AIM： To investigate and compare the hepatogenic transdifferentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells （ADSC） and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （BMSC） in vitro. Transdifferentiation of BMSC into h...AIM： To investigate and compare the hepatogenic transdifferentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells （ADSC） and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （BMSC） in vitro. Transdifferentiation of BMSC into hepatic cells in vivo has been described. Adipose tissue represents an accessible source of ADSC, with similar characteristics to BMSC. METHODS： BMSCs were obtained from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and ADSC from human adipose tissue obtained from lipectomy. Cells were grown in medium containing 15% human serum. Cultures were serum deprived for 2 d before cultivating under similar pro-hepatogenic conditions to those of liver development using a 2-step protocol with sequential addition of growth factors, cytokines and hormones. Hepatic differentiation was RT-PCR-assessed and liver-marker genes were immunohistochemically analysed.RESULTS： BMSC and ADSC exhibited a fibroblastic morphology that changed to a polygonal shape when cells differentiated. Expression of stem cell marker Thyl decreased in differentiated ADSC and BMSC. However, the expression of the hepatic markers, albumin and CYPs increased to a similar extent in differentiated BMSC and ADSC. Hepatic gene activation could be attributed to increased liver-enriched transcription factors （C/EBPβ and HNF4α）, as demonstrated by adenoviral expression vectors.CONCLUSION： Mesenchymal stem cells can be induced to hepatogenic transdifferentiation in vitro. ADSCs have a similar hepatogenic differentiation potential to BMSC, but a longer culture period and higher proliferation capacity. Therefore, adipose tissue may be an ideal source of large amounts of autologous stem cells, and may become an alternative for hepatocyte regeneration, liver cell transplantation or preclinical drug testing.展开更多
Background: The effect of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea as a cardiovascular risk factor and the potential protective effect of its treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is unclear. We did an o...Background: The effect of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea as a cardiovascular risk factor and the potential protective effect of its treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is unclear. We did an observational study to compare incidence of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in simple snorers, patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea, patients treated with CPAP, and healthy men recruited from the general population. Methods: We recruited men with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea or simple snorers from a sleep clinic, and a population-based sample of healthy men, matched for age and body-mass index with the patients with untreated severe obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea. The presence and severity of the disorder was determined with full polysomnography, and the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) was calculated as the average number of apnoeas and hypopnoeas per hour of sleep. Participants were followed-up at least once per year for a mean of 10.1 years (SD 1.6) and CPAP compliance was checked with the built-in meter. Endpoints were fatal cardiovascular events (death from myocardial infarction or stroke) and non-fatal cardiovascular events (non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography). Findings: 264 healthy men, 377 simple snorers, 403 with untreated mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea, 235 with untreated severe disease, and 372 with the disease and treated with CPAP were included in the analysis. Patients with untreated severe disease had a higher incidence of fatal cardiovascular events (1.06 per 100 person-years) and non-fatal cardiovascular events (2.13 per 100 person-years) than did untreated patients with mild-moderate disease (0.55, p=0.02 and 0.89, p < 0.0001), simple snorers (0.34, p=0.0006 and 0.58, p < 0.0001), patients treated with CPAP (0.35, p=0.0008 and 0.64, p < 0.0001), and healthy participants (0.3, p=0.0012 and 0.45, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis, a展开更多
Objective:To evaluate in ritro antimicrobial activities of selected 58 ethno-medicinal plant extracts with a view to assess their therapeutic potential.Methods:A total of 58 traditional Chinese medicinal plants were c...Objective:To evaluate in ritro antimicrobial activities of selected 58 ethno-medicinal plant extracts with a view to assess their therapeutic potential.Methods:A total of 58 traditional Chinese medicinal plants were carefully selected based on the literature review and their traditional use.The antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts of these medicinal plants were tested against fungi(Aspergillus funigaius),yeast(Candida albicans),gram-negative(Acirelobacter haumannii and Pseudornnruis aeruginosa)and gram-positive bacteria(Staphglococcus aureus).The activities were tested at three different concentrations of 1.00,0.10 and 0.01 mg/mL.The data was analysed using Gene data Screener program.Results:The measured antimicrobial activities indicated that out of the 58 plant extracts,15 extracts showed anti-fungal activity and 23 extracts exhibited anti-bacterial activity.Eight plant extracts have exhibited both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.For instance,Eucommia ulmoides,Pohgonum cuspidcrtum,Poria cocas and Uncaria rhineophylla showed activity against both bacterial and fungal strains,indicating their broad spectrum of activity.Conclusions:The results revealed that the ethanol extracts of 30 plants out of the selected 58 possess significant antimicrobial activities.It is interesting to note that the findings from the current study are consistent with the traditional use.A clear correlation has also been found between the antimicrobial activity and the flavonoid content of the plant extracts which is in agreement with the literature.Hence.the results presented here can be used to guide the selection of potential plant species for the isolation and structure elucidation of novel antimicrobial compounds in order to establish the structure-activity relationship.This in turn is expected to lead the way to the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents for therapeutic use.展开更多
Cervical cancer is a worldwide disease that constitutes a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries, not only due to its high incidence but also because the most affected population compris...Cervical cancer is a worldwide disease that constitutes a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries, not only due to its high incidence but also because the most affected population comprises women who belong to marginalized socio-economic classes. Clinical and molecular research has identified immunological impairment in squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions and cervical cancer patients. Human Papillomavirus(HPV) has several mechanisms for avoiding the immune system: it down-regulates the expression of interferon and upregulates interleukin(IL)-10and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 to produce a local immunosuppressive environment, which, along with altered tumor surface antigens, forms an immunosuppressive network that inhibits the antitumor immune response. In this review we analyzed the available data on several deregulated cellular immune functions in patients with NIC Ⅰ, NIC Ⅱ and NIC Ⅲ and cervical cancer. The effects of immunosuppressive cytokines on innate immune response, T-cell activation and cellular factors that promote tumor cell proliferation in cervical cancer patients are summarized. We discuss the functional consequences of HPV E2, E6, and E7 protein interactions with IL-10 and TGF-β1 promoters in the induction of these cytokines and postulate its effect on the cellular immune response in squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions and cervical cancer patients. This review provides a comprehensive picture of the immunological functions of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in response to HPV in humans.展开更多
