Antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles(Zn O-NPs) has received significant interest worldwide particularly by the implementation of nanotechnology to synthesize particles in the nanometer region. Many micro...Antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles(Zn O-NPs) has received significant interest worldwide particularly by the implementation of nanotechnology to synthesize particles in the nanometer region. Many microorganisms exist in the range from hundreds of nanometers to tens of micrometers. Zn O-NPs exhibit attractive antibacterial properties due to increased specific surface area as the reduced particle size leading to enhanced particle surface reactivity. Zn O is a bio-safe material that possesses photo-oxidizing and photocatalysis impacts on chemical and biological species. This review covered Zn O-NPs antibacterial activity including testing methods, impact of UV illumination, Zn O particle properties(size, concentration, morphology, and defects), particle surface modification, and minimum inhibitory concentration. Particular emphasize was given to bactericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms with focus on generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) including hydrogen peroxide(H2O2), OH-(hydroxyl radicals), and O2-2(peroxide). ROS has been a major factor for several mechanisms including cell wall damage due to Zn O-localized interaction, enhanced membrane permeability, internalization of NPs due to loss of proton motive force and uptake of toxic dissolved zinc ions.These have led to mitochondria weakness, intracellular outflow, and release in gene expression of oxidative stress which caused eventual cell growth inhibition and cell death. In some cases, enhanced antibacterial activity can be attributed to surface defects on Zn O abrasive surface texture. One functional application of the Zn O antibacterial bioactivity was discussed in food packaging industry where Zn O-NPs are used as an antibacterial agent toward foodborne diseases. Proper incorporation of Zn O-NPs into packaging materials can cause interaction with foodborne pathogens, thereby releasing NPs onto food surface where they come in contact with bad bacteria and cause the bacterial death and/or inhibition.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow-enriched CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell Tx through the hepatic artery in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: Four patients with decompensated...AIM: To evaluate safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow-enriched CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell Tx through the hepatic artery in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: Four patients with decompensated cirrhosis were included. Approximately 200 mL of the bone marrow of the patients was aspirated, and CD34+ stem cells were selected. Between 3 to 10 million CD34+ cells were isolated. The cells were slowly infused through the hepatic artery of the patients.RESULTS: Patient 1 showed marginal improvement in serum albumin and no significant changes in other test results. In patient 2 prothrombin time was decreased; however, her total bilirubin, serum creatinine, and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score worsened at the end of follow up. In patient 3 there was improvement in serum albumin, porthrombin time (PT), and MELD score. Patient 4 developed radiocontrast nephropathy after the procedure, and progressed to type 1 hepatorenal syndrome and died of liver failure a few days later. Because of the major side effects seen in the last patient, the trial was prematurely stopped.CONCLUSION: Infusion of CD34+ stem cells through the hepatic artery is not safe in decompensated cirrhosis. Radiocontrast nephropathy and hepatorenal syndrome could be major side effects. However, this study doesnot preclude infusion of CD34+ stem cells through other routes.展开更多
Metastasis is the hallmark of cancer that is responsible for the greatest number of cancer-related deaths.Yet,it remains poorly understood.The continuous evolution of cancer biology research and the emergence of new p...Metastasis is the hallmark of cancer that is responsible for the greatest number of cancer-related deaths.Yet,it remains poorly understood.The continuous evolution of cancer biology research and the emergence of new paradigms in the study of metastasis have revealed some of the molecular underpinnings of this dissemination process.The invading tumor cell,on its way to the target site,interacts with other proteins and cells.Recognition of these interactions improved the understanding of some of the biological principles of the metastatic cell that govern its mobility and plasticity.Communication with the tumor microenvironment allows invading cancer cells to overcome stromal challenges,settle,and colonize.These characteristics of cancer cells are driven by genetic and epigenetic modifications within the tumor cell itself and its microenvironment.Establishing the biological mechanisms of the metastatic process is crucial in finding open therapeutic windows for successful interventions.In this review,the authors explore the recent advancements in the field of metastasis and highlight the latest insights that contribute to shaping this hallmark of cancer.展开更多
AIM: To review all of epidemiological and etiological aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and examined the prevention of this disease in Asia.METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guid...AIM: To review all of epidemiological and etiological aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and examined the prevention of this disease in Asia.METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We were chosen articles that published previously, from Pub Med(MEDLINE), the Cochrane database and Scopus. The key words used in this research were as follows: HCC in Asia and the way of prevention of this disease, with no language limitations. We selected those papers published before 2014 that we considered to be most important and appropriate. All relevant articles were accessed in full text and all relevant materials was evaluated and reviewed.RESULTS: More than 70% of all new cases of liver cancer were diagnosed in Asia, a region that 75% of all those chronically infected with hepatitis B virus(HBV) in the world. Chronic HBV infection is the main cause of HCC in Asia, where the virus is endemic and vertical transmission is common. Japan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan are exception