The paper provides a basic review of intestinal microflora and its importance in liver diseases. The intestinal microflora has many important functions, above all to maintain the microbial barrier against established ...The paper provides a basic review of intestinal microflora and its importance in liver diseases. The intestinal microflora has many important functions, above all to maintain the microbial barrier against established as well as potential pathogens. Furthermore, it influences the motility and perfusion of the intestinal wall, stimu- lates the intestinal immune system and therefore also the so-called common mucosal immune system, reducing bacterial translocation and producing vitamins. Immune homeostasis at mucosal level results from a controlled response to intestinal luminal antigens. In liver cirrhosis, there are many changes in its function, mostly an increase in bacterial overgrowth and translocation. In this review, probiotics and their indications in hepatology are generally discussed. According to recent knowledge, these preparations are indicated in clinical practice only for cases of hepatic encephalopathy. Probiotics are able to decrease the permeability of the intestinal wall, and decrease bacterial translocation and endotoxemia in animal models as well as in clinical studies, which is extremely important in the prevention of complications of liver cirrhosis and infection after liver transplantation. Probiotics could limit oxidative and inflammatory liver damage and, in some situations, improve the histological state, and thus non-alcoholic steatohepatitis could be considered as another possible indication.展开更多
Insufficient dietary intake of micronutHents, known as ＂hidden hunger＂, is a devastating global burden, affecting two billion people. Deficiency of folates （vitamin B9）, which are known to play a central role in C...Insufficient dietary intake of micronutHents, known as ＂hidden hunger＂, is a devastating global burden, affecting two billion people. Deficiency of folates （vitamin B9）, which are known to play a central role in Cl metabolism, causes birth defects in at least a quarter million people annually. Biofortification to enhance the level of naturally occurring folates in crop plants, proves to be an efficient and cost-effective tool in fighting folate deficiency. Previously, introduction of folate biosynthesis genes GTPCHI andADCS, proven to be a successful biofortification strategy in rice and tomato, turned out to be insufficient to adequately increase folate levels in potato tubers. Here, we provide a proof of concept that additional introduction of HPPK/DHPS and/or FPGS, downstream genes in mitochonddal folate biosynthesis, enables augmenta- tion of folates to satisfactory levels （12-fold） and ensures folate stability upon long-term storage of tubers. In conclusion, this engineering strategy can serve as a model in the creation of folate-accumulating potato cultivars, readily applicable in potato-consuming populations suffedng from folate deficiency.展开更多
AIM:To determine the impact of a clinical pathway(CP) on acute pancreatitis(AP) treatment outcome.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed. We compared the results of AP treatment outcome over...AIM:To determine the impact of a clinical pathway(CP) on acute pancreatitis(AP) treatment outcome.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed. We compared the results of AP treatment outcome over two time periods in our centre,before(2006-2007) and after(2010-2012) the implementation of a CP. The CP comprised the following indicators of quality:performance of all laboratory tests on admission(including lipids and carbohydrate deficient transferrin),determination of AP aetiology,abdomen ultrasound(US) within the first 24 h after admission,contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen in all cases of suspected pancreatic necrosis,appropriately selected and sufficiently used antibiotic therapy(if necessary),pain control,adequate hydration,control of haemodynamic parameters and transfer to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU)(if necessary),endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in biliary AP,surgical treatment(if necessary),and advice on outpatient follow-up after discharge. A comparison of the length of stay with that in other Slovenian hospitals was also performed.RESULTS:There were 139 patients treated in the three-year period after the introduction of a CP,of which 81(58.3%) were male and 58(41.7%) female. The patients' mean age was 59.6 ± 17.3 years. The most common aetiologies were alcoholism and gallstones(38.8% each),followed by unexplained(11.5%),drug-induced,hypertriglyceridemia,post ERCP(2.9% each) and tumours(2.2%). Antibiotic therapy was prescribed in 72(51.8%) patients. Abdominal US was performed in all patients within the first 24 h after admission. Thirty-two(23.0%) patients were treated in the ICU. Four patients died(2.9%). In comparison to 2006-2007,we found an increased number of alcoholic and biliary AP and an associateddecrease in the number of unexplained aetiology cases. The use of antibiotics also significantly decreased after the implementation of a CP(from 70.3% to 51.8%; P = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality(1.8% vs 2.展开更多
