Occult hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(OBI) is defined by the presence of HBV DNA in the liver tissue of individuals who test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg).Patients who have recovered from acute hep...Occult hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(OBI) is defined by the presence of HBV DNA in the liver tissue of individuals who test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg).Patients who have recovered from acute hepatitis B can carry HBV genomes for a long time and show histological patterns of mild necro-inflammation,even fibrosis,years after the resolution of acute hepatitis,without showing any clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease.At least in conditions of immunocompetence,OBI is inoffensive itself,but when other relevant causes of liver damage are present it might make the course of the liver disease worse.The risk of HBV transmission through transfusion is related to blood donations negative for HBsAg that have been collected during the pre-seroconversion period or during chronic OBI.Use of HBV nucleic acid amplification testing and multivalent anti-HBs antibodies in the HBsAg assays is recommended for detection of true and false OBI,respectively.It is not known if prior hepatitis B immunization with an optimal anti-HBs response in cases of HBV transmission through organ transplantation can effectively modulate or abort the infection.Use of anti-viral agents as prophylaxis in patients with serological evidence of past HBV infection prevents reactivation of OBI after transplantation in most cases.Reactivation of OBI has been observed in other conditions that cause immunosuppression,in which antiviral therapy could be delayed until the HBV DNA or HBsAg becomes detectable.OBI might contribute to the progression of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development in patients with chronic liver disease.展开更多
Aryloxypropanolamine is an essential structural scaffold for a variety of b-adrenergic receptor antagonists such as metoprolol.Molecules with such a structural motif tend to degrade into α,β ehydroxypropanolamine im...Aryloxypropanolamine is an essential structural scaffold for a variety of b-adrenergic receptor antagonists such as metoprolol.Molecules with such a structural motif tend to degrade into α,β ehydroxypropanolamine impurities via a radicaleinitiated oxidation pathway.These impurities are typically polar and nonchromophoric,and are thus often overlooked using traditional reversed phase chromatography and UV detection.In this work,stress testing of metoprolol confirmed the generation of 3-isopropylamino-1,2-propanediol as a degradation product,which is a specified impurity of metoprolol in the European Pharmacopoeia(impurity N).To ensure the safety and quality of metoprolol drug products,hydrophilic interaction chromatography(HILIC)methods using Halo Penta HILIC column(150mm×4.6 mm,5 μm)coupled with charged aerosol detection(CAD)were developed and optimized for the separation and quantitation of metoprolol impurity N in metoprolol drug products including metoprolol tartrate injection,metoprolol tartrate tablets,and metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets.These HILIC-CAD methods were validated per USP validation guidelines with respect to specificity,linearity,accuracy,and precision,and have been successfully applied to determine impurity N in metoprolol drug products.展开更多
The objective of this study is to determine and compare the heavy metal（Zn,Cu,Cd,Pb） and bacterial（E.coli,coliform and Salmonella spp.） contamination between swine farms utilizing biogas and non-biogas systems in ...The objective of this study is to determine and compare the heavy metal（Zn,Cu,Cd,Pb） and bacterial（E.coli,coliform and Salmonella spp.） contamination between swine farms utilizing biogas and non-biogas systems in the central part of Thailand.Results showed that average levels of E.coli,coliform,BOD,COD,Zn,Cu and Pb in sludge from the post-biogas pond were higher than the standard limits.Moreover,the levels of E.coli,coliform,Cd and Pb were also higher than the standard limits for dry manure.The levels of E.coli,coliform and BOD on biogas farms were lower than on non-biogas farms.Following isolation of Salmonella spp.,it was found that Salmonella serovars Rissen was the most abundant at 18.46%（12/65）,followed by Anatum 12.31%（8/65）,and Kedougou 9.23%（6/65）.The pathogenic strains of Salmonella serovars Paratyphi B var.java and Typhimurium were present in equal amounts at 4.62%（3/65） in samples from all swine farms.This study revealed that significant reduction in E.coli and coliform levels in sludge from covered lagoon biogas systems on swine farms.The presence of Salmonella as well as Cd and Pb,in significant amount in dry manure,suggests that there is a high probability of environmental contamination if it is used for agricultural purposes.Thus,careful waste and manure disposal from swine farms and the regular monitoring of wastewater is strongly recommended to ensure the safety of humans,other animals and the environment.展开更多
The current United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary(USP–NF) includes more than 250 monographs of fixed dose combinations(FDCs), and some of them need to be updated due to incompleteness of impurity profiles an...The current United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary(USP–NF) includes more than 250 monographs of fixed dose combinations(FDCs), and some of them need to be updated due to incompleteness of impurity profiles and obsolescence of analytical methodologies. A case study of metoprolol tartrate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets is presented to summarize challenges encountered during the USP monograph modernization initiative of FDCs and to highlight an "adoption and adaptation" approach employed for method development. To this end, a single stability-indicating HPLC method was developed to separate the two drug substances and eight related compounds with resolution 2.0 or higher between all critical pairs. Chromatographic separations were achieved on a Symmetry column(C18,100 mm*4.6 mm, 3.5 mm) using sodium phosphate buffer(pH 3.0; 34 mM) and acetonitrile as mobile phase in a gradient elution mode. The stability-indicating capability of this method has been demonstrated by analyzing stressed samples of the two drug substances. The developed HPLC method was validated for simultaneous determination of metoprolol tartrate and hydrochlorothiazide and relevant impurities in the tablets. Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of commercial tablet dosage forms and proved to be suitable for routine quality control use. The case study could be used to streamline USP's monograph modernization process of FDCs and strengthen compendial procedures.展开更多
Peanut is a legume crop that belongs to the family of Fabaceae, genus Arachis, and botanically named as Arachis hypogaea. Peanuts are consumed in many forms such as boiled peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, roasted p...Peanut is a legume crop that belongs to the family of Fabaceae, genus Arachis, and botanically named as Arachis hypogaea. Peanuts are consumed in many forms such as boiled peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and added peanut meal in snack food, energy bars and candies. Peanuts are considered as a vital source of nutrients. Nutrition plays an important role in growth and energy gain of living organisms. Peanuts are rich in calories and contain many nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. All these biomolecules are essential for pumping vital nutrients into the human body for sustaining normal health. This paper presents an overview of the peanut composition in terms of the constituent biomolecules, and their biological functions. This paper also discusses about the relationship between consumption of peanuts and their effect on human metabolism and physiology. It highlights the usefulness of considering peanuts as an essential component in human diet considering its nutritional values.展开更多