because of high prevalence of HCV infection in these regions. The prevalence of this cancer is high in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, But Middle Eastern countries are characterized as moderate prevalence rate of HCC region and Central Asia and some part of Middle Eastern countries are known as low prevalence rate of HCC. In addition of HBV and HCV the other factors such as aflatoxin, alcohol, obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) might be responsible for a low prevalence of HCC in Asian countries. Currently available HCC therapies, chemotherapy, surgical are inefficient, mainly due to usually late diagnosis and high recurrence rates after surgical resection, and usually end with treatment failure. Liver transplantation also remains as a difficult strategy in patients with HCC. Thus prevention of HCC by treating and prevention HBV and HCV infection, the major causative agents of HCC, and the other riskfactors such as aflatoxin, alcohol, obesity, diabetes and NAFLD is of a great medi展开更多
The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer(CRC) is rising rapidly in Asia.It seems that ethnicity has an important etiological role in CRC in Asia.However the incidence,anatomical distribution and mortality of ... The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer(CRC) is rising rapidly in Asia.It seems that ethnicity has an important etiological role in CRC in Asia.However the incidence,anatomical distribution and mortality of CRC among Asian populations are not different from those in Western countries.There is little support by health authorities for CRC screening and very low public awareness of this emerging epidemic in Asia.The increasing rate of CRC in Asia means that we need to take action immediately to prevent CRC and to diagnose the disease at the early stages by introducing CRC screening in countries at high risk of an increasing burden of CRC.展开更多
Our aim was to record pancreaticobiliary endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) literature of the past 3 decades and evaluate its role based on a critical appraisal of published studies according to levels of evidence(LE).Origina...Our aim was to record pancreaticobiliary endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) literature of the past 3 decades and evaluate its role based on a critical appraisal of published studies according to levels of evidence(LE).Original research articles(randomized controlled trials,prospective and retrospective studies),meta-analyses,reviews and surveys pertinent to gastrointestinal EUS were included.All articles published until September 2011 were retrieved from PubMed and classified according to specific disease entities,anatomical subdivisions and therapeutic applications of EUS.The North of England evidencebased guidelines were used to determine LE.A total of 1089 pertinent articles were reviewed.Published research focused primarily on solid pancreatic neoplasms,followed by disorders of the extrahepatic biliary tree,pancreatic cystic lesions,therapeutic-interventional EUS,chronic and acute pancreatitis.A uniform observation in all six categories of articles was the predominance of LE Ⅲ studies followed by LE Ⅳ,Ⅱb,Ⅱa,Ⅰb and Ⅰ a,in descending order.EUS remains the most accurate method for detecting small(< 3 cm) pancreatic tumors,ampullary neoplasms and small(< 4 mm) bile duct stones,and the best test to define vascular invasion in pancreatic and peri-ampullary neoplasms.Detailed EUS imaging,along with biochemical and molecular cyst fluid analysis,improve the differentiation of pancreatic cysts and help predict their malignant potential.Early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis appears feasible and reliable.Novel imaging techniques(contrast-enhanced EUS,elastography) seem promising for the evaluation of pancreatic cancer and autoimmune pancreatitis.Therapeutic applications currently involve pancreaticobiliary drainage and targeted fine needle injection-guided antitumor therapy.Despite the ongoing development of extra-corporeal imaging modalities,such as computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and positron emission tomography,EUS still holds a leading role in the investigation of the pancreaticobiliary area.The 展开更多
AIM:To investigate endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) for predicting depth of mucosal invasion and to analyze outcomes following endoscopic and transduodenal resection.METHODS:Records of 111 patients seen at our institution f...AIM:To investigate endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) for predicting depth of mucosal invasion and to analyze outcomes following endoscopic and transduodenal resection.METHODS:Records of 111 patients seen at our institution from November 1999 to July 2011 with the postoperative pathological diagnosis of benign ampullary and duodenal adenomas were reviewed.Records of patients who underwent preoperative EUS for diagnostic purposes were identified.The accuracy of EUS in predicting the absence of muscular invasion was assessed by comparing EUS reports to the final surgical pathological results.In addition,the incidence of the post-operative complications over a period of 30 d and the subsequent long-term outcome(recurrence) over a period of 30 mo associated with endoscopic and transduodenal surgical resection was recorded,compared and analyzed.RESULTS:Among 111 patients with benign ampullary and duodenal adenomas,47 underwent preoperative EUS for 29 peri-ampullary lesions and 18 duodenal lesions.In addition,computed tomography was performed in 18 patients,endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in 10 patients and esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 22 patients.There were 43 patients with sporadic adenomas and 4 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)/other polyposis syndromes.In 38(81%,P < 0.05) patients,EUS reliably identified absence of submucosal and muscularis invasion.In 4 cases,EUS underestimated submucosal invasion that was proven by pathology.In the other 5 patients,EUS predicted muscularis invasion which could not be demonstrated in the resected specimen.EUS predicted tumor muscularis invasion with a specificity of 88% and negative predictive value of 90%(P < 0.05).Types of resection performed included endoscopic resection in 22 cases,partial duodenectomy in 9 cases,transduodenal ampullectomy with sphincteroplasty in 10 cases and pancreaticoduodenectomy in 6 cases.The main post-operative final pathological results included villous adenoma(n = 5),adenoma(n = 8),tubulovillous adenoma(n = 10),tubular adenom展开更多