The process of carcinogenesis is tightly regulated by antioxidant enzymes and matrix degrading enzymes, namely, matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs). Degradation of extracellular matrix(ECM) proteins like collagen, proteog...The process of carcinogenesis is tightly regulated by antioxidant enzymes and matrix degrading enzymes, namely, matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs). Degradation of extracellular matrix(ECM) proteins like collagen, proteoglycan, laminin, elastin and fibronectin is considered to be the prerequisite for tumor invasion and metastasis. MMPs can degrade essentially all of the ECM components and, most MMPs also substantially contribute to angiogenesis, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Hence, MMPs are important regulators of tumor growth both at the primary site and in distant metastases; thus the enzymes are considered as important targets for cancer therapy. The implications of MMPs in cancers are no longer mysterious; however, the mechanism of action is yet to be explained. Herein, our major interest is to clarify how MMPs are tied up with gastrointestinal cancers. Gastrointestinal cancer is a variety of cancer types, including the cancers of gastrointestinal tract and organs, i.e., esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. The activity of MMPs is regulated by its endogenous inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metallopro-teinase(TIMP) which bind MMPs with a 1:1 stoichiometry. In addition, RECK(reversion including cysteinerich protein with kazal motifs) is a membrane bound glycoprotein that inhibits MMP-2,-9 and-14. Moreover, α2-macroglobulin mediates the uptake of several MMPs thereby inhibit their activity. Cancerous conditions increase intrinsic reactive oxygen species(ROS) through mitochondrial dysfunction leading to altered protease/anti-protease balance. ROS, an index of oxidative stress is also involved in tumorigenesis by activation of different MAP kinase pathways including MMP induction. Oxidative stress is involved in cancer by changing the activity and expression of regulatory proteins especially MMPs. Epidemiological studies have shown that high intake of fruits that rich in antioxidants is associated with a lower cancer incidence. Evidence indicat展开更多
The paper deals with cluster analysis and comparison of clustering methods. Cluster analysis belongs to multivariate statistical methods. Cluster analysis is defined as general logical technique, procedure, which allo...The paper deals with cluster analysis and comparison of clustering methods. Cluster analysis belongs to multivariate statistical methods. Cluster analysis is defined as general logical technique, procedure, which allows clustering variable objects into groups-clusters on the basis of similarity or dissimilarity. Cluster analysis involves computational procedures, of which purpose is to reduce a set of data on several relatively homogenous groups-clusters, while the condition of reduction is maximal and simultaneously minimal similarity of clusters. Similarity of objects is studied by the degree of similarity (correlation coefficient and association coefficient) or the degree of dissimilarity-degree of distance (distance coefficient). Methods of cluster analysis are on the basis of clustering classified as hierarchical or non-hierarchical methods.展开更多
To evaluate vital signs and body indices in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive and negative persons. A total of 22 centres entered the study. They were spread over the whole country, corresponding well to the ge...To evaluate vital signs and body indices in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive and negative persons. A total of 22 centres entered the study. They were spread over the whole country, corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population. A total of 1818 subjects (aged 5-98 years) took part in the study, randomly selected out of 38147 subjects. H. pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13C-urea breath test. Data on height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were collected at the clinics of general practitioners. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 30.4% (402/1321) in adults (≥ 18 year-old) and 5.2% (26/497) in children and adolescents (≤ 17 year-old). Once adjusted for age and gender, only a difference in body mass index remained statistically significant with H. pylori positive adults showing an increase of 0.6 kg/m<sup>2</sup> in body mass index. Once adjusted for age and gender, we found a difference in height between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative children and adolescents. On further adjustment for place of residence, this difference became statistically significant, with H. pylori positive children and adolescents being on average 3.5 cm shorter. H. pylori positive adults were significantly older compared to H. pylori negative subjects. Once adjusted for age and gender, H. pylori infection had no impact on body weight, body mass index and vital signs either in adults or children and adolescents. Chronic H. pylori infection appeared to be associated with short stature in children. H. pylori infection did not influence blood pressure, body weight and body mass index either in adults or children and adolescents.展开更多
