Parkinson's disease(PD) is characterized by alphasynucleinopathy that affects all levels of the braingut axis including the central, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. Recently, it has been recognized that th...Parkinson's disease(PD) is characterized by alphasynucleinopathy that affects all levels of the braingut axis including the central, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. Recently, it has been recognized that the brain-gut axis interactions are significantly modulated by the gut microbiota via immunological,neuroendocrine, and direct neural mechanisms. Dysregulation of the brain-gut-microbiota axis in PD may be associated with gastrointestinal manifestations frequently preceding motor symptoms, as well as with the pathogenesis of PD itself, supporting the hypothesis that the pathological process is spread from the gut to the brain. Excessive stimulation of the innate immune system resulting from gut dysbiosis and/or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and increased intestinal permeability may induce systemic inflammation, while activation of enteric neurons and enteric glial cells may contribute to the initiation of alpha-synuclein misfolding.Additionally, the adaptive immune system may be disturbed by bacterial proteins cross-reacting with human antigens. A better understanding of the brain-gutmicrobiota axis interactions should bring a new insight in the pathophysiology of PD and permit an earlier diagnosis with a focus on peripheral biomarkers within the enteric nervous system. Novel therapeutic options aimed at modifying the gut microbiota composition and enhancing the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in PD patients could influence the initial step of the following cascade of neurodegeneration in PD.展开更多
This paper mainly discusses fractional differential approach to detecting textural features of digital image and its fractional differential filter. Firstly, both the geo- metric meaning and the kinetic physical meani...This paper mainly discusses fractional differential approach to detecting textural features of digital image and its fractional differential filter. Firstly, both the geo- metric meaning and the kinetic physical meaning of fractional differential are clearly explained in view of information theory and kinetics, respectively. Secondly, it puts forward and discusses the definitions and theories of fractional stationary point, fractional equilibrium coefficient, fractional stable coefficient, and fractional grayscale co-occurrence matrix. At the same time, it particularly discusses frac- tional grayscale co-occurrence matrix approach to detecting textural features of digital image. Thirdly, it discusses in detail the structures and parameters of nxn any order fractional differential mask on negative x-coordinate, positive x-coordi- nate, negative y-coordinate, positive y-coordinate, left downward diagonal, left upward diagonal, right downward diagonal, and right upward diagonal, respectively. Furthermore, it discusses the numerical implementation algorithms of fractional differential mask for digital image. Lastly, based on the above-mentioned discus- sion, it puts forward and discusses the theory and implementation of fractional differential filter for digital image. Experiments show that the fractional differential-based image operator has excellent feedback for enhancing the textural details of rich-grained digital images.展开更多
Peritoneal adhesions represent an important clinical challenge in gastrointestinal surgery. Peritoneal adhesions are a consequence of peritoneal irritation by infection or surgical trauma, and may be considered as the...Peritoneal adhesions represent an important clinical challenge in gastrointestinal surgery. Peritoneal adhesions are a consequence of peritoneal irritation by infection or surgical trauma, and may be considered as the pathological part of healing following any peritoneal injury, particularly due to abdominal surgery. The balance between fi brin deposition and degradation is critical in determining normal peritoneal healing or adhesion formation. Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are a major cause of morbidity resulting in multiple complications, many of which may manifest several years after the initial surgical procedure. In addition to acute small bowel obstruction, peritoneal adhesions may cause pelvic or abdominal pain, and infertility. In this paper, the authors reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis and various prevention strategies of adhesion formation, using Medline and PubMed search. Several preventive agents against postoperative peri-toneal adhesions have been investigated. Their role aims in activating fi brinolysis, hampering coagulation, diminishing the inflammatory response, inhibiting col-lagen synthesis or creating a barrier between adjacentwound surfaces. Their results are encouraging but most of them are contradictory and achieved mostly in animal model. Until additional fi ndings from future clinical researches, only a meticulous surgery can be recommended to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality rates from these untoward effects of surgery. In the current state of knowledge, pre-clinical or clini-cal studies are still necessary to evaluate the effective-ness of the several proposed prevention strategies of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.展开更多
AIM： To evaluate in a multicenter study whether the sonographic characterization of focal liver lesions can be improved using SonoVue-enhancement; and to compare this method with computed tomography （CT） and magnet...AIM： To evaluate in a multicenter study whether the sonographic characterization of focal liver lesions can be improved using SonoVue-enhancement; and to compare this method with computed tomography （CT） and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）. METHODS： One hundred and thirty four patients withone focal liver lesion detected in baseline ultrasound （US） were examined with conventional US, contrastenhanced US （n = 134）, contrast-enhanced CT （n = 115） and/or dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI （n = 70）. The lesions were classified as malignant, benign or indeterminate and the type of lesion was determined. The final diagnosis based on the combined information of all imaging examinations, clinical information and histology （n = 32） was used. Comparisons were made to see whether the addition of contrast-enhanced US led to the improvement of the characterization of doubtful focal liver lesions.RESULTS： In comparison with unenhanced US, SonoVue markedly improves sensitivity and specificity for the characterization （malignant/benign） of focal liver lesions. In comparison with CT and/or dynamic MRI, SonoVue -enhanced sonography applied for characterization of focal liver lesions was 30.2% more sensitive in the recognition of malignancy and 16.1% more specific in the exclusion of malignancy and overall 22.9% more accurate. In the subgroup with confirmative histology available （n = 30）, sensitivity was 95.5% （CEUS）, 72.2% （CT） and 81.8% （MRI）, and specificity was 75.0% （CEUS）, 37.5% （CT） and 42.9% （MRI）. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the identification of focal nodular hyperplasia （FNH） and hemangiomas was 100% and 87%, resulting in an accuracy of 94.5%.CONCLUSION： SonoVue-enhanced sonography emerges as the most sensitive, ost specific and thus most accurate imaging modality for the characterization of focal liver lesions.展开更多
Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis.It causes acute febrile illness and a potentially debilitating chronic infection in humans,and livestock infection has substantial socioeconomic impact.Over the past two decades,imp...Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis.It causes acute febrile illness and a potentially debilitating chronic infection in humans,and livestock infection has substantial socioeconomic impact.Over the past two decades,improvements have been made to better understand the various aspects of human and animal brucellosis.Meanwhile,especially in the developing world,immense challenges that remain in controlling and eradicating brucellosis are novel diagnostics tools and efficacious vaccines.Here,we will focus on the remarkable issues on epidemiological survey,as well as the priority and challenge of brucellosis in China.Brucellosis will be controlled with meaningful collaboration between local and public partnerships effectively applying a One Health framework.展开更多
In adults, adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily sampled using liposuction. Largely involved in obesity and associated metabolic disorders, it is now described as a reservoir of immature stromal cells. These ce...In adults, adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily sampled using liposuction. Largely involved in obesity and associated metabolic disorders, it is now described as a reservoir of immature stromal cells. These cells, called adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) must be distinguished from the crude stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained after digestion of adipose tissue. ADSCs share many features with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, including paracrine activity, but they also display some specific features, including a greater angiogenic potential. Their angiogenic properties as well as their paracrine activity suggest a putative tumor-promoting role for ADSCs although contradictory data have been published on this issue. Both SVF cells and ADSCs are currently being investigated in clinical trials in several fields (chronic inflammation, ischemic diseases, etc. ). Apart from a phase Ⅲ trial on the treatment of fistula,most of these are in phaseⅠand use autologous cells. In the near future, the end results of these trials should provide a great deal of data on the safety of ADSC use.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of 25 plants against Helicobacter pylori （H pylon）. METHODS： Twenty-five plants were boiled in water to produce aqueous extracts that simulate the ...AIM： To investigate the bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of 25 plants against Helicobacter pylori （H pylon）. METHODS： Twenty-five plants were boiled in water to produce aqueous extracts that simulate the effect of cooking. The bactericidal activity of the extracts was assessed by a standard kill-curve with seven strains of H pylori. The anti-adhesive property was assessed by the inhibition of binding of four strains of FITC-labeled Hpylori to stomach sections. RESULTS： Of all the plants tested, eight plants, including Bengal quince, nightshade, garlic, dill, black pepper, coriander, fenugreek and black tea, were found to have no bactericidal effect on any of the isolates. Columbo weed, long pepper, parsley, tarragon, nutmeg, yellow-berried nightshade, threadstem carpetweed, sage and cinnamon had bactericidal activities against Hpylori, but total inhibition of growth was not achieved in this study. Among the plants that killed H pylori, turmeric was the most efficient, followed by cumin, ginger, chilli, borage, black caraway, oregano and liquorice. Moreover, extracts of turmeric, borage and parsley were able to inhibit the adhesion of H pylori strains to the stomach sections. CONCLUSION： Several plants that were tested in our study had bactericidal and/or anti-adhesive effects on Hpylori. Ingestion of the plants with anti-adhesive properties could therefore provide a potent alternative therapy for H pylori infection, which overcomes the problem of resistance associated with current antibiotic treatment.展开更多
Angiogenesis consists of the sprouting of capillaries from pre-existing vessels. It is well-known that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent. Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and basic fibroblast growth fa...Angiogenesis consists of the sprouting of capillaries from pre-existing vessels. It is well-known that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent. Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） stimulated vascular endothelial cell proliferation and are involved in the neoplastic angiogenesis of several types of tumors including those of the intestinal tract. Authors usually investigated VEGF and using immunohistochemistry bFGF protein expressions or Western blotting and VEGF and bFGF transcripts using reverse transcriptase Dolymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）.展开更多
AIM： Anti-Saccharomyces anti-nuclear associated cerevisiae antibodies （ASCA）, anti-neutrophil antibodies （NANA） and antibodies to exocrine pancreas （PAB）, are serological tools for discriminating Crohn＇s disea...AIM： Anti-Saccharomyces anti-nuclear associated cerevisiae antibodies （ASCA）, anti-neutrophil antibodies （NANA） and antibodies to exocrine pancreas （PAB）, are serological tools for discriminating Crohn＇s disease （CrD） and ulcerative colitis （UC）. Like CrD, coeliac disease （COD） is an inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） associated with （auto） antibodies. Performing a multicenter study we primarily aimed to determine the performance of ASCA, NANA and PAB tests for IBD diagnosis in children and adults, and secondarily to evaluate the prevalence of these markers in CoD. METHODS： Sera of 109 patients with CrD, 78 with UC, 45 with CoD and 50 healthy blood donors were retrospectively included. ASCA, NANA and PAB were detected by indirect immunofluorescence （IIF）. RESULTS： ASCA＋/NANA- profile displayed a positive predictive value of 94.2% for CrD. Detection of ASCA was correlated with a more severe clinical profile of CrD and treatment of the disease did not influence their serum levels. ASCA positivity was found in 37.9% of active CoD.PAB were found in 36.7% CrD and 13.3% CoD patients and were not correlated with clinical features of CrD, except with an early onset of the disease. Fifteen CrD patients were ASCA negative and PAB positive. CONCLUSION： ASCA and PAB detected by IIF are specific markers for CrD although their presence does not rule out a possible active CoD. The combination of ASCA, NANA and PAB tests improves the sensitivity of immunological markers for CrD. Repeating ASCA, NANA, and PAB testing during the course of CrD has no clinical value.展开更多