K＋ uptake in the high-affinity range of concentrations and its components have been widely studied. In Arabidposis thaliana, the AtHAK5 transporter and the AtAKT1 channel have been shown to be the main transport prot...K＋ uptake in the high-affinity range of concentrations and its components have been widely studied. In Arabidposis thaliana, the AtHAK5 transporter and the AtAKT1 channel have been shown to be the main transport proteins involved in this process. Here, we study the role of these two systems under two important stress conditions： low K＋ supply or the presence of salinity. T-DNA insertion lines disrupting AtHAK5 and A tAKT1 are employed for long-term experi- ments that allow physiological characterization of the mutant lines. We found that AtHAK5 is required for K＋ absorption necessary to sustain plant growth at low K＋ in the absence as well as in the presence of salinity. Salinity greatly reduced AtHAK5 transcript levels and promoted AtAKTl-mediated K＋ efflux, resulting in an important impairment of K＋ nutrition. Although having a limited capacity, AtHAK5 plays a major role for K＋ acquisition from low K＋ concentrations in the presence of salinity.展开更多
AIM： To determine the clinical, analytical and endoscopic factors related to ischemic colitis （IC） severity. METHODS： A total of 85 patients were enrolled in a retrospective study from January 1996 to May 2004. Th...AIM： To determine the clinical, analytical and endoscopic factors related to ischemic colitis （IC） severity. METHODS： A total of 85 patients were enrolled in a retrospective study from January 1996 to May 2004. There were 53 females and 32 males （age 74.6 ± 9.4 years, range 45-89 years）. The patients were diagnosed as IC. The following variables were analyzed including age, sex, period of time from the appearance of symptoms to admission, medical history, medication, stool frequency, clinical symptoms and signs, blood tests （hemogram and basic biochemical profile）, and endoscopic findings. Patients were divided in mild IC group and severe IC group （surgery and/or death）. Qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square test and parametric data were analyzed using Student＇s t test （P 〈 0.05）. RESULTS： The mild IC group was consisted of 69 patients （42 females and 27 males, average age 74.7 ± 12.4 years）. The severe IC group was composed of 16 patients （11 females and 5 males, average age of 73.8 ± 12.4 years）. One patient died because of failure of medical treatment （no surgery）, 15 patients underwent surgery （6 after endoscopic diagnosis and 9 after peroperatory diagnosis）. Eight of 85 patients （9.6%） died and the others were followed up as out-patients for 9.6 ± 3.5 mo. Demographic data, medical history, medication and stool frequency were similar in both groups （P 〉 0.05）. Seriously ill patients had less hematochezia than slightly ill patients （37.5% vs 86.9%, P = 0.000）. More tachycardia （45.4% vs 10.1%, P = 0.011） and a higher prevalence of peritonism signs （75% vs 5.7%, P = 0.000） were observed in the severe IC group while the presence and intensity of abdominal pain were similar between two groups. Two patients with severe IC had shock when admitted. Regarding analytical data, more seriously ill patients were found to have anemia and hyponatremia than the mildly ill patients （37.5% vs 10.1%, P = 0.014 and 46.6% vs 14.9%, P = 0.012展开更多
Patel ar instability is a common clinical problem encountered by orthopedic surgeons specializing in the knee. For patients with chronic lateral patellar instability, the standard surgical approach is to stabilize the...Patel ar instability is a common clinical problem encountered by orthopedic surgeons specializing in the knee. For patients with chronic lateral patellar instability, the standard surgical approach is to stabilize the patella through a medial patellofemoral ligament(MPFL) reconstruction. Foreseeably, an increasing number of revision surgeries of the reconstructed MPFL will be seen in upcoming years. In this paper, the causes of failed MPFL reconstruction are analyzed:(1) incorrect surgical indication or inappropriate surgical technique/patient selection;(2) a technical error; and(3) an incorrect assessment of the concomitant risk factors for instability. An understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the MPFL and cautiousness with the imaging techniques while favoring clinical over radiological findings and the use of common sense to determine the adequate surgical technique for each particular case, are critical to minimizing MPFL surgery failure. Additionally, our approach to dealing with failure after primary MPFL reconstruction is also presented.展开更多
Biodegradable stents(BDSs)are an attractive option to avoid ongoing dilation or surgery in patients with benign stenoses of the small and large intestines.The experience with the currently the only BDS for endoscopic ...Biodegradable stents(BDSs)are an attractive option to avoid ongoing dilation or surgery in patients with benign stenoses of the small and large intestines.The experience with the currently the only BDS for endoscopic placement,made of Poly-dioxanone,have shown promising results.However some aspects should be improved as are the fact that BDSs lose their radial force over time due to the degradable material,and that can cause stent-induced mucosal or parenchymal injury.This complication rate and modest clinical efficacy has to be carefully considered in individual patients prior to placement of BDSs.Otherwise,the price of these stents therefore it is nowadays an important limitation.展开更多
Gastroesophageal reflux disease has an increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide.A significant proportion of patients have a suboptimal response to proton pump inhibitors or are unwilling to take lifelong medicati...Gastroesophageal reflux disease has an increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide.A significant proportion of patients have a suboptimal response to proton pump inhibitors or are unwilling to take lifelong medication due to concerns about long-term adverse effects.Endoscopic anti-reflux therapies offer a minimally invasive option for patients unwilling to undergo surgical treatment or take lifelong medication.The best candidates are those with a good response to proton pump inhibitors and without a significant sliding hiatal hernia.Transoral incisionless fundoplication and nonablative radiofrequency are the techniques with the largest body of evidence and that have been tested in several randomized clinical trials.Band-assisted ligation techniques,anti-reflux mucosectomy,antireflux mucosal ablation,and new plication devices have yielded promising results in recent noncontrolled studies.Nonetheless,the role of endoscopic procedures remains controversial due to limited long-term and comparative data,and no consensus exists in current clinical guidelines.This review provides an updated summary focused on the patient selection,technical details,clinical success,and safety of current and future endoscopic anti-reflux techniques.展开更多
AIM: To determine the dose-related effects of a novel probiotic combination, I.31, on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-related quality of life (IBS-QoL).