Prevention of mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT)of HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy(HARRT)allows the HIV^+pregnant mothers to have vaginal delivery and breastfeed.Here we investigated the maternal plasma...Prevention of mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT)of HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy(HARRT)allows the HIV^+pregnant mothers to have vaginal delivery and breastfeed.Here we investigated the maternal plasma immunoglobulin,cytokine secretion and the outcome of the exposed infants among the HIV^+HAART treated pregnan women in Nigeria.In this study,different plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines were measured in the HIV^+HAART treated pregnant mothers.Pooled culture supernatants of B and T lymphocytes showed lower levels of IFN-γ,IL-10 and IL-4.There were lower IFN-γand IL-10 secretions at 1st trimester;however,IL-10 continued to be lower throughout 2nd and 3rd trimesters.TNF-αsecretion significantly decreased as pregnancy progressed to term.There were high plasma IgG and low IgM in the HIV^+HAART treated pregnant women.Plasma IgG was high during 1st and 3rd trimesters.After one year of follow up,all the exposed children were seronegative for HIV-1 and HIV-2.Vaginal delivery and breastfeeding among HIV^+HAART treated mothers have shown to be safe.The use of HAART by the infected mothers and the use of septrin and niverapin by the exposed infants prevented mother to-child transmission of HIV.展开更多
AIM： To investigate H pylori expression in gastric cancer patients in relation to primary tumor angiogenic markers, such as microvessel density （MVD）, thymidine phosphorylase （TP）, vascular endothelial growth fac...AIM： To investigate H pylori expression in gastric cancer patients in relation to primary tumor angiogenic markers, such as microvessel density （MVD）, thymidine phosphorylase （TP）, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 （VEGF-R1）, p53 and circulating VEGF levels. METHODS： Angiogenic markers were analyzed immunohistochemically in 56 primary gastric cancers. H pylori cytotoxin （vacA） and the cytotoxin-associated gene （cagA） amplification were evaluated using PCR assay. Serum H pylori IgG antibodies and serum/plasma circulating VEGF levels were detected in 39 and 38 patients by ELISA, respectively. RESULTS： A total of 69% of patients were positive for circulating IgG antibodies against Hpylori. cagA-positive H pylor/strains were found in 41% of gastric patients. vacA was found in 50% of patients; s1 strains were more highly expressed among vacA-positive patients. The presence of the s1 strain was significantly associated with cagA （P = 0.0001）. MVD was significantly correlated with both tumor VEGF expression （r = 0.361, P = 0.009） and serum VEGF levels （r = -0.347, P = 0.041）.Conversely, neither VEGF-R1 expression nor MVD was related to p53 expression. However, H pylori was not related to any angiogenic markers except for the plasma VEGF level （P = 0.026）. CONCLUSION： H pylori antigen is related to higher plasma VEGF levels, but not to angiogenic characteristics. It can be hypothesized that the toxic effects of H pylori on angiogenesis occurs in early preclinical disease phase or in long-lasting aggressive infections, but only when high H pylori IgG levels are persistent.展开更多
Tamil culture has recognized the potential use of plant herbs for prevention and treatment of different diseases. These folk remedies have been practiced by Sri Lankan Tamils even after modernization. This review focu...Tamil culture has recognized the potential use of plant herbs for prevention and treatment of different diseases. These folk remedies have been practiced by Sri Lankan Tamils even after modernization. This review focuses on frequently used medicinal plants among Sri Lankan Tamil communities, such as Cuminum cyminum, Azadirechta indica, Coriandrum sativum, Sesamum indicum, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Moringa oleifera, Plectranthus amboinicus, Allium sativum and Curcuma Ionga, for their documented medicinal properties, which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic and diuretic effects.展开更多
The year-long warm temperatures and other climatic characteristics of the Pacific Ocean Islands have made Hawaii an optimum place for growing sugarcane;however, irrigation is essential to satisfy the large water deman...The year-long warm temperatures and other climatic characteristics of the Pacific Ocean Islands have made Hawaii an optimum place for growing sugarcane;however, irrigation is essential to satisfy the large water demand of sugarcane. Under the Hawaiian tropical weather, actual evapotranspiration (AET) is the primary mechanism by which water is removed from natural and agricultural systems. The Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company (HC&S), the largest sugarcane grower of the Hawaiian Islands, has developed a locally optimized AET equation for the purpose of water management on its 184.3 km2 sugarcane plantation on the Island of Maui. In this paper, in order to assess the influence of AET on the hydrological water balance of the HC&S’ sugarcane cropping system, the performance of the HC&S method was compared with three physically-based methods: Penman-Monteith, Priestley-Taylor, and Hargreaves, as well as, to a set of historical pan evaporation data. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) project was setup to estimate the water balance in two sugarcane fields: a windy lowland field and a rocky highland field on a hill slope. Under Hawaiian weather conditions, wind speed was found to be the most influential climatic parameter over potential evapotranspiration (PET);therefore, the results with both Hargreaves and Priestley-Taylor underpredicted PET by approximately 30%, presumably because these methods do not take wind speed into account. The HC&S method was demonstrated to be the most accurate PET method compared to the other commonly used PET equations, with less than 10% error. Of the annual total water supply of 3400 mm, AET accounted for 75% - 80% of the total water consumption. These findings can be used to improve the irrigation efficiency as well as other management scenarios to optimize water use on the Island of Maui.展开更多
