The objective of this study is to determine the auditory gain, quality of life, audiological benefits, in bone-anchored hearing device users (BAHA). It is a retrospective and concurrent evaluation of thirty patients f...The objective of this study is to determine the auditory gain, quality of life, audiological benefits, in bone-anchored hearing device users (BAHA). It is a retrospective and concurrent evaluation of thirty patients fitted unilaterally and seven fitted bilaterally for at least six months. Patients were assessed with audiometric testing and application of Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). Regarding sound-field pure audiometry results, we found a statistically significant gain in all frequencies using the bone-anchored device. APHAB scores showed statistically significant subjective audiological gains in all subscales except for the aversiveness subscale. GBI mean scores for all items in both groups were all above 3, suggesting quality of life improvement in conductive and mixed hearing loss patients. BP100 users showed a greater clinical gain in the APHAB global score and subscales compared with Divino users. In conclusion the BAHA provides significant auditory gain, subjective audiological benefits and improves quality of life in all BAHA users. This study shows a significant clinical and statistical benefit of BAHA measured by audiometric testing and by the APHAB and GBI questionnaires.展开更多
Dear Editor,In a recent study,we isolated a protein from human oviductal secretion that could bind to spermatozoa[1].This protein was identified through chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry as human S100A9 and ...Dear Editor,In a recent study,we isolated a protein from human oviductal secretion that could bind to spermatozoa[1].This protein was identified through chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry as human S100A9 and was detected in human tubal epithelium and oviductal secretions.S100A9 belongs to the S100 protein family[2],which has been found in various body fluids and tissues,and plays a role in extracellular functions,such as the enhancement of neutrophil extravasation,induction of proinflammatory cytokine release,antimicrobial properties through divalent ion sequestration,and modulation of cellular proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis,as well as acting as a chemotactic factor[3–4].Because S100A9 is involved in various pathologies and the physiology of inflammation,research on S100A9 effects continues to grow rapidly.Recently,we have shown the presence of binding sites for S100A9 on human spermatozoa,and also found that S100A9 modulated certain sperm capacitation parameters in vitro,such as the induced acrosome reaction(AR)[1].To continue our studies on sperm function parameters,the current study aimed to express and purify human recombinant S100A9 and to assess its effect on sperm capacitation parameters,specifically the AR.展开更多
Martensitic transformation plays a pivotal role in strengthening and hardening of steels,yet an accu-rate interatomic potential for a comprehensive description of the martensitic phase formation in Fe-C alloys is lack...Martensitic transformation plays a pivotal role in strengthening and hardening of steels,yet an accu-rate interatomic potential for a comprehensive description of the martensitic phase formation in Fe-C alloys is lacking.Herein,we developed a deep learning-based interatomic potential to perform molecu-lar dynamics(MD)simulations to study the martensitic phase transformation across a range of carbon(C)concentrations.The results revealed that an increased C concentration leads to a suppressed phase boundary movement and a decelerated phase transformation rate.To overcome the timescale limitations inherent in MD simulations,metadynamics sampling was employed to accelerate the simulations of C dif-fusion.We found that C atoms tend to cluster at distances equivalent to the lattice parameter of Fe with the same sublattice occupation,leading to local lattice tetragonality.Such C-ordered structures effectively inhibit dislocation movement and enhance strength.The stress field induced by dislocations facilitates a higher degree of ordering,and the formation of C-ordered structures was identified as a potentially cru-cial strengthening mechanism for martensitic steels.The consistency between our simulation results and reported experimental observations underscores the effectiveness of the developed DP model in simu-lating martensitic phase transformation in Fe-C alloys,providing detailed insights into the mechanisms underlying this process.This work not only advances the understanding of martensitic phase transforma-tions in Fe-C alloys but also establishes a powerful computational framework for designing steels with optimized mechanical properties through the precise control of carbon ordering and dislocation behavior.展开更多
BACKGROUND Approval of teduglutide is an important addition to the limited treatment options for short bowel syndrome(SBS).However,real-world evidence on teduglutide therapy for SBS in Latin America is scarce.AIM To i...BACKGROUND Approval of teduglutide is an important addition to the limited treatment options for short bowel syndrome(SBS).However,real-world evidence on teduglutide therapy for SBS in Latin America is scarce.AIM To investigate the effectiveness and safety of teduglutide in clinical practice in Argentina with a 24-week follow-up.METHODS This non-interventional multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients(aged≥1 years)with SBS who were dependent on parenteral support(PS)and received≥1 dose of teduglutide according to currently approved indications.RESULTS The study population(n=45)included 21 adult and 24 pediatric patients.The proportion of adult and pediatric patients who showed clinical response(defined as a≥20%reduction in weekly PS volume)after 24 weeks of treatment was 90.4%[95%confidence interval(CI):69.6%-98.8%]and 83.3%(95%CI:62.6%-95.2%),respectively.Overall,12 patients(26.6%;95%CI:14.6-41.9)were weaned from PS support at the 24-week assessment,6(28.5%;95%CI:11.5-52.1)in the adult cohort,and 6(25%;95%CI:9.7-46.7)in the pediatric cohort.Only baseline PS requirement was inversely associated with weaning from PS(P=0.025).The most frequently reported treatmentemergent adverse events(TEAEs)were mild to moderate abdominal pain and abdominal distension(16.6%;and 9.5%,respectively).None of the reported TEAEs led to treatment discontinuation.CONCLUSION This prospective real-world study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of teduglutide in adult and pediatric patients with SBS in Argentina.The clinical response observed in both adults and pediatric patients was greater than that reported in phase 3 trials and was consistent with the results of other real-world studies.展开更多
