BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease(CD)is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology.Inflammatory chemical mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid,an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA),have been shown to...BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease(CD)is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology.Inflammatory chemical mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid,an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA),have been shown to activate CD.Additionally,n-3 PUFAs are metabolized by the same enzyme as n-6 PUFAs and known to inhibit the arachidonic acid cascade.Our previous study noted that the presence of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids is a characteristic finding in Japanese CD patients.It was thus speculated that FADS2 gene polymorphisms,which induce PUFA metabolizing enzymes,are involved in the pathogenesis of CD,though no such relationship was found.AIM To investigate the relationship of FADS2 polymorphisms with serum and erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition ratios,and disease activity.METHODS Using previously reported findings regarding FADS2 genetic polymorphisms,the records of 52 CD patients undergoing treatment at Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital were analyzed.Mutations noted were divided into three groups;wild-type(GG),heterozygous mutants(GA),and homozygous(AA),with the activities of delta-6 and delta-5 desaturases compared using redefined d6d index(rd.d6di)and d5d index(d5di).Additionally,comparisons of serum and erythrocyte membranes for fatty acid composition,and also gene polymorphisms and CD activity index(CDAI)were performed.RESULTS The presence of the rs174538 mutation in FADS2 resulted in reduction of only rd.d6di in the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.01).In contrast,that mutation was found to be associated with d5di induced by FADS1 in serum(P=0.019)as well as the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.0001),and also with reduction in the fatty acid composition of arachidonic acid in both serum(P<0.0001)and the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.01).Regarding disease activity,a positive correlation of CDAI score with rd.d6di in both serum(P<0.05)and the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.05)was found only in the rs174538 wild-type group.In contrast,there was no correction between CDAI and d5di in either serum or erythrocyte membrane samples.CONCLUSION The rs174538 mutation alters the fatty acid profile through strong linkage to the FADS1 gene.In wild-type individuals,rd.d6di was positively correlated with CDAI,suggesting predictive utility of disease severity.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-neutrophil recruitment effects of rectal d-alpha (d-α) tocopherol administration on mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Fifteen patients with mil...AIM: To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-neutrophil recruitment effects of rectal d-alpha (d-α) tocopherol administration on mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Fifteen patients with mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis were enrolled in an open-label study of d-α tocopherol enema (8000 U/d) for 12 wk. All patients were receiving concomitant therapy with 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives (5-ASA) and/or immunomodulator medications. Endoscopic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 4th and 12th weeks. Disease activity was measured with the Mayo disease activity index (DAI) and remission was defined as DAI of ≤ 2 with no blood in stool. Clinical response was defined as a DAI reduction of ≥ 2. RESULTS: At the end of 12th week,the average DAI score significantly decreased compared to the beginning of the study (2.3 ± 0.37 vs 8 ± 0.48,P < 0.0001). One patient was withdrawn after 3 wk for being unavailable to follow-up. On the 4th week of therapy,12 patients showed clinical response,3 of whom (21.4%) achieving remission. After 12 wk,all 14 patients responded clinically to the therapy and remission was induced in 9 of them (64%). No patient reported adverse events or was hospitalized due to worsened disease activity. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report suggests that rectal d-α tocopherol may represent a novel therapy for mild and moderately active UC. The observed results might be due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of vitamin E.展开更多
BACKGROUND The pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index(PCDAI)is used as a standard tool to assess disease activity in clinical trials for pediatric Crohn’s disease.AIM To examine which items on the PCDAI drive asse...BACKGROUND The pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index(PCDAI)is used as a standard tool to assess disease activity in clinical trials for pediatric Crohn’s disease.AIM To examine which items on the PCDAI drive assessment of disease activity,and how subgroups of subjective and objective items reflect change in disease state over time.METHODS Selective raw data from three prospectively collected datasets were combined,including 703 children with full PCDAI data at baseline,at 3-mo(Q1,n=670),and 1-year(Q4,n=474).Change in individual PCDAI scores from baseline to Q1 and to Q4 were examined using the non-weighted PCDAI.RESULTS Abdominal pain,well-being,weight,and stooling had the highest change scores over time.Objective indicators including albumin,abdominal exam,and height velocity followed.Change scores for well-being and abdominal exam did not explain significant variance at Q1 but were significant predictors at Q4(P<0.001 and P<0.05).Subjective and objective subgroups of items predicted less variance(18%and 22%)on total PCDAI scores at Q1 and Q4 compared to the full PCDAI,or a composite scale(both 32%)containing significant predictors.CONCLUSION Although subjective items on the PCDAI change the most over time,the full PCDAI or a smaller composite of items including a combination of subjective and objective components classifies disease activity better than a subgroup of either subjective or objective items alone.Reliance on subjective or objective items as stand-alone proxies for disease activity measurement could result in misclassification of disease state.展开更多
The Crohn＇s disease activity index （CDAI） has been commonly used to assess the effects of treatment with different agents in Crohn＇s disease （CD）. However, these studies may be compromised, if the results compar...The Crohn＇s disease activity index （CDAI） has been commonly used to assess the effects of treatment with different agents in Crohn＇s disease （CD）. However, these studies may be compromised, if the results compared to a placebo or standard therapy group （in the absence of a placebo） substantially differ from the expected response. In addition, significant concerns have been raised regarding the reliability and validity of the CDAI. Reproducibility of the CDAI may be limited as significant inter-observer error has been recorded, even if measurements are done by experienced clinicians with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of CD. Finally, many CDAI endpoints are open to subjective interpretation and have the potential for manipulation. This is worrisome as there is the potential for significant financial gain, if the results of a clinical trial appear to provide a positive result. Physicians caring for patients should be concerned about the positive results in clinical trials that are sponsored by industry, even if the trials involve respected centers and the results appear in highly ranked medical journals.展开更多
To investigate of pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index(PUCAI)in ulcerative colitis correlate with mucosal inflammation and endoscopic assessment of disease activity(Mayo endoscopic score).METHODSWe reviewed cha...To investigate of pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index(PUCAI)in ulcerative colitis correlate with mucosal inflammation and endoscopic assessment of disease activity(Mayo endoscopic score).METHODSWe reviewed charts from ulcerative colitis patients who had undergone both colonoscopy over 3 years.Clinical assessment of disease severity within 35 d(either before or after)the colonoscopy were included.Patients were excluded if they had significant therapeutic interventions(such as the start of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents)between the colonoscopy and the clinical assessment.Mayo endoscopic score of the rectum and sigmoid were done by two gastroenterologists.Inter-observer variability in Mayo score was assessed.RESULTSWe identified 99 patients(53%female,74%pancolitis)that met inclusion criteria.The indications for colonoscopy included ongoing disease activity(62%),consideration of medication change(10%),assessment of medication efficacy(14%),and cancer screening(14%).Based on PUCAI scores,33%of patients were in remission,39%had mild disease,23%had moderate disease,and 4%had severe disease.There was“moderate-substantial”agreement between the two reviewers in assessing rectal Mayo scores(kappa=0.54,95%CI:0.41-0.68).CONCLUSIONEndoscopic disease severity(Mayo score)assessed by reviewing photographs of pediatric colonoscopy has moderate inter-rater reliability,and agreement was less robust in assessing patients with mild disease activity.Endoscopic disease severity generally correlates with clinical disease severity as measured by PUCAI score.However,children with inflamed colons can have significant variation in their reported clinical symptoms.Thus,assessment of both clinical symptoms and endoscopic disease severity may be required in future clinical studies.展开更多
The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape...The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape(BS),valley floor(VF),have been applied to evaluate the relative index of active tectonics(RIAT) of the Damanganga watershed.The high and low zones of tectonic activity have been identified based on the geomorphic analysis of the watershed.After evaluation of all indices,three classes,class IIhigh(1.3 ≤RIAT <1.5),class Ⅲ-moderate(1.5 ≤RIAT <1.8),and class Ⅳ-low(1.8 ≤RIAT),have been obtained to outline the degree/gradation of comparative tectonic activities in the study area.The appraised outcome of the RIAT dispersal is also well reinforced by the geomorphic evidence in the field.The collective outcomes of geomorphic evidence,such as stream deflection and analysis of lineament,deflection of streams,and geomorphic indices,conceal that the Damanganga watershed is affected by tectonic activity.展开更多