Microwave irradiation, as opposed to formalin exposure, has not routinely been used in the preparation of killed vaccines despite the advantages of decreased chemical toxicity, ability to kill cells quickly, ease of c...Microwave irradiation, as opposed to formalin exposure, has not routinely been used in the preparation of killed vaccines despite the advantages of decreased chemical toxicity, ability to kill cells quickly, ease of completion requiring only a standard microwave, and potential increased protein conservation during irradiation. We evaluated the potential of microwave irradiation versus formalin fixation of bacteria to improve Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine efficacy in 5 gr fish by intraperitoneal (IP) injection and bath immersion (BI). There was no significant difference in the cumulative percent mortality (CPM) post-challenge between fish administered microwave-killed cells (MKC) or formalin killed cells (FKC) within the BI (p S. agalactiae antibody activity. Thirty days after vaccination and just prior to challenge, the optical density (OD) levels of the FKC and MKC groups in the IP trials were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that of the TSB group. None of the groups in the BI trial exhibited significantly different OD levels post vaccination. Fourteen days after the challenge, the OD levels of all groups in both trials increased significantly above their pre-challenge levels. Both the FKC and MKC IP groups (p < 0.0001) and only the FKC BI group (p < 0.0351) had significantly increased OD level above that of the corresponding post-challenge TSB group. These results indicate that the FKC vaccine provides marginally greater protection and increased antibody concentrations than the MKC vaccine by BI and the MKC vaccine may become a non-chemical alternative to FKC in vaccination.展开更多
Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease of citrus and is associated with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’(CLas), a member of the α-proteobacteria. Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is another pathogen of c...Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease of citrus and is associated with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’(CLas), a member of the α-proteobacteria. Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is another pathogen of citrus with very great historic as well as current importance. Both CLas and CTV are phloem-restricted pathogens. A severe CTV isolate, CTV-B6, and CLas-B232 induce a group of symptoms of phloem dysfunction that overlap, but the mild isolate CTV-B2 does not cause any loss to commercial trees. Prior inoculation and establishment of CLas-B232 did not affect subsequent establishment of either CTV-B2 or CTV-B6, while super infection by CLas-B232 was reduced by prior establishment of CTV-B2 and to a lesser extent by prior infection with CTV-B6. Trees co-infected with CTV-B6 and CLas-B232 developed more severe symptoms, typical of CTV-B6, than either of the two pathogens co-infected with CTV-B2. In this study, we confirmed that CLas established in the rootlets earlier and with higher concentration than in leaves. The distribution of CLas in the plant infected by CLas-B438 alone and with CTV-B2 fits a previously proposed model but CLas was more sporadically distributed in a plant co-infected by CLas and CTV-B2 than in a plant infected by CLas alone. These biological phenomena are aligned with previously analyzed transcriptome data and the study provides a novel idea that mild CTV strains may provide some protection against CLas by limiting its multiplication and spread. The protective effect may be due to opposite regulation of key host defense pathways in response to CTV-B2 and CLas-B438.展开更多
AIM： TO investigate whether this might be related to the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia. METHODS： From January 1998 to December 2008, we evaluated the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a series of 165 adult celi...AIM： TO investigate whether this might be related to the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia. METHODS： From January 1998 to December 2008, we evaluated the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a series of 165 adult celiac disease （CD） patients （138 females and 27 males, mean age 43 years）.RESULTS： Hyperhomocysteinemia was evident in 32 patients （19.3%）, although most of them had moderate levels （mean value 25 mcg/ml; range 15-30）. Only one patient had a history of myocardial infarction （heterozygosis for N5-N10-metil tetrahydrofolate reductase mutation）. CONCLUSION： The systematic assessment of hyperhomocysteinemia seems, at present, unjustified in CD patients.展开更多
The expanding scale and increasing rate of marine biological invasions have been documented since the early 20th century. Besides their global ecological and economic impacts, non-indigenous species （NIS） also have ...The expanding scale and increasing rate of marine biological invasions have been documented since the early 20th century. Besides their global ecological and economic impacts, non-indigenous species （NIS） also have attracted much attention as opportunities to explore important eco-evolutionary processes such as rapid adaptation, long-distance dispersal and range expansion, and secondary contacts between divergent evolutionary lineages. In this context, genetic tools have been extensively used in the past 20 years. Three important issues appear to have emerged from such studies. First, the study of NIS has revealed unexpected cryptic diversity in what had previously been assumed homogeneous entities. Second, there has been surprisingly little evidence of strong founder events accompanying marine introductions, a pattern possibly driven by large propagule loads. Third, the evolutionary processes leading to successful invasion have been difficult to ascertain due to faint genetic signals. Here we explore the potential of novel tools associated with high-throughput sequencing （HTS） to address these still pressing issues. Dramatic increase in the number of loci accessible via HTS has the potential to radically increase the power of analyses aimed at species delineation, exploring the population genomic consequences of range expansions, and examining evolutionary processes such as admixture, introgression, and adaptation. Nevertheless, the value of this new wealth of genomic data will ultimately depend on the ability to couple it with expanded ＂traditional＂ efforts, including exhaustive sampling of marine populations over large geographic scales, integrated taxonomic analyses, and population level exploration of quantitative trait differentiation through common-garden and other laboratory experiments.展开更多
The emerging novel energy infrastructures,such as energy communities,smart building-based microgrids,electric vehicles enabled mobile energy storage units raise the requirements for a more interconnective and interope...The emerging novel energy infrastructures,such as energy communities,smart building-based microgrids,electric vehicles enabled mobile energy storage units raise the requirements for a more interconnective and interoperable energy system.It leads to a transition from simple and isolated microgrids to relatively large-scale and complex interconnected microgrid systems named multi-microgrid clusters.In order to efficiently,optimally,and flexibly control multi-microgrid clusters,cross-disciplinary technologies such as power electronics,control theory,optimization algorithms,information and communication technologies,cyber-physical,and big-data analysis are needed.This paper introduces an overview of the relevant aspects for multi-microgrids,including the out-standing features,architectures,typical applications,existing control mechanisms,as well as the challenges.展开更多
