Methods to Help Immune Cells Identify Cancer Cells Found

The immune cells in the human body are an army that fights pathogens. Whether it is a virus, a bacterium, or a parasite, immune cells can effectively attack most invaders and protect us from disease.

In recent years, scientists have discovered a new application of immune cells—treating cancer. Cancer cells often carry a large number of breakthroughs that may be recognized by immune cells. In order to escape the attack of immune cells, these cancer cells have evolved a series of strategies to disguise themselves as good people.

But these tricks have been gradually seen by scientists. By inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, we can let immune T cells polish their eyes and attack cancer cells. In addition, we can also separate T cells from cancer patients, insert molecules that recognize cancer cells, and then return them to the patient to kill cancer cells.

These treatments using immune cells have achieved remarkable results and have rewritten many treatments for cancer. But scientists also pointed out that the current immunotherapy is concentrated on T cells, slightly monotonous. Be aware that there are many types of immune cells. It would be better if these immune cells can be developed into anti-cancer therapies.

Recently, a study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering, brings us the hope of the emergence of innovative immunotherapy. In this study, scientists have shown that macrophages have an amazing killing effect on cancer in preclinical models.

Macrophages are an important class of immune cells discovered in 1882 by the Russian zoologist Professor élie Metchnikoff. This opened the curtain of human research on the innate immune system, and also helped Professor élie Metchnikoff get the 1908 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

As the name suggests, macrophages have a “good appetite” that can phagocytose cell debris, foreign germs, and other pathogens. Although some studies have shown that macrophages can “eat” cancer cells, why can’t they clean the cancer cells when the cancer is just sprouting, and eliminate the disease?

For more than 100 years, as people’s understanding of biology has deepened, we have gradually discovered the reason behind it: in our body, there is indeed a group of macrophages with anticancer activity called M1 macrophages. However, tumors can secrete macrophage colony-stimulating factor (MCSF), “buy” these M1 cells, and turn them into M2 macrophages that turing blind eyes to cancer cells.

What’s worse is that the tumor also expresses a protein called CD47. This protein is like a small sign that says “Don’t eat me”, confusing the macrophages that are not “bought” by cancer cells, letting them put down their weapons.

It is because of this dual mechanism that macrophages cannot effectively attack tumors.

Knowing the reason, direction to solve the problem may then be found. Scientists from the Brigham and Women’s Hospital at Harvard Medical School have designed a miraculous drug that inhibits both the MCSF pathway and the CD47 pathway. According to the design, after the former pathway is inhibited, the proportion of M1 cells that can attack the tumor in macrophages will increase; when the latter pathway is suppressed, the label of cancer cells “don’t eat me” will be torn off. In other words, with this simple drug, bottlenecks met by macrophages in the attack of cancer can be removed at once.

“Our technology can turn M2 cells into M1 cells by inhibiting the M2 signaling pathway,” said Professor Ashish Kulkarni, one of the leaders of the study: “If we can “teach” these macrophages and suppress the label of ‘don’t eat me’, we then can be able to break the balance between M1 cells and M2 cells, increase the proportion of the former, and inhibit tumor growth.”

In theory, this new drug is designed to be perfect. But what is the actual effect? The researchers tested it in animal models of breast cancer and skin cancer. The animals were divided into three groups, one receiving standard anticancer therapy, one receiving this innovative macrophage-targeted drug, and the other receiving no treatment as a control.

As scientists expected, mice that did not receive any treatment produced huge tumors on the 10th day of the experiment, while tumors in mice that received standard anticancer therapy showed a reduction in tumor volume.

Amazingly, therapy targeting macrophages almost completely inhibits tumor growth! In addition, the survival rate of mice has also increased.

“We even saw macrophages phagocytizing cancer cells,” said Professor Shiladitya Sengupta, one of the heads of the study.

This result has excited scientists, and they can’t wait to start the next research and development program. If the study can be repeated in humans, it will undoubtedly add a powerful new army to cancer immunotherapy.

