Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands we...Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands were earned out by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope.To prepare the extract,the shade-dried fronds of glandular morphotype were soaked in acetone.For antibacterial studies paper disc method was followed by using various pathogenic bacteria.Results:Detailed micromorphological,phytochemical and bioactivity studies on a medicinal fern C.parasitica(L.) H.Lev.showed its inlraspecific variation in antibacterial activity.The presence or absence of the epidermal glands was the key factor for antibacterial activity in the morphovariants of this species.The epidermal glands were orange-coloured,stalked and elongated ones of about 84.2μm×45μm,and distributed on the undersurface of cosla,coslules and veins in croziers,young and mature leaves.Frequency of glands varied from 15/cm on costa in mature leaves to 140/cm on costules in croziers.The acetone extract of the glands showed antibacterial activities and also toxic effect against mosquito larvae and tadpoles of frog.Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC studies of the gland extract showed the presence of various kinds of terpenoids,alkaloids,tannins,saponins and flavonoids in it.Conclusions:The present study shows that epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of C. parasitica(L.) H.Lev.have several bioactive compounds and such rare moiphovariant should be conserved in nature.The next step is to isolate the pure compounds and to screen the bioactivity of individual compounds of the epidermal glands.展开更多
The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), domin...The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), dominant under normal dietary conditions (ND), and colonic (HKAα2), induced under a K-free diet (KD). The enzymatic activity (EA) of HKA in the OMCD is incompletely understood. The focus of the present study is elucidating the EA of the HKA in HKAα1 and HKAα2 knockout (KO) mice under ND and KD. KO mice were subjected to ND or KD for 10 days. Ten OMCD tubules were extracted, half placed in potassium-free media (Solution 2), half in potassium-containing media (Solution 3). Fluorescence measurements are based on the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, coupled with the oxidation of NADH. ADP is determined by a decrease in NADH fluorescence. In K presence, NADH fluorescence of HKAα1 KO mice read 13.5 ± 0.7 ppm for ND and 10.3 ± 0.2 ppm for KD, indicating stimulation of the colonic isoform. HKAα2 KO mice averaged 6.8 ± 0.3 ppm for ND and 5.4 ± 0.3 ppm for KD in solution 2 (p p α2 isoform. A significant difference in ATP production in HKAα2 KO mice is likely due to enhanced EA of H-ATPase under potassium depletion.展开更多
Using the latest available artificial intelligence (AI) technology, an advanced algorithm LIVERFAStTM has been used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning (ML) biomarker algorithms to assess liver dam...Using the latest available artificial intelligence (AI) technology, an advanced algorithm LIVERFAStTM has been used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning (ML) biomarker algorithms to assess liver damage. Prevalence of NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and resulting NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) are constantly increasing worldwide, creating challenges for screening as the diagnosis for NASH requires invasive liver biopsy. Key issues in NAFLD patients are the differentiation of NASH from simple steatosis and identification of advanced hepatic fibrosis. In this prospective study, the staging of three different lesions of the liver to diagnose fatty liver was analyzed using a proprietary ML algorithm LIVERFAStTM developed with a database of 2862 unique medical assessments of biomarkers, where 1027 assessments were used to train the algorithm and 1835 constituted the validation set. Data of 13,068 patients who underwent the LIVERFAStTM test for evaluation of fatty liver disease were analysed. Data evaluation revealed 11% of the patients exhibited significant fibrosis with fibrosis scores 0.6 - 1.00. Approximately 7% of the population had severe hepatic inflammation. Steatosis was observed in most patients, 63%, whereas severe steatosis S3 was observed in 20%. Using modified SAF (Steatosis, Activity and Fibrosis) scores obtained using the LIVERFAStTM algorithm, NAFLD was detected in 13.41% of the patients (Sx > 0, Ay 0). Approximately 1.91% (Sx > 0, Ay = 2, Fz > 0) of the patients showed NAFLD or NASH scorings while 1.08% had confirmed NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 1 - 2) and 1.49% had advanced NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 3 - 4). The modified SAF scoring system generated by LIVERFAStTM provides a simple and convenient evaluation of NAFLD and NASH in a cohort of Southeast Asians. This system may lead to the use of noninvasive liver tests in extended populations for more accurate diagnosis of liver pathology, prediction of clinical path of individuals at all stages of liver diseases, and provision of an efficient system for therapeutic interventions.展开更多
Objective:To explore the immunomodulatory properties of 80% ethanol extract and butanol fraction of Gentiana olivieri(G. olivieri) Griseb on Balb/C mice.Methods:The study was performed with basic models of immunomodul...Objective:To explore the immunomodulatory properties of 80% ethanol extract and butanol fraction of Gentiana olivieri(G. olivieri) Griseb on Balb/C mice.Methods:The study was performed with basic models of immunomodulation such as the humoral antibody response(hemoglutination antibody titres), cell mediated immune response(delayed type hypersensitivity and in vivocarbon clearance or phagocytosis). Ethanol(80%) extract of flowering aerial parts of G.olivieriand its butanol fraction were administered p.o.(orally) to the mice. Levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg was used as standard drug.Results:There was a potentiation of immune response to sheep red blood cells by cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms comparable to levamisole(2.5 mg/kg) by both 80% ethanol extract and the butanol fraction at doses of 50-200 mg/kg in male Balb/C mice. Both significantly(P<0.01) potentiated the humoral immune response in cyclophosphamide(250 mg/kg)immunosupressed mice at 100 and 200 mg/kg of each extract and fraction as compared to control.The potentiation of delayed type hypersensitivity response was statistically significant(P<0.01) at200 mg/kg of ethanol extract and 100, 200 mg/kg of butanol fraction as compared to control. The phagocytosis was significant at 200 mg/kg with butanol fraction ofG. olivieri.Conclusions:The results reveal the immunostimulant effects of plantG. olivieriin mice by acting through cellular and humoral immunity in experimental models of immunity in mice. Butanol fraction is the most effective at a dose level of 200 mg/kg.展开更多
The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence...The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence is still lacking.To validate this framework,here we employ a programmable robotic platform,where a single light-controlled wheeled robot travels in an activity landscape.Our experiments quantitatively demonstrate that the intrinsic pressure difference across the activity interface is balanced by the emerged polarization force.This result unambiguously confirms the theoretical predictions,thus validating the intrinsic pressure framework and laying the experimental foundation for the intrinsic pressure-based mechanical description of dry active matter.展开更多
