BACKGROUND The incidence of diabetic atherosclerosis(DMA)is increasing worldwide,but its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.In addition to cardiovascular complications,bladder dysfunction is one of the commo...BACKGROUND The incidence of diabetic atherosclerosis(DMA)is increasing worldwide,but its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.In addition to cardiovascular complications,bladder dysfunction is one of the common comorbidities associated with DMA but is often refractory to current treatments.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect of human amniotic fluid stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles(hAFSC-EVs)on the recovery of bladder dysfunction in DMA rats.METHODS Eighty rats were divided into normal control,streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats,diabetic rats subjected to arterial balloon endothelial injury of common iliac artery(DMA),and DMA rats treated with hAFSC-EVs(DMA+hAFSC-EVs).At 4 weeks and 12 weeks after DMA induction,levels of blood glucose,total cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,homeostasis model assessment(HOMA)-insulin resistance,and HOMA-βwere measured.Cystometry,common iliac artery wall thickness,and bladder tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,Smad3,connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)and fibronectin were also evaluated.RESULTS Bladder weight and blood glucose,triglyceride,HOMA-insulin resistance,common iliac artery intima thickness,voided volume,intercontraction interval,bladder capacity,and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6,TGF-β1,Smad3,CTGF and fibronectin were significantly increased at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after induction,while the HOMA-βlevel decreased at 4 weeks and 12 weeks,and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased at 12 weeks.hAFSC-EVs treatment in DMA rats significantly reduced bladder weight and blood glucose,thickness of common iliac arterial intima,voided volume,intercontraction interval and bladder capacity at 4 weeks.The mRNA expression of TNF-α,TGF-β1,and CTGF in DMA rats treated with hAFSC-EVs were significantly decreased at 4 weeks,while the mRNA expressions of IL-6 and Smad3 were significantly decreased 12 weeks.CONCLUSION hAFSC-EVs treatment can help restore DMA-induced bladder dysfunction,which is associated with lowered blood glucose levels,reduced arterial wall thickness,and decreased TNF-α,IL-6,TGF-β1,Smad3,and CTGF expression.展开更多
Occurrence and abundance of molecular hydrogen in natural geologic reservoirs are enigmatic,due to its various sources,diverse migration pathways and complicated biological and chemical reactions.Natural gas samples c...Occurrence and abundance of molecular hydrogen in natural geologic reservoirs are enigmatic,due to its various sources,diverse migration pathways and complicated biological and chemical reactions.Natural gas samples containing hydrogen from producing wells in several sedimentary basins in China were collected in this study,and gas abundances and isotopic compositions of these gases were compared with those in global petroliferous basins and deep intrusive rocks.Several geochemical indicators were suggested for identifying sources,migration and accumulation mechanisms of hydrogen in the subsurface environment.Hydrogen contents in natural gas deposits have contributions from various sources with the following high-to-low order:microbial degradation>serpentinization>deep mantle volatile release>radiation-induced water decomposition>thermal cracking of organic matter.A hydrogen-rich reservoir in Kansas,USA,is specifically analyzed to determine its formation mechanism.This study suggests that future exploration of geological hydrogen resources may focus on the igneous rock bodies with overlying dense sedimentary rocks in the continental rift systems.展开更多
Obesity is associated with several diseases,including mental health.Adipose tissue is distributed around the internal organs,acting in the regulation of metabolism by storing and releasing fatty acids and adipokine in...Obesity is associated with several diseases,including mental health.Adipose tissue is distributed around the internal organs,acting in the regulation of metabolism by storing and releasing fatty acids and adipokine in the tissues.Excessive nutritional intake results in hypertrophy and proliferation of adipocytes,leading to local hypoxia in adipose tissue and changes in these adipokine releases.This leads to the recruitment of immune cells to adipose tissue and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.The presence of high levels of free fatty acids and inflammatory molecules interfere with intracellular insulin signaling,which can generate a neuroinflammatory process.In this review,we provide an up-to-date discussion of how excessive obesity can lead to possible cognitive dysfunction.We also address the idea that obesity-associated systemic inflammation leads to neuroinflammation in the brain,particularly the hypothalamus and hippocampus,and that this is partially responsible for these negative cognitive outcomes.In addition,we discuss some clinical models and animal studies for obesity and clarify the mechanism of action of anti-obesity drugs in the central nervous system.展开更多
Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects all races, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. With a high incidenee ratio of one in every 68, it has become one of the most discussed psychiatric disorder...Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects all races, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. With a high incidenee ratio of one in every 68, it has become one of the most discussed psychiatric disorders. For this reason, the need for investigating novel treatments has been emerging. Qigong, a traditional Chinese mind-body technique, has already proven to be able to reduce symptoms of several physical and psychological illnesses. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of Qigong on children suffering from autism spectrum disorders. Search strategy: A systematic literature search of the electronic scientific databases PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, BioMed Central, PubMed Central and Google Scholar was performed to identify studies of Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. Inclusion criteria: This review included randomized controlled trials, replication studies, retrospective studies and observational follow-up studies of Qigong on children with autism spectrum disorder. Case reports and case series were excluded. Data extraction and analysis: Two researchers independently evaluated the methodological quality of all included studies. Any discrepancies were solved by discussion until consensus was achieved. Results: Our literature search identified 157 publications, and 10 additional publications from hand search of references. After duplicate removal, 103 records remained. After the title/abstract screening, 19 publications were obtained for detailed evaluation. After detailed evaluation, 10 studies were included. Seven studies were conducted with small children with 2-6 years old employing Qigong massage, and three studies were con ducted with older children aged 7-17 years old applying both Qigong massage (one study) and Neigong (two studies). Conclusion: Studies demonstrated that Qigong has interesting and promising applicability and effect on children with autism spectrum disorder and should be tested further. Despite the need for more rigorous controlled studies, Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioural, and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness as well as healthy-physical behaviour. Besides positive effect on children and adolescents, benefits seem to extend to parents and caregivers as well. However, quality of methodology seems to be insufficient to state that Qigong is an alternative to common behavioural therapies. We suggest that, until more investigation is performed, Qigong may only be used as a complement, or when behavioural therapies are not accessible.展开更多
Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the standard treatment for resectable periampullary cancer. Surgical site infections(SSI) are common complications with increased morbidity. The study aimed to describe the preva...Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the standard treatment for resectable periampullary cancer. Surgical site infections(SSI) are common complications with increased morbidity. The study aimed to describe the prevalence, risk factors, microbiology, and outcomes of SSI among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a referral cancer center between January 2015 and June 2021. We analyzed baseline patient characteristics and SSI occurrence. Culture results and susceptibility patterns were described. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine risk factors, proportional hazards model to evaluate mortality, and Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess long-term survival. Results: A total of 219 patients were enrolled in the study;101(46%) developed SSI. Independent factors for SSI were diabetes mellitus, preoperative albumin level, biliary drainage, biliary prostheses, and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. The main pathogens were Enterobacteria and Enterococci. Multidrug-resistance rate in SSI was high but not associated with increased mortality. Infected patients had higher odds of sepsis, longer hospital stay and intensive care unit stay, and readmission rate. Neither 30-day mortality nor long-term survival was significantly different between infected and non-infected patients. Conclusions: SSI prevalence among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy was high and largely caused by resistant microorganisms. Most risk factors were related to preoperative instrumentation of the biliary tree. SSI was associated with greater risk of unfavorable outcomes;however, survival was unaffected.展开更多
The widespread W-(Mo)-Sn-Nb-Ta polymetallic mineralization in Southeast(SE)China is genetically associated with Mesozoic highly fractionated granitic rocks.Such rocks have enigmatic mineralogical and geochemical featu...The widespread W-(Mo)-Sn-Nb-Ta polymetallic mineralization in Southeast(SE)China is genetically associated with Mesozoic highly fractionated granitic rocks.Such rocks have enigmatic mineralogical and geochemical features,making its petrogenesis an intensely debated topic.To better understand the underlying magma evolution processes,petrography,garnet chemistry and whole-rock major and trace element data are reported for Jurassic highly fractionated granitic rocks and associated microgranite and aplitepegmatite dikes from Macao and compared with coeval similar granitic rocks from nearby areas in SE China.Despite the fact that the most evolved rocks in Macao are garnet-bearing aplite-pegmatite dikes,the existence of coeval two-mica and garnet-bearing biotite and muscovite granites displaying more evolved compositions(e.g.,lower Zr/Hf ratios)indicates that the differentiation sequence reached higher degrees of fractionation at a regional scale.Although crystal fractionation played an important role,late-stage fluid/melt interactions,involving F-rich fluids,imparted specific geochemical characteristics to Macao and SE China highly fractionated granitic rocks such as the non-CHARAC(CHArge-and-RAdius-Controlled)behavior of trace elements,leading,for example,to non-chondritic Zr/Hf ratios,Rare Earth Elements(REE)tetrad effects and Nb-Ta enrichment and fractionation.Such process contributed to the late-stage crystallization of accessory phases only found in these highly evolved facies.Among the latter,two populations of garnet were identified in MGI(Macao GroupⅠ)highly fractionated granitic rocks:small grossular-poor euhedral grains and large grossular-rich skeletal garnet grains with quartz inclusions.The first group was mainly formed through precipitation from highly evolved Mn-rich slightly peraluminous melts under low-pressure and relatively low temperature(~700℃)conditions.Assimilation of upper crust metasedimentary materials may have contributed as a source of Mn and Al to the formation of garnet.The second group has a metasomatic origin related to the interaction of magmatic fluids with previously crystallized mineral phases and,possibly,with assimilated metasedimentary enclaves or surrounding metasedimentary strata.The highly fractionated granitic rocks in Macao represent the first stage in the development of granite-related W-(Mo)-Sn-Nb-Ta mineralization associated with coeval more evolved lithotypes in SE China.展开更多
Six new high precision U-Pb zircon ID-TIMS ages plus thirteen in situ high spatial resolution U-Pb zircon LA-MC-ICPMS ages are reported from Jurassic plutonic(metaluminous to weakly peraluminous biotite granites)and J...Six new high precision U-Pb zircon ID-TIMS ages plus thirteen in situ high spatial resolution U-Pb zircon LA-MC-ICPMS ages are reported from Jurassic plutonic(metaluminous to weakly peraluminous biotite granites)and Jurassic to Cretaceous hypabyssal(dacites)rocks from Macao.Despite its relatively small area(~30 km^2),the new ages tightly constrain the Macao granitic magmatism to two periods ranging from 164.5±0.6 Ma to 162.9±0.7 Ma and 156.6±0.2 Ma to 155.5±0.8 Ma,separated by ca.6 Ma.Inherited zircons point to the existence of a basement with ages up to Paleo-Proterozoic and late Archean in the region.In addition,younger dacitic rocks were dated at 150.6±0.6 Ma and<120 Ma.U-Pb zircon ages and whole-rock REE data of Macao granites indicate that the first pulse is also represented in Hong Kong and Southeast(SE)China,while magmatism with the chemical characteristics of the second pulse seems to not be represented outside Macao.The two granitic magmatic pulses have distinct mineralogical and geochemical features that support their discrete nature rather than a continuum of comagmatic activity and suggest that the Macao granitic suite was incrementally assembled during a period of ca.9 Ma,a hypothesis also extendable to the neighboring Hong Kong region for a time lapse of ca.24 Ma.In Macao,the transition from granitic magmatism(Middle to Upper Jurassic)to the younger dacite dykes(Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous)most likely corresponds to a change in the regional tectonic setting,from an extensional regime related with foundering of the subducting paleoPacific plate during the Early Yanshanian period to the reestablishment of a normal subduction system in SE China during the Late Yanshanian period.展开更多
