BACKGROUND Health maintenance in elderly houses includes management of the gut microbiota and the environment.Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota(LcS)is a probiotic strain that positively affects the human gut.Howeve...BACKGROUND Health maintenance in elderly houses includes management of the gut microbiota and the environment.Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota(LcS)is a probiotic strain that positively affects the human gut.However,the evidence of its effects on the Indonesian population remains limited.AIM To investigate the effect of LcS-fermented milk on the gut microbiota and environment of Indonesian elderly houses.METHODS This double-blind,randomized,placebo-controlled trial involved 112 participants from Indonesian elderly houses,spanning a 2-week baseline and 24-week treatment.Participants were randomly assigned to probiotic or placebo groups,consuming fermented milk with or without LcS(>6.5×10^(9)colony-forming units).Fecal samples were collected every three months.Gut microbiota analysis was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction,while gut environment was assessed by measuring fecal organic acids,amino acid metabolites,and stool frequency.RESULTS Analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequence data at the 3-month period revealed increased Bifidobacterium and Succinivibrio and decreased Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group in the probiotic group.These shifts were associated with significant differences inβ-diversity metrics.The change in Bifidobacterium was confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction,demonstrating higher abundance in the probiotic group than in the placebo group(8.5±1.1 vs 8.0±1.1,log10 bacterial cells/g;P=0.044).At 6-month period,the differences in Succinivibrio and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group persisted.The probiotic group showed higher butyrate levels than the placebo group at the 6-month period(5.04±3.11 vs 3.95±2.89,μmol/g;P=0.048).The effect on amino acid metabolites and stool frequency was not significant.CONCLUSION Daily intake of LcS positively affects the gut microbiota and environment of people living in Indonesian elderly houses.展开更多
研究了在70℃和93℃烷基铝浓度对M gC l2/DNBP/T iC l4-A lE t3/DCPDM S催化体系催化丙烯聚合动力学行为的影响,结果显示,高温下烷基铝浓度的提高更加速了催化剂活性的衰减及催化剂活性中心稳定性的降低。随着聚合反应的进行,单体在固...研究了在70℃和93℃烷基铝浓度对M gC l2/DNBP/T iC l4-A lE t3/DCPDM S催化体系催化丙烯聚合动力学行为的影响,结果显示,高温下烷基铝浓度的提高更加速了催化剂活性的衰减及催化剂活性中心稳定性的降低。随着聚合反应的进行,单体在固体催化剂表面的吸附常数KM将降低,但烷基铝在固体催化剂表面的吸附常数KA的变化在不同聚合温度下是不同的,70℃时,烷基铝在固体催化剂表面的吸附常数KA增大,而93℃,当S i/T i比恒定时,KA基本不变,当A l/S i比恒定时,KA增大。展开更多
In this paper, a simple and facile surfactant assisted combustion synthesis is reported for the ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesis of ZnO-NPs has been done with the assistance of non-ionic surfactant TWEEN 80. The effec...In this paper, a simple and facile surfactant assisted combustion synthesis is reported for the ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesis of ZnO-NPs has been done with the assistance of non-ionic surfactant TWEEN 80. The effect of fuel variations and comparative study of fuel urea and glycine have been studied by using characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size analyzer. From XRD, it indicates the presence of hexagonal wurtzite structure for ZnO-NPs. Using X-ray broadening, crystallite sizes and lattice strain on the peak broadening of ZnO-NPs were studied by using Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis and size-strain plot. Strain, stress and energy density parameters were calculated for the XRD peaks of all the samples using (UDM), uniform stress deformation model (USDM), uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM) and by the size-strain plot method (SSP). The results of mean particle size showed an inter correlation with W-H analysis, SSP, particle analyzer and TEM results.展开更多
Aim: To clarify the mechanism of the therapeutic action of icariin on erectlile dysfunction (ED). Methods: PDE5 was isolated from the human platelet and PDE4 from the rat liver tissue using the FPLC system (Pharmacia,...Aim: To clarify the mechanism of the therapeutic action of icariin on erectlile dysfunction (ED). Methods: PDE5 was isolated from the human platelet and PDE4 from the rat liver tissue using the FPLC system (Pharmacia, Milton Keynes, UK) and the Mono Q column. The inhibitory effects of icariin on PDE5 and PDE4 activities were investigated by the two-step radioisotope procedure with [3H]-cGMP/[3H]-cAMP. Papaverine served as the control drug. Results: Icariin and papaverine showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on PDE5 and PDE4 activities. The IC50 of Icariin and papaverine on PDE5 were 0.432 μmol/L and 0.680μmol/L, respectively and those on PDE4, 73.50 μmol/L and 3.07μmol/L, respectively. The potencies of selectivity of icariin and papaverine on PDE5 (PDE4/PDE5 of IC50) were 167.67 times and 4.54 times, respectively. Conclusion: Icariin is a cGMP-specific PDE5 inhibitor that may be developed into an oral effective agent for the treatment of ED.展开更多
The stability and productivity concerning a modification on the traditional room and pillar for a new selective technique at the Portuguese Panasqueira Mine have been described.The traditional room-and-pillar stoping ...The stability and productivity concerning a modification on the traditional room and pillar for a new selective technique at the Portuguese Panasqueira Mine have been described.The traditional room-and-pillar stoping uses 5.0-m wide rooms with 3.0 m×3.0 m pillars,while the selective room-and-pillar mining technique consists in stoping with rooms of 4.0 m wide and pillars of 4 m×4 m with a subsequent selective cutting of the quartz veins at the mid pillar of approximately 0.5 m high,to obtain a pillar section with an area of 3.0 m×3.0 m.The stability and productivity analyses indicate that the selective technique obtains smaller average pillar safety factor,more rock mass displacement,more extraction and selectivity ratios,and ore grade improvement,compared with the traditional technique.These results show that the selective technique is also more convenient.This proposed selective room-and-pillar mining technique is applicable to any sub-horizontal narrow quartz veins with wolfram,gold,etc.such as the famous La Rinconada gold mine in the Peruvian Andes.展开更多
