BACKGROUND The association between the intestinal microbiota and psychiatric disorders is becoming increasingly apparent.The gut microbiota contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis(CRC),as demonstrated with colibactin...BACKGROUND The association between the intestinal microbiota and psychiatric disorders is becoming increasingly apparent.The gut microbiota contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis(CRC),as demonstrated with colibactin-producing Escherichia coli(CoPEC).AIM To evaluate the association between CoPEC prevalence and anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors with both preclinical and clinical approaches.METHODS Patients followed after a CRC surgery and for whom the prevalence of CoPEC has been investigated underwent a psychiatric interview.Results were compared according to the CoPEC colonization.In parallel C57BL6/J wild type mice and mice with a CRC susceptibility were chronically infected with a CoPEC strain.Their behavior was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze test,the Forced Swimming Test and the Behavior recognition system PhenoTyper®.RESULTS In a limited cohort,all patients with CoPEC colonization presented with psychiatric disorders several years before cancer diagnosis,whereas only one patient(17%)without CoPEC did.This result was confirmed in C57BL6/J wildtype mice and in a CRC susceptibility mouse model(adenomatous polyposis colimultiple intestinal neoplasia/+).Mice exhibited a significant increase in anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors after chronic infection with a CoPEC strain.CONCLUSION This finding provides the first evidence that CoPEC infection can induce microbiota-gut-brain axis disturbances in addition to its procarcinogenic properties.展开更多
A type of high molecular weight bioactive polymers called exopolysaccharides(EPS)are produced by thermophiles,the extremophilic microbes that thrive in acidic environmental conditions of hot springs with excessively w...A type of high molecular weight bioactive polymers called exopolysaccharides(EPS)are produced by thermophiles,the extremophilic microbes that thrive in acidic environmental conditions of hot springs with excessively warm temperatures.Over time,EPS became important as natural biotechnological additives because of their noncytotoxic,emulsifying,antioxidant,or immunostimulant activities.In this article,we unravelled a new EPS produced by Staphy-lococcus sp.BSP3 from an acidic(pH 6.03)San Pedro hot spring(38.1℃)located in the central Andean mountains in Chile.Several physicochemical techniques were performed to characterize the EPS structure including Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(SEM-EDS),Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM),High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(HPLC),Gel permeation chromatography(GPC),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR),1D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(NMR),and Thermogravimetric analysis(TGA).It was confirmed that the amorphous surface of the BSP3 EPS,composed of rough pillar-like nanostructures,is evenly distributed.The main EPS monosaccharide constituents were mannose(72%),glucose(24%)and galactose(4%).Also,it is a medium molecular weight(43.7 kDa)heteropolysaccharide.NMR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of a[→6)-α-d-Manp-(1→6)-α-d-Manp-(1→]backbone 2-O substituted with 1-α-d-Manp.A high thermal stability of EPS(287°C)was confirmed by TGA analysis.Emulsification,antioxidant,flocculation,water-holding(WHC),and oil-holding(OHC)capacities are also studied for biotechnological industry applications.The results demonstrated that BSP3 EPS could be used as a biodegradable material for different purposes,like flocculation and natural additives in product formulation.展开更多
Most earth-dam failures are mainly due to seepage,and an accurate assessment of the permeability coefficient provides an indication to avoid a disaster.Parametric uncertainties are encountered in the seepage analysis,...Most earth-dam failures are mainly due to seepage,and an accurate assessment of the permeability coefficient provides an indication to avoid a disaster.Parametric uncertainties are encountered in the seepage analysis,and may be reduced by an inverse procedure that calibrates the simulation results to observations on the real system being simulated.This work proposes an adaptive Bayesian inversion method solved using artificial neural network(ANN)based Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation.The optimized surrogate model achieves a coefficient of determination at 0.98 by ANN with 247 samples,whereby the computational workload can be greatly reduced.It is also significant to balance the accuracy and efficiency of the ANN model by adaptively updating the sample database.The enrichment samples are obtained from the posterior distribution after iteration,which allows a more accurate and rapid manner to the target posterior.The method was then applied to the hydraulic analysis of an earth dam.After calibrating the global permeability coefficient of the earth dam with the pore water pressure at the downstream unsaturated location,it was validated by the pore water pressure monitoring values at the upstream saturated location.In addition,the uncertainty in the permeability coefficient was reduced,from 0.5 to 0.05.It is shown that the provision of adequate prior information is valuable for improving the efficiency of the Bayesian inversion.展开更多
It was estimated that from 2002 to 2008 the risk of developing cancer increased a quarter-fold in men and two-fold in women due to excessive BMI. Obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus are strictly r...It was estimated that from 2002 to 2008 the risk of developing cancer increased a quarter-fold in men and two-fold in women due to excessive BMI. Obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus are strictly related and are key pathogenetic factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most frequent liver disease worldwide. The most important consequence of the “metabolic epidemics” is the probable rise in the incidence of hepatocarcinoma (HCC), and NAFLD is the major causative factor. Adipose tissue is not merely a storage organ where lipids are preserved as an energy source. It is an active organ with important endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine actions in addition to immune functions. Adipocytes produce a wide range of hormones, cytokines, and growth factors that can act locally in the adipose tissue microenvironment and systemically. In this article, the main roles of insulin growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2 are discussed. The role of IGF-2 is not only confined to HCC, but it may also act in early hepato-carcinogenesis, as pre-neoplastic lesions express IGF-2 mRNA. IGF-1 and IGF-2 interact with specific receptors (IGF-1R and IGF-2R). IGF-1R is over-expressed in in vitro and in animal models of HCC and it was demonstrated that IGF ligands exerted their effects on HCC cells through IGF-1R and that it was involved in the degeneration of pre-neoplastic lesions via an increase in their mitotic activity. Both IGF-2R and TGF β, a growth inhibitor, levels are reduced in human HCC compared with adjacent normal liver tissues. Another key mechanism involves peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ. In in vitro studies, PPARγ inhibited various carcinomas including HCC, most probably by regulating apoptosis via the p21, p53 and p27 pathways. Finally, as a clinical consequence, to improve survival, efforts to achieve a “healthier diet” should be promoted by physicians and politicians.展开更多