There is relatively good evidence that non-human primates can communicate about objects and events in their envi- ronment in ways that allow recipients to draw inferences about the nature of the event experienced by t...There is relatively good evidence that non-human primates can communicate about objects and events in their envi- ronment in ways that allow recipients to draw inferences about the nature of the event experienced by the signaller. In some spe- cies, there is also evidence that the basic semantic units are not individual calls, but call sequences and the combinations gener- ated by them. These two findings are relevant to theories pertaining to the origins of human language because of the resemblances of these phenomena with linguistic reference and syntactic organisation. Until recently, however, most research efforts on the primate origins of human language have involved Old World species with comparatively few systematic studies on New World monkeys, which has prevented insights into the deeper phylogenetic roots and evolutionary origins of language-relevant capaci- ties. To address this, we review the older primate literature and very recent evidence for functionally referential communication and call combinations in New World primates. Within the existing literature there is ample evidence in both Callitrichids and Ce- bids for acoustically distinct call variants given to external disturbances that are accompanied by distinct behavioural responses. A general pattern is that one call type is typically produced in response to a wide range of general disturbances, often on the ground but also including inter-group encounters, while another call type is produced in response to a much narrower range of aerial threats. This pattern is already described for Old World monkeys and Prosimians, suggesting an early evolutionary origin. Second, recent work with black-fronted tiff monkeys has produced evidence for different alarm call sequences consisting of acoustically distinct call types. These sequences appear to encode several aspects of the predation event simultaneously, notably predator type and location. Since meaningful call sequences have already been described in Old World primates, we suggest that basic combi- natorial vocal communication has evolved in the primate lineage long before the advent of language. Moreover, it is possible that some of these communicative abilities have evolved even earlier, or independently, as there is comparable evidence in other taxonomic groups. We discuss these findings in an attempt to shed further light on the primate stock from which human language has arisen [Current Zoology 58 （5）： 680-697, 2012].展开更多
The by-catch fauna of the shrimp fishery includes a number of marine invertebrates that are discarded because they do not have commercial value.In order to try to add some value to these materials,we analyzed the chem...The by-catch fauna of the shrimp fishery includes a number of marine invertebrates that are discarded because they do not have commercial value.In order to try to add some value to these materials,we analyzed the chemical composition of the starfish Luidia senegalensis collected in the Brazilian coast as a consequence of the trawling fishery method.In order to access their chemical composition,we used a combination of solid phase extraction(SPE)followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-ESI-IT-MSn).Luidia sene-galensis contains asterosaponins,which are sulphated glycosilated steroids,containing five and six sugar moieties,in addition to polyhydroxysteroids.This study helped us to support the presence of important and potentially bioactive compounds in invertebrates associated to the by-catch fauna of the shrimp fishery,using a fast and efficient method.展开更多
Acute coronary syndromes （ACS） are the leading causes of death in the elderly. The suspicion and diagnosis of ACS in this age group is more difficult, since typical angina is less frequent. The morbidity and mortali...Acute coronary syndromes （ACS） are the leading causes of death in the elderly. The suspicion and diagnosis of ACS in this age group is more difficult, since typical angina is less frequent. The morbidity and mortality is greater in older age patients presenting ACS. Despite the higher prevalence and greater risk, elderly patients are underrepresented in major clinical trials fi：om which evidence based recommendations are formulated. The authors describe, in this article, the challenges in the diagnosis and management of ST elevation myocardial infarction in the elderly, and discuss the available evidence.展开更多
Metabolic syndrome(MetS)might be defined as the simultaneous accumulation of s everal functional changes that frequently occur in adults over 60 years of age(Gomez et al.,2018).The diagnosis of MetS requires the prese...Metabolic syndrome(MetS)might be defined as the simultaneous accumulation of s everal functional changes that frequently occur in adults over 60 years of age(Gomez et al.,2018).The diagnosis of MetS requires the presence of three or more factors such as high body mass,type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),dyslipidemia,and arterial hypertension,which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as neurological complications,as stroke and dementia(Dyken and Lacoste,2018).Usually,these functional changes coincide and result in insensitivity for example hormones as leptin,adiponectin,and insulin(Dyken and Lacoste,2018).展开更多
Nd^(3+)-doped tellurite glasses are promising materials for thermometers based on the fluorescence intensity ratio(FIR)technique.Nevertheless,at high Nd^(3+)concentrations,energy transfer(ET)processes such as optical ...Nd^(3+)-doped tellurite glasses are promising materials for thermometers based on the fluorescence intensity ratio(FIR)technique.Nevertheless,at high Nd^(3+)concentrations,energy transfer(ET)processes such as optical reabsorption and cross-relaxation can affect the Nd^(3+)emission,which has been little explored in the literature.Therefore,the present work investigated the use of Nd^(3+)-doped tellurite glass(samples doped with Nd^(3+)at 0.2 mol%,0.5 mol%,2.0 mol%,and 4.0 mol%)in fluorescence thermometers,in the temperature range from 299 to 371 K.The results indicate a strong dependence of the FIR parameters on the Nd^(3+)concentration,due to changes in the emission band profiles caused by optical reabsorption of the Nd^(3+)emissions and cross-relaxation processes.A decrease of the relative sensitivity of the ratio^(4)F_(5/2)→^(4)I_(9/2)/^(4)F_(3/2)→^(4)I_(9/2)is observed for samples doped with higher amounts of Nd^(3+).The maximum relative sensitivity at 299 K is 3.00%/K,which is the highest value among the reported Nd^(3+)ions.展开更多
Depression, anxiety and tuberculosis are common conditions with significant public health implications. The connection among these conditions is syndemic: the incidence of one increases the chance of developing the ot...Depression, anxiety and tuberculosis are common conditions with significant public health implications. The connection among these conditions is syndemic: the incidence of one increases the chance of developing the other, with clusters of biological, social and psychological interaction. Therefore, it has become crucial to understand better the mechanisms liable for the physiological process</span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">related to these three conditions.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The present</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">review focuses specifically on shared social events (perception of illness severity,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">social stigma,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">poverty and social isolation) and biological pathways (central response of the immune system within the CNS, the activation of the HPA axis and the SNS) that may mechanistically elucidate the depression-anxiety-tuberculosis association and discuss interventions prospects and significant issues to be arranged by future clinical and research implications.展开更多