Background:Pancreas divisum is a congenital embryological disease caused by a lack of fusion between the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts in the early stages of embryogenesis.Recurrent acute pancreatitis,chronic pa...Background:Pancreas divisum is a congenital embryological disease caused by a lack of fusion between the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts in the early stages of embryogenesis.Recurrent acute pancreatitis,chronic pancreatitis or chronic abdominal pain are the main clinical syndromes at presentation and occur in only 5%of the patients with pancreas divisum.This review aimed to discuss diagnosis and treatment strategies in patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum.Data sources:We report a literature review from 1990 up to January 2018 to explore the various diagnostic modalities and surgical techniques and results reported in the surgical treatment of pancreas divisum.Results:There are limited reports available on this topic in the literature.We analyzed and described the main indications in the treatment of pancreas divisum,focusing on surgical treatment and a discussion of the different approaches.Furthermore,we report the results from our experience in two cases of pancreas divisum treated by pancreatic head resection with segmental duodenectomy(the Nakao procedure).Conclusions:Pancreas divisum is a common pancreatic malformation in which only a few patients develop a symptomatic disease.Surgical treatment is needed in case of endoscopic drainage failure and in cases complicated with chronic pancreatitis and local complications.Many techniques,of greater or lesser complexity,have been proposed.展开更多
Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a new recently characterized entity. This occult infection can be present in two different clinical situations: in anti-HCV negative, serum HCV-RNA negative patients with ab...Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a new recently characterized entity. This occult infection can be present in two different clinical situations: in anti-HCV negative, serum HCV-RNA negative patients with abnormal liver function tests and in anti-HCV positive subjects with normal values of liver enzymes and without serum HCV- RNA. This review describes recent studies of occult HCV infection in both kinds of patients.展开更多
The process of cold acclimation is an important adaptive response whereby many plants from temperate regions increase their freezing tolerance after being exposed to low non-freezing temperatures. The correct developm...The process of cold acclimation is an important adaptive response whereby many plants from temperate regions increase their freezing tolerance after being exposed to low non-freezing temperatures. The correct development of this response relies on proper accumulation of a number of transcription factors that regulate expression patterns of cold-responsive genes. Multiple studies have revealed a variety of molecular mechanisms involved in promoting the accumulation of these transcription factors. Interestingly, however, the mechanisms implicated in controlling such accumulation to ensure their adequate levels remain largely unknown. In this work, we demonstrate that prefoldins （PFDs） control the levels of HY5, an Arabidopsis transcription factor with a key role in cold acclimation by activating anthocyanin biosynthesis, in response to low temperature. Our results show that, under cold conditions, PFDs accumulate into the nucleus through a DELLA-dependent mechanism, where they interact with HY5, triggering its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. The degradation of HY5 would result, in turn, in anthocyanin biosynthesis attenuation, ensuring the accurate development of cold acclimation. These findings uncover an unanticipated nuclear function for PFDs in plant responses to abiotic stresses.展开更多
A micro- and mesoporous carbon obtained from cherry pit waste and activated with HBPO4 acid has been studied as the sulfur host for Li/S batteries. The carbon has a high specific surface area of 1,662 m2·g-1 （S...A micro- and mesoporous carbon obtained from cherry pit waste and activated with HBPO4 acid has been studied as the sulfur host for Li/S batteries. The carbon has a high specific surface area of 1,662 m2·g-1 （SBET） and micropore and mesopore volumes of 0.57 and 0.40 cm3·g-1, respectively. The S/C composite, with a sulfur content of 57% deposited by the disproportionate reaction of a SaO2- solution in an acid medium without an additional heating step above the S melting point, delivers an initial specific capacity of 1,148 mah·g-1 at a current of C/16. It also has a high capacity retention of 915 mAh·g-1 after 100 cycles and a Coulombic efficiency close to 100%. The good performance of the composite was also observed under higher current rates and long-term cycling tests. The capacities delivered by the cell after 200 cycles were 707 and 410 mAh·g-1 at C/2 and 1C （1C = 1,675 mA·g-1）, respectively, maintaining the high Coulombic efficiency. The overall electrochemical response of this carbon as the sulfur matrix is among the best reported so far among the other biomass-derived carbons, probably because of the micro- and mesopore system formed upon activation.展开更多
Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase i （CPS1） deficiency （CPS1D） is an inborn error of the urea cycle having autosomal （2q34） recessive inheritance that can cause hyperammonemia and neonatal death or mental retardatio...Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase i （CPS1） deficiency （CPS1D） is an inborn error of the urea cycle having autosomal （2q34） recessive inheritance that can cause hyperammonemia and neonatal death or mental retardation. We analyzed the effects on CPS1 activity, kinetic parameters and enzyme stability of missense mutations reported in patients with CPS1 deficiency that map in the 20-kDa C-terminal domain of the enzyme. This domain turns on or off the enzyme depending on whether the essential allosteric activator of CPS 1, N-acetyl- L-glutamate （NAG）, is bound or is not bound to it. To carry out the present studies, we exploited a novel system that allows the expression in vitro and the purification of human CPS1, thus permitting site-directed mutagenesis. These studies have clarified disease causation by individual mutations, identifying functionally important residues, and revealing that a number of mutations decrease the affinity of the enzyme for NAG. Patients with NAG affinity-decreasing mutations might benefit from NAG site saturation therapy with N-carbamyl-L- glutamate （a registered drug, the analog of NAG）. Our results, together with additional present and prior site-directed mutagenesis data for other residues mapping in this domain, suggest an NAG-triggered conformational change in the 134-~4 loop of the C-terminal domain of this enzyme. This change might be an early event in the NAG activation process. Molecular dynamics simulations that were restrained according to the observed effects of the mutations are consistent with this hypothesis, providing further backing for this structurally plausible signaling mechanism by which NAG could trigger urea cycle activation via CPS1.展开更多