AIM:To review all of epidemiological aspects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and also prevent this disease is examined.METHODS:We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines.All searche...AIM:To review all of epidemiological aspects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and also prevent this disease is examined.METHODS:We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines.All searches for writing this review is based on the papers was found in Pub Med(MEDLINE),Cochrane database and Scopus in August and September 2014 for topic of NAFLD in Asia and the way of prevention of this disease,with no language limitations.All relevant articles were accessed in full text and all relevant materials was evaluated and reviewed.RESULTS:NAFLD is the most common liver disorder in worldwide,with an estimated with 20%-30% prevalence in Western countries and 2%-4% worldwide.The prevalence of NAFLD in Asia,depending on location(urban vs rural),gender,ethnicity,and age is variable between 15%-20%.According to the many studies in the world,the relationship between NAFLD,obesity,diabetes mellitus,and metabolic syndrome(MS) is quiet obvious.Prevalence of NAFLD in Asian countries seems to be lower than the Western countries but,it has increased recently due to the rise of obesity,type 2 diabetes and MS in this region.One of the main reasons for the increase in obesity,diabetes and MS in Asia is a lifestyle change and industrialization.Today,NAFLD is recognized as a major chronic liver disease in Asia.Therefore,prevention of this disease in Asian countries is very important and the best strategy for prevention and control of NAFLD is lifestyle modifications.Lifestyle modification programs are typically designed to change bad eating habits and increase physical activity that is associated with clinically significant improvements in obesity,type 2 diabetes and MS.CONCLUSION:Prevention of NAFLD is very importantin Asian countries particularly in Arab countries because of high prevalence of obesity,diabetes and MS.展开更多
以牛支原体p80基因为靶基因,设计特异性引物与探针,优化反应体系,建立了牛支原体TaqMan探针实时荧光定量PCR(TaqMan real-time PCR)检测方法,并对该方法进行了特异性、敏感性、重复性评估以及临床样本检测。结果显示,特异性试验中,牛支...以牛支原体p80基因为靶基因,设计特异性引物与探针,优化反应体系,建立了牛支原体TaqMan探针实时荧光定量PCR(TaqMan real-time PCR)检测方法,并对该方法进行了特异性、敏感性、重复性评估以及临床样本检测。结果显示,特异性试验中,牛支原体2个菌株Cq值均小于18,其余13个非牛支原体菌株Cq值均大于36;敏感性试验中,最低可检3.89拷贝/μL靶DNA,是普通PCR的10~4倍(普通PCR 3.89×10~4拷贝/μL);重复性试验中,组内、组间重复的变异系数均小于1%;44份牛的临床样品利用TaqMan real time PCR检出6份阳性(阳性率为13.64%),分离培养鉴定检出7份阳性,普通PCR检测全部阴性。本研究建立了一种敏感、特异、稳定的牛支原体TaqMan real time PCR检测方法,可用于牛支原体的快速诊断和核酸定量检测。展开更多
The concentration of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （c-PAHs） present in the sediment and water of Peninsular Malaysia as well as in the cockle Anadara granosa was investigated. Samples were extracted ...The concentration of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （c-PAHs） present in the sediment and water of Peninsular Malaysia as well as in the cockle Anadara granosa was investigated. Samples were extracted and analysed with gas chromatographymass spectrometry. The concentrations of total carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （t-PAHs） were measured between 0.80±0.04 to 162.96 ±14.74 ng/g wet weight （ww） in sediment, between 21.85± 2.18 to 76.2± 10.82 ng/L in water samples and between 3.34 ±0.77 to 46.85 ± 5.50 ng/g ww in the cockle tissue. The risk assessment of probable human carcinogens in the Group B2 PAHs was calculated and assessed in accordance with the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency （US EPA）. Case I in the toxicity assessment analysed the cancer risk to consumers of Malaysian blood cockle. Case II assessed the risk of cancer from exposure to PAHs from multiple pathways. The average cancer risk of case I and case II were found to be classifiable as unsafe according to the US EPA standard. The cancer risk due to c-PAHs acquired by the ingestion of blood cockle was （8.82 ± 0.54） × 10^ 6 to （2.67 ± 0.06） × 10^-2, higher than the US EPA risk management criterion. The non-cancer risks associated with multiple pathways in Kuala Gula, Kuala Juru and Kuala Perlis were higher than the US EPA safe level, but the non-cancer risk for eating blood cockle was below the level of US EPA concern.展开更多
Artificial intelligence(AI)has been developing rapidly in recent years in terms of software algorithms,hardware implementation,and applications in a vast number of areas.In this review,we summarize the latest developm...Artificial intelligence(AI)has been developing rapidly in recent years in terms of software algorithms,hardware implementation,and applications in a vast number of areas.In this review,we summarize the latest developments of applications of AI in biomedicine,including disease diagnostics,living assistance,biomedical information processing,and biomedical research.The aim of this review is to keep track of new scientific accomplishments,to understand the availability of technologies,to appreciate the tremendous potential of AI in biomedicine,and to provide researchers in related fields with inspiration.It can be asserted that,just like AI itself,the application of AI in biomedicine is still in its early stage.New progress and breakthroughs will continue to push the frontier and widen the scope of AI application,and fast developments are envisioned in the near future.Two case studies are provided to illustrate the prediction of epileptic seizure occurrences and the filling of a dysfunctional urinary bladder.展开更多
This is an analytical study of the intensely debated concept of urban livability. The paper examines different literature or theoretical streams that contribute to the debate related to the notion of livable cities. I...This is an analytical study of the intensely debated concept of urban livability. The paper examines different literature or theoretical streams that contribute to the debate related to the notion of livable cities. It juxtaposes academic constructs from architecture and urban planning fields with the popular culture and web indices that rank cities according to their living standards, services, and international appeal. The study offers a comparative analytical assessment of these diverse approaches and lays out a nuanced understanding of urban livability that draws on the richness and diversity embedded in design, planning, and current ranking tools. The paper ultimately aims to shed light on the configurations, conditions, and processes that may enhance the livability of various urban settings. It integrates such disparate views into an interdisciplinary perspective of urban livability. While the bulk of this paper analyses relates to North American, European, and Australian cities, the concepts discussed pertain to urban livability on a Rlobal scale.展开更多
