In this study,epoxidized soybean oil(ESO)and ricinoleic acid(RA)were used to synthesize polyol esters,designated ESO-RA(ER)resin.The esters were further crosslinked with 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate(PMDI)to create...In this study,epoxidized soybean oil(ESO)and ricinoleic acid(RA)were used to synthesize polyol esters,designated ESO-RA(ER)resin.The esters were further crosslinked with 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate(PMDI)to create a biodegradable flame-retardant thermoset foam,referred to as ESO-RA-PMDI(ERP)foam,using water as a foaming agent.Additionally,flame retardants such as triethyl phosphate(TEP)and expanded graphite(EG)have been combined for foam preparation without the need for catalysts or foaming agents.The study findings showed that the incorporation of TEP and EG diminished the pulverization ratio while augmenting the compressive strength and shore hardness.Furthermore,the ERP foam exhibited exceptional flame retardant characteristics,as evidenced by a reported limiting oxygen index(LOI)value of 30.6vol%.A peak heat release rate of 97.12 kW/m^(2)was reported during the fire test.Significantly,a low peak smoke production rate(pSPR)of 0.026m^(2)/s and a total smoke production(TSP)of 0.62 m^(2)were achieved.In addition,ERP foam exhibited exceptional ultraviolet(UV)resistance,thermal insulation,and biodegradability.After 60 days of exposure to Penicillium sp.,foam containing both TEP and EG exhibited a mass loss of 9.39%,indicating that the incorporation of flame retardants did not negatively impact its biodegradability.展开更多
Mercury(Hg^(2+))has been recognized as a global pollutant with a toxic,mobile,and persistent nature.It adversely affects the ecosystem and human health.Already developed biosensors for Hg^(2+)detection majorly suffer ...Mercury(Hg^(2+))has been recognized as a global pollutant with a toxic,mobile,and persistent nature.It adversely affects the ecosystem and human health.Already developed biosensors for Hg^(2+)detection majorly suffer from poor sensitivity and specificity.Herein,a colorimetric/fluorimetric dual-mode sensing approach is designed for the quantitative detection of Hg^(2+).This novel sensing approach utilizes nanofluorophores,i.e.,fluorescent copper nanoclusters-doped zirconia metal-organic framework(CuNCs@Zr-MOF)nanoconjugate(blue color)and N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX(NMM)(red color)in combination with peroxidase-mimicking G-quadruplex DNAzyme(PMDNAzyme).In the presence of Hg^(2+),dabcyl conjugated complementary DNA with T-T mismatches form the stable duplex with the CuNCs@Zr-MOF@G-quadruplex structure through T-Hg^(2+)-T base pairing.It causes the quenching of fluorescence of CuNCs@Zr-MOF(463 nm)due to the Förster resonance energy transfer(FRET)system.Moreover,the G-quadruplex(G4)structure of the aptamer enhances the fluorescence emission of NMM(610 nm).Besides this,the peroxidase-like activity of G4/hemin DNAzyme offers the colorimetric detection of Hg^(2+).The formation of duplex with PMDNAzyme increases the catalytic activity.This novel biosensing probe quantitatively detected Hg^(2+)using both fluorimetry and colorimetry approaches with a low detection limit of 0.59 and 36.3 nM,respectively.It was also observed that the presence of interfering metal ions in case of real aqueous samples does not affect the performance of this novel biosensing probe.These findings confirm the considerable potential of the proposed biosensing probe to screen the concentration of Hg^(2+)in aquatic products.展开更多
Highly flame-retardant bio-based composites were prepared in this study.Firstly,glucose-citric acid(GC)resin was synthesized through the interaction of glucose and citric acid derived from agricultural and forestry so...Highly flame-retardant bio-based composites were prepared in this study.Firstly,glucose-citric acid(GC)resin was synthesized through the interaction of glucose and citric acid derived from agricultural and forestry sources.Polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)served as a toughening agent,whereas walnut shell powder(WSP)functioned as a filler in the formulation of a thermosetting bio-based GC-PVA-WSP(GCPW)composite with GC resin.The findings demonstrated that boric acid increased the limited oxygen index(LOI)value of GCPW to 33%,while simultaneously diminishing its total smoke production(TSP)by 99.9%,and achieving a flame retardant index(FRI)of 5.04.In addition,the incorporation of WSP enhanced the compressive strength of the GCPW composite to 9.15 MPa.Concurrently,the GCPW composite demonstrates excellent hydrophobic properties,with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.086 W/m·K.展开更多
Small interfering RNA(siRNA),a promising revolutionary therapy,faces delivery obstacles due to its poor targeting,strong charge negativity and macromolecular nature.Clinical-approved siRNAs can now only be delivered t...Small interfering RNA(siRNA),a promising revolutionary therapy,faces delivery obstacles due to its poor targeting,strong charge negativity and macromolecular nature.Clinical-approved siRNAs can now only be delivered to the liver mediated by the chemically conjugated N-acetylgalactosamine(GalNAc)ligand,the conjugate can be effectively uptaken into cells through interaction with asialoglycoprotein receptor(ASGPR)highly expressed on liver hepatocytes.To further explore an efficient non-hepatic targeted delivery strategy,in this study,we designed a delivery system that chemically conjugated p53 siRNA to renal tubular cell-targeting peptides for targeting the kidney,which was suitable for industrial transformation.Results showed that peptide-siRNA conjugate could specifically enter renal tubular epithelial cells and silence target genes.In cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury(AKI)mice,peptide-siRNA conjugate blocked the p53-mediated apoptotic pathway and alleviated renal damage.The innovative proposed system to conjugate kidney-targeting peptides with siRNA achieved the efficient kidney-targeted delivery of si RNA and provided a prospective choice for treating AKI.展开更多
The utilisation of sugar palm bunches-charcoal briquettes(SPB-CB)represents a significant advancement in biomass energy.This study aimed to analyse the properties of charcoal briquettes produced from SPB(Arenga longip...The utilisation of sugar palm bunches-charcoal briquettes(SPB-CB)represents a significant advancement in biomass energy.This study aimed to analyse the properties of charcoal briquettes produced from SPB(Arenga longipes).The experiment involved categorising the dimensions of charcoal powder into three specific particle sizes:20-40 mesh,40-60 mesh,and particles that could pass through a 60-mesh screen.The charcoal powder will be combined with tapioca as a binding agent at three specific concentrations:11%,13%,and 15%.The research findings indicate that the samples underwent 60 mesh passes achieved the maximum briquette density,with an average value of 0.58 g/cm^(3).The highest attainable compressive strength sample value was 27.52 kgf/cm^(2),which was attained by employing 60 mesh size and 15%adhesive concentration.The calorimetric investigation showed that SPB-charcoal had the highest calorific value of 25.88 MJ/kg,while the SPB-CB had a little lower caloric value of 24.64 MJ/kg.The ash content and volatile matter values showed that the briquettes with the lowest ash content had values of 10.49%and 32.65%,respectively.Furthermore,the carbon fixation values varied between 16.65%and 52.36%.Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that charcoal derived from SPB exhibits superior thermal characteristics compared to charcoal briquettes.However,thermal properties of SPB charcoal do not show significant differences when compared to charcoal briquettes that have been processed with a mesh size of 20-40 and include 11%adhesive.According to this research,it may be inferred that charcoal briquettes made from sugar palm bunches meet the requirements specified in SNI 01-6235-2000.展开更多
