Background: Termination of pregnancy (TOP) in Zambia is guided by the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act of 1972 and as amended in 1994 of the laws of Zambia. However, despite provision of Comprehensive abortion care ...Background: Termination of pregnancy (TOP) in Zambia is guided by the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act of 1972 and as amended in 1994 of the laws of Zambia. However, despite provision of Comprehensive abortion care services with the liberal law, statistics at Kanyama First Level Hospital in relation to unsafe illegal abortions are alarming. This study sought to understand the Awareness on the TOP Act of the laws of Zambia among women of reproductive age 15 - 49 years at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. Purpose of the Study: To assess awareness on the TOP Act among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A convergent parallel mixed method design was conducted using both survey and in-depth interviews among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. The study surveyed 370 randomly sampled women aged 15 to 49 years old while the in-depth interviews included eight women purposively sampled from the survey population. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data thematic analysis was used. Results: The study found that 37% of the participants were aware of the TOP Act while 63.8% viewed legalization of abortion for any reason as wrong. The study results also showed that widowed women were 8 times more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to single women (AOR: 8.262;95% CI: 1.105, 61.778). Women in business were significantly more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to those who reported having no occupation. (AOR: 2.61;95% CI: 1.246, 5.499). Limited access to information, the social stigma attached to abortion, health care providers’ attitudes, cultural norms, values and religious beliefs, restrictive legal requirements, and absence of a supportive network were some of the barriers affecting awareness and utilization of available safe abortion care services. Conclusions: The research findings concluded that a significant lack of awareness among women of reproductive age regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act. The majority of respondents held the view that abortion should only be legalized for medical reasons. Furthermore, there was a notable gap in knowledge concerning the penal code’s provisions on abortion.展开更多
The aneuploldy inducing activity of a Chinese medicinal herb, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (level) Hutch (THH) were investigated by means of thhree cytogenetic end points, namely C-mitotic (CM) effects, micronucleus (MN) ...The aneuploldy inducing activity of a Chinese medicinal herb, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (level) Hutch (THH) were investigated by means of thhree cytogenetic end points, namely C-mitotic (CM) effects, micronucleus (MN) and parallel chromosome structural aberration (CA) analyses in vivo. The experiments were performed on mouse bone marrow cells. THH showed similar gentoxic effects to colchicine (COL) in CM, MN and CA analyses; positive CM effects were observed accompanied with increases of mitotic index and frequencies of C-mltotic cells as well as decreased frequencies of anaphase in all of the THH-treated groups. The compound showed a positive MN response in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes but was negative in CA analyses. The preliminary results suggested that THH is an aneuploldy inducer in mouse bone marrow cells under present experiment conditions.展开更多
Some basic problems on the level set methods were discussed, such as the method used to preserve the distance junction , the existence and uniqueness of solution for the level set equations. The main contribution is t...Some basic problems on the level set methods were discussed, such as the method used to preserve the distance junction , the existence and uniqueness of solution for the level set equations. The main contribution is to prove that in a neighborhood of the initial zero level set, the level set equations with the restriction of the distance function have a unique solution, which must be the signed distance function with respect to the evolving surface. Some skillful approaches were used: Noticing that any solution for the original equation was a distance function, the original level set equations were transformed into a simpler alternative form. Moreover, since the new system was not a classical one, the system was transformed into an ordinary one, for which the implicit function method was adopted.展开更多
The relationship between murine IgE, IgG, and IgG1 level and birosarcoma induced by 3-Methyl-cholanthrene in NIH mice was studied. The results showed that IgE, IgG or IgGl had no significant effect on tumor incidence;...The relationship between murine IgE, IgG, and IgG1 level and birosarcoma induced by 3-Methyl-cholanthrene in NIH mice was studied. The results showed that IgE, IgG or IgGl had no significant effect on tumor incidence; the high IgE level could extend the survival time of 3-Methylcholanthrene injected mice (P<0.05) and survival time of tumor bearing mice (P<0.01), while IgG or IgGl could not. The data from this study did not show that IgE, IgG or IgGl had any significant effect on the tumor size and the tumor growth rate. The probable mechanism involved was discussed.展开更多