Soil erosion processes during a storm are strongly affected by intra-storm variations in rainfall characteristics.Four storm patterns,each with a different rainfall intensity variation were separated.The storm pattern...Soil erosion processes during a storm are strongly affected by intra-storm variations in rainfall characteristics.Four storm patterns,each with a different rainfall intensity variation were separated.The storm patterns were:(1)increasing rainfall intensity(2)increasing then decreasing intensity(3)decreasing intensity(4)decreasing then increasing intensity.After each erosive rainfall(12 events),Runoff and suspended sediment samples were collected in each plot's tank which is located on hillslopes of the basin of Khamsan.Main storm characteristics and soil losses were plotted and equation of the line of best fit were selected.Analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to determine response of runoff and soil erosion to storm patterns.Results showed that in lower rainfall intensities a linear function fits the relationship between soil loss and rainfall intensity whereas this function tends to be non-linear at higher intensities.Also a strong non-linear relationship was found between different quartiles of storm and soil loss.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in total runoff,soil loss and sediment concentration across four storm patterns(P<0.001)but no differences in the runoff coefficient.In particular,storms with increasing rainfall intensity yielded highest quantities of eroded sediments,total runoff and highest sediment concentrations followed by increasing then decreasing,decreasing then increasing and decreasing intensity,respectively.展开更多
The potential of the visible infrared(Vis–IR)(400–1100 nm)transmittance method to assess the internal quality(freshness)of intact chicken egg during storage at a temperature of 30±7C and 25±4%relative hum...The potential of the visible infrared(Vis–IR)(400–1100 nm)transmittance method to assess the internal quality(freshness)of intact chicken egg during storage at a temperature of 30±7C and 25±4%relative humidity was investigated.Two hundred chicken egg samples were used for measuring freshness and spectra collection during egg storage(up to 25 days).Two correlation models,firstly between Haugh unit(HU)and storage time,and secondly between the yolk coefficient(YC)and storage time,were developed and yielded correlation coefficients(R^2)of 0.86 and 0.96,respectively.These models spanned the period for which egg quality decreased dramatically and are statistically significant(P<0.05).In addition,to reduce the dimensionality of the spectra and extract effective wavelengths,two methods were developed based on principal component analysis(PCA)and a genetic algorithm(GA).The output of PCA and GA were also used comparatively to design an egg quality intelligent system.The result of the analyses indicated that identification ratio of GAwith fast Fourier transform(FFT)preprocessing was superior to other methods,and that the quality classification rates of this method for one-day-old eggs are 100%.This study shows that identification of an egg’s freshness using NIR spectroscopy with GA and artificial neural network(ANN)is reliable.展开更多
Nano silica due to its spherical shape, tiny size and higher density compared to bitumen, may have an inherent potential to improve hot mix asphalt(HMA) self-healing. In this research scanning electron microscopy(SEM)...Nano silica due to its spherical shape, tiny size and higher density compared to bitumen, may have an inherent potential to improve hot mix asphalt(HMA) self-healing. In this research scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images were used to investigate size, morphology and dispersion of nano silica particles. Additionally, HMA self-healing mechanism was also examined by SEM. Furthermore, dynamic indirect tensile test(IDT) was used to evaluate HMA self-healing index. The SEM results indicated that bitumen mortar flowing into micro cracks may be one of the most important mechanisms of HMA self-healing. The experiment results also showed that modification of bitumen by nano silica promotes the ability of the HMA self-healing.展开更多
In mining or construction projects,for exploitation of hard rock with high strength properties,blasting is frequently applied to breaking or moving them using high explosive energy.However,use of explosives may lead t...In mining or construction projects,for exploitation of hard rock with high strength properties,blasting is frequently applied to breaking or moving them using high explosive energy.However,use of explosives may lead to the flyrock phenomenon.Flyrock can damage structures or nearby equipment in the surrounding areas and inflict harm to humans,especially workers in the working sites.Thus,prediction of flyrock is of high importance.In this investigation,examination and estimation/forecast of flyrock distance induced by blasting through the application of five artificial intelligent algorithms were carried out.One hundred and fifty-two blasting events in three open-pit granite mines in Johor,Malaysia,were monitored to collect field data.The collected data include blasting parameters and rock mass properties.Site-specific weathering index(WI),geological strength index(GSI) and rock quality designation(RQD)are rock mass properties.Multi-layer perceptron(MLP),random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),and hybrid models including Harris Hawks optimization-based MLP(known as HHO-MLP) and whale optimization algorithm-based MLP(known as WOA-MLP) were developed.The performance of various models was assessed through various performance indices,including a10-index,coefficient of determination(R^(2)),root mean squared error(RMSE),mean absolute percentage error(MAPE),variance accounted for(VAF),and root squared error(RSE).The a10-index values for MLP,RF,SVM,HHO-MLP and WOA-MLP are 0.953,0.933,0.937,0.991 and 0.972,respectively.R^(2) of HHO-MLP is 0.998,which achieved the best performance among all five machine learning(ML) models.展开更多