For two decades Vogelstein's model has been theparadigm for describing the sequence of molecular changes within protein-coding genes that would lead to overt colorectal cancer(CRC). This model is now too simplisti...For two decades Vogelstein's model has been theparadigm for describing the sequence of molecular changes within protein-coding genes that would lead to overt colorectal cancer(CRC). This model is now too simplistic in the light of recent studies, which have shown that our genome is pervasively transcribed in RNAs other than m RNAs, denominated non-coding RNAs(nc RNAs). The discovery that mutations in genes encoding these RNAs [i.e., micro RNAs(mi RNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs] are causally involved in cancer phenotypes has profoundly modified our vision of tumour molecular genetics and pathobiology. By exploiting a wide range of different mechanisms, nc RNAs control fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis: these data have also confirmed their role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cancer development and progression. The existence of a sophisticated RNA-based regulatory system, which dictates the correct functioning of protein-coding networks, has relevant biological and biomedical consequences. Different mi RNAs involved in neoplastic and degenerative diseases exhibit potential predictive and prognostic properties. Furthermore, the key roles of nc RNAs make them very attractive targets for innovative therapeutic approaches. Several recent reports have shown that nc RNAs can be secreted by cells into the extracellular environment(i.e., blood and other body fluids): this suggests the existence of extracellular signalling mechanisms, which may be exploited by cells in physiology and pathology. In this review, we will summarize the most relevant issues on the involvement of cellular and extracellular nc RNAs in disease. We will then specifically describe their involvement in CRC pathobiology and their translational applications to CRC diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.展开更多
BACKGROUND An altered (dysbiosis) and unhealthy status of the gut microbiota is usually responsible for a reduction of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration. SCFAs obtained from the carbohydrate fermentation p...BACKGROUND An altered (dysbiosis) and unhealthy status of the gut microbiota is usually responsible for a reduction of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration. SCFAs obtained from the carbohydrate fermentation processes are crucial in maintaining gut homeostasis and their determination in stool samples could provide a faster, reliable and cheaper method to highlight the presence of an intestinal dysbiosis and a biomarker for various gut diseases. We hypothesize that different intestinal diseases, such as celiac disease (CD), adenomatous polyposis (AP) and colorectal cancer (CRC) could display a particular fecal SCFAs’ signature. AIM To compare the fecal SCFAs’ profiles of CD, AP, CRC patients and healthy controls, using the same analytical method. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we defined and compared the SCFAs’ concentration in fecal samples of 9 AP, 16 CD, 19 CRC patients and 16 healthy controls (HC). The SCFAs’ analysis were performed using a gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method. Data analysis was carried out using Wilcoxon ranksum test to assess pairwise differences of SCFAs’ profiles, partial least squaresdiscriminate analysis (PLS-DA) to determine the status membership based on distinct SCFAs’ profiles, and Dirichlet regression to determine factors influencing concentration levels of SCFAs. RESULTS We have not observed any difference in the SCFAs’ amount and composition between CD and healthy control. On the contrary, the total amount of SCFAs was significantly lower in CRC patients compared to HC (P = 0.044) and CD (P = 0.005). Moreover, the SCFAs’ percentage composition was different in CRC and AP compared to HC. In detail, HC displayed higher percentage of acetic acid (P value = 1.3 × 10-6) and a lower amount of butyric (P value = 0.02192), isobutyric (P value = 7.4 × 10-5), isovaleric (P value = 0.00012) and valeric (P value = 0.00014) acids compared to CRC patients. AP showed a lower abundance of acetic acid (P value = 0.00062) and higher percentages of propionic (P value = 0.00433) and isovaleric (P value = 0.00433) acids compared to HC. Moreover, AP showed higher levels of propionic acid (P value = 0.03251) and a lower level of isobutyric acid (P value = 0.00427) in comparison to CRC. The PLS-DA model demonstrated a significant separation of CRC and AP groups from HC, although some degree of overlap was observed between CRC and AP. CONCLUSION Analysis of fecal SCFAs shows the potential to provide a non-invasive means of diagnosis to detect patients with CRC and AP, while CD patients cannot be discriminated from healthy subjects.展开更多
Energy-storage systems and their production have attracted significant interest for practical applications.Batteries are the foundation of sustainable energy sources for electric vehicles(EVs),portable electronic devi...Energy-storage systems and their production have attracted significant interest for practical applications.Batteries are the foundation of sustainable energy sources for electric vehicles(EVs),portable electronic devices(PEDs),etc.In recent decades,Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have been extensively utilized in largescale energy storage devices owing to their long cycle life and high energy density.However,the high cost and limited availability of Li are the two main obstacles for LIBs.In this regard,sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) are attractive alternatives to LIBs for large-scale energy storage systems because of the abundance and low cost of sodium materials.Cathode is one of the most important components in the battery,which limits cost and performance of a battery.Among the classified cathode structures,layered structure materials have attracted attention because of their high ionic conductivity,fast diffusion rate,and high specific capacity.Here,we present a comprehensive review of the classification of layered structures and the preparation of layered materials.Furthermore,the review article discusses extensively about the issues of the layered materials,namely(1) electrochemical degradation,(2) irreversible structural changes,and(3) structural instability,and also it provides strategies to overcome the issues such as elemental phase composition,a small amount of elemental doping,structural design,and surface alteration for emerging SIBs.In addition,the article discusses about the recent research development on layered unary,binary,ternary,quaternary,quinary,and senary-based O3-and P2-type cathode materials for high-energy SIBs.This review article provides useful information for the development of high-energy layered sodium transition metal oxide P2 and O3-cathode materials for practical SIBs.展开更多
Background:Genotyping by sequencing(GBS)is a robust method to genotype markers.Many factors can influence the genotyping quality.One is that heterozygous genotypes could be wrongly genotyped as homozygotes,dependent o...Background:Genotyping by sequencing(GBS)is a robust method to genotype markers.Many factors can influence the genotyping quality.One is that heterozygous genotypes could be wrongly genotyped as homozygotes,dependent on the genotyping depths.In this study,a method correcting this type of genotyping error was demonstrated.The efficiency of this correction method and its effect on genomic prediction were assessed using simulated data of livestock populations.Results:Chip array(Chip)and four depths of GBS data was simulated.After quality control(call rate≥0.8 and MAF≥0.01),the remaining number of Chip and GBS SNPs were both approximately 7,000,averaged over 10 replicates.GBS genotypes were corrected with the proposed method.The reliability of genomic prediction was calculated using GBS,corrected GBS(GBSc),true genotypes for the GBS loci(GBSr)and Chip data.The results showed that GBSc had higher rates of correct genotype calls and higher correlations with true genotypes than GBS.For genomic prediction,using Chip data resulted in the highest reliability.As the depth increased to 10,the prediction reliabilities using GBS and GBSc data approached those using true GBS data.The reliabilities of genomic prediction using GBSc data were 0.604,0.672,0.684 and 0.704 after genomic correction,with the improved values of 0.013,0.009,0.006 and 0.001 at depth=2,4,5 and 10,respectively.Conclusions:The current study showed that a correction method for GBS data increased the genotype accuracies and,consequently,improved genomic predictions.These results suggest that a correction of GBS genotype is necessary,especially for the GBS data with low depths.展开更多
Nano silver （Agn） is employed as an active antimicrobial agent, but the environmental impact of Agn released from commercial products is unknown. The quantity of nanomaterial released from consumer products during u...Nano silver （Agn） is employed as an active antimicrobial agent, but the environmental impact of Agn released from commercial products is unknown. The quantity of nanomaterial released from consumer products during use should be determined to assess the environmental risks of advancement of nanotechnology. This work investigated the amount of silver released from three different types of fabric into water during washing. Three different types of fabric were loaded with chemically synthesized Ag nanoparticles and washed repeatedly under simulated washing conditions. Variable leaching rates among fabric types suggest that the manufacturing process may control the release of silver reaching the waste water treatment plants. In an attempt to recover the Agn for reutilization and to save it from polluting water, the effluents from the wash were efficiently treated with bacterial strains. This treatment was based on biosorption and was very efficient for the elimination of silver nanoparticles in the wash water. The process ensured the recovery of the Agn leached into the effluent for reutilization, thus preventing environmental repercussions.展开更多