Articular cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of a specialized extracellular matrix （ECM） that dominates the bulk of its wet and dry weight. Type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan are the main ECM proteins in cartila...Articular cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of a specialized extracellular matrix （ECM） that dominates the bulk of its wet and dry weight. Type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan are the main ECM proteins in cartilage. However, little attention has been paid to less abundant molecular components, especially minor collagens, including type Ⅳ, Ⅵ, Ⅸ, Ⅹ, Ⅺ, Ⅻ, ⅩⅢ, and ⅩⅣ, etc. Although accounting for only a small fraction of the mature matrix, these minor collagens not only play essential structural roles in the mechanical properties, organization, and shape of articular cartilage, but also fulfil specific biological functions. Genetic studies of these minor collagens have revealed that they are associated with multiple connective tissue diseases, especially degenerative joint disease. The progressive destruction of cartilage involves the degradation of matrix constituents including these minor collagens. The generation and release of fragmented molecules could generate novel biochemical markers with the capacity to monitor disease progression, facilitate drug development and add to the existing toolbox for in vitro studies, preclinical research and clinical trials.展开更多
Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION Bednorz and Müller have discovered possible superconductivity around 35K in Ba-La-Cu-O systems. Uchida and Takagi et al. have observed Meissner effect and determined superconductivity in the syst...Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION Bednorz and Müller have discovered possible superconductivity around 35K in Ba-La-Cu-O systems. Uchida and Takagi et al. have observed Meissner effect and determined superconductivity in the system. Within a few months, several groups have reported their successful results. Chu et al. pushed the T_c(onset) of Ba-La-Cu-O to 52K under hydrostatic pressure. Cava et al. obtained nearly single superconducting phase展开更多
High expression of PD-L1 marks the poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas(PDAC).However,the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 remains elusive.We recently reported that cancer Forkhead box protein 3(Cancer-FOX...High expression of PD-L1 marks the poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas(PDAC).However,the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 remains elusive.We recently reported that cancer Forkhead box protein 3(Cancer-FOXP3 or C-FOXP3)promoted immune evasion of PDAC by recruiting Treg cells into PDAC via upregulation of CCL5.In this study,we confirmed that PD-L1 was overexpressed in PDAC samples from two independent cohorts of patients with radical resection.Moreover,C-FOXP3 was colocalized and correlated with the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells at the mRNA and protein levels,and this finding was confirmed by the The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database.Chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP)revealed that C-FOXP3 directly bound to the promoter region of PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer cells.Furthermore,overexpression of C-FOXP3 activated the luciferase reporter gene under the control of the PD-L1 promoter.However,mutation of the binding motif-a completely reversed the luciferase activity.In addition,C-FOXP3-induced upregulation of PD-L1 effectively inhibited the activity of CD8+T cells.Based on our recent finding that the CCL-5 antibody achieved a better response to PDAC models with high C-FOXP3 levels,we further demonstrated that the PD-L1 antibody strengthened the antitumor effect of CCL-5 blockade in xenograft and orthotopic mouse models with high C-FOXP3 levels.In conclusion,C-FOXP3 directly activates PD-L1 and represents a core transcription factor that mediates the immune escape of PDAC.Combined blockade of PD-L1 and CCL-5 may provide an effective therapy for patients with PDAC that have high C-FOXP3 levels.展开更多
AIM To investigate the role of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer and determine surgical, clinical, and oncological outcomes.METHODS This is a propensity score-matched case-control study, comparing three tr...AIM To investigate the role of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer and determine surgical, clinical, and oncological outcomes.METHODS This is a propensity score-matched case-control study, comparing three treatment arms: robotic gastrectomy(RG), laparoscopic gastrectomy(LG), open gastrectomy(OG). Data collection started after sharing a specific study protocol. Data were recorded through a tailored and protected web-based system. Primary outcomes: harvested lymph nodes, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, complications rate. Among the secondary outcomes, there are: operative time, R0 resections, POD of mobilization, POD of starting liquid diet and soft solid diet. The analysis includes the evaluation of type and grade of postoperative complications. Detailed information of anastomotic leakages is also provided.RESULTS The present analysis was carried out of 1026 gastrectomies. To guarantee homogenous distribution of cases, patients in the RG, LG and OG groups were 1:1:2 matched using a propensity score analysis with a caliper = 0.2. The successful matching resulted in a total sample of 604 patients(RG = 151; LG = 151; OG = 302). The three groups showed no differences in all baseline patients characteristics, type of surgery(P = 0.42) and stage of the disease(P = 0.16). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the LG(95.93 ± 119.22) and RG(117.91 ± 68.11) groups compared to the OG(127.26 ± 79.50, P = 0.002). The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was similar between the RG(27.78 ± 11.45), LG(24.58 ± 13.56) and OG(25.82 ± 12.07) approach. A benefit in favor of the minimally invasive approaches was found in the length of hospital stay(P < 0.0001). A similar complications rate was found(P = 0.13). The leakage rate was not different(P = 0.78) between groups.CONCLUSION Laparoscopic and robotic surgery can be safely performed and proposed as possible alternative to open surgery. The main highlighted benefit is a faster postoperative functional recovery.展开更多
Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is the standard therapy in common bile duct (CBD) stones extraction. Large stones (≥ 12 mm) or multiple stones extraction may be challenging after ES alone. Endoscopic sphinc...Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is the standard therapy in common bile duct (CBD) stones extraction. Large stones (≥ 12 mm) or multiple stones extraction may be challenging after ES alone. Endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by large balloon dilation (ESLBD) has been described as an alternative to ES in these indications. Efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and technical aspects of the procedure have been here reviewed. PubMed and Google Scholar search resulted in forty-one articles dealing with CBD stone extraction with 12 mm or more dilation balloons after ES. ESLBD is at least as effective as ES, and reduces the need for additional mechanical lithotripsy. Adverse events rates are not statistically different after ESLBD compared to ES for pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation. However, particular attention should be paid in patients with CBD strictures, which is identified as a risk factor of perforation. ESLBD is slightly cost-effective compared to ES. A small sphincterotomy is usually performed, and may reduce bleeding rates compared to full sphincterotomy. Dilation is performed with 12-20 mm enteral balloons. Optimal inflation time is yet to be determined. The procedure can be performed safely even in patients with peri-ampullary diverticula and surgically altered anatomy. ESLBD is effective and safe in the removal of large CBD stones, however, small sphincterotomy might be preferred and CBD strictures should be considered as a relative contraindication.展开更多