Purpose： Fractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%-5%; of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is empl...Purpose： Fractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%-5%; of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is employed and to analyze the predictive factors. Methods： The study was performed in the department of orthopaedics unit of a tertiary care trauma referral center. Patients who underwent surgery for acute fractures and nonunions of humerus shaft through an anterior approach from January 2007 to December 2012 were included. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, including radiographs and discharge summaries, demographic data, surgical procedures prior to our index surgery, AO fracture type and level of fracture or nonunion, experience of the operating surgeon, time of the day when surgery was performed, and radial nerve palsy with its recovery condition. The level of humerus shaft fracture or nonunion was divided into upper third, middle third and lower third. Irrespective of prior surgeries done elsewhere, the first surgery done in our institute through an anterior approach was considered as the index surgery and subsequent surgical exposures were considered as secondary procedures. Results： Of 85 patients included, 19 had preoperative radial nerve palsy. Eleven （16%） patients developed radial nerve palsy after our index procedure. Surgeons who have two or less than two years of surgical experience were 9.2 times more likely to induce radial nerve palsy （p = 0.002）. Patients who had surgery between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were about 8 times more likely to have palsy （p = 0.004）. The rest risk factor is AO type A fractures, whose incidence of radial nerve palsy was 1.3 times as compared with type B fractures （p=0.338）. For all the 11 patients, one was lost to follow-up and the others recovered within 6 months. Conclusion： Contrary to our expectations, secondary procedures and prior multiple surgeries with failed implants and poor soft tissue were not predictive factors of postoperati展开更多
基金support from a research university Grant number 1001/PFIZIK/814174 of Universiti Sains Malaysia(USM)
文摘Antibacterial activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles(Zn O-NPs) has received significant interest worldwide particularly by the implementation of nanotechnology to synthesize particles in the nanometer region. Many microorganisms exist in the range from hundreds of nanometers to tens of micrometers. Zn O-NPs exhibit attractive antibacterial properties due to increased specific surface area as the reduced particle size leading to enhanced particle surface reactivity. Zn O is a bio-safe material that possesses photo-oxidizing and photocatalysis impacts on chemical and biological species. This review covered Zn O-NPs antibacterial activity including testing methods, impact of UV illumination, Zn O particle properties(size, concentration, morphology, and defects), particle surface modification, and minimum inhibitory concentration. Particular emphasize was given to bactericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms with focus on generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS) including hydrogen peroxide(H2O2), OH-(hydroxyl radicals), and O2-2(peroxide). ROS has been a major factor for several mechanisms including cell wall damage due to Zn O-localized interaction, enhanced membrane permeability, internalization of NPs due to loss of proton motive force and uptake of toxic dissolved zinc ions.These have led to mitochondria weakness, intracellular outflow, and release in gene expression of oxidative stress which caused eventual cell growth inhibition and cell death. In some cases, enhanced antibacterial activity can be attributed to surface defects on Zn O abrasive surface texture. One functional application of the Zn O antibacterial bioactivity was discussed in food packaging industry where Zn O-NPs are used as an antibacterial agent toward foodborne diseases. Proper incorporation of Zn O-NPs into packaging materials can cause interaction with foodborne pathogens, thereby releasing NPs onto food surface where they come in contact with bad bacteria and cause the bacterial death and/or inhibition.
文摘AIM: To evaluate safety and feasibility of autologous bone marrow-enriched CD34+ hematopoietic stem cell Tx through the hepatic artery in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.METHODS: Four patients with decompensated cirrhosis were included. Approximately 200 mL of the bone marrow of the patients was aspirated, and CD34+ stem cells were selected. Between 3 to 10 million CD34+ cells were isolated. The cells were slowly infused through the hepatic artery of the patients.RESULTS: Patient 1 showed marginal improvement in serum albumin and no significant changes in other test results. In patient 2 prothrombin time was decreased; however, her total bilirubin, serum creatinine, and Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score worsened at the end of follow up. In patient 3 there was improvement in serum albumin, porthrombin time (PT), and MELD score. Patient 4 developed radiocontrast nephropathy after the procedure, and progressed to type 1 hepatorenal syndrome and died of liver failure a few days later. Because of the major side effects seen in the last patient, the trial was prematurely stopped.CONCLUSION: Infusion of CD34+ stem cells through the hepatic artery is not safe in decompensated cirrhosis. Radiocontrast nephropathy and hepatorenal syndrome could be major side effects. However, this study doesnot preclude infusion of CD34+ stem cells through other routes.
文摘Metastasis is the hallmark of cancer that is responsible for the greatest number of cancer-related deaths.Yet,it remains poorly understood.The continuous evolution of cancer biology research and the emergence of new paradigms in the study of metastasis have revealed some of the molecular underpinnings of this dissemination process.The invading tumor cell,on its way to the target site,interacts with other proteins and cells.Recognition of these interactions improved the understanding of some of the biological principles of the metastatic cell that govern its mobility and plasticity.Communication with the tumor microenvironment allows invading cancer cells to overcome stromal challenges,settle,and colonize.These characteristics of cancer cells are driven by genetic and epigenetic modifications within the tumor cell itself and its microenvironment.Establishing the biological mechanisms of the metastatic process is crucial in finding open therapeutic windows for successful interventions.In this review,the authors explore the recent advancements in the field of metastasis and highlight the latest insights that contribute to shaping this hallmark of cancer.