Air quenched basic oxygen furnace steel slag （BOF-SS） is processed at very high cooling rate, which is expected to have different cementitious properties from conventional slowly cooled BOF-SS. For this purpose, the...Air quenched basic oxygen furnace steel slag （BOF-SS） is processed at very high cooling rate, which is expected to have different cementitious properties from conventional slowly cooled BOF-SS. For this purpose, the strength activity indexes of air quenched and slowly cooled BOF-SS are investigated. The results reveal that, under the specific surface area （S） of 490 m^2/kg, the compressive strength activity index reaches 1.24 after 28 days with replacement of 15% air quenched BOF-SS and reaches 1.05 after 28 days with replacement of 20% air quenched BOF-SS and 30%granulated blast furnace slag （GBFS）. The cementitious activity of air quenched BOF-SS is obviously higher than that of slowly cooled BOF-SS, mainly because it contains more C3 S and glassy phases.展开更多
Objective:The ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(UCEIS)and the Mayo endoscopic score(MES)are developed as objective methods of evaluating endoscopic severity in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).The ai...Objective:The ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(UCEIS)and the Mayo endoscopic score(MES)are developed as objective methods of evaluating endoscopic severity in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the UCEIS and MES in predicting the patient's response to mesalazine.Methods:Consecutive patients with UC who had undergone colonoscopy within 1 month before starting mesalazine between October 2011 and July 2016 were retrospectively collected at the Department of Gastroenterology,Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine.The median follow-up was 81 months,and all the data were analyzed in January 2021.The primary outcome was the need for step-up treatment,which included the use of corticosteroids,immunomodulatory,or surgery during admission and follow-up.Data were analyzed using the c2 or Fisher exact test,Spearman test,t-test,and ManneWhitney U test.Results:Totally,65 patients were enrolled,of whom 12(18.5%)needed step-up treatment due to nonresponse to mesalazine.The UCEIS score,MES,and the ulcerative colitis disease activity index(UCDAI)score were significantly higher in patients who had nonresponse to mesalazine(UCEIS score:6.92±0.69 vs.4.45±1.17,p<0.001;MES:2.67±0.49 vs.2.15±0.69,p=0.024;UCDAI score:9.33±1.87 vs.6.70±2.38,p=0.002).In the multivariate analysis,the UCEIS score(OR=25.65,95%CI:3.048 e45.985,p=0.003),UCDAI score(OR=1.605,95%CI:1.144e2.254,p=0.006),and C-reactive protein level(OR=1.056,95%CI:1.006e1.108,p=0.026)were independent risk factors of nonresponse.The area under the ROC curve of UCEIS was 0.95,with a sensitivity of 100%and specificity of 84.6%,a cut-off value of 6,which outperformed the MES with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70.When the UCEIS score≥6,60%of patients eventually needed step-up treatment.Conclusions:The UCEIS is a useful instrument for predicting the therapeutic effect in patients with UC treated with mesalazine.The high probability of mesalazine treatment failure and benefits of other therapies should be discussed in patients with baseline UCEIS score≥6.展开更多
Landscapes in tectonically active Hindu Kush （NW Pakistan and NE Alghanistanl result from a complex integration of the effects of vertical and horizontal crustal block motions as well as erosion and deposition proces...Landscapes in tectonically active Hindu Kush （NW Pakistan and NE Alghanistanl result from a complex integration of the effects of vertical and horizontal crustal block motions as well as erosion and deposition processes. Active tectonics in this region have greatly influenced the drainage system and geomorphic expressions. The study area is a junction of three important mt^unlain ranges （Hindu Kush-Karakorunl-Himalayas） and is thus an ideal natural laboratory to investigate the relative tectonic activity resulting from the India-Eurasia collision. We evaluate active tectonics using DEM derived drainage network and geomorphic indices hypsometric integral （Hl）. stream-length gradient （SL）, fractal dimension （FD）, basin asymmetry factor （AF）, basin shape index （B,）, valley floor width to wllley height ratio （Vf） and motmtain front sinuosity （Star）. The results obtained from these indices were combined to yield an index of relative active tectonics （IRAT） using GIS. The average of the seven measured geomorphic indices was used to ewfluate the distri- bution of relative tectonic activity in the study area. We defined tour classes to define the degree of rela- tive tectonic activity： class 1 very high （1.0 ≤ IRAT 〈 1.3）; class 2 high （1.3 ≥ IRAT 〈 1.5）： class 3--moderate （1.5 〉 IRAT 〈 1.8）; and class 4--low （1.8 〉 IRAT）. In view of the results, we conclude that this combined approach allows the identification of the highly deformed areas related to active tectonics. Landsat imagery and field observations also evidence the presence of active tectonics based on the deflected streams, deformed landforms, active mountain fronts and triangular facets. The indicative values of IRAT are consistent with the areas of known relative uplift rates, landforms and geology.展开更多
To provide a reference basis for reasonable development and utilization of Ampelopsis grossedentata resource and its application in production,we added 0.025%,0.05% and 0.1% dihydromyricetin（DMY）extracted from A.gro...To provide a reference basis for reasonable development and utilization of Ampelopsis grossedentata resource and its application in production,we added 0.025%,0.05% and 0.1% dihydromyricetin（DMY）extracted from A.grossedentata into the basal diets of Yaoshan chickens,and studied the effects of DMY on visceral organ indexes and digestive enzyme activities of 40-day-old healthy Yaoshan chickens.Supplementation of DMY in basal diets influenced visceral organ weight,organ index,length and digestive enzyme activity of small intestine of chickens.Among them,0.05% DMY was the most appropriate volume for supplementation.Compared with control group（without DMY）,0.05% DMY reduced lung weight and index（P〉0.05）,significantly reduced liver weight（P〈0.05）,extremely reduced stomach weight and stomach index（P〈0.01）,increased activity of amylase in small intestine（P〉0.05）,significantly increased length of small intestine and activity of protease（P〈0.05）.Supplementation of 0.05% DMY reduced the visceral organ weight and organ index,enhanced digestion and absorption ability of gastrointestinal tract,thereby improving feed utilization rate and promoting the growth of chickens.展开更多
The solid-state nuclear track detectors have long been applied to assess the activity of tectonic faults. We measured the Radon (<em>Rn</em>) concentration in soil gas on 09 profiles with a total of 245 me...The solid-state nuclear track detectors have long been applied to assess the activity of tectonic faults. We measured the Radon (<em>Rn</em>) concentration in soil gas on 09 profiles with a total of 245 measurement points in Thua Thien Hue area (Vietnam). Measurement results show that the <em>Rn</em> concentration in soil gas ranges from ~10 Bq/m<sup>3</sup> to 144,570 Bq/m<sup>3</sup>. There is a clear difference in the <em>Rn</em> concentration on the granite rock of Dai Loc complex compared to the remaining rocks. The calculated background value and anomaly threshold of <em>Rn</em> concentration on the granite rock of Dai Loc complex and on the remaining rocks are 33,488 Bq/m<sup>3</sup>, 82,839 Bq/m<sup>3</sup> and 5313 Bq/m<sup>3</sup>, 24,850 Bq/m<sup>3</sup> respectively. Spatial distribution of Rn concentration in soil gas reflects the existence of faults since Rn concentration increases at the points above or near fault lines. The level of expression of fault activity is assessed by radon activity index (<em>KRn</em>), which is calculated by the ratio of anomaly value to background value of <em>Rn</em> concentration. According to <em>KRn</em>, in Thua Thien Hue area, only the Dakrong-Hue fault shows a strong expression of activity with high and very high <em>KRn</em> (the maximum <em>KRn</em> = 27.21). The Truong Son, Huu Trach River, Ta Trach River and Bo River fault zones do not show clear activity with low and medium <em>KRn</em>. There is no Rn anomaly value recorded on the Rao Trang fault, demonstrating that it is likely to be inactive at present. The study results indicate that the Rn concentration in soil gas is a strong evidence of the existence of faults or tectonic fracture zones as the <em>Rn</em> concentration always increases at the points above or near the fault line.展开更多
Purpose–The efficient utilization of recycled concrete powder(RCP)has attracted much attention.To break through the limitation of single activation technology of RCP,this study investigates the effects of a mechanica...Purpose–The efficient utilization of recycled concrete powder(RCP)has attracted much attention.To break through the limitation of single activation technology of RCP,this study investigates the effects of a mechanical-microwave method on the reactivity of RCP.Design/methodology/approach–The mechanical properties,hydration products,and pore structure of RCP-incorporated mortar were evaluated.Findings–The results demonstrate that the combined activation reduces the median particle size of RCP and induces a low-frequency shift in the Si-O-T FT-IR characteristic peaks,signifying depolymerization of the silicate network and formation of highly reactive broken bond sites.Concurrently,decreased Si2p and Al2p binding energies in XPS spectra confirm enhanced surface reactivity.The 28-day strength activity index(SAI)of RCP mortar improved from 65.7(untreated)to 82.2%under optimal activation conditions(90-min ball milling followed by 10-min microwave irradiation),outperforming solely mechanical activation by 3.6–6.1%.Furthermore,combined activation increased chemically bound water content from 22.8 to 33.7%,accompanied by a low-wavenumber shift in FT-IR peaks of hydration products.The total porosity of RCP mortar decreased from 17.2 to 14.6%,indicating a denser pore structure.Originality/value–This study explores the feasibility and potential mechanism of mechanical-microwave activation of RCP,aiming to provide valuable insights for the sustainable development of materials.Using activated RCP in cement-based materials reduces the demand for cement and substantially cuts carbon emissions,thereby making a critical contribution to the construction industry’s green and low-carbon transition.展开更多