The single prefrontal configuration has historically been used as an important diagnostic character for many natricine taxa. For example, the genus Trimerodytes Cope, 1895 was long been regarded as a junior synonym of...The single prefrontal configuration has historically been used as an important diagnostic character for many natricine taxa. For example, the genus Trimerodytes Cope, 1895 was long been regarded as a junior synonym of Opisthotropis Günther, 1872 for their similar prefrontal configurations and the type species, T. balteatus Cope, 1895, has been assigned to the genus Opisthotropis. However, as the number and arrangement of prefrontal vary frequently both at species and generic level, it is questionable whether the synonymization of Trimerodytes reflects their evolutionary relationships. On the basis of recently collected specimens of O. balteata, the generic status of the species was assessed using both molecular and morphological data. Opisthotropis was recovered as polyphyletic with reference to O. balteata, because O. balteata is nested within the genus Sinonatrix Rossman and Eberle, 1977 and is the sister species of the type species of Sinonatrix. Consequently, we herein resurrect the long-overlooked synonym Trimerodytes from Opisthotropis and synonymize the junior generic nomen Sinonatrix with Trimerodytes. In addition, based on morphological similarities between the monotypic genus Paratapinophis Angel, 1929 and Trimerodytes, we doubt about the validity of Paratapinophis. Following taxonomic changes in this work, the taxonomic account of the genus Trimerodytes, updated descriptions of its type species, and diagnostic key to Trimerodytes species are provided.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the epidemiological pattern of animal bites in Yazd Province,central Iran.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,8 545 individuals with animal bites who were referred to the Yazd Province Rabie...Objective:To investigate the epidemiological pattern of animal bites in Yazd Province,central Iran.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,8 545 individuals with animal bites who were referred to the Yazd Province Rabies Treatment Center were investigated using the census method from April 2013 to March 2017.The variables included:demographic information,household living condition,the type of biting animals,the domesticated and wild animals,the time of biting based on year,the residence location (urban or rural),and the treatment status.Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using Excel 2013,SPSS version 25 and Arc GIS 14.1 Software.Results:A total of 8 545 cases of animal bites were reported in Yazd province from 2013 to 2017.The most animal bites (with 4 253 case of bites) and the lowest animal bites (with 121 case of bites) occurred in Yazd and Bahabad district,respectively.The incidence of animal bites was 168.4 per 100 000 people during the five-year period.Most of cases (73.9%) occurred in urban areas.Dog and cat bites accounted for 47.6% and 47.4% of all cases,respectively.Most of animal bites were reported in the summer (29.4%).Sixty percent of the cases received incomplete treatments,while 40% of them received complete treatments.During this study,three positive cases of fatal rabies from dog bites were reported.Conclusions:The incidence of animal bites is high in Yazd province,and more patients are bitten by dog and cat.Hence,educational,preventive,and informative programs are required to reduce the incidence of animal bites.展开更多
Phenology is a valuable attribute of vegetation to assess the biological impacts from climate change.A challenge of phenological research is to obtain information on both high temporal resolution and fine spatial scal...Phenology is a valuable attribute of vegetation to assess the biological impacts from climate change.A challenge of phenological research is to obtain information on both high temporal resolution and fine spatial scale observations.Here,we constructed an air temperature map based on temporal merging and spatial interpolation algorithms to overcome the cloud-related problem from the MODIS LST product.Then,we derived the accumulated growing degree days(AGDD)from the constructed mean air temperature map to use as a meteorological indicator.Further,we verified the indicator with the seasonal mean air temperature and the green-up date of a Quercus mongolica forest determined from the field-based measurements.The AGDD threshold for each Q.mongolica forest when the first leaf has unfolded was detected from the EXG trajectory extracted from digital camera images.A comparison between meteorological and MODIS-derived AGDD showed good agreement between them.There was also high consistency between DoYs extracted from AGDD and EVI based on curvature K for Q.mongolica forests of 30 sampling sites throughout South Korea.The results prove that microclimatic factors such as elevation,waterbody,and land-use intensity were faithfully reflected in the reconstructed images.Therefore,the results of this study could be applied effectively in areas where microclimatic variation is very severe and for monitoring phenology of undergrowth,which is difficult to detect from reflectance imaging.展开更多
Previous studies have shown that Zhichan powder elevated immunity and suppressed oxidation in mice. Rat models of Parkinson＇s disease were induced by stereotaxically injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia ni...Previous studies have shown that Zhichan powder elevated immunity and suppressed oxidation in mice. Rat models of Parkinson＇s disease were induced by stereotaxically injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra. The rat models were intragastrically treated with Zhichan powder, which is composed of milkvetch root, ginseng, bunge swallowwort root, himalayan teasel root. Magnolia officinalis, Ligustrum lucidum Ait. and szechwan Iovage rhizome. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cvtochrome C, Bax, casDase-3, and p53 significantly increased, but Bcl-2 expression significantly decreased in the substantia nigra of rats with Parkinson＇s disease. Following Zhichan powder administration, mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3, and p53 diminished, but Bcl-2 expression increased in the rat substantia nigra. These results indicate that Zhichan powder regulates signal transduction protein expression, inhibits apoptosis, and exerts therapeutic effects on Parkinson＇s disease.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of Solanum anguivi fruit(SAG)and its possible effect on mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as mitochondrial membrane potential(△...Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of Solanum anguivi fruit(SAG)and its possible effect on mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as mitochondrial membrane potential(△Ψ_m)isolated from rat liver.Methods:Antioxidant activity of SAG was assayed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH),reducing power,iron chelation and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in both liver and brain homogenate of rats.Also,the effect of SAG on mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling were determined.Identification and quantification of bioactive polyphenolics was done by HPLC-DAD.Results:SAG exhibited potent and concentration dependent free radical-scavenging activity(IC_(50)/DPPH=275.03±7.8μg/mL).Reductive and iron chelation abilities also increase with increase in SAG concentration.SAG also inhibited peroxidation of cerebral and hepatic lipids subjected to iron oxidative assault.SAG protected against Ca^(2+)(110μmol/L)-induced mitochondrial swelling and maintained the△Ψ_m.HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid[(17.54±0.04)mg/g],chlorogenic acid(21.90±0.02 mg/g),caffeic acid(16.64±0.01 mg/g).rutin[(14.71±0.03)mg/g]and quercetin[(7.39±0.05)mg/g].Conclusions:These effects could be attributed to the bioactive polyphenolic compounds present in the extract.Our results suggest that SAG extract is a potential source of natural antioxidants that may be used not only in pharmaceutical and food industry but also in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.展开更多