AIM： To assess the significance of chromosome translo- cation t（11;18）（q21;q21）, B-cell lymphoma 10 （BCL-10） protein and He/icobacter py/ori （H. py/on） infection in gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue ...AIM： To assess the significance of chromosome translo- cation t（11;18）（q21;q21）, B-cell lymphoma 10 （BCL-10） protein and He/icobacter py/ori （H. py/on） infection in gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue （MALT） lymphoma in Colombia.展开更多
Functional stability of superelasticity is crucial for practical applications of shape memory alloys.It is degraded by a Lüders-like deformation with elevated local stress concentration under tensile load.By incr...Functional stability of superelasticity is crucial for practical applications of shape memory alloys.It is degraded by a Lüders-like deformation with elevated local stress concentration under tensile load.By increasing the degree of solute supersaturation and applying appropriate thermomechanical treatments,a Ti-Ni alloy with nanocrystallinity and dispersed nanoprecipitates is obtained.In contrast to conventional Ti-Ni alloys,the superelasticity in the target alloy is accompanied by homogeneous deformation due to the sluggish stress-induced martensitic transformation.The alloy thus shows a fully recoverable strain of 6%under tensile stress over 1 GPa and a large adiabatic temperature decrease of 13.1 K under tensile strain of 4.5%at room temperature.Moreover,both superelasticity and elastocaloric effect exhibit negligible degradation in response to applied strain of 4%during cycling.We attribute the improved functional stability to low dislocation activity resulting from the suppression of localized deformation and the combined strengthening effect of nanocrystalline structure and nanoprecipitates.Thus,the design of such a microstructure enabling homogeneous deformation provides a recipe for stable superelasticity and elastocaloric effect.展开更多
Thirty-six grazing dairy cows were used to determine the effect of combinations of soybean (SO), and linseed (LO) oils on milk production, composition and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Treatments were a basal control ...Thirty-six grazing dairy cows were used to determine the effect of combinations of soybean (SO), and linseed (LO) oils on milk production, composition and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Treatments were a basal control diet (56% pasture, 44% concentrate) or the control diet supplemented with oils at 4% of estimated total dry matter (DM) intake. Oils were manually mixed to the concentrate in pure forms (SO100 or LO100) or in blends (%w/w) at SO75 - LO25, SO50 - LO50 and SO25 - LO75. Concentrate and oils were thoroughly consumed. Pasture intake (kg DM/cow·day) was 9.27 in control and decreased (p p p trans-9 C18:1 and trans-10 C18:1 FA.展开更多
The liquid-phase hydrogenation of butyronitrile to saturated amines was studied on silica- supported Ni catalysts prepared by either incipient-wetness impregnation (Ni/SiO2-I) or ammonia (Ni/SiO2-A) methods. A Ni/SiO2...The liquid-phase hydrogenation of butyronitrile to saturated amines was studied on silica- supported Ni catalysts prepared by either incipient-wetness impregnation (Ni/SiO2-I) or ammonia (Ni/SiO2-A) methods. A Ni/SiO2-Al2O3-I sample was also used. Ni/SiO2-I was a non-acidic catalyst containing large Ni^0 particles of low interaction with the support, while Ni/SiO2-A was an acidic catalyst due to the presence of Ni^2+ species in Ni phyllosilicates of low reducibility. Ni/SiO2-I formed essentially butylamine (80%), and dibutylamine as the only byproduct. In contrast, Ni/SiO2-A yielded a mixture of dibutylamine (49%) and tributylamine (45%), being the formation of butylamine almost completely suppressed. The selective formation of secondary and tertiary amines on Ni/SiO2-A was explained by considering that butylamine is not release to the liquid phase during the reaction because it is strongly adsorbed on surface acid sites contiguous to Ni^0 atoms, thereby favoring the butylimine/butylamine condensation to higher amines between adsorbed species.展开更多
The Composition Vector Tree (CVTree) is a parameter-free and alignment-free method to infer pro-karyotic phylogeny from their complete genomes. It is distinct from the traditional 16S rRNA analysis in both the input d...The Composition Vector Tree (CVTree) is a parameter-free and alignment-free method to infer pro-karyotic phylogeny from their complete genomes. It is distinct from the traditional 16S rRNA analysis in both the input data and the methodology. The prokaryotic phylogenetic trees constructed by using the CVTree method agree well with the Bergey’s taxonomy in all major groupings and fine branching patterns. Thus, combined use of the CVTree approach and the 16S rRNA analysis may provide an objective and reliable reconstruction of the prokaryotic branch of the Tree of Life.展开更多
This present study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of isolated fi ber of carrot supplementation in rats.Physicochemical properties of fi ber were determined.The groups were as follows:animals fed a sta...This present study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of isolated fi ber of carrot supplementation in rats.Physicochemical properties of fi ber were determined.The groups were as follows:animals fed a standard diet,control group;high fi ber supplementation(70 mg);low fi ber supplementation(35 mg);for 12 weeks.Blood samples were collected at the time of sacrifi ce.The weights of heart,liver,kidneys and spleen of the experimental rats with respect to body weight were recorded.Commercial kits were used to determine serum glucose concentration,lipid profi le(cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol,triglycerides),and the two main aminotransferases glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase(GOT)/glutamate-pyruvate transaminase(GPT).A histopathological assay was performed on the heart,liver,and spleen tissues of animals.Supplementation with fi ber favors weight loss in female((242.03±23.73)-(197.81±10.45)g);and male rats((262.50±32.21)-(213.96±12.56)g and induces a decrease in glucose levels in the supplemented animals.With the exception of total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,the other lipid fractions decrease signifi cantly in rats supplemented.Fiber supplementation did not induce changes in the dissected organs of the supplemented animals.In conclusion supplementation of fiber,improves glucose control,lower plasma lipid concentrations and reduced body weight in normal rats.展开更多