Understanding the active tectonic processes in the Nandakini Watershed is imperative for evaluating geological hazards and seismic risks,as well as for informing land-use planning and natural resource management strat...Understanding the active tectonic processes in the Nandakini Watershed is imperative for evaluating geological hazards and seismic risks,as well as for informing land-use planning and natural resource management strategies in the region.Tectonic geomorphology serves as a vital tool for characterizing recent tectonic movements.This research employs GIS techniques to elucidate tectonic activity and its influence on drainage patterns in the Nandakini Watershed,utilizing morphometric parameters derived from SRTM DEM data.Morphometric indices are employed to assess the tectonic movement within drainage basins,capturing both areal and linear factors such as drainage density,texture,circulatory and bifurcation ratios,and stream length ratios.The linear and areal morphometric indices are categorized into three classes representing varying degrees of active tectonic activity.These classifications are then utilized to compute the relative active tectonic index(IRAT).In addition,geomorphic parameters include hypsometric integral,stream length-gradient index,normalized steepness index,chi gradient index,and swath profiles.The majority of the studied region is in an extremely high to moderately active tectonic zone.Large-scale faults and thrusts within the basins are closely correlated with these zones that have been identified.The integrated methodology of GIS-based morphometric analysis and geomorphic study enables the identification of deformed landforms associated with ongoing tectonic activity.Furthermore,these results offer valuable insights for informing watershed management strategies and promoting sustainable land use planning initiatives.展开更多
Vegetation change is the most intuitive and sensitive bioindicator reflecting seasonal and interannual variations in the external environment,and it can directly reflect the rapid response of terrestrial ecosystems to...Vegetation change is the most intuitive and sensitive bioindicator reflecting seasonal and interannual variations in the external environment,and it can directly reflect the rapid response of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change.Using remote sensing and meteorological data,this study revealed the spatiotemporal characteristics of leaf area index(LAI)in the north of China during 1982–2022,clarified the response of LAI change to different meteorological factors,quantified the impacts of climate change and human activities on LAI change,and predicted the future trends in LAI change.From 1982 to 2022,the vegetation in the north of China generally showed a greening trend with a change rate of 0.0071 m2/(m2•a).Temperature was strongly positively correlated with LAI and was the main climate factor driving LAI change.Residual analysis revealed that vegetation improvement occurred in across 74.53%of the study area,and vegetation improvement in about 96.83%of the improved zone was attributed to a combination of climate change and human activities.The regions where anthropogenic contribution exceeded 60.00%covered 36.83%of human-affected areas,while the regions where climatic contribution exceeded 60.00%covered 19.77%of climate-affected areas,demonstrating that human activities influenced the intensity of LAI change more deeply despite the broad spatial impact of climate change.Human activities such as afforestation and the Three-North Protective Forest Program played the dominant role in vegetation greening compared to climate change.Hurst index analysis indicated that 80.30%of vegetation in the north of China is expected to experience a non-sustained improvement in the future.These findings will provide a scientific basis for optimizing the protection strategies of the national ecological barrier areas and evaluating the effectiveness of major ecological projects.展开更多
In general,bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of bioactive constituents from botanical materials frequently ended up with the reward of a single compound.However,botanical materials typically exert their ther...In general,bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of bioactive constituents from botanical materials frequently ended up with the reward of a single compound.However,botanical materials typically exert their therapeutic actions through multi-pathway effects due to the intrinsic complex nature of chemical constituents.In addition,the content of bioactive compounds in botanical materials is largely dependent on humidity,temperature,soil,especially geographical origins,from which rapid and accurate identification of plant materials is pressingly needed.These long-standing obstacles collectively impede the deep exploi-tation and application of these versatile natural sources.To address the challenges,a new paradigm inte-grating biogravimetric analyses and machine learning-driven origin classification(BAMLOC)was developed.The biogravimetric analyses are based on absolute qHNMR quantification and in vivo zebrafish model-assisted activity index calculation,by which bioactive substance groups jointly responsible for the bioactivities in all fractions are pinpointed before any isolation effort.To differentiate origin-different botanical materials varying in the content of bioactive substance groups,principal component analysis,linear discriminant analysis,and hierarchical cluster analysis in conjunction with supervised support vector machine are employed to classify and predict production areas based on the detection of volatile organic compounds by E-nose and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).Expanding BAMLOC to Codonopsis Radix enables the identification of polyacetylenes and pyrrolidine alkaloids as the bioactive substance group for immune restoration effect and accurately determines the origins of plants.This study advances the toolbox for the discovery of bioactive compounds from complex mixtures and lays a more definitive foundation for the in-depth utilization of botanical materials.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the efficacy of moxibustion in ulcerative colitis (UC) rats from morphological, immunological and molecular biological perspectives. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned t...AIM: To investigate the efficacy of moxibustion in ulcerative colitis (UC) rats from morphological, immunological and molecular biological perspectives. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a blank control group (normal rats, n = 6) and a model replication (MR) group (UC rats, n = 26). A UC model was established by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid/dextran sulfate sodium enema. Rats in the MR group were further randomly assigned to a 9-min moxibustion (9M) group (9 moxa-cone, n = 6), 6-min moxibustion (6M) group (6 moxa-cone, n = 6), 3-min moxibustion (3M) group (3 moxa-cone, n = 6), and a waiting list control (WLC) group (no moxibustion treatment, n = 6). Rats in the moxibustion treatment group were treated in 14 sessions over 28 d. Disease activity, local tissue morphology, serum level of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-10, and expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)9 as well as nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B p65 in colonic tissue were determined by disease activity index (DAI), hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: DAI was lowest in the 9M group and highest in the WLC group. The differences in DAI between the moxibustion treatment (3M, 6M, 9M) and no treatment groups were significant for all one-to-one comparisons (0.60 +/- 0.54 vs 1.20 +/- 0.44, 0.60 +/- 0.54 vs 1.80 +/- 0.45, 0.60 +/- 0.54 vs 3.0 +/- 0.45, respectively, P < 0.05). Light and electron microscopy showed that the neatness of the glandular arrangement in colonic mucosal epithelia gradually increased in the WLC, 3M, 6M to 9M groups. IL-8 level successively decreased while IL-10 level increased from the WLC to 3M, 6M and 9M groups. The differences among these groups were significant for all comparisons (105.46 +/- 8.75 vs 76.61 +/- 3.58, 105.46 +/- 8.75 vs 69.78 +/- 1.87, 105.46 +/- 8.75 vs 67.41 +/- 1.84, respectively, P < 0.01 for IL-8; and 30.83 +/- 1.29 vs 75.64 +/- 1.90, 30.83 +/- 1.29 vs 80.90 +/- 3.16, 30.83 +/- 1.29 vs 83.46 +/- 2.37, respectively, P < 0.01 for IL-10), except comparison of 6M vs 9M. Expression of TLR9 and NF-kappa B p65 decreased in order: highest in the WLC group and lowest in the 9M group. In addition, the differences among the WLC, 3M, 6M and 9M groups were significant for all comparisons (0.492 +/- 0.026 vs 0.380 +/- 0.022, 0.492 +/- 0.026 vs 0.355 +/- 0.005, 0.492 +/- 0.026 vs 0.327 +/- 0.015, respectively, P < 0.05 for TLR9; and 0.436 +/- 0.041 vs 0.326 +/- 0.022, 0.436 +/- 0.041 vs 0.293 +/- 0.006, 0.436 +/- 0.041 vs 0.265 +/- 0.017, respectively, P < 0.05 for NF-kappa B p65). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion repairs damaged colonic mucosa, suppresses serum IL-8, activates serum IL-10 level, and decreases expression of TLR-9 and NF-kappa B p65 in UC rats. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.展开更多