173 simultaneous determinations of serum copper levels (SCL), serum zinc levels (SZL) and copper/zinc ratio (CZR) were made by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 51 previously untreated lymphoma patients. SCL and ...173 simultaneous determinations of serum copper levels (SCL), serum zinc levels (SZL) and copper/zinc ratio (CZR) were made by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 51 previously untreated lymphoma patients. SCL and CZR were significantly higher in patients before treatment (mean value 22.97 μmol/L, 1.55, respectively) and in those who did not reach complete remission (mean 21.21 μmol/L, 1.36) as compared with the patients in complete remission (mean 16.36 μmol/L, 1.06) or normal controls (mean 15.67 μmol/L, 0.98). The mean value of SCL and CZR of patients in complete remission did not differ significantly from those of normal controls. Patients in stages HI and IV had higher SCL and CZR (mean 25.15 μmol/L, 1.79) than those in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ (mean 19.30 μmol/L, 1.16). No significant difference in SZL was observed between the patient groups and normal controls. Thus, SCL and CZR may be used as prognostic indicators for monitoring disease activity and response to therapy in malignant lymphoma.展开更多
The relationships between serum pepsinogen (PG) levels and age, sex, ABO blood type, cigarette smoking and diet were studied among over 3, 000 residents selected at random in an area with high risk of stomach cancer i...The relationships between serum pepsinogen (PG) levels and age, sex, ABO blood type, cigarette smoking and diet were studied among over 3, 000 residents selected at random in an area with high risk of stomach cancer in Shandong Province, China. Males had significantly higher median PG Ⅰ and Ⅱ levels than feamles. PG Ⅰ tended to decrease and PG Ⅱ to rise with age. Subjects with blood type A had a higher PG Ⅱ level than subjects with other blood types. Both PG Ⅰ and Ⅱ levels rose with dally consumption of cigarettes. Alcohol consumption was not related to PG levels. The PG Ⅰ/Ⅱ ratio declined with increasing consumption of sour pancakes, a fermented staple food found to contain N-nitroso compounds and to be a risk factor for stomach cancer in this population.展开更多
The gravity wave breaking is crucial to the large-scale circulation of middle atmosphere. In this paper, we follow Lindzen (1981) to draw out the parameterization of two-dimensional gravity wave breaking including ine...The gravity wave breaking is crucial to the large-scale circulation of middle atmosphere. In this paper, we follow Lindzen (1981) to draw out the parameterization of two-dimensional gravity wave breaking including inertial effect. Also we present some properties of critical levels and inertial critical levels.展开更多
The Samoa Islands were struck by the September 2009 earthquake of Mw 8.1. We study the effect on the land level by means of GPS monitoring and on ocean level by tide-gauge records. This allows us to present a new pict...The Samoa Islands were struck by the September 2009 earthquake of Mw 8.1. We study the effect on the land level by means of GPS monitoring and on ocean level by tide-gauge records. This allows us to present a new picture of the interaction of crustal movements, gravitational adjustment and sea level changes. The land level exhibits a co-seismic uplift followed by a post-seismic crustal subsidence. The ocean level records a fall, significantly larger than the uplift and delayed by several months, followed by a significant rise, by far exceeding the crustal subsidence and delayed by several months. This indicates a significant contribution from changes in gravity (geoidal eustasy), besides relative sea level changes due to crustal movements. High amplitude, and high frequency changes in tidal range provide evidence of changes in gravity and geoidal eustasy.展开更多
The activation of gold by environmental neutrons through the reaction 197Au (n,γ) 198Au was used to study the effect of concrete buildings on the neutron flux, and to estimate the thermal neutron flux inside and outs...The activation of gold by environmental neutrons through the reaction 197Au (n,γ) 198Au was used to study the effect of concrete buildings on the neutron flux, and to estimate the thermal neutron flux inside and outside these buildings. The results showed that three ceilings of thickness 34 g/cm2 decrease the fast neutrons to 26% from its original value. However, the same reinforced concrete decreases the slow neturon flux to only 62% of its original value. The thermal neutron flux at 283 m from the center of Training Reactor of Kinki University, was twice higher than the environmental neutron background.展开更多
Sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta(PLCζ)initiates intracellular calcium(Ca2+)transients which drive a series of concurrent events collectively termed oocyte activation.Numerous investigations have linked abrogation ...Sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta(PLCζ)initiates intracellular calcium(Ca2+)transients which drive a series of concurrent events collectively termed oocyte activation.Numerous investigations have linked abrogation and absence/reduction of PLCζwith forms of male infertility in humans where oocyte activation fails.However,very few studies have examined potential relationships between PLCζand advancing male age,both of which are increasingly considered to be major effectors of male fertility.Initial efforts in humans may be hindered by inherent PLCζvariability within the human population,alongside a lack of sufficient controllable repeats.Herein,utilizing immunoblotting,immunofluorescence,and quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR)we examined for the first time PLCζprotein levels and localization patterns in sperm,and PLCζmRNA levels within testes,from mice at 8 weeks,12 weeks,24 weeks,and 36 weeks of age,from two separate strains of mice,C57BL/6(B6;inbred)and CD1(outbred).Collectively,advancing male age generally diminished levels and variability of PLCζprotein and mRNA in sperm and testes,respectively,when both strains were examined.Furthermore,advancing male age altered the predominant pattern of PLCζlocalization in mouse sperm,with younger mice exhibiting predominantly post-acrosomal,and older mice exhibiting both post-acrosomal and acrosomal populations of PLCζ.However,the specific pattern of such decline in levels of protein and mRNA was strain-specific.Collectively,our results demonstrate a negative relationship between advancing male age and PLCζlevels and localization patterns,indicating that aging male mice from different strains may serve as useful models to investigate PLCζin cases of male infertility and subfertility in humans.展开更多
Objectives To evaluate the changes of the plasma endothelin level in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, and to investigate the relationship between the plasma endothelin level and the severity of heart failure, hea...Objectives To evaluate the changes of the plasma endothelin level in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, and to investigate the relationship between the plasma endothelin level and the severity of heart failure, heart size, left ventricular function and with or not with pulmonary arterial hypertension; the changes of the plasma endothelin level before and after treatment. Methods The plasma endothelin level of 30 patients with DCM, 30 healthy control subjects, and their LVEF, PAP, heart size, plasma endothelin level before and after treatment were determined. Results The plasma endothelin level in DCM group was significantly higher than that in control group ( 135.93 ± 70. 65pg/mL) vs(43.65 ± 12.07pg/mL), P < 0.05 ; there was a correlation between ET level and heart size ( r = O. 4580, P = 0. 0109 ) ; there was a significant negative correlation between LVEF of DCM and ET level( r = -0. 6922 ,P =0. 0021 ) ;and it was a significant positive correlation between ET level and pulmonary arterial hypertension (r = 0. 8974, P < 0. 0005). After treatment, the ET level decreased significantly than before in DCM group (129. 15 ± 43.93pg/mL) vs (63.12 ± 22.20pg/mL), P < 0.05. Conclusions Plasma ET level may be a new parameter of evaluating severity of heart failure, efficacy of therapy and prognosis.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the variation of serum activin A level in liver cirrhotic patients.Methods 83 liver cirrhotic patients (32 Child-Pugh A, 30 Child-Pugh B and 21 Child-Push C) and 32 normal subjects entered the st...Objective To evaluate the variation of serum activin A level in liver cirrhotic patients.Methods 83 liver cirrhotic patients (32 Child-Pugh A, 30 Child-Pugh B and 21 Child-Push C) and 32 normal subjects entered the study. The serum levels of activin A, procollagen Ⅲ peptide and collagen Ⅳ were measured by ELISA. Results Compared with those of normal subjects (0. 76±0. 31ng/ml) ,the serum activin A levels were significantly increased in liver cirrhotic patients(1. 33±0. 83ng/ml, P <0. 01). The levels were higher in Child-Pugh C (1. 45±0. 39ng/ml, P <0. 01) and B( 1. 47±0. 81ng/ml, P <0. 01) than in Child-Pugh A (1.00±0. 35 ng/ml) and normal control group(0. 76±0. 31ng/ml). There was no significant difference between Child-Pugh B and C patients or between Child-Pugh A patients and normal control. In corresponding Child-Pugh grades, the serum activin A levels of those suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, digestive tract hemorrhage, infection or ascites were not different from those without such complications. The Serum activin A level was positively correlated with those of procollagen Ⅲ peptides, collagen Ⅳ and alanine aminotransferase. Conclusion Serum activin A was increased in cirrhotic patients and activin A may be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic flbrosis.展开更多
