There is currently limited information regarding the levels of infection and distribution of sarcoptic mange in the wombat population throughout Australia.We analyzed cases of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats rep...There is currently limited information regarding the levels of infection and distribution of sarcoptic mange in the wombat population throughout Australia.We analyzed cases of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats reported into WomSAT,a website and mobile phone application where citizen scientists can upload sightings of wombats,burrows,and sarcoptic mange status.We used Maxent software to predict locations and the environmental factors associated with sarcoptic mange occurrence in bare-nosed wombats.A total of 1379 sarcoptic mange-infected and 3043 non-sarcoptic mange-infected wombats were reported by 674 and 841 citizen scientists,respectively.Of all the wombats reported to WomSAT from 2015 to 2019,31.2%were infected with sarcoptic mange.Sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats was reported in 502 suburbs across four states.New South Wales had the highest number of sarcoptic mange cases reported to WomSAT.There was no statistically significant seasonal variation of sarcoptic mange levels in bare-nosed wombats.The model showed that Euclidean distance to urban areas was the highest contributing factor for sarcoptic mange occurrence.As distance to urban areas decreased,the suitability for sarcoptic mange increased.Annual precipitation was the next contributing factor in the model,with higher rainfall of 400–700 mm correlating to an increase in sarcoptic mange occurrence.As the data collected to date have provided the largest-scale contemporary distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats,data should continue to be collected by citizen scientists as it is an easy and low-cost method of collecting data over large areas.We suggest targeting the identified hotspot areas and more site-specific studies for studying and mitigating sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats.展开更多
Simulated microgravity （SMG） bioreactors and DNA microarray technology are powerful tools to identify ＂space genes＂ that play key roles in cellular response to microgravity. We applied these biotechnology tools to...Simulated microgravity （SMG） bioreactors and DNA microarray technology are powerful tools to identify ＂space genes＂ that play key roles in cellular response to microgravity. We applied these biotechnology tools to investigate SMG and post-SMG recovery effects on human epidermal keratinocytes by exposing cells to SMG for 3, 4, 9, and 10 d using the high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor followed by recovery culturing for 15, 50, and 60 d in normal gravity. As a result, we identified 162 differentially expressed genes, 32 of which were ＂center genes＂ that were most consistently affected in the time course experiments. Eleven of the center genes were from the integrated stress response pathways and were coordinately downregulated. Another seven of the center genes, which are all metallothionein MT-Ⅰ and MT-Ⅱ isoforms, were coordinately up-regulated. In addition, HLA-G, a key gene in cellular immune response suppression, was found to be significantly upregulated during the recovery phase. Overall, more than 80% of the differentially expressed genes from the shorter exposures （≤4 d） recovered in 15 d; for longer （≥9 d） exposures, more than 50 d were needed to recover to the impact level of shorter exposures. The data indicated that shorter SMG exposure duration would lead to quicker and more complete recovery from the microgravity effect.展开更多
BACKGROUND Excessive saturated fat intake compromises the integrity of the intestinal mucosa,leading to low-grade inflammation,impaired mucosal integrity,and increased intestinal permeability,resulting in the migratio...BACKGROUND Excessive saturated fat intake compromises the integrity of the intestinal mucosa,leading to low-grade inflammation,impaired mucosal integrity,and increased intestinal permeability,resulting in the migration of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)to other tissues.AIM To evaluate the chronic effects(at 10 and 16 wk)of a high-fat diet(HFD)(with 50%energy as fat)on the phylogenetic gut microbiota distribution and intestinal barrier structure and protection in C57BL/6 mice.METHODS Forty adult male mice were divided into four nutritional groups,where the letters refer to the type of diet(control and HFD or HF)and the numbers refer to the period(in weeks)of diet administration:Control diet for 10 wk,HFD for 10 wk,control diet for 16 wk,and HFD for 16 wk.After sacrifice,biochemical,molecular,and stereological analyses were performed.RESULTS The HF groups were overweight,had gut dysbiosis,had a progressive decrease in occludin immunostaining,and had increased LPS concentrations.Dietary progression reduced the number of goblet cells per large intestine area and Mucin2 expression in the HF16 group,consistent with a completely disarranged intestinal ultrastructure after 16 wk of HFD intake.CONCLUSION Chronic HFD intake causes overweight,gut dysbiosis,and morphological and functional alterations of the intestinal barrier after 10 or 16 wk.Time-dependent reductions in goblet cell numerical density and mucus production have emerged as targets for countering obesity-driven intestinal damage.展开更多