AIM: To investigate spleen status in psoriasis and itsrelationship with hepatic steatosis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and insulin resistance.METHODS: Seventy-nine psoriatic patients who were not suffering from...AIM: To investigate spleen status in psoriasis and itsrelationship with hepatic steatosis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and insulin resistance.METHODS: Seventy-nine psoriatic patients who were not suffering from any chronic inflammatory disease were retrospectively selected for inclusion in this study,and their complete medical records were accessed.An age- and sex-matched group of 80 non-psoriatic,obese patients was included as a control. The following relevant data were collected: age, sex, weight, height,body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure,insulin resistance status, age at psoriasis onset, and severity of psoriasis. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed to determine spleen longitudinal diameter(SLD), and hepatic steatosis grade.RESULTS: The SLD of control obese patients was greater than that of psoriatic subjects(P = 0.013),but body mass index predicted the size of the spleen in psoriatic patients(P < 0.001). The SLD of psoriatic patients with normal weight was significantly reduced with respect to the overweight/obese psoriatic patients(P = 0.002). A multiple regression analysis revealed that body mass index was a unique predictor of the spleen size(P < 0.001). Finally, the disease duration predicted the spleen size in psoriatic subjects(P =0.038).CONCLUSION: This study shows a correlation between the SLD and the duration of psoriasis.展开更多
Among the geotechnical in situ tests,the dynamic penetration test(DPT)is commonly used around the world.However,DPT remains a rough technique and provides only one failure parameter:blow count or cone resistance.This ...Among the geotechnical in situ tests,the dynamic penetration test(DPT)is commonly used around the world.However,DPT remains a rough technique and provides only one failure parameter:blow count or cone resistance.This paper presents an improvement of the dynamic cone penetration test(DCPT)for soil characterisation based on the wave equation theory.Implemented on an instrumented lightweight dynamic penetrometer driving with variable energy,the main process of the test involves the separation and reconstruction of the waves propagating in the rods after each blow and provides a dynamic cone load-penetration(DCLT)curve.An analytical methodology is used to analyse this curve and to estimate additional strength and deformation parameters of the soil:dynamic and pseudo-static cone resistances,deformation modulus and wave velocity.Tests carried out in the laboratory on different specimens(wood,concrete,sand and clay)in an experimental sand pit and in the field demonstrated that the resulting DCLT curve is reproducible,sensitive and reliable to the test conditions(rod length,driving energy,etc.)as well as to the soil properties(nature,density,etc.).Obtained results also showed that the method based on shock polar analysis makes it possible to evaluate mechanical impedance and wave velocity of soils,as demonstrated by the comparisons with cone penetration test(CPT)and shear wave velocity measurements made in the field.This technique improves the method and interpretation of DPT and provides reliable data for shallow foundation design.展开更多
The ultrastructure and physicochemical and thermal properties of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) in comparison with Coconut Kernel Shells (CKS) were investigated herein. Powder samples were prepared and characterized using S...The ultrastructure and physicochemical and thermal properties of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) in comparison with Coconut Kernel Shells (CKS) were investigated herein. Powder samples were prepared and characterized using Surface Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Chemical and elemental constituents, as well as thermal performance were assessed by Van Soest Method, TEM/EDXA and SEM/EDS techniques. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were also performed for thermal characterization. SEM/EDS and TEM/EDXA revealed that most of the PKS and CKS materials are composed of particles with irregular morphology;these are mainly amorphous phases of carbon/oxygen with small amounts of K, Ca and Mg. The DSC data permitted to derive the materials’ thermal transition phases and the relevant characteristic temperatures and physical properties. Thermal Transition phases of PKS observed herein are consistent with the chemical composition obtained and are similar to those of CKS. Nonetheless, TGA/DTG showed that the combustion characteristics of PKS are higher than those of CKS. Taken together, our results reveal that PKS have nanopores and can be efficiently used for 3D printing and membrane filtration applications. Moreover, the chemical constituents found in PKS samples are in agreement with those reported in the literature for material structural applications and thus, present potential use of PKS in these applications.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the influence, if any, of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α inihibitors and Tocilizumab, on hepatic steatosis(HS) in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients in the light of the known role of TNF-α and inter...AIM: To investigate the influence, if any, of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α inihibitors and Tocilizumab, on hepatic steatosis(HS) in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients in the light of the known role of TNF-α and interleukin-6, which are key-cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA, in inducing HS in general population.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of 36 RA patients, out of whom 12 had been treated with Methotrexate(MTX), 12 with TNF inhibitors ± MTX and 12 with Tocilizumab ± MTX. The 3 subgroups of patients matched each other for sex, age, body mass index, metabolic syndrome(MS) and other risk factors for atherosclerosis. At baseline and after 12 mo each patient underwent an abdominal ultrasonog-raphy for the assessment of presence of HS and the evaluation of its grade.RESULTS: No difference was detected either in the prevalence of HS or in that of its distinct grades between the 3 groups of patients at baseline. After 12 mo, the HS grade unchanged in 20 patients(7 subjects treated with MTX, 7 with TNF-α inhibitors ± MTX and 6 Tocilizumab ± MTX); increased in 12 patients(4 subjects treated with MTX, 4 TNF-α blockers ± MTX and 4 Tocilizumab ± MTX); decreased in 4(1 treated with MTX, 1 with anti-TNF-α + MTX and 2 with TCZ ± MTX(P = 0.75). No correlation was found between getting remission or low disease activity and the course of either MS or HS.CONCLUSION: We failed to detect any influence of MTX ± TNF-α inhibitors or Tocilizumab in reducing MS and HS. A prospective study is needed to clarify the topic.展开更多