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a serious disease that causes significant morbidity.PBC is confirmed with liver biopsy but autoantibodies are frequently used as proxies for diagnosis.The performance of a...BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a serious disease that causes significant morbidity.PBC is confirmed with liver biopsy but autoantibodies are frequently used as proxies for diagnosis.The performance of autoantibodies for the diagnosis of PBC seems to vary widely across populations.AIM To assess the diagnostic performance of several autoantibodies for the diagnosis of PBC in Latin American individuals.METHODS We studied 85 female adult Colombians,43 cases with biopsy-confirmed PBC and 42 controls in whom a liver biopsy ruled out PBC.Plasma anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMAs),anti-smooth muscle antibodies(ASMAs)and anti-nuclear antibodies(ANAs),as well as total immunoglobulin(Ig)M and IgG were determined using immunofluorescence or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all study participants within 1 year of the biopsy.For all variables,values analyzed were those closest to the date of the biopsy.Patients with viral or alcoholic hepatitis were excluded.RESULTS Mean age at diagnosis was 58.7 years for cases and 56.9 years for controls,and the body mass index was lower among cases.Most cases received ursodeoxycholic acid,while most controls received vitamin E.Sjögren syndrome and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were the most frequent autoimmune comorbidities of PBC.The prevalence of AMA positivity among PBC cases was unexpectedly low.The sensitivity and specificity values were respectively 44.2%and 76.2%for AMA,74.4%and 38.1%for ANA,14.0%and 73.8%for ASMA,26.7%and 80.0%for IgG,and 57.1%and 85.7%for IgM.The combination of positive AMA plus positive IgM had 91%positive predictive value for PBC.Among AMA-negative cases,the most prevalent antibodies were ANA(87.5%).In all,62%of AMA-positive and 84.6%of IgM-positive individuals had fibrosis in their biopsy.CONCLUSION AMA positivity was very low among female Latin American patients with PBC.The performance of all antibodies was quite limited.These results highlight the urgent need for better PBC biomarkers.展开更多
Insomnia is one of the most frequently observed sleep disorders, affecting nearly 10% of the general population. It has multiple etiological factors. Recently, it has been reported that EEG abnormalities are associate...Insomnia is one of the most frequently observed sleep disorders, affecting nearly 10% of the general population. It has multiple etiological factors. Recently, it has been reported that EEG abnormalities are associated with insomnia in patients previously diagnosed as idiopathic insomniacs. In addition, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has shown to be effective in the treatment of disorders characterized by neural hyper-excitability. Method: In the present study, patients with insomnia and EEG abnormalities were submitted to slow repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation, for 15 minutes daily during 10 days. Polysomnographic recordings were performed before and after TMS. Results: The results indicate that the presence of EEG abnormalities significantly decreased after TMS. In addition, most of the sleep parameters showed significant improvement. Conclusions: These data support the notion that TMS is a reliable therapeutic tool for patients affected with abnormalities linked to neuronal hyper-excitability.展开更多
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular disease,fibrosis of the skin,and internal organ dysfunction.Gastrointestinal involvement is the most frequent complication of internal organs,impac...Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular disease,fibrosis of the skin,and internal organ dysfunction.Gastrointestinal involvement is the most frequent complication of internal organs,impacting up to 90%of patients.Gastrointestinal involvement can affect any region of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus,with a predominance of disorders being observed at the level of the upper digestive tract.The gastrointestinal involvement primarily involves the esophagus,small bowel,and rectum.The severity of gastrointestinal involvement affects quality of life and is a marker of worse prognosis and mortality in these patients.In this review,we describe the current findings regarding gastrointestinal involvement by this entity.展开更多
Celiac Disease is a chronic entheropathy produced by gluten intolerance, more precisely to certain proteins called prolamines, which causes atrophy of intestinal villi, malabsorption and clinical symptoms that can app...Celiac Disease is a chronic entheropathy produced by gluten intolerance, more precisely to certain proteins called prolamines, which causes atrophy of intestinal villi, malabsorption and clinical symptoms that can appear in both childhood and adulthood. This pathogeny, results from the interaction of genetic, immunologic and environmental factors, which produce the lesions on the mucosa of the proximal small intestine. It is important to estimate the maximum gluten content that could be present in supposedly “gluten-free” foods, a limit of 20 mg/Kg is admitted. Rice flour, sorghum flour, starches, hydrocolloids, soy flour and dairy products are analyzed for carrying out the manufacture of gluten-free products, such as bread, noodles and others.展开更多
The state of the art for data-driven creep rupture life predictions incorporates microstructural and deformation characteristics into machine learning.However,the microstructures and deformation mechanisms for unknown...The state of the art for data-driven creep rupture life predictions incorporates microstructural and deformation characteristics into machine learning.However,the microstructures and deformation mechanisms for unknown alloys are inaccessible and uncertain before experiments are carried out,and therefore prevents extrapolations of the learned models.展开更多
Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the vaginal content of women attending family planning controls and its relationship with the contraceptive practice used (oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine device,...Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the vaginal content of women attending family planning controls and its relationship with the contraceptive practice used (oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine device, condoms, or rhythm method) as well as its relationship with the lack of regular contraception. Design: Observational, descriptive study. Setting: Servicio de Atención Médica—Ministerio de Salud—Sa Pereira—Santa Fe.Argentina. Population: A total of 250 women were studied following the BAVACO (balance of the vaginal content). Methods: Standard method, which included the wet mount test, and Giemsa and Gram stain under the Nugent score. Results: Obtained from the vaginal microbiota, the vaginal inflammatory response, presence of yeast and Trichomonas allowed defining five basic vaginal microbial states which were statistically related to contraceptive methods. Main Outcome Measures: The association of each of the five vaginal states with the different contraceptive practices was determined by X2 test, considering p < 0.05 as a significant difference (Program EPI-INFO 6. Version 6.04). Results: A significantly positive association was found between oral contraceptives and normal microbiota (OR 3.98 – p = 0.000);intrauterine device and bacterial vaginosis (OR 10.1 – p = 0.000);whereas a negative relationship (OR 0.18 – p = 0.005) was found between oral contraceptives and bacterial vaginosis (OR 0.21 – p = 0.000). Conclusions: a) the positive association of combined oral contraceptives with a normal microbiota indicates a positive trend of protection, b) intrauterine devices increase whereas oral contraceptives decrease the risk for bacterial vaginosis, while oral contraceptives reduce the frequency.展开更多
Thermal processes on the Tibetan Plateau(TP)influence atmospheric conditions on regional and global scales.Given this,previous work has shown that soil moisture−driven surface flux variations feed back onto the atmosp...Thermal processes on the Tibetan Plateau(TP)influence atmospheric conditions on regional and global scales.Given this,previous work has shown that soil moisture−driven surface flux variations feed back onto the atmosphere.Whilst soil moisture is a source of atmospheric predictability,no study has evaluated soil moisture−atmosphere coupling on the TP in general circulation models(GCMs).In this study,we use several analysis techniques to assess soil moisture−atmosphere coupling in CMIP6 simulations including:instantaneous coupling indices;analysis of flux and atmospheric behaviour during dry spells;and a quantification of the preference for convection over drier soils.Through these metrics we partition feedbacks into their atmospheric and terrestrial components.Consistent with previous global studies,we conclude substantial inter-model differences in the representation of soil moisture−atmosphere coupling,and that most models underestimate such feedbacks.Focusing on dry spell analysis,most models underestimate increased sensible heat during periods of rainfall deficiency.For example,the model-mean bias in anomalous sensible heat flux is 10 W m−2(≈25%)smaller compared to observations.Deficient dry-spell sensible heat fluxes lead to a weaker atmospheric response.We also find that most GCMs fail to capture the negative feedback between soil moisture and deep convection.The poor simulation of feedbacks in CMIP6 experiments suggests that forecast models also struggle to exploit soil moisture−driven predictability.To improve the representation of land−atmosphere feedbacks requires developments in not only atmospheric modelling,but also surface processes,as we find weak relationships between rainfall biases and coupling indexes.展开更多
Machine learning assisted design of materials is so far based on features selected by considering the accuracy of model predictions,and those features do not necessarily ensure a high efficiency in searching for new m...Machine learning assisted design of materials is so far based on features selected by considering the accuracy of model predictions,and those features do not necessarily ensure a high efficiency in searching for new materials.Here we estimate the efficiency of active learning loop by resampling method using available data as an alternative criterion for selection.The selected features allow an optimization of targeted property with as few new experiments as possible.Input those features into machine learning,we synthesized new high entropy alloys(HEAs)with strengths 2.8–3.0 GPa within five experimental iterations.The alloy AlVCrCoNiMo is found to possess compressive specific yield strengths of 397,144 and 105(MPa cm^(3))/g at 25,800 and 900℃,respectively.The specific yield strength of AlVCrCoNiMo alloy at 800℃is about twice that of the commercial Inconel 718 and the typical refractory HEA of VNbMoTaW.A unique microstructure consisting of multi-scale hierarchical B2 precipitates with coherent interfaces to the BCC matrix strengthens the alloy.Our strategy of maximizing active learning efficiency provides a recipe for selecting features that accelerate the optimization of targeted property.展开更多
Nucleic acids-based therapies have recently developed as next-generation agents for treating and preventing viral infection, cancer, and genetic disorders, but their use is still limited due to its relatively poor del...Nucleic acids-based therapies have recently developed as next-generation agents for treating and preventing viral infection, cancer, and genetic disorders, but their use is still limited due to its relatively poor delivery into targeted cells. We designed and synthesized new amphiphilic amino acid derivatives (cysteine-based) of low molecular weight, formed by the same pentapeptide (AG2: WWCOO) N-acylated, with different hydrophobic chains containing from 12 to 18 carbons, named AG2-Cn (N), which dimerize by oxidation in the presence of pLenti-CMV-GFP Puro plasmid (P) in the respective gemini. We determined transfection efficiency, critical micelle concentration, particle size, ζ-potential and cytotoxicity for the derivatives obtained. We found that all the synthesized compounds were active for DNA delivery and had greater ability to transfect CHO-K1 cells. In particular, AG2-C18 is a promising carrier for gene delivery because it showed no cytotoxicity and its activity was greater than or equal to the commercial actives currently used.展开更多
Objectives: to evaluate and compare serum adiponectin levels in different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate their correlation with endocrine and metabolic parameters. Material and metho...Objectives: to evaluate and compare serum adiponectin levels in different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate their correlation with endocrine and metabolic parameters. Material and methods: we studied 5 groups of patients: A (n = 20): H (hyperandrogenism) + O (oligoanovulation) + P (polycystic ovary) [classic phenotype];B (n = 17): H + O [classic phenotype but normal ovaries];C (n = 15): H + P [Ovulatory phenotype];D (n = 17): O + P [Normoandrogenic phenotype];and E (n = 16) control group. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure and hirsutism were evaluated. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, insulin, Creactive protein, SHBG, androgens and lipids were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Results: there were no differences between the groups in terms of age and BMI. Total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride levels were higher in phenotype A than in C (P P = 0.03). HOMA-IR, insulin and glucose/insulin ratio were significantly higher in phenotypes A and D vs C and E (P P P < 0.05). Conclusions: adiponectin serum concentrations vary according to the phenotypic expression of PCOS. Our results suggest that adiponectin could be used as a biochemical marker to identify phenotypes at increased metabolic risk.展开更多