The most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly is Alzheimer＇s disease.A significant contributing factor to the progression of the disease appears to be the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β42（Aβ42）,a smal...The most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly is Alzheimer＇s disease.A significant contributing factor to the progression of the disease appears to be the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β42（Aβ42）,a small hydrophobic peptide.Unfortunately,attempts to develop therapies targeting the accumulation of Aβ42 have not been successful to treat or even slow down the disease.It is possible that this failure is an indication that targeting downstream effects rather than the accumulation of the peptide itself might be a more effective approach.The accumulation of Aβ42 seems to affect various aspects of physiological cell functions.In this review,we provide an overview of the evidence that implicates Aβ42 in synaptic dysfunction,with a focus on how it contributes to defects in synaptic vesicle dynamics and neurotransmitter release.We discuss data that provide new insights on the Aβ42 induced pathology of Alzheimer＇s disease and a more detailed understanding of its contribution to the synaptic deficiencies that are associated with the early stages of the disease.Although the precise mechanisms that trigger synaptic dysfunction are still under investigation,the available data so far has enabled us to put forward a model that could be used as a guide to generate new therapeutic targets for pharmaceutical intervention.展开更多
Acquired atresia of the external auditory canal(EAC)is a rare cause of conductive hearing loss.It has been traditionally classified into 4 categories:traumatic,post-operative,neoplastic and inflammatory.Post-inflammat...Acquired atresia of the external auditory canal(EAC)is a rare cause of conductive hearing loss.It has been traditionally classified into 4 categories:traumatic,post-operative,neoplastic and inflammatory.Post-inflammatory acquired auditory canal atresia is thought to be the result of chronic and repetitive infectious bouts affecting the auditory canal.Nevertheless,the underlying pathophysiology of this disorder is yet to be fully elucidated.Current data fail to clearly state the impact that certain underlying systemic disorders may have on the EAC.The possible association to metabolic disturbances such as iron deficiency is also emphasized.In the light of these findings,this analysis can be used to improve the classification of this entity thereby standardizing the assessment of therapeutic approaches.展开更多
Background:Targeted magnetic resonance(MR)with ultrasound(US)fusion-guided biopsy has been shown to improve detection of prostate cancer.The implementation of this approach requires integration of skills from radiolog...Background:Targeted magnetic resonance(MR)with ultrasound(US)fusion-guided biopsy has been shown to improve detection of prostate cancer.The implementation of this approach requires integration of skills from radiologists and urologists.Objective methods for assessment of learning curves,such as cumulative sum(CUSUM)analysis,may be helpful in identifying the presence and duration of a learning curve.The aim of this study is to determine the learning curve for MR/US fusion-guided biopsy in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer using CUSUM analysis.Materials and methods:Retrospective analysis was performed in this institutional review board-approved study.Two urologists implemented an MR/US fusion-guided prostate biopsy program between March 2015 and September 2017.The primary outcome measure was cancer detection rate(CDR)stratified by Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)scores assigned on the MR imaging.Cumulative sum analysis quantified actual cancer detection versus a predetermined target satisfactory CDR of MR/US fusion biopsies in a sequential case-by-case basis.For this analysis,satisfactory performance was defined as>80%CDR in patients with Pl-RADS 5,>50%in PI-RADS 4,and<20%in Pl-RADS 1-3.Results:Complete data were available for MR/US fusion-guided biopsies performed on 107 patients.The CUSUM learning curve analysis demonstrated intermittent underperformance until approximately 50 cases.After this inflection point,there was consistently good performance,evidence that no further learning curve was being encountered.Conclusions:At a new center implementing MR/US fusion-guided prostate biopsy,the learning curve was approximately 50 cases before a consistently high performance for prostate cancer detection.展开更多