Sulconazole has been reported to degrade into sulconazole sulfoxide via sulfur oxidation; however,structural characterization data was lacking and the potential formation of an N-oxide or sulfone could not be excluded...Sulconazole has been reported to degrade into sulconazole sulfoxide via sulfur oxidation; however,structural characterization data was lacking and the potential formation of an N-oxide or sulfone could not be excluded. To clarify the degradation pathways and incorporate the impurity profile of sulconazole into the United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary(USP–NF) monographs, a multifaceted approach was utilized to confirm the identity of the degradant. The approach combines stress testing of sulconazole nitrate, chemical synthesis of the degradant via a hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidation reaction,semi-preparative HPLC purification, and structural elucidation by LC–MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy.Structural determination was primarily based on the comparison of spectroscopic data of sulconazole and the oxidative degradant. The mass spectrometric data have revealed a Mc Lafferty-type rearrangement as the characteristic fragmentation pathway for alkyl sulfoxides with a β-hydrogen atom, and was used to distinguish the sulfoxide from N-oxide or sulfone derivatives. Moreover, the generated sulconazole sulfoxide was utilized as reference material for compendial procedure development and validation, which provides support for USP monograph modernization.展开更多
Rationale: Malaria and dengue are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases in tropical countries. Plasmodium parasite and dengue virus(DENV) concurrent infection is possible and often under-recognized in geographical ...Rationale: Malaria and dengue are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases in tropical countries. Plasmodium parasite and dengue virus(DENV) concurrent infection is possible and often under-recognized in geographical areas where these infections are both endemic.Patients concern and diagnosis: We describe the first two cases of Plasmodium falciparum and DENV-3 co-infection in travelers returning to northeastern Italy from Burkina Faso during 2013-2014.Interventions: Malaria infection in both patients was treated with mefloquine. Due to the persistence of symptoms despite of the antimalaria treatment, dengue was also investigated;the treatment of dengue was symptomatic.Outcomes: The patients were discharged in good general condition.Lessons: The need for surveillance of potential malaria and dengue co-infection in travelers returning to Europe from endemic areas is highlighted, as infection with Plasmodium does not exclude arboviral co-infection.展开更多
Trincadeira and Aragonez are two important grapevine cultivars in the Iberian Peninsula, used for high quality red wines production. Both cultivars are strongly affected by fungal diseases, with consequent high loses ...Trincadeira and Aragonez are two important grapevine cultivars in the Iberian Peninsula, used for high quality red wines production. Both cultivars are strongly affected by fungal diseases, with consequent high loses on plant productivity and fruit quality. A successful protocol for plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE) was established for both cultivars allowing further plant improvement based on gene transfer technology. Several factors were evaluated during the three different phases which characterize an SE plant regeneration protocol. The culture room temperature during the induction phase, a parameter usually accepted as standard by most researchers, proved in these trials to significantly affect the embryo induction rates. Concerning embryo conversion, it was specially affected by the embryo developmental stage, by the intensity and duration of the chilling treatment and by the supplementation of conversion culture medium with activated charcoal. The responses obtained, both for induction and conversion, proved to be highly genotype dependent. Calli structure, as well as embryo integrity, was histologically observed, allowing to characterize embryonic and non-embryonic masses and to identify abnormalities on embryo development.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the serovirological prevalence and clinical features of hepatitis E virus(HEV) infection in end-stage renal failure patients and in the healthy population.METHODS:HEV infection is a viral disease th...AIM:To investigate the serovirological prevalence and clinical features of hepatitis E virus(HEV) infection in end-stage renal failure patients and in the healthy population.METHODS:HEV infection is a viral disease that can cause sporadic and epidemic hepatitis.Previous studies unexpectedly showed a high prevalence of HEV antibodies in immunosuppressed subjects,including hemodialysis(HD)patients and patients who had undergone kidney transplant.A cohort/case-control study was carried out from January 2012 to August 2013 in two hospitals in southern Italy(Foggia and S.Giovanni Rotondo,Apulia).The seroprevalence of HEV was determined in 801 subjects;231 HD patients,120 renal transplant recipients,and450 health individuals.All HD patients and the recipients of renal transplants were attending the Departments of Nephrology and Dialysis at two hospitals located in Southern Italy,and were included progressively in this study.Serum samples were tested for HEV antibodies(Ig G/Ig M);in the case of positivity they were confirmed by a Western blot assay and were also tested for HEV-RNA,and the HEV genotypes were determined.RESULTS:A total of 30/801(3.7%)patients were positive for anti-HEV Ig(Ig G and/or Ig M)and by Western blot.The healthy population presented with a prevalence of 2.7%,HD patients had a prevalence of 6.0%,and transplant recipients had a prevalence of 3.3%.The overall combined HEV-positive prevalence in the two groups with chronic renal failure was 5.1%.The rates of exposure to HEV(positivity of HEV-Ig G/M in the early samples)were lower in the healthy controls,but the difference among the three groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Positivity for anti-HEV/Ig M was detected in 4/30(13.33%)anti-HEV Ig positive individuals,in 2/14 HD patients,in1/4 transplant individuals,and in 1/12 of the healthy population.The relative risk of being HEV-Ig M-positive was significantly higher among transplant recipients compared to the other two groups(OR=65.4,95%CI:7.2-592.7,P<0.001),but the subjects with HEV-Ig M positivity were numerically too few to calculate a significant difference.No patient presented with chronic hepatitis from HEV infection alone.CONCLUSION:This study indicated a higher,but not significant,circulation of HEV in hemodialysis patients vs the healthy population.Chronic hepatitis due to the HEV virus was not observed.展开更多
AIM: To investigate a possible increase of basolateral expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by interfering with the apical transport machinery, we studied the effect of cholesterol depletion on CEA sorting and...AIM: To investigate a possible increase of basolateral expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by interfering with the apical transport machinery, we studied the effect of cholesterol depletion on CEA sorting and secretion. METHODS: Cholesterol depletion was performed in polarized Caco-2 cells using lovastatin and methyl-b- cyclodextrin. RESULTS: We show that CEA is predominantly expressed and secreted at the apical surface. Reduction of the cholesterol level of the cell by 40%-50% with lovastatin and methyl-b-cyclodextrin led to a significant change of the apical-to-basolateral transport ratio towards the basolateral membrane. CONCLUSION: As basolateral expression of CEA has been suggested to have anti-inflamatory properties, Cholesterol depletion of enterocytes might be a potential approach to influence the course of inflammatory bowel disease.展开更多