This paper presents a probabilistic approach for studying the reliability of cementless hip prostheses in the presence of mechanical uncertainties and its application to the investigation of the influence of bone-impl...This paper presents a probabilistic approach for studying the reliability of cementless hip prostheses in the presence of mechanical uncertainties and its application to the investigation of the influence of bone-implant interface properties. The non-linear deterministic model of the bone-implant coupled system and its finite element implementation are described, and the proposed reliability analysis is exposed. It is demonstrated that the distribution (uniform, truncated Gaussian and truncated lognormal distribution) of the two chosen parameters and the truncation lengths have a minor influence on the Hasofer-Lind index. This index logically increases as the failure threshold increases. FORM and SORM approximations are compared with the results obtained using a crude Monte-Carlo method for the estimation of failure probability. The performance of three Monte-Carlo methods is studied in terms of the necessary number of FE calculations. The method based on the Directional Simulation (DS) technique is efficient and less time-consuming. The validity and operational capacity of the proposed approach would not be compromised by an increase in the number of uncertain parameters.展开更多
Ultrawideband electromagnetic pulses with high amplitude and short duration are reported to affect several aspects of cell physiology. They are usually delivered to the living material through electrodes in small dedi...Ultrawideband electromagnetic pulses with high amplitude and short duration are reported to affect several aspects of cell physiology. They are usually delivered to the living material through electrodes in small dedicated chambers. Here we showed, using a totally different experimental setup, that radiated EM pulses illuminating the living material through a specialized antenna (without any direct contact) are able to trigger a rapid release of ATP in cultured murine cells that was concomitant with a drop of intracellular AEC. Despite this rapid and strong response, we found that cell viability and clonogenicity were only slightly affected by the EMF exposure.展开更多
Based on the biological heat transfer equation of Penne,the internal temperature distribution of the biological tissue was studied,taking into account the evolution of stenosis and hematocrit.The one-dimensional simpl...Based on the biological heat transfer equation of Penne,the internal temperature distribution of the biological tissue was studied,taking into account the evolution of stenosis and hematocrit.The one-dimensional simplifying cylindrical heat equation of the biological living tissues in permanent regime was solved by the FDM(finite difference method)and analytically,to assess the temperature change under the variation of stenosis,hematocrit,K(thermal conductivity),kinematic viscosity,generation of metabolic heat and the heat transfer coefficient.The main results show that the temperature increases as the stenosis and hematocrit increase in size;and the secondary results show that the heat transfer coefficient and the K lower the body temperature while metabolic heat generation increases body temperature.This is in accordance with the literature.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world’s most common malignant tumours. As known, liver tumour tissue is characterised by an increased blood supply related to neoangionesis which causes an increased arter...Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world’s most common malignant tumours. As known, liver tumour tissue is characterised by an increased blood supply related to neoangionesis which causes an increased arterial vascularisation. CT Perfusion Imaging is an important, non invasive, technique for qualitative assessment of tissue perfusion after contrast agent administration. Nevertheless, being able to reliably quantifying angiogenesis is increasingly important to both the evaluation of the disease progression and monitoring of the therapeutic response of HCC. With this in mind, we believe that could be helpful to employ Standardised Perfusion Value (SPV), which has the potential to be a useful non-invasive marker of HCC angiogenesis. However, before using SPV in clinical practice, we need to verify its reliability. There are different causes of variability in applying the SPV index, e.g., the technical specifications of the CT system employed and the image processing system. In this paper the authors will analyse the variability of the BFa estimates and the variability due to the calibration procedure of the CT system, this with the objective of verifying how these factors affects SPV values. In our case, perfusion MDCT images of seventeen HCC patients were analysed. A software application, based on maximum slope method, was developed to compute BFa and SPV values. Four radiologists were involved in images processing evaluating variability related to ROI selection;each radiologist repeated the ROI drawing four times on the same image set. We computed the k calibration factor in order to evaluate SPV variability due to calibration protocol of CT systems. Results show that calibration factor variance, due to the position in the gantry, is less than BFa variability. So, we conclude that, when daily calibration is preferred, a simplified protocol, which neglects the dependence of K factor from the position, may be utilised;at least until the intrinsic variability of perfusion parameter computation operator-dependent will be reduced.展开更多
Objective Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection(PC-RPLND)represents an integral component of the management of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumor(NSGCT).Modified templates have been propo...Objective Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection(PC-RPLND)represents an integral component of the management of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumor(NSGCT).Modified templates have been proposed to minimize the surgical morbidity of the procedure.Moreover,the implementation of robotic surgery in this setting has been explored.We report our experience with unilateral post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection(PC-rRPLND)for clinical Stages IIA and IIB NSGCTs.Methods A retrospective single institution review was performed including 33 patients undergoing PC-rRPLND for Stages IIA and IIB NSGCTs between January 2015 and February 2019.Following orchiectomy,patients were scheduled for chemotherapy with three cycles of bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin.Patients with a residual tumor of<5 cm and an ipsilateral metastatic disease on pre-and post-chemotherapy CT scans were eligible for a unilateral template in absence of rising tumor markers.Descriptive statistics were provided for demographics,clinical characteristics,intraoperative and postoperative parameters.Perioperative,oncological,and functional outcomes were recorded.Results Overall,7(21.2%)patients exhibited necrosis or fibrosis;14(42.4%)had mature teratoma;and 12(36.4%)had viable tumor at final histology.The median lymph node size at surgery was 25(interquartile range[IQR]21-36)mm.Median operative time was 180(IQR 165-215)min and no major postoperative complications were observed.Anterograde ejaculation was preserved in 75.8%of patients.Median follow-up was 26(IQR 19-30)months and a total of three recurrences were recorded.Conclusion PC-rRPLND is a reliable and technically reproducible procedure with safe oncological outcomes and acceptable postoperative ejaculatory function in well selected patients with NSGCTs.展开更多