基金Supported by Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center,Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences
文摘AIM: To review all of epidemiological and etiological aspects of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and examined the prevention of this disease in Asia.METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We were chosen articles that published previously, from Pub Med(MEDLINE), the Cochrane database and Scopus. The key words used in this research were as follows: HCC in Asia and the way of prevention of this disease, with no language limitations. We selected those papers published before 2014 that we considered to be most important and appropriate. All relevant articles were accessed in full text and all relevant materials was evaluated and reviewed.RESULTS: More than 70% of all new cases of liver cancer were diagnosed in Asia, a region that 75% of all those chronically infected with hepatitis B virus(HBV) in the world. Chronic HBV infection is the main cause of HCC in Asia, where the virus is endemic and vertical transmission is common. Japan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Pakistan are exception because of high prevalence of HCV infection in these regions. The prevalence of this cancer is high in Eastern and South-Eastern Asia, But Middle Eastern countries are characterized as moderate prevalence rate of HCC region and Central Asia and some part of Middle Eastern countries are known as low prevalence rate of HCC. In addition of HBV and HCV the other factors such as aflatoxin, alcohol, obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) might be responsible for a low prevalence of HCC in Asian countries. Currently available HCC therapies, chemotherapy, surgical are inefficient, mainly due to usually late diagnosis and high recurrence rates after surgical resection, and usually end with treatment failure. Liver transplantation also remains as a difficult strategy in patients with HCC. Thus prevention of HCC by treating and prevention HBV and HCV infection, the major causative agents of HCC, and the other riskfactors such as aflatoxin, alcohol, obesity, diabetes and NAFLD is of a great medi
文摘 The incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer(CRC) is rising rapidly in Asia.It seems that ethnicity has an important etiological role in CRC in Asia.However the incidence,anatomical distribution and mortality of CRC among Asian populations are not different from those in Western countries.There is little support by health authorities for CRC screening and very low public awareness of this emerging epidemic in Asia.The increasing rate of CRC in Asia means that we need to take action immediately to prevent CRC and to diagnose the disease at the early stages by introducing CRC screening in countries at high risk of an increasing burden of CRC.
文摘Our aim was to record pancreaticobiliary endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) literature of the past 3 decades and evaluate its role based on a critical appraisal of published studies according to levels of evidence(LE).Original research articles(randomized controlled trials,prospective and retrospective studies),meta-analyses,reviews and surveys pertinent to gastrointestinal EUS were included.All articles published until September 2011 were retrieved from PubMed and classified according to specific disease entities,anatomical subdivisions and therapeutic applications of EUS.The North of England evidencebased guidelines were used to determine LE.A total of 1089 pertinent articles were reviewed.Published research focused primarily on solid pancreatic neoplasms,followed by disorders of the extrahepatic biliary tree,pancreatic cystic lesions,therapeutic-interventional EUS,chronic and acute pancreatitis.A uniform observation in all six categories of articles was the predominance of LE Ⅲ studies followed by LE Ⅳ,Ⅱb,Ⅱa,Ⅰb and Ⅰ a,in descending order.EUS remains the most accurate method for detecting small(< 3 cm) pancreatic tumors,ampullary neoplasms and small(< 4 mm) bile duct stones,and the best test to define vascular invasion in pancreatic and peri-ampullary neoplasms.Detailed EUS imaging,along with biochemical and molecular cyst fluid analysis,improve the differentiation of pancreatic cysts and help predict their malignant potential.Early diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis appears feasible and reliable.Novel imaging techniques(contrast-enhanced EUS,elastography) seem promising for the evaluation of pancreatic cancer and autoimmune pancreatitis.Therapeutic applications currently involve pancreaticobiliary drainage and targeted fine needle injection-guided antitumor therapy.Despite the ongoing development of extra-corporeal imaging modalities,such as computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,and positron emission tomography,EUS still holds a leading role in the investigation of the pancreaticobiliary area.The
文摘AIM:To investigate endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) for predicting depth of mucosal invasion and to analyze outcomes following endoscopic and transduodenal resection.METHODS:Records of 111 patients seen at our institution from November 1999 to July 2011 with the postoperative pathological diagnosis of benign ampullary and duodenal adenomas were reviewed.Records of patients who underwent preoperative EUS for diagnostic purposes were identified.The accuracy of EUS in predicting the absence of muscular invasion was assessed by comparing EUS reports to the final surgical pathological results.In addition,the incidence of the post-operative complications over a period of 30 d and the subsequent long-term outcome(recurrence) over a period of 30 mo associated with endoscopic and transduodenal surgical resection was recorded,compared and analyzed.RESULTS:Among 111 patients with benign ampullary and duodenal adenomas,47 underwent preoperative EUS for 29 peri-ampullary lesions and 18 duodenal lesions.In addition,computed tomography was performed in 18 patients,endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography in 10 patients and esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 22 patients.There were 43 patients with sporadic adenomas and 4 patients with familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP)/other polyposis syndromes.In 38(81%,P < 0.05) patients,EUS reliably identified absence of submucosal and muscularis invasion.In 4 cases,EUS underestimated submucosal invasion that was proven by pathology.In the other 5 patients,EUS predicted muscularis invasion which could not be demonstrated in the resected specimen.EUS predicted tumor muscularis invasion with a specificity of 88% and negative predictive value of 90%(P < 0.05).Types of resection performed included endoscopic resection in 22 cases,partial duodenectomy in 9 cases,transduodenal ampullectomy with sphincteroplasty in 10 cases and pancreaticoduodenectomy in 6 cases.The main post-operative final pathological results included villous adenoma(n = 5),adenoma(n = 8),tubulovillous adenoma(n = 10),tubular adenom
基金Gastroenterology and Liver Disease Research Center,Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases,Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science
文摘AIM:To review all of epidemiological aspects of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and also prevent this disease is examined.METHODS:We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines.All searches for writing this review is based on the papers was found in Pub Med(MEDLINE),Cochrane database and Scopus in August and September 2014 for topic of NAFLD in Asia and the way of prevention of this disease,with no language limitations.All relevant articles were accessed in full text and all relevant materials was evaluated and reviewed.RESULTS:NAFLD is the most common liver disorder in worldwide,with an estimated with 20%-30% prevalence in Western countries and 2%-4% worldwide.The prevalence of NAFLD in Asia,depending on location(urban vs rural),gender,ethnicity,and age is variable between 15%-20%.According to the many studies in the world,the relationship between NAFLD,obesity,diabetes mellitus,and metabolic syndrome(MS) is quiet obvious.Prevalence of NAFLD in Asian countries seems to be lower than the Western countries but,it has increased recently due to the rise of obesity,type 2 diabetes and MS in this region.One of the main reasons for the increase in obesity,diabetes and MS in Asia is a lifestyle change and industrialization.Today,NAFLD is recognized as a major chronic liver disease in Asia.Therefore,prevention of this disease in Asian countries is very important and the best strategy for prevention and control of NAFLD is lifestyle modifications.Lifestyle modification programs are typically designed to change bad eating habits and increase physical activity that is associated with clinically significant improvements in obesity,type 2 diabetes and MS.CONCLUSION:Prevention of NAFLD is very importantin Asian countries particularly in Arab countries because of high prevalence of obesity,diabetes and MS.