AIM:Cardiovascular autonomic and peripheral sensoryneuropathy is a known complication of chronic alcoholicand non-alcoholic liver diseases.We aimed to assess theprevalence and risk factors for peripheral sensory nerve...AIM:Cardiovascular autonomic and peripheral sensoryneuropathy is a known complication of chronic alcoholicand non-alcoholic liver diseases.We aimed to assess theprevalence and risk factors for peripheral sensory nerveand autonomic dysfunction using sensitive methods inpatients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).METHODS:Twenty-four AMA M2 positive female patientswith clinical,biochemical and histological evidence of PBCand 20 age matched healthy female subjects were studied.Five standard cardiovascular reflex tests and 2d-h heartrate variability(HRV)analysis were performed to defineautonomic function.Peripheral sensory nerve function onmedian and peroneal nerves was characterized by currentperception threshold(CPT),measured by a neuroselectivediagnostic stimulator(Neurotron,Baltimore,MD).RESULTS:Fourteen of 24 patients(58%)had at least oneabnormal cardiovascular reflex test and thirteen(54%)had peripheral sensory neuropathy.Lower heart rateresponse to deep breathing(P=0.001),standing(P=0.03)and Valsalva manoeuvre(P=0.01),and more profounddecrease of blood pressure after standing(P=0.03)wasfound in PBC patients than in controls.As a novel findingwe proved that both time domain and frequency domainparameters of 24-h HRV were significantly reduced in PBCpatients compared to controls.Each patient had at leastone abnormal parameter of HRV.Lower CPT values indicatedhyperaesthesia as a characteristic feature at peronealnerve testing at three frequencies(2000 Hz:P=0.005;250 Hz:P=0.002;5 Hz:P=0.004)in PBC compared tocontrols.Correlation of autonomic dysfunction with theseverity and duration of the disease was observed.Lowertotal power of HRV correlated with lower CPT values atmedian nerve testing at 250 Hz(P=0.0001)and at 5 Hz(P=0.002),as well as with those at peroneal nerve testingat 2000 Hz(P=0.01).CONCLUSION:Autonomic and sensory nerve dysfunctionsare frequent in PBC.Twenty-four-hour HRV analysis is moresensitive than standard cardiovascular tests for detectingof both parasympathetic and sympathetic impairments.Ournovel data suggest that hyperaesthesia is a characteristicfeature of peripheral sensory neuropathy and mightcontribute to itching in PBC.Autonomic dysfunction is relatedto the duration and severity of PBC.展开更多
Molluscs are able to accumulate heavy metals and impose health hazard to consumers. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the heavy metal concentrations in edible bivalves and gastropods available ...Molluscs are able to accumulate heavy metals and impose health hazard to consumers. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the heavy metal concentrations in edible bivalves and gastropods available in major markets of the Pearl River Delta. Fourteen species of edible molluscs were purchased from six markets in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. The fresh of these biota were tested for their cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn) concentrations (based on wet weight). The results indicated that amongst the 14 edible molluscs, only Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Sb and Sn concentrations in three species (Ruditapes philippinarum, Perna viridis and Hemifusus tuba) were within the local regulatory limits. Over 60% of bivalve species exceeded maximum permitted levels of Cd (2 mug/g) and Cr (1 mug/g), while over 40% of gastropod species exceeded the maximum levels of Sb (1 mug/g) and Cr (1 mug/g). Most of the samples collected from Hong Kong had significantly higher contents of Pb and Sb, but similar levels of Cd, Cu and Zn when compared with samples collected across the border ( p < 0.05; p 0.01; p < 0.001 respectively). In general, the molluscs purchased in Guangdong markets had higher metal contents than those purchased from the Hong Kong markets. When compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake or Maximum Acceptable Daily Load recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, Cd levels of five species (Anadara ferruginea, Pinna pectinata, Chlamys nobilis, Babylonia lutosa and Hemifusus terntanus) and Cr levels of seven species ( Anadara ferruginea, Paphia undulata, Pinna pectinata, Babylonia lutosa, Hemifusus terntanus, Cymbium melo and Cipangopaludina chinensis) were higher than both the human daily acceptable limits (for Cd and Cr respectively) and the local regulatory levels (for Cd and Cr respectively).展开更多
AIM: To investigate the toxicity and response of intensity-modulated radiotherapy schedule intensified with a simultaneous integrated boost in anal canal cancer.METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2014, we retrospective...AIM: To investigate the toxicity and response of intensity-modulated radiotherapy schedule intensified with a simultaneous integrated boost in anal canal cancer.METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2014, we retrospectively analyzed 41 consecutive patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy for anal canal squamous cell carcinoma at our center. Radiotherapy was delivered via simultaneous integrated boost(SIB) technique by helical tomotherapy, and doses were adapted to two clinical target volumes according to the tumor-nodemetastasis(TNM) stage: 50.6 Gy and 41.4 Gy in 23 fractions in T1N0, 52.8 Gy and 43.2 Gy in 24 fractionsin T2N0, and 55 Gy and 45 Gy in 25 fractions in all patients with N positive and/or ≥ T3, respectively, to planning target volumes 1 and 2. The most common chemotherapy regimen was 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-based. Human papilloma virus(HPV) p16 expression was performed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated in the majority of patients. Acute and late toxicity was scored according to CTCAe v 3.0 and RTOG scales.RESULTS: The median follow-up was 30 mo(range:12-71). Median age was 63 years(range 32-84). The stage of disease was: stage Ⅰ in 2 patients, stage Ⅱin 13 patients, stage ⅢA in 12 patients, and stage ⅢB in 14 patients, respectively. Two patients were known to be HIV positive(4.9%). HPV p16 expression status was positive in 29/34(85.3%) patients. The 4-year progression-free survival and overall survival in HPVpositive patients were 78% and 92%, respectively.Acute grade 3 skin and gastrointestinal toxicities were reported in 5% and 7.3% of patients, respectively;patients' compliance to the treatment was good due to a low occurrence of severe acute toxicity, although treatment interruptions due to toxicity were required in 7.3% of patients. At 6 mo from end of treatment,36/40(90%) patients obtained complete response;during follow-up, 5(13.8%) patients presented with disease progression(local or systemic).CONCLUSION: In our experience, intensified SIBIMRT with chemotherapy is very feasible in clinical practice, with excellent results in terms of overall survival and local control.展开更多