The complex meniscus tissue plays a critical role in the knee. The high susceptibility to injury has led to an intense pursuit for better tissue engineering regenerative strategies, where scaffolds play a major role. ...The complex meniscus tissue plays a critical role in the knee. The high susceptibility to injury has led to an intense pursuit for better tissue engineering regenerative strategies, where scaffolds play a major role. In this study, indirect printed hierarchical multilayered sca ffolds composed by a silk fibroin (SF) upper layer and an 80/20 (w/w) ratio of SF/ionic-doped β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bottom layer were developed. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between two types of sca ffolds pro- duced using di fferent SF concentrations, i.e., 8% (w/v) (Hi8) and 16% (w/v) (Hi16) was performed. In terms of architecture and morphology, the produced sca ffolds presented homogeneous porosity in both layers and no di fferences were observed when comparing both sca ffolds. A decrease in terms of mechanical performance of the sca ffolds was observed when SF concentration decreased from 16 to 8% (w/v). Hi16 revealed a static compressive modulus of 0.66 ± 0.05 MPa and dynamical mechanical properties ranging from 2.17 ± 0.25 to 3.19 ± 0.38 MPa. By its turn, Hi8 presented a compressive modulus of 0.27 ± 0.08 MPa and dynamical mechanical properties ranging from 1.03 ± 0.08 MPa to 1.56 ± 0.13 MPa. In vitro bioactivity studies showed formation of apatite crystals onto the surface of Hi8 and Hi16 bottom layers. Human meniscus cells (hMCs) and human primary osteoblasts were cultured separately onto the top layer (SF8 and SF16) and bottom layer (SF8/TCP and SF16/TCP) of the hierarchical sca ffolds Hi8 and Hi16, respectively. Both cell types showed good adhesion and proliferation as denoted by the live/dead staining, Alamar Blue assay and DNA quanti fication analysis. Subcutaneous implantation in mice revealed weak in flammation and sca ffold’s integrity. The hierarchical indirect printed SF sca ffolds can be promising candidate for meniscus TE sca ffolding applications due their suitable mechanical properties, good biological performance and possibility of being applied in a patient-speci fic approach.展开更多
In horticulture,grafting is a popular technique used to combine positive traits from two different plants.This is achieved by joining the plant top part(scion)onto a rootstock which contains the stem and roots.Rootsto...In horticulture,grafting is a popular technique used to combine positive traits from two different plants.This is achieved by joining the plant top part(scion)onto a rootstock which contains the stem and roots.Rootstocks can provide resistance to stress and increase plant production,but despite their wide use,the biological mechanisms driving rootstock-induced alterations of the scion phenotype remain largely unknown.Given that epigenetics plays a relevant role during distance signalling in plants,we studied the genome-wide DNA methylation changes induced in eggplant(Solanum melongena)scion using two interspecific rootstocks to increase vigour.We found that vigour was associated with a change in scion gene expression and a genome-wide hypomethylation in the CHH context.Interestingly,this hypomethylation correlated with the downregulation of younger and potentially more active long terminal repeat retrotransposable elements(LTR-TEs),suggesting that graft-induced epigenetic modifications are associated with both physiological and molecular phenotypes in grafted plants.Our results indicate that the enhanced vigour induced by heterografting in eggplant is associated with epigenetic modifications,as also observed in some heterotic hybrids.展开更多
Unraveling the factors that determine variation of diversity in tropical mountain systems is a topic for debate in plant ecology.This is especially true in areas where topography is complex due to volcano elevational ...Unraveling the factors that determine variation of diversity in tropical mountain systems is a topic for debate in plant ecology.This is especially true in areas where topography is complex due to volcano elevational gradients and where forests are vulnerable to human activity.In this study we used a set of climatic(temperature,rainfall,and radiation solar),topographic(elevation,slope aspect,and slope orientation)and human disturbance variables to determine their effect on diversity and composition patterns of a tree community,considering three slope aspects of a tropical volcano in southeastern Mexico.We sampled trees in seventy 0.1-ha plots distributed on three slope aspects of the Tacanávolcano along an elevational gradient of 1500 to 2500 m.We determined diversity patterns(general tree richness,exponential of Shannon index,and pioneer species richness)with linear regression models,and for beta diversity,we used a dissimilarity index(within and between elevational bands 100 m wide).The effect of a set of environmental and human disturbance variables on tree diversity and community composition was analyzed with general linear models and multivariate analyses,respectively.We registered 2,949 individual trees belonging to 176 species and 58families.The average species richness and alpha diversity per plot were 13(standard deviation±6)and 9(±5),respectively.General tree richness and alpha diversity increased in the middle part(unimodal patterns)of the elevational gradient,but pioneer species richness decreased linearly with elevation.The variance explained by general linear models was greater in richness(32%)than in alpha diversity(25.3%).The most important predictor variables were temperature(elevational gradient),which explained the unimodal pattern(richness and alpha diversity increase at intermediate levels of temperature),and slope orientation,which explained the increase in richness and alpha diversity toward the geographic north.Only temperature had a significant effect on pioneer species diversity(22%).For community composition,all the predictor variables evaluated had a significant effect,but the most important were slope aspect and temperature.Assemblages were almost completely different in plots that were farther apart along the elevation gradient and had different slope aspects.Finally,the forests at lower elevations(1500–1900 m)were those that had the most human disturbance.Our study reveals the importance of considering a set of environmental variables related to climate,topography(e.g.,slope aspect),and human disturbance to understand variation in diversity and composition of a tree community on a tropical volcano.With this information,we believe that it is important to implement conservation and restoration measures in the forests of the lower parts of the Tacanávolcano,complemented by studies that contribute to designing better conservation strategies.展开更多
基金the Ministry of Science and Technology Taiwan,No.MOST 109-2314-B-182A-091,No.NSTC 112-2314-B-182A-062, No.NSTC 113-2314-B-182A-125.