Lignin,lignosulfonate,and synthesized phosphorylated lignosulfonate were introduced as greenfillers in citric acid-sucrose adhesives for bonding particleboard fabricated from areca leaf sheath(ALS).The characteristics ...Lignin,lignosulfonate,and synthesized phosphorylated lignosulfonate were introduced as greenfillers in citric acid-sucrose adhesives for bonding particleboard fabricated from areca leaf sheath(ALS).The characteristics of particleboards were compared to that of ultralow emitting formaldehyde(ULEF-UF).Thefillers derived from Eucalyptus spp.kraft-lignin were added forflame retardancy enhancement.10%of each lignin and modified lig-nin was added into the ULEF-UF and citric acid-sucrose bonded particleboards.Analyses applied to particle-boards included thermal characteristics,X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD),morphological properties,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),as well as physical,mechanical,andfire resistance characteristics of the laboratory-fabricated particleboards.Lignin and modified lignin resulted in improved thermal stability of the composites bonded with ULEF-UF while the improvement in the particleboard bonded with citric acid-sucrose was not significant.The introduction offiller exerted a higher influence on the UF-bonded particleboards compared to composites fabricated with citric acid-sucrose.Generally,the presence of lignin,lignosulfonate,and phosphorylated lignosulfonate enhanced the mechanical strength of the ULEF-bonded particleboards,although their dimensional stability has deteriorated.Markedly,the use of lignin and lignosulfonate enhanced thefire resis-tance of the particleboards produced with lower observed weight loss.All laboratory particleboards exhibited satisfactoryfire resistance,attaining a V-0 rating in according to the UL-94 standard.展开更多
The Pine Barrens in New York State are dominated by pitch pine(Pinus ridgida) and scrub oaks(Quercus ilicifolia and Q. prinoides). With fire suppression over the last 90 years or so, P. rigida regeneration has become ...The Pine Barrens in New York State are dominated by pitch pine(Pinus ridgida) and scrub oaks(Quercus ilicifolia and Q. prinoides). With fire suppression over the last 90 years or so, P. rigida regeneration has become sparse, even in areas set aside to preserve this type of vegetation. We evaluated the effects of fire and an alternative disturbance(mechanical removal of vegetation)for increasing P. rigida regeneration in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in eastern New York State. By comparing cover, diameter and height of P. rigida, Q. ilicifolia, Q.prinoides, and Vaccinium spp.(blueberry) growing on the sites with a known fire history, we documented structural and compositional changes in the vegetation since its establishment. We also compared sites on which Quercus sprouts were controlled through mechanical removal. In the years following a disturbance, height and cover of Q. ilicifolia increased continuously and the species became increasingly competitive. Both the density of P. rigida seedlings and Vaccinium cover decreased significantly as the diameter and height of Quercus increased. Our results confirmed that the dominance by P. rigida could be attributed to periodic fires at intervals of 20–25 years. We conclude that removing Q. ilicifolia can favor P. rigida dominance on the barren without fire by releasing pine seedlings from competition.展开更多
In central eastern Korea, there has been a continued effort to sustain pine forests because of their value for wood and mushroom production, as well as for other resources. Through the analysis of previously burned ar...In central eastern Korea, there has been a continued effort to sustain pine forests because of their value for wood and mushroom production, as well as for other resources. Through the analysis of previously burned areas,we clarified the effects of fire on vegetation dynamics of pine forests by measuring changes in species composition,population structure, and the growth rates of major tree species. Vegetation analysis was conducted on a series of 100 m^2 plots established in Korean red pine(Pinus densiflora Siebold. & Zucc.) and Mongolian oak(Quercus mongolica Fisch. Ex Ledeb.) forests situated in three different topographic positions on slopes where fire severity varied. We confirmed that most pine trees will succumb to even a surface fire, whereas oak may be killed following high intensity or infrequent fires but will sprout and become dominant. Complete protection from fire favors other, more shade-tolerant deciduous hardwoods. Different restoration plans apply, based on observed vegetation responses for each topographic zone. Near the ridge top,where pine seed sources are most limited, it may be necessary to restore pine forests by planting and to control competing shrubs and herbs. At the mountain foot, where exotic species and species modified by hybridization have invaded aggressively, restoration that involves the introduction of natural vegetation is required. Mid-slope sites,where pine has been replaced by natural vegetation dominated by Mongolian oak, do not require any form of restorative treatment.展开更多
AIM:To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2(SMOC2)gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in bo...AIM:To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2(SMOC2)gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients.METHODS:A total of 212 POAG patients,comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial,were enrolled.For genotyping the SMOC2 variant rs2255680,amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.RESULTS:The mean age of familial POAG patients was 50.92±9.12y,with 78 males and 46 females.The mean age of non-familial POAG patients was 53.14±13.44y,with 52 males and 36 females.The SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 showed the significant association with POAG between familial and non-familial groups.The homozygous G/G variant was frequent among non-familial(60.2%)whereas the heterozygous G/A variant was more frequent in familial POAG patients(46%).There were significant differences in G/A variant between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients,and the risk was decreased to 0.53-fold in non-familial glaucoma patients[odds ratio(OR):0.53;95%confidence interval(CI):0.29-0.94;P=0.033]in codominant model.The risk was further reduced to 0.49-fold(95%CI:0.28-0.86;P=0.012)in dominant model for non-familial patients.No significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs2255680 between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients was found in our population.The haplotype analysis showed the decreased risk for TA[OR:0.48(95%CI:0.29-0.79);P=0.004]and an increased risk for TG[OR=2.28(95%CI:1.22-4.25);P=0.01]haplotypes.CONCLUSION:Current findings show significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 with POAG between familial and non-familial Pakistani patients.展开更多
Exploitation of green chemistry approach for the synthesis of Indium Oxide nanoparticles using green synthesis has received a great attention in the field of nanotechnology. To demonstrate a biogenic method that invol...Exploitation of green chemistry approach for the synthesis of Indium Oxide nanoparticles using green synthesis has received a great attention in the field of nanotechnology. To demonstrate a biogenic method that involves the Katira gum (Astragalus gummifer) leading to the formation of different morphological In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> using the precursor Indium (III) Acetylacetonate and TG-DTA is characterised for calcination temperature and it is found to be above 500℃. Different techniques such as XRD, UV-VIS, SEM and EDAX have been used for the characterisation of In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of Indiumoxide nanoparticles is determined as 19 nm by using Scherrer’s Equation and PSA and studying optical properties.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32460363)Yunnan Province Agricultural Joint Key Foundation(No.202401BD070001-029)+3 种基金as well as the Yunnan Provincial Youth top talent project(No.YNWR-QNBJ-2020-166)Foreign Expert Workstation(No.202305 AF150006)111 project(No.D21027)Yunnan Province Natural Science Key Foundation(No.202301AS070043)。
文摘In this study,epoxidized soybean oil(ESO)and ricinoleic acid(RA)were used to synthesize polyol esters,designated ESO-RA(ER)resin.The esters were further crosslinked with 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate(PMDI)to create a biodegradable flame-retardant thermoset foam,referred to as ESO-RA-PMDI(ERP)foam,using water as a foaming agent.Additionally,flame retardants such as triethyl phosphate(TEP)and expanded graphite(EG)have been combined for foam preparation without the need for catalysts or foaming agents.The study findings showed that the incorporation of TEP and EG diminished the pulverization ratio while augmenting the compressive strength and shore hardness.Furthermore,the ERP foam exhibited exceptional flame retardant characteristics,as evidenced by a reported limiting oxygen index(LOI)value of 30.6vol%.A peak heat release rate of 97.12 kW/m^(2)was reported during the fire test.Significantly,a low peak smoke production rate(pSPR)of 0.026m^(2)/s and a total smoke production(TSP)of 0.62 m^(2)were achieved.In addition,ERP foam exhibited exceptional ultraviolet(UV)resistance,thermal insulation,and biodegradability.After 60 days of exposure to Penicillium sp.,foam containing both TEP and EG exhibited a mass loss of 9.39%,indicating that the incorporation of flame retardants did not negatively impact its biodegradability.