AIM To investigate the changes in microbiota in feces of patients with ulcerative colitis(UC) and pouchitis using genomic technology.METHODS Fecal samples were obtained from UC patients with or without an ileal pouch-...AIM To investigate the changes in microbiota in feces of patients with ulcerative colitis(UC) and pouchitis using genomic technology.METHODS Fecal samples were obtained from UC patients with or without an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis(IPAA) procedure, as well as healthy controls. The touchdown polymerase chain reaction technique was used to amplify the whole V3 region of the 16 S r RNA gene, which was transcribed from DNA extracted from fecal samples. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to separate the amplicons. The band profiles and similarity indices were analyzed digitally. The predominant microbiota in different groups was confirmed by sequencing the 16 S rR NA gene. RESULTS Microbial biodiversity in the healthy controls was significantly higher compared with the UC groups(P < 0.001) and IPAA groups(P < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the UC patients in remission and those in the mildly active stage, the predominant species in patients with moderately and severely active UC changed obviously. In addition, the proportion of the dominant microbiota, which was negatively correlated with the disease activity of UC(r =-6.591, P < 0.01),was decreased in pouchitis patients. The numbers of two types of bacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale, were reduced in UC. Patients with pouchitis had an altered microbiota composition compared with UC patients. The microbiota from pouchitis patients was less diverse than that from severely active UC patients. Sequencing results showed that similar microbiota, such as Clostridium perfringens, were shared in both UC and pouchitis.CONCLUSION Less diverse fecal microbiota was present in patients with UC and pouchitis. Increased C. perfringens in feces suggest its role in the exacerbation of UC and pouchitis.展开更多
Fugitive emission has been becoming an important source of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in pharmaceutical industry,but the exact contribution of fugitive emission remains incompletely understood.In present study,p...Fugitive emission has been becoming an important source of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in pharmaceutical industry,but the exact contribution of fugitive emission remains incompletely understood.In present study,pollution characteristics,odorous activity and health risk of stack and fugitive emissions of VOCs from four functional units (e.g.,workshop,sewage treatment station,raw material storage and hazardous waste storage) of three representative pharmaceutical factories were investigated.Workshop was the dominant contributor to VOCs of fugitive emission in comparison with other functional units.Extreme high concentration of VOCs from fugitive emission in unsealed workshop (94.87 mg/m^(3))was observed relative to sealed one (1.18 mg/m^(3)),accounting for 31%and 5%of total VOCs,respectively.Fugitive emission of VOCs in the unsealed workshop mainly consisted of nhexane,1-hexene and dichloromethane.Odorous activity indexes and non-cancer hazard ratios of these VOCs from fugitive emission in the unsealed workshop were as high as that from stack exhaust.Furthermore,cancer risk of dichloromethane from fugitive emission and stack exhaust was up to (1.6-1.8)×10^(-5).Odorous activity or health risk index of the VOCs from fugitive emission was up to 13 or 11 times of the corresponding threshold value,posing remarkable health threat on pharmaceutical workers.Our?ndings highlighted the possibly underestimated contribution of fugitive emission on VOCs in the pharmaceutical industry.展开更多
To enhance the understanding about the utilization of steel slags as a cementitious material, we comparatively studied the chemical, mineralogical and morphological properties of two types of steel slag; basicoxygen-f...To enhance the understanding about the utilization of steel slags as a cementitious material, we comparatively studied the chemical, mineralogical and morphological properties of two types of steel slag; basicoxygen-furnace carbon slag(BOF C) and electric-arc-furnace stainless steel slag(EAF S). Moreover, we studied the standard consistency, setting time and the effect of the slag replacement ratios on the fluidity and compressive strength of blended cement mortar. The experimental results showed that BOF C had higher alkalinity, higher pH value and more hydraulic phases than EAF S. Both types of slag showed water reduction effect due to its high fineness. Neat BOF C paste showed flash set and acceleration in the initial setting time of blended cement especially at high slag proportions. However, EAF S prolonged the setting time of blended cement even at low slag proportions. The pH values for blended cement contained 50% BOF C or EAF S were lower than those of pure cement paste. Despite of slag type, compressive strength gradually decreased with increasing slags content. The strength of BOF C mortar was higher than that of EAF S mortar with the same replacement ratio for the same age. Slag activity index demonstrated that BOF C and EAF S conformed to the Chinese National Standard(GB/T 20491-2006) requirements for steel slag as grade one and grade two, respectively.展开更多
AIM:To assess the intestinal permeability (IP) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and study the association of IP with the patient and disease characteristics. METHODS: One hundred and twenty five consecutive p...AIM:To assess the intestinal permeability (IP) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and study the association of IP with the patient and disease characteristics. METHODS: One hundred and twenty five consecutive patients of CD (Males: 66) were diagnosed on the basis of a combination of standard clinical, endoscopic, imaging and histological features. CD activity index (CDAI) was used to calculate the activity of the disease while the behavior of the disease was assessed by the modified Montreal classification. IP was measured by the ratio of the percentage excretion of ingested doses of lactulose and mannitol in urine (LMR). The upper limit of normality of LMR (0.037) was derived from 22 healthy controls. RESULTS: Thirty six percent of patients with CD had increased IP. There was no significant difference in mannitol excretion (patients vs controls = 12.5% vs 14.2%, P = 0.4652), but lactulose excretion was significantly higher in patients compared to healthy controls (patients vs controls = 0.326% vs 0.293%, P = 0.0391). The mean LMR was also significantly higher in the patients as compared to healthy controls [0.027 (0.0029-0.278) vs 0.0164 (0.0018-0.0548), P = 0.0044]. Male patients had a higher LMR compared to females [0.036 (95% CI 0.029, 0.046) vs 0.022 (95% CI 0.0178, 0.028) (P = 0.0024), though there was no difference in the number of patients with abnormal IP in boththe sexes. Patients with an ileo-colonic disease had a higher LMR than those with only colonic disease [0.045 (95% CI 0.033, 0.06) vs 0.021 (95% CI 0.017, 0.025) (P < 0.001)]. Of patients with ileo-colonic disease, 57.8% had an abnormal IP, compared to 26.7% with colonic and 15.6% with small intestinal disease. Patients with a stricturing disease had significantly higher LMR compared to non-fistulising non-stricturing disease [0.043 (95% CI 0.032, 0.058) vs 0.024 (95% CI 0.019, 0.029) (P = 0.0062)]. There was no correlation of IP with age, disease activity, duration of illness, D-xylose absorption, upper GI involvement, perianal disease, and extra- intestinal manifestations. On multiple regression analysis, male gender and ileo-colonic disease were independent factors associated with increased IP. Gender, location, behavior of the disease and upper GI involvement could explain up to 23% of variability in IP (R2 = 0.23). CONCLUSION: IP was increased in 36% of patients with CD. Male gender and an ileo-colonic disease were the independent factors associated with increased IP.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Crohn’s disease(CD)is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease with unknown etiology.Inflammatory chemical mediators synthesized from arachidonic acid,an n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid(PUFA),have been shown to activate CD.Additionally,n-3 PUFAs are metabolized by the same enzyme as n-6 PUFAs and known to inhibit the arachidonic acid cascade.Our previous study noted that the presence of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids is a characteristic finding in Japanese CD patients.It was thus speculated that FADS2 gene polymorphisms,which induce PUFA metabolizing enzymes,are involved in the pathogenesis of CD,though no such relationship was found.AIM To investigate the relationship of FADS2 polymorphisms with serum and erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition ratios,and disease activity.METHODS Using previously reported findings regarding FADS2 genetic polymorphisms,the records of 52 CD patients undergoing treatment at Jikei University Kashiwa Hospital were analyzed.Mutations noted were divided into three groups;wild-type(GG),heterozygous mutants(GA),and homozygous(AA),with the activities of delta-6 and delta-5 desaturases compared using redefined d6d index(rd.d6di)and d5d index(d5di).Additionally,comparisons of serum and erythrocyte membranes for fatty acid composition,and also gene polymorphisms and CD activity index(CDAI)were performed.RESULTS The presence of the rs174538 mutation in FADS2 resulted in reduction of only rd.d6di in the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.01).In contrast,that mutation was found to be associated with d5di induced by FADS1 in serum(P=0.019)as well as the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.0001),and also with reduction in the fatty acid composition of arachidonic acid in both serum(P<0.0001)and the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.01).Regarding disease activity,a positive correlation of CDAI score with rd.d6di in both serum(P<0.05)and the erythrocyte membrane(P<0.05)was found only in the rs174538 wild-type group.In contrast,there was no correction between CDAI and d5di in either serum or erythrocyte membrane samples.CONCLUSION The rs174538 mutation alters the fatty acid profile through strong linkage to the FADS1 gene.In wild-type individuals,rd.d6di was positively correlated with CDAI,suggesting predictive utility of disease severity.