The use of mechanical activation to enhance gold recovery from a CuPbZn complex sulfide concentrate was investigated. The effects of milling time, ball size, sample to ball ratio and milling speed on thiosulfate leach...The use of mechanical activation to enhance gold recovery from a CuPbZn complex sulfide concentrate was investigated. The effects of milling time, ball size, sample to ball ratio and milling speed on thiosulfate leaching were studied. Under optimum conditions of milling time 1 h, ball size 20 mm, sample to ball ratio 1/15 and mill speed 600 r/min, nearly 78% of sample is amorphized, particle size decreases from d100=30 μm to d100=8 μm, specific surface area increases from 1.3 m2/g to 4.6 m2/g and gold recovery enhances from 17.4 % in non-activated sample to 73.26 %.展开更多
Widespread changes to forested watersheds affected by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) epidemic across western North America raised concerns about the effects of this climate-induced disturba...Widespread changes to forested watersheds affected by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) epidemic across western North America raised concerns about the effects of this climate-induced disturbance on drinking water and natural resources. Effective communication and knowledge exchange across scientists and stakeholders (i.e., drinking water managers) is essential for constructively responding to such landscape scale disturbances, providing improved adaptive capacity through knowledge sharing. An assessment of stakeholder knowledge levels, information needs, primary concerns, and suggested communication strategies were conducted via an online elicitation survey and World Science Café workshops. Knowledge levels, assessed via a survey of local water managers and experts, were relatively low with approximately half of the respondents reporting little to no knowledge of the effects of mountain pine beetle on drinking water quality and quantity, thereby indicating limited knowledge exchange between scientists and drinking water stakeholders. Increased accessibility and dissemination of research findings pertinent to the mountain pine beetle epidemic’s effects on drinking water quality and quantity is necessary for natural resource management. Recommendations for improved communication among scientists and drinking water stakeholders in particular and forest health in general include dispersal of non-academic research summaries, information exchange through existing media and community resources, demonstration projects, and information clearinghouses. This information provides a better understanding of the challenges, concerns, and first-hand experience of stakeholders of a landscape disturbance issue to apply this knowledge to enhance land management practice and how researchers on this overall project enhanced science communication efforts.展开更多
This article is the tenth series of the Fungal Diversity Notes,where 114 taxa distributed in three phyla,ten classes,30 orders and 53 families are described and illustrated.Taxa described in the present study include ...This article is the tenth series of the Fungal Diversity Notes,where 114 taxa distributed in three phyla,ten classes,30 orders and 53 families are described and illustrated.Taxa described in the present study include one new family(viz.Pseudoberkleasmiaceae in Dothideomycetes),five new genera(Caatingomyces,Cryptoschizotrema,Neoacladium,Paramassaria and Trochilispora)and 71 new species,(viz.Acrogenospora thailandica,Amniculicola aquatica,A.guttulata,Angustimassarina sylvatica,Blackwellomyces lateris,Boubovia gelatinosa,Buellia viridula,Caatingomyces brasiliensis,Calophoma humuli,Camarosporidiella mori,Canalisporium dehongense,Cantharellus brunneopallidus,C.griseotinctus,Castanediella meliponae,Coprinopsis psammophila,Cordyceps succavus,Cortinarius minusculus,C.subscotoides,Diaporthe italiana,D.rumicicola,Diatrypella delonicis,Dictyocheirospora aquadulcis,D.taiwanense,Digitodesmium chiangmaiense,Distoseptispora dehongensis,D.palmarum,Dothiorella styphnolobii,Ellisembia aurea,Falciformispora aquatic,Fomitiporia carpinea,F.lagerstroemiae,Grammothele aurantiaca,G.micropora,Hermatomyces bauhiniae,Jahnula queenslandica,Kamalomyces mangrovei,Lecidella yunnanensis,Micarea squamulosa,Muriphaeosphaeria angustifoliae,Neoacladium indicum,Neodidymelliopsis sambuci,Neosetophoma miscanthi,N.salicis,Nodulosphaeria aquilegiae,N.thalictri,Paramassaria samaneae,Penicillium circulare,P.geumsanense,P.mali-pumilae,P.psychrotrophicum,P.wandoense,Phaeoisaria siamensis,Phaeopoacea asparagicola,Phaeosphaeria penniseti,Plectocarpon galapagoense,Porina sorediata,Pseudoberkleasmium chiangmaiense,Pyrenochaetopsis sinensis,Rhizophydium koreanum,Russula prasina,Sporoschisma chiangraiense,Stigmatomyces chamaemyiae,S.cocksii,S.papei,S.tschirnhausii,S.vikhrevii,Thysanorea uniseptata,Torula breviconidiophora,T.polyseptata,Trochilispora schefflerae and Vaginatispora palmae).Further,twelve new combinations(viz.Cryptoschizotrema cryptotrema,Prolixandromyces australi,P.elongatus,P.falcatus,P.longispinae,P.microveliae,P.neoalardi,P.polhemorum,P.protubera展开更多
