma. RESULTS: The present investigations provide a comprehensive review of the ability of TQ to modulate inflammation and immune-related disorders in the various important disease states. This finding showed that TQ has anti-inflammatory properties that prevent the biosynthesis of important mediators in inflammatory processes and asthma such as 5-LO, COX, PGD2 and LTs. TQ also reduced LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukins (ILs) and TNF-α. In addition, TQ showed immunomodulatory role in the cellular and humoral immunity. This study also found that TQ improves imidacloprid toxicity through reducing oxidative stress and increasing chemokinesis, chemotaxis, phagocytic activity, antibody levels and the hemagglutination of immunoglobulins as well as by reducing serum MDA levels and hepatic enzymes. CONCLUSION: The study indicated the beneficial effects of TQ in immune-related diseases, however, well designed clinical trials in humans are required to confirm these effects.

An Overview of Hepatoprotective Effects of Thymoquinone.

BACKGROUND: Liver diseases are globally recognized as major medical problems. Several species of herbal medicine have been investigated for the management of liver-related diseases. OBJECTIVE: In this context, Thymoquinone (TQ) as the main constituent of Nigella sativa has long been focused for the treatment of liver diseases in recent years. To suppressing liver diseases, it was reported that TQ exhibits hypolipidic effects, which prevented the fatty acid accumulation in the hepatocytes. The other activity of TQ, not only in the management of chronic liver diseases but also regarding the carcinogenesis, is its potent antioxidant effects, which affect several signaling pathways. RESULT: The effect of TQ on NF-κß is the hepatoprotective effect of this flavonoid. Recently, a few patents of TQ derivatives for protective effects have been developed. This article also discusses our findings with the patents for this agent. CONCLUSION: The present review purposed that although the experimental studies indicated the beneficial effects of TQ against liver diseases, more designed clinical trials in human are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of TQ.

Effects of carbomer 940 hydrogel on burn wounds: an in vitro and in vivo study.

PURPOSE: This study was designed to investigate the applicability of carbomer 940 hydrogel on skin-burn wounds by focusing on its effects on the zone of stasis. METHOD: Fibroblast cells were used to assess the cytotoxicity of carbomer 940. Wound healing was monitored by laser Doppler flowmetry and histopathological analysis. Twenty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups (N = 10 each). After shaving their dorsum, a 'burn comb' was contacted bilaterally on each side of the spine. Carbomer 940 hydrogel and TegaDerm were used as topical dressing, in the experimental group, while normal saline and TegaDerm were used as the control. The dressing was changed daily and the blood flow was measured until the animals were euthanized. The wound samples were collected at days 3 and 21 for histopathological studies. Cell viability study showed that the hydrogel was non-cytotoxic. RESULT: Our results revealed that skin blood perfusion in the zone of stasis was elevated at 24 hour post-burning, in the experimental group but not in the control group (p < .05) and this trend continued until the animals were euthanized. Histopathologically, there was statistically more epithelial tissue in the zone of stasis in the experimental group than in the control group, and the sebaceous glands and hair follicles remained viable in the group treated by hydrogel on day 3. There was significantly more collagen deposition and fibroplasia in the ischemic zones of the experimental group than in the control group at day 21. CONCLUSION: Our study has shown that carbomer 940 hydrogel is a nontoxic biomaterial, which improved tissue perfusion and decreased the area of necrotic tissue in burn wounds. Application of this biomaterial in treatment of burn injuries deserves further studies.

Protective Effects of Thymoquinon on Pulmonary Disorders in Experimental Studies.

Lung as vital organ is exposed to many injurious agents that can cause inflammation and oxidative stress, which are potential causes in the pathogenesis of lung diseases. Nigella sativa, usually introduced as black seed, has been considered for treatment of various diseases and is one the most widely investigated herbs. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the major component of the volatile oil of black seed (54%) which has been indicated to anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic properties. There is interesting to study on TQ effect as a therapeutic agent for various diseases in both in vivo and in vitro conditions. In this comprehensive review, we summarized the recent studies related to the effectiveness of TQ on lung disorders such as inflammatory lung diseases, lung fibrosis, asthma and lung cancer. It is concluded that TQ with anti-inflammatory, anti- oxidant, anti-asthmatic and anti- tumor activity can provide therapeutic effects against lung disorders. However, more investigation is needed to produce TQ as a pharmaceutical preparation for human studies.

The Role of TNF-α in Aflatoxin B-1 Induced Hepatic Toxicity in Isolated Perfused Rat Liver Model.