One of the most widespread cellular organelles in nature is cilium,which is found in many unicellular and multicellular organisms.Formerly thought to be a mostly vestigial organelle,the cilium has been discovered in t...One of the most widespread cellular organelles in nature is cilium,which is found in many unicellular and multicellular organisms.Formerly thought to be a mostly vestigial organelle,the cilium has been discovered in the past several decades to play critical motile and sensory roles involved in normal organogenesis during development.The role of cilia has also been implicated in an ever increasing array of seemingly unrelated human diseases,including blindness,kidney cysts,neural tube defects and obesity.In this article we review some of the recent developments in research on cilia,and how defects in ciliogenesis and function can give rise to developmental disorders and disease.展开更多
Since the early days of manned spaceflight, hazardous effects of the space environment on living organisms have been disputed. With the continuous manning of the International Space Station, the planned Chinese space ...Since the early days of manned spaceflight, hazardous effects of the space environment on living organisms have been disputed. With the continuous manning of the International Space Station, the planned Chinese space station, and renewed interest in returning to the Moon and sending manned flights to Mars, identifying and addressing the potential outcomes of long-term space exposures is critically important.展开更多
Background Cerebral malaria(CM)is a neuropathology which remains one of the deadliest forms of malaria among African children.The kinetics of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to neuroinflammation and the deat...Background Cerebral malaria(CM)is a neuropathology which remains one of the deadliest forms of malaria among African children.The kinetics of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to neuroinflammation and the death or survival of patients during CM are still poorly understood.The increasing production of cytokines,chemokines and other actors of the inflammatory and oxidative response by various local actors in response to neuroinflammation plays a major role during CM,participating in both the amplification of the neuroinflammation phenomenon and its resolution.In this study,we aimed to identify risk factors for CM death among specific variables of inflammatory and oxidative responses to improve our understanding of CM pathogenesis.Methods Children presenting with CM(n=70)due to P.falciparum infection were included in southern Benin and divided according to the clinical outcome into 50 children who survived and 20 who died.Clinical examination was complemented by fundoscopic examination and extensive blood biochemical analysis associated with molecular diagnosis by multiplex PCR targeting 14 pathogens in the patients'cerebrospinal fluid to rule out coinfections.Luminex technology and enzyme immunoassay kits were used to measure 17 plasma and 7 urinary biomarker levels,respectively.Data were analysed by univariate analysis using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson’s Chi2 test.Adjusted and multivariate analyses were conducted separately for plasma and urinary biomarkers to identify CM mortality risk factors.Results Univariate analysis revealed higher plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin-1beta(IL-1β),IL-10,IL-8,C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9(CXCL9),granzyme B,and angiopoietin-2 and lower urinary levels of prostanglandine E2 metabolite(PGEM)in children who died compared to those who survived CM(Mann-Whitney U-test,P-values between 0.03 and<0.0001).The multivariate logistic analysis highlighted elevated plasma levels of IL-8 as the main risk factor for death during CM(adjusted 展开更多
1.Introduction
The article by Fink and Houston1 in this special issue of Journal of Sport and Health Science provides an excellent example of implementing an evidence-based fall prevention program in real communities ...1.Introduction
The article by Fink and Houston1 in this special issue of Journal of Sport and Health Science provides an excellent example of implementing an evidence-based fall prevention program in real communities with diverse cultures of elderly populations.Although preliminary,the project revealed a number of interconnected barriers and facilitators that shed light on practical implications ("lessons learned") for policymakers and program providers regarding implementation of any evidence-based intervention.While applauding Fink and Houston's effort,in this commentary we share our experiences with Tai Ji Quan:Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB)2 in the state of Maryland,with a discussion of our own set of lessons learned in terms of successes and challenges.展开更多