The ordinary multidimensional reductive perturbation method is generalized so as to apply to the general case including the dissipative factor. With this the corresponding Cubic-Schrbdinger equation is deduced, and by...The ordinary multidimensional reductive perturbation method is generalized so as to apply to the general case including the dissipative factor. With this the corresponding Cubic-Schrbdinger equation is deduced, and by the preliminary study of its solution, it shows that it is more admissible to consider atmospheric meso-scale systems as the nonlinear Cubic-Schrbdinger waves.With suitable boundary and initial conditions, the Cubic-Schrodinger equation is numerically integrated so as to investigate the possible dynamic mechanism as well as the impacts of the nonlinear action, turbulent friction and topogrphy to the formation of the LLJ. The results indicate that the downward transfer of the momentum and the effect of the surface friction are responsible for the concentration of the momentum in the layer between 850 and 700 hPa. The location of the horizontal concentration of momentum depends on the propagation of momentum, in the process the inertia-gravity internal wave is very important, whereas turbulent friction is unfavourable for or delays the formation of the low level jet.展开更多
Objective: To investigate the changes of the plasma level of MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, MMP-9) in the patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) before and after the treatment, and evaluate the significan...Objective: To investigate the changes of the plasma level of MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, MMP-9) in the patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) before and after the treatment, and evaluate the significance of MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of AAAs. Methods: Blood samples of 35 patients with AAAs and 10 patients with the arterial occlusive diseases (AODs) , which enrolled into the Vascular Surgery Center of Colonge University Hospital from February to August of 2002, were collected before and one month after surgical repair or less-invasive endovascular exclusion. The plasma concentrations of MMP-9 of all the collected samples were measured by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and compared between the two groups patients at different time point. Results: The mean plasma concentration of MMP-9 of AAAs was significantly higher than that of AODs prior to treatment [(90.3±9.1) ng/ml vs (23.6±7.3) ng/ml, P<0.05], and no apparent difference was showed in the patients with AODs [(23.6±7.3) ng/ml vs (25.3±5.8) ng/ml, P>0.05)] before and after the surgical bypass operation. However, in the patients with AAAs the plasma concentration of MMP-9 was apparently decreased one month after the surgical repair or endovascular exclusion compared with before [(28.6±8.4) ng/ml vs (90.3±9.1) ng/ml, P<0.05)]. No meaningful difference of the mean plasma MMP-9 concentration was seen between two groups after the both being successfully treated [(28.6±8.4) ng/ml vs (25.3±5.8) ng/ml, P>0.05]. Conclusion: Apparent elevation of plasma concentration of MMP-9 in the AAAs and its dramatic decrease after being treated implicated that MMP-9 might play an important role in the formation and development of AAAs. Meanwhile, to investigate the changes of MMP-9 level of AAAs could provide an practical way to facilitate the earlier diagnosis and long term surveillance for AAAs. More importantly, pharmacologic prevention and treatment of AAAs, in which the MMP-9 serves as effective target, might be possible in the future.展开更多
Background Button battery(BB)exposures are common in children and can have devastating consequences.We reviewed current evidence on the complications associated with BB exposure and identified predictors of outcomes u...Background Button battery(BB)exposures are common in children and can have devastating consequences.We reviewed current evidence on the complications associated with BB exposure and identified predictors of outcomes using individual patient-level data.Data sources We carried out a systematic review and pooled analysis by searching MEDLINE,Embase,and Scopus up to May 19,2023.Included studies describe complications following BB exposures in children(aged<18 years).Odds ratios(ORs)were calculated using binary logistic regression to measure associations between predictive factors and different outcomes.Results Two-hundred seventeen studies(439 children)were included.The median age at presentation was 1.75[interquartile range(IQR)1.00–3.00]years and 399(90.9%)exposures were ingestions.Of the 380 cases reporting sex,162(42.6%)were female.Feeding(192,48.1%)and respiratory difficulties(138,34.6%)were common presenting features for ingestions,while symptomatology was site-specific for insertions.Common complications included oesophageal mucosal damage alone(105,26.3%)and tracheooesophageal fistula(93,23.3%)for ingestions,and nasal septal perforation(22,55.0%)and mucosal damage alone(13,32.5%)for insertions.Intestinal perforation occurred in 2.5%of ingestion cases,including perforation of Meckel's diverticulum,peritonitis,and jejunocolic fistula.Vascular complications were common among children who died.Age(≤2 years),battery exposure duration(>6 hours),and battery diameter(≥20 mm)were associated with common and severe complications of ingestions.Conclusion BB injuries are time-critical,with severe sequelae predominantly affecting young children.Diagnosis is challenging.Preventative work through regulation and safer battery design are required to eliminate this problem.展开更多