Objective:To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L.(L...Objective:To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L.(L.sativa).Methods:The essential oils and volatile chemical constituents were isolated from the fresh and dry leaves of L.sativa(lettuce)grown in Sultanate of Oman by hydro distillation method.The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was carried out by well established free radical scavenging activity(DPPH)method.Results:About 20 chemical compounds of different concentration representing 83.07%and 79.88%respectively were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy in the essential oils isolated from the fresh and dry leaves asα-pinene(5.11%and 4.05%).γ-cymene(2.07%and 1.92%),thymol(11.55%and 10.73%),durenol(52.00%and 49.79%),α-terpinene(1.66%and 1.34%),thymol acetate(0.99%and 0.67%),caryophyllene(2.11%and 1.98%),spathulenol(3.09%and 2.98%).camphene(4.11%and3.65%),limonene(1.28%and 1.11%)representing these major chemical compounds.However,some other minor chemical constituents were also isolated and identified from the essential oil of lettuce including p-pinene,α-terpinolene,linalool,4-terpineol,α-terpineol,o-methylthymol,L-alloaromadendrene and viridiflorene.Conclusions:The chemical consliluents in the essential oils from the locally grown lettuce were identified in the following classes or groups of chemical compounds such as monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes volatile organic compounds and their oxygenated hydrocarbons.Therefore,the essential oils and the crude extracts from Omani vegetable species of lettuce are active candidates which would be used as antioxidant,antifungal or antimicrobial agents in new drugs preparation for therapy of infectious diseases.展开更多
Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory v...Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory versus degenerative dichotomy.This was based on a broad misconception regarding essentially all neurodegenerative conditions,depicting the degenerative process as passive and immune-independent occurring as a late byproduct of active inflammation in the central nervous system(CNS),which is(solely)systemically driven.展开更多
[Objectives]To explore the antibacterial activity of Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid.[Methods]The inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Candida albicans,and Trichophyton rubrum was d...[Objectives]To explore the antibacterial activity of Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid.[Methods]The inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Candida albicans,and Trichophyton rubrum was determined using the mycelial growth rate method.The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Gouteng Concentrated Liquid on these four microbial strains were analyzed.[Results]Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid showed certain antibacterial activity against the above bacteria,and the antibacterial activity against S.aureus,T.rubrum and C.albicans was more significant.[Conclusions]This study provides experimental evidence supporting the application of Gouteng(Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis)in antimicrobial foot care products.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna(Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms.Methods:fresh henna samples were obtained from differ...Objective:To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna(Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms.Methods:fresh henna samples were obtained from different regions of Oman as leaves and seeds,100 g fresh and dry leaves and SO g of fresh and dry seeds were separately soaked in 500 mL of ethanol for three days,respectively,with frequent agitation.The mixture was filtered,and the crude extract was collected.The crude extract was then heated,at 48 ℃ in a water bath to evaporate its liquid content.The dry crude henna extract was then tested for its antibacterial activity using well-diffusion antibiotic susceptibility technique.Henna extracts were investigated for their antibacterial activity at different concentrations against a wide array of different micro-organisms including a laboratory standard bacterial strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(NCTC 10662)(A aeruginosa) and eleven fresh clinical isolates of P.aeruginosa obtained from patients attending the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital(SQUH).2-Hydroxy-p-Nathoqinone-Tech(2-HPNT, MW=174.16,C_(10)H_40_3) was included as control(at 50%concentration) along with the henna samples tested.Results:Henna samples demonstrated antibacterial activity against all isolates but the highest susceptibility was against P.aeruginosa with henna samples obtained from Al-sharqyia region.Conclusions:Omani henna from Al-sharqyia region demonstrates high in vitro anti-P. aeruginosa activity compared with many henna samples from different regions of Oman.展开更多
We analyze correlations and patterns of oxidative activity of 3D DNA at DNA fluorescence in complete sets of chromosomes in neutrophils of peripheral blood. Fluorescence of DNA is registered by method of flow cytometr...We analyze correlations and patterns of oxidative activity of 3D DNA at DNA fluorescence in complete sets of chromosomes in neutrophils of peripheral blood. Fluorescence of DNA is registered by method of flow cytometry with nanometer spatial resolution. Experimental data present fluorescence of many ten thousands of cells, from different parts of body in each population, in various blood samples. Data is presented in histograms as frequency distributions of flashes in the dependence on their intensity. Normalized frequency distribution of information in these histograms is used as probabilistic measure for definition of Shannon entropy. Data analysis shows that for this measure of Shannon entropy common sum of entropy, i.e. total entropy E, for any histogram is invariant and has identical trends of changes all values of E (r) = lnr at reduction of rank r of histogram. This invariance reflects informational homeostasis of chromosomes activity inside cells in multi-scale networks of entropy, for varied ranks r. Shannon entropy in multi-scale DNA networks has much more dense packing of correlations than in “small world” networks. As the rule, networks of entropy differ by the mix of normal D 2 and abnormal D > 2 fractal dimensions for varied ranks r, the new types of fractal patterns and hinges for various topology (fractal dimension) at different states of health. We show that all distributions of information entropy are divided on three classes, which associated in diagnostics with a good health or dominants of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. This classification based on switching of stability at transcritical bifurcation in homeostasis regulation. We defined many ways for homeostasis regulation, coincidences and switching patterns in branching sequences, the averages of Hölder for deviations of entropy from homeostasis at different states of health, with various saturation levels the noises of entropy at activity of all chromosomes in support regulation of homeostasis.展开更多
In vitro antifungal activity of the acetone, methanol and chloroform extracts of four lichen species viz, Bulbothirx setschwanensis, Everniastrum nepalense, Heterodermia diademata, Parmelaria thomsonii were investigat...In vitro antifungal activity of the acetone, methanol and chloroform extracts of four lichen species viz, Bulbothirx setschwanensis, Everniastrum nepalense, Heterodermia diademata, Parmelaria thomsonii were investigated against seven plant pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum and Penicillium citrinum) with reference to commercially available synthetic antifungal drug Ketoconazole (positive control). Lichen secondary metabolites were extracted using Soxhlet extractor and were further recovered through gentle evaporation of solvents in rotatory evaporator. Antifungal activity was analysed employing BauerKirby disc diffusion assay. Acetone and methanol extracts of lichenized fungi were found more effective against tested plant pathogenic fungi. Principal component analysis concluded that though, Ketoconazole was effective against four of the tested plant pathogenic fungi, acetone and methanol extracts of lichens were comparatively more effective against some broad spectrum plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum).展开更多
Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilav...Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.展开更多
The controlling and influencing effects of the joint action of plates surrounding China on strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland are discussed, and the characteristics of seismic activities in the West of China and n...The controlling and influencing effects of the joint action of plates surrounding China on strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland are discussed, and the characteristics of seismic activities in the West of China and neighboring regions are further studied. The results show that the seismic activity in the West of China and neighboring regions not only has the characteristics of high tide and low tide alternation but also has the characteristics of rising in one region while falling in another, and the rise and fall of seismicity are in some proportion. The above characteristics are useful for the prediction of main body region of strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland, especially for the judgement of the ending time of the high tide period.展开更多