A straight, non-sporulating, Gram-variable bacillus (HKU24T) was recovered from the blood culture of a patient with metastatic breast carcinoma. After repeated subculturing in BACTEC Plus Anaerobic/F blood culture bro...A straight, non-sporulating, Gram-variable bacillus (HKU24T) was recovered from the blood culture of a patient with metastatic breast carcinoma. After repeated subculturing in BACTEC Plus Anaerobic/F blood culture broth, HKU24T grew on brucella agar as non-hemolytic, pinpoint colonies after 96 h of incubation at 37 °C in an anaerobic environment and aerobic environment with 5% CO2. Growth was enhanced with a streak of Staphylococcus aureus. HKU24T was non-motile and catalase-negative, but positive for alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and α-glucosidase. It hydrolyzed phenylphosphonate and reduced resazurin. 16S rRNA, groEL, gyrB, recA, and rpoB sequencing showed that HKU24T occupies a distinct phylogenetic position among the Leptotrichia species, being most closely related to Leptotrichia trevisanii. Using HKU24T groEL, gyrB, recA, and rpoB gene-specific primers, fragments of these genes were amplified from one of 20 oral specimens. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, we propose a new species, Leptotrichia hongkongensis sp. nov., to describe this bacterium.展开更多
Recent studies have shown interest in flame retardants containing phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur a combination small molecule with a promising new approach in preparing an important class of flame retardant materials...Recent studies have shown interest in flame retardants containing phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur a combination small molecule with a promising new approach in preparing an important class of flame retardant materials. Tetraethyl piperazine-1,4-diyldiphosphonate (TEPP) and O,O,O’,O’- tetramethyl piperazine-1,4-diyldiphosphonothioate (TMPT), based on Piperazine derivatives, were prepared successfully and their structures were proved by means of 1H, 13C and 31P NMR. Cotton twill fabric was treated with both compounds to provide different add-on levels. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC), vertical and 45° flame test and limiting oxygen index (LOI) were performed on the treated cotton fabrics and showed promising results. When the treated twill fabrics (5 wt% - 7 wt% add-ons) were tested using the vertical flammability test (ASTMD6413-11), we observed that the ignited fabrics self extinguished and left behind a streak of char. Limiting oxygen index (LOI, ASTM 2863-09) was utilized to determine the effectiveness of the flame retardant on the treated fabrics. LOI values increased from 18 vol% oxygen in nitrogen for untreated twill fabric to a maximum of 30 vol% for the highest add-on of twill. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflection-Infrared (ATR-IR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis-Fourier Transform Infrared (TGA-FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the chemical structure on the treated fabrics, as well as, the surface morphology of char areas of treated and untreated fabrics. Additionally, analysis of the release gas products by TGA-FTIR shows some distinctive detail in the degradation of the treated fabrics during the burning process.展开更多
Circoviridae represent a growing family of small animal viruses. Some of these viruses have veterinary and medical importance, although, a vast amount of these newly discovered viruses have unknown effects on their ho...Circoviridae represent a growing family of small animal viruses. Some of these viruses have veterinary and medical importance, although, a vast amount of these newly discovered viruses have unknown effects on their hosts. The capsid-associated protein (Cap) of circoviruses is of interest because of its role in viral structure, immune evasion, host cell entry, and nuclear shuttling of viral components. The structure of the porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) Cap has been solved and offered insight to these functions. Based on the crystallographic PCV2 Cap structure, models from circoviruses isolated from avian, fish, and mammalian hosts have been constructed and analyzed to better understand the roles of these proteins in the virus family. A high degree of conservation is observed in the models, however, the surface antigens differ among viruses. This is likely a reflection of the small genome harbored by circoviruses, and therefore the requirement of their few proteins to carry out specific vital functions, while maintaining enough variation to successfully infect their hosts. Here we describe the putative structures of a range of Cap proteins from circoviruses based on the crystallographic determination of porcine Cap, identifying key regions for function and inhibition of crystal formation.展开更多