文摘The objective of this study is to determine the auditory gain, quality of life, audiological benefits, in bone-anchored hearing device users (BAHA). It is a retrospective and concurrent evaluation of thirty patients fitted unilaterally and seven fitted bilaterally for at least six months. Patients were assessed with audiometric testing and application of Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB). Regarding sound-field pure audiometry results, we found a statistically significant gain in all frequencies using the bone-anchored device. APHAB scores showed statistically significant subjective audiological gains in all subscales except for the aversiveness subscale. GBI mean scores for all items in both groups were all above 3, suggesting quality of life improvement in conductive and mixed hearing loss patients. BP100 users showed a greater clinical gain in the APHAB global score and subscales compared with Divino users. In conclusion the BAHA provides significant auditory gain, subjective audiological benefits and improves quality of life in all BAHA users. This study shows a significant clinical and statistical benefit of BAHA measured by audiometric testing and by the APHAB and GBI questionnaires.
文摘Dear Editor,In a recent study,we isolated a protein from human oviductal secretion that could bind to spermatozoa[1].This protein was identified through chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry as human S100A9 and was detected in human tubal epithelium and oviductal secretions.S100A9 belongs to the S100 protein family[2],which has been found in various body fluids and tissues,and plays a role in extracellular functions,such as the enhancement of neutrophil extravasation,induction of proinflammatory cytokine release,antimicrobial properties through divalent ion sequestration,and modulation of cellular proliferation,differentiation,and apoptosis,as well as acting as a chemotactic factor[3–4].Because S100A9 is involved in various pathologies and the physiology of inflammation,research on S100A9 effects continues to grow rapidly.Recently,we have shown the presence of binding sites for S100A9 on human spermatozoa,and also found that S100A9 modulated certain sperm capacitation parameters in vitro,such as the induced acrosome reaction(AR)[1].To continue our studies on sperm function parameters,the current study aimed to express and purify human recombinant S100A9 and to assess its effect on sperm capacitation parameters,specifically the AR.
基金the National Key Research and Devel-opment Program of China(No.2022YFB3709000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.52101019,52122408,52071023,52474397)+1 种基金support from the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(University of Science and Technology Beijing,No.FRF-TP-2021-04C1,and 06500135)supported by USTB MatCom of Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Materials Genome Engineering.
文摘Martensitic transformation plays a pivotal role in strengthening and hardening of steels,yet an accu-rate interatomic potential for a comprehensive description of the martensitic phase formation in Fe-C alloys is lacking.Herein,we developed a deep learning-based interatomic potential to perform molecu-lar dynamics(MD)simulations to study the martensitic phase transformation across a range of carbon(C)concentrations.The results revealed that an increased C concentration leads to a suppressed phase boundary movement and a decelerated phase transformation rate.To overcome the timescale limitations inherent in MD simulations,metadynamics sampling was employed to accelerate the simulations of C dif-fusion.We found that C atoms tend to cluster at distances equivalent to the lattice parameter of Fe with the same sublattice occupation,leading to local lattice tetragonality.Such C-ordered structures effectively inhibit dislocation movement and enhance strength.The stress field induced by dislocations facilitates a higher degree of ordering,and the formation of C-ordered structures was identified as a potentially cru-cial strengthening mechanism for martensitic steels.The consistency between our simulation results and reported experimental observations underscores the effectiveness of the developed DP model in simu-lating martensitic phase transformation in Fe-C alloys,providing detailed insights into the mechanisms underlying this process.This work not only advances the understanding of martensitic phase transforma-tions in Fe-C alloys but also establishes a powerful computational framework for designing steels with optimized mechanical properties through the precise control of carbon ordering and dislocation behavior.
基金Supported by Takeda Argentina SA,No.TAK-633-4003.
文摘BACKGROUND Approval of teduglutide is an important addition to the limited treatment options for short bowel syndrome(SBS).However,real-world evidence on teduglutide therapy for SBS in Latin America is scarce.AIM To investigate the effectiveness and safety of teduglutide in clinical practice in Argentina with a 24-week follow-up.METHODS This non-interventional multicentre cohort study included consecutive patients(aged≥1 years)with SBS who were dependent on parenteral support(PS)and received≥1 dose of teduglutide according to currently approved indications.RESULTS The study population(n=45)included 21 adult and 24 pediatric patients.The proportion of adult and pediatric patients who showed clinical response(defined as a≥20%reduction in weekly PS volume)after 24 weeks of treatment was 90.4%[95%confidence interval(CI):69.6%-98.8%]and 83.3%(95%CI:62.6%-95.2%),respectively.Overall,12 patients(26.6%;95%CI:14.6-41.9)were weaned from PS support at the 24-week assessment,6(28.5%;95%CI:11.5-52.1)in the adult cohort,and 6(25%;95%CI:9.7-46.7)in the pediatric cohort.Only baseline PS requirement was inversely associated with weaning from PS(P=0.025).The most frequently reported treatmentemergent adverse events(TEAEs)were mild to moderate abdominal pain and abdominal distension(16.6%;and 9.5%,respectively).None of the reported TEAEs led to treatment discontinuation.CONCLUSION This prospective real-world study demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of teduglutide in adult and pediatric patients with SBS in Argentina.The clinical response observed in both adults and pediatric patients was greater than that reported in phase 3 trials and was consistent with the results of other real-world studies.