Both therapies of traditional crude herb moxibustion and drug acupoint application were used in 209 cases of allergic asthma to compare their long-term and short-term therapeutic effects and to analyze the relationshi...Both therapies of traditional crude herb moxibustion and drug acupoint application were used in 209 cases of allergic asthma to compare their long-term and short-term therapeutic effects and to analyze the relationship between clinic therapeutic effects of both therapies and differential types of the disease. The results showed that the short-term total effective rate in the group of drug acupoint application was higher than that in the group of traditional crude herb moxibustion, the therapeutic effects of drug acupoint application being closely related to differential types. Analysis also shows the best short-term therapeutic effect was in the type of heat in the lung while the poorest effect in the type of deficiency of the kidney-yang.展开更多
Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance s...Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance since they are implicated in many pathological processes and exert effects beyond that of individual being active through following generations. A large number of methods have been applied to evaluate genotoxic damage in different aquatic species. Comet assay, as method for de- tecting DNA alterations, and micronucleus test, as an index of chromosomal damage are the most widely applied and validated methods in field studies. These methods were applied in different vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic species, but only mollusk and fish species have been employed in routine biomonitoring programs. Mussels, due to their widely geographical distribution and the suitability for caging represent the bioindicator of choice in field studies. Mytilus species is the most used marine mussel. The use of fish is limited to specific geographic areas. The present review mainly focuses on the application of comet assay and micronucleus test in mussels. A number of biomonitoring studies in mussels, using comet assay or micronucleus test, revealed exposure to different classes of genotoxic compounds with a good discrimination power. The different evidence from the two as- says, reflects different biological mechanisms for the two genetic endpoints, DNA damage and chromosomal damage, suggesting their combined application in the field. Different endogenous and exogenous factors have been shown to modulate the genotoxic responses in mussels, acting as confounding factors in environmental monitoring. The use of standardized protocol for caging, sampling and genotoxity evaluation is critical in biomonitoring studies. The use of a multimarker approach coupling genotoxicity biomarkers with physiological and biochemical factors allows to have a complete picture of the environmental pollution [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 273-284, 2014].展开更多
This study is the result of ongoing research for a European Union 7th Framework Program Project regarding energy converters for very low heads, and aims to analyze optimization of new cost-effective hydraulic turbine ...This study is the result of ongoing research for a European Union 7th Framework Program Project regarding energy converters for very low heads, and aims to analyze optimization of new cost-effective hydraulic turbine designs for possible implementation in water supply systems （WSSs） or in other pressurized water pipe infrastructures, such as irrigation, wastewater, or drainage systems. A new methodology is presented based on a theoretical, technical and economic analysis. Viability studies focused on small power values for different pipe systems were investigated. Detailed analyses of alternative typical volumetric energy converters were conducted on the basis of mathematical and physical fundamentals as well as computational fluid dynamics （CFD） associated with the interaction between the flow conditions and the system operation. Important constraints （e.g., size, stability, efficiency, and continuous steady flow conditions） can be identified and a search for alternative rotary yolumetric converters is being conducted. As promising cost-effective solutions for the coming years, adapted rotor-dynamic turbomachines and non-conventional axial propeller devices were analyzed based on the basic principles of pumps operating as turbines, as well as through an extensive comparison between simulations and experimental tests.展开更多
This paper presents important fundamentals associated with water and energy efficiency and highlights the importance of using renewable energy sources. A model of multi-criteria optimization for energy efficiency base...This paper presents important fundamentals associated with water and energy efficiency and highlights the importance of using renewable energy sources. A model of multi-criteria optimization for energy efficiency based on water and environmental management policies, including the preservation of water resources and the control of water pressure and energy consumption through a hybrid energy solution, was developed and applied to a water supply system. The methodology developed includes three solutions： （1） the use of a water turbine in pipe systems where pressures are higher than necessary and pressure-reducing valves are installed, （2） the optimization of pumping operation according to the electricity tariff and water demand, and （3） the use of other renewable energy sources, including a wind turbine, to supply energy to the pumping station, with the remaining energy being sold to the national electric grid. The use of an integrated solution （water and energy-） proves to be a valuable input for creating benefits from available hydro energy in the water supply system in order to produce clean power, and the use of a wind source allows for the reduction of energy consumption in pumping stations, as well as of the CO2 emission to the atmosphere.展开更多