6 Natural Tips to Get Rid of Acne and Scars

In many cases, acne and scars can be controlled and prevented. Here we present to you natural tips to get rid of acne and scars

Tea tree oil: It is antibacterial oil which helps in fighting infections and also reducing redness and inflammation.

How to use:

Apply the oil directly to the affected area
Mix it with facewash and let it rest on the face for 20 mins and wash off

Apple cider Vinegar: It helps to get rid of acne and scars and also a good toner. It is an astringent. It also improves blood circulation which helps in healing and regeneration. There are various benefits of apple cider vinegar as it also gives the required pH to the skin.

How to use:

Mix water and apple cider vinegar and apply it on the affected area with a cotton ball. Leave it for 10 mins and wash it with water
Mix honey and apple cider vinegar and apply it with a cotton ball

Lemon Juice: It is a natural antioxidant and possesses bleaching properties. It helps in the formation of collagen and also removing dead skin cells.

How to use:

Apply the fresh juice directly to the affected area with fingertips or cotton ball. Let it rest on the face for 20 mins and wash with warm water. Repeat the procedure daily for up to 3 weeks.
The mixture of honey and lemon is also an effective remedy

Aloe vera: The beneficial effect of this product is known since ages. It helps in the healing process of the acne and scars. It helps in moisturizing and nourishing the skin, giving a glow to the face.

How to use:

Apply fresh aloe vera juice on the affected area and leave it for 30 mins and wash. Use it twice daily to get the beneficial effect.
Many aloe vera formulations are available in the market which diminishes scars, apply as advised on the packing

Baking soda: It is an excellent defoliant which can remove dead skin cells and allows the skin debris to be removed and thus prevents clogging of pores.

How to use:

Mix an equal proportion of water and baking soda to form a thick paste. Apply this paste in the affected area. A gentle massage in circulation helps in exfoliation and removal of dead skin cells. Leave the paste on the skin for 10 mins and rinse it with cold water.

Drink Plenty of Water:

Water is an essential element of the body and is essential to keep the body hydrated for normal functioning. There are various benefits of drinking plenty of water as it helps in flushing of toxins from the body. The toxins in the dehydrated skin can result in acne breakouts. It helps in skin’s natural rejuvenation process. Drink plenty of pure water each day (about 2 liters a day).

It is not just the face which gets affected by the acne; even back acne can be difficult. Here are the tips to prevent back acne

Prevent clogging of pores with sweat and dirt; this is especially important after workout sessions. Take shower immediately to keep the skin clean and hygienic
Use an exfoliator which can also remove dirt and excess oil from the skin
Wear loose clothing
Avoid going in areas of dust and dirt
Longhairs on the back can also be the contributing factor for acne. Shampoo and oiling can clog the sweat pores on the back.
Oil-based creams, lotions, and sunscreen clogs the pores, contributing to back acne
A diet plays an important role in acne breakouts. Diet rich in oils and sugars can contribute to acne. Have a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains.
These tips to prevent back acne will be very helpful, but in case it is not working; consult a dermatologist who can prescribe oral or topical medications to control back acne.

8 Inspiring Ideas to Launch the Best Corporate Wellness Program

Happy and content employees are key to a successful business. When employees are healthy, both mentally and physically, they are more productive and the company is benefited. So how can you ensure the employees’ well -being? It is through well -structured employee wellness programs. These programs incorporate physical activities, healthy food and ergonometric aspects into the workplace to boost the employees’ performance.

Here are a few ideas you can consider to launch the best corporate wellness program.