基金Supported by A grant from Universidad Nacional de Colombia
文摘AIM： To assess the significance of chromosome translo- cation t（11;18）（q21;q21）, B-cell lymphoma 10 （BCL-10） protein and He/icobacter py/ori （H. py/on） infection in gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue （MALT） lymphoma in Colombia.
基金the support of National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFB3802104)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.51931004,52173228,52271190 and 51571156)the 111 project 2.0(BP2018008)。
文摘Functional stability of superelasticity is crucial for practical applications of shape memory alloys.It is degraded by a Lüders-like deformation with elevated local stress concentration under tensile load.By increasing the degree of solute supersaturation and applying appropriate thermomechanical treatments,a Ti-Ni alloy with nanocrystallinity and dispersed nanoprecipitates is obtained.In contrast to conventional Ti-Ni alloys,the superelasticity in the target alloy is accompanied by homogeneous deformation due to the sluggish stress-induced martensitic transformation.The alloy thus shows a fully recoverable strain of 6%under tensile stress over 1 GPa and a large adiabatic temperature decrease of 13.1 K under tensile strain of 4.5%at room temperature.Moreover,both superelasticity and elastocaloric effect exhibit negligible degradation in response to applied strain of 4%during cycling.We attribute the improved functional stability to low dislocation activity resulting from the suppression of localized deformation and the combined strengthening effect of nanocrystalline structure and nanoprecipitates.Thus,the design of such a microstructure enabling homogeneous deformation provides a recipe for stable superelasticity and elastocaloric effect.
文摘Thirty-six grazing dairy cows were used to determine the effect of combinations of soybean (SO), and linseed (LO) oils on milk production, composition and milk fatty acid (FA) profile. Treatments were a basal control diet (56% pasture, 44% concentrate) or the control diet supplemented with oils at 4% of estimated total dry matter (DM) intake. Oils were manually mixed to the concentrate in pure forms (SO100 or LO100) or in blends (%w/w) at SO75 - LO25, SO50 - LO50 and SO25 - LO75. Concentrate and oils were thoroughly consumed. Pasture intake (kg DM/cow·day) was 9.27 in control and decreased (p p p trans-9 C18:1 and trans-10 C18:1 FA.
基金the Universidad Nacional del Litoral (UNL)Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica (ANPCyT ), Argentina, for the financial support of this work
文摘The liquid-phase hydrogenation of butyronitrile to saturated amines was studied on silica- supported Ni catalysts prepared by either incipient-wetness impregnation (Ni/SiO2-I) or ammonia (Ni/SiO2-A) methods. A Ni/SiO2-Al2O3-I sample was also used. Ni/SiO2-I was a non-acidic catalyst containing large Ni^0 particles of low interaction with the support, while Ni/SiO2-A was an acidic catalyst due to the presence of Ni^2+ species in Ni phyllosilicates of low reducibility. Ni/SiO2-I formed essentially butylamine (80%), and dibutylamine as the only byproduct. In contrast, Ni/SiO2-A yielded a mixture of dibutylamine (49%) and tributylamine (45%), being the formation of butylamine almost completely suppressed. The selective formation of secondary and tertiary amines on Ni/SiO2-A was explained by considering that butylamine is not release to the liquid phase during the reaction because it is strongly adsorbed on surface acid sites contiguous to Ni^0 atoms, thereby favoring the butylimine/butylamine condensation to higher amines between adsorbed species.
文摘The Composition Vector Tree (CVTree) is a parameter-free and alignment-free method to infer pro-karyotic phylogeny from their complete genomes. It is distinct from the traditional 16S rRNA analysis in both the input data and the methodology. The prokaryotic phylogenetic trees constructed by using the CVTree method agree well with the Bergey’s taxonomy in all major groupings and fine branching patterns. Thus, combined use of the CVTree approach and the 16S rRNA analysis may provide an objective and reliable reconstruction of the prokaryotic branch of the Tree of Life.
基金the Barcelo Foundation for the financial contribution.
文摘This present study was conducted to evaluate the metabolic effects of isolated fi ber of carrot supplementation in rats.Physicochemical properties of fi ber were determined.The groups were as follows:animals fed a standard diet,control group;high fi ber supplementation(70 mg);low fi ber supplementation(35 mg);for 12 weeks.Blood samples were collected at the time of sacrifi ce.The weights of heart,liver,kidneys and spleen of the experimental rats with respect to body weight were recorded.Commercial kits were used to determine serum glucose concentration,lipid profi le(cholesterol,HDL-cholesterol,triglycerides),and the two main aminotransferases glutamic-oxalacetic transaminase(GOT)/glutamate-pyruvate transaminase(GPT).A histopathological assay was performed on the heart,liver,and spleen tissues of animals.Supplementation with fi ber favors weight loss in female((242.03±23.73)-(197.81±10.45)g);and male rats((262.50±32.21)-(213.96±12.56)g and induces a decrease in glucose levels in the supplemented animals.With the exception of total high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,the other lipid fractions decrease signifi cantly in rats supplemented.Fiber supplementation did not induce changes in the dissected organs of the supplemented animals.In conclusion supplementation of fiber,improves glucose control,lower plasma lipid concentrations and reduced body weight in normal rats.