Metasurfaces are ultrathin optical elements that are highly promising for constructing lightweight and compact optical systems.For their practical implementation,it is imperative to maximize the metasurface efficiency...Metasurfaces are ultrathin optical elements that are highly promising for constructing lightweight and compact optical systems.For their practical implementation,it is imperative to maximize the metasurface efficiency.Topology optimization provides a pathway for pushing the limits of metasurface efficiency;however,topology optimization methods have been limited to the design of microscale devices due to the extensive computational resources that are required.We introduce a new strategy for optimizing large-area metasurfaces in a computationally efficient manner.By stitching together individually optimized sections of the metasurface,we can reduce the computational complexity of the optimization from high-polynomial to linear.As a proof of concept,we design and experimentally demonstrate large-area,high-numerical-aperture silicon metasurface lenses with focusing efficiencies exceeding 90%.These concepts can be generalized to the design of multifunctional,broadband diffractive optical devices and will enable the implementation of large-area,high-performance metasurfaces in practical optical systems.展开更多
We demonstrate edge-emitting exciton-polariton(polariton)laser operation from 5 to 300 K and polariton amplifiers based on polariton modes within ZnO waveguides.The guided mode dispersion below and above the lasing th...We demonstrate edge-emitting exciton-polariton(polariton)laser operation from 5 to 300 K and polariton amplifiers based on polariton modes within ZnO waveguides.The guided mode dispersion below and above the lasing threshold is directly measured using gratings placed on top of the sample,fully demonstrating the polaritonic nature of the lasing modes.The threshold is found to be smaller than that expected for radiative polaritons in planar ZnO microcavities below 150 K and comparable above.These results open up broad perspectives for guided polaritonics by enabling easier and more straightforward implementation of polariton integrated circuits that exploit fast propagating polaritons,and,possibly,topological protection.展开更多
Engineering of the orbital angular momentum(OAM)of light due to interaction with photonic lattices reveals rich physics and motivates potential applications.We report the experimental creation of regularly distributed...Engineering of the orbital angular momentum(OAM)of light due to interaction with photonic lattices reveals rich physics and motivates potential applications.We report the experimental creation of regularly distributed quantized vortex arrays in momentum space by probing the honeycomb and hexagonal photonic lattices with a single focused Gaussian beam.For the honeycomb lattice,the vortices are associated with Dirac points.However,we show that the resulting spatial patterns of vortices are strongly defined by the symmetry of the wave packet evolving in the photonic lattices and not by their topological properties.Our findings reveal the underlying physics by connecting the symmetry and OAM conversion and provide a simple and efficient method to create regularly distributed multiple vortices from unstructured light.展开更多
This study proposes an eco-innovative design process taking into consideration quality and environ- mental aspects in prioritizing and solving technical engineering problems. This approach provides a synergy between t...This study proposes an eco-innovative design process taking into consideration quality and environ- mental aspects in prioritizing and solving technical engineering problems. This approach provides a synergy between the Life Cycle Assessment （LCA）, the non- quality matrix, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving （TRIZ）, morphological analysis and the Analytical Hier- archy Process （AHP）. In the sequence of these tools, LCA assesses the environmental impacts generated by the system. Then, for a better consideration of environmental aspects, a new tool is developed, the non-quality matrix, which defines the problem environmental point of view. to be solved first from an The TRIZ method allows the generation of new concepts and contradiction resolution. Then, the morphological analysis offers the possibility of extending the search space of solutions in a design problem in a systematic way. Finally, the AHP identifies the promising solution（s） by providing a clear logic for the choice made. Their usefulness has been demonstrated through their application to a case study involving a centrifugal spreader with spinning discs.展开更多
By taking advantage of the optical induction method, a non-Hermitian photonic graphene lattice is efficiently established inside an atomic vapor cell under the condition of electromagnetically induced transparency. Th...By taking advantage of the optical induction method, a non-Hermitian photonic graphene lattice is efficiently established inside an atomic vapor cell under the condition of electromagnetically induced transparency. This non-Hermitian structure is accomplished by simultaneously modulating both the real and imaginary components of the refractive index into honeycomb profiles. The transmitted probe field can either exhibit a hexagonal or honeycomb intensity profile when the degree of non-Hermiticity is effectively controlled by the ratio between imaginary and real indices. The experimental realization of such an instantaneously tunable complex honeycomb potential sets a new platform for future experimental exploration of non-Hermitian topological photonics. Also,we demonstrate the Talbot effect of the transmitted probe patterns. Such a self-imaging effect based on a non-Hermitian structure provides a promising route to potentially improve the related applications, such as an all-optical-controllable Talbot–Lau interferometer.展开更多
基金Supported by the French patient’s association against cancer(ligue contre le cancer),No.00001005238the French government IDEXISITE initiative,No.16-IDEX-0001-CAP 20-25+2 种基金CPER(Nex-N-Mob)the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region(“Thématiquesémergentes”),No.AV0004111the Ministère de l'Enseignement supérieur,de la Recherche et de l'Innovation,INSERM,University of Clermont Auvergne[UMR1071,UMR1107],INRAE[USC-1382].