文摘Background: Termination of pregnancy (TOP) in Zambia is guided by the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act of 1972 and as amended in 1994 of the laws of Zambia. However, despite provision of Comprehensive abortion care services with the liberal law, statistics at Kanyama First Level Hospital in relation to unsafe illegal abortions are alarming. This study sought to understand the Awareness on the TOP Act of the laws of Zambia among women of reproductive age 15 - 49 years at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. Purpose of the Study: To assess awareness on the TOP Act among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Methodology: A convergent parallel mixed method design was conducted using both survey and in-depth interviews among women of reproductive age at Kanyama First Level Hospital in Lusaka District. The study surveyed 370 randomly sampled women aged 15 to 49 years old while the in-depth interviews included eight women purposively sampled from the survey population. Survey data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data thematic analysis was used. Results: The study found that 37% of the participants were aware of the TOP Act while 63.8% viewed legalization of abortion for any reason as wrong. The study results also showed that widowed women were 8 times more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to single women (AOR: 8.262;95% CI: 1.105, 61.778). Women in business were significantly more likely to be aware of the TOP Act compared to those who reported having no occupation. (AOR: 2.61;95% CI: 1.246, 5.499). Limited access to information, the social stigma attached to abortion, health care providers’ attitudes, cultural norms, values and religious beliefs, restrictive legal requirements, and absence of a supportive network were some of the barriers affecting awareness and utilization of available safe abortion care services. Conclusions: The research findings concluded that a significant lack of awareness among women of reproductive age regarding the Termination of Pregnancy (TOP) Act. The majority of respondents held the view that abortion should only be legalized for medical reasons. Furthermore, there was a notable gap in knowledge concerning the penal code’s provisions on abortion.
文摘The aneuploldy inducing activity of a Chinese medicinal herb, Tripterygium hypoglaucum (level) Hutch (THH) were investigated by means of thhree cytogenetic end points, namely C-mitotic (CM) effects, micronucleus (MN) and parallel chromosome structural aberration (CA) analyses in vivo. The experiments were performed on mouse bone marrow cells. THH showed similar gentoxic effects to colchicine (COL) in CM, MN and CA analyses; positive CM effects were observed accompanied with increases of mitotic index and frequencies of C-mltotic cells as well as decreased frequencies of anaphase in all of the THH-treated groups. The compound showed a positive MN response in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes but was negative in CA analyses. The preliminary results suggested that THH is an aneuploldy inducer in mouse bone marrow cells under present experiment conditions.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (6001161942, 60203003)
文摘Some basic problems on the level set methods were discussed, such as the method used to preserve the distance junction , the existence and uniqueness of solution for the level set equations. The main contribution is to prove that in a neighborhood of the initial zero level set, the level set equations with the restriction of the distance function have a unique solution, which must be the signed distance function with respect to the evolving surface. Some skillful approaches were used: Noticing that any solution for the original equation was a distance function, the original level set equations were transformed into a simpler alternative form. Moreover, since the new system was not a classical one, the system was transformed into an ordinary one, for which the implicit function method was adopted.
文摘The relationship between murine IgE, IgG, and IgG1 level and birosarcoma induced by 3-Methyl-cholanthrene in NIH mice was studied. The results showed that IgE, IgG or IgGl had no significant effect on tumor incidence; the high IgE level could extend the survival time of 3-Methylcholanthrene injected mice (P<0.05) and survival time of tumor bearing mice (P<0.01), while IgG or IgGl could not. The data from this study did not show that IgE, IgG or IgGl had any significant effect on the tumor size and the tumor growth rate. The probable mechanism involved was discussed.