N-doped ZnO films were radio frequency(RF)sputtered on glass substrates and studied as a function of oxygen partial pressure(OPP)ranging from 3.0×10-4 to 9.5×10-3 Pa.X-ray diffraction patters confirmed the p...N-doped ZnO films were radio frequency(RF)sputtered on glass substrates and studied as a function of oxygen partial pressure(OPP)ranging from 3.0×10-4 to 9.5×10-3 Pa.X-ray diffraction patters confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the deposited films.The crystalline structure is influenced by the variation of OPP.Atomic force microscopy analysis confirmed the agglomeration of the neighboring spherical grains with a sharp increase of root mean square(RMS)roughness when the OPP is increased above 1.4×10-3 Pa.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the incorporation of N content into the film is decreased with the increase of OPP,noticeably N 1s XPS peaks are hardly identified at 9.5×10-3 Pa.The average visible transmittance(380-700 nm) is increased with the increase of OPP(from～17%to 70%),and the optical absorption edge shifts towards the shorter wavelength.The films deposited with low OPP(≤3.0×10-4 Pa)show n-type conductivity and those deposited with high OPP(≥9.0×10-4 Pa)are highly resistive(>105Ω·cm)展开更多
The Eocene Kuldana Formation(KF)in the Yadgar area of Pakistan,comprises a diverse range of sedimentary facies,including variegated red beds of shales,mudstones,and sandstones,as well as interbedded limestone and marl...The Eocene Kuldana Formation(KF)in the Yadgar area of Pakistan,comprises a diverse range of sedimentary facies,including variegated red beds of shales,mudstones,and sandstones,as well as interbedded limestone and marl.In this study,we conducted an integrated micropaleontological,sedimentological,mineralogical,and geochemical investigation to determine the depositional setting,biochronology,provenance,and paleoclimate of the KF.The study identified six lithofacies and six microfacies,which indicate a variety of environments ranging from floodplains and channels to the margins and shallow marine settings.The nannofossil biostratigraphy places the KF in the Early Eocene,more precisely the NP10 zone(Ypresian),and the fossil zone of benthic foraminifera classifies the study section as the Shallow Benthic Zone SBZ-8(Middle Ilerdian 2).In terms of petrography,the KF sandstone was classified as litharenite and feldspathic litharenite,while the QtFL diagram suggests a recycled orogen.Geochemical proxies indicate an oxidizing environment,a high-to-low regular sedimentation rate,moderate-to-intense chemical weathering in the source region,and a warm-humid to dry climate during the deposition of KF.Overall,the findings suggest that the deposition of KF marks the end of Neo-Tethys due to the Early Eocene Indian–Kohistan collision and that the uplifting of the Himalayas provided the source for the deposition of KF in the foreland basin.The study provides new insights into the depositional environment,biochronology,provenance,and paleoclimate of KF,and highlights the potential for red beds as reliable indicators of oxygenation levels in proximity to mineral deposits.展开更多
Myotonic dystrophy type 1, also known as Steinert＇s disease, is an autosomal dominant disorder with multisystemic clinical features affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscles, the eyes, and the endocrine system. Thia...Myotonic dystrophy type 1, also known as Steinert＇s disease, is an autosomal dominant disorder with multisystemic clinical features affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscles, the eyes, and the endocrine system. Thiamine （vitamin B1） is a cofactor of fundamental enzymes involved in the energetic cell me- tabolism; recent studies described its role in oxidative stress, protein processing, peroxisomal function, and gene expression. Thiamine deficiency is critical mainly in the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as in the muscular cells. Our aim was to investigate the potential therapeutical effects of long-term treatment with thiamine in myotonic dystrophy type 1 in an observational open-label pilot study. We de- scribed two patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 treated with intramuscular thiamine 100 mg twice a week for 12 or 11 months. We evaluated the patients using the grading of muscle strength according to Medical Research Council （MRC）, the Muscular Impairment Rating Scale （MIRS）, and the Modified Barthel index. High-dose thiamine treatment was well tolerated and effective in improving the motor symptomatology, particularly the muscle strength evaluated with the MRC scale, and the patients＇ activi- ties of daily living using the Modified Barthel Index. At the end of treatment, the MRC score was 5 in the proximal muscles and 2-4 in the distal muscles （the MRG score before the treatment was 3-4 and 1-3, re- spectively）. The MIRS grade improved by 25% compared to baseline for both patients. In patient #1, the Modified Barthel Index improved by 44%, and in patient #2 by 29%. These findings suggest that clinical outcomes are improved by long-term thiamine treatment.展开更多
In patients with primary hypertension,therapeutic strategies should be based on global cardiovascular risk profile rather than on the severity of blood pressure alone.Accurate assessment of concomitant risk factors an...In patients with primary hypertension,therapeutic strategies should be based on global cardiovascular risk profile rather than on the severity of blood pressure alone.Accurate assessment of concomitant risk factors and especially of the presence and extent of subclinical organ damage is of paramount importance in definingindividual risk.Given the high prevalence of hypertension in the population at large,however,extensive diagnostic evaluation is often impractical or unfeasible in clinical practice.Low cost,easy to use markers of risk are needed to improve the clinical management of patients with hypertension.Early renal abnormalities such as a slight reduction in glomerular filtration rate and/or the presence of microalbuminuria are well known and powerful predictors of cardio-renal morbidity and mortality and provide a useful,low cost tools to optimize cardiovascular risk assessment.A greater use of these tests should therefore be implemented in clinical practice in order to optimize the management of hypertensive patients.展开更多
基金Supported by the Yakult Honsha Co.,Ltd.,No.1226/FTP-UGM/HK/2018.