文摘BACKGROUND The association between the intestinal microbiota and psychiatric disorders is becoming increasingly apparent.The gut microbiota contributes to colorectal carcinogenesis(CRC),as demonstrated with colibactin-producing Escherichia coli(CoPEC).AIM To evaluate the association between CoPEC prevalence and anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors with both preclinical and clinical approaches.METHODS Patients followed after a CRC surgery and for whom the prevalence of CoPEC has been investigated underwent a psychiatric interview.Results were compared according to the CoPEC colonization.In parallel C57BL6/J wild type mice and mice with a CRC susceptibility were chronically infected with a CoPEC strain.Their behavior was assessed using the Elevated Plus Maze test,the Forced Swimming Test and the Behavior recognition system PhenoTyper®.RESULTS In a limited cohort,all patients with CoPEC colonization presented with psychiatric disorders several years before cancer diagnosis,whereas only one patient(17%)without CoPEC did.This result was confirmed in C57BL6/J wildtype mice and in a CRC susceptibility mouse model(adenomatous polyposis colimultiple intestinal neoplasia/+).Mice exhibited a significant increase in anxiety-and depressive-like behaviors after chronic infection with a CoPEC strain.CONCLUSION This finding provides the first evidence that CoPEC infection can induce microbiota-gut-brain axis disturbances in addition to its procarcinogenic properties.
基金funded by FONDECYT Regular,Grant Number 1231917 by ANID,Govt.of Chile.
文摘A type of high molecular weight bioactive polymers called exopolysaccharides(EPS)are produced by thermophiles,the extremophilic microbes that thrive in acidic environmental conditions of hot springs with excessively warm temperatures.Over time,EPS became important as natural biotechnological additives because of their noncytotoxic,emulsifying,antioxidant,or immunostimulant activities.In this article,we unravelled a new EPS produced by Staphy-lococcus sp.BSP3 from an acidic(pH 6.03)San Pedro hot spring(38.1℃)located in the central Andean mountains in Chile.Several physicochemical techniques were performed to characterize the EPS structure including Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(SEM-EDS),Atomic Force Microscopy(AFM),High-Performance Liquid Chromatography(HPLC),Gel permeation chromatography(GPC),Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy(FTIR),1D Nuclear Magnetic Resonance(NMR),and Thermogravimetric analysis(TGA).It was confirmed that the amorphous surface of the BSP3 EPS,composed of rough pillar-like nanostructures,is evenly distributed.The main EPS monosaccharide constituents were mannose(72%),glucose(24%)and galactose(4%).Also,it is a medium molecular weight(43.7 kDa)heteropolysaccharide.NMR spectroscopy demonstrated the presence of a[→6)-α-d-Manp-(1→6)-α-d-Manp-(1→]backbone 2-O substituted with 1-α-d-Manp.A high thermal stability of EPS(287°C)was confirmed by TGA analysis.Emulsification,antioxidant,flocculation,water-holding(WHC),and oil-holding(OHC)capacities are also studied for biotechnological industry applications.The results demonstrated that BSP3 EPS could be used as a biodegradable material for different purposes,like flocculation and natural additives in product formulation.
基金Project(202006430012)supported by the China Scholarship Council。
文摘Most earth-dam failures are mainly due to seepage,and an accurate assessment of the permeability coefficient provides an indication to avoid a disaster.Parametric uncertainties are encountered in the seepage analysis,and may be reduced by an inverse procedure that calibrates the simulation results to observations on the real system being simulated.This work proposes an adaptive Bayesian inversion method solved using artificial neural network(ANN)based Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulation.The optimized surrogate model achieves a coefficient of determination at 0.98 by ANN with 247 samples,whereby the computational workload can be greatly reduced.It is also significant to balance the accuracy and efficiency of the ANN model by adaptively updating the sample database.The enrichment samples are obtained from the posterior distribution after iteration,which allows a more accurate and rapid manner to the target posterior.The method was then applied to the hydraulic analysis of an earth dam.After calibrating the global permeability coefficient of the earth dam with the pore water pressure at the downstream unsaturated location,it was validated by the pore water pressure monitoring values at the upstream saturated location.In addition,the uncertainty in the permeability coefficient was reduced,from 0.5 to 0.05.It is shown that the provision of adequate prior information is valuable for improving the efficiency of the Bayesian inversion.
文摘It was estimated that from 2002 to 2008 the risk of developing cancer increased a quarter-fold in men and two-fold in women due to excessive BMI. Obesity, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus are strictly related and are key pathogenetic factors of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most frequent liver disease worldwide. The most important consequence of the “metabolic epidemics” is the probable rise in the incidence of hepatocarcinoma (HCC), and NAFLD is the major causative factor. Adipose tissue is not merely a storage organ where lipids are preserved as an energy source. It is an active organ with important endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine actions in addition to immune functions. Adipocytes produce a wide range of hormones, cytokines, and growth factors that can act locally in the adipose tissue microenvironment and systemically. In this article, the main roles of insulin growth factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-2 are discussed. The role of IGF-2 is not only confined to HCC, but it may also act in early hepato-carcinogenesis, as pre-neoplastic lesions express IGF-2 mRNA. IGF-1 and IGF-2 interact with specific receptors (IGF-1R and IGF-2R). IGF-1R is over-expressed in in vitro and in animal models of HCC and it was demonstrated that IGF ligands exerted their effects on HCC cells through IGF-1R and that it was involved in the degeneration of pre-neoplastic lesions via an increase in their mitotic activity. Both IGF-2R and TGF β, a growth inhibitor, levels are reduced in human HCC compared with adjacent normal liver tissues. Another key mechanism involves peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ. In in vitro studies, PPARγ inhibited various carcinomas including HCC, most probably by regulating apoptosis via the p21, p53 and p27 pathways. Finally, as a clinical consequence, to improve survival, efforts to achieve a “healthier diet” should be promoted by physicians and politicians.