Plants toxic to livestock species have a significantly negative impact on agriculture but can be an important source of bioactive molecules for use in medicine.The initial research on plant toxicity is focused on the ...Plants toxic to livestock species have a significantly negative impact on agriculture but can be an important source of bioactive molecules for use in medicine.The initial research on plant toxicity is focused on the response to the poisoning and the specific livestock species impacted by the toxic plant.This research emphasizes the identification of the plant and natural product(s)responsible for the toxicity to livestock,the prevention of further poisonings,and the development of treatments for the affected animals.Once the bioactive molecules impacting the livestock species have been identified,research on these compounds is then focused on determining the mechanism of action,the development of models for further study,and the identification of potential drug candidates for the treatment of disease.Specific examples of the agricultural-based research that are relevant to Human and Veterinary Medicine include:cyclopamine from Veratrum californicum(western false hellebore),piperidine alkaloids fromLupinus species(lupines),and cicutoxin from Cicuta species(water hemlock).展开更多
文摘Occult hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection(OBI) is defined by the presence of HBV DNA in the liver tissue of individuals who test negative for hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg).Patients who have recovered from acute hepatitis B can carry HBV genomes for a long time and show histological patterns of mild necro-inflammation,even fibrosis,years after the resolution of acute hepatitis,without showing any clinical or biochemical evidence of liver disease.At least in conditions of immunocompetence,OBI is inoffensive itself,but when other relevant causes of liver damage are present it might make the course of the liver disease worse.The risk of HBV transmission through transfusion is related to blood donations negative for HBsAg that have been collected during the pre-seroconversion period or during chronic OBI.Use of HBV nucleic acid amplification testing and multivalent anti-HBs antibodies in the HBsAg assays is recommended for detection of true and false OBI,respectively.It is not known if prior hepatitis B immunization with an optimal anti-HBs response in cases of HBV transmission through organ transplantation can effectively modulate or abort the infection.Use of anti-viral agents as prophylaxis in patients with serological evidence of past HBV infection prevents reactivation of OBI after transplantation in most cases.Reactivation of OBI has been observed in other conditions that cause immunosuppression,in which antiviral therapy could be delayed until the HBV DNA or HBsAg becomes detectable.OBI might contribute to the progression of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma development in patients with chronic liver disease.
文摘Aryloxypropanolamine is an essential structural scaffold for a variety of b-adrenergic receptor antagonists such as metoprolol.Molecules with such a structural motif tend to degrade into α,β ehydroxypropanolamine impurities via a radicaleinitiated oxidation pathway.These impurities are typically polar and nonchromophoric,and are thus often overlooked using traditional reversed phase chromatography and UV detection.In this work,stress testing of metoprolol confirmed the generation of 3-isopropylamino-1,2-propanediol as a degradation product,which is a specified impurity of metoprolol in the European Pharmacopoeia(impurity N).To ensure the safety and quality of metoprolol drug products,hydrophilic interaction chromatography(HILIC)methods using Halo Penta HILIC column(150mm×4.6 mm,5 μm)coupled with charged aerosol detection(CAD)were developed and optimized for the separation and quantitation of metoprolol impurity N in metoprolol drug products including metoprolol tartrate injection,metoprolol tartrate tablets,and metoprolol succinate extended-release tablets.These HILIC-CAD methods were validated per USP validation guidelines with respect to specificity,linearity,accuracy,and precision,and have been successfully applied to determine impurity N in metoprolol drug products.
基金supported by the Thailand Research Fund(TRF No. MRG508041)
文摘The objective of this study is to determine and compare the heavy metal（Zn,Cu,Cd,Pb） and bacterial（E.coli,coliform and Salmonella spp.） contamination between swine farms utilizing biogas and non-biogas systems in the central part of Thailand.Results showed that average levels of E.coli,coliform,BOD,COD,Zn,Cu and Pb in sludge from the post-biogas pond were higher than the standard limits.Moreover,the levels of E.coli,coliform,Cd and Pb were also higher than the standard limits for dry manure.The levels of E.coli,coliform and BOD on biogas farms were lower than on non-biogas farms.Following isolation of Salmonella spp.,it was found that Salmonella serovars Rissen was the most abundant at 18.46%（12/65）,followed by Anatum 12.31%（8/65）,and Kedougou 9.23%（6/65）.The pathogenic strains of Salmonella serovars Paratyphi B var.java and Typhimurium were present in equal amounts at 4.62%（3/65） in samples from all swine farms.This study revealed that significant reduction in E.coli and coliform levels in sludge from covered lagoon biogas systems on swine farms.The presence of Salmonella as well as Cd and Pb,in significant amount in dry manure,suggests that there is a high probability of environmental contamination if it is used for agricultural purposes.Thus,careful waste and manure disposal from swine farms and the regular monitoring of wastewater is strongly recommended to ensure the safety of humans,other animals and the environment.
文摘The current United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary(USP–NF) includes more than 250 monographs of fixed dose combinations(FDCs), and some of them need to be updated due to incompleteness of impurity profiles and obsolescence of analytical methodologies. A case study of metoprolol tartrate and hydrochlorothiazide tablets is presented to summarize challenges encountered during the USP monograph modernization initiative of FDCs and to highlight an "adoption and adaptation" approach employed for method development. To this end, a single stability-indicating HPLC method was developed to separate the two drug substances and eight related compounds with resolution 2.0 or higher between all critical pairs. Chromatographic separations were achieved on a Symmetry column(C18,100 mm*4.6 mm, 3.5 mm) using sodium phosphate buffer(pH 3.0; 34 mM) and acetonitrile as mobile phase in a gradient elution mode. The stability-indicating capability of this method has been demonstrated by analyzing stressed samples of the two drug substances. The developed HPLC method was validated for simultaneous determination of metoprolol tartrate and hydrochlorothiazide and relevant impurities in the tablets. Moreover, the developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of commercial tablet dosage forms and proved to be suitable for routine quality control use. The case study could be used to streamline USP's monograph modernization process of FDCs and strengthen compendial procedures.