基金Funding:S.K.thanks the Department of Biotechnology(DBT),Government of India,for research grant(award BT/PR18868/BCE/8/1370/2016 dated 2018 January 31)M.N.is grateful to CSIR for the SRA fellowship(no.B-12857,dated 2021 October 21).
文摘Mercury(Hg^(2+))has been recognized as a global pollutant with a toxic,mobile,and persistent nature.It adversely affects the ecosystem and human health.Already developed biosensors for Hg^(2+)detection majorly suffer from poor sensitivity and specificity.Herein,a colorimetric/fluorimetric dual-mode sensing approach is designed for the quantitative detection of Hg^(2+).This novel sensing approach utilizes nanofluorophores,i.e.,fluorescent copper nanoclusters-doped zirconia metal-organic framework(CuNCs@Zr-MOF)nanoconjugate(blue color)and N-methyl mesoporphyrin IX(NMM)(red color)in combination with peroxidase-mimicking G-quadruplex DNAzyme(PMDNAzyme).In the presence of Hg^(2+),dabcyl conjugated complementary DNA with T-T mismatches form the stable duplex with the CuNCs@Zr-MOF@G-quadruplex structure through T-Hg^(2+)-T base pairing.It causes the quenching of fluorescence of CuNCs@Zr-MOF(463 nm)due to the Förster resonance energy transfer(FRET)system.Moreover,the G-quadruplex(G4)structure of the aptamer enhances the fluorescence emission of NMM(610 nm).Besides this,the peroxidase-like activity of G4/hemin DNAzyme offers the colorimetric detection of Hg^(2+).The formation of duplex with PMDNAzyme increases the catalytic activity.This novel biosensing probe quantitatively detected Hg^(2+)using both fluorimetry and colorimetry approaches with a low detection limit of 0.59 and 36.3 nM,respectively.It was also observed that the presence of interfering metal ions in case of real aqueous samples does not affect the performance of this novel biosensing probe.These findings confirm the considerable potential of the proposed biosensing probe to screen the concentration of Hg^(2+)in aquatic products.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(32460363)Yunnan Province Agricultural Joint Key Foundation(No.202401BD070001-029)+3 种基金Yunnan Agricultural Joint General Foundation(202101BD070001-105)the Yunnan Provincial Youth Top Talent Project(Grant No.YNWR-QNBJ-2020-166)the Foreign ExpertWorkstation(202305AF150006)the 111 Project(D21027).
文摘Highly flame-retardant bio-based composites were prepared in this study.Firstly,glucose-citric acid(GC)resin was synthesized through the interaction of glucose and citric acid derived from agricultural and forestry sources.Polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)served as a toughening agent,whereas walnut shell powder(WSP)functioned as a filler in the formulation of a thermosetting bio-based GC-PVA-WSP(GCPW)composite with GC resin.The findings demonstrated that boric acid increased the limited oxygen index(LOI)value of GCPW to 33%,while simultaneously diminishing its total smoke production(TSP)by 99.9%,and achieving a flame retardant index(FRI)of 5.04.In addition,the incorporation of WSP enhanced the compressive strength of the GCPW composite to 9.15 MPa.Concurrently,the GCPW composite demonstrates excellent hydrophobic properties,with a thermal conductivity as low as 0.086 W/m·K.
基金supported by the National Key Technologies Research and Development Plan(No.2021YFE0106900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82173769)+1 种基金the Basic Research Cooperation Project of Beijing,Tianjin,Hebei from the Natural Science Foundation of Tianjin(No.20JCZXJC00070)the Applied Basic Research Multi-investment Foundation of Tianjin(No.21JCYBJC01540)。
文摘Small interfering RNA(siRNA),a promising revolutionary therapy,faces delivery obstacles due to its poor targeting,strong charge negativity and macromolecular nature.Clinical-approved siRNAs can now only be delivered to the liver mediated by the chemically conjugated N-acetylgalactosamine(GalNAc)ligand,the conjugate can be effectively uptaken into cells through interaction with asialoglycoprotein receptor(ASGPR)highly expressed on liver hepatocytes.To further explore an efficient non-hepatic targeted delivery strategy,in this study,we designed a delivery system that chemically conjugated p53 siRNA to renal tubular cell-targeting peptides for targeting the kidney,which was suitable for industrial transformation.Results showed that peptide-siRNA conjugate could specifically enter renal tubular epithelial cells and silence target genes.In cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury(AKI)mice,peptide-siRNA conjugate blocked the p53-mediated apoptotic pathway and alleviated renal damage.The innovative proposed system to conjugate kidney-targeting peptides with siRNA achieved the efficient kidney-targeted delivery of si RNA and provided a prospective choice for treating AKI.
基金funded by the Regular Fundamental Research Grant of the Directorate of Research,Technology,and Community Service,Ministry of Education,Culture,Research,and Technology,Republic of Indonesia No.093/E5/PG.02.00.PL/2024Research Institution of Universitas Sumatera Utara No.1/UN5.4.10S/PPM/KPDRTPM/2024supported by the project“Development,Exploitation Properties and Application of Eco-Friendly Wood-Based Composites from Alternative Lignocellulosic Raw Materials”,Project No.HN C--1290/19.10.2023,carried out at the University of Forestry,Sofia,Bulgaria.
文摘The utilisation of sugar palm bunches-charcoal briquettes(SPB-CB)represents a significant advancement in biomass energy.This study aimed to analyse the properties of charcoal briquettes produced from SPB(Arenga longipes).The experiment involved categorising the dimensions of charcoal powder into three specific particle sizes:20-40 mesh,40-60 mesh,and particles that could pass through a 60-mesh screen.The charcoal powder will be combined with tapioca as a binding agent at three specific concentrations:11%,13%,and 15%.The research findings indicate that the samples underwent 60 mesh passes achieved the maximum briquette density,with an average value of 0.58 g/cm^(3).The highest attainable compressive strength sample value was 27.52 kgf/cm^(2),which was attained by employing 60 mesh size and 15%adhesive concentration.The calorimetric investigation showed that SPB-charcoal had the highest calorific value of 25.88 MJ/kg,while the SPB-CB had a little lower caloric value of 24.64 MJ/kg.The ash content and volatile matter values showed that the briquettes with the lowest ash content had values of 10.49%and 32.65%,respectively.Furthermore,the carbon fixation values varied between 16.65%and 52.36%.Thermogravimetric analysis indicates that charcoal derived from SPB exhibits superior thermal characteristics compared to charcoal briquettes.However,thermal properties of SPB charcoal do not show significant differences when compared to charcoal briquettes that have been processed with a mesh size of 20-40 and include 11%adhesive.According to this research,it may be inferred that charcoal briquettes made from sugar palm bunches meet the requirements specified in SNI 01-6235-2000.