文摘BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC)is a serious disease that causes significant morbidity.PBC is confirmed with liver biopsy but autoantibodies are frequently used as proxies for diagnosis.The performance of autoantibodies for the diagnosis of PBC seems to vary widely across populations.AIM To assess the diagnostic performance of several autoantibodies for the diagnosis of PBC in Latin American individuals.METHODS We studied 85 female adult Colombians,43 cases with biopsy-confirmed PBC and 42 controls in whom a liver biopsy ruled out PBC.Plasma anti-mitochondrial antibodies(AMAs),anti-smooth muscle antibodies(ASMAs)and anti-nuclear antibodies(ANAs),as well as total immunoglobulin(Ig)M and IgG were determined using immunofluorescence or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in all study participants within 1 year of the biopsy.For all variables,values analyzed were those closest to the date of the biopsy.Patients with viral or alcoholic hepatitis were excluded.RESULTS Mean age at diagnosis was 58.7 years for cases and 56.9 years for controls,and the body mass index was lower among cases.Most cases received ursodeoxycholic acid,while most controls received vitamin E.Sjögren syndrome and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis were the most frequent autoimmune comorbidities of PBC.The prevalence of AMA positivity among PBC cases was unexpectedly low.The sensitivity and specificity values were respectively 44.2%and 76.2%for AMA,74.4%and 38.1%for ANA,14.0%and 73.8%for ASMA,26.7%and 80.0%for IgG,and 57.1%and 85.7%for IgM.The combination of positive AMA plus positive IgM had 91%positive predictive value for PBC.Among AMA-negative cases,the most prevalent antibodies were ANA(87.5%).In all,62%of AMA-positive and 84.6%of IgM-positive individuals had fibrosis in their biopsy.CONCLUSION AMA positivity was very low among female Latin American patients with PBC.The performance of all antibodies was quite limited.These results highlight the urgent need for better PBC biomarkers.
文摘Insomnia is one of the most frequently observed sleep disorders, affecting nearly 10% of the general population. It has multiple etiological factors. Recently, it has been reported that EEG abnormalities are associated with insomnia in patients previously diagnosed as idiopathic insomniacs. In addition, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has shown to be effective in the treatment of disorders characterized by neural hyper-excitability. Method: In the present study, patients with insomnia and EEG abnormalities were submitted to slow repetitive trans-cranial magnetic stimulation, for 15 minutes daily during 10 days. Polysomnographic recordings were performed before and after TMS. Results: The results indicate that the presence of EEG abnormalities significantly decreased after TMS. In addition, most of the sleep parameters showed significant improvement. Conclusions: These data support the notion that TMS is a reliable therapeutic tool for patients affected with abnormalities linked to neuronal hyper-excitability.
文摘Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular disease,fibrosis of the skin,and internal organ dysfunction.Gastrointestinal involvement is the most frequent complication of internal organs,impacting up to 90%of patients.Gastrointestinal involvement can affect any region of the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus,with a predominance of disorders being observed at the level of the upper digestive tract.The gastrointestinal involvement primarily involves the esophagus,small bowel,and rectum.The severity of gastrointestinal involvement affects quality of life and is a marker of worse prognosis and mortality in these patients.In this review,we describe the current findings regarding gastrointestinal involvement by this entity.
文摘Celiac Disease is a chronic entheropathy produced by gluten intolerance, more precisely to certain proteins called prolamines, which causes atrophy of intestinal villi, malabsorption and clinical symptoms that can appear in both childhood and adulthood. This pathogeny, results from the interaction of genetic, immunologic and environmental factors, which produce the lesions on the mucosa of the proximal small intestine. It is important to estimate the maximum gluten content that could be present in supposedly “gluten-free” foods, a limit of 20 mg/Kg is admitted. Rice flour, sorghum flour, starches, hydrocolloids, soy flour and dairy products are analyzed for carrying out the manufacture of gluten-free products, such as bread, noodles and others.
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(No.2021YFB3702601)the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(No.J2019-VI-0023-0140)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.52002326)the Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing(No.cstc2021jcyj-msxmX0602)。
文摘The state of the art for data-driven creep rupture life predictions incorporates microstructural and deformation characteristics into machine learning.However,the microstructures and deformation mechanisms for unknown alloys are inaccessible and uncertain before experiments are carried out,and therefore prevents extrapolations of the learned models.
文摘Objective: The aim of this work was to evaluate the vaginal content of women attending family planning controls and its relationship with the contraceptive practice used (oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine device, condoms, or rhythm method) as well as its relationship with the lack of regular contraception. Design: Observational, descriptive study. Setting: Servicio de Atención Médica—Ministerio de Salud—Sa Pereira—Santa Fe.Argentina. Population: A total of 250 women were studied following the BAVACO (balance of the vaginal content). Methods: Standard method, which included the wet mount test, and Giemsa and Gram stain under the Nugent score. Results: Obtained from the vaginal microbiota, the vaginal inflammatory response, presence of yeast and Trichomonas allowed defining five basic vaginal microbial states which were statistically related to contraceptive methods. Main Outcome Measures: The association of each of the five vaginal states with the different contraceptive practices was determined by X2 test, considering p < 0.05 as a significant difference (Program EPI-INFO 6. Version 6.04). Results: A significantly positive association was found between oral contraceptives and normal microbiota (OR 3.98 – p = 0.000);intrauterine device and bacterial vaginosis (OR 10.1 – p = 0.000);whereas a negative relationship (OR 0.18 – p = 0.005) was found between oral contraceptives and bacterial vaginosis (OR 0.21 – p = 0.000). Conclusions: a) the positive association of combined oral contraceptives with a normal microbiota indicates a positive trend of protection, b) intrauterine devices increase whereas oral contraceptives decrease the risk for bacterial vaginosis, while oral contraceptives reduce the frequency.