文摘BACKGROUND Health maintenance in elderly houses includes management of the gut microbiota and the environment.Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Shirota(LcS)is a probiotic strain that positively affects the human gut.However,the evidence of its effects on the Indonesian population remains limited.AIM To investigate the effect of LcS-fermented milk on the gut microbiota and environment of Indonesian elderly houses.METHODS This double-blind,randomized,placebo-controlled trial involved 112 participants from Indonesian elderly houses,spanning a 2-week baseline and 24-week treatment.Participants were randomly assigned to probiotic or placebo groups,consuming fermented milk with or without LcS(>6.5×10^(9)colony-forming units).Fecal samples were collected every three months.Gut microbiota analysis was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction,while gut environment was assessed by measuring fecal organic acids,amino acid metabolites,and stool frequency.RESULTS Analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequence data at the 3-month period revealed increased Bifidobacterium and Succinivibrio and decreased Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group in the probiotic group.These shifts were associated with significant differences inβ-diversity metrics.The change in Bifidobacterium was confirmed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction,demonstrating higher abundance in the probiotic group than in the placebo group(8.5±1.1 vs 8.0±1.1,log10 bacterial cells/g;P=0.044).At 6-month period,the differences in Succinivibrio and Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group persisted.The probiotic group showed higher butyrate levels than the placebo group at the 6-month period(5.04±3.11 vs 3.95±2.89,μmol/g;P=0.048).The effect on amino acid metabolites and stool frequency was not significant.CONCLUSION Daily intake of LcS positively affects the gut microbiota and environment of people living in Indonesian elderly houses.
文摘In this paper, a simple and facile surfactant assisted combustion synthesis is reported for the ZnO nanoparticles. The synthesis of ZnO-NPs has been done with the assistance of non-ionic surfactant TWEEN 80. The effect of fuel variations and comparative study of fuel urea and glycine have been studied by using characterization techniques like X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and particle size analyzer. From XRD, it indicates the presence of hexagonal wurtzite structure for ZnO-NPs. Using X-ray broadening, crystallite sizes and lattice strain on the peak broadening of ZnO-NPs were studied by using Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis and size-strain plot. Strain, stress and energy density parameters were calculated for the XRD peaks of all the samples using (UDM), uniform stress deformation model (USDM), uniform deformation energy density model (UDEDM) and by the size-strain plot method (SSP). The results of mean particle size showed an inter correlation with W-H analysis, SSP, particle analyzer and TEM results.
文摘Aim: To clarify the mechanism of the therapeutic action of icariin on erectlile dysfunction (ED). Methods: PDE5 was isolated from the human platelet and PDE4 from the rat liver tissue using the FPLC system (Pharmacia, Milton Keynes, UK) and the Mono Q column. The inhibitory effects of icariin on PDE5 and PDE4 activities were investigated by the two-step radioisotope procedure with [3H]-cGMP/[3H]-cAMP. Papaverine served as the control drug. Results: Icariin and papaverine showed dose-dependent inhibitory effects on PDE5 and PDE4 activities. The IC50 of Icariin and papaverine on PDE5 were 0.432 μmol/L and 0.680μmol/L, respectively and those on PDE4, 73.50 μmol/L and 3.07μmol/L, respectively. The potencies of selectivity of icariin and papaverine on PDE5 (PDE4/PDE5 of IC50) were 167.67 times and 4.54 times, respectively. Conclusion: Icariin is a cGMP-specific PDE5 inhibitor that may be developed into an oral effective agent for the treatment of ED.
基金supported by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation(FCT)
文摘The stability and productivity concerning a modification on the traditional room and pillar for a new selective technique at the Portuguese Panasqueira Mine have been described.The traditional room-and-pillar stoping uses 5.0-m wide rooms with 3.0 m×3.0 m pillars,while the selective room-and-pillar mining technique consists in stoping with rooms of 4.0 m wide and pillars of 4 m×4 m with a subsequent selective cutting of the quartz veins at the mid pillar of approximately 0.5 m high,to obtain a pillar section with an area of 3.0 m×3.0 m.The stability and productivity analyses indicate that the selective technique obtains smaller average pillar safety factor,more rock mass displacement,more extraction and selectivity ratios,and ore grade improvement,compared with the traditional technique.These results show that the selective technique is also more convenient.This proposed selective room-and-pillar mining technique is applicable to any sub-horizontal narrow quartz veins with wolfram,gold,etc.such as the famous La Rinconada gold mine in the Peruvian Andes.