基金the Scientific Bureau of the University of Catania for language support
文摘For two decades Vogelstein's model has been theparadigm for describing the sequence of molecular changes within protein-coding genes that would lead to overt colorectal cancer(CRC). This model is now too simplistic in the light of recent studies, which have shown that our genome is pervasively transcribed in RNAs other than m RNAs, denominated non-coding RNAs(nc RNAs). The discovery that mutations in genes encoding these RNAs [i.e., micro RNAs(mi RNAs), long non-coding RNAs, and circular RNAs] are causally involved in cancer phenotypes has profoundly modified our vision of tumour molecular genetics and pathobiology. By exploiting a wide range of different mechanisms, nc RNAs control fundamental cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis: these data have also confirmed their role as oncogenes or tumor suppressors in cancer development and progression. The existence of a sophisticated RNA-based regulatory system, which dictates the correct functioning of protein-coding networks, has relevant biological and biomedical consequences. Different mi RNAs involved in neoplastic and degenerative diseases exhibit potential predictive and prognostic properties. Furthermore, the key roles of nc RNAs make them very attractive targets for innovative therapeutic approaches. Several recent reports have shown that nc RNAs can be secreted by cells into the extracellular environment(i.e., blood and other body fluids): this suggests the existence of extracellular signalling mechanisms, which may be exploited by cells in physiology and pathology. In this review, we will summarize the most relevant issues on the involvement of cellular and extracellular nc RNAs in disease. We will then specifically describe their involvement in CRC pathobiology and their translational applications to CRC diagnosis, prognosis and therapy.
基金Supported by Italian Society for Celiac Disease and Foundation for Celicac Disease,No.007_FC_2016Regione Toscana(The Programma Attuativo Regionale Toscana funded by FAS),No.MICp ROBIMM
文摘BACKGROUND An altered (dysbiosis) and unhealthy status of the gut microbiota is usually responsible for a reduction of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration. SCFAs obtained from the carbohydrate fermentation processes are crucial in maintaining gut homeostasis and their determination in stool samples could provide a faster, reliable and cheaper method to highlight the presence of an intestinal dysbiosis and a biomarker for various gut diseases. We hypothesize that different intestinal diseases, such as celiac disease (CD), adenomatous polyposis (AP) and colorectal cancer (CRC) could display a particular fecal SCFAs’ signature. AIM To compare the fecal SCFAs’ profiles of CD, AP, CRC patients and healthy controls, using the same analytical method. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we defined and compared the SCFAs’ concentration in fecal samples of 9 AP, 16 CD, 19 CRC patients and 16 healthy controls (HC). The SCFAs’ analysis were performed using a gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method. Data analysis was carried out using Wilcoxon ranksum test to assess pairwise differences of SCFAs’ profiles, partial least squaresdiscriminate analysis (PLS-DA) to determine the status membership based on distinct SCFAs’ profiles, and Dirichlet regression to determine factors influencing concentration levels of SCFAs. RESULTS We have not observed any difference in the SCFAs’ amount and composition between CD and healthy control. On the contrary, the total amount of SCFAs was significantly lower in CRC patients compared to HC (P = 0.044) and CD (P = 0.005). Moreover, the SCFAs’ percentage composition was different in CRC and AP compared to HC. In detail, HC displayed higher percentage of acetic acid (P value = 1.3 × 10-6) and a lower amount of butyric (P value = 0.02192), isobutyric (P value = 7.4 × 10-5), isovaleric (P value = 0.00012) and valeric (P value = 0.00014) acids compared to CRC patients. AP showed a lower abundance of acetic acid (P value = 0.00062) and higher percentages of propionic (P value = 0.00433) and isovaleric (P value = 0.00433) acids compared to HC. Moreover, AP showed higher levels of propionic acid (P value = 0.03251) and a lower level of isobutyric acid (P value = 0.00427) in comparison to CRC. The PLS-DA model demonstrated a significant separation of CRC and AP groups from HC, although some degree of overlap was observed between CRC and AP. CONCLUSION Analysis of fecal SCFAs shows the potential to provide a non-invasive means of diagnosis to detect patients with CRC and AP, while CD patients cannot be discriminated from healthy subjects.
基金supported by a grant from the Subway Fine Dust Reduction Technology Development Project of the Ministry of Land Infrastructure and Transport,Republic of Korea(21QPPWB152306-03)the Basic Science Research Capacity Enhancement Project through a Korea Basic Science Institute(National Research Facilities and Equipment Center)grant funded by the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea(2019R1A6C1010016)。
文摘Energy-storage systems and their production have attracted significant interest for practical applications.Batteries are the foundation of sustainable energy sources for electric vehicles(EVs),portable electronic devices(PEDs),etc.In recent decades,Lithium-ion batteries(LIBs) have been extensively utilized in largescale energy storage devices owing to their long cycle life and high energy density.However,the high cost and limited availability of Li are the two main obstacles for LIBs.In this regard,sodium-ion batteries(SIBs) are attractive alternatives to LIBs for large-scale energy storage systems because of the abundance and low cost of sodium materials.Cathode is one of the most important components in the battery,which limits cost and performance of a battery.Among the classified cathode structures,layered structure materials have attracted attention because of their high ionic conductivity,fast diffusion rate,and high specific capacity.Here,we present a comprehensive review of the classification of layered structures and the preparation of layered materials.Furthermore,the review article discusses extensively about the issues of the layered materials,namely(1) electrochemical degradation,(2) irreversible structural changes,and(3) structural instability,and also it provides strategies to overcome the issues such as elemental phase composition,a small amount of elemental doping,structural design,and surface alteration for emerging SIBs.In addition,the article discusses about the recent research development on layered unary,binary,ternary,quaternary,quinary,and senary-based O3-and P2-type cathode materials for high-energy SIBs.This review article provides useful information for the development of high-energy layered sodium transition metal oxide P2 and O3-cathode materials for practical SIBs.
基金supported by the Genomic Selection in PlantsAnimals(GenSAP)research project financed by the Danish Council of Strategic Research(Aarhus,Denmark)the scholarship provided by the China Scholarship Council(CSC)
文摘Background:Genotyping by sequencing(GBS)is a robust method to genotype markers.Many factors can influence the genotyping quality.One is that heterozygous genotypes could be wrongly genotyped as homozygotes,dependent on the genotyping depths.In this study,a method correcting this type of genotyping error was demonstrated.The efficiency of this correction method and its effect on genomic prediction were assessed using simulated data of livestock populations.Results:Chip array(Chip)and four depths of GBS data was simulated.After quality control(call rate≥0.8 and MAF≥0.01),the remaining number of Chip and GBS SNPs were both approximately 7,000,averaged over 10 replicates.GBS genotypes were corrected with the proposed method.The reliability of genomic prediction was calculated using GBS,corrected GBS(GBSc),true genotypes for the GBS loci(GBSr)and Chip data.The results showed that GBSc had higher rates of correct genotype calls and higher correlations with true genotypes than GBS.For genomic prediction,using Chip data resulted in the highest reliability.As the depth increased to 10,the prediction reliabilities using GBS and GBSc data approached those using true GBS data.The reliabilities of genomic prediction using GBSc data were 0.604,0.672,0.684 and 0.704 after genomic correction,with the improved values of 0.013,0.009,0.006 and 0.001 at depth=2,4,5 and 10,respectively.Conclusions:The current study showed that a correction method for GBS data increased the genotype accuracies and,consequently,improved genomic predictions.These results suggest that a correction of GBS genotype is necessary,especially for the GBS data with low depths.