文摘Peanut is a legume crop that belongs to the family of Fabaceae, genus Arachis, and botanically named as Arachis hypogaea. Peanuts are consumed in many forms such as boiled peanuts, peanut oil, peanut butter, roasted peanuts, and added peanut meal in snack food, energy bars and candies. Peanuts are considered as a vital source of nutrients. Nutrition plays an important role in growth and energy gain of living organisms. Peanuts are rich in calories and contain many nutrients, minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins that are essential for optimum health. All these biomolecules are essential for pumping vital nutrients into the human body for sustaining normal health. This paper presents an overview of the peanut composition in terms of the constituent biomolecules, and their biological functions. This paper also discusses about the relationship between consumption of peanuts and their effect on human metabolism and physiology. It highlights the usefulness of considering peanuts as an essential component in human diet considering its nutritional values.
文摘Prevention of mother-to-child transmission(PMTCT)of HIV with highly active antiretroviral therapy(HARRT)allows the HIV^+pregnant mothers to have vaginal delivery and breastfeed.Here we investigated the maternal plasma immunoglobulin,cytokine secretion and the outcome of the exposed infants among the HIV^+HAART treated pregnan women in Nigeria.In this study,different plasma immunoglobulins and cytokines were measured in the HIV^+HAART treated pregnant mothers.Pooled culture supernatants of B and T lymphocytes showed lower levels of IFN-γ,IL-10 and IL-4.There were lower IFN-γand IL-10 secretions at 1st trimester;however,IL-10 continued to be lower throughout 2nd and 3rd trimesters.TNF-αsecretion significantly decreased as pregnancy progressed to term.There were high plasma IgG and low IgM in the HIV^+HAART treated pregnant women.Plasma IgG was high during 1st and 3rd trimesters.After one year of follow up,all the exposed children were seronegative for HIV-1 and HIV-2.Vaginal delivery and breastfeeding among HIV^+HAART treated mothers have shown to be safe.The use of HAART by the infected mothers and the use of septrin and niverapin by the exposed infants prevented mother to-child transmission of HIV.
基金Supported by grants from AIRC Project 2005, Italy
文摘AIM： To investigate H pylori expression in gastric cancer patients in relation to primary tumor angiogenic markers, such as microvessel density （MVD）, thymidine phosphorylase （TP）, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 （VEGF-R1）, p53 and circulating VEGF levels. METHODS： Angiogenic markers were analyzed immunohistochemically in 56 primary gastric cancers. H pylori cytotoxin （vacA） and the cytotoxin-associated gene （cagA） amplification were evaluated using PCR assay. Serum H pylori IgG antibodies and serum/plasma circulating VEGF levels were detected in 39 and 38 patients by ELISA, respectively. RESULTS： A total of 69% of patients were positive for circulating IgG antibodies against Hpylori. cagA-positive H pylor/strains were found in 41% of gastric patients. vacA was found in 50% of patients; s1 strains were more highly expressed among vacA-positive patients. The presence of the s1 strain was significantly associated with cagA （P = 0.0001）. MVD was significantly correlated with both tumor VEGF expression （r = 0.361, P = 0.009） and serum VEGF levels （r = -0.347, P = 0.041）.Conversely, neither VEGF-R1 expression nor MVD was related to p53 expression. However, H pylori was not related to any angiogenic markers except for the plasma VEGF level （P = 0.026）. CONCLUSION： H pylori antigen is related to higher plasma VEGF levels, but not to angiogenic characteristics. It can be hypothesized that the toxic effects of H pylori on angiogenesis occurs in early preclinical disease phase or in long-lasting aggressive infections, but only when high H pylori IgG levels are persistent.
文摘Tamil culture has recognized the potential use of plant herbs for prevention and treatment of different diseases. These folk remedies have been practiced by Sri Lankan Tamils even after modernization. This review focuses on frequently used medicinal plants among Sri Lankan Tamil communities, such as Cuminum cyminum, Azadirechta indica, Coriandrum sativum, Sesamum indicum, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Moringa oleifera, Plectranthus amboinicus, Allium sativum and Curcuma Ionga, for their documented medicinal properties, which include antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hypocholesterolemic, antidiabetic and diuretic effects.
文摘The year-long warm temperatures and other climatic characteristics of the Pacific Ocean Islands have made Hawaii an optimum place for growing sugarcane;however, irrigation is essential to satisfy the large water demand of sugarcane. Under the Hawaiian tropical weather, actual evapotranspiration (AET) is the primary mechanism by which water is removed from natural and agricultural systems. The Hawaiian Commercial and Sugar Company (HC&S), the largest sugarcane grower of the Hawaiian Islands, has developed a locally optimized AET equation for the purpose of water management on its 184.3 km2 sugarcane plantation on the Island of Maui. In this paper, in order to assess the influence of AET on the hydrological water balance of the HC&S’ sugarcane cropping system, the performance of the HC&S method was compared with three physically-based methods: Penman-Monteith, Priestley-Taylor, and Hargreaves, as well as, to a set of historical pan evaporation data. A Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) project was setup to estimate the water balance in two sugarcane fields: a windy lowland field and a rocky highland field on a hill slope. Under Hawaiian weather conditions, wind speed was found to be the most influential climatic parameter over potential evapotranspiration (PET);therefore, the results with both Hargreaves and Priestley-Taylor underpredicted PET by approximately 30%, presumably because these methods do not take wind speed into account. The HC&S method was demonstrated to be the most accurate PET method compared to the other commonly used PET equations, with less than 10% error. Of the annual total water supply of 3400 mm, AET accounted for 75% - 80% of the total water consumption. These findings can be used to improve the irrigation efficiency as well as other management scenarios to optimize water use on the Island of Maui.