AIM:To study possible decrease in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in the Czech Republic within a 10-year period.METHODS:A total of 22 centres entered the study.The catchment areas of these centre...AIM:To study possible decrease in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in the Czech Republic within a 10-year period.METHODS:A total of 22 centres entered the study.The catchment areas of these centres covered cities and towns with more than 20 000 inhabitants,smaller towns(≤ 20 000 inhabitants) with surrounding villages and rural areas,and were spread over the whole country,corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population.A total of 1 837 subjects(aged 5-98 years) took part in the study,randomly selected out of 38 147 people from the general population.H.pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13 C-urea breath test.Breath samples in duplicates were analysed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry.The cut-off point was 3.5.Social and demographic characteristics were based on data from self-completed questionnaires.RESULTS:The overall prevalence of H.pylori infection was 23.5%(430/1826),and 4.8%(20/420) in children aged 15 or less.There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between males(24.3%;208/857) and females(22.9%,222/969,P = 0.494).H.pylori infection was strongly associated with higher age,among subjects aged 55+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was 39.8%(252/633,P < 0.001).The highest prevalence of H.pylori infection was found among persons aged 55-64 years(43.9%,97/221) and 75+ years(37.9%,58/153).Among study subjects aged 15+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was significantly increased in those with lowest education(odds risk 3.19,95% CI 1.87-5.47).Compared to never married(14.1%),the prevalence of H.pylori infection was statistically significantly higher among married(35.4%,246/694,P < 0.001),divorced(36.8%,49/133,P < 0.001) and widowed study subjects(40.2%,45/112,P < 0.001),both in minimally and fully adjusted analysis.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of H.pylori infection between married and widowed subjects(35.4%,246/694 vs 40.2%,45/112,P = 0.389).There was little variation in smoking prevalence a展开更多
Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a leading cause of human mortality worldwide.As conventional anticancer therapy not always being effective,there is growing interest in innovative“drug-free”cancer treatments or intervention...Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a leading cause of human mortality worldwide.As conventional anticancer therapy not always being effective,there is growing interest in innovative“drug-free”cancer treatments or interventions that improve the efficacy of established therapy.CRC is associated with microbiome alterations,a process known as dysbiosis that involves depletion and/or enrichment of particular gut bacterial species and their metabolic functions.Supplementing patient treatment with traditional probiotics(with or without prebiotics),nextgeneration probiotics(NGP),or postbiotics represents a potentially effective and accessible complementary anticancer strategy by restoring gut microbiota composition and/or by signaling to the host.In this capacity,restoration of the gut microbiota in cancer patients can stabilize and enhance intestinal barrier function,as well as promote anticarcinogenic,anti-inflammatory,antimutagenic or other biologically important biochemical pathways that show high specificity towards tumor cells.Potential benefits of traditional probiotics,NGP,and postbiotics include modulating gut microbiota composition and function,as well as the host inflammatory response.Their application in CRC prevention is highlighted in this review,where we consider supportive in vitro,animal,and clinical studies.Based on emerging research,NGP and postbiotics hold promise in establishing innovative treatments for CRC by conferring physiological functions via the production of dominant natural products and metabolites that provide new host-microbiota signals to combat CRC.Although favorable results have been reported,further investigations focusing on strain and dose specificity are required to ensure the efficacy and safety of traditional probiotics,NGP,and postbiotics in CRC prevention and treatment.展开更多