文摘Nano silver （Agn） is employed as an active antimicrobial agent, but the environmental impact of Agn released from commercial products is unknown. The quantity of nanomaterial released from consumer products during use should be determined to assess the environmental risks of advancement of nanotechnology. This work investigated the amount of silver released from three different types of fabric into water during washing. Three different types of fabric were loaded with chemically synthesized Ag nanoparticles and washed repeatedly under simulated washing conditions. Variable leaching rates among fabric types suggest that the manufacturing process may control the release of silver reaching the waste water treatment plants. In an attempt to recover the Agn for reutilization and to save it from polluting water, the effluents from the wash were efficiently treated with bacterial strains. This treatment was based on biosorption and was very efficient for the elimination of silver nanoparticles in the wash water. The process ensured the recovery of the Agn leached into the effluent for reutilization, thus preventing environmental repercussions.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFC0505202)Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences (XDB31000000)+6 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31722049, 31772434)Key Research Program of Frontier Sciences, CAS (QYZDB-SSW-SMC058)the Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science (Y4ZK111B01)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of CASthe CAS “Light of West China” Program (2018XBZG_JCTD_001)Talent Program from Organization Department of Sichuan Provincial Committeepartially supported by project BSTMV.08/16-19 to NTT
文摘The single prefrontal configuration has historically been used as an important diagnostic character for many natricine taxa. For example, the genus Trimerodytes Cope, 1895 was long been regarded as a junior synonym of Opisthotropis Günther, 1872 for their similar prefrontal configurations and the type species, T. balteatus Cope, 1895, has been assigned to the genus Opisthotropis. However, as the number and arrangement of prefrontal vary frequently both at species and generic level, it is questionable whether the synonymization of Trimerodytes reflects their evolutionary relationships. On the basis of recently collected specimens of O. balteata, the generic status of the species was assessed using both molecular and morphological data. Opisthotropis was recovered as polyphyletic with reference to O. balteata, because O. balteata is nested within the genus Sinonatrix Rossman and Eberle, 1977 and is the sister species of the type species of Sinonatrix. Consequently, we herein resurrect the long-overlooked synonym Trimerodytes from Opisthotropis and synonymize the junior generic nomen Sinonatrix with Trimerodytes. In addition, based on morphological similarities between the monotypic genus Paratapinophis Angel, 1929 and Trimerodytes, we doubt about the validity of Paratapinophis. Following taxonomic changes in this work, the taxonomic account of the genus Trimerodytes, updated descriptions of its type species, and diagnostic key to Trimerodytes species are provided.
文摘Objective:To investigate the epidemiological pattern of animal bites in Yazd Province,central Iran.Methods:In this cross-sectional study,8 545 individuals with animal bites who were referred to the Yazd Province Rabies Treatment Center were investigated using the census method from April 2013 to March 2017.The variables included:demographic information,household living condition,the type of biting animals,the domesticated and wild animals,the time of biting based on year,the residence location (urban or rural),and the treatment status.Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics using Excel 2013,SPSS version 25 and Arc GIS 14.1 Software.Results:A total of 8 545 cases of animal bites were reported in Yazd province from 2013 to 2017.The most animal bites (with 4 253 case of bites) and the lowest animal bites (with 121 case of bites) occurred in Yazd and Bahabad district,respectively.The incidence of animal bites was 168.4 per 100 000 people during the five-year period.Most of cases (73.9%) occurred in urban areas.Dog and cat bites accounted for 47.6% and 47.4% of all cases,respectively.Most of animal bites were reported in the summer (29.4%).Sixty percent of the cases received incomplete treatments,while 40% of them received complete treatments.During this study,three positive cases of fatal rabies from dog bites were reported.Conclusions:The incidence of animal bites is high in Yazd province,and more patients are bitten by dog and cat.Hence,educational,preventive,and informative programs are required to reduce the incidence of animal bites.
文摘Phenology is a valuable attribute of vegetation to assess the biological impacts from climate change.A challenge of phenological research is to obtain information on both high temporal resolution and fine spatial scale observations.Here,we constructed an air temperature map based on temporal merging and spatial interpolation algorithms to overcome the cloud-related problem from the MODIS LST product.Then,we derived the accumulated growing degree days(AGDD)from the constructed mean air temperature map to use as a meteorological indicator.Further,we verified the indicator with the seasonal mean air temperature and the green-up date of a Quercus mongolica forest determined from the field-based measurements.The AGDD threshold for each Q.mongolica forest when the first leaf has unfolded was detected from the EXG trajectory extracted from digital camera images.A comparison between meteorological and MODIS-derived AGDD showed good agreement between them.There was also high consistency between DoYs extracted from AGDD and EVI based on curvature K for Q.mongolica forests of 30 sampling sites throughout South Korea.The results prove that microclimatic factors such as elevation,waterbody,and land-use intensity were faithfully reflected in the reconstructed images.Therefore,the results of this study could be applied effectively in areas where microclimatic variation is very severe and for monitoring phenology of undergrowth,which is difficult to detect from reflectance imaging.
文摘Previous studies have shown that Zhichan powder elevated immunity and suppressed oxidation in mice. Rat models of Parkinson＇s disease were induced by stereotaxically injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the substantia nigra. The rat models were intragastrically treated with Zhichan powder, which is composed of milkvetch root, ginseng, bunge swallowwort root, himalayan teasel root. Magnolia officinalis, Ligustrum lucidum Ait. and szechwan Iovage rhizome. Immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-PCR results demonstrated that mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cvtochrome C, Bax, casDase-3, and p53 significantly increased, but Bcl-2 expression significantly decreased in the substantia nigra of rats with Parkinson＇s disease. Following Zhichan powder administration, mRNA and protein expression of tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, Fas, caspase-8, cytochrome C, Bax, caspase-3, and p53 diminished, but Bcl-2 expression increased in the rat substantia nigra. These results indicate that Zhichan powder regulates signal transduction protein expression, inhibits apoptosis, and exerts therapeutic effects on Parkinson＇s disease.
基金Educational Trust Fund,Nigeria with grant number ETF/ES/AST&D/AAU/AKUNGBA/1:2011
文摘Objective:To evaluate the antioxidant and radical scavenging activities of Solanum anguivi fruit(SAG)and its possible effect on mitochondrial permeability transition pore as well as mitochondrial membrane potential(△Ψ_m)isolated from rat liver.Methods:Antioxidant activity of SAG was assayed by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH),reducing power,iron chelation and ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in both liver and brain homogenate of rats.Also,the effect of SAG on mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling were determined.Identification and quantification of bioactive polyphenolics was done by HPLC-DAD.Results:SAG exhibited potent and concentration dependent free radical-scavenging activity(IC_(50)/DPPH=275.03±7.8μg/mL).Reductive and iron chelation abilities also increase with increase in SAG concentration.SAG also inhibited peroxidation of cerebral and hepatic lipids subjected to iron oxidative assault.SAG protected against Ca^(2+)(110μmol/L)-induced mitochondrial swelling and maintained the△Ψ_m.HPLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid[(17.54±0.04)mg/g],chlorogenic acid(21.90±0.02 mg/g),caffeic acid(16.64±0.01 mg/g).rutin[(14.71±0.03)mg/g]and quercetin[(7.39±0.05)mg/g].Conclusions:These effects could be attributed to the bioactive polyphenolic compounds present in the extract.Our results suggest that SAG extract is a potential source of natural antioxidants that may be used not only in pharmaceutical and food industry but also in the treatment of diseases associated with oxidative stress.