Background: Self-efficacy has been identified as an important determinant of youth's behavior change including physical activity(PA) participation. However, the dimensionality check of a PA self-efficacy scale has...Background: Self-efficacy has been identified as an important determinant of youth's behavior change including physical activity(PA) participation. However, the dimensionality check of a PA self-efficacy scale has rarely been conducted in China. The current study aims to examine(1) the unidimensionality of a shortened Chinese version of PA self-efficacy scale(S-PASESC);(2) the measurement invariance of S-PASESC across gender and levels of education;(3) the latent factor mean difference between gender and levels of education;(4) the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA by different gender and education levels; and(5) the comparisons of the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA across gender and education levels.Methods: The participants were 5 th through 11 th grade public school students recruited from 7 cities located in different geographic regions of China. The final data include a total of 3003 participants(49.7% boys) who have completed the scales.Results: Confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) test supported the unidimensionality of S-PASESC. The S-PASESC is invariant across gender and 3 levels of education at both configural, full metric, and full scalar levels. Findings from latent mean comparisons showed that boys reported higher PA self-efficacy than girls. Students' perceived PA self-efficacy tend to decrease from elementary to high school. Finally, self-efficacy positively related to PA by groups of different gender and education levels and the relationship between self-efficacy and PA is stronger among middle school boys than girls.Conclusion: Findings suggest S-PASESC is a valid scale for measuring Chinese students' PA self-efficacy.展开更多
The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea, China, but not without accompanying productivity problems. We, therefore, conducted field surveys to ...The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea, China, but not without accompanying productivity problems. We, therefore, conducted field surveys to investigate factors related to growth and mortality rates of bottom-cultured scallops after release. Specifically, we focused on the effects of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and three key enzymes involved in antioxidant and metabolic function:glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Across summer and winter, we also measured the relative mRNA expression of GPT and SOD to understand their seasonal variation in the scallops, along with how such variation correlated to growth and mortality. Results show that bottom cultured scallops experienced mass mortality during the first six months post-release. During winter (December), scallops grew more rapidly and suffered less mortality than in summer (August). The observed lower performance probably resulted from less advantageous environmental factors during the summer seasons, such as high temperature and low dissolved oxygen. These environmental stressors enhance protein consumption while decreasing energetic resources in scallops. Furthermore, scallops in summer exhibited high antioxidant levels that probably competed for energy with process integral to growth and survival. These negative factors combined to elevate mortality rates. In conclusion, we provided evidence suggesting correlations between metabolic/antioxidant activity and growth and mortality of bottom-cultured yesso scallops. These correlations implied us an accurate method to estimate the performance of bottom culture system. Suggestions about innovative aquaculture techniques were also discussed in the study. Our results might provide a possible guideline to the improvement of bottom culture techniques for this commercially valuable seafood species.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Thermopsis turcica Kit Tan,Vural&Kckdk against periodoutopathogenie bacteria,its antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect on various cancer...Objective:To investigate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Thermopsis turcica Kit Tan,Vural&Kckdk against periodoutopathogenie bacteria,its antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines.Methods:In vitro antimicrobial activities of elhanol.methanol,ethyl acetate(ElAc,n-hexane and water extracts of Thermopsis turcica herb against periodontopathogenic bacteria,Aggregatibacter actinnmycelemconilans ATCC 29523 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 were tested by agar well diffusion,minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC),Antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluatod by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity and p-carotene bleaching methods.Amounts of phenolic contents of the extracts were also analysed by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.Additionally,cytotoxic activity of the extracts on androgcn-insensilivc prostate cancer,androgen—sensitive prostate cancer,chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute promyelocytic leukemia bunian cancer cell lines were determined by 3-4,5-dimelhylthiazol-2-yh-2,5-diphenyltclrazolium bromide assay.Human gingival fibroblast cells were used as a control.Results:Our data showed that ELAc extract had the highest antimicrobial effect on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemitans(MIC:1.562 mg/ml_MHC:3.124 mg/ml.)and Porph yromonas gingiralis(MIC:0.781 mg/mL,MBC:1.562 mg/mL).In antioxidant assays.ElAc extract exhibited also the highest radical scavenging activity[IC_(50)=(30.0±0.3)μg/ml.]and the highest inhibition[(74.35±0.30)%]|against lineloic acide oxidation.The amount of phenolic content of it was also the highest[(l62.5±l.2)μg/mg gallic acid].In cytotoxic assay,only etbanol[IC_(50)=(80.00±1.21)μg/ml.]and EtAc extract[IC_(50)=(70.0±0.9)μg/ml]were toxic on acute promyeloeytic leukemia cells at 20—100μg/mL.P<0.05>.However,no toxic effect was observed on human gingival fibroblast cells.Cunclusions:According to our findings,owing to its antioxidant and cytotoxic potential,EtAc exlrael might include anticancer agents for acute promyelocytic leukemia.展开更多
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly unders...BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly understood.AIM To examine regional abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity among patients with MDD-OB comorbidity.METHODS This study adopted a regional homogeneity(ReHo)analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.The study included 149 hospital patients divided into four groups:Patients experiencing their first episode of drug-naive MDD with OB,patients with MDD without OB,and age-and sex-matched healthy individuals with and without OB.Whole-brain ReHo analysis was conducted using SPM12 software and RESTplus toolkits,with group comparisons via ANOVA and post-hoc tests.Correlations between ReHo values and behavioral measures were examined.RESULTS ANOVA revealed significant whole-brain ReHo differences among the four groups in four key regions:The left middle temporal gyrus(MTG.L),right cuneus,left precuneus,and left thalamus.Post-hoc analyses confirmed pairwise differences between all groups across these regions(P<0.05).OB was associated with ReHo alterations in the MTG.L,right cuneus,and left thalamus,whereas abnormalities in the precuneus suggested synergistic pathological mechanisms between MDD and OB.Statistically significant correlations were found between the drive and fun-seeking dimensions of the behavioral activation system,as well as behavioral inhibition and the corresponding ReHo values.CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence for the neuroadaptive mechanisms underlying the MDD-OB comorbidity.Further validation could lead to personalized interventions targeting MTG.L hyperactivity and targeting healthy food cues.展开更多