Background:The purpose of this case series is to report the one-year outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)using the VisuMax®femtosecond laser.Methods:Two hundred and six patients were recruited f...Background:The purpose of this case series is to report the one-year outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)using the VisuMax®femtosecond laser.Methods:Two hundred and six patients were recruited for this retrospective,single center study at TRSC International LASIK Center in Bangkok,Thailand.Patients underwent SMILE,whereby an intrastromal lenticule was cut using a femtosecond laser and then manually extracted without the need for flap creation.Outcome measures included refraction,visual acuity and contrast sensitivity evaluation.Patients were treated and followed for one year.Results:SMILE for the correction of low to high myopia was performed on 347 eyes of 206 patients.The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was−4.96±1.88 diopters(D).On the first day following surgery,for eyes with a plano target refraction(99.14%of all eyes),uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA)was 20/20 or better in 90%of eyes.At the one week postoperative exam,the mean spherical equivalent was 0.01±0.36 D and UDVA was 20/20 or better in 84%of eyes.After one year follow-up,no eyes showed loss of 2 or more lines of visual acuity and 31%of eyes gained one or more lines.The photopic contrast sensitivity of SMILE treated eyes at 12 and 18 cycles per degree(cpd)improved from 1.59 and 0.94 preoperatively to 1.6 and 0.98,respectively,after one year.Conclusions:In this series,SMILE using the VisuMax®femtosecond laser demonstrated that after one year it is an effective,predictable and safe minimally invasive corneal refractive procedure.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effect of the probiotic combination Lactibiane Tolerance<sup>®</sup> (LT) on epithelial barrier function in vitro and in vivo.
Rectal cancer constitutes a major public health issue.Total mesorectal excision has remained the gold standard treatment for mid and low rectal tumors since its introduction in the late 1980s.Removal of all lymph node...Rectal cancer constitutes a major public health issue.Total mesorectal excision has remained the gold standard treatment for mid and low rectal tumors since its introduction in the late 1980s.Removal of all lymph nodes located in the mesorectum has indeed improved pathological and oncological outcomes.However,when cancer spreads to the lateral lymph nodes(located along the iliac and obturator arteries)Western and Japanese practices differ.Where the Western guidelines consider this condition as an advanced form of the disease and use neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy liberally,the Japanese guidelines define it as a local disease and proceed to lateral lymph node dissection with or without neoadjuvant treatment.Herein,we review the current literature regarding both therapeutic strategies,with the aim of contributing to potential improvements in treatment and outcome for patients with low and mid rectal cancer.展开更多
The shoe sole geometrical design parameters are believed to be important factors affecting the coefficient of friction （COF） between the shoe/floor interface. This study is concerned with the relationship between th...The shoe sole geometrical design parameters are believed to be important factors affecting the coefficient of friction （COF） between the shoe/floor interface. This study is concerned with the relationship between the measured COF and the tread groove orientation and width on the footwear pad. Friction measurements using the Brungraber Mark Ⅱ slipmeter were conducted. Six tread groove width/orientations designs on the footwear pads under 27 footwear material/floor/contamination conditions were tested. The results show that tread orientation and width affect the measured COF significantly. Wider grooved footwear pads result in higher COF values and footwear pads with tread grooves perpendicular to the friction measurement direction have higher COF values. A regression model using measured COF as the dependent variable and tread groove width, groove orientation, footwear material, floor, and contamination conditions as independent variables was established. The models are significant at p〈0.0001 with R^2 of 0.97, which may be used in predicting the COF at the shoe-floor interface .展开更多
AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity...AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity generating lyso-PAF）, acetylhydrolase activity （AHA, the PAF degrading enzyme） and PAF receptor （PAF-R） transcripts in cirrhotic liver and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-nine patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Cirrhosis was present in fourteen patients and seven had no liver disease. Tissue PAF levels were investigated by a platelet-aggregation assay. Lyso- PAF was assessed after its chemical acetylation into PAR AHA was determined by degradation of [^3H]-PAE PLA2 levels were assessed by EIA. PAF-R transcripts were investigated using RT-PCR. RESULTS： Elevated amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 （leukocyte-type） were found in cirrhotic tissues as compared with non-cirrhotic ones. Higher amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 and 2 （tissue-type） were found in HCC tissues as compared with non-tumor tissues. PLA2, lyso-PAF and AHA levels were not changed in cirrhotic tissues and HCC. CONCLUSION： While the role of PAF is currently unknown in liver physiology, this study suggests its potential involvement in the inflammatory network found in the cirrhotic liver and in the angiogenic response during HCC.展开更多
文摘Parkinson's disease(PD) is characterized by alphasynucleinopathy that affects all levels of the braingut axis including the central, autonomic, and enteric nervous systems. Recently, it has been recognized that the brain-gut axis interactions are significantly modulated by the gut microbiota via immunological,neuroendocrine, and direct neural mechanisms. Dysregulation of the brain-gut-microbiota axis in PD may be associated with gastrointestinal manifestations frequently preceding motor symptoms, as well as with the pathogenesis of PD itself, supporting the hypothesis that the pathological process is spread from the gut to the brain. Excessive stimulation of the innate immune system resulting from gut dysbiosis and/or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and increased intestinal permeability may induce systemic inflammation, while activation of enteric neurons and enteric glial cells may contribute to the initiation of alpha-synuclein misfolding.Additionally, the adaptive immune system may be disturbed by bacterial proteins cross-reacting with human antigens. A better understanding of the brain-gutmicrobiota axis interactions should bring a new insight in the pathophysiology of PD and permit an earlier diagnosis with a focus on peripheral biomarkers within the enteric nervous system. Novel therapeutic options aimed at modifying the gut microbiota composition and enhancing the intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in PD patients could influence the initial step of the following cascade of neurodegeneration in PD.