基金funded by the Equity Project Universitas Sumatera Utara(Number:10/UN5.2.3.1/PPM/KPEP/2023),which is entitled Pengembangan Papan Partikel Tahan Api Rendah Emisi Berbahan Limbah Tanaman Mangrove dan Limbah Tanaman Pertanian Melalui Penambahan Lignin Terfosforilasi Sebagai Filler.PT Greenei Alam Indonesia(PT GAI)contributed to providing the areca leaf sheath through the implementation of a collaboration agreement with the Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts BRIN FY 2023-2025.
文摘Lignin,lignosulfonate,and synthesized phosphorylated lignosulfonate were introduced as greenfillers in citric acid-sucrose adhesives for bonding particleboard fabricated from areca leaf sheath(ALS).The characteristics of particleboards were compared to that of ultralow emitting formaldehyde(ULEF-UF).Thefillers derived from Eucalyptus spp.kraft-lignin were added forflame retardancy enhancement.10%of each lignin and modified lig-nin was added into the ULEF-UF and citric acid-sucrose bonded particleboards.Analyses applied to particle-boards included thermal characteristics,X-ray diffraction analysis(XRD),morphological properties,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FTIR),as well as physical,mechanical,andfire resistance characteristics of the laboratory-fabricated particleboards.Lignin and modified lignin resulted in improved thermal stability of the composites bonded with ULEF-UF while the improvement in the particleboard bonded with citric acid-sucrose was not significant.The introduction offiller exerted a higher influence on the UF-bonded particleboards compared to composites fabricated with citric acid-sucrose.Generally,the presence of lignin,lignosulfonate,and phosphorylated lignosulfonate enhanced the mechanical strength of the ULEF-bonded particleboards,although their dimensional stability has deteriorated.Markedly,the use of lignin and lignosulfonate enhanced thefire resis-tance of the particleboards produced with lower observed weight loss.All laboratory particleboards exhibited satisfactoryfire resistance,attaining a V-0 rating in according to the UL-94 standard.
文摘The Pine Barrens in New York State are dominated by pitch pine(Pinus ridgida) and scrub oaks(Quercus ilicifolia and Q. prinoides). With fire suppression over the last 90 years or so, P. rigida regeneration has become sparse, even in areas set aside to preserve this type of vegetation. We evaluated the effects of fire and an alternative disturbance(mechanical removal of vegetation)for increasing P. rigida regeneration in the Albany Pine Bush Preserve in eastern New York State. By comparing cover, diameter and height of P. rigida, Q. ilicifolia, Q.prinoides, and Vaccinium spp.(blueberry) growing on the sites with a known fire history, we documented structural and compositional changes in the vegetation since its establishment. We also compared sites on which Quercus sprouts were controlled through mechanical removal. In the years following a disturbance, height and cover of Q. ilicifolia increased continuously and the species became increasingly competitive. Both the density of P. rigida seedlings and Vaccinium cover decreased significantly as the diameter and height of Quercus increased. Our results confirmed that the dominance by P. rigida could be attributed to periodic fires at intervals of 20–25 years. We conclude that removing Q. ilicifolia can favor P. rigida dominance on the barren without fire by releasing pine seedlings from competition.
基金supported by a research grant from Seoul Women’s University(2018)
文摘In central eastern Korea, there has been a continued effort to sustain pine forests because of their value for wood and mushroom production, as well as for other resources. Through the analysis of previously burned areas,we clarified the effects of fire on vegetation dynamics of pine forests by measuring changes in species composition,population structure, and the growth rates of major tree species. Vegetation analysis was conducted on a series of 100 m^2 plots established in Korean red pine(Pinus densiflora Siebold. & Zucc.) and Mongolian oak(Quercus mongolica Fisch. Ex Ledeb.) forests situated in three different topographic positions on slopes where fire severity varied. We confirmed that most pine trees will succumb to even a surface fire, whereas oak may be killed following high intensity or infrequent fires but will sprout and become dominant. Complete protection from fire favors other, more shade-tolerant deciduous hardwoods. Different restoration plans apply, based on observed vegetation responses for each topographic zone. Near the ridge top,where pine seed sources are most limited, it may be necessary to restore pine forests by planting and to control competing shrubs and herbs. At the mountain foot, where exotic species and species modified by hybridization have invaded aggressively, restoration that involves the introduction of natural vegetation is required. Mid-slope sites,where pine has been replaced by natural vegetation dominated by Mongolian oak, do not require any form of restorative treatment.
基金Supported by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan(NRPU#2835)Pakistan Science Foundation Project No.Biotech 101,funded to Professor Dr.Ali Muhammad Waryah.
文摘AIM:To find out the association of secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine(SPARC)-related modular calcium binding 2(SMOC2)gene variants rs2255680 and rs13208776 with genotypic and phenotypic characteristics in both familial and non-familial primary open angle glaucoma(POAG)patients.METHODS:A total of 212 POAG patients,comprising 124 familial and 88 non-familial,were enrolled.For genotyping the SMOC2 variant rs2255680,amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS)-polymerase chain reaction(PCR)method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)were utilized for analyzing rs13208776 variant.RESULTS:The mean age of familial POAG patients was 50.92±9.12y,with 78 males and 46 females.The mean age of non-familial POAG patients was 53.14±13.44y,with 52 males and 36 females.The SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 showed the significant association with POAG between familial and non-familial groups.The homozygous G/G variant was frequent among non-familial(60.2%)whereas the heterozygous G/A variant was more frequent in familial POAG patients(46%).There were significant differences in G/A variant between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients,and the risk was decreased to 0.53-fold in non-familial glaucoma patients[odds ratio(OR):0.53;95%confidence interval(CI):0.29-0.94;P=0.033]in codominant model.The risk was further reduced to 0.49-fold(95%CI:0.28-0.86;P=0.012)in dominant model for non-familial patients.No significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs2255680 between familial and non-familial glaucoma patients was found in our population.The haplotype analysis showed the decreased risk for TA[OR:0.48(95%CI:0.29-0.79);P=0.004]and an increased risk for TG[OR=2.28(95%CI:1.22-4.25);P=0.01]haplotypes.CONCLUSION:Current findings show significant association of SMOC2 gene variant rs13208776 with POAG between familial and non-familial Pakistani patients.
文摘Exploitation of green chemistry approach for the synthesis of Indium Oxide nanoparticles using green synthesis has received a great attention in the field of nanotechnology. To demonstrate a biogenic method that involves the Katira gum (Astragalus gummifer) leading to the formation of different morphological In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> using the precursor Indium (III) Acetylacetonate and TG-DTA is characterised for calcination temperature and it is found to be above 500℃. Different techniques such as XRD, UV-VIS, SEM and EDAX have been used for the characterisation of In<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub> nanoparticles. The average crystallite size of Indiumoxide nanoparticles is determined as 19 nm by using Scherrer’s Equation and PSA and studying optical properties.