文摘173 simultaneous determinations of serum copper levels (SCL), serum zinc levels (SZL) and copper/zinc ratio (CZR) were made by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in 51 previously untreated lymphoma patients. SCL and CZR were significantly higher in patients before treatment (mean value 22.97 μmol/L, 1.55, respectively) and in those who did not reach complete remission (mean 21.21 μmol/L, 1.36) as compared with the patients in complete remission (mean 16.36 μmol/L, 1.06) or normal controls (mean 15.67 μmol/L, 0.98). The mean value of SCL and CZR of patients in complete remission did not differ significantly from those of normal controls. Patients in stages HI and IV had higher SCL and CZR (mean 25.15 μmol/L, 1.79) than those in stage Ⅰ and Ⅱ (mean 19.30 μmol/L, 1.16). No significant difference in SZL was observed between the patient groups and normal controls. Thus, SCL and CZR may be used as prognostic indicators for monitoring disease activity and response to therapy in malignant lymphoma.
文摘The relationships between serum pepsinogen (PG) levels and age, sex, ABO blood type, cigarette smoking and diet were studied among over 3, 000 residents selected at random in an area with high risk of stomach cancer in Shandong Province, China. Males had significantly higher median PG Ⅰ and Ⅱ levels than feamles. PG Ⅰ tended to decrease and PG Ⅱ to rise with age. Subjects with blood type A had a higher PG Ⅱ level than subjects with other blood types. Both PG Ⅰ and Ⅱ levels rose with dally consumption of cigarettes. Alcohol consumption was not related to PG levels. The PG Ⅰ/Ⅱ ratio declined with increasing consumption of sour pancakes, a fermented staple food found to contain N-nitroso compounds and to be a risk factor for stomach cancer in this population.
文摘The gravity wave breaking is crucial to the large-scale circulation of middle atmosphere. In this paper, we follow Lindzen (1981) to draw out the parameterization of two-dimensional gravity wave breaking including inertial effect. Also we present some properties of critical levels and inertial critical levels.
文摘The Samoa Islands were struck by the September 2009 earthquake of Mw 8.1. We study the effect on the land level by means of GPS monitoring and on ocean level by tide-gauge records. This allows us to present a new picture of the interaction of crustal movements, gravitational adjustment and sea level changes. The land level exhibits a co-seismic uplift followed by a post-seismic crustal subsidence. The ocean level records a fall, significantly larger than the uplift and delayed by several months, followed by a significant rise, by far exceeding the crustal subsidence and delayed by several months. This indicates a significant contribution from changes in gravity (geoidal eustasy), besides relative sea level changes due to crustal movements. High amplitude, and high frequency changes in tidal range provide evidence of changes in gravity and geoidal eustasy.
文摘The activation of gold by environmental neutrons through the reaction 197Au (n,γ) 198Au was used to study the effect of concrete buildings on the neutron flux, and to estimate the thermal neutron flux inside and outside these buildings. The results showed that three ceilings of thickness 34 g/cm2 decrease the fast neutrons to 26% from its original value. However, the same reinforced concrete decreases the slow neturon flux to only 62% of its original value. The thermal neutron flux at 283 m from the center of Training Reactor of Kinki University, was twice higher than the environmental neutron background.
基金This study was supported by a National Science,Technology,and Innovation plan(NSTIP)project grant(15-MED4186-20)awarded by the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology(KACST)to JK,AMA,and FAL.