文摘BACKGROUND The incidence of diabetic atherosclerosis(DMA)is increasing worldwide,but its pathogenesis remains incompletely understood.In addition to cardiovascular complications,bladder dysfunction is one of the common comorbidities associated with DMA but is often refractory to current treatments.AIM To investigate the therapeutic effect of human amniotic fluid stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles(hAFSC-EVs)on the recovery of bladder dysfunction in DMA rats.METHODS Eighty rats were divided into normal control,streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats,diabetic rats subjected to arterial balloon endothelial injury of common iliac artery(DMA),and DMA rats treated with hAFSC-EVs(DMA+hAFSC-EVs).At 4 weeks and 12 weeks after DMA induction,levels of blood glucose,total cholesterol,triglyceride,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,homeostasis model assessment(HOMA)-insulin resistance,and HOMA-βwere measured.Cystometry,common iliac artery wall thickness,and bladder tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,interleukin(IL)-6,transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,Smad3,connective tissue growth factor(CTGF)and fibronectin were also evaluated.RESULTS Bladder weight and blood glucose,triglyceride,HOMA-insulin resistance,common iliac artery intima thickness,voided volume,intercontraction interval,bladder capacity,and mRNA expression of TNF-α,IL-6,TGF-β1,Smad3,CTGF and fibronectin were significantly increased at 4 weeks and 12 weeks after induction,while the HOMA-βlevel decreased at 4 weeks and 12 weeks,and the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level decreased at 12 weeks.hAFSC-EVs treatment in DMA rats significantly reduced bladder weight and blood glucose,thickness of common iliac arterial intima,voided volume,intercontraction interval and bladder capacity at 4 weeks.The mRNA expression of TNF-α,TGF-β1,and CTGF in DMA rats treated with hAFSC-EVs were significantly decreased at 4 weeks,while the mRNA expressions of IL-6 and Smad3 were significantly decreased 12 weeks.CONCLUSION hAFSC-EVs treatment can help restore DMA-induced bladder dysfunction,which is associated with lowered blood glucose levels,reduced arterial wall thickness,and decreased TNF-α,IL-6,TGF-β1,Smad3,and CTGF expression.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42488101,42141021,42172149,42172168,U2244209)the Tencent Foundation through the XPLORER PRIZE。
文摘Occurrence and abundance of molecular hydrogen in natural geologic reservoirs are enigmatic,due to its various sources,diverse migration pathways and complicated biological and chemical reactions.Natural gas samples containing hydrogen from producing wells in several sedimentary basins in China were collected in this study,and gas abundances and isotopic compositions of these gases were compared with those in global petroliferous basins and deep intrusive rocks.Several geochemical indicators were suggested for identifying sources,migration and accumulation mechanisms of hydrogen in the subsurface environment.Hydrogen contents in natural gas deposits have contributions from various sources with the following high-to-low order:microbial degradation>serpentinization>deep mantle volatile release>radiation-induced water decomposition>thermal cracking of organic matter.A hydrogen-rich reservoir in Kansas,USA,is specifically analyzed to determine its formation mechanism.This study suggests that future exploration of geological hydrogen resources may focus on the igneous rock bodies with overlying dense sedimentary rocks in the continental rift systems.
基金supported by the Brazilian funding agencies CNPq,and FUNDECT (to LM)
文摘Obesity is associated with several diseases,including mental health.Adipose tissue is distributed around the internal organs,acting in the regulation of metabolism by storing and releasing fatty acids and adipokine in the tissues.Excessive nutritional intake results in hypertrophy and proliferation of adipocytes,leading to local hypoxia in adipose tissue and changes in these adipokine releases.This leads to the recruitment of immune cells to adipose tissue and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.The presence of high levels of free fatty acids and inflammatory molecules interfere with intracellular insulin signaling,which can generate a neuroinflammatory process.In this review,we provide an up-to-date discussion of how excessive obesity can lead to possible cognitive dysfunction.We also address the idea that obesity-associated systemic inflammation leads to neuroinflammation in the brain,particularly the hypothalamus and hippocampus,and that this is partially responsible for these negative cognitive outcomes.In addition,we discuss some clinical models and animal studies for obesity and clarify the mechanism of action of anti-obesity drugs in the central nervous system.
文摘Background: Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects all races, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. With a high incidenee ratio of one in every 68, it has become one of the most discussed psychiatric disorders. For this reason, the need for investigating novel treatments has been emerging. Qigong, a traditional Chinese mind-body technique, has already proven to be able to reduce symptoms of several physical and psychological illnesses. Objective: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine and categorize the current scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of Qigong on children suffering from autism spectrum disorders. Search strategy: A systematic literature search of the electronic scientific databases PubMed, Clinical Trials.gov, BioMed Central, PubMed Central and Google Scholar was performed to identify studies of Qigong in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder. Inclusion criteria: This review included randomized controlled trials, replication studies, retrospective studies and observational follow-up studies of Qigong on children with autism spectrum disorder. Case reports and case series were excluded. Data extraction and analysis: Two researchers independently evaluated the methodological quality of all included studies. Any discrepancies were solved by discussion until consensus was achieved. Results: Our literature search identified 157 publications, and 10 additional publications from hand search of references. After duplicate removal, 103 records remained. After the title/abstract screening, 19 publications were obtained for detailed evaluation. After detailed evaluation, 10 studies were included. Seven studies were conducted with small children with 2-6 years old employing Qigong massage, and three studies were con ducted with older children aged 7-17 years old applying both Qigong massage (one study) and Neigong (two studies). Conclusion: Studies demonstrated that Qigong has interesting and promising applicability and effect on children with autism spectrum disorder and should be tested further. Despite the need for more rigorous controlled studies, Qigong seems to be able to decrease severity of individual sensory, behavioural, and language components of autism, and improve self-control, sociability, sensory and cognitive awareness as well as healthy-physical behaviour. Besides positive effect on children and adolescents, benefits seem to extend to parents and caregivers as well. However, quality of methodology seems to be insufficient to state that Qigong is an alternative to common behavioural therapies. We suggest that, until more investigation is performed, Qigong may only be used as a complement, or when behavioural therapies are not accessible.