Extracellular vesicles are released by all cell types and contain proteins,microRNAs,mRNAs,and other bioactive molecules.Extracellular vesicles play an important role in intercellular communication and in the modulati...Extracellular vesicles are released by all cell types and contain proteins,microRNAs,mRNAs,and other bioactive molecules.Extracellular vesicles play an important role in intercellular communication and in the modulation of the immune system and neuroinflammation.The cargo of extra cellular vesicles(e.g.,proteins and microRNAs)is altered in pathological situations.Extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of many pathologies associated with sustained inflammation and neuroinflammation,including cance r,diabetes,hype rammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy,and other neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.Extracellular vesicles may cross the blood-brain barrier and transfer pathological signals from the periphery to the brain.This contributes to inducing neuroinflammation and cognitive and motor impairment in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy and in neurodegenerative diseases.The mechanisms involved are beginning to be unde rstood.For example,increased tumor necrosis factor a in extracellular vesicles from plasma of hype rammonemic rats induces neuroinflammation and motor impairment when injected into normal rats.Identifying the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases will help to develop new treatments and diagnostic tools for their easy and early detection.In contrast,extra cellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have therapeutic utility in many of the above pathologies,by reducing inflammation and neuroinflammation and improving cognitive and motor function.These extra cellular vesicles recapitulate the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells and have advantages as therapeutic tools:they are less immunoge nic,may not diffe rentiate to malignant cells,cross the blood-brain barrier,and may reach more easily target organs.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have beneficial effects in models of ischemic brain injury,Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases,hyperammonemia,and hepatic encephalopathy.Extracellular vesicles f展开更多
Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, defined as the presence of HCV RNA in liver and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the absence of detectable viral RNA in serum by standard assays, can be found ...Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, defined as the presence of HCV RNA in liver and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the absence of detectable viral RNA in serum by standard assays, can be found in anti-HCV positive patients with normal serum levels of liver enzymes and in anti-HCV negative patients with persistently elevated liver enzymes of unknown etiology. Occult HCV infection is distributed worldwide and all HCV genotypes seem to be involved in this infection. Occult hepatitis C has been found not only in anti-HCV positive subjects with normal values of liver enzymes or in chronic hepatitis of unknown origin but also in several groups at risk for HCV infection such as hemodialysis patients or family members of patients with occult HCV. This occult infection has been reported also in healthy populations without evidence of liver disease. Occult HCV infection seems to be less aggressive than chronic hepatitis C although patients affected by occult HCV may develop liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, anti-HCV negative patients with occult HCV may benefit from antiviral therapy with pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin. The persistence of very low levels of HCV RNA in serum and in PBMCs, along with the maintenance of specific T-cell responses against HCV-antigens observed during a long-term follow-up of patients with occult hepatitis C, indicate that occult HCV is a persistent infection that is not spontaneously eradicated. This is an updated report on diagnosis, epidemiology and clinical implications of occult HCV with special emphasis on anti-HCV negative cases.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate accuracy of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound(3D-EAUS) as compared to 2D-EAUS and physical examination(PE) in diagnosis of perianal fistulas and correlate with intraoperative findings. METHODS: A ...AIM: To evaluate accuracy of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound(3D-EAUS) as compared to 2D-EAUS and physical examination(PE) in diagnosis of perianal fistulas and correlate with intraoperative findings. METHODS: A prospective observational consecutive study was performed with patients included over a two years period. All patients were studied and operated on by the Colorectal Unit surgeons. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18, diagnosed with a criptoglandular perianal fistula. The PE, 2D-EAUS and 3D-EAUS was performed preoperatively by the same colorectal surgeon at the outpatient clinic prior to surgery and the fistula anatomy was defined and they were classified in intersphincteric, high or low transsphincteric, suprasphincteric and extrasphincteric. Special attention was paid to the presence of a secondary tract, the location of the internal opening(IO) and the site of external opening. The results of these different examinations were compared to the intraoperative findings. Data regarding location of the IO, primary tract, secondary tract, and the presence of abscesses or cavities wasanalysed.RESULTS: Seventy patients with a mean age of 47years(range 21-77), 51 male were included. Low transsphincteric fistulas were the most frequent type found(33, 47.1%) followed by high transsphincteric(24,34.3%) and intersphincteric fistulas(13, 18.6%). There are no significant differences between the number of IO diagnosed by the different techniques employed and surgery(P > 0.05) and, there is a good concordance between intraoperative findings and the 2D-EAUS(k= 0.67) and 3D-EAUS(k = 0.75) for the diagnosis of the primary tract. The ROC curves for the diagnosis of transsphincteric fistulas show that both ultrasound techniques are adequate for the diagnosis of low transsphincteric fistulas, 3D-EAUS is superior for the diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistulas and PE is weak for the diagnosis of both types.CONCLUSION: 3D-EAUS shows a higher accuracy than 2D-EAUS for assessing height of primary tract in transs展开更多
Agriculture is one of the priority sectors in Timor-Leste. Introducing new agriculture technology is crucial to enhance agricultural production. Practicing cattle fattening can increase beef cattle body weight and gen...Agriculture is one of the priority sectors in Timor-Leste. Introducing new agriculture technology is crucial to enhance agricultural production. Practicing cattle fattening can increase beef cattle body weight and generate income to the beef cattle farmers. As farmers face problems including agricultural production decline, lack of forages and information and weather unfavourable. The study’s purpose was to examine the impact of adoption of cattle fattening technology on farmer households in Atabae administrative post, Bobonaro municipality in Timor-Leste. There were 200 beef cattle farmers households where randomly selected in four villages in Atabae. It consisted of 65 farmers practicing cattle fattening and 135 farmers non-practicing cattle fattening. Face to face interviews used structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis such as t-test and descriptive analysis were used to examine impact adoption of cattle fattening technology by farmers and factor constraints of cattle production and the solutions of it. The results indicated the average value of cattle and profit were significant different from zero and it is associated with practicing of cattle fattening. The average of labour used on cattle activities, the average of cattle sold, and total cost spent on cattle were not significant different from zero. The percentage of farmers said that factors constraints cattle production were shortage of water and forage (53%) and spend time on culture ceremony and lack of capital (33%). The number of farmers said that they collected water from river, feed cattle with sago and forage (55.3%) and cultivated forage (23.4%). This finding contributes information to the farmers, traders, and Timorese government to continue implementing cattle fattening activities as it enhances farmers’ income and developing cattle production.展开更多