文摘AIM: To investigate spleen status in psoriasis and itsrelationship with hepatic steatosis, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index, and insulin resistance.METHODS: Seventy-nine psoriatic patients who were not suffering from any chronic inflammatory disease were retrospectively selected for inclusion in this study,and their complete medical records were accessed.An age- and sex-matched group of 80 non-psoriatic,obese patients was included as a control. The following relevant data were collected: age, sex, weight, height,body mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure,insulin resistance status, age at psoriasis onset, and severity of psoriasis. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed to determine spleen longitudinal diameter(SLD), and hepatic steatosis grade.RESULTS: The SLD of control obese patients was greater than that of psoriatic subjects(P = 0.013),but body mass index predicted the size of the spleen in psoriatic patients(P < 0.001). The SLD of psoriatic patients with normal weight was significantly reduced with respect to the overweight/obese psoriatic patients(P = 0.002). A multiple regression analysis revealed that body mass index was a unique predictor of the spleen size(P < 0.001). Finally, the disease duration predicted the spleen size in psoriatic subjects(P =0.038).CONCLUSION: This study shows a correlation between the SLD and the duration of psoriasis.
文摘Among the geotechnical in situ tests,the dynamic penetration test(DPT)is commonly used around the world.However,DPT remains a rough technique and provides only one failure parameter:blow count or cone resistance.This paper presents an improvement of the dynamic cone penetration test(DCPT)for soil characterisation based on the wave equation theory.Implemented on an instrumented lightweight dynamic penetrometer driving with variable energy,the main process of the test involves the separation and reconstruction of the waves propagating in the rods after each blow and provides a dynamic cone load-penetration(DCLT)curve.An analytical methodology is used to analyse this curve and to estimate additional strength and deformation parameters of the soil:dynamic and pseudo-static cone resistances,deformation modulus and wave velocity.Tests carried out in the laboratory on different specimens(wood,concrete,sand and clay)in an experimental sand pit and in the field demonstrated that the resulting DCLT curve is reproducible,sensitive and reliable to the test conditions(rod length,driving energy,etc.)as well as to the soil properties(nature,density,etc.).Obtained results also showed that the method based on shock polar analysis makes it possible to evaluate mechanical impedance and wave velocity of soils,as demonstrated by the comparisons with cone penetration test(CPT)and shear wave velocity measurements made in the field.This technique improves the method and interpretation of DPT and provides reliable data for shallow foundation design.
文摘The ultrastructure and physicochemical and thermal properties of Palm Kernel Shells (PKS) in comparison with Coconut Kernel Shells (CKS) were investigated herein. Powder samples were prepared and characterized using Surface Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Chemical and elemental constituents, as well as thermal performance were assessed by Van Soest Method, TEM/EDXA and SEM/EDS techniques. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were also performed for thermal characterization. SEM/EDS and TEM/EDXA revealed that most of the PKS and CKS materials are composed of particles with irregular morphology;these are mainly amorphous phases of carbon/oxygen with small amounts of K, Ca and Mg. The DSC data permitted to derive the materials’ thermal transition phases and the relevant characteristic temperatures and physical properties. Thermal Transition phases of PKS observed herein are consistent with the chemical composition obtained and are similar to those of CKS. Nonetheless, TGA/DTG showed that the combustion characteristics of PKS are higher than those of CKS. Taken together, our results reveal that PKS have nanopores and can be efficiently used for 3D printing and membrane filtration applications. Moreover, the chemical constituents found in PKS samples are in agreement with those reported in the literature for material structural applications and thus, present potential use of PKS in these applications.
文摘AIM: To investigate the influence, if any, of tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α inihibitors and Tocilizumab, on hepatic steatosis(HS) in rheumatoid arthritis(RA) patients in the light of the known role of TNF-α and interleukin-6, which are key-cytokines in the pathogenesis of RA, in inducing HS in general population.METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical charts of 36 RA patients, out of whom 12 had been treated with Methotrexate(MTX), 12 with TNF inhibitors ± MTX and 12 with Tocilizumab ± MTX. The 3 subgroups of patients matched each other for sex, age, body mass index, metabolic syndrome(MS) and other risk factors for atherosclerosis. At baseline and after 12 mo each patient underwent an abdominal ultrasonog-raphy for the assessment of presence of HS and the evaluation of its grade.RESULTS: No difference was detected either in the prevalence of HS or in that of its distinct grades between the 3 groups of patients at baseline. After 12 mo, the HS grade unchanged in 20 patients(7 subjects treated with MTX, 7 with TNF-α inhibitors ± MTX and 6 Tocilizumab ± MTX); increased in 12 patients(4 subjects treated with MTX, 4 TNF-α blockers ± MTX and 4 Tocilizumab ± MTX); decreased in 4(1 treated with MTX, 1 with anti-TNF-α + MTX and 2 with TCZ ± MTX(P = 0.75). No correlation was found between getting remission or low disease activity and the course of either MS or HS.CONCLUSION: We failed to detect any influence of MTX ± TNF-α inhibitors or Tocilizumab in reducing MS and HS. A prospective study is needed to clarify the topic.