文摘Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy is the standard treatment for resectable periampullary cancer. Surgical site infections(SSI) are common complications with increased morbidity. The study aimed to describe the prevalence, risk factors, microbiology, and outcomes of SSI among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study in a referral cancer center between January 2015 and June 2021. We analyzed baseline patient characteristics and SSI occurrence. Culture results and susceptibility patterns were described. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine risk factors, proportional hazards model to evaluate mortality, and Kaplan-Meier analysis to assess long-term survival. Results: A total of 219 patients were enrolled in the study;101(46%) developed SSI. Independent factors for SSI were diabetes mellitus, preoperative albumin level, biliary drainage, biliary prostheses, and clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula. The main pathogens were Enterobacteria and Enterococci. Multidrug-resistance rate in SSI was high but not associated with increased mortality. Infected patients had higher odds of sepsis, longer hospital stay and intensive care unit stay, and readmission rate. Neither 30-day mortality nor long-term survival was significantly different between infected and non-infected patients. Conclusions: SSI prevalence among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy was high and largely caused by resistant microorganisms. Most risk factors were related to preoperative instrumentation of the biliary tree. SSI was associated with greater risk of unfavorable outcomes;however, survival was unaffected.
基金supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund(No.FDCT 043/2014/A1)the financial FCT support(No.UIDB/50019/2020–IDL)。
文摘The widespread W-(Mo)-Sn-Nb-Ta polymetallic mineralization in Southeast(SE)China is genetically associated with Mesozoic highly fractionated granitic rocks.Such rocks have enigmatic mineralogical and geochemical features,making its petrogenesis an intensely debated topic.To better understand the underlying magma evolution processes,petrography,garnet chemistry and whole-rock major and trace element data are reported for Jurassic highly fractionated granitic rocks and associated microgranite and aplitepegmatite dikes from Macao and compared with coeval similar granitic rocks from nearby areas in SE China.Despite the fact that the most evolved rocks in Macao are garnet-bearing aplite-pegmatite dikes,the existence of coeval two-mica and garnet-bearing biotite and muscovite granites displaying more evolved compositions(e.g.,lower Zr/Hf ratios)indicates that the differentiation sequence reached higher degrees of fractionation at a regional scale.Although crystal fractionation played an important role,late-stage fluid/melt interactions,involving F-rich fluids,imparted specific geochemical characteristics to Macao and SE China highly fractionated granitic rocks such as the non-CHARAC(CHArge-and-RAdius-Controlled)behavior of trace elements,leading,for example,to non-chondritic Zr/Hf ratios,Rare Earth Elements(REE)tetrad effects and Nb-Ta enrichment and fractionation.Such process contributed to the late-stage crystallization of accessory phases only found in these highly evolved facies.Among the latter,two populations of garnet were identified in MGI(Macao GroupⅠ)highly fractionated granitic rocks:small grossular-poor euhedral grains and large grossular-rich skeletal garnet grains with quartz inclusions.The first group was mainly formed through precipitation from highly evolved Mn-rich slightly peraluminous melts under low-pressure and relatively low temperature(~700℃)conditions.Assimilation of upper crust metasedimentary materials may have contributed as a source of Mn and Al to the formation of garnet.The second group has a metasomatic origin related to the interaction of magmatic fluids with previously crystallized mineral phases and,possibly,with assimilated metasedimentary enclaves or surrounding metasedimentary strata.The highly fractionated granitic rocks in Macao represent the first stage in the development of granite-related W-(Mo)-Sn-Nb-Ta mineralization associated with coeval more evolved lithotypes in SE China.
基金supported by the Macao Science and Technology Development Fund (FDCT 043/2014/A1)support of FCT (Portugal) through UID/GEO/ 50019/2013 to Instituto Dom Luiz,Universidade de Lisboa
文摘Six new high precision U-Pb zircon ID-TIMS ages plus thirteen in situ high spatial resolution U-Pb zircon LA-MC-ICPMS ages are reported from Jurassic plutonic(metaluminous to weakly peraluminous biotite granites)and Jurassic to Cretaceous hypabyssal(dacites)rocks from Macao.Despite its relatively small area(~30 km^2),the new ages tightly constrain the Macao granitic magmatism to two periods ranging from 164.5±0.6 Ma to 162.9±0.7 Ma and 156.6±0.2 Ma to 155.5±0.8 Ma,separated by ca.6 Ma.Inherited zircons point to the existence of a basement with ages up to Paleo-Proterozoic and late Archean in the region.In addition,younger dacitic rocks were dated at 150.6±0.6 Ma and<120 Ma.U-Pb zircon ages and whole-rock REE data of Macao granites indicate that the first pulse is also represented in Hong Kong and Southeast(SE)China,while magmatism with the chemical characteristics of the second pulse seems to not be represented outside Macao.The two granitic magmatic pulses have distinct mineralogical and geochemical features that support their discrete nature rather than a continuum of comagmatic activity and suggest that the Macao granitic suite was incrementally assembled during a period of ca.9 Ma,a hypothesis also extendable to the neighboring Hong Kong region for a time lapse of ca.24 Ma.In Macao,the transition from granitic magmatism(Middle to Upper Jurassic)to the younger dacite dykes(Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous)most likely corresponds to a change in the regional tectonic setting,from an extensional regime related with foundering of the subducting paleoPacific plate during the Early Yanshanian period to the reestablishment of a normal subduction system in SE China during the Late Yanshanian period.