基金Supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (Grant No. 20060401016), Fondation Franco-Chinoise Pour La Science Et Ses Applications (FFCSA)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 60572033)the Doctor Foundation of China National Education Department (Grant No. 20060610021)
文摘This paper mainly discusses fractional differential approach to detecting textural features of digital image and its fractional differential filter. Firstly, both the geo- metric meaning and the kinetic physical meaning of fractional differential are clearly explained in view of information theory and kinetics, respectively. Secondly, it puts forward and discusses the definitions and theories of fractional stationary point, fractional equilibrium coefficient, fractional stable coefficient, and fractional grayscale co-occurrence matrix. At the same time, it particularly discusses frac- tional grayscale co-occurrence matrix approach to detecting textural features of digital image. Thirdly, it discusses in detail the structures and parameters of nxn any order fractional differential mask on negative x-coordinate, positive x-coordi- nate, negative y-coordinate, positive y-coordinate, left downward diagonal, left upward diagonal, right downward diagonal, and right upward diagonal, respectively. Furthermore, it discusses the numerical implementation algorithms of fractional differential mask for digital image. Lastly, based on the above-mentioned discus- sion, it puts forward and discusses the theory and implementation of fractional differential filter for digital image. Experiments show that the fractional differential-based image operator has excellent feedback for enhancing the textural details of rich-grained digital images.
文摘Peritoneal adhesions represent an important clinical challenge in gastrointestinal surgery. Peritoneal adhesions are a consequence of peritoneal irritation by infection or surgical trauma, and may be considered as the pathological part of healing following any peritoneal injury, particularly due to abdominal surgery. The balance between fi brin deposition and degradation is critical in determining normal peritoneal healing or adhesion formation. Postoperative peritoneal adhesions are a major cause of morbidity resulting in multiple complications, many of which may manifest several years after the initial surgical procedure. In addition to acute small bowel obstruction, peritoneal adhesions may cause pelvic or abdominal pain, and infertility. In this paper, the authors reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis and various prevention strategies of adhesion formation, using Medline and PubMed search. Several preventive agents against postoperative peri-toneal adhesions have been investigated. Their role aims in activating fi brinolysis, hampering coagulation, diminishing the inflammatory response, inhibiting col-lagen synthesis or creating a barrier between adjacentwound surfaces. Their results are encouraging but most of them are contradictory and achieved mostly in animal model. Until additional fi ndings from future clinical researches, only a meticulous surgery can be recommended to reduce unnecessary morbidity and mortality rates from these untoward effects of surgery. In the current state of knowledge, pre-clinical or clini-cal studies are still necessary to evaluate the effective-ness of the several proposed prevention strategies of postoperative peritoneal adhesions.
文摘AIM： To evaluate in a multicenter study whether the sonographic characterization of focal liver lesions can be improved using SonoVue-enhancement; and to compare this method with computed tomography （CT） and magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）. METHODS： One hundred and thirty four patients withone focal liver lesion detected in baseline ultrasound （US） were examined with conventional US, contrastenhanced US （n = 134）, contrast-enhanced CT （n = 115） and/or dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI （n = 70）. The lesions were classified as malignant, benign or indeterminate and the type of lesion was determined. The final diagnosis based on the combined information of all imaging examinations, clinical information and histology （n = 32） was used. Comparisons were made to see whether the addition of contrast-enhanced US led to the improvement of the characterization of doubtful focal liver lesions.RESULTS： In comparison with unenhanced US, SonoVue markedly improves sensitivity and specificity for the characterization （malignant/benign） of focal liver lesions. In comparison with CT and/or dynamic MRI, SonoVue -enhanced sonography applied for characterization of focal liver lesions was 30.2% more sensitive in the recognition of malignancy and 16.1% more specific in the exclusion of malignancy and overall 22.9% more accurate. In the subgroup with confirmative histology available （n = 30）, sensitivity was 95.5% （CEUS）, 72.2% （CT） and 81.8% （MRI）, and specificity was 75.0% （CEUS）, 37.5% （CT） and 42.9% （MRI）. The sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for the identification of focal nodular hyperplasia （FNH） and hemangiomas was 100% and 87%, resulting in an accuracy of 94.5%.CONCLUSION： SonoVue-enhanced sonography emerges as the most sensitive, ost specific and thus most accurate imaging modality for the characterization of focal liver lesions.