文摘AIM:Cardiovascular autonomic and peripheral sensoryneuropathy is a known complication of chronic alcoholicand non-alcoholic liver diseases.We aimed to assess theprevalence and risk factors for peripheral sensory nerveand autonomic dysfunction using sensitive methods inpatients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).METHODS:Twenty-four AMA M2 positive female patientswith clinical,biochemical and histological evidence of PBCand 20 age matched healthy female subjects were studied.Five standard cardiovascular reflex tests and 2d-h heartrate variability(HRV)analysis were performed to defineautonomic function.Peripheral sensory nerve function onmedian and peroneal nerves was characterized by currentperception threshold(CPT),measured by a neuroselectivediagnostic stimulator(Neurotron,Baltimore,MD).RESULTS:Fourteen of 24 patients(58%)had at least oneabnormal cardiovascular reflex test and thirteen(54%)had peripheral sensory neuropathy.Lower heart rateresponse to deep breathing(P=0.001),standing(P=0.03)and Valsalva manoeuvre(P=0.01),and more profounddecrease of blood pressure after standing(P=0.03)wasfound in PBC patients than in controls.As a novel findingwe proved that both time domain and frequency domainparameters of 24-h HRV were significantly reduced in PBCpatients compared to controls.Each patient had at leastone abnormal parameter of HRV.Lower CPT values indicatedhyperaesthesia as a characteristic feature at peronealnerve testing at three frequencies(2000 Hz:P=0.005;250 Hz:P=0.002;5 Hz:P=0.004)in PBC compared tocontrols.Correlation of autonomic dysfunction with theseverity and duration of the disease was observed.Lowertotal power of HRV correlated with lower CPT values atmedian nerve testing at 250 Hz(P=0.0001)and at 5 Hz(P=0.002),as well as with those at peroneal nerve testingat 2000 Hz(P=0.01).CONCLUSION:Autonomic and sensory nerve dysfunctionsare frequent in PBC.Twenty-four-hour HRV analysis is moresensitive than standard cardiovascular tests for detectingof both parasympathetic and sympathetic impairments.Ournovel data suggest that hyperaesthesia is a characteristicfeature of peripheral sensory neuropathy and mightcontribute to itching in PBC.Autonomic dysfunction is relatedto the duration and severity of PBC.
文摘Molluscs are able to accumulate heavy metals and impose health hazard to consumers. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the heavy metal concentrations in edible bivalves and gastropods available in major markets of the Pearl River Delta. Fourteen species of edible molluscs were purchased from six markets in Hong Kong and Guangdong Province. The fresh of these biota were tested for their cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), antimony (Sb) and tin (Sn) concentrations (based on wet weight). The results indicated that amongst the 14 edible molluscs, only Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Sb and Sn concentrations in three species (Ruditapes philippinarum, Perna viridis and Hemifusus tuba) were within the local regulatory limits. Over 60% of bivalve species exceeded maximum permitted levels of Cd (2 mug/g) and Cr (1 mug/g), while over 40% of gastropod species exceeded the maximum levels of Sb (1 mug/g) and Cr (1 mug/g). Most of the samples collected from Hong Kong had significantly higher contents of Pb and Sb, but similar levels of Cd, Cu and Zn when compared with samples collected across the border ( p < 0.05; p 0.01; p < 0.001 respectively). In general, the molluscs purchased in Guangdong markets had higher metal contents than those purchased from the Hong Kong markets. When compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake or Maximum Acceptable Daily Load recommended by FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, Cd levels of five species (Anadara ferruginea, Pinna pectinata, Chlamys nobilis, Babylonia lutosa and Hemifusus terntanus) and Cr levels of seven species ( Anadara ferruginea, Paphia undulata, Pinna pectinata, Babylonia lutosa, Hemifusus terntanus, Cymbium melo and Cipangopaludina chinensis) were higher than both the human daily acceptable limits (for Cd and Cr respectively) and the local regulatory levels (for Cd and Cr respectively).