Introduction Streptococcus agalactiae is most commonly associated with pregnancy-related infections,neonatal sepsis,and infections in patients with immunocompromised states,such as diabetes mellitus and malignancies.1...Introduction Streptococcus agalactiae is most commonly associated with pregnancy-related infections,neonatal sepsis,and infections in patients with immunocompromised states,such as diabetes mellitus and malignancies.1 Although abscesses caused by S.agalactiae are sometimes encountered in immunocompromised patients,S.agalactiae abscess in transplant recipients is extremely rare.S.agalactiae abscesses have never been reported in liver transplant recipients.In this article,we report a case of S.agalactiae abscess in the anterior cervical space extending to the superior mediastinum in a liver transplant recipient.展开更多
基金supported by Pan-Third Pole Environment Study for a Green Silk Road of the Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA20090000)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2018YFA0606400)+1 种基金Part laboratory and fieldwork costs were supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41772178,91747207,and 41620104007)Field expedition was supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition(2019QZKK0601)。
文摘There is currently limited information regarding the levels of infection and distribution of sarcoptic mange in the wombat population throughout Australia.We analyzed cases of sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats reported into WomSAT,a website and mobile phone application where citizen scientists can upload sightings of wombats,burrows,and sarcoptic mange status.We used Maxent software to predict locations and the environmental factors associated with sarcoptic mange occurrence in bare-nosed wombats.A total of 1379 sarcoptic mange-infected and 3043 non-sarcoptic mange-infected wombats were reported by 674 and 841 citizen scientists,respectively.Of all the wombats reported to WomSAT from 2015 to 2019,31.2%were infected with sarcoptic mange.Sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats was reported in 502 suburbs across four states.New South Wales had the highest number of sarcoptic mange cases reported to WomSAT.There was no statistically significant seasonal variation of sarcoptic mange levels in bare-nosed wombats.The model showed that Euclidean distance to urban areas was the highest contributing factor for sarcoptic mange occurrence.As distance to urban areas decreased,the suitability for sarcoptic mange increased.Annual precipitation was the next contributing factor in the model,with higher rainfall of 400–700 mm correlating to an increase in sarcoptic mange occurrence.As the data collected to date have provided the largest-scale contemporary distribution of sarcoptic mange in wombats,data should continue to be collected by citizen scientists as it is an easy and low-cost method of collecting data over large areas.We suggest targeting the identified hotspot areas and more site-specific studies for studying and mitigating sarcoptic mange in bare-nosed wombats.
文摘Simulated microgravity （SMG） bioreactors and DNA microarray technology are powerful tools to identify ＂space genes＂ that play key roles in cellular response to microgravity. We applied these biotechnology tools to investigate SMG and post-SMG recovery effects on human epidermal keratinocytes by exposing cells to SMG for 3, 4, 9, and 10 d using the high aspect ratio vessel bioreactor followed by recovery culturing for 15, 50, and 60 d in normal gravity. As a result, we identified 162 differentially expressed genes, 32 of which were ＂center genes＂ that were most consistently affected in the time course experiments. Eleven of the center genes were from the integrated stress response pathways and were coordinately downregulated. Another seven of the center genes, which are all metallothionein MT-Ⅰ and MT-Ⅱ isoforms, were coordinately up-regulated. In addition, HLA-G, a key gene in cellular immune response suppression, was found to be significantly upregulated during the recovery phase. Overall, more than 80% of the differentially expressed genes from the shorter exposures （≤4 d） recovered in 15 d; for longer （≥9 d） exposures, more than 50 d were needed to recover to the impact level of shorter exposures. The data indicated that shorter SMG exposure duration would lead to quicker and more complete recovery from the microgravity effect.