基金This study was funded by Major Infectious Diseases such as AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control technology major projects(Grant No.2018ZX10712-001)Major Infectious Diseases such as AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Prevention and Control technology major projects(Grant No.2018ZX10201002).
文摘Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis.It causes acute febrile illness and a potentially debilitating chronic infection in humans,and livestock infection has substantial socioeconomic impact.Over the past two decades,improvements have been made to better understand the various aspects of human and animal brucellosis.Meanwhile,especially in the developing world,immense challenges that remain in controlling and eradicating brucellosis are novel diagnostics tools and efficacious vaccines.Here,we will focus on the remarkable issues on epidemiological survey,as well as the priority and challenge of brucellosis in China.Brucellosis will be controlled with meaningful collaboration between local and public partnerships effectively applying a One Health framework.
文摘In adults, adipose tissue is abundant and can be easily sampled using liposuction. Largely involved in obesity and associated metabolic disorders, it is now described as a reservoir of immature stromal cells. These cells, called adipose-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) must be distinguished from the crude stromal vascular fraction (SVF) obtained after digestion of adipose tissue. ADSCs share many features with mesenchymal stem cells derived from bone marrow, including paracrine activity, but they also display some specific features, including a greater angiogenic potential. Their angiogenic properties as well as their paracrine activity suggest a putative tumor-promoting role for ADSCs although contradictory data have been published on this issue. Both SVF cells and ADSCs are currently being investigated in clinical trials in several fields (chronic inflammation, ischemic diseases, etc. ). Apart from a phase Ⅲ trial on the treatment of fistula,most of these are in phaseⅠand use autologous cells. In the near future, the end results of these trials should provide a great deal of data on the safety of ADSC use.
基金Supported by the European Union on EC contract QLK2-CT-2001-01216(ADRI)
文摘AIM： To investigate the bactericidal and anti-adhesive properties of 25 plants against Helicobacter pylori （H pylon）. METHODS： Twenty-five plants were boiled in water to produce aqueous extracts that simulate the effect of cooking. The bactericidal activity of the extracts was assessed by a standard kill-curve with seven strains of H pylori. The anti-adhesive property was assessed by the inhibition of binding of four strains of FITC-labeled Hpylori to stomach sections. RESULTS： Of all the plants tested, eight plants, including Bengal quince, nightshade, garlic, dill, black pepper, coriander, fenugreek and black tea, were found to have no bactericidal effect on any of the isolates. Columbo weed, long pepper, parsley, tarragon, nutmeg, yellow-berried nightshade, threadstem carpetweed, sage and cinnamon had bactericidal activities against Hpylori, but total inhibition of growth was not achieved in this study. Among the plants that killed H pylori, turmeric was the most efficient, followed by cumin, ginger, chilli, borage, black caraway, oregano and liquorice. Moreover, extracts of turmeric, borage and parsley were able to inhibit the adhesion of H pylori strains to the stomach sections. CONCLUSION： Several plants that were tested in our study had bactericidal and/or anti-adhesive effects on Hpylori. Ingestion of the plants with anti-adhesive properties could therefore provide a potent alternative therapy for H pylori infection, which overcomes the problem of resistance associated with current antibiotic treatment.
基金Supported by La Ligue Nationale Francaise Contre le Cancer (Comitéde la Corrèze et de la Haute Vienne)
文摘Angiogenesis consists of the sprouting of capillaries from pre-existing vessels. It is well-known that tumor growth is angiogenesis-dependent. Vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and basic fibroblast growth factor （bFGF） stimulated vascular endothelial cell proliferation and are involved in the neoplastic angiogenesis of several types of tumors including those of the intestinal tract. Authors usually investigated VEGF and using immunohistochemistry bFGF protein expressions or Western blotting and VEGF and bFGF transcripts using reverse transcriptase Dolymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR）.
文摘AIM： Anti-Saccharomyces anti-nuclear associated cerevisiae antibodies （ASCA）, anti-neutrophil antibodies （NANA） and antibodies to exocrine pancreas （PAB）, are serological tools for discriminating Crohn＇s disease （CrD） and ulcerative colitis （UC）. Like CrD, coeliac disease （COD） is an inflammatory bowel disease （IBD） associated with （auto） antibodies. Performing a multicenter study we primarily aimed to determine the performance of ASCA, NANA and PAB tests for IBD diagnosis in children and adults, and secondarily to evaluate the prevalence of these markers in CoD. METHODS： Sera of 109 patients with CrD, 78 with UC, 45 with CoD and 50 healthy blood donors were retrospectively included. ASCA, NANA and PAB were detected by indirect immunofluorescence （IIF）. RESULTS： ASCA＋/NANA- profile displayed a positive predictive value of 94.2% for CrD. Detection of ASCA was correlated with a more severe clinical profile of CrD and treatment of the disease did not influence their serum levels. ASCA positivity was found in 37.9% of active CoD.PAB were found in 36.7% CrD and 13.3% CoD patients and were not correlated with clinical features of CrD, except with an early onset of the disease. Fifteen CrD patients were ASCA negative and PAB positive. CONCLUSION： ASCA and PAB detected by IIF are specific markers for CrD although their presence does not rule out a possible active CoD. The combination of ASCA, NANA and PAB tests improves the sensitivity of immunological markers for CrD. Repeating ASCA, NANA, and PAB testing during the course of CrD has no clinical value.