Increased physical activity and higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet (MeDi) have been independently associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Their association has not been investigated with ...Increased physical activity and higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet (MeDi) have been independently associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Their association has not been investigated with the use of biomarkers. This study examines whether, among cognitively normal (NL) individuals, those who are less physically active and show lower MeDi adherence have brain biomarker abnormalities consistent with AD. Methods: Forty-five NL individuals (age 54 ± 11, 71% women) with complete leisure time physical activity (LTA), dietary information, and cross-sectional 3D T1-weigthed MRI, 11C-Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans were examined. Voxel-wise multivariate partial least square (PLS) regression was used to examine the effects of LTA, MeDi and their interaction on brain biomarkers. Age, gender, ethnicity, education, caloric intake, BMI, family history of AD, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, presence of hypertension and insulin resistance were examined as confounds. Subjects were dichotomized into more and less physically active (LTA+ vs. LTA-;n = 21 vs. 24), and into higher vs. lower MeDi adherence groups (n = 18 vs. 27) using published scoring methods. Spatial patterns of brain biomarkers that represented the optimal association between the images and the groups were generated for all modalities using voxel-wise multivariate Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression. Results: Groups were comparable for clinical and neuropsychological measures. Independent effects of LTA and MeDi factors were observed in AD-vulnerable brain regions for all modalities (p β load and lower glucose metabolism) were observed in LTA- compared to LTA+ subjects, and in MeDi- as compared to MeDi+ subjects. A gradient effect was observed for all modalities so that LTA+/MeDi+ subjects had the highest and LTA+/MeDi+ subjects had the lowest AD-burden (p < 0.001), although the LTA × MeDi interaction was significant only for FDG measures (p < 0.03). Adjusting for covariates did not attenuate these relationships. Conclusion: Lower physical activity and MeDi adherence were associated with increased brain AD-burden among NL individuals, in-dicating that lifestyle factors may modulate AD risk. Studies with larger samples and longitudinal evaluations are needed to determine the predictive power of the observed associations.展开更多
Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone with insulinotropic properties that regulates glucose metabolism. GLP-1 receptors are the most extensively key modulators of lipid and glucose homeost...Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone with insulinotropic properties that regulates glucose metabolism. GLP-1 receptors are the most extensively key modulators of lipid and glucose homeostasis. They are predominantly expressed in adipose tissues, some non adipose tissues including heart, kidney, spleen, and all relevant cells of the vasculature: endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. The vascular distribution suggests their involvement in the control of cardiovascular function. Objective: The present experiment was designed to study the effect of sitaglipten alone or in combination with captopril on blood pressure, antioxidant enzymes, vascular reactivity and cardiac hypertrophy in NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats. Methods: One hundred male albino rats weighing from 150 - 200 g were included in this study. Rats were divided into two main groups. Group I, (20 rats) served as a control group for group II, and received 1 ml of physiological saline (0.9%), orally for seven weeks. Group II: hypertensive group, (80 rats) was given daily L-NAME in a dose of 40 mg/kg orally for seven weeks. Rats were further subdivided into A, B, C, and D, each of 20 rats. Group-A, received 1 ml of distilled water daily orally for six weeks, starting one week after L-NAME administration. Groups B, C and D were treated with daily sitaglipten (10 mg/kg b.wt. orally) and captopril (100 mg/kg b.wt. orally), alone or together for six weeks. Blood pressure, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), body weight (BW) and heart weight (HW) were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in cardiac tissues. Thoracic aorta was isolated and the aortic rings were allowed to achieve maximal tension by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (PE) (10-9-10-5 M) to the bath solution. Results: Sitaglipten and captopril, alone or together produced significant decreases in blood pressure and TNF-α. Higher oxidative stress accompanying hypertension was significantly reduced by sitaglipten and captopril treatment. The results showed that both drugs significantly attenuated the augmented contractile response to PE in hypertensive rats. In addition, they inhibited the cardiac hypertrophy (reduction in HW/BW ratio). Conclusion: These data suggest that DPP4 inhibitor (sitaglipten) “is away from being insulinotropic and regulates glucose metabolism”, contributes to normal regulation of blood pressure and exerts protective effects in hypertension via many mechanisms, as inhibition of generation of free radicals.展开更多
Indeed,medicinal importance of honey has been documented in the world's oldest medical literatures,and since the ancient times,it has been known to possess antimicrobial property as well as wound-healing activity....Indeed,medicinal importance of honey has been documented in the world's oldest medical literatures,and since the ancient times,it has been known to possess antimicrobial property as well as wound-healing activity.The healing property of honey is due to the fact that it offers antibacterial activity,maintains a moist wound condition,and its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection.Its immunomodulatory property is relevant to wound repair too.The antimicrobial activity in most honeys is due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide.However,another kind of honey,called non-peroxide honey(viz.,manuka honey),displays significant antibacterial effects even when the hydrogen peroxide activity is blocked.Its mechanism may be related to the low pH level of honey and its high sugar content(high osmolality) that is enough to hinder the growth of microbes.The medical grade honeys have potent in vitro bactericidal activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing several life-threatening infections to humans. But,there is a large variation in the antimicrobial activity of some natural honeys,which is due to spatial and temporal variation in sources of nectar.Thus,identification and characterization of the active principle(s) may provide valuable information on the quality and possible therapeutic potential of honeys(against several health disorders of humans),and hence we discussed the medicinal property of honeys with emphasis on their antibacterial activities.展开更多
文摘Objective:To study the morphology,biochemistry and bioactivity of the epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of Christella parasitica(C.parasitica)(L.) H.Lev.Methods: Morphological studies on epidermal glands were earned out by using light microscope and scanning electron microscope.To prepare the extract,the shade-dried fronds of glandular morphotype were soaked in acetone.For antibacterial studies paper disc method was followed by using various pathogenic bacteria.Results:Detailed micromorphological,phytochemical and bioactivity studies on a medicinal fern C.parasitica(L.) H.Lev.showed its inlraspecific variation in antibacterial activity.The presence or absence of the epidermal glands was the key factor for antibacterial activity in the morphovariants of this species.The epidermal glands were orange-coloured,stalked and elongated ones of about 84.2μm×45μm,and distributed on the undersurface of cosla,coslules and veins in croziers,young and mature leaves.Frequency of glands varied from 15/cm on costa in mature leaves to 140/cm on costules in croziers.The acetone extract of the glands showed antibacterial activities and also toxic effect against mosquito larvae and tadpoles of frog.Preliminary phytochemical analysis and HPLC studies of the gland extract showed the presence of various kinds of terpenoids,alkaloids,tannins,saponins and flavonoids in it.Conclusions:The present study shows that epidermal glands of the glandular morphotype of C. parasitica(L.) H.Lev.have several bioactive compounds and such rare moiphovariant should be conserved in nature.The next step is to isolate the pure compounds and to screen the bioactivity of individual compounds of the epidermal glands.