文摘BACKGROUND Excessive saturated fat intake compromises the integrity of the intestinal mucosa,leading to low-grade inflammation,impaired mucosal integrity,and increased intestinal permeability,resulting in the migration of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)to other tissues.AIM To evaluate the chronic effects(at 10 and 16 wk)of a high-fat diet(HFD)(with 50%energy as fat)on the phylogenetic gut microbiota distribution and intestinal barrier structure and protection in C57BL/6 mice.METHODS Forty adult male mice were divided into four nutritional groups,where the letters refer to the type of diet(control and HFD or HF)and the numbers refer to the period(in weeks)of diet administration:Control diet for 10 wk,HFD for 10 wk,control diet for 16 wk,and HFD for 16 wk.After sacrifice,biochemical,molecular,and stereological analyses were performed.RESULTS The HF groups were overweight,had gut dysbiosis,had a progressive decrease in occludin immunostaining,and had increased LPS concentrations.Dietary progression reduced the number of goblet cells per large intestine area and Mucin2 expression in the HF16 group,consistent with a completely disarranged intestinal ultrastructure after 16 wk of HFD intake.CONCLUSION Chronic HFD intake causes overweight,gut dysbiosis,and morphological and functional alterations of the intestinal barrier after 10 or 16 wk.Time-dependent reductions in goblet cell numerical density and mucus production have emerged as targets for countering obesity-driven intestinal damage.
文摘The most prevalent form of dementia in the elderly is Alzheimer＇s disease.A significant contributing factor to the progression of the disease appears to be the progressive accumulation of amyloid-β42（Aβ42）,a small hydrophobic peptide.Unfortunately,attempts to develop therapies targeting the accumulation of Aβ42 have not been successful to treat or even slow down the disease.It is possible that this failure is an indication that targeting downstream effects rather than the accumulation of the peptide itself might be a more effective approach.The accumulation of Aβ42 seems to affect various aspects of physiological cell functions.In this review,we provide an overview of the evidence that implicates Aβ42 in synaptic dysfunction,with a focus on how it contributes to defects in synaptic vesicle dynamics and neurotransmitter release.We discuss data that provide new insights on the Aβ42 induced pathology of Alzheimer＇s disease and a more detailed understanding of its contribution to the synaptic deficiencies that are associated with the early stages of the disease.Although the precise mechanisms that trigger synaptic dysfunction are still under investigation,the available data so far has enabled us to put forward a model that could be used as a guide to generate new therapeutic targets for pharmaceutical intervention.
文摘Acquired atresia of the external auditory canal(EAC)is a rare cause of conductive hearing loss.It has been traditionally classified into 4 categories:traumatic,post-operative,neoplastic and inflammatory.Post-inflammatory acquired auditory canal atresia is thought to be the result of chronic and repetitive infectious bouts affecting the auditory canal.Nevertheless,the underlying pathophysiology of this disorder is yet to be fully elucidated.Current data fail to clearly state the impact that certain underlying systemic disorders may have on the EAC.The possible association to metabolic disturbances such as iron deficiency is also emphasized.In the light of these findings,this analysis can be used to improve the classification of this entity thereby standardizing the assessment of therapeutic approaches.
文摘Background:Targeted magnetic resonance(MR)with ultrasound(US)fusion-guided biopsy has been shown to improve detection of prostate cancer.The implementation of this approach requires integration of skills from radiologists and urologists.Objective methods for assessment of learning curves,such as cumulative sum(CUSUM)analysis,may be helpful in identifying the presence and duration of a learning curve.The aim of this study is to determine the learning curve for MR/US fusion-guided biopsy in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer using CUSUM analysis.Materials and methods:Retrospective analysis was performed in this institutional review board-approved study.Two urologists implemented an MR/US fusion-guided prostate biopsy program between March 2015 and September 2017.The primary outcome measure was cancer detection rate(CDR)stratified by Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System(PI-RADS)scores assigned on the MR imaging.Cumulative sum analysis quantified actual cancer detection versus a predetermined target satisfactory CDR of MR/US fusion biopsies in a sequential case-by-case basis.For this analysis,satisfactory performance was defined as>80%CDR in patients with Pl-RADS 5,>50%in PI-RADS 4,and<20%in Pl-RADS 1-3.Results:Complete data were available for MR/US fusion-guided biopsies performed on 107 patients.The CUSUM learning curve analysis demonstrated intermittent underperformance until approximately 50 cases.After this inflection point,there was consistently good performance,evidence that no further learning curve was being encountered.Conclusions:At a new center implementing MR/US fusion-guided prostate biopsy,the learning curve was approximately 50 cases before a consistently high performance for prostate cancer detection.