基金Supported by the ALIVE Foundation, the FIS from Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Spain, No. 03/0339, and the European Commission, No. LSHB-CT-2004-504761
文摘AIM： To investigate and compare the hepatogenic transdifferentiation of adipose tissue-derived stem cells （ADSC） and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells （BMSC） in vitro. Transdifferentiation of BMSC into hepatic cells in vivo has been described. Adipose tissue represents an accessible source of ADSC, with similar characteristics to BMSC. METHODS： BMSCs were obtained from patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and ADSC from human adipose tissue obtained from lipectomy. Cells were grown in medium containing 15% human serum. Cultures were serum deprived for 2 d before cultivating under similar pro-hepatogenic conditions to those of liver development using a 2-step protocol with sequential addition of growth factors, cytokines and hormones. Hepatic differentiation was RT-PCR-assessed and liver-marker genes were immunohistochemically analysed.RESULTS： BMSC and ADSC exhibited a fibroblastic morphology that changed to a polygonal shape when cells differentiated. Expression of stem cell marker Thyl decreased in differentiated ADSC and BMSC. However, the expression of the hepatic markers, albumin and CYPs increased to a similar extent in differentiated BMSC and ADSC. Hepatic gene activation could be attributed to increased liver-enriched transcription factors （C/EBPβ and HNF4α）, as demonstrated by adenoviral expression vectors.CONCLUSION： Mesenchymal stem cells can be induced to hepatogenic transdifferentiation in vitro. ADSCs have a similar hepatogenic differentiation potential to BMSC, but a longer culture period and higher proliferation capacity. Therefore, adipose tissue may be an ideal source of large amounts of autologous stem cells, and may become an alternative for hepatocyte regeneration, liver cell transplantation or preclinical drug testing.
文摘Background: The effect of obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea as a cardiovascular risk factor and the potential protective effect of its treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is unclear. We did an observational study to compare incidence of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular events in simple snorers, patients with untreated obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea, patients treated with CPAP, and healthy men recruited from the general population. Methods: We recruited men with obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea or simple snorers from a sleep clinic, and a population-based sample of healthy men, matched for age and body-mass index with the patients with untreated severe obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea. The presence and severity of the disorder was determined with full polysomnography, and the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) was calculated as the average number of apnoeas and hypopnoeas per hour of sleep. Participants were followed-up at least once per year for a mean of 10.1 years (SD 1.6) and CPAP compliance was checked with the built-in meter. Endpoints were fatal cardiovascular events (death from myocardial infarction or stroke) and non-fatal cardiovascular events (non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, coronary artery bypass surgery, and percutaneous transluminal coronary angiography). Findings: 264 healthy men, 377 simple snorers, 403 with untreated mild-moderate obstructive sleep apnoea-hypopnoea, 235 with untreated severe disease, and 372 with the disease and treated with CPAP were included in the analysis. Patients with untreated severe disease had a higher incidence of fatal cardiovascular events (1.06 per 100 person-years) and non-fatal cardiovascular events (2.13 per 100 person-years) than did untreated patients with mild-moderate disease (0.55, p=0.02 and 0.89, p < 0.0001), simple snorers (0.34, p=0.0006 and 0.58, p < 0.0001), patients treated with CPAP (0.35, p=0.0008 and 0.64, p < 0.0001), and healthy participants (0.3, p=0.0012 and 0.45, p < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis, a
基金funded by the University of Western Sydney and the Fundacion MEDINAa public-private partnership of Merck Sharp&Dohme de Espana S.A./Universidad de Granada/Junta de Andalucia
文摘Objective:To evaluate in ritro antimicrobial activities of selected 58 ethno-medicinal plant extracts with a view to assess their therapeutic potential.Methods:A total of 58 traditional Chinese medicinal plants were carefully selected based on the literature review and their traditional use.The antimicrobial activities of ethanol extracts of these medicinal plants were tested against fungi(Aspergillus funigaius),yeast(Candida albicans),gram-negative(Acirelobacter haumannii and Pseudornnruis aeruginosa)and gram-positive bacteria(Staphglococcus aureus).The activities were tested at three different concentrations of 1.00,0.10 and 0.01 mg/mL.The data was analysed using Gene data Screener program.Results:The measured antimicrobial activities indicated that out of the 58 plant extracts,15 extracts showed anti-fungal activity and 23 extracts exhibited anti-bacterial activity.Eight plant extracts have exhibited both anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activities.For instance,Eucommia ulmoides,Pohgonum cuspidcrtum,Poria cocas and Uncaria rhineophylla showed activity against both bacterial and fungal strains,indicating their broad spectrum of activity.Conclusions:The results revealed that the ethanol extracts of 30 plants out of the selected 58 possess significant antimicrobial activities.It is interesting to note that the findings from the current study are consistent with the traditional use.A clear correlation has also been found between the antimicrobial activity and the flavonoid content of the plant extracts which is in agreement with the literature.Hence.the results presented here can be used to guide the selection of potential plant species for the isolation and structure elucidation of novel antimicrobial compounds in order to establish the structure-activity relationship.This in turn is expected to lead the way to the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents for therapeutic use.
基金Supported by The Instituto Nacional de Salud PúblicaMexicoby the grant from CONACYT-FOSISS SALUD2008-C01-494 87701,Mexico
文摘Cervical cancer is a worldwide disease that constitutes a significant public health problem, especially in developing countries, not only due to its high incidence but also because the most affected population comprises women who belong to marginalized socio-economic classes. Clinical and molecular research has identified immunological impairment in squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions and cervical cancer patients. Human Papillomavirus(HPV) has several mechanisms for avoiding the immune system: it down-regulates the expression of interferon and upregulates interleukin(IL)-10and transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 to produce a local immunosuppressive environment, which, along with altered tumor surface antigens, forms an immunosuppressive network that inhibits the antitumor immune response. In this review we analyzed the available data on several deregulated cellular immune functions in patients with NIC Ⅰ, NIC Ⅱ and NIC Ⅲ and cervical cancer. The effects of immunosuppressive cytokines on innate immune response, T-cell activation and cellular factors that promote tumor cell proliferation in cervical cancer patients are summarized. We discuss the functional consequences of HPV E2, E6, and E7 protein interactions with IL-10 and TGF-β1 promoters in the induction of these cytokines and postulate its effect on the cellular immune response in squamous intraepithelial cervical lesions and cervical cancer patients. This review provides a comprehensive picture of the immunological functions of IL-10 and TGF-β1 in response to HPV in humans.