文摘Sperm-specific phospholipase C zeta(PLCζ)initiates intracellular calcium(Ca2+)transients which drive a series of concurrent events collectively termed oocyte activation.Numerous investigations have linked abrogation and absence/reduction of PLCζwith forms of male infertility in humans where oocyte activation fails.However,very few studies have examined potential relationships between PLCζand advancing male age,both of which are increasingly considered to be major effectors of male fertility.Initial efforts in humans may be hindered by inherent PLCζvariability within the human population,alongside a lack of sufficient controllable repeats.Herein,utilizing immunoblotting,immunofluorescence,and quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR)we examined for the first time PLCζprotein levels and localization patterns in sperm,and PLCζmRNA levels within testes,from mice at 8 weeks,12 weeks,24 weeks,and 36 weeks of age,from two separate strains of mice,C57BL/6(B6;inbred)and CD1(outbred).Collectively,advancing male age generally diminished levels and variability of PLCζprotein and mRNA in sperm and testes,respectively,when both strains were examined.Furthermore,advancing male age altered the predominant pattern of PLCζlocalization in mouse sperm,with younger mice exhibiting predominantly post-acrosomal,and older mice exhibiting both post-acrosomal and acrosomal populations of PLCζ.However,the specific pattern of such decline in levels of protein and mRNA was strain-specific.Collectively,our results demonstrate a negative relationship between advancing male age and PLCζlevels and localization patterns,indicating that aging male mice from different strains may serve as useful models to investigate PLCζin cases of male infertility and subfertility in humans.
文摘Objectives To evaluate the changes of the plasma endothelin level in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy, and to investigate the relationship between the plasma endothelin level and the severity of heart failure, heart size, left ventricular function and with or not with pulmonary arterial hypertension; the changes of the plasma endothelin level before and after treatment. Methods The plasma endothelin level of 30 patients with DCM, 30 healthy control subjects, and their LVEF, PAP, heart size, plasma endothelin level before and after treatment were determined. Results The plasma endothelin level in DCM group was significantly higher than that in control group ( 135.93 ± 70. 65pg/mL) vs(43.65 ± 12.07pg/mL), P < 0.05 ; there was a correlation between ET level and heart size ( r = O. 4580, P = 0. 0109 ) ; there was a significant negative correlation between LVEF of DCM and ET level( r = -0. 6922 ,P =0. 0021 ) ;and it was a significant positive correlation between ET level and pulmonary arterial hypertension (r = 0. 8974, P < 0. 0005). After treatment, the ET level decreased significantly than before in DCM group (129. 15 ± 43.93pg/mL) vs (63.12 ± 22.20pg/mL), P < 0.05. Conclusions Plasma ET level may be a new parameter of evaluating severity of heart failure, efficacy of therapy and prognosis.
基金Supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China( 30170411).
文摘Objective To evaluate the variation of serum activin A level in liver cirrhotic patients.Methods 83 liver cirrhotic patients (32 Child-Pugh A, 30 Child-Pugh B and 21 Child-Push C) and 32 normal subjects entered the study. The serum levels of activin A, procollagen Ⅲ peptide and collagen Ⅳ were measured by ELISA. Results Compared with those of normal subjects (0. 76±0. 31ng/ml) ,the serum activin A levels were significantly increased in liver cirrhotic patients(1. 33±0. 83ng/ml, P <0. 01). The levels were higher in Child-Pugh C (1. 45±0. 39ng/ml, P <0. 01) and B( 1. 47±0. 81ng/ml, P <0. 01) than in Child-Pugh A (1.00±0. 35 ng/ml) and normal control group(0. 76±0. 31ng/ml). There was no significant difference between Child-Pugh B and C patients or between Child-Pugh A patients and normal control. In corresponding Child-Pugh grades, the serum activin A levels of those suffering from hepatic encephalopathy, digestive tract hemorrhage, infection or ascites were not different from those without such complications. The Serum activin A level was positively correlated with those of procollagen Ⅲ peptides, collagen Ⅳ and alanine aminotransferase. Conclusion Serum activin A was increased in cirrhotic patients and activin A may be involved in the pathogenesis of hepatic flbrosis.
文摘The ordinary multidimensional reductive perturbation method is generalized so as to apply to the general case including the dissipative factor. With this the corresponding Cubic-Schrbdinger equation is deduced, and by the preliminary study of its solution, it shows that it is more admissible to consider atmospheric meso-scale systems as the nonlinear Cubic-Schrbdinger waves.With suitable boundary and initial conditions, the Cubic-Schrodinger equation is numerically integrated so as to investigate the possible dynamic mechanism as well as the impacts of the nonlinear action, turbulent friction and topogrphy to the formation of the LLJ. The results indicate that the downward transfer of the momentum and the effect of the surface friction are responsible for the concentration of the momentum in the layer between 850 and 700 hPa. The location of the horizontal concentration of momentum depends on the propagation of momentum, in the process the inertia-gravity internal wave is very important, whereas turbulent friction is unfavourable for or delays the formation of the low level jet.