文摘One of the most widespread cellular organelles in nature is cilium,which is found in many unicellular and multicellular organisms.Formerly thought to be a mostly vestigial organelle,the cilium has been discovered in the past several decades to play critical motile and sensory roles involved in normal organogenesis during development.The role of cilia has also been implicated in an ever increasing array of seemingly unrelated human diseases,including blindness,kidney cysts,neural tube defects and obesity.In this article we review some of the recent developments in research on cilia,and how defects in ciliogenesis and function can give rise to developmental disorders and disease.
文摘Since the early days of manned spaceflight, hazardous effects of the space environment on living organisms have been disputed. With the continuous manning of the International Space Station, the planned Chinese space station, and renewed interest in returning to the Moon and sending manned flights to Mars, identifying and addressing the potential outcomes of long-term space exposures is critically important.
基金This work was supported by a grant from the French National Research Agency(ANR-17-CE17-0001),including a PhD grant for Jade Royo.Bertin Vianou received a PHD grant called Research grant for a thesis in the South(ARTS)from the Institut de Recherche pour le Développement France(IRD).
文摘Background Cerebral malaria(CM)is a neuropathology which remains one of the deadliest forms of malaria among African children.The kinetics of the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to neuroinflammation and the death or survival of patients during CM are still poorly understood.The increasing production of cytokines,chemokines and other actors of the inflammatory and oxidative response by various local actors in response to neuroinflammation plays a major role during CM,participating in both the amplification of the neuroinflammation phenomenon and its resolution.In this study,we aimed to identify risk factors for CM death among specific variables of inflammatory and oxidative responses to improve our understanding of CM pathogenesis.Methods Children presenting with CM(n=70)due to P.falciparum infection were included in southern Benin and divided according to the clinical outcome into 50 children who survived and 20 who died.Clinical examination was complemented by fundoscopic examination and extensive blood biochemical analysis associated with molecular diagnosis by multiplex PCR targeting 14 pathogens in the patients'cerebrospinal fluid to rule out coinfections.Luminex technology and enzyme immunoassay kits were used to measure 17 plasma and 7 urinary biomarker levels,respectively.Data were analysed by univariate analysis using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test and Pearson’s Chi2 test.Adjusted and multivariate analyses were conducted separately for plasma and urinary biomarkers to identify CM mortality risk factors.Results Univariate analysis revealed higher plasma levels of tumour necrosis factor(TNF),interleukin-1beta(IL-1β),IL-10,IL-8,C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9(CXCL9),granzyme B,and angiopoietin-2 and lower urinary levels of prostanglandine E2 metabolite(PGEM)in children who died compared to those who survived CM(Mann-Whitney U-test,P-values between 0.03 and<0.0001).The multivariate logistic analysis highlighted elevated plasma levels of IL-8 as the main risk factor for death during CM(adjusted
基金supported by the Cooperative Agreement Number 5U17CE002001 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
文摘1.Introduction
The article by Fink and Houston1 in this special issue of Journal of Sport and Health Science provides an excellent example of implementing an evidence-based fall prevention program in real communities with diverse cultures of elderly populations.Although preliminary,the project revealed a number of interconnected barriers and facilitators that shed light on practical implications ("lessons learned") for policymakers and program providers regarding implementation of any evidence-based intervention.While applauding Fink and Houston's effort,in this commentary we share our experiences with Tai Ji Quan:Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB)2 in the state of Maryland,with a discussion of our own set of lessons learned in terms of successes and challenges.