文摘There is relatively good evidence that non-human primates can communicate about objects and events in their envi- ronment in ways that allow recipients to draw inferences about the nature of the event experienced by the signaller. In some spe- cies, there is also evidence that the basic semantic units are not individual calls, but call sequences and the combinations gener- ated by them. These two findings are relevant to theories pertaining to the origins of human language because of the resemblances of these phenomena with linguistic reference and syntactic organisation. Until recently, however, most research efforts on the primate origins of human language have involved Old World species with comparatively few systematic studies on New World monkeys, which has prevented insights into the deeper phylogenetic roots and evolutionary origins of language-relevant capaci- ties. To address this, we review the older primate literature and very recent evidence for functionally referential communication and call combinations in New World primates. Within the existing literature there is ample evidence in both Callitrichids and Ce- bids for acoustically distinct call variants given to external disturbances that are accompanied by distinct behavioural responses. A general pattern is that one call type is typically produced in response to a wide range of general disturbances, often on the ground but also including inter-group encounters, while another call type is produced in response to a much narrower range of aerial threats. This pattern is already described for Old World monkeys and Prosimians, suggesting an early evolutionary origin. Second, recent work with black-fronted tiff monkeys has produced evidence for different alarm call sequences consisting of acoustically distinct call types. These sequences appear to encode several aspects of the predation event simultaneously, notably predator type and location. Since meaningful call sequences have already been described in Old World primates, we suggest that basic combi- natorial vocal communication has evolved in the primate lineage long before the advent of language. Moreover, it is possible that some of these communicative abilities have evolved even earlier, or independently, as there is comparable evidence in other taxonomic groups. We discuss these findings in an attempt to shed further light on the primate stock from which human language has arisen [Current Zoology 58 （5）： 680-697, 2012].
基金supported by Funda-cao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo(FAPESP Grant 2012/19419-9 to W.V.and Grant 2011/23159-0 to M.M.P.T.)。
文摘The by-catch fauna of the shrimp fishery includes a number of marine invertebrates that are discarded because they do not have commercial value.In order to try to add some value to these materials,we analyzed the chemical composition of the starfish Luidia senegalensis collected in the Brazilian coast as a consequence of the trawling fishery method.In order to access their chemical composition,we used a combination of solid phase extraction(SPE)followed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization ion trap tandem mass spectrometry(UPLC-ESI-IT-MSn).Luidia sene-galensis contains asterosaponins,which are sulphated glycosilated steroids,containing five and six sugar moieties,in addition to polyhydroxysteroids.This study helped us to support the presence of important and potentially bioactive compounds in invertebrates associated to the by-catch fauna of the shrimp fishery,using a fast and efficient method.
文摘Acute coronary syndromes （ACS） are the leading causes of death in the elderly. The suspicion and diagnosis of ACS in this age group is more difficult, since typical angina is less frequent. The morbidity and mortality is greater in older age patients presenting ACS. Despite the higher prevalence and greater risk, elderly patients are underrepresented in major clinical trials fi：om which evidence based recommendations are formulated. The authors describe, in this article, the challenges in the diagnosis and management of ST elevation myocardial infarction in the elderly, and discuss the available evidence.
文摘Metabolic syndrome(MetS)might be defined as the simultaneous accumulation of s everal functional changes that frequently occur in adults over 60 years of age(Gomez et al.,2018).The diagnosis of MetS requires the presence of three or more factors such as high body mass,type-2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),dyslipidemia,and arterial hypertension,which increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases as well as neurological complications,as stroke and dementia(Dyken and Lacoste,2018).Usually,these functional changes coincide and result in insensitivity for example hormones as leptin,adiponectin,and insulin(Dyken and Lacoste,2018).
基金Project supported by National Council for Scientific and Technological Development(CNPq)(#305067/2019-2,#303707/2022-4,#306452/2018-9)the Development of Education and Science and Technology of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul(FUNDECT)(#59/300.634/2016,#71/027.247/2022)。
文摘Nd^(3+)-doped tellurite glasses are promising materials for thermometers based on the fluorescence intensity ratio(FIR)technique.Nevertheless,at high Nd^(3+)concentrations,energy transfer(ET)processes such as optical reabsorption and cross-relaxation can affect the Nd^(3+)emission,which has been little explored in the literature.Therefore,the present work investigated the use of Nd^(3+)-doped tellurite glass(samples doped with Nd^(3+)at 0.2 mol%,0.5 mol%,2.0 mol%,and 4.0 mol%)in fluorescence thermometers,in the temperature range from 299 to 371 K.The results indicate a strong dependence of the FIR parameters on the Nd^(3+)concentration,due to changes in the emission band profiles caused by optical reabsorption of the Nd^(3+)emissions and cross-relaxation processes.A decrease of the relative sensitivity of the ratio^(4)F_(5/2)→^(4)I_(9/2)/^(4)F_(3/2)→^(4)I_(9/2)is observed for samples doped with higher amounts of Nd^(3+).The maximum relative sensitivity at 299 K is 3.00%/K,which is the highest value among the reported Nd^(3+)ions.