文摘K＋ uptake in the high-affinity range of concentrations and its components have been widely studied. In Arabidposis thaliana, the AtHAK5 transporter and the AtAKT1 channel have been shown to be the main transport proteins involved in this process. Here, we study the role of these two systems under two important stress conditions： low K＋ supply or the presence of salinity. T-DNA insertion lines disrupting AtHAK5 and A tAKT1 are employed for long-term experi- ments that allow physiological characterization of the mutant lines. We found that AtHAK5 is required for K＋ absorption necessary to sustain plant growth at low K＋ in the absence as well as in the presence of salinity. Salinity greatly reduced AtHAK5 transcript levels and promoted AtAKTl-mediated K＋ efflux, resulting in an important impairment of K＋ nutrition. Although having a limited capacity, AtHAK5 plays a major role for K＋ acquisition from low K＋ concentrations in the presence of salinity.
基金Supported by a grant from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (03/02)
文摘AIM： To determine the clinical, analytical and endoscopic factors related to ischemic colitis （IC） severity. METHODS： A total of 85 patients were enrolled in a retrospective study from January 1996 to May 2004. There were 53 females and 32 males （age 74.6 ± 9.4 years, range 45-89 years）. The patients were diagnosed as IC. The following variables were analyzed including age, sex, period of time from the appearance of symptoms to admission, medical history, medication, stool frequency, clinical symptoms and signs, blood tests （hemogram and basic biochemical profile）, and endoscopic findings. Patients were divided in mild IC group and severe IC group （surgery and/or death）. Qualitative variables were analyzed using chi-square test and parametric data were analyzed using Student＇s t test （P 〈 0.05）. RESULTS： The mild IC group was consisted of 69 patients （42 females and 27 males, average age 74.7 ± 12.4 years）. The severe IC group was composed of 16 patients （11 females and 5 males, average age of 73.8 ± 12.4 years）. One patient died because of failure of medical treatment （no surgery）, 15 patients underwent surgery （6 after endoscopic diagnosis and 9 after peroperatory diagnosis）. Eight of 85 patients （9.6%） died and the others were followed up as out-patients for 9.6 ± 3.5 mo. Demographic data, medical history, medication and stool frequency were similar in both groups （P 〉 0.05）. Seriously ill patients had less hematochezia than slightly ill patients （37.5% vs 86.9%, P = 0.000）. More tachycardia （45.4% vs 10.1%, P = 0.011） and a higher prevalence of peritonism signs （75% vs 5.7%, P = 0.000） were observed in the severe IC group while the presence and intensity of abdominal pain were similar between two groups. Two patients with severe IC had shock when admitted. Regarding analytical data, more seriously ill patients were found to have anemia and hyponatremia than the mildly ill patients （37.5% vs 10.1%, P = 0.014 and 46.6% vs 14.9%, P = 0.012
基金Supported by Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación,Nos.FIS PS09/00806FIS PI12/00884 to Montoliu C+3 种基金SAF2011-23051,CSD2008-00005 to Felipo VConsellería de Educación Generalitat Valenciana,Nos.PROMETEO-2009-027,ACOMP/2012/066 to Felipo V,No.ACOMP/2012/056 to Montoliu CSanitat,No.AP-004/11 to Felipo V,AP-087/11 to Montoliu CFundación ERESA to Montoliu C
文摘AIM: To assess whether non invasive blood flow measurement by arterial spin labeling in several brain regions detects minimal hepatic encephalopathy.
文摘Patel ar instability is a common clinical problem encountered by orthopedic surgeons specializing in the knee. For patients with chronic lateral patellar instability, the standard surgical approach is to stabilize the patella through a medial patellofemoral ligament(MPFL) reconstruction. Foreseeably, an increasing number of revision surgeries of the reconstructed MPFL will be seen in upcoming years. In this paper, the causes of failed MPFL reconstruction are analyzed:(1) incorrect surgical indication or inappropriate surgical technique/patient selection;(2) a technical error; and(3) an incorrect assessment of the concomitant risk factors for instability. An understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the MPFL and cautiousness with the imaging techniques while favoring clinical over radiological findings and the use of common sense to determine the adequate surgical technique for each particular case, are critical to minimizing MPFL surgery failure. Additionally, our approach to dealing with failure after primary MPFL reconstruction is also presented.
文摘Biodegradable stents(BDSs)are an attractive option to avoid ongoing dilation or surgery in patients with benign stenoses of the small and large intestines.The experience with the currently the only BDS for endoscopic placement,made of Poly-dioxanone,have shown promising results.However some aspects should be improved as are the fact that BDSs lose their radial force over time due to the degradable material,and that can cause stent-induced mucosal or parenchymal injury.This complication rate and modest clinical efficacy has to be carefully considered in individual patients prior to placement of BDSs.Otherwise,the price of these stents therefore it is nowadays an important limitation.
文摘Gastroesophageal reflux disease has an increasing incidence and prevalence worldwide.A significant proportion of patients have a suboptimal response to proton pump inhibitors or are unwilling to take lifelong medication due to concerns about long-term adverse effects.Endoscopic anti-reflux therapies offer a minimally invasive option for patients unwilling to undergo surgical treatment or take lifelong medication.The best candidates are those with a good response to proton pump inhibitors and without a significant sliding hiatal hernia.Transoral incisionless fundoplication and nonablative radiofrequency are the techniques with the largest body of evidence and that have been tested in several randomized clinical trials.Band-assisted ligation techniques,anti-reflux mucosectomy,antireflux mucosal ablation,and new plication devices have yielded promising results in recent noncontrolled studies.Nonetheless,the role of endoscopic procedures remains controversial due to limited long-term and comparative data,and no consensus exists in current clinical guidelines.This review provides an updated summary focused on the patient selection,technical details,clinical success,and safety of current and future endoscopic anti-reflux techniques.