基金supported by the Consultancy Service for Enhancing Laboratory Surveillance of Emerging Infectious Disease for Department of Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of China,the Research Grant Council Grant,the University Development Fund,the Outstanding Young Researcher Award,and the Committee for Research and Conference Grant and The University of Hong Kong,China
文摘A straight, non-sporulating, Gram-variable bacillus (HKU24T) was recovered from the blood culture of a patient with metastatic breast carcinoma. After repeated subculturing in BACTEC Plus Anaerobic/F blood culture broth, HKU24T grew on brucella agar as non-hemolytic, pinpoint colonies after 96 h of incubation at 37 °C in an anaerobic environment and aerobic environment with 5% CO2. Growth was enhanced with a streak of Staphylococcus aureus. HKU24T was non-motile and catalase-negative, but positive for alkaline phosphatase, β-glucosidase, and α-glucosidase. It hydrolyzed phenylphosphonate and reduced resazurin. 16S rRNA, groEL, gyrB, recA, and rpoB sequencing showed that HKU24T occupies a distinct phylogenetic position among the Leptotrichia species, being most closely related to Leptotrichia trevisanii. Using HKU24T groEL, gyrB, recA, and rpoB gene-specific primers, fragments of these genes were amplified from one of 20 oral specimens. Based on phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, we propose a new species, Leptotrichia hongkongensis sp. nov., to describe this bacterium.
文摘Recent studies have shown interest in flame retardants containing phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfur a combination small molecule with a promising new approach in preparing an important class of flame retardant materials. Tetraethyl piperazine-1,4-diyldiphosphonate (TEPP) and O,O,O’,O’- tetramethyl piperazine-1,4-diyldiphosphonothioate (TMPT), based on Piperazine derivatives, were prepared successfully and their structures were proved by means of 1H, 13C and 31P NMR. Cotton twill fabric was treated with both compounds to provide different add-on levels. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC), vertical and 45° flame test and limiting oxygen index (LOI) were performed on the treated cotton fabrics and showed promising results. When the treated twill fabrics (5 wt% - 7 wt% add-ons) were tested using the vertical flammability test (ASTMD6413-11), we observed that the ignited fabrics self extinguished and left behind a streak of char. Limiting oxygen index (LOI, ASTM 2863-09) was utilized to determine the effectiveness of the flame retardant on the treated fabrics. LOI values increased from 18 vol% oxygen in nitrogen for untreated twill fabric to a maximum of 30 vol% for the highest add-on of twill. Furthermore, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflection-Infrared (ATR-IR), and Thermogravimetric Analysis-Fourier Transform Infrared (TGA-FTIR) spectroscopy were employed to characterize the chemical structure on the treated fabrics, as well as, the surface morphology of char areas of treated and untreated fabrics. Additionally, analysis of the release gas products by TGA-FTIR shows some distinctive detail in the degradation of the treated fabrics during the burning process.
文摘Circoviridae represent a growing family of small animal viruses. Some of these viruses have veterinary and medical importance, although, a vast amount of these newly discovered viruses have unknown effects on their hosts. The capsid-associated protein (Cap) of circoviruses is of interest because of its role in viral structure, immune evasion, host cell entry, and nuclear shuttling of viral components. The structure of the porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) Cap has been solved and offered insight to these functions. Based on the crystallographic PCV2 Cap structure, models from circoviruses isolated from avian, fish, and mammalian hosts have been constructed and analyzed to better understand the roles of these proteins in the virus family. A high degree of conservation is observed in the models, however, the surface antigens differ among viruses. This is likely a reflection of the small genome harbored by circoviruses, and therefore the requirement of their few proteins to carry out specific vital functions, while maintaining enough variation to successfully infect their hosts. Here we describe the putative structures of a range of Cap proteins from circoviruses based on the crystallographic determination of porcine Cap, identifying key regions for function and inhibition of crystal formation.
基金This work is partly supported by funding from the Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases,the Ministry of Education of China.
文摘Introduction Streptococcus agalactiae is most commonly associated with pregnancy-related infections,neonatal sepsis,and infections in patients with immunocompromised states,such as diabetes mellitus and malignancies.1 Although abscesses caused by S.agalactiae are sometimes encountered in immunocompromised patients,S.agalactiae abscess in transplant recipients is extremely rare.S.agalactiae abscesses have never been reported in liver transplant recipients.In this article,we report a case of S.agalactiae abscess in the anterior cervical space extending to the superior mediastinum in a liver transplant recipient.