文摘以牛支原体p80基因为靶基因,设计特异性引物与探针,优化反应体系,建立了牛支原体TaqMan探针实时荧光定量PCR(TaqMan real-time PCR)检测方法,并对该方法进行了特异性、敏感性、重复性评估以及临床样本检测。结果显示,特异性试验中,牛支原体2个菌株Cq值均小于18,其余13个非牛支原体菌株Cq值均大于36;敏感性试验中,最低可检3.89拷贝/μL靶DNA,是普通PCR的10~4倍(普通PCR 3.89×10~4拷贝/μL);重复性试验中,组内、组间重复的变异系数均小于1%;44份牛的临床样品利用TaqMan real time PCR检出6份阳性(阳性率为13.64%),分离培养鉴定检出7份阳性,普通PCR检测全部阴性。本研究建立了一种敏感、特异、稳定的牛支原体TaqMan real time PCR检测方法,可用于牛支原体的快速诊断和核酸定量检测。
基金supported by the MOSTI Science Funding Project(No. 5450100)
文摘The concentration of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （c-PAHs） present in the sediment and water of Peninsular Malaysia as well as in the cockle Anadara granosa was investigated. Samples were extracted and analysed with gas chromatographymass spectrometry. The concentrations of total carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （t-PAHs） were measured between 0.80±0.04 to 162.96 ±14.74 ng/g wet weight （ww） in sediment, between 21.85± 2.18 to 76.2± 10.82 ng/L in water samples and between 3.34 ±0.77 to 46.85 ± 5.50 ng/g ww in the cockle tissue. The risk assessment of probable human carcinogens in the Group B2 PAHs was calculated and assessed in accordance with the standards of the United States Environmental Protection Agency （US EPA）. Case I in the toxicity assessment analysed the cancer risk to consumers of Malaysian blood cockle. Case II assessed the risk of cancer from exposure to PAHs from multiple pathways. The average cancer risk of case I and case II were found to be classifiable as unsafe according to the US EPA standard. The cancer risk due to c-PAHs acquired by the ingestion of blood cockle was （8.82 ± 0.54） × 10^ 6 to （2.67 ± 0.06） × 10^-2, higher than the US EPA risk management criterion. The non-cancer risks associated with multiple pathways in Kuala Gula, Kuala Juru and Kuala Perlis were higher than the US EPA safe level, but the non-cancer risk for eating blood cockle was below the level of US EPA concern.
基金the Startup Research Fund of Westlake University(041030080118)the Research Fund of Westlake Universitythe Bright Dream Joint Institute for Intelligent Robotics(10318H991901).
文摘Artificial intelligence(AI)has been developing rapidly in recent years in terms of software algorithms,hardware implementation,and applications in a vast number of areas.In this review,we summarize the latest developments of applications of AI in biomedicine,including disease diagnostics,living assistance,biomedical information processing,and biomedical research.The aim of this review is to keep track of new scientific accomplishments,to understand the availability of technologies,to appreciate the tremendous potential of AI in biomedicine,and to provide researchers in related fields with inspiration.It can be asserted that,just like AI itself,the application of AI in biomedicine is still in its early stage.New progress and breakthroughs will continue to push the frontier and widen the scope of AI application,and fast developments are envisioned in the near future.Two case studies are provided to illustrate the prediction of epileptic seizure occurrences and the filling of a dysfunctional urinary bladder.
文摘This is an analytical study of the intensely debated concept of urban livability. The paper examines different literature or theoretical streams that contribute to the debate related to the notion of livable cities. It juxtaposes academic constructs from architecture and urban planning fields with the popular culture and web indices that rank cities according to their living standards, services, and international appeal. The study offers a comparative analytical assessment of these diverse approaches and lays out a nuanced understanding of urban livability that draws on the richness and diversity embedded in design, planning, and current ranking tools. The paper ultimately aims to shed light on the configurations, conditions, and processes that may enhance the livability of various urban settings. It integrates such disparate views into an interdisciplinary perspective of urban livability. While the bulk of this paper analyses relates to North American, European, and Australian cities, the concepts discussed pertain to urban livability on a Rlobal scale.
文摘Soil erosion processes during a storm are strongly affected by intra-storm variations in rainfall characteristics.Four storm patterns,each with a different rainfall intensity variation were separated.The storm patterns were:(1)increasing rainfall intensity(2)increasing then decreasing intensity(3)decreasing intensity(4)decreasing then increasing intensity.After each erosive rainfall(12 events),Runoff and suspended sediment samples were collected in each plot's tank which is located on hillslopes of the basin of Khamsan.Main storm characteristics and soil losses were plotted and equation of the line of best fit were selected.Analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to determine response of runoff and soil erosion to storm patterns.Results showed that in lower rainfall intensities a linear function fits the relationship between soil loss and rainfall intensity whereas this function tends to be non-linear at higher intensities.Also a strong non-linear relationship was found between different quartiles of storm and soil loss.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in total runoff,soil loss and sediment concentration across four storm patterns(P<0.001)but no differences in the runoff coefficient.In particular,storms with increasing rainfall intensity yielded highest quantities of eroded sediments,total runoff and highest sediment concentrations followed by increasing then decreasing,decreasing then increasing and decreasing intensity,respectively.