文摘Articular cartilage is a connective tissue consisting of a specialized extracellular matrix （ECM） that dominates the bulk of its wet and dry weight. Type Ⅱ collagen and aggrecan are the main ECM proteins in cartilage. However, little attention has been paid to less abundant molecular components, especially minor collagens, including type Ⅳ, Ⅵ, Ⅸ, Ⅹ, Ⅺ, Ⅻ, ⅩⅢ, and ⅩⅣ, etc. Although accounting for only a small fraction of the mature matrix, these minor collagens not only play essential structural roles in the mechanical properties, organization, and shape of articular cartilage, but also fulfil specific biological functions. Genetic studies of these minor collagens have revealed that they are associated with multiple connective tissue diseases, especially degenerative joint disease. The progressive destruction of cartilage involves the degradation of matrix constituents including these minor collagens. The generation and release of fragmented molecules could generate novel biochemical markers with the capacity to monitor disease progression, facilitate drug development and add to the existing toolbox for in vitro studies, preclinical research and clinical trials.
文摘Ⅰ. INTRODUCTION Bednorz and Müller have discovered possible superconductivity around 35K in Ba-La-Cu-O systems. Uchida and Takagi et al. have observed Meissner effect and determined superconductivity in the system. Within a few months, several groups have reported their successful results. Chu et al. pushed the T_c(onset) of Ba-La-Cu-O to 52K under hydrostatic pressure. Cava et al. obtained nearly single superconducting phase
基金funded by The National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,under award numbers 81772633,81672431,81700631,61425006)the Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong Province,and the SJTU Medicine Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Fund under award number YG2017MS19.
文摘High expression of PD-L1 marks the poor prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas(PDAC).However,the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 remains elusive.We recently reported that cancer Forkhead box protein 3(Cancer-FOXP3 or C-FOXP3)promoted immune evasion of PDAC by recruiting Treg cells into PDAC via upregulation of CCL5.In this study,we confirmed that PD-L1 was overexpressed in PDAC samples from two independent cohorts of patients with radical resection.Moreover,C-FOXP3 was colocalized and correlated with the expression of PD-L1 in tumor cells at the mRNA and protein levels,and this finding was confirmed by the The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database.Chromatin immunoprecipitation(ChIP)revealed that C-FOXP3 directly bound to the promoter region of PD-L1 in pancreatic cancer cells.Furthermore,overexpression of C-FOXP3 activated the luciferase reporter gene under the control of the PD-L1 promoter.However,mutation of the binding motif-a completely reversed the luciferase activity.In addition,C-FOXP3-induced upregulation of PD-L1 effectively inhibited the activity of CD8+T cells.Based on our recent finding that the CCL-5 antibody achieved a better response to PDAC models with high C-FOXP3 levels,we further demonstrated that the PD-L1 antibody strengthened the antitumor effect of CCL-5 blockade in xenograft and orthotopic mouse models with high C-FOXP3 levels.In conclusion,C-FOXP3 directly activates PD-L1 and represents a core transcription factor that mediates the immune escape of PDAC.Combined blockade of PD-L1 and CCL-5 may provide an effective therapy for patients with PDAC that have high C-FOXP3 levels.
基金Supported by CARIT Foundation(Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Terni e Narni),No.0024137
文摘AIM To investigate the role of minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer and determine surgical, clinical, and oncological outcomes.METHODS This is a propensity score-matched case-control study, comparing three treatment arms: robotic gastrectomy(RG), laparoscopic gastrectomy(LG), open gastrectomy(OG). Data collection started after sharing a specific study protocol. Data were recorded through a tailored and protected web-based system. Primary outcomes: harvested lymph nodes, estimated blood loss, hospital stay, complications rate. Among the secondary outcomes, there are: operative time, R0 resections, POD of mobilization, POD of starting liquid diet and soft solid diet. The analysis includes the evaluation of type and grade of postoperative complications. Detailed information of anastomotic leakages is also provided.RESULTS The present analysis was carried out of 1026 gastrectomies. To guarantee homogenous distribution of cases, patients in the RG, LG and OG groups were 1:1:2 matched using a propensity score analysis with a caliper = 0.2. The successful matching resulted in a total sample of 604 patients(RG = 151; LG = 151; OG = 302). The three groups showed no differences in all baseline patients characteristics, type of surgery(P = 0.42) and stage of the disease(P = 0.16). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the LG(95.93 ± 119.22) and RG(117.91 ± 68.11) groups compared to the OG(127.26 ± 79.50, P = 0.002). The mean number of retrieved lymph nodes was similar between the RG(27.78 ± 11.45), LG(24.58 ± 13.56) and OG(25.82 ± 12.07) approach. A benefit in favor of the minimally invasive approaches was found in the length of hospital stay(P < 0.0001). A similar complications rate was found(P = 0.13). The leakage rate was not different(P = 0.78) between groups.CONCLUSION Laparoscopic and robotic surgery can be safely performed and proposed as possible alternative to open surgery. The main highlighted benefit is a faster postoperative functional recovery.