文摘Microwave irradiation, as opposed to formalin exposure, has not routinely been used in the preparation of killed vaccines despite the advantages of decreased chemical toxicity, ability to kill cells quickly, ease of completion requiring only a standard microwave, and potential increased protein conservation during irradiation. We evaluated the potential of microwave irradiation versus formalin fixation of bacteria to improve Streptococcus agalactiae vaccine efficacy in 5 gr fish by intraperitoneal (IP) injection and bath immersion (BI). There was no significant difference in the cumulative percent mortality (CPM) post-challenge between fish administered microwave-killed cells (MKC) or formalin killed cells (FKC) within the BI (p S. agalactiae antibody activity. Thirty days after vaccination and just prior to challenge, the optical density (OD) levels of the FKC and MKC groups in the IP trials were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) than that of the TSB group. None of the groups in the BI trial exhibited significantly different OD levels post vaccination. Fourteen days after the challenge, the OD levels of all groups in both trials increased significantly above their pre-challenge levels. Both the FKC and MKC IP groups (p < 0.0001) and only the FKC BI group (p < 0.0351) had significantly increased OD level above that of the corresponding post-challenge TSB group. These results indicate that the FKC vaccine provides marginally greater protection and increased antibody concentrations than the MKC vaccine by BI and the MKC vaccine may become a non-chemical alternative to FKC in vaccination.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31671992)the National Key R&D Program of China (2018YFD0201500)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (XDJK2018C032)the China Postdoctoral Fund (2018M633307)supported by the Agricultural Research Serves, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA ARS)
文摘Huanglongbing (HLB) is the most destructive disease of citrus and is associated with ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus’(CLas), a member of the α-proteobacteria. Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is another pathogen of citrus with very great historic as well as current importance. Both CLas and CTV are phloem-restricted pathogens. A severe CTV isolate, CTV-B6, and CLas-B232 induce a group of symptoms of phloem dysfunction that overlap, but the mild isolate CTV-B2 does not cause any loss to commercial trees. Prior inoculation and establishment of CLas-B232 did not affect subsequent establishment of either CTV-B2 or CTV-B6, while super infection by CLas-B232 was reduced by prior establishment of CTV-B2 and to a lesser extent by prior infection with CTV-B6. Trees co-infected with CTV-B6 and CLas-B232 developed more severe symptoms, typical of CTV-B6, than either of the two pathogens co-infected with CTV-B2. In this study, we confirmed that CLas established in the rootlets earlier and with higher concentration than in leaves. The distribution of CLas in the plant infected by CLas-B438 alone and with CTV-B2 fits a previously proposed model but CLas was more sporadically distributed in a plant co-infected by CLas and CTV-B2 than in a plant infected by CLas alone. These biological phenomena are aligned with previously analyzed transcriptome data and the study provides a novel idea that mild CTV strains may provide some protection against CLas by limiting its multiplication and spread. The protective effect may be due to opposite regulation of key host defense pathways in response to CTV-B2 and CLas-B438.
文摘AIM： TO investigate whether this might be related to the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia. METHODS： From January 1998 to December 2008, we evaluated the presence of hyperhomocysteinemia in a series of 165 adult celiac disease （CD） patients （138 females and 27 males, mean age 43 years）.RESULTS： Hyperhomocysteinemia was evident in 32 patients （19.3%）, although most of them had moderate levels （mean value 25 mcg/ml; range 15-30）. Only one patient had a history of myocardial infarction （heterozygosis for N5-N10-metil tetrahydrofolate reductase mutation）. CONCLUSION： The systematic assessment of hyperhomocysteinemia seems, at present, unjustified in CD patients.
文摘The expanding scale and increasing rate of marine biological invasions have been documented since the early 20th century. Besides their global ecological and economic impacts, non-indigenous species （NIS） also have attracted much attention as opportunities to explore important eco-evolutionary processes such as rapid adaptation, long-distance dispersal and range expansion, and secondary contacts between divergent evolutionary lineages. In this context, genetic tools have been extensively used in the past 20 years. Three important issues appear to have emerged from such studies. First, the study of NIS has revealed unexpected cryptic diversity in what had previously been assumed homogeneous entities. Second, there has been surprisingly little evidence of strong founder events accompanying marine introductions, a pattern possibly driven by large propagule loads. Third, the evolutionary processes leading to successful invasion have been difficult to ascertain due to faint genetic signals. Here we explore the potential of novel tools associated with high-throughput sequencing （HTS） to address these still pressing issues. Dramatic increase in the number of loci accessible via HTS has the potential to radically increase the power of analyses aimed at species delineation, exploring the population genomic consequences of range expansions, and examining evolutionary processes such as admixture, introgression, and adaptation. Nevertheless, the value of this new wealth of genomic data will ultimately depend on the ability to couple it with expanded ＂traditional＂ efforts, including exhaustive sampling of marine populations over large geographic scales, integrated taxonomic analyses, and population level exploration of quantitative trait differentiation through common-garden and other laboratory experiments.
基金supported by VILLUM FONDEN under the VILLUM Investigator Grant(No.25920):Center for Research on Microgrids(CROM)www.crom.et.aau.dk。
文摘The emerging novel energy infrastructures,such as energy communities,smart building-based microgrids,electric vehicles enabled mobile energy storage units raise the requirements for a more interconnective and interoperable energy system.It leads to a transition from simple and isolated microgrids to relatively large-scale and complex interconnected microgrid systems named multi-microgrid clusters.In order to efficiently,optimally,and flexibly control multi-microgrid clusters,cross-disciplinary technologies such as power electronics,control theory,optimization algorithms,information and communication technologies,cyber-physical,and big-data analysis are needed.This paper introduces an overview of the relevant aspects for multi-microgrids,including the out-standing features,architectures,typical applications,existing control mechanisms,as well as the challenges.
文摘Sulconazole has been reported to degrade into sulconazole sulfoxide via sulfur oxidation; however,structural characterization data was lacking and the potential formation of an N-oxide or sulfone could not be excluded. To clarify the degradation pathways and incorporate the impurity profile of sulconazole into the United States Pharmacopeia–National Formulary(USP–NF) monographs, a multifaceted approach was utilized to confirm the identity of the degradant. The approach combines stress testing of sulconazole nitrate, chemical synthesis of the degradant via a hydrogen peroxide-mediated oxidation reaction,semi-preparative HPLC purification, and structural elucidation by LC–MS/MS and NMR spectroscopy.Structural determination was primarily based on the comparison of spectroscopic data of sulconazole and the oxidative degradant. The mass spectrometric data have revealed a Mc Lafferty-type rearrangement as the characteristic fragmentation pathway for alkyl sulfoxides with a β-hydrogen atom, and was used to distinguish the sulfoxide from N-oxide or sulfone derivatives. Moreover, the generated sulconazole sulfoxide was utilized as reference material for compendial procedure development and validation, which provides support for USP monograph modernization.