文摘AIM: To investigate the toxicity and response of intensity-modulated radiotherapy schedule intensified with a simultaneous integrated boost in anal canal cancer.METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2014, we retrospectively analyzed 41 consecutive patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy(IMRT) and concurrent chemotherapy for anal canal squamous cell carcinoma at our center. Radiotherapy was delivered via simultaneous integrated boost(SIB) technique by helical tomotherapy, and doses were adapted to two clinical target volumes according to the tumor-nodemetastasis(TNM) stage: 50.6 Gy and 41.4 Gy in 23 fractions in T1N0, 52.8 Gy and 43.2 Gy in 24 fractionsin T2N0, and 55 Gy and 45 Gy in 25 fractions in all patients with N positive and/or ≥ T3, respectively, to planning target volumes 1 and 2. The most common chemotherapy regimen was 5-fluorouracil and mitomycin-based. Human papilloma virus(HPV) p16 expression was performed by immunohistochemistry and evaluated in the majority of patients. Acute and late toxicity was scored according to CTCAe v 3.0 and RTOG scales.RESULTS: The median follow-up was 30 mo(range:12-71). Median age was 63 years(range 32-84). The stage of disease was: stage Ⅰ in 2 patients, stage Ⅱin 13 patients, stage ⅢA in 12 patients, and stage ⅢB in 14 patients, respectively. Two patients were known to be HIV positive(4.9%). HPV p16 expression status was positive in 29/34(85.3%) patients. The 4-year progression-free survival and overall survival in HPVpositive patients were 78% and 92%, respectively.Acute grade 3 skin and gastrointestinal toxicities were reported in 5% and 7.3% of patients, respectively;patients' compliance to the treatment was good due to a low occurrence of severe acute toxicity, although treatment interruptions due to toxicity were required in 7.3% of patients. At 6 mo from end of treatment,36/40(90%) patients obtained complete response;during follow-up, 5(13.8%) patients presented with disease progression(local or systemic).CONCLUSION: In our experience, intensified SIBIMRT with chemotherapy is very feasible in clinical practice, with excellent results in terms of overall survival and local control.
文摘Both therapies of traditional crude herb moxibustion and drug acupoint application were used in 209 cases of allergic asthma to compare their long-term and short-term therapeutic effects and to analyze the relationship between clinic therapeutic effects of both therapies and differential types of the disease. The results showed that the short-term total effective rate in the group of drug acupoint application was higher than that in the group of traditional crude herb moxibustion, the therapeutic effects of drug acupoint application being closely related to differential types. Analysis also shows the best short-term therapeutic effect was in the type of heat in the lung while the poorest effect in the type of deficiency of the kidney-yang.
文摘Pollution of the aquatic environment is an ever-growing problem, as waters are the ultimate sink for the large number of xenobiotics from multiple sources. DNA damaging agents have a significant ecological relevance since they are implicated in many pathological processes and exert effects beyond that of individual being active through following generations. A large number of methods have been applied to evaluate genotoxic damage in different aquatic species. Comet assay, as method for de- tecting DNA alterations, and micronucleus test, as an index of chromosomal damage are the most widely applied and validated methods in field studies. These methods were applied in different vertebrate and invertebrate aquatic species, but only mollusk and fish species have been employed in routine biomonitoring programs. Mussels, due to their widely geographical distribution and the suitability for caging represent the bioindicator of choice in field studies. Mytilus species is the most used marine mussel. The use of fish is limited to specific geographic areas. The present review mainly focuses on the application of comet assay and micronucleus test in mussels. A number of biomonitoring studies in mussels, using comet assay or micronucleus test, revealed exposure to different classes of genotoxic compounds with a good discrimination power. The different evidence from the two as- says, reflects different biological mechanisms for the two genetic endpoints, DNA damage and chromosomal damage, suggesting their combined application in the field. Different endogenous and exogenous factors have been shown to modulate the genotoxic responses in mussels, acting as confounding factors in environmental monitoring. The use of standardized protocol for caging, sampling and genotoxity evaluation is critical in biomonitoring studies. The use of a multimarker approach coupling genotoxicity biomarkers with physiological and biochemical factors allows to have a complete picture of the environmental pollution [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 273-284, 2014].
基金supported by the FCT (PTDC/ECM/65731/2006)the 7FP European HYLOW Project (Grant No. 212423)
文摘This study is the result of ongoing research for a European Union 7th Framework Program Project regarding energy converters for very low heads, and aims to analyze optimization of new cost-effective hydraulic turbine designs for possible implementation in water supply systems （WSSs） or in other pressurized water pipe infrastructures, such as irrigation, wastewater, or drainage systems. A new methodology is presented based on a theoretical, technical and economic analysis. Viability studies focused on small power values for different pipe systems were investigated. Detailed analyses of alternative typical volumetric energy converters were conducted on the basis of mathematical and physical fundamentals as well as computational fluid dynamics （CFD） associated with the interaction between the flow conditions and the system operation. Important constraints （e.g., size, stability, efficiency, and continuous steady flow conditions） can be identified and a search for alternative rotary yolumetric converters is being conducted. As promising cost-effective solutions for the coming years, adapted rotor-dynamic turbomachines and non-conventional axial propeller devices were analyzed based on the basic principles of pumps operating as turbines, as well as through an extensive comparison between simulations and experimental tests.
基金supported by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (Grant No.PTDC/ECM/65731/2006)the European Union 7th Framework Programme through the HYLOW Project (Grant No.212423)
文摘This paper presents important fundamentals associated with water and energy efficiency and highlights the importance of using renewable energy sources. A model of multi-criteria optimization for energy efficiency based on water and environmental management policies, including the preservation of water resources and the control of water pressure and energy consumption through a hybrid energy solution, was developed and applied to a water supply system. The methodology developed includes three solutions： （1） the use of a water turbine in pipe systems where pressures are higher than necessary and pressure-reducing valves are installed, （2） the optimization of pumping operation according to the electricity tariff and water demand, and （3） the use of other renewable energy sources, including a wind turbine, to supply energy to the pumping station, with the remaining energy being sold to the national electric grid. The use of an integrated solution （water and energy-） proves to be a valuable input for creating benefits from available hydro energy in the water supply system in order to produce clean power, and the use of a wind source allows for the reduction of energy consumption in pumping stations, as well as of the CO2 emission to the atmosphere.