Organization of proteins into complexes is crucial for many cellular functions. Recently, the SUT1 protein was shown to form homodimeric complexes, to be associated with lipid raft-like microdomains in yeast as well a...Organization of proteins into complexes is crucial for many cellular functions. Recently, the SUT1 protein was shown to form homodimeric complexes, to be associated with lipid raft-like microdomains in yeast as well as in plants and to undergo endocytosis in response to brefeldin A. We therefore aimed to identify SUTl-interacting proteins that might be involved in dimerization, endocytosis, or targeting of SUT1 to raft-like microdomains. Therefore, we identified potato membrane proteins, which are associated with the detergent-resistant membrane （DRM） fraction. Among the proteins identified, we clearly confirmed StSUT1 as part of DRM in potato source leaves. We used the yeast two-hybrid split ubiq- uitin system （SUS） to systematically screen for interaction between the sucrose transporter StSUT1 and other membrane- associated or soluble proteins in vivo. The SUS screen was followed by immunoprecipitation using affinity-purified StSUTl-specific peptide antibodies and mass spectrometric analysis of co-precipitated proteins. A large overlap was ob- served between the StSUTl-interacting proteins identified in the co-immunoprecipitation and the detergent-resistant membrane fraction. One of the SUTl-interacting proteins, a protein disulfide isomerase （PDI）, interacts also with other sucrose transporter proteins. A potential role of the PDI as escort protein is discussed.展开更多
The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint of the body and anterior instability is the most common type of shoulder instability.Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,and more recently,MR arthrography,have ...The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint of the body and anterior instability is the most common type of shoulder instability.Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,and more recently,MR arthrography,have become the essential investigation modalities of glenohumeral instability,especially for pre-procedure evaluation before arthroscopic surgery.Injuries associated with glenohumeral instability are variable,and can involve the bones,the labor-ligamentous components,or the rotator cuff.Anterior instability is associated with injuries of the anterior labrum and the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament,in the form of Bankart lesion and its variants;whereas posterior instability is associated with reverse Bankart and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion.Multidirectional instability often has no labral pathology on imaging but shows specific osseous changes such as increased chondrolabral retroversion.This article reviews the relevant anatomy in brief,the MR imaging technique and the arthrographic technique,and describes the MR findings in each type of instability as well as common imaging pitfalls.展开更多
All plant cells are surrounded by a cell wall that determines the directionality of cell growth and protects the cell against its environment. Plant cell walls are comprised primarily of polysaccharides and represent ...All plant cells are surrounded by a cell wall that determines the directionality of cell growth and protects the cell against its environment. Plant cell walls are comprised primarily of polysaccharides and represent the largest sink for photosynthetically fixed carbon, both for individual plants and in the terrestrial biosphere as a whole. Cell wall synthesis is a highly sophisticated process, involving multiple enzymes and metabolic intermediates, intracellular trafficking of proteins and cell wall precursors, assembly of cell wall polymers into the extracellular matrix, remodeling of polymers and their interactions, and recycling of cell wall sugars. In this review we discuss how newly fixed carbon, in the form of UDP-glucose and other nucleotide sugars, contributes to the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides, and how cell wall synthesis is influenced by the carbon status of the plant, with a focus on the model species Arabidopsis （Arabidopsis thaliana）.展开更多
文摘The paper provides a basic review of intestinal microflora and its importance in liver diseases. The intestinal microflora has many important functions, above all to maintain the microbial barrier against established as well as potential pathogens. Furthermore, it influences the motility and perfusion of the intestinal wall, stimu- lates the intestinal immune system and therefore also the so-called common mucosal immune system, reducing bacterial translocation and producing vitamins. Immune homeostasis at mucosal level results from a controlled response to intestinal luminal antigens. In liver cirrhosis, there are many changes in its function, mostly an increase in bacterial overgrowth and translocation. In this review, probiotics and their indications in hepatology are generally discussed. According to recent knowledge, these preparations are indicated in clinical practice only for cases of hepatic encephalopathy. Probiotics are able to decrease the permeability of the intestinal wall, and decrease bacterial translocation and endotoxemia in animal models as well as in clinical studies, which is extremely important in the prevention of complications of liver cirrhosis and infection after liver transplantation. Probiotics could limit oxidative and inflammatory liver damage and, in some situations, improve the histological state, and thus non-alcoholic steatohepatitis could be considered as another possible indication.