文摘Rationale: Malaria and dengue are the most prevalent vector-borne diseases in tropical countries. Plasmodium parasite and dengue virus(DENV) concurrent infection is possible and often under-recognized in geographical areas where these infections are both endemic.Patients concern and diagnosis: We describe the first two cases of Plasmodium falciparum and DENV-3 co-infection in travelers returning to northeastern Italy from Burkina Faso during 2013-2014.Interventions: Malaria infection in both patients was treated with mefloquine. Due to the persistence of symptoms despite of the antimalaria treatment, dengue was also investigated;the treatment of dengue was symptomatic.Outcomes: The patients were discharged in good general condition.Lessons: The need for surveillance of potential malaria and dengue co-infection in travelers returning to Europe from endemic areas is highlighted, as infection with Plasmodium does not exclude arboviral co-infection.
文摘Trincadeira and Aragonez are two important grapevine cultivars in the Iberian Peninsula, used for high quality red wines production. Both cultivars are strongly affected by fungal diseases, with consequent high loses on plant productivity and fruit quality. A successful protocol for plant regeneration via somatic embryogenesis (SE) was established for both cultivars allowing further plant improvement based on gene transfer technology. Several factors were evaluated during the three different phases which characterize an SE plant regeneration protocol. The culture room temperature during the induction phase, a parameter usually accepted as standard by most researchers, proved in these trials to significantly affect the embryo induction rates. Concerning embryo conversion, it was specially affected by the embryo developmental stage, by the intensity and duration of the chilling treatment and by the supplementation of conversion culture medium with activated charcoal. The responses obtained, both for induction and conversion, proved to be highly genotype dependent. Calli structure, as well as embryo integrity, was histologically observed, allowing to characterize embryonic and non-embryonic masses and to identify abnormalities on embryo development.
文摘AIM:To investigate the serovirological prevalence and clinical features of hepatitis E virus(HEV) infection in end-stage renal failure patients and in the healthy population.METHODS:HEV infection is a viral disease that can cause sporadic and epidemic hepatitis.Previous studies unexpectedly showed a high prevalence of HEV antibodies in immunosuppressed subjects,including hemodialysis(HD)patients and patients who had undergone kidney transplant.A cohort/case-control study was carried out from January 2012 to August 2013 in two hospitals in southern Italy(Foggia and S.Giovanni Rotondo,Apulia).The seroprevalence of HEV was determined in 801 subjects;231 HD patients,120 renal transplant recipients,and450 health individuals.All HD patients and the recipients of renal transplants were attending the Departments of Nephrology and Dialysis at two hospitals located in Southern Italy,and were included progressively in this study.Serum samples were tested for HEV antibodies(Ig G/Ig M);in the case of positivity they were confirmed by a Western blot assay and were also tested for HEV-RNA,and the HEV genotypes were determined.RESULTS:A total of 30/801(3.7%)patients were positive for anti-HEV Ig(Ig G and/or Ig M)and by Western blot.The healthy population presented with a prevalence of 2.7%,HD patients had a prevalence of 6.0%,and transplant recipients had a prevalence of 3.3%.The overall combined HEV-positive prevalence in the two groups with chronic renal failure was 5.1%.The rates of exposure to HEV(positivity of HEV-Ig G/M in the early samples)were lower in the healthy controls,but the difference among the three groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05).Positivity for anti-HEV/Ig M was detected in 4/30(13.33%)anti-HEV Ig positive individuals,in 2/14 HD patients,in1/4 transplant individuals,and in 1/12 of the healthy population.The relative risk of being HEV-Ig M-positive was significantly higher among transplant recipients compared to the other two groups(OR=65.4,95%CI:7.2-592.7,P<0.001),but the subjects with HEV-Ig M positivity were numerically too few to calculate a significant difference.No patient presented with chronic hepatitis from HEV infection alone.CONCLUSION:This study indicated a higher,but not significant,circulation of HEV in hemodialysis patients vs the healthy population.Chronic hepatitis due to the HEV virus was not observed.
基金The Dietmar Hopp Foundation and the Stiftung Nephrologie
文摘AIM: To investigate a possible increase of basolateral expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) by interfering with the apical transport machinery, we studied the effect of cholesterol depletion on CEA sorting and secretion. METHODS: Cholesterol depletion was performed in polarized Caco-2 cells using lovastatin and methyl-b- cyclodextrin. RESULTS: We show that CEA is predominantly expressed and secreted at the apical surface. Reduction of the cholesterol level of the cell by 40%-50% with lovastatin and methyl-b-cyclodextrin led to a significant change of the apical-to-basolateral transport ratio towards the basolateral membrane. CONCLUSION: As basolateral expression of CEA has been suggested to have anti-inflamatory properties, Cholesterol depletion of enterocytes might be a potential approach to influence the course of inflammatory bowel disease.
文摘Plants toxic to livestock species have a significantly negative impact on agriculture but can be an important source of bioactive molecules for use in medicine.The initial research on plant toxicity is focused on the response to the poisoning and the specific livestock species impacted by the toxic plant.This research emphasizes the identification of the plant and natural product(s)responsible for the toxicity to livestock,the prevention of further poisonings,and the development of treatments for the affected animals.Once the bioactive molecules impacting the livestock species have been identified,research on these compounds is then focused on determining the mechanism of action,the development of models for further study,and the identification of potential drug candidates for the treatment of disease.Specific examples of the agricultural-based research that are relevant to Human and Veterinary Medicine include:cyclopamine from Veratrum californicum(western false hellebore),piperidine alkaloids fromLupinus species(lupines),and cicutoxin from Cicuta species(water hemlock).