Aflatoxin B-1 (AFB1) is one of the major mycotoxins causing food contamination. Previous studies have shown that AFB1 can induce carcinogenicity and toxic effects in the isolated perfused rat liver and these effects are associated with its metabolites and peroxidation activity. Here we surveyed whether these pathogenic effects of AFB1 are associated with TNF-α as an inflammatory cytokine in general liver damages. In this study, we used twenty male Wistar rats (250-300 g). Rats were divided into four groups. Control group was pre-treated with LPS and then perfused with KHBB. The second group was pretreated with PTX and LPS and then perfused with KHB. The third group was pre-treated with LPS and then perfused with AFB-1 and KHB. The last group was pretreated with LPS and PTX and then perfused with AFB1 and KHB. Results revealed that aflatoxin B1 significantly increased the enzyme activity of aminotransferase and levels of lipid peroxidation. Also, the levels of Glutathione decreased in the aflatoxin group significantly. TNF-α released in perfusate and increased in aflatoxin B1 group significantly and decreased in AFB-1+PTX. Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 may induce reactive oxygen species, so these species may induce overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and may cause more damage to hepatic cells.

Evaluation of the protective effect of pentoxifylline on carrageenan-induced chronic non-bacterial prostatitis in rats.

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis (CNP) is the most common type of prostatitis and oxidative stress (OS) was shown to be highly elevated in prostatitis patients. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of pentoxifylline (PTX) on CNP induced by carrageenan in rats. Male adult Wistar rats (n = 30) were divided into control, CNP and three treatment groups (n = 6) including CNP + cernilton and CNP + PTX groups. CNP was induced by single intraprostatic injection of 1% carrageenan (100 µl). Rats in treatment groups received orally cernilton 100 mg/kg and PTX at 50 and 100 mg/kg 1 week after CNP induction for 21 days. Prostatic index (PI), prostatic specific antigen (PSA), tumor-necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), serum lipid peroxidation (MDA), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and histopathological changes were compared between groups. There were significant increase of PI, serum levels of PSA, TNF-α and MDA in CNP group at 29 day. In treatment groups, significant reduction in PI, serum levels of PSA, TNF-α, MDA and creatinine was observed especially in rats treated with dose of 50 mg/kg of PTX. In CNP group, histopathological changes of the prostate such as leucocyte infiltration, large involutions and projection into the lumen and reducing the volume of the lumen were observed as well. Whereas PTX, especially at dose of 50 mg/kg, could improve the above-mentioned changes remarkably in CNP treated rats. For the first time, our findings indicated that PTX improved CNP induced by carrageenan in rats.

3D Buried Utility Location Using A Marching-Cross-Section Algorithm for Multi-Sensor Data Fusion.

We address the problem of accurately locating buried utility segments by fusing data from multiple sensors using a novel Marching-Cross-Section (MCS) algorithm. Five types of sensors are used in this work: Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Passive Magnetic Fields (PMF), Magnetic Gradiometer (MG), Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields (LFEM) and Vibro-Acoustics (VA). As part of the MCS algorithm, a novel formulation of the extended Kalman Filter (EKF) is proposed for marching existing utility tracks from a scan cross-section (scs) to the next one; novel rules for initializing utilities based on hypothesized detections on the first scs and for associating predicted utility tracks with hypothesized detections in the following scss are introduced. Algorithms are proposed for generating virtual scan lines based on given hypothesized detections when different sensors do not share common scan lines, or when only the coordinates of the hypothesized detections are provided without any information of the actual survey scan lines. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated with both synthetic data and real data. The experimental results in this work demonstrate that the proposed MCS algorithm can locate multiple buried utility segments simultaneously, including both straight and curved utilities, and can separate intersecting segments. By using the probabilities of a hypothesized detection being a pipe or a cable together with its 3D coordinates, the MCS algorithm is able to discriminate a pipe and a cable close to each other. The MCS algorithm can be used for both post- and on-site processing. When it is used on site, the detected tracks on the current scs can help to determine the location and direction of the next scan line. The proposed "multi-utility multi-sensor" system has no limit to the number of buried utilities or the number of sensors, and the more sensor data used, the more buried utility segments can be detected with more accurate location and orientation.

Influence of Short-term, Repeated Fasting on the Skin Wound Healing of Female Mice.

Caloric restriction in mice has been found to retard the rate of aging, increase mean and maximum life spans, and inhibit the occurrence of many age-associated diseases. The following study was conducted to investigate the effect of short-term repeated fasting (4 consecutive days, every 2 weeks) before wound creation on skin wound healing. Mice were used for macroscopic study (n = 40) and hydroxyproline analysis (n = 10). Mice were also used for microscopic study (n = 36) and were divided equally into a fasting group and a control group. The results revealed that there were significant differences in epithelialization, contraction, healing, amount of collagen, and hydroxyproline between the control and fasting groups (P < 0.05). Based on the results, it can be argued that caloric restriction preceding the wound-healing period has the potential to accelerate the healing process. .