基金Research grant provided by the Tehran University of Medical Sciences
文摘AIM: To investigate the anti-oxidant and anti-neutrophil recruitment effects of rectal d-alpha (d-α) tocopherol administration on mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: Fifteen patients with mild and moderately active ulcerative colitis were enrolled in an open-label study of d-α tocopherol enema (8000 U/d) for 12 wk. All patients were receiving concomitant therapy with 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives (5-ASA) and/or immunomodulator medications. Endoscopic evaluation was performed at baseline and after 4th and 12th weeks. Disease activity was measured with the Mayo disease activity index (DAI) and remission was defined as DAI of ≤ 2 with no blood in stool. Clinical response was defined as a DAI reduction of ≥ 2. RESULTS: At the end of 12th week,the average DAI score significantly decreased compared to the beginning of the study (2.3 ± 0.37 vs 8 ± 0.48,P < 0.0001). One patient was withdrawn after 3 wk for being unavailable to follow-up. On the 4th week of therapy,12 patients showed clinical response,3 of whom (21.4%) achieving remission. After 12 wk,all 14 patients responded clinically to the therapy and remission was induced in 9 of them (64%). No patient reported adverse events or was hospitalized due to worsened disease activity. CONCLUSION: This preliminary report suggests that rectal d-α tocopherol may represent a novel therapy for mild and moderately active UC. The observed results might be due to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties of vitamin E.
文摘BACKGROUND The pediatric Crohn’s disease activity index(PCDAI)is used as a standard tool to assess disease activity in clinical trials for pediatric Crohn’s disease.AIM To examine which items on the PCDAI drive assessment of disease activity,and how subgroups of subjective and objective items reflect change in disease state over time.METHODS Selective raw data from three prospectively collected datasets were combined,including 703 children with full PCDAI data at baseline,at 3-mo(Q1,n=670),and 1-year(Q4,n=474).Change in individual PCDAI scores from baseline to Q1 and to Q4 were examined using the non-weighted PCDAI.RESULTS Abdominal pain,well-being,weight,and stooling had the highest change scores over time.Objective indicators including albumin,abdominal exam,and height velocity followed.Change scores for well-being and abdominal exam did not explain significant variance at Q1 but were significant predictors at Q4(P<0.001 and P<0.05).Subjective and objective subgroups of items predicted less variance(18%and 22%)on total PCDAI scores at Q1 and Q4 compared to the full PCDAI,or a composite scale(both 32%)containing significant predictors.CONCLUSION Although subjective items on the PCDAI change the most over time,the full PCDAI or a smaller composite of items including a combination of subjective and objective components classifies disease activity better than a subgroup of either subjective or objective items alone.Reliance on subjective or objective items as stand-alone proxies for disease activity measurement could result in misclassification of disease state.
文摘The Crohn＇s disease activity index （CDAI） has been commonly used to assess the effects of treatment with different agents in Crohn＇s disease （CD）. However, these studies may be compromised, if the results compared to a placebo or standard therapy group （in the absence of a placebo） substantially differ from the expected response. In addition, significant concerns have been raised regarding the reliability and validity of the CDAI. Reproducibility of the CDAI may be limited as significant inter-observer error has been recorded, even if measurements are done by experienced clinicians with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of CD. Finally, many CDAI endpoints are open to subjective interpretation and have the potential for manipulation. This is worrisome as there is the potential for significant financial gain, if the results of a clinical trial appear to provide a positive result. Physicians caring for patients should be concerned about the positive results in clinical trials that are sponsored by industry, even if the trials involve respected centers and the results appear in highly ranked medical journals.
文摘To investigate of pediatric ulcerative colitis activity index(PUCAI)in ulcerative colitis correlate with mucosal inflammation and endoscopic assessment of disease activity(Mayo endoscopic score).METHODSWe reviewed charts from ulcerative colitis patients who had undergone both colonoscopy over 3 years.Clinical assessment of disease severity within 35 d(either before or after)the colonoscopy were included.Patients were excluded if they had significant therapeutic interventions(such as the start of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive agents)between the colonoscopy and the clinical assessment.Mayo endoscopic score of the rectum and sigmoid were done by two gastroenterologists.Inter-observer variability in Mayo score was assessed.RESULTSWe identified 99 patients(53%female,74%pancolitis)that met inclusion criteria.The indications for colonoscopy included ongoing disease activity(62%),consideration of medication change(10%),assessment of medication efficacy(14%),and cancer screening(14%).Based on PUCAI scores,33%of patients were in remission,39%had mild disease,23%had moderate disease,and 4%had severe disease.There was“moderate-substantial”agreement between the two reviewers in assessing rectal Mayo scores(kappa=0.54,95%CI:0.41-0.68).CONCLUSIONEndoscopic disease severity(Mayo score)assessed by reviewing photographs of pediatric colonoscopy has moderate inter-rater reliability,and agreement was less robust in assessing patients with mild disease activity.Endoscopic disease severity generally correlates with clinical disease severity as measured by PUCAI score.However,children with inflamed colons can have significant variation in their reported clinical symptoms.Thus,assessment of both clinical symptoms and endoscopic disease severity may be required in future clinical studies.
基金DG ISR and DST (GoG) for providing required supportDMC Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH/1255) for providing financial support。
文摘The present study area,Dadra and Nagar Haveli,contains several lineaments and traces of active faults.The various aspect of the geomo rphic analysis,i.e.,stream length(SL) gradient,hypsometric integral(HI),basin shape(BS),valley floor(VF),have been applied to evaluate the relative index of active tectonics(RIAT) of the Damanganga watershed.The high and low zones of tectonic activity have been identified based on the geomorphic analysis of the watershed.After evaluation of all indices,three classes,class IIhigh(1.3 ≤RIAT <1.5),class Ⅲ-moderate(1.5 ≤RIAT <1.8),and class Ⅳ-low(1.8 ≤RIAT),have been obtained to outline the degree/gradation of comparative tectonic activities in the study area.The appraised outcome of the RIAT dispersal is also well reinforced by the geomorphic evidence in the field.The collective outcomes of geomorphic evidence,such as stream deflection and analysis of lineament,deflection of streams,and geomorphic indices,conceal that the Damanganga watershed is affected by tectonic activity.