基金Supported by Spanish Ministry of Health,Instituto de Salud CarlosⅢ(in part),No.PI10/02135
文摘AIM: To determine the dose-related effects of a novel probiotic combination, I.31, on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-related quality of life (IBS-QoL).
文摘Background:Pancreas divisum is a congenital embryological disease caused by a lack of fusion between the ventral and dorsal pancreatic ducts in the early stages of embryogenesis.Recurrent acute pancreatitis,chronic pancreatitis or chronic abdominal pain are the main clinical syndromes at presentation and occur in only 5%of the patients with pancreas divisum.This review aimed to discuss diagnosis and treatment strategies in patients with symptomatic pancreas divisum.Data sources:We report a literature review from 1990 up to January 2018 to explore the various diagnostic modalities and surgical techniques and results reported in the surgical treatment of pancreas divisum.Results:There are limited reports available on this topic in the literature.We analyzed and described the main indications in the treatment of pancreas divisum,focusing on surgical treatment and a discussion of the different approaches.Furthermore,we report the results from our experience in two cases of pancreas divisum treated by pancreatic head resection with segmental duodenectomy(the Nakao procedure).Conclusions:Pancreas divisum is a common pancreatic malformation in which only a few patients develop a symptomatic disease.Surgical treatment is needed in case of endoscopic drainage failure and in cases complicated with chronic pancreatitis and local complications.Many techniques,of greater or lesser complexity,have been proposed.
文摘Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a new recently characterized entity. This occult infection can be present in two different clinical situations: in anti-HCV negative, serum HCV-RNA negative patients with abnormal liver function tests and in anti-HCV positive subjects with normal values of liver enzymes and without serum HCV- RNA. This review describes recent studies of occult HCV infection in both kinds of patients.
文摘The process of cold acclimation is an important adaptive response whereby many plants from temperate regions increase their freezing tolerance after being exposed to low non-freezing temperatures. The correct development of this response relies on proper accumulation of a number of transcription factors that regulate expression patterns of cold-responsive genes. Multiple studies have revealed a variety of molecular mechanisms involved in promoting the accumulation of these transcription factors. Interestingly, however, the mechanisms implicated in controlling such accumulation to ensure their adequate levels remain largely unknown. In this work, we demonstrate that prefoldins （PFDs） control the levels of HY5, an Arabidopsis transcription factor with a key role in cold acclimation by activating anthocyanin biosynthesis, in response to low temperature. Our results show that, under cold conditions, PFDs accumulate into the nucleus through a DELLA-dependent mechanism, where they interact with HY5, triggering its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. The degradation of HY5 would result, in turn, in anthocyanin biosynthesis attenuation, ensuring the accurate development of cold acclimation. These findings uncover an unanticipated nuclear function for PFDs in plant responses to abiotic stresses.
文摘A micro- and mesoporous carbon obtained from cherry pit waste and activated with HBPO4 acid has been studied as the sulfur host for Li/S batteries. The carbon has a high specific surface area of 1,662 m2·g-1 （SBET） and micropore and mesopore volumes of 0.57 and 0.40 cm3·g-1, respectively. The S/C composite, with a sulfur content of 57% deposited by the disproportionate reaction of a SaO2- solution in an acid medium without an additional heating step above the S melting point, delivers an initial specific capacity of 1,148 mah·g-1 at a current of C/16. It also has a high capacity retention of 915 mAh·g-1 after 100 cycles and a Coulombic efficiency close to 100%. The good performance of the composite was also observed under higher current rates and long-term cycling tests. The capacities delivered by the cell after 200 cycles were 707 and 410 mAh·g-1 at C/2 and 1C （1C = 1,675 mA·g-1）, respectively, maintaining the high Coulombic efficiency. The overall electrochemical response of this carbon as the sulfur matrix is among the best reported so far among the other biomass-derived carbons, probably because of the micro- and mesopore system formed upon activation.
基金supported by grants from the Alicia Koplowitz Foundation, the Valencian government (No. Prometeo II/2014/ 029 to V.R.)the Spanish government (Nos. BFU2011-30407 to V.R., BFU2012-30770 to J.G. and a FPU fellowship to C.D.-F.)the Swiss National Science Foundation (No. 310030_127184 to J.H.)
文摘Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase i （CPS1） deficiency （CPS1D） is an inborn error of the urea cycle having autosomal （2q34） recessive inheritance that can cause hyperammonemia and neonatal death or mental retardation. We analyzed the effects on CPS1 activity, kinetic parameters and enzyme stability of missense mutations reported in patients with CPS1 deficiency that map in the 20-kDa C-terminal domain of the enzyme. This domain turns on or off the enzyme depending on whether the essential allosteric activator of CPS 1, N-acetyl- L-glutamate （NAG）, is bound or is not bound to it. To carry out the present studies, we exploited a novel system that allows the expression in vitro and the purification of human CPS1, thus permitting site-directed mutagenesis. These studies have clarified disease causation by individual mutations, identifying functionally important residues, and revealing that a number of mutations decrease the affinity of the enzyme for NAG. Patients with NAG affinity-decreasing mutations might benefit from NAG site saturation therapy with N-carbamyl-L- glutamate （a registered drug, the analog of NAG）. Our results, together with additional present and prior site-directed mutagenesis data for other residues mapping in this domain, suggest an NAG-triggered conformational change in the 134-~4 loop of the C-terminal domain of this enzyme. This change might be an early event in the NAG activation process. Molecular dynamics simulations that were restrained according to the observed effects of the mutations are consistent with this hypothesis, providing further backing for this structurally plausible signaling mechanism by which NAG could trigger urea cycle activation via CPS1.