文摘The potential of the visible infrared(Vis–IR)(400–1100 nm)transmittance method to assess the internal quality(freshness)of intact chicken egg during storage at a temperature of 30±7C and 25±4%relative humidity was investigated.Two hundred chicken egg samples were used for measuring freshness and spectra collection during egg storage(up to 25 days).Two correlation models,firstly between Haugh unit(HU)and storage time,and secondly between the yolk coefficient(YC)and storage time,were developed and yielded correlation coefficients(R^2)of 0.86 and 0.96,respectively.These models spanned the period for which egg quality decreased dramatically and are statistically significant(P<0.05).In addition,to reduce the dimensionality of the spectra and extract effective wavelengths,two methods were developed based on principal component analysis(PCA)and a genetic algorithm(GA).The output of PCA and GA were also used comparatively to design an egg quality intelligent system.The result of the analyses indicated that identification ratio of GAwith fast Fourier transform(FFT)preprocessing was superior to other methods,and that the quality classification rates of this method for one-day-old eggs are 100%.This study shows that identification of an egg’s freshness using NIR spectroscopy with GA and artificial neural network(ANN)is reliable.
文摘Nano silica due to its spherical shape, tiny size and higher density compared to bitumen, may have an inherent potential to improve hot mix asphalt(HMA) self-healing. In this research scanning electron microscopy(SEM) images were used to investigate size, morphology and dispersion of nano silica particles. Additionally, HMA self-healing mechanism was also examined by SEM. Furthermore, dynamic indirect tensile test(IDT) was used to evaluate HMA self-healing index. The SEM results indicated that bitumen mortar flowing into micro cracks may be one of the most important mechanisms of HMA self-healing. The experiment results also showed that modification of bitumen by nano silica promotes the ability of the HMA self-healing.
基金supported by the Center for Mining,Electro-Mechanical Research of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology(HUMG),Hanoi,Vietnam。
文摘In mining or construction projects,for exploitation of hard rock with high strength properties,blasting is frequently applied to breaking or moving them using high explosive energy.However,use of explosives may lead to the flyrock phenomenon.Flyrock can damage structures or nearby equipment in the surrounding areas and inflict harm to humans,especially workers in the working sites.Thus,prediction of flyrock is of high importance.In this investigation,examination and estimation/forecast of flyrock distance induced by blasting through the application of five artificial intelligent algorithms were carried out.One hundred and fifty-two blasting events in three open-pit granite mines in Johor,Malaysia,were monitored to collect field data.The collected data include blasting parameters and rock mass properties.Site-specific weathering index(WI),geological strength index(GSI) and rock quality designation(RQD)are rock mass properties.Multi-layer perceptron(MLP),random forest(RF),support vector machine(SVM),and hybrid models including Harris Hawks optimization-based MLP(known as HHO-MLP) and whale optimization algorithm-based MLP(known as WOA-MLP) were developed.The performance of various models was assessed through various performance indices,including a10-index,coefficient of determination(R^(2)),root mean squared error(RMSE),mean absolute percentage error(MAPE),variance accounted for(VAF),and root squared error(RSE).The a10-index values for MLP,RF,SVM,HHO-MLP and WOA-MLP are 0.953,0.933,0.937,0.991 and 0.972,respectively.R^(2) of HHO-MLP is 0.998,which achieved the best performance among all five machine learning(ML) models.
文摘Purpose： Fractures of the humeral shaft are common and account for 3%-5%; of all orthopedic injuries. This study aims to estimate the incidence of radial nerve palsy and its outcome when the anterior approach is employed and to analyze the predictive factors. Methods： The study was performed in the department of orthopaedics unit of a tertiary care trauma referral center. Patients who underwent surgery for acute fractures and nonunions of humerus shaft through an anterior approach from January 2007 to December 2012 were included. We retrospectively analyzed medical records, including radiographs and discharge summaries, demographic data, surgical procedures prior to our index surgery, AO fracture type and level of fracture or nonunion, experience of the operating surgeon, time of the day when surgery was performed, and radial nerve palsy with its recovery condition. The level of humerus shaft fracture or nonunion was divided into upper third, middle third and lower third. Irrespective of prior surgeries done elsewhere, the first surgery done in our institute through an anterior approach was considered as the index surgery and subsequent surgical exposures were considered as secondary procedures. Results： Of 85 patients included, 19 had preoperative radial nerve palsy. Eleven （16%） patients developed radial nerve palsy after our index procedure. Surgeons who have two or less than two years of surgical experience were 9.2 times more likely to induce radial nerve palsy （p = 0.002）. Patients who had surgery between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. were about 8 times more likely to have palsy （p = 0.004）. The rest risk factor is AO type A fractures, whose incidence of radial nerve palsy was 1.3 times as compared with type B fractures （p=0.338）. For all the 11 patients, one was lost to follow-up and the others recovered within 6 months. Conclusion： Contrary to our expectations, secondary procedures and prior multiple surgeries with failed implants and poor soft tissue were not predictive factors of postoperati