基金Item Sponsored by National Natural Science Foundation of China(51234003)
文摘Air quenched basic oxygen furnace steel slag （BOF-SS） is processed at very high cooling rate, which is expected to have different cementitious properties from conventional slowly cooled BOF-SS. For this purpose, the strength activity indexes of air quenched and slowly cooled BOF-SS are investigated. The results reveal that, under the specific surface area （S） of 490 m^2/kg, the compressive strength activity index reaches 1.24 after 28 days with replacement of 15% air quenched BOF-SS and reaches 1.05 after 28 days with replacement of 20% air quenched BOF-SS and 30%granulated blast furnace slag （GBFS）. The cementitious activity of air quenched BOF-SS is obviously higher than that of slowly cooled BOF-SS, mainly because it contains more C3 S and glassy phases.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province(LQ21H030010&Q19H030064)Medical Health Science and Technology Project of the Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission(2021417815).
文摘Objective:The ulcerative colitis endoscopic index of severity(UCEIS)and the Mayo endoscopic score(MES)are developed as objective methods of evaluating endoscopic severity in patients with ulcerative colitis(UC).The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of the UCEIS and MES in predicting the patient's response to mesalazine.Methods:Consecutive patients with UC who had undergone colonoscopy within 1 month before starting mesalazine between October 2011 and July 2016 were retrospectively collected at the Department of Gastroenterology,Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital,Zhejiang University School of Medicine.The median follow-up was 81 months,and all the data were analyzed in January 2021.The primary outcome was the need for step-up treatment,which included the use of corticosteroids,immunomodulatory,or surgery during admission and follow-up.Data were analyzed using the c2 or Fisher exact test,Spearman test,t-test,and ManneWhitney U test.Results:Totally,65 patients were enrolled,of whom 12(18.5%)needed step-up treatment due to nonresponse to mesalazine.The UCEIS score,MES,and the ulcerative colitis disease activity index(UCDAI)score were significantly higher in patients who had nonresponse to mesalazine(UCEIS score:6.92±0.69 vs.4.45±1.17,p<0.001;MES:2.67±0.49 vs.2.15±0.69,p=0.024;UCDAI score:9.33±1.87 vs.6.70±2.38,p=0.002).In the multivariate analysis,the UCEIS score(OR=25.65,95%CI:3.048 e45.985,p=0.003),UCDAI score(OR=1.605,95%CI:1.144e2.254,p=0.006),and C-reactive protein level(OR=1.056,95%CI:1.006e1.108,p=0.026)were independent risk factors of nonresponse.The area under the ROC curve of UCEIS was 0.95,with a sensitivity of 100%and specificity of 84.6%,a cut-off value of 6,which outperformed the MES with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70.When the UCEIS score≥6,60%of patients eventually needed step-up treatment.Conclusions:The UCEIS is a useful instrument for predicting the therapeutic effect in patients with UC treated with mesalazine.The high probability of mesalazine treatment failure and benefits of other therapies should be discussed in patients with baseline UCEIS score≥6.
基金Financial support to Syed Amer Mahmood from University of the Punjab,Lahore Government of Pakistan Remote Sensing GroupTU Freiberg,Germanypartial support from German Academic Exchange Association(DAAD)International Association of Mathematical Geosciences(IAMG)
文摘Landscapes in tectonically active Hindu Kush （NW Pakistan and NE Alghanistanl result from a complex integration of the effects of vertical and horizontal crustal block motions as well as erosion and deposition processes. Active tectonics in this region have greatly influenced the drainage system and geomorphic expressions. The study area is a junction of three important mt^unlain ranges （Hindu Kush-Karakorunl-Himalayas） and is thus an ideal natural laboratory to investigate the relative tectonic activity resulting from the India-Eurasia collision. We evaluate active tectonics using DEM derived drainage network and geomorphic indices hypsometric integral （Hl）. stream-length gradient （SL）, fractal dimension （FD）, basin asymmetry factor （AF）, basin shape index （B,）, valley floor width to wllley height ratio （Vf） and motmtain front sinuosity （Star）. The results obtained from these indices were combined to yield an index of relative active tectonics （IRAT） using GIS. The average of the seven measured geomorphic indices was used to ewfluate the distri- bution of relative tectonic activity in the study area. We defined tour classes to define the degree of rela- tive tectonic activity： class 1 very high （1.0 ≤ IRAT 〈 1.3）; class 2 high （1.3 ≥ IRAT 〈 1.5）： class 3--moderate （1.5 〉 IRAT 〈 1.8）; and class 4--low （1.8 〉 IRAT）. In view of the results, we conclude that this combined approach allows the identification of the highly deformed areas related to active tectonics. Landsat imagery and field observations also evidence the presence of active tectonics based on the deflected streams, deformed landforms, active mountain fronts and triangular facets. The indicative values of IRAT are consistent with the areas of known relative uplift rates, landforms and geology.
文摘To provide a reference basis for reasonable development and utilization of Ampelopsis grossedentata resource and its application in production,we added 0.025%,0.05% and 0.1% dihydromyricetin（DMY）extracted from A.grossedentata into the basal diets of Yaoshan chickens,and studied the effects of DMY on visceral organ indexes and digestive enzyme activities of 40-day-old healthy Yaoshan chickens.Supplementation of DMY in basal diets influenced visceral organ weight,organ index,length and digestive enzyme activity of small intestine of chickens.Among them,0.05% DMY was the most appropriate volume for supplementation.Compared with control group（without DMY）,0.05% DMY reduced lung weight and index（P〉0.05）,significantly reduced liver weight（P〈0.05）,extremely reduced stomach weight and stomach index（P〈0.01）,increased activity of amylase in small intestine（P〉0.05）,significantly increased length of small intestine and activity of protease（P〈0.05）.Supplementation of 0.05% DMY reduced the visceral organ weight and organ index,enhanced digestion and absorption ability of gastrointestinal tract,thereby improving feed utilization rate and promoting the growth of chickens.
文摘The solid-state nuclear track detectors have long been applied to assess the activity of tectonic faults. We measured the Radon (<em>Rn</em>) concentration in soil gas on 09 profiles with a total of 245 measurement points in Thua Thien Hue area (Vietnam). Measurement results show that the <em>Rn</em> concentration in soil gas ranges from ~10 Bq/m<sup>3</sup> to 144,570 Bq/m<sup>3</sup>. There is a clear difference in the <em>Rn</em> concentration on the granite rock of Dai Loc complex compared to the remaining rocks. The calculated background value and anomaly threshold of <em>Rn</em> concentration on the granite rock of Dai Loc complex and on the remaining rocks are 33,488 Bq/m<sup>3</sup>, 82,839 Bq/m<sup>3</sup> and 5313 Bq/m<sup>3</sup>, 24,850 Bq/m<sup>3</sup> respectively. Spatial distribution of Rn concentration in soil gas reflects the existence of faults since Rn concentration increases at the points above or near fault lines. The level of expression of fault activity is assessed by radon activity index (<em>KRn</em>), which is calculated by the ratio of anomaly value to background value of <em>Rn</em> concentration. According to <em>KRn</em>, in Thua Thien Hue area, only the Dakrong-Hue fault shows a strong expression of activity with high and very high <em>KRn</em> (the maximum <em>KRn</em> = 27.21). The Truong Son, Huu Trach River, Ta Trach River and Bo River fault zones do not show clear activity with low and medium <em>KRn</em>. There is no Rn anomaly value recorded on the Rao Trang fault, demonstrating that it is likely to be inactive at present. The study results indicate that the Rn concentration in soil gas is a strong evidence of the existence of faults or tectonic fracture zones as the <em>Rn</em> concentration always increases at the points above or near the fault line.
基金sponsored by Science and Technology Research and Development Plan of China National Railway Group Co.,Ltd.(L2022G009)National Natural Science Foundation of China(52438002)+1 种基金Research Project of China Academy of Railway Science Corporation Limited(2024YJ254)New Cornerstone Science Foundation through the XPLORER PRIZE.