基金the Portuguese Ministry of Science and Technology(FCT-MCTES)for offering post-doctoral fellowships through the grants SFRH/BPD/34542/2007 and SFRH/BPD/35055/2007,respectivelyfinanced by FCT-MCTES through CENIMAT-I3N
文摘N-doped ZnO films were radio frequency(RF)sputtered on glass substrates and studied as a function of oxygen partial pressure(OPP)ranging from 3.0×10-4 to 9.5×10-3 Pa.X-ray diffraction patters confirmed the polycrystalline nature of the deposited films.The crystalline structure is influenced by the variation of OPP.Atomic force microscopy analysis confirmed the agglomeration of the neighboring spherical grains with a sharp increase of root mean square(RMS)roughness when the OPP is increased above 1.4×10-3 Pa.X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that the incorporation of N content into the film is decreased with the increase of OPP,noticeably N 1s XPS peaks are hardly identified at 9.5×10-3 Pa.The average visible transmittance(380-700 nm) is increased with the increase of OPP(from～17%to 70%),and the optical absorption edge shifts towards the shorter wavelength.The films deposited with low OPP(≤3.0×10-4 Pa)show n-type conductivity and those deposited with high OPP(≥9.0×10-4 Pa)are highly resistive(>105Ω·cm)
文摘The Eocene Kuldana Formation(KF)in the Yadgar area of Pakistan,comprises a diverse range of sedimentary facies,including variegated red beds of shales,mudstones,and sandstones,as well as interbedded limestone and marl.In this study,we conducted an integrated micropaleontological,sedimentological,mineralogical,and geochemical investigation to determine the depositional setting,biochronology,provenance,and paleoclimate of the KF.The study identified six lithofacies and six microfacies,which indicate a variety of environments ranging from floodplains and channels to the margins and shallow marine settings.The nannofossil biostratigraphy places the KF in the Early Eocene,more precisely the NP10 zone(Ypresian),and the fossil zone of benthic foraminifera classifies the study section as the Shallow Benthic Zone SBZ-8(Middle Ilerdian 2).In terms of petrography,the KF sandstone was classified as litharenite and feldspathic litharenite,while the QtFL diagram suggests a recycled orogen.Geochemical proxies indicate an oxidizing environment,a high-to-low regular sedimentation rate,moderate-to-intense chemical weathering in the source region,and a warm-humid to dry climate during the deposition of KF.Overall,the findings suggest that the deposition of KF marks the end of Neo-Tethys due to the Early Eocene Indian–Kohistan collision and that the uplifting of the Himalayas provided the source for the deposition of KF in the foreland basin.The study provides new insights into the depositional environment,biochronology,provenance,and paleoclimate of KF,and highlights the potential for red beds as reliable indicators of oxygenation levels in proximity to mineral deposits.
文摘Myotonic dystrophy type 1, also known as Steinert＇s disease, is an autosomal dominant disorder with multisystemic clinical features affecting the skeletal and cardiac muscles, the eyes, and the endocrine system. Thiamine （vitamin B1） is a cofactor of fundamental enzymes involved in the energetic cell me- tabolism; recent studies described its role in oxidative stress, protein processing, peroxisomal function, and gene expression. Thiamine deficiency is critical mainly in the central and peripheral nervous system, as well as in the muscular cells. Our aim was to investigate the potential therapeutical effects of long-term treatment with thiamine in myotonic dystrophy type 1 in an observational open-label pilot study. We de- scribed two patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 treated with intramuscular thiamine 100 mg twice a week for 12 or 11 months. We evaluated the patients using the grading of muscle strength according to Medical Research Council （MRC）, the Muscular Impairment Rating Scale （MIRS）, and the Modified Barthel index. High-dose thiamine treatment was well tolerated and effective in improving the motor symptomatology, particularly the muscle strength evaluated with the MRC scale, and the patients＇ activi- ties of daily living using the Modified Barthel Index. At the end of treatment, the MRC score was 5 in the proximal muscles and 2-4 in the distal muscles （the MRG score before the treatment was 3-4 and 1-3, re- spectively）. The MIRS grade improved by 25% compared to baseline for both patients. In patient #1, the Modified Barthel Index improved by 44%, and in patient #2 by 29%. These findings suggest that clinical outcomes are improved by long-term thiamine treatment.
文摘In patients with primary hypertension,therapeutic strategies should be based on global cardiovascular risk profile rather than on the severity of blood pressure alone.Accurate assessment of concomitant risk factors and especially of the presence and extent of subclinical organ damage is of paramount importance in definingindividual risk.Given the high prevalence of hypertension in the population at large,however,extensive diagnostic evaluation is often impractical or unfeasible in clinical practice.Low cost,easy to use markers of risk are needed to improve the clinical management of patients with hypertension.Early renal abnormalities such as a slight reduction in glomerular filtration rate and/or the presence of microalbuminuria are well known and powerful predictors of cardio-renal morbidity and mortality and provide a useful,low cost tools to optimize cardiovascular risk assessment.A greater use of these tests should therefore be implemented in clinical practice in order to optimize the management of hypertensive patients.