Outdoor Trips: Field trips to some adventure parks or treks are a great way to ensure the physical and mental fitness of the employees. Outdoor physical activity reduces stress and increases productivity. Such adventures can also be group challenging sessions which build team spirit and healthy competition among employees.
Fitness in the Office: Inside the office campus, fun fitness activities like Zumba, aerobics sessions or yoga can be conducted. These ensure employees’ health and can also be a rejuvenating break from work after which the productivity is higher. Along with it, diet counselling is another important thing that a person of every age needs.
Giving: Charity is always mentally satisfying. Some organizations match their employees’ donations to NGOs they wish to help. The joy of giving is motivating and makes the employees feel good about themselves. This triggers a positive response in the brain which increases productivity.
Employee Sports Day: Hosting a sports day in the office is a fun way to ensure the physical and mental well-being of the employees. You can host inter-department sports competitions to spread awareness about a healthy lifestyle. This also inculcates team spirit among the employees.
Ergonomics: The physical environment in which the employee works is a major factor that affects the productivity of the employee. Cabins or cubicles with abundant sunlight and natural ventilation can have a positive impact on the employees’ performance. Lush greenery and blooming flowers on the campus can also help in improving efficiency.
Counselling: Work pressure can cause a great deal of stress to the employee. A professionally designed stress management program helps the employees deal with the situation instead of running away or quitting. These counsellors through their expert health & wellness talk would prove to be a great help with issues like anxiety and depression and thus helping the employee lea a happier life.
Volunteer day: Some firms provide one day in each month to their employees to volunteer for a cause they support. This way, employees are encouraged to help in the cause they believe in, which makes them content and happy thus increasing their self-esteem and efficiency.
Attire day: Some fun filled days when the entire office is dressed up and everyone has a jamboree. This will give employees a break from their hectic routine and they will thus come back with more enthusiasm and higher productivity.
Employee wellness programs are beneficial to both, the employer as well the employees. Every business organization must ensure that their employees are happy. Physically fit and enthusiastic employees work efficiently and also encourage others to do their best, this influences the business positively.

Cardiac Monitoring Devices Market Opportunity Analysis, 2018-2026

Cardiac monitoring devices enable continual observation of patients with heart disorders. These devices are commonly used in emergency rooms and critical care units and primarily in arrhythmias to monitor the rate of heartbeats. Common types of cardiac monitoring devices include holter monitors, event monitors, loop monitors, and insertable cardiac monitors. The additional parameters monitored noninvasively by cardiac monitors include blood pressure, cardiac output, intravascular pressures, arterial blood oxygen saturation, and blood temperature.

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Rise in incidence of cardiovascular diseases such as cardiac arrthymia, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension is expected to fuel growth of the cardiac monitoring devices market. According to World Health Organization (WHO), 2015, cardiovascular diseases was the leading cause of deaths accounting for 17.7 million deaths, globally. Furthermore, increasing applications of cardiac monitors in continuous monitoring for patients with severe electrolyte imbalances and for postoperative observation is expected to augment the market growth over the forecast period. Development of advance cardiac monitoring devices such as remote cardiac monitoring devices and wireless cardiac monitoring devices providing early detection is a major factor expected to boast the cardiac monitoring devices market growth over the forecast period.

For instance, ZywiePro, the next-generation cardiac remote monitoring solution launched in 2015, leverages mobile and cloud technology to facilitate detection of cardiovascular arrhythmias. ZywiePro enables physicians to provide more personalized and effective patient care by detailed diagnostic insight into the cardiovascular health of the patients. However, factors inhibiting the cardiac monitoring devices market include high cost of device and lack of knowledge about advance cardiac monitoring devices.

Advance cardiac monitoring devices enable physician to make accurate diagnosis and determine a treatment plan. For instance, the Reveal LINQ Insertable Cardiac Monitor manufactured by Medtronic, approved by FDA in 2014, is currently the smallest heart monitor in the market. It can diagnose the cause of infrequent, unexplained fainting spells better than conventional testing.

Regional segmentation of cardiac monitoring devices market by Coherent Market Insights comprises North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America is expected to hold a dominant position in global cardiac monitoring devices market over the forecast period, due to increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in the region.