文摘Purpose–The efficient utilization of recycled concrete powder(RCP)has attracted much attention.To break through the limitation of single activation technology of RCP,this study investigates the effects of a mechanical-microwave method on the reactivity of RCP.Design/methodology/approach–The mechanical properties,hydration products,and pore structure of RCP-incorporated mortar were evaluated.Findings–The results demonstrate that the combined activation reduces the median particle size of RCP and induces a low-frequency shift in the Si-O-T FT-IR characteristic peaks,signifying depolymerization of the silicate network and formation of highly reactive broken bond sites.Concurrently,decreased Si2p and Al2p binding energies in XPS spectra confirm enhanced surface reactivity.The 28-day strength activity index(SAI)of RCP mortar improved from 65.7(untreated)to 82.2%under optimal activation conditions(90-min ball milling followed by 10-min microwave irradiation),outperforming solely mechanical activation by 3.6–6.1%.Furthermore,combined activation increased chemically bound water content from 22.8 to 33.7%,accompanied by a low-wavenumber shift in FT-IR peaks of hydration products.The total porosity of RCP mortar decreased from 17.2 to 14.6%,indicating a denser pore structure.Originality/value–This study explores the feasibility and potential mechanism of mechanical-microwave activation of RCP,aiming to provide valuable insights for the sustainable development of materials.Using activated RCP in cement-based materials reduces the demand for cement and substantially cuts carbon emissions,thereby making a critical contribution to the construction industry’s green and low-carbon transition.
文摘Understanding the active tectonic processes in the Nandakini Watershed is imperative for evaluating geological hazards and seismic risks,as well as for informing land-use planning and natural resource management strategies in the region.Tectonic geomorphology serves as a vital tool for characterizing recent tectonic movements.This research employs GIS techniques to elucidate tectonic activity and its influence on drainage patterns in the Nandakini Watershed,utilizing morphometric parameters derived from SRTM DEM data.Morphometric indices are employed to assess the tectonic movement within drainage basins,capturing both areal and linear factors such as drainage density,texture,circulatory and bifurcation ratios,and stream length ratios.The linear and areal morphometric indices are categorized into three classes representing varying degrees of active tectonic activity.These classifications are then utilized to compute the relative active tectonic index(IRAT).In addition,geomorphic parameters include hypsometric integral,stream length-gradient index,normalized steepness index,chi gradient index,and swath profiles.The majority of the studied region is in an extremely high to moderately active tectonic zone.Large-scale faults and thrusts within the basins are closely correlated with these zones that have been identified.The integrated methodology of GIS-based morphometric analysis and geomorphic study enables the identification of deformed landforms associated with ongoing tectonic activity.Furthermore,these results offer valuable insights for informing watershed management strategies and promoting sustainable land use planning initiatives.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(42301127)the Natural Science Foundation of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region(2023D01C185).
文摘Vegetation change is the most intuitive and sensitive bioindicator reflecting seasonal and interannual variations in the external environment,and it can directly reflect the rapid response of terrestrial ecosystems to climate change.Using remote sensing and meteorological data,this study revealed the spatiotemporal characteristics of leaf area index(LAI)in the north of China during 1982–2022,clarified the response of LAI change to different meteorological factors,quantified the impacts of climate change and human activities on LAI change,and predicted the future trends in LAI change.From 1982 to 2022,the vegetation in the north of China generally showed a greening trend with a change rate of 0.0071 m2/(m2•a).Temperature was strongly positively correlated with LAI and was the main climate factor driving LAI change.Residual analysis revealed that vegetation improvement occurred in across 74.53%of the study area,and vegetation improvement in about 96.83%of the improved zone was attributed to a combination of climate change and human activities.The regions where anthropogenic contribution exceeded 60.00%covered 36.83%of human-affected areas,while the regions where climatic contribution exceeded 60.00%covered 19.77%of climate-affected areas,demonstrating that human activities influenced the intensity of LAI change more deeply despite the broad spatial impact of climate change.Human activities such as afforestation and the Three-North Protective Forest Program played the dominant role in vegetation greening compared to climate change.Hurst index analysis indicated that 80.30%of vegetation in the north of China is expected to experience a non-sustained improvement in the future.These findings will provide a scientific basis for optimizing the protection strategies of the national ecological barrier areas and evaluating the effectiveness of major ecological projects.
基金the Project of the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.:2022YFC3501802)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.:82204614)+2 种基金Zhejiang Provincial Basic Public Welfare Research Program(Program No.:LTGC24H280002)Xiao Li and Prof.Tianxiang Li(Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine)for collecting and identifying all the CR samplesYingniang Li from the Core Facilities,Zhejiang University School of Medicine for their technical support.
文摘In general,bioassay-guided fractionation and isolation of bioactive constituents from botanical materials frequently ended up with the reward of a single compound.However,botanical materials typically exert their therapeutic actions through multi-pathway effects due to the intrinsic complex nature of chemical constituents.In addition,the content of bioactive compounds in botanical materials is largely dependent on humidity,temperature,soil,especially geographical origins,from which rapid and accurate identification of plant materials is pressingly needed.These long-standing obstacles collectively impede the deep exploi-tation and application of these versatile natural sources.To address the challenges,a new paradigm inte-grating biogravimetric analyses and machine learning-driven origin classification(BAMLOC)was developed.The biogravimetric analyses are based on absolute qHNMR quantification and in vivo zebrafish model-assisted activity index calculation,by which bioactive substance groups jointly responsible for the bioactivities in all fractions are pinpointed before any isolation effort.To differentiate origin-different botanical materials varying in the content of bioactive substance groups,principal component analysis,linear discriminant analysis,and hierarchical cluster analysis in conjunction with supervised support vector machine are employed to classify and predict production areas based on the detection of volatile organic compounds by E-nose and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS).Expanding BAMLOC to Codonopsis Radix enables the identification of polyacetylenes and pyrrolidine alkaloids as the bioactive substance group for immune restoration effect and accurately determines the origins of plants.This study advances the toolbox for the discovery of bioactive compounds from complex mixtures and lays a more definitive foundation for the in-depth utilization of botanical materials.
