Quasinormal-Mode Perturbation Theory for Dissipative and Dispersive Optomechanics.

Despite the several novel features arising from the dissipative optomechanical coupling, such effect remains vastly unexplored due to the lack of a simple formalism that captures non-Hermiticity in the engineering of optomechanical systems. In this Letter, we show that quasinormal-mode-based perturbation theory is capable of correctly predicting both dispersive and dissipative optomechanical couplings. We validate our model through simulations and also by comparison with experimental results reported in the literature. Finally, we apply this formalism to plasmonic systems, used for molecular optomechanics, where strong dissipative coupling signatures in the amplification of vibrational modes could be observed.

Complexation of whey protein with caffeic acid or (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate as a strategy to induce oral tolerance to whey allergenic proteins.

Proteins and phenolic compounds can interact and form soluble and insoluble complexes. In this study, the complexation of whey protein isolate (WPI) with caffeic acid (CA) or (-)­epigallocatechin­3­gallate (EGCG) is investigated as a strategy to attenuate oral sensitization in C3H/HeJ mice against WPI. Treatment with WPI-CA reduced the levels of IgE, IgG1, IgG2a and mMCP-1 in serum of mice measured by ELISA. This might be related to CD4+LAP+Foxp3+ T and IL-17A+CD4+ T (Th17) cell activation, evidenced by flow cytometry of splenocytes. Treatment with WPI-EGCG, in turn, decreased the levels of IgG2a and mMCP-1 in serum of mice, possibly by the modulation of Th1/Th2 response and the increase of CD4+ Foxp3+ LAP- T and IL-17A+CD4+ T (Th17) cell populations. In conclusion, WPI-CA and WPI-EGCG attenuated oral sensitization in C3H/HeJ mice through different mechanisms. We consider that the complexation of whey proteins with CA and EGCG could be a promising strategy to induce oral tolerance.

Comet assay in neonatal sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the DNA damage detected using the Comet assay helps in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis METHODS: Sepsis was diagnosed, based on clinical findings, laboratory findings and positive culture results, in 24 of the 48 newborns who participated in the study. Hematological parameters, baseline demographic data and genotoxic evaluation were investigated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in hematological, demographic and genotoxic data between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: The Comet assay proved to be ineffective in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.