文摘Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) is the standard therapy in common bile duct (CBD) stones extraction. Large stones (≥ 12 mm) or multiple stones extraction may be challenging after ES alone. Endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by large balloon dilation (ESLBD) has been described as an alternative to ES in these indications. Efficacy, safety, cost-effectiveness and technical aspects of the procedure have been here reviewed. PubMed and Google Scholar search resulted in forty-one articles dealing with CBD stone extraction with 12 mm or more dilation balloons after ES. ESLBD is at least as effective as ES, and reduces the need for additional mechanical lithotripsy. Adverse events rates are not statistically different after ESLBD compared to ES for pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation. However, particular attention should be paid in patients with CBD strictures, which is identified as a risk factor of perforation. ESLBD is slightly cost-effective compared to ES. A small sphincterotomy is usually performed, and may reduce bleeding rates compared to full sphincterotomy. Dilation is performed with 12-20 mm enteral balloons. Optimal inflation time is yet to be determined. The procedure can be performed safely even in patients with peri-ampullary diverticula and surgically altered anatomy. ESLBD is effective and safe in the removal of large CBD stones, however, small sphincterotomy might be preferred and CBD strictures should be considered as a relative contraindication.
文摘Background:The purpose of this case series is to report the one-year outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction(SMILE)using the VisuMax®femtosecond laser.Methods:Two hundred and six patients were recruited for this retrospective,single center study at TRSC International LASIK Center in Bangkok,Thailand.Patients underwent SMILE,whereby an intrastromal lenticule was cut using a femtosecond laser and then manually extracted without the need for flap creation.Outcome measures included refraction,visual acuity and contrast sensitivity evaluation.Patients were treated and followed for one year.Results:SMILE for the correction of low to high myopia was performed on 347 eyes of 206 patients.The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was−4.96±1.88 diopters(D).On the first day following surgery,for eyes with a plano target refraction(99.14%of all eyes),uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA)was 20/20 or better in 90%of eyes.At the one week postoperative exam,the mean spherical equivalent was 0.01±0.36 D and UDVA was 20/20 or better in 84%of eyes.After one year follow-up,no eyes showed loss of 2 or more lines of visual acuity and 31%of eyes gained one or more lines.The photopic contrast sensitivity of SMILE treated eyes at 12 and 18 cycles per degree(cpd)improved from 1.59 and 0.94 preoperatively to 1.6 and 0.98,respectively,after one year.Conclusions:In this series,SMILE using the VisuMax®femtosecond laser demonstrated that after one year it is an effective,predictable and safe minimally invasive corneal refractive procedure.
基金Supported by PiLeJe,37,quai-de-Grenelle,batiment Pollux,75738 Paris cedex 15
文摘AIM: To investigate the effect of the probiotic combination Lactibiane Tolerance<sup>®</sup> (LT) on epithelial barrier function in vitro and in vivo.
文摘Rectal cancer constitutes a major public health issue.Total mesorectal excision has remained the gold standard treatment for mid and low rectal tumors since its introduction in the late 1980s.Removal of all lymph nodes located in the mesorectum has indeed improved pathological and oncological outcomes.However,when cancer spreads to the lateral lymph nodes(located along the iliac and obturator arteries)Western and Japanese practices differ.Where the Western guidelines consider this condition as an advanced form of the disease and use neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy liberally,the Japanese guidelines define it as a local disease and proceed to lateral lymph node dissection with or without neoadjuvant treatment.Herein,we review the current literature regarding both therapeutic strategies,with the aim of contributing to potential improvements in treatment and outcome for patients with low and mid rectal cancer.
基金Supported by the National Science Council of Taiwan, China (NSC 92-2213-E-216-006)
文摘The shoe sole geometrical design parameters are believed to be important factors affecting the coefficient of friction （COF） between the shoe/floor interface. This study is concerned with the relationship between the measured COF and the tread groove orientation and width on the footwear pad. Friction measurements using the Brungraber Mark Ⅱ slipmeter were conducted. Six tread groove width/orientations designs on the footwear pads under 27 footwear material/floor/contamination conditions were tested. The results show that tread orientation and width affect the measured COF significantly. Wider grooved footwear pads result in higher COF values and footwear pads with tread grooves perpendicular to the friction measurement direction have higher COF values. A regression model using measured COF as the dependent variable and tread groove width, groove orientation, footwear material, floor, and contamination conditions as independent variables was established. The models are significant at p〈0.0001 with R^2 of 0.97, which may be used in predicting the COF at the shoe-floor interface .
文摘AIM： Platelet-activating factor （PAF） is a pro-inflammatory and angiogenic lipid mediator. Here we aimed to investigate levels of PAF, lyso-PAF （the PAF precursor）, phospholipase A2 （PLA2, the enzymatic activity generating lyso-PAF）, acetylhydrolase activity （AHA, the PAF degrading enzyme） and PAF receptor （PAF-R） transcripts in cirrhotic liver and hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. METHODS： Twenty-nine patients with HCC were enrolled in this study. Cirrhosis was present in fourteen patients and seven had no liver disease. Tissue PAF levels were investigated by a platelet-aggregation assay. Lyso- PAF was assessed after its chemical acetylation into PAR AHA was determined by degradation of [^3H]-PAE PLA2 levels were assessed by EIA. PAF-R transcripts were investigated using RT-PCR. RESULTS： Elevated amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 （leukocyte-type） were found in cirrhotic tissues as compared with non-cirrhotic ones. Higher amounts of PAF and PAF-R transcripts 1 and 2 （tissue-type） were found in HCC tissues as compared with non-tumor tissues. PLA2, lyso-PAF and AHA levels were not changed in cirrhotic tissues and HCC. CONCLUSION： While the role of PAF is currently unknown in liver physiology, this study suggests its potential involvement in the inflammatory network found in the cirrhotic liver and in the angiogenic response during HCC.