文摘The H-K-ATPase (HKA), a potassium-dependent proton transporter in the outer medullary collecting duct (OMCD) plays an important role in acid-base homeostasis. The OMCD contains two HKA isoforms;gastric (HKAα1), dominant under normal dietary conditions (ND), and colonic (HKAα2), induced under a K-free diet (KD). The enzymatic activity (EA) of HKA in the OMCD is incompletely understood. The focus of the present study is elucidating the EA of the HKA in HKAα1 and HKAα2 knockout (KO) mice under ND and KD. KO mice were subjected to ND or KD for 10 days. Ten OMCD tubules were extracted, half placed in potassium-free media (Solution 2), half in potassium-containing media (Solution 3). Fluorescence measurements are based on the hydrolysis of ATP to ADP, coupled with the oxidation of NADH. ADP is determined by a decrease in NADH fluorescence. In K presence, NADH fluorescence of HKAα1 KO mice read 13.5 ± 0.7 ppm for ND and 10.3 ± 0.2 ppm for KD, indicating stimulation of the colonic isoform. HKAα2 KO mice averaged 6.8 ± 0.3 ppm for ND and 5.4 ± 0.3 ppm for KD in solution 2 (p p α2 isoform. A significant difference in ATP production in HKAα2 KO mice is likely due to enhanced EA of H-ATPase under potassium depletion.
文摘Using the latest available artificial intelligence (AI) technology, an advanced algorithm LIVERFAStTM has been used to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of machine learning (ML) biomarker algorithms to assess liver damage. Prevalence of NAFLD (Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and resulting NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) are constantly increasing worldwide, creating challenges for screening as the diagnosis for NASH requires invasive liver biopsy. Key issues in NAFLD patients are the differentiation of NASH from simple steatosis and identification of advanced hepatic fibrosis. In this prospective study, the staging of three different lesions of the liver to diagnose fatty liver was analyzed using a proprietary ML algorithm LIVERFAStTM developed with a database of 2862 unique medical assessments of biomarkers, where 1027 assessments were used to train the algorithm and 1835 constituted the validation set. Data of 13,068 patients who underwent the LIVERFAStTM test for evaluation of fatty liver disease were analysed. Data evaluation revealed 11% of the patients exhibited significant fibrosis with fibrosis scores 0.6 - 1.00. Approximately 7% of the population had severe hepatic inflammation. Steatosis was observed in most patients, 63%, whereas severe steatosis S3 was observed in 20%. Using modified SAF (Steatosis, Activity and Fibrosis) scores obtained using the LIVERFAStTM algorithm, NAFLD was detected in 13.41% of the patients (Sx > 0, Ay 0). Approximately 1.91% (Sx > 0, Ay = 2, Fz > 0) of the patients showed NAFLD or NASH scorings while 1.08% had confirmed NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 1 - 2) and 1.49% had advanced NASH (Sx > 0, Ay > 2, Fz = 3 - 4). The modified SAF scoring system generated by LIVERFAStTM provides a simple and convenient evaluation of NAFLD and NASH in a cohort of Southeast Asians. This system may lead to the use of noninvasive liver tests in extended populations for more accurate diagnosis of liver pathology, prediction of clinical path of individuals at all stages of liver diseases, and provision of an efficient system for therapeutic interventions.
基金financially supported by Goverment of India(grant No.SR/FT/LS-0083/2008)
文摘Objective:To explore the immunomodulatory properties of 80% ethanol extract and butanol fraction of Gentiana olivieri(G. olivieri) Griseb on Balb/C mice.Methods:The study was performed with basic models of immunomodulation such as the humoral antibody response(hemoglutination antibody titres), cell mediated immune response(delayed type hypersensitivity and in vivocarbon clearance or phagocytosis). Ethanol(80%) extract of flowering aerial parts of G.olivieriand its butanol fraction were administered p.o.(orally) to the mice. Levamisole, 2.5 mg/kg was used as standard drug.Results:There was a potentiation of immune response to sheep red blood cells by cellular and humoral mediated mechanisms comparable to levamisole(2.5 mg/kg) by both 80% ethanol extract and the butanol fraction at doses of 50-200 mg/kg in male Balb/C mice. Both significantly(P<0.01) potentiated the humoral immune response in cyclophosphamide(250 mg/kg)immunosupressed mice at 100 and 200 mg/kg of each extract and fraction as compared to control.The potentiation of delayed type hypersensitivity response was statistically significant(P<0.01) at200 mg/kg of ethanol extract and 100, 200 mg/kg of butanol fraction as compared to control. The phagocytosis was significant at 200 mg/kg with butanol fraction ofG. olivieri.Conclusions:The results reveal the immunostimulant effects of plantG. olivieriin mice by acting through cellular and humoral immunity in experimental models of immunity in mice. Butanol fraction is the most effective at a dose level of 200 mg/kg.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos.T2325027,12274448,T2350007,12404239,12174041,12325405,12090054,and T2221001)the National Key R&D Program of China (Grant No.2022YFF0503504)。
文摘The intrinsic pressure framework,which treats self-propelling force as an external force,provides a convenient and consistent description of mechanical equilibrium in active matter.However,direct experimental evidence is still lacking.To validate this framework,here we employ a programmable robotic platform,where a single light-controlled wheeled robot travels in an activity landscape.Our experiments quantitatively demonstrate that the intrinsic pressure difference across the activity interface is balanced by the emerged polarization force.This result unambiguously confirms the theoretical predictions,thus validating the intrinsic pressure framework and laying the experimental foundation for the intrinsic pressure-based mechanical description of dry active matter.
基金Supported by Central Instrument Laboratory,College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences,Sultan Qaboos University,Grant No.507/SOP/OB/1/2013
文摘Objective:To isolate and analyse the chemical composition in the essential oils and free radical scavenging activity of different crude extracts from the fresh and dry leaves of vegetable plants of Lactuca sativa L.(L.sativa).Methods:The essential oils and volatile chemical constituents were isolated from the fresh and dry leaves of L.sativa(lettuce)grown in Sultanate of Oman by hydro distillation method.The antioxidant activity of the crude extracts was carried out by well established free radical scavenging activity(DPPH)method.Results:About 20 chemical compounds of different concentration representing 83.07%and 79.88%respectively were isolated and identified by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy in the essential oils isolated from the fresh and dry leaves asα-pinene(5.11%and 4.05%).γ-cymene(2.07%and 1.92%),thymol(11.55%and 10.73%),durenol(52.00%and 49.79%),α-terpinene(1.66%and 1.34%),thymol acetate(0.99%and 0.67%),caryophyllene(2.11%and 1.98%),spathulenol(3.09%and 2.98%).camphene(4.11%and3.65%),limonene(1.28%and 1.11%)representing these major chemical compounds.However,some other minor chemical constituents were also isolated and identified from the essential oil of lettuce including p-pinene,α-terpinolene,linalool,4-terpineol,α-terpineol,o-methylthymol,L-alloaromadendrene and viridiflorene.Conclusions:The chemical consliluents in the essential oils from the locally grown lettuce were identified in the following classes or groups of chemical compounds such as monoterpenes,sesquiterpenes volatile organic compounds and their oxygenated hydrocarbons.Therefore,the essential oils and the crude extracts from Omani vegetable species of lettuce are active candidates which would be used as antioxidant,antifungal or antimicrobial agents in new drugs preparation for therapy of infectious diseases.