基金supported in part by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovacion Spain(PID2020-113388RB-I00 to VF and PID2021-124359OB-100 to VMM)Conselleria Educacion Generalitat Valenciana(CIPROM/2021/082 to VF)co-funded with European Regional Development Funds(ERDF)to VF and VMM。
文摘Extracellular vesicles are released by all cell types and contain proteins,microRNAs,mRNAs,and other bioactive molecules.Extracellular vesicles play an important role in intercellular communication and in the modulation of the immune system and neuroinflammation.The cargo of extra cellular vesicles(e.g.,proteins and microRNAs)is altered in pathological situations.Extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of many pathologies associated with sustained inflammation and neuroinflammation,including cance r,diabetes,hype rammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy,and other neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.Extracellular vesicles may cross the blood-brain barrier and transfer pathological signals from the periphery to the brain.This contributes to inducing neuroinflammation and cognitive and motor impairment in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy and in neurodegenerative diseases.The mechanisms involved are beginning to be unde rstood.For example,increased tumor necrosis factor a in extracellular vesicles from plasma of hype rammonemic rats induces neuroinflammation and motor impairment when injected into normal rats.Identifying the mechanisms by which extracellular vesicles contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases will help to develop new treatments and diagnostic tools for their easy and early detection.In contrast,extra cellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have therapeutic utility in many of the above pathologies,by reducing inflammation and neuroinflammation and improving cognitive and motor function.These extra cellular vesicles recapitulate the beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells and have advantages as therapeutic tools:they are less immunoge nic,may not diffe rentiate to malignant cells,cross the blood-brain barrier,and may reach more easily target organs.Extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells have beneficial effects in models of ischemic brain injury,Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases,hyperammonemia,and hepatic encephalopathy.Extracellular vesicles f
基金Supported by Fundación de Investigaciones Biomédicas (Madrid, Spain)the Fundación Mutua Madrile a (Madrid, Spain)
文摘Occult hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, defined as the presence of HCV RNA in liver and in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in the absence of detectable viral RNA in serum by standard assays, can be found in anti-HCV positive patients with normal serum levels of liver enzymes and in anti-HCV negative patients with persistently elevated liver enzymes of unknown etiology. Occult HCV infection is distributed worldwide and all HCV genotypes seem to be involved in this infection. Occult hepatitis C has been found not only in anti-HCV positive subjects with normal values of liver enzymes or in chronic hepatitis of unknown origin but also in several groups at risk for HCV infection such as hemodialysis patients or family members of patients with occult HCV. This occult infection has been reported also in healthy populations without evidence of liver disease. Occult HCV infection seems to be less aggressive than chronic hepatitis C although patients affected by occult HCV may develop liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus, anti-HCV negative patients with occult HCV may benefit from antiviral therapy with pegylated-interferon plus ribavirin. The persistence of very low levels of HCV RNA in serum and in PBMCs, along with the maintenance of specific T-cell responses against HCV-antigens observed during a long-term follow-up of patients with occult hepatitis C, indicate that occult HCV is a persistent infection that is not spontaneously eradicated. This is an updated report on diagnosis, epidemiology and clinical implications of occult HCV with special emphasis on anti-HCV negative cases.
文摘AIM: To evaluate accuracy of three-dimensional endoanal ultrasound(3D-EAUS) as compared to 2D-EAUS and physical examination(PE) in diagnosis of perianal fistulas and correlate with intraoperative findings. METHODS: A prospective observational consecutive study was performed with patients included over a two years period. All patients were studied and operated on by the Colorectal Unit surgeons. The inclusion criteria were patients over 18, diagnosed with a criptoglandular perianal fistula. The PE, 2D-EAUS and 3D-EAUS was performed preoperatively by the same colorectal surgeon at the outpatient clinic prior to surgery and the fistula anatomy was defined and they were classified in intersphincteric, high or low transsphincteric, suprasphincteric and extrasphincteric. Special attention was paid to the presence of a secondary tract, the location of the internal opening(IO) and the site of external opening. The results of these different examinations were compared to the intraoperative findings. Data regarding location of the IO, primary tract, secondary tract, and the presence of abscesses or cavities wasanalysed.RESULTS: Seventy patients with a mean age of 47years(range 21-77), 51 male were included. Low transsphincteric fistulas were the most frequent type found(33, 47.1%) followed by high transsphincteric(24,34.3%) and intersphincteric fistulas(13, 18.6%). There are no significant differences between the number of IO diagnosed by the different techniques employed and surgery(P > 0.05) and, there is a good concordance between intraoperative findings and the 2D-EAUS(k= 0.67) and 3D-EAUS(k = 0.75) for the diagnosis of the primary tract. The ROC curves for the diagnosis of transsphincteric fistulas show that both ultrasound techniques are adequate for the diagnosis of low transsphincteric fistulas, 3D-EAUS is superior for the diagnosis of high transsphincteric fistulas and PE is weak for the diagnosis of both types.CONCLUSION: 3D-EAUS shows a higher accuracy than 2D-EAUS for assessing height of primary tract in transs
文摘Agriculture is one of the priority sectors in Timor-Leste. Introducing new agriculture technology is crucial to enhance agricultural production. Practicing cattle fattening can increase beef cattle body weight and generate income to the beef cattle farmers. As farmers face problems including agricultural production decline, lack of forages and information and weather unfavourable. The study’s purpose was to examine the impact of adoption of cattle fattening technology on farmer households in Atabae administrative post, Bobonaro municipality in Timor-Leste. There were 200 beef cattle farmers households where randomly selected in four villages in Atabae. It consisted of 65 farmers practicing cattle fattening and 135 farmers non-practicing cattle fattening. Face to face interviews used structured questionnaire. Statistical analysis such as t-test and descriptive analysis were used to examine impact adoption of cattle fattening technology by farmers and factor constraints of cattle production and the solutions of it. The results indicated the average value of cattle and profit were significant different from zero and it is associated with practicing of cattle fattening. The average of labour used on cattle activities, the average of cattle sold, and total cost spent on cattle were not significant different from zero. The percentage of farmers said that factors constraints cattle production were shortage of water and forage (53%) and spend time on culture ceremony and lack of capital (33%). The number of farmers said that they collected water from river, feed cattle with sago and forage (55.3%) and cultivated forage (23.4%). This finding contributes information to the farmers, traders, and Timorese government to continue implementing cattle fattening activities as it enhances farmers’ income and developing cattle production.