文摘Depression, anxiety and tuberculosis are common conditions with significant public health implications. The connection among these conditions is syndemic: the incidence of one increases the chance of developing the other, with clusters of biological, social and psychological interaction. Therefore, it has become crucial to understand better the mechanisms liable for the physiological process</span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">related to these three conditions.</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The present</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">review focuses specifically on shared social events (perception of illness severity,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">social stigma,</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> </span></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">poverty and social isolation) and biological pathways (central response of the immune system within the CNS, the activation of the HPA axis and the SNS) that may mechanistically elucidate the depression-anxiety-tuberculosis association and discuss interventions prospects and significant issues to be arranged by future clinical and research implications.
文摘The complex meniscus tissue plays a critical role in the knee. The high susceptibility to injury has led to an intense pursuit for better tissue engineering regenerative strategies, where scaffolds play a major role. In this study, indirect printed hierarchical multilayered sca ffolds composed by a silk fibroin (SF) upper layer and an 80/20 (w/w) ratio of SF/ionic-doped β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bottom layer were developed. Furthermore, a comparative analysis between two types of sca ffolds pro- duced using di fferent SF concentrations, i.e., 8% (w/v) (Hi8) and 16% (w/v) (Hi16) was performed. In terms of architecture and morphology, the produced sca ffolds presented homogeneous porosity in both layers and no di fferences were observed when comparing both sca ffolds. A decrease in terms of mechanical performance of the sca ffolds was observed when SF concentration decreased from 16 to 8% (w/v). Hi16 revealed a static compressive modulus of 0.66 ± 0.05 MPa and dynamical mechanical properties ranging from 2.17 ± 0.25 to 3.19 ± 0.38 MPa. By its turn, Hi8 presented a compressive modulus of 0.27 ± 0.08 MPa and dynamical mechanical properties ranging from 1.03 ± 0.08 MPa to 1.56 ± 0.13 MPa. In vitro bioactivity studies showed formation of apatite crystals onto the surface of Hi8 and Hi16 bottom layers. Human meniscus cells (hMCs) and human primary osteoblasts were cultured separately onto the top layer (SF8 and SF16) and bottom layer (SF8/TCP and SF16/TCP) of the hierarchical sca ffolds Hi8 and Hi16, respectively. Both cell types showed good adhesion and proliferation as denoted by the live/dead staining, Alamar Blue assay and DNA quanti fication analysis. Subcutaneous implantation in mice revealed weak in flammation and sca ffold’s integrity. The hierarchical indirect printed SF sca ffolds can be promising candidate for meniscus TE sca ffolding applications due their suitable mechanical properties, good biological performance and possibility of being applied in a patient-speci fic approach.
文摘In horticulture,grafting is a popular technique used to combine positive traits from two different plants.This is achieved by joining the plant top part(scion)onto a rootstock which contains the stem and roots.Rootstocks can provide resistance to stress and increase plant production,but despite their wide use,the biological mechanisms driving rootstock-induced alterations of the scion phenotype remain largely unknown.Given that epigenetics plays a relevant role during distance signalling in plants,we studied the genome-wide DNA methylation changes induced in eggplant(Solanum melongena)scion using two interspecific rootstocks to increase vigour.We found that vigour was associated with a change in scion gene expression and a genome-wide hypomethylation in the CHH context.Interestingly,this hypomethylation correlated with the downregulation of younger and potentially more active long terminal repeat retrotransposable elements(LTR-TEs),suggesting that graft-induced epigenetic modifications are associated with both physiological and molecular phenotypes in grafted plants.Our results indicate that the enhanced vigour induced by heterografting in eggplant is associated with epigenetic modifications,as also observed in some heterotic hybrids.
基金funded by the Comisión Nacional deáreas Naturales Protegidas(CONANP)-Reserva de la Biosfera Volcán Tacaná(CONANP/PROCODES/6799/2017)through a grant to Manuel Martínez Meléndez。
文摘Unraveling the factors that determine variation of diversity in tropical mountain systems is a topic for debate in plant ecology.This is especially true in areas where topography is complex due to volcano elevational gradients and where forests are vulnerable to human activity.In this study we used a set of climatic(temperature,rainfall,and radiation solar),topographic(elevation,slope aspect,and slope orientation)and human disturbance variables to determine their effect on diversity and composition patterns of a tree community,considering three slope aspects of a tropical volcano in southeastern Mexico.We sampled trees in seventy 0.1-ha plots distributed on three slope aspects of the Tacanávolcano along an elevational gradient of 1500 to 2500 m.We determined diversity patterns(general tree richness,exponential of Shannon index,and pioneer species richness)with linear regression models,and for beta diversity,we used a dissimilarity index(within and between elevational bands 100 m wide).The effect of a set of environmental and human disturbance variables on tree diversity and community composition was analyzed with general linear models and multivariate analyses,respectively.We registered 2,949 individual trees belonging to 176 species and 58families.The average species richness and alpha diversity per plot were 13(standard deviation±6)and 9(±5),respectively.General tree richness and alpha diversity increased in the middle part(unimodal patterns)of the elevational gradient,but pioneer species richness decreased linearly with elevation.The variance explained by general linear models was greater in richness(32%)than in alpha diversity(25.3%).The most important predictor variables were temperature(elevational gradient),which explained the unimodal pattern(richness and alpha diversity increase at intermediate levels of temperature),and slope orientation,which explained the increase in richness and alpha diversity toward the geographic north.Only temperature had a significant effect on pioneer species diversity(22%).For community composition,all the predictor variables evaluated had a significant effect,but the most important were slope aspect and temperature.Assemblages were almost completely different in plots that were farther apart along the elevation gradient and had different slope aspects.Finally,the forests at lower elevations(1500–1900 m)were those that had the most human disturbance.Our study reveals the importance of considering a set of environmental variables related to climate,topography(e.g.,slope aspect),and human disturbance to understand variation in diversity and composition of a tree community on a tropical volcano.With this information,we believe that it is important to implement conservation and restoration measures in the forests of the lower parts of the Tacanávolcano,complemented by studies that contribute to designing better conservation strategies.