文摘Active inflammation in“inactive”progressive multiple sclerosis:Traditionally,the distinction between relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and progressive multiple sclerosis(PMS)has been framed as an inflammatory versus degenerative dichotomy.This was based on a broad misconception regarding essentially all neurodegenerative conditions,depicting the degenerative process as passive and immune-independent occurring as a late byproduct of active inflammation in the central nervous system(CNS),which is(solely)systemically driven.
基金Supported by Guizhou Province Science and Technology Planning Program for Industrial Enterprises above Designated Size Without R&D Activities(QKTY[2024]No.456).
文摘[Objectives]To explore the antibacterial activity of Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid.[Methods]The inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus,Escherichia coli,Candida albicans,and Trichophyton rubrum was determined using the mycelial growth rate method.The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Gouteng Concentrated Liquid on these four microbial strains were analyzed.[Results]Gouteng Foot Bath Concentrated Liquid showed certain antibacterial activity against the above bacteria,and the antibacterial activity against S.aureus,T.rubrum and C.albicans was more significant.[Conclusions]This study provides experimental evidence supporting the application of Gouteng(Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis)in antimicrobial foot care products.
基金Supported by Sultan Qaboos University(Grant No.IG/MED/ANAT/06/01)
文摘Objective:To investigate the antibacterial activity of henna(Lawsonia inermis Linn) obtained from different regions of Oman against a wide array of micro-organisms.Methods:fresh henna samples were obtained from different regions of Oman as leaves and seeds,100 g fresh and dry leaves and SO g of fresh and dry seeds were separately soaked in 500 mL of ethanol for three days,respectively,with frequent agitation.The mixture was filtered,and the crude extract was collected.The crude extract was then heated,at 48 ℃ in a water bath to evaporate its liquid content.The dry crude henna extract was then tested for its antibacterial activity using well-diffusion antibiotic susceptibility technique.Henna extracts were investigated for their antibacterial activity at different concentrations against a wide array of different micro-organisms including a laboratory standard bacterial strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa(NCTC 10662)(A aeruginosa) and eleven fresh clinical isolates of P.aeruginosa obtained from patients attending the Sultan Qaboos University Hospital(SQUH).2-Hydroxy-p-Nathoqinone-Tech(2-HPNT, MW=174.16,C_(10)H_40_3) was included as control(at 50%concentration) along with the henna samples tested.Results:Henna samples demonstrated antibacterial activity against all isolates but the highest susceptibility was against P.aeruginosa with henna samples obtained from Al-sharqyia region.Conclusions:Omani henna from Al-sharqyia region demonstrates high in vitro anti-P. aeruginosa activity compared with many henna samples from different regions of Oman.
文摘We analyze correlations and patterns of oxidative activity of 3D DNA at DNA fluorescence in complete sets of chromosomes in neutrophils of peripheral blood. Fluorescence of DNA is registered by method of flow cytometry with nanometer spatial resolution. Experimental data present fluorescence of many ten thousands of cells, from different parts of body in each population, in various blood samples. Data is presented in histograms as frequency distributions of flashes in the dependence on their intensity. Normalized frequency distribution of information in these histograms is used as probabilistic measure for definition of Shannon entropy. Data analysis shows that for this measure of Shannon entropy common sum of entropy, i.e. total entropy E, for any histogram is invariant and has identical trends of changes all values of E (r) = lnr at reduction of rank r of histogram. This invariance reflects informational homeostasis of chromosomes activity inside cells in multi-scale networks of entropy, for varied ranks r. Shannon entropy in multi-scale DNA networks has much more dense packing of correlations than in “small world” networks. As the rule, networks of entropy differ by the mix of normal D 2 and abnormal D > 2 fractal dimensions for varied ranks r, the new types of fractal patterns and hinges for various topology (fractal dimension) at different states of health. We show that all distributions of information entropy are divided on three classes, which associated in diagnostics with a good health or dominants of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. This classification based on switching of stability at transcritical bifurcation in homeostasis regulation. We defined many ways for homeostasis regulation, coincidences and switching patterns in branching sequences, the averages of Hölder for deviations of entropy from homeostasis at different states of health, with various saturation levels the noises of entropy at activity of all chromosomes in support regulation of homeostasis.
文摘In vitro antifungal activity of the acetone, methanol and chloroform extracts of four lichen species viz, Bulbothirx setschwanensis, Everniastrum nepalense, Heterodermia diademata, Parmelaria thomsonii were investigated against seven plant pathogenic fungi (Aspergillus flavus, A. fumigatus, Alternaria alternata, Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum and Penicillium citrinum) with reference to commercially available synthetic antifungal drug Ketoconazole (positive control). Lichen secondary metabolites were extracted using Soxhlet extractor and were further recovered through gentle evaporation of solvents in rotatory evaporator. Antifungal activity was analysed employing BauerKirby disc diffusion assay. Acetone and methanol extracts of lichenized fungi were found more effective against tested plant pathogenic fungi. Principal component analysis concluded that though, Ketoconazole was effective against four of the tested plant pathogenic fungi, acetone and methanol extracts of lichens were comparatively more effective against some broad spectrum plant pathogenic fungi (Fusarium oxysporum, F. solani, F. roseum).
基金financially supported by Department of Biochemistry,Faculty of Agriculture.Cario University,and Food Technology Research Institute(FTRI)
文摘Objective:To investigate the changes in total phenols,flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E, β-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of three white sorghum varieties.Methods: The changes in total phenols,total ilavonoids,tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity during soaking of sorghum grains were determined.Results:Total phenols,total flavonoids,tannins,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity in raw sorghum were ranged from 109.21 to 116.70,45.91 to 54.69,1.39 to 21.79 mg/100 g,1.74 to 5.25,0.54 to 1.19 mg/kg and 21.72%to 27.69%and 25.29%to 31.97%,respectively. The above measured compounds were significantly decreased after soaking.p-Hydroxybenzoic acid,vanillic acid,syringic acid and cinnamic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Dorado variety.While ferulic acid,p-coumaric acid,gallic acid and caffeic acid represent the major phenolic acids in Shandaweel-6.On the other hand,protocatechuic acid represents the major phenolic acids in Giza-15.Regarding flavonoids components,Dorado was the highest variety in kampferol and naringenin while Shandaweel-6 was the highest variety in luteolin, apigenin,hypersoid,quercelin and christen.Finally,Giza-15 was the highest variety in catechin. Phenolic acids,flavonoid compounds and antioxidant activities were decreased after soaking. Conclusions:Sorghum varieties have moderate quantities from total phenols,total flavonoids, tannins,phenolic acids compounds,flavonoid components,vitamin E,P-carotene and antioxidant activity which decreased after soaking.