基金Supported by Scientific and Technological Project of Educational Department of Liaoning Province,China,No.L2011166
文摘AIM: To investigate the efficacy of moxibustion in ulcerative colitis (UC) rats from morphological, immunological and molecular biological perspectives. METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a blank control group (normal rats, n = 6) and a model replication (MR) group (UC rats, n = 26). A UC model was established by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid/dextran sulfate sodium enema. Rats in the MR group were further randomly assigned to a 9-min moxibustion (9M) group (9 moxa-cone, n = 6), 6-min moxibustion (6M) group (6 moxa-cone, n = 6), 3-min moxibustion (3M) group (3 moxa-cone, n = 6), and a waiting list control (WLC) group (no moxibustion treatment, n = 6). Rats in the moxibustion treatment group were treated in 14 sessions over 28 d. Disease activity, local tissue morphology, serum level of interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-10, and expression of Toll-like receptor (TLR)9 as well as nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B p65 in colonic tissue were determined by disease activity index (DAI), hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: DAI was lowest in the 9M group and highest in the WLC group. The differences in DAI between the moxibustion treatment (3M, 6M, 9M) and no treatment groups were significant for all one-to-one comparisons (0.60 +/- 0.54 vs 1.20 +/- 0.44, 0.60 +/- 0.54 vs 1.80 +/- 0.45, 0.60 +/- 0.54 vs 3.0 +/- 0.45, respectively, P < 0.05). Light and electron microscopy showed that the neatness of the glandular arrangement in colonic mucosal epithelia gradually increased in the WLC, 3M, 6M to 9M groups. IL-8 level successively decreased while IL-10 level increased from the WLC to 3M, 6M and 9M groups. The differences among these groups were significant for all comparisons (105.46 +/- 8.75 vs 76.61 +/- 3.58, 105.46 +/- 8.75 vs 69.78 +/- 1.87, 105.46 +/- 8.75 vs 67.41 +/- 1.84, respectively, P < 0.01 for IL-8; and 30.83 +/- 1.29 vs 75.64 +/- 1.90, 30.83 +/- 1.29 vs 80.90 +/- 3.16, 30.83 +/- 1.29 vs 83.46 +/- 2.37, respectively, P < 0.01 for IL-10), except comparison of 6M vs 9M. Expression of TLR9 and NF-kappa B p65 decreased in order: highest in the WLC group and lowest in the 9M group. In addition, the differences among the WLC, 3M, 6M and 9M groups were significant for all comparisons (0.492 +/- 0.026 vs 0.380 +/- 0.022, 0.492 +/- 0.026 vs 0.355 +/- 0.005, 0.492 +/- 0.026 vs 0.327 +/- 0.015, respectively, P < 0.05 for TLR9; and 0.436 +/- 0.041 vs 0.326 +/- 0.022, 0.436 +/- 0.041 vs 0.293 +/- 0.006, 0.436 +/- 0.041 vs 0.265 +/- 0.017, respectively, P < 0.05 for NF-kappa B p65). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion repairs damaged colonic mucosa, suppresses serum IL-8, activates serum IL-10 level, and decreases expression of TLR-9 and NF-kappa B p65 in UC rats. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
基金Supported by Academician Jie-Shou Li Intestinal Barrier Research Foundation,No.LJS_201008
文摘AIM To investigate the changes in microbiota in feces of patients with ulcerative colitis(UC) and pouchitis using genomic technology.METHODS Fecal samples were obtained from UC patients with or without an ileal pouch-anal anastomosis(IPAA) procedure, as well as healthy controls. The touchdown polymerase chain reaction technique was used to amplify the whole V3 region of the 16 S r RNA gene, which was transcribed from DNA extracted from fecal samples. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was used to separate the amplicons. The band profiles and similarity indices were analyzed digitally. The predominant microbiota in different groups was confirmed by sequencing the 16 S rR NA gene. RESULTS Microbial biodiversity in the healthy controls was significantly higher compared with the UC groups(P < 0.001) and IPAA groups(P < 0.001). Compared with healthy controls, the UC patients in remission and those in the mildly active stage, the predominant species in patients with moderately and severely active UC changed obviously. In addition, the proportion of the dominant microbiota, which was negatively correlated with the disease activity of UC(r =-6.591, P < 0.01),was decreased in pouchitis patients. The numbers of two types of bacteria, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and Eubacterium rectale, were reduced in UC. Patients with pouchitis had an altered microbiota composition compared with UC patients. The microbiota from pouchitis patients was less diverse than that from severely active UC patients. Sequencing results showed that similar microbiota, such as Clostridium perfringens, were shared in both UC and pouchitis.CONCLUSION Less diverse fecal microbiota was present in patients with UC and pouchitis. Increased C. perfringens in feces suggest its role in the exacerbation of UC and pouchitis.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (No. 2019YFC0214402)the National Nature Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41805103, 42177354, and 21777032)+1 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province (No. 2021A1515011492)the Science and Technology Program of Guangzhou (No. 202102020451)。
文摘Fugitive emission has been becoming an important source of volatile organic compounds(VOCs) in pharmaceutical industry,but the exact contribution of fugitive emission remains incompletely understood.In present study,pollution characteristics,odorous activity and health risk of stack and fugitive emissions of VOCs from four functional units (e.g.,workshop,sewage treatment station,raw material storage and hazardous waste storage) of three representative pharmaceutical factories were investigated.Workshop was the dominant contributor to VOCs of fugitive emission in comparison with other functional units.Extreme high concentration of VOCs from fugitive emission in unsealed workshop (94.87 mg/m^(3))was observed relative to sealed one (1.18 mg/m^(3)),accounting for 31%and 5%of total VOCs,respectively.Fugitive emission of VOCs in the unsealed workshop mainly consisted of nhexane,1-hexene and dichloromethane.Odorous activity indexes and non-cancer hazard ratios of these VOCs from fugitive emission in the unsealed workshop were as high as that from stack exhaust.Furthermore,cancer risk of dichloromethane from fugitive emission and stack exhaust was up to (1.6-1.8)×10^(-5).Odorous activity or health risk index of the VOCs from fugitive emission was up to 13 or 11 times of the corresponding threshold value,posing remarkable health threat on pharmaceutical workers.Our?ndings highlighted the possibly underestimated contribution of fugitive emission on VOCs in the pharmaceutical industry.
基金Funded by the National Natural Science Foundations of China(Nos.51378113 and 51438003)the Plan of Six Peak Talents in Jiangsu Province(No.JZ-004)Partly Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program,No.2015CB655102)
文摘To enhance the understanding about the utilization of steel slags as a cementitious material, we comparatively studied the chemical, mineralogical and morphological properties of two types of steel slag; basicoxygen-furnace carbon slag(BOF C) and electric-arc-furnace stainless steel slag(EAF S). Moreover, we studied the standard consistency, setting time and the effect of the slag replacement ratios on the fluidity and compressive strength of blended cement mortar. The experimental results showed that BOF C had higher alkalinity, higher pH value and more hydraulic phases than EAF S. Both types of slag showed water reduction effect due to its high fineness. Neat BOF C paste showed flash set and acceleration in the initial setting time of blended cement especially at high slag proportions. However, EAF S prolonged the setting time of blended cement even at low slag proportions. The pH values for blended cement contained 50% BOF C or EAF S were lower than those of pure cement paste. Despite of slag type, compressive strength gradually decreased with increasing slags content. The strength of BOF C mortar was higher than that of EAF S mortar with the same replacement ratio for the same age. Slag activity index demonstrated that BOF C and EAF S conformed to the Chinese National Standard(GB/T 20491-2006) requirements for steel slag as grade one and grade two, respectively.
文摘AIM:To assess the intestinal permeability (IP) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and study the association of IP with the patient and disease characteristics. METHODS: One hundred and twenty five consecutive patients of CD (Males: 66) were diagnosed on the basis of a combination of standard clinical, endoscopic, imaging and histological features. CD activity index (CDAI) was used to calculate the activity of the disease while the behavior of the disease was assessed by the modified Montreal classification. IP was measured by the ratio of the percentage excretion of ingested doses of lactulose and mannitol in urine (LMR). The upper limit of normality of LMR (0.037) was derived from 22 healthy controls. RESULTS: Thirty six percent of patients with CD had increased IP. There was no significant difference in mannitol excretion (patients vs controls = 12.5% vs 14.2%, P = 0.4652), but lactulose excretion was significantly higher in patients compared to healthy controls (patients vs controls = 0.326% vs 0.293%, P = 0.0391). The mean LMR was also significantly higher in the patients as compared to healthy controls [0.027 (0.0029-0.278) vs 0.0164 (0.0018-0.0548), P = 0.0044]. Male patients had a higher LMR compared to females [0.036 (95% CI 0.029, 0.046) vs 0.022 (95% CI 0.0178, 0.028) (P = 0.0024), though there was no difference in the number of patients with abnormal IP in boththe sexes. Patients with an ileo-colonic disease had a higher LMR than those with only colonic disease [0.045 (95% CI 0.033, 0.06) vs 0.021 (95% CI 0.017, 0.025) (P < 0.001)]. Of patients with ileo-colonic disease, 57.8% had an abnormal IP, compared to 26.7% with colonic and 15.6% with small intestinal disease. Patients with a stricturing disease had significantly higher LMR compared to non-fistulising non-stricturing disease [0.043 (95% CI 0.032, 0.058) vs 0.024 (95% CI 0.019, 0.029) (P = 0.0062)]. There was no correlation of IP with age, disease activity, duration of illness, D-xylose absorption, upper GI involvement, perianal disease, and extra- intestinal manifestations. On multiple regression analysis, male gender and ileo-colonic disease were independent factors associated with increased IP. Gender, location, behavior of the disease and upper GI involvement could explain up to 23% of variability in IP (R2 = 0.23). CONCLUSION: IP was increased in 36% of patients with CD. Male gender and an ileo-colonic disease were the independent factors associated with increased IP.