文摘This paper presents a probabilistic approach for studying the reliability of cementless hip prostheses in the presence of mechanical uncertainties and its application to the investigation of the influence of bone-implant interface properties. The non-linear deterministic model of the bone-implant coupled system and its finite element implementation are described, and the proposed reliability analysis is exposed. It is demonstrated that the distribution (uniform, truncated Gaussian and truncated lognormal distribution) of the two chosen parameters and the truncation lengths have a minor influence on the Hasofer-Lind index. This index logically increases as the failure threshold increases. FORM and SORM approximations are compared with the results obtained using a crude Monte-Carlo method for the estimation of failure probability. The performance of three Monte-Carlo methods is studied in terms of the necessary number of FE calculations. The method based on the Directional Simulation (DS) technique is efficient and less time-consuming. The validity and operational capacity of the proposed approach would not be compromised by an increase in the number of uncertain parameters.
文摘Ultrawideband electromagnetic pulses with high amplitude and short duration are reported to affect several aspects of cell physiology. They are usually delivered to the living material through electrodes in small dedicated chambers. Here we showed, using a totally different experimental setup, that radiated EM pulses illuminating the living material through a specialized antenna (without any direct contact) are able to trigger a rapid release of ATP in cultured murine cells that was concomitant with a drop of intracellular AEC. Despite this rapid and strong response, we found that cell viability and clonogenicity were only slightly affected by the EMF exposure.
文摘Based on the biological heat transfer equation of Penne,the internal temperature distribution of the biological tissue was studied,taking into account the evolution of stenosis and hematocrit.The one-dimensional simplifying cylindrical heat equation of the biological living tissues in permanent regime was solved by the FDM(finite difference method)and analytically,to assess the temperature change under the variation of stenosis,hematocrit,K(thermal conductivity),kinematic viscosity,generation of metabolic heat and the heat transfer coefficient.The main results show that the temperature increases as the stenosis and hematocrit increase in size;and the secondary results show that the heat transfer coefficient and the K lower the body temperature while metabolic heat generation increases body temperature.This is in accordance with the literature.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the world’s most common malignant tumours. As known, liver tumour tissue is characterised by an increased blood supply related to neoangionesis which causes an increased arterial vascularisation. CT Perfusion Imaging is an important, non invasive, technique for qualitative assessment of tissue perfusion after contrast agent administration. Nevertheless, being able to reliably quantifying angiogenesis is increasingly important to both the evaluation of the disease progression and monitoring of the therapeutic response of HCC. With this in mind, we believe that could be helpful to employ Standardised Perfusion Value (SPV), which has the potential to be a useful non-invasive marker of HCC angiogenesis. However, before using SPV in clinical practice, we need to verify its reliability. There are different causes of variability in applying the SPV index, e.g., the technical specifications of the CT system employed and the image processing system. In this paper the authors will analyse the variability of the BFa estimates and the variability due to the calibration procedure of the CT system, this with the objective of verifying how these factors affects SPV values. In our case, perfusion MDCT images of seventeen HCC patients were analysed. A software application, based on maximum slope method, was developed to compute BFa and SPV values. Four radiologists were involved in images processing evaluating variability related to ROI selection;each radiologist repeated the ROI drawing four times on the same image set. We computed the k calibration factor in order to evaluate SPV variability due to calibration protocol of CT systems. Results show that calibration factor variance, due to the position in the gantry, is less than BFa variability. So, we conclude that, when daily calibration is preferred, a simplified protocol, which neglects the dependence of K factor from the position, may be utilised;at least until the intrinsic variability of perfusion parameter computation operator-dependent will be reduced.
文摘Objective Post-chemotherapy retroperitoneal lymph node dissection(PC-RPLND)represents an integral component of the management of patients with non-seminomatous germ cell tumor(NSGCT).Modified templates have been proposed to minimize the surgical morbidity of the procedure.Moreover,the implementation of robotic surgery in this setting has been explored.We report our experience with unilateral post-chemotherapy robot-assisted retroperitoneal lymph node dissection(PC-rRPLND)for clinical Stages IIA and IIB NSGCTs.Methods A retrospective single institution review was performed including 33 patients undergoing PC-rRPLND for Stages IIA and IIB NSGCTs between January 2015 and February 2019.Following orchiectomy,patients were scheduled for chemotherapy with three cycles of bleomycin-etoposide-cisplatin.Patients with a residual tumor of<5 cm and an ipsilateral metastatic disease on pre-and post-chemotherapy CT scans were eligible for a unilateral template in absence of rising tumor markers.Descriptive statistics were provided for demographics,clinical characteristics,intraoperative and postoperative parameters.Perioperative,oncological,and functional outcomes were recorded.Results Overall,7(21.2%)patients exhibited necrosis or fibrosis;14(42.4%)had mature teratoma;and 12(36.4%)had viable tumor at final histology.The median lymph node size at surgery was 25(interquartile range[IQR]21-36)mm.Median operative time was 180(IQR 165-215)min and no major postoperative complications were observed.Anterograde ejaculation was preserved in 75.8%of patients.Median follow-up was 26(IQR 19-30)months and a total of three recurrences were recorded.Conclusion PC-rRPLND is a reliable and technically reproducible procedure with safe oncological outcomes and acceptable postoperative ejaculatory function in well selected patients with NSGCTs.