文摘The controlling and influencing effects of the joint action of plates surrounding China on strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland are discussed, and the characteristics of seismic activities in the West of China and neighboring regions are further studied. The results show that the seismic activity in the West of China and neighboring regions not only has the characteristics of high tide and low tide alternation but also has the characteristics of rising in one region while falling in another, and the rise and fall of seismicity are in some proportion. The above characteristics are useful for the prediction of main body region of strong earthquakes in Chinese mainland, especially for the judgement of the ending time of the high tide period.
基金supported by a grant from the National Social Science Foundation of China (No. 13CTY031)
文摘Background: Self-efficacy has been identified as an important determinant of youth's behavior change including physical activity(PA) participation. However, the dimensionality check of a PA self-efficacy scale has rarely been conducted in China. The current study aims to examine(1) the unidimensionality of a shortened Chinese version of PA self-efficacy scale(S-PASESC);(2) the measurement invariance of S-PASESC across gender and levels of education;(3) the latent factor mean difference between gender and levels of education;(4) the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA by different gender and education levels; and(5) the comparisons of the direct effects of self-efficacy on PA across gender and education levels.Methods: The participants were 5 th through 11 th grade public school students recruited from 7 cities located in different geographic regions of China. The final data include a total of 3003 participants(49.7% boys) who have completed the scales.Results: Confirmatory factor analysis(CFA) test supported the unidimensionality of S-PASESC. The S-PASESC is invariant across gender and 3 levels of education at both configural, full metric, and full scalar levels. Findings from latent mean comparisons showed that boys reported higher PA self-efficacy than girls. Students' perceived PA self-efficacy tend to decrease from elementary to high school. Finally, self-efficacy positively related to PA by groups of different gender and education levels and the relationship between self-efficacy and PA is stronger among middle school boys than girls.Conclusion: Findings suggest S-PASESC is a valid scale for measuring Chinese students' PA self-efficacy.
基金Supported by the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System(No.CARS-48)the Taishan-Scholar Climbing Program of Shandong Provincethe Key Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.KFZD-SW-106)
文摘The bottom aquaculture of yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) has developed rapidly in the north of Yellow Sea, China, but not without accompanying productivity problems. We, therefore, conducted field surveys to investigate factors related to growth and mortality rates of bottom-cultured scallops after release. Specifically, we focused on the effects of total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and three key enzymes involved in antioxidant and metabolic function:glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Across summer and winter, we also measured the relative mRNA expression of GPT and SOD to understand their seasonal variation in the scallops, along with how such variation correlated to growth and mortality. Results show that bottom cultured scallops experienced mass mortality during the first six months post-release. During winter (December), scallops grew more rapidly and suffered less mortality than in summer (August). The observed lower performance probably resulted from less advantageous environmental factors during the summer seasons, such as high temperature and low dissolved oxygen. These environmental stressors enhance protein consumption while decreasing energetic resources in scallops. Furthermore, scallops in summer exhibited high antioxidant levels that probably competed for energy with process integral to growth and survival. These negative factors combined to elevate mortality rates. In conclusion, we provided evidence suggesting correlations between metabolic/antioxidant activity and growth and mortality of bottom-cultured yesso scallops. These correlations implied us an accurate method to estimate the performance of bottom culture system. Suggestions about innovative aquaculture techniques were also discussed in the study. Our results might provide a possible guideline to the improvement of bottom culture techniques for this commercially valuable seafood species.
基金Supported by Minsitry of Devetopment of Tuckish Republie for Foundation of Moleculer Biology Research Center(Grant No.1998K121480)
文摘Objective:To investigate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of Thermopsis turcica Kit Tan,Vural&Kckdk against periodoutopathogenie bacteria,its antioxidant activity and cytotoxic effect on various cancer cell lines.Methods:In vitro antimicrobial activities of elhanol.methanol,ethyl acetate(ElAc,n-hexane and water extracts of Thermopsis turcica herb against periodontopathogenic bacteria,Aggregatibacter actinnmycelemconilans ATCC 29523 and Porphyromonas gingivalis ATCC 33277 were tested by agar well diffusion,minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)and minimal bactericidal concentration(MBC),Antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluatod by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl radical scavenging activity and p-carotene bleaching methods.Amounts of phenolic contents of the extracts were also analysed by using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent.Additionally,cytotoxic activity of the extracts on androgcn-insensilivc prostate cancer,androgen—sensitive prostate cancer,chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute promyelocytic leukemia bunian cancer cell lines were determined by 3-4,5-dimelhylthiazol-2-yh-2,5-diphenyltclrazolium bromide assay.Human gingival fibroblast cells were used as a control.Results:Our data showed that ELAc extract had the highest antimicrobial effect on Aggregatibacter actinomycetemitans(MIC:1.562 mg/ml_MHC:3.124 mg/ml.)and Porph yromonas gingiralis(MIC:0.781 mg/mL,MBC:1.562 mg/mL).In antioxidant assays.ElAc extract exhibited also the highest radical scavenging activity[IC_(50)=(30.0±0.3)μg/ml.]and the highest inhibition[(74.35±0.30)%]|against lineloic acide oxidation.The amount of phenolic content of it was also the highest[(l62.5±l.2)μg/mg gallic acid].In cytotoxic assay,only etbanol[IC_(50)=(80.00±1.21)μg/ml.]and EtAc extract[IC_(50)=(70.0±0.9)μg/ml]were toxic on acute promyeloeytic leukemia cells at 20—100μg/mL.P<0.05>.However,no toxic effect was observed on human gingival fibroblast cells.Cunclusions:According to our findings,owing to its antioxidant and cytotoxic potential,EtAc exlrael might include anticancer agents for acute promyelocytic leukemia.
基金Supported by Provincial Key Research Project of Henan Province,No.232102310081.