文摘Objective: To investigate the changes of the plasma level of MMP-9 (Matrix Metalloproteinase-9, MMP-9) in the patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) before and after the treatment, and evaluate the significance of MMP-9 in the pathogenesis of AAAs. Methods: Blood samples of 35 patients with AAAs and 10 patients with the arterial occlusive diseases (AODs) , which enrolled into the Vascular Surgery Center of Colonge University Hospital from February to August of 2002, were collected before and one month after surgical repair or less-invasive endovascular exclusion. The plasma concentrations of MMP-9 of all the collected samples were measured by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and compared between the two groups patients at different time point. Results: The mean plasma concentration of MMP-9 of AAAs was significantly higher than that of AODs prior to treatment [(90.3±9.1) ng/ml vs (23.6±7.3) ng/ml, P<0.05], and no apparent difference was showed in the patients with AODs [(23.6±7.3) ng/ml vs (25.3±5.8) ng/ml, P>0.05)] before and after the surgical bypass operation. However, in the patients with AAAs the plasma concentration of MMP-9 was apparently decreased one month after the surgical repair or endovascular exclusion compared with before [(28.6±8.4) ng/ml vs (90.3±9.1) ng/ml, P<0.05)]. No meaningful difference of the mean plasma MMP-9 concentration was seen between two groups after the both being successfully treated [(28.6±8.4) ng/ml vs (25.3±5.8) ng/ml, P>0.05]. Conclusion: Apparent elevation of plasma concentration of MMP-9 in the AAAs and its dramatic decrease after being treated implicated that MMP-9 might play an important role in the formation and development of AAAs. Meanwhile, to investigate the changes of MMP-9 level of AAAs could provide an practical way to facilitate the earlier diagnosis and long term surveillance for AAAs. More importantly, pharmacologic prevention and treatment of AAAs, in which the MMP-9 serves as effective target, might be possible in the future.
基金funded by the Queensland Department of Health,Ref ID:PSQIS 8309 to conduct surveillance for battery exposures in children.No industry or pharmaceutical grants were received for this studyThe Australian Government Department of Health and Age Care also funds the APSU through the Surveillance Branch of Communicable Diseases(Health/21-22/D21-5425703)EE has been supported by a MRFF Next Generation Fellowship(#MRF1135959)and NHMRC investigator Grant 2026176.
文摘Background Button battery(BB)exposures are common in children and can have devastating consequences.We reviewed current evidence on the complications associated with BB exposure and identified predictors of outcomes using individual patient-level data.Data sources We carried out a systematic review and pooled analysis by searching MEDLINE,Embase,and Scopus up to May 19,2023.Included studies describe complications following BB exposures in children(aged<18 years).Odds ratios(ORs)were calculated using binary logistic regression to measure associations between predictive factors and different outcomes.Results Two-hundred seventeen studies(439 children)were included.The median age at presentation was 1.75[interquartile range(IQR)1.00–3.00]years and 399(90.9%)exposures were ingestions.Of the 380 cases reporting sex,162(42.6%)were female.Feeding(192,48.1%)and respiratory difficulties(138,34.6%)were common presenting features for ingestions,while symptomatology was site-specific for insertions.Common complications included oesophageal mucosal damage alone(105,26.3%)and tracheooesophageal fistula(93,23.3%)for ingestions,and nasal septal perforation(22,55.0%)and mucosal damage alone(13,32.5%)for insertions.Intestinal perforation occurred in 2.5%of ingestion cases,including perforation of Meckel's diverticulum,peritonitis,and jejunocolic fistula.Vascular complications were common among children who died.Age(≤2 years),battery exposure duration(>6 hours),and battery diameter(≥20 mm)were associated with common and severe complications of ingestions.Conclusion BB injuries are time-critical,with severe sequelae predominantly affecting young children.Diagnosis is challenging.Preventative work through regulation and safer battery design are required to eliminate this problem.