基金supported by the U.S.Air Force under Award Number FA9550-18-1-0070the Office of Naval Research under Award Number N00014-16-1-2630+3 种基金the David and Lucile Packard Foundationsupported by the National Science Foundation(NSF)through an NSF Graduate Research Fellowshipsupported by the Department of Defense(DoD)through an NDSEG Research Fellowshipsupported by the National Science Foundation as part of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure under award ECCS-1542152.
文摘Metasurfaces are ultrathin optical elements that are highly promising for constructing lightweight and compact optical systems.For their practical implementation,it is imperative to maximize the metasurface efficiency.Topology optimization provides a pathway for pushing the limits of metasurface efficiency;however,topology optimization methods have been limited to the design of microscale devices due to the extensive computational resources that are required.We introduce a new strategy for optimizing large-area metasurfaces in a computationally efficient manner.By stitching together individually optimized sections of the metasurface,we can reduce the computational complexity of the optimization from high-polynomial to linear.As a proof of concept,we design and experimentally demonstrate large-area,high-numerical-aperture silicon metasurface lenses with focusing efficiencies exceeding 90%.These concepts can be generalized to the design of multifunctional,broadband diffractive optical devices and will enable the implementation of large-area,high-performance metasurfaces in practical optical systems.
基金the support of the ANR projects:“Plug and Bose”(ANR-16-CE24-0021)“Quantum Fluids of Light”(ANR-16-CE30-0021)+4 种基金the“Investissements d’avenir”program GANEX(ANR-11-LABX-004)IMOBS3(ANR-10-LABX-16-01)ISITE“Cap2025”(16-IDEX-0001)C2N is a member of RENATECH(CNRS)the support of IUF(Institut Universitaire de France).
文摘We demonstrate edge-emitting exciton-polariton(polariton)laser operation from 5 to 300 K and polariton amplifiers based on polariton modes within ZnO waveguides.The guided mode dispersion below and above the lasing threshold is directly measured using gratings placed on top of the sample,fully demonstrating the polaritonic nature of the lasing modes.The threshold is found to be smaller than that expected for radiative polaritons in planar ZnO microcavities below 150 K and comparable above.These results open up broad perspectives for guided polaritonics by enabling easier and more straightforward implementation of polariton integrated circuits that exploit fast propagating polaritons,and,possibly,topological protection.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(Grant Nos.2018YFA0307500 and 2023YFA1407100)the Key Scientific and Technological Innovation Team of Shaanxi Province(Grant No.2021TD-56)+7 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.12074303,62022066,12074306,and 11804267)the IBS Young Scientist Fellowship(Grant No.IBS-R024-Y3)the Basis Foundation(Grant No.21-1-3-30-1)the support of the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program,through an FET Open research and innovation action(Grant No.964770)(Topo Light)he ANR projects Labex Ga NEXT(Grant No.ANR-11-LABX0014)“NEWAVE”(Grant No.ANR-21-CE24-0019)the ANR program“Investissements d’Avenir”through the IDEX-ISITE initiative 16-IDEX-0001(Grant No.CAP 20-25)support by the Russian Science Foundation(Grant No.22-12-00144)
文摘Engineering of the orbital angular momentum(OAM)of light due to interaction with photonic lattices reveals rich physics and motivates potential applications.We report the experimental creation of regularly distributed quantized vortex arrays in momentum space by probing the honeycomb and hexagonal photonic lattices with a single focused Gaussian beam.For the honeycomb lattice,the vortices are associated with Dirac points.However,we show that the resulting spatial patterns of vortices are strongly defined by the symmetry of the wave packet evolving in the photonic lattices and not by their topological properties.Our findings reveal the underlying physics by connecting the symmetry and OAM conversion and provide a simple and efficient method to create regularly distributed multiple vortices from unstructured light.
文摘This study proposes an eco-innovative design process taking into consideration quality and environ- mental aspects in prioritizing and solving technical engineering problems. This approach provides a synergy between the Life Cycle Assessment （LCA）, the non- quality matrix, the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving （TRIZ）, morphological analysis and the Analytical Hier- archy Process （AHP）. In the sequence of these tools, LCA assesses the environmental impacts generated by the system. Then, for a better consideration of environmental aspects, a new tool is developed, the non-quality matrix, which defines the problem environmental point of view. to be solved first from an The TRIZ method allows the generation of new concepts and contradiction resolution. Then, the morphological analysis offers the possibility of extending the search space of solutions in a design problem in a systematic way. Finally, the AHP identifies the promising solution（s） by providing a clear logic for the choice made. Their usefulness has been demonstrated through their application to a case study involving a centrifugal spreader with spinning discs.
基金National Key R&D Program of China(2018YFA0307500,2017YFA0303703)National Natural Science Foundation of China(62022066,12074306,11804267)+1 种基金European Union(964770,846353)Agence Nationale de la Recherche(ANR-16-CE30-0021,ANR-11-LABX-0014,CAP 20-25).
文摘By taking advantage of the optical induction method, a non-Hermitian photonic graphene lattice is efficiently established inside an atomic vapor cell under the condition of electromagnetically induced transparency. This non-Hermitian structure is accomplished by simultaneously modulating both the real and imaginary components of the refractive index into honeycomb profiles. The transmitted probe field can either exhibit a hexagonal or honeycomb intensity profile when the degree of non-Hermiticity is effectively controlled by the ratio between imaginary and real indices. The experimental realization of such an instantaneously tunable complex honeycomb potential sets a new platform for future experimental exploration of non-Hermitian topological photonics. Also,we demonstrate the Talbot effect of the transmitted probe patterns. Such a self-imaging effect based on a non-Hermitian structure provides a promising route to potentially improve the related applications, such as an all-optical-controllable Talbot–Lau interferometer.