文摘BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder(MDD)and obesity(OB)are bidirectionally comorbid conditions with common neurobiological underpinnings.However,the neurocognitive mechanisms of their comorbidity remain poorly understood.AIM To examine regional abnormalities in spontaneous brain activity among patients with MDD-OB comorbidity.METHODS This study adopted a regional homogeneity(ReHo)analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging.The study included 149 hospital patients divided into four groups:Patients experiencing their first episode of drug-naive MDD with OB,patients with MDD without OB,and age-and sex-matched healthy individuals with and without OB.Whole-brain ReHo analysis was conducted using SPM12 software and RESTplus toolkits,with group comparisons via ANOVA and post-hoc tests.Correlations between ReHo values and behavioral measures were examined.RESULTS ANOVA revealed significant whole-brain ReHo differences among the four groups in four key regions:The left middle temporal gyrus(MTG.L),right cuneus,left precuneus,and left thalamus.Post-hoc analyses confirmed pairwise differences between all groups across these regions(P<0.05).OB was associated with ReHo alterations in the MTG.L,right cuneus,and left thalamus,whereas abnormalities in the precuneus suggested synergistic pathological mechanisms between MDD and OB.Statistically significant correlations were found between the drive and fun-seeking dimensions of the behavioral activation system,as well as behavioral inhibition and the corresponding ReHo values.CONCLUSION Our findings provide novel evidence for the neuroadaptive mechanisms underlying the MDD-OB comorbidity.Further validation could lead to personalized interventions targeting MTG.L hyperactivity and targeting healthy food cues.
文摘Increased physical activity and higher adherence to a Mediterranean-type diet (MeDi) have been independently associated with reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Their association has not been investigated with the use of biomarkers. This study examines whether, among cognitively normal (NL) individuals, those who are less physically active and show lower MeDi adherence have brain biomarker abnormalities consistent with AD. Methods: Forty-five NL individuals (age 54 ± 11, 71% women) with complete leisure time physical activity (LTA), dietary information, and cross-sectional 3D T1-weigthed MRI, 11C-Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans were examined. Voxel-wise multivariate partial least square (PLS) regression was used to examine the effects of LTA, MeDi and their interaction on brain biomarkers. Age, gender, ethnicity, education, caloric intake, BMI, family history of AD, Apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype, presence of hypertension and insulin resistance were examined as confounds. Subjects were dichotomized into more and less physically active (LTA+ vs. LTA-;n = 21 vs. 24), and into higher vs. lower MeDi adherence groups (n = 18 vs. 27) using published scoring methods. Spatial patterns of brain biomarkers that represented the optimal association between the images and the groups were generated for all modalities using voxel-wise multivariate Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression. Results: Groups were comparable for clinical and neuropsychological measures. Independent effects of LTA and MeDi factors were observed in AD-vulnerable brain regions for all modalities (p β load and lower glucose metabolism) were observed in LTA- compared to LTA+ subjects, and in MeDi- as compared to MeDi+ subjects. A gradient effect was observed for all modalities so that LTA+/MeDi+ subjects had the highest and LTA+/MeDi+ subjects had the lowest AD-burden (p < 0.001), although the LTA × MeDi interaction was significant only for FDG measures (p < 0.03). Adjusting for covariates did not attenuate these relationships. Conclusion: Lower physical activity and MeDi adherence were associated with increased brain AD-burden among NL individuals, in-dicating that lifestyle factors may modulate AD risk. Studies with larger samples and longitudinal evaluations are needed to determine the predictive power of the observed associations.
文摘Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone with insulinotropic properties that regulates glucose metabolism. GLP-1 receptors are the most extensively key modulators of lipid and glucose homeostasis. They are predominantly expressed in adipose tissues, some non adipose tissues including heart, kidney, spleen, and all relevant cells of the vasculature: endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. The vascular distribution suggests their involvement in the control of cardiovascular function. Objective: The present experiment was designed to study the effect of sitaglipten alone or in combination with captopril on blood pressure, antioxidant enzymes, vascular reactivity and cardiac hypertrophy in NG-nitro-L-arginine methylester (L-NAME) induced hypertension in rats. Methods: One hundred male albino rats weighing from 150 - 200 g were included in this study. Rats were divided into two main groups. Group I, (20 rats) served as a control group for group II, and received 1 ml of physiological saline (0.9%), orally for seven weeks. Group II: hypertensive group, (80 rats) was given daily L-NAME in a dose of 40 mg/kg orally for seven weeks. Rats were further subdivided into A, B, C, and D, each of 20 rats. Group-A, received 1 ml of distilled water daily orally for six weeks, starting one week after L-NAME administration. Groups B, C and D were treated with daily sitaglipten (10 mg/kg b.wt. orally) and captopril (100 mg/kg b.wt. orally), alone or together for six weeks. Blood pressure, serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), body weight (BW) and heart weight (HW) were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were estimated in cardiac tissues. Thoracic aorta was isolated and the aortic rings were allowed to achieve maximal tension by cumulative addition of phenylephrine (PE) (10-9-10-5 M) to the bath solution. Results: Sitaglipten and captopril, alone or together produced significant decreases in blood pressure and TNF-α. Higher oxidative stress accompanying hypertension was significantly reduced by sitaglipten and captopril treatment. The results showed that both drugs significantly attenuated the augmented contractile response to PE in hypertensive rats. In addition, they inhibited the cardiac hypertrophy (reduction in HW/BW ratio). Conclusion: These data suggest that DPP4 inhibitor (sitaglipten) “is away from being insulinotropic and regulates glucose metabolism”, contributes to normal regulation of blood pressure and exerts protective effects in hypertension via many mechanisms, as inhibition of generation of free radicals.
文摘Indeed,medicinal importance of honey has been documented in the world's oldest medical literatures,and since the ancient times,it has been known to possess antimicrobial property as well as wound-healing activity.The healing property of honey is due to the fact that it offers antibacterial activity,maintains a moist wound condition,and its high viscosity helps to provide a protective barrier to prevent infection.Its immunomodulatory property is relevant to wound repair too.The antimicrobial activity in most honeys is due to the enzymatic production of hydrogen peroxide.However,another kind of honey,called non-peroxide honey(viz.,manuka honey),displays significant antibacterial effects even when the hydrogen peroxide activity is blocked.Its mechanism may be related to the low pH level of honey and its high sugar content(high osmolality) that is enough to hinder the growth of microbes.The medical grade honeys have potent in vitro bactericidal activity against antibiotic-resistant bacteria causing several life-threatening infections to humans. But,there is a large variation in the antimicrobial activity of some natural honeys,which is due to spatial and temporal variation in sources of nectar.Thus,identification and characterization of the active principle(s) may provide valuable information on the quality and possible therapeutic potential of honeys(against several health disorders of humans),and hence we discussed the medicinal property of honeys with emphasis on their antibacterial activities.