基金supported by the UK-China Research Innovation Partnership Fund through the Met Office Climate Science for Service Partnership(CSSP)China as part of the Newton Fundsupported by the Natural Environment Research Council as part of the NC-International programme(NE/X006247/1)delivering National Capability
文摘Thermal processes on the Tibetan Plateau(TP)influence atmospheric conditions on regional and global scales.Given this,previous work has shown that soil moisture−driven surface flux variations feed back onto the atmosphere.Whilst soil moisture is a source of atmospheric predictability,no study has evaluated soil moisture−atmosphere coupling on the TP in general circulation models(GCMs).In this study,we use several analysis techniques to assess soil moisture−atmosphere coupling in CMIP6 simulations including:instantaneous coupling indices;analysis of flux and atmospheric behaviour during dry spells;and a quantification of the preference for convection over drier soils.Through these metrics we partition feedbacks into their atmospheric and terrestrial components.Consistent with previous global studies,we conclude substantial inter-model differences in the representation of soil moisture−atmosphere coupling,and that most models underestimate such feedbacks.Focusing on dry spell analysis,most models underestimate increased sensible heat during periods of rainfall deficiency.For example,the model-mean bias in anomalous sensible heat flux is 10 W m−2(≈25%)smaller compared to observations.Deficient dry-spell sensible heat fluxes lead to a weaker atmospheric response.We also find that most GCMs fail to capture the negative feedback between soil moisture and deep convection.The poor simulation of feedbacks in CMIP6 experiments suggests that forecast models also struggle to exploit soil moisture−driven predictability.To improve the representation of land−atmosphere feedbacks requires developments in not only atmospheric modelling,but also surface processes,as we find weak relationships between rainfall biases and coupling indexes.
基金supported by the National Key Re-search and Development Program of China(Nos.2021YFB3802102 and 2022YFB3707500)the National Natural Science Founda-tion of China(No.52203293).
文摘Machine learning assisted design of materials is so far based on features selected by considering the accuracy of model predictions,and those features do not necessarily ensure a high efficiency in searching for new materials.Here we estimate the efficiency of active learning loop by resampling method using available data as an alternative criterion for selection.The selected features allow an optimization of targeted property with as few new experiments as possible.Input those features into machine learning,we synthesized new high entropy alloys(HEAs)with strengths 2.8–3.0 GPa within five experimental iterations.The alloy AlVCrCoNiMo is found to possess compressive specific yield strengths of 397,144 and 105(MPa cm^(3))/g at 25,800 and 900℃,respectively.The specific yield strength of AlVCrCoNiMo alloy at 800℃is about twice that of the commercial Inconel 718 and the typical refractory HEA of VNbMoTaW.A unique microstructure consisting of multi-scale hierarchical B2 precipitates with coherent interfaces to the BCC matrix strengthens the alloy.Our strategy of maximizing active learning efficiency provides a recipe for selecting features that accelerate the optimization of targeted property.
基金supported by grants from Universidad Nacional del Litoral(U.N.L)(CAI+D,2011),República Argentina.
文摘Nucleic acids-based therapies have recently developed as next-generation agents for treating and preventing viral infection, cancer, and genetic disorders, but their use is still limited due to its relatively poor delivery into targeted cells. We designed and synthesized new amphiphilic amino acid derivatives (cysteine-based) of low molecular weight, formed by the same pentapeptide (AG2: WWCOO) N-acylated, with different hydrophobic chains containing from 12 to 18 carbons, named AG2-Cn (N), which dimerize by oxidation in the presence of pLenti-CMV-GFP Puro plasmid (P) in the respective gemini. We determined transfection efficiency, critical micelle concentration, particle size, ζ-potential and cytotoxicity for the derivatives obtained. We found that all the synthesized compounds were active for DNA delivery and had greater ability to transfect CHO-K1 cells. In particular, AG2-C18 is a promising carrier for gene delivery because it showed no cytotoxicity and its activity was greater than or equal to the commercial actives currently used.
文摘Objectives: to evaluate and compare serum adiponectin levels in different phenotypes of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and to investigate their correlation with endocrine and metabolic parameters. Material and methods: we studied 5 groups of patients: A (n = 20): H (hyperandrogenism) + O (oligoanovulation) + P (polycystic ovary) [classic phenotype];B (n = 17): H + O [classic phenotype but normal ovaries];C (n = 15): H + P [Ovulatory phenotype];D (n = 17): O + P [Normoandrogenic phenotype];and E (n = 16) control group. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, blood pressure and hirsutism were evaluated. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, insulin, Creactive protein, SHBG, androgens and lipids were measured. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Results: there were no differences between the groups in terms of age and BMI. Total cholesterol, LDL-C and triglyceride levels were higher in phenotype A than in C (P P = 0.03). HOMA-IR, insulin and glucose/insulin ratio were significantly higher in phenotypes A and D vs C and E (P P P < 0.05). Conclusions: adiponectin serum concentrations vary according to the phenotypic expression of PCOS. Our results suggest that adiponectin could be used as a biochemical marker to identify phenotypes at increased metabolic risk.