文摘Insufficient dietary intake of micronutHents, known as ＂hidden hunger＂, is a devastating global burden, affecting two billion people. Deficiency of folates （vitamin B9）, which are known to play a central role in Cl metabolism, causes birth defects in at least a quarter million people annually. Biofortification to enhance the level of naturally occurring folates in crop plants, proves to be an efficient and cost-effective tool in fighting folate deficiency. Previously, introduction of folate biosynthesis genes GTPCHI andADCS, proven to be a successful biofortification strategy in rice and tomato, turned out to be insufficient to adequately increase folate levels in potato tubers. Here, we provide a proof of concept that additional introduction of HPPK/DHPS and/or FPGS, downstream genes in mitochonddal folate biosynthesis, enables augmenta- tion of folates to satisfactory levels （12-fold） and ensures folate stability upon long-term storage of tubers. In conclusion, this engineering strategy can serve as a model in the creation of folate-accumulating potato cultivars, readily applicable in potato-consuming populations suffedng from folate deficiency.
文摘AIM:To determine the impact of a clinical pathway(CP) on acute pancreatitis(AP) treatment outcome.METHODS:A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed. We compared the results of AP treatment outcome over two time periods in our centre,before(2006-2007) and after(2010-2012) the implementation of a CP. The CP comprised the following indicators of quality:performance of all laboratory tests on admission(including lipids and carbohydrate deficient transferrin),determination of AP aetiology,abdomen ultrasound(US) within the first 24 h after admission,contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen in all cases of suspected pancreatic necrosis,appropriately selected and sufficiently used antibiotic therapy(if necessary),pain control,adequate hydration,control of haemodynamic parameters and transfer to the Intensive Care Unit(ICU)(if necessary),endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in biliary AP,surgical treatment(if necessary),and advice on outpatient follow-up after discharge. A comparison of the length of stay with that in other Slovenian hospitals was also performed.RESULTS:There were 139 patients treated in the three-year period after the introduction of a CP,of which 81(58.3%) were male and 58(41.7%) female. The patients' mean age was 59.6 ± 17.3 years. The most common aetiologies were alcoholism and gallstones(38.8% each),followed by unexplained(11.5%),drug-induced,hypertriglyceridemia,post ERCP(2.9% each) and tumours(2.2%). Antibiotic therapy was prescribed in 72(51.8%) patients. Abdominal US was performed in all patients within the first 24 h after admission. Thirty-two(23.0%) patients were treated in the ICU. Four patients died(2.9%). In comparison to 2006-2007,we found an increased number of alcoholic and biliary AP and an associateddecrease in the number of unexplained aetiology cases. The use of antibiotics also significantly decreased after the implementation of a CP(from 70.3% to 51.8%; P = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in mortality(1.8% vs 2.
基金Supported by Council of Scientific and Industrial Research,India(CSIR)-INDEPTH and HUM projects
文摘The process of carcinogenesis is tightly regulated by antioxidant enzymes and matrix degrading enzymes, namely, matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs). Degradation of extracellular matrix(ECM) proteins like collagen, proteoglycan, laminin, elastin and fibronectin is considered to be the prerequisite for tumor invasion and metastasis. MMPs can degrade essentially all of the ECM components and, most MMPs also substantially contribute to angiogenesis, differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Hence, MMPs are important regulators of tumor growth both at the primary site and in distant metastases; thus the enzymes are considered as important targets for cancer therapy. The implications of MMPs in cancers are no longer mysterious; however, the mechanism of action is yet to be explained. Herein, our major interest is to clarify how MMPs are tied up with gastrointestinal cancers. Gastrointestinal cancer is a variety of cancer types, including the cancers of gastrointestinal tract and organs, i.e., esophagus, stomach, biliary system, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine, rectum and anus. The activity of MMPs is regulated by its endogenous inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metallopro-teinase(TIMP) which bind MMPs with a 1:1 stoichiometry. In addition, RECK(reversion including cysteinerich protein with kazal motifs) is a membrane bound glycoprotein that inhibits MMP-2,-9 and-14. Moreover, α2-macroglobulin mediates the uptake of several MMPs thereby inhibit their activity. Cancerous conditions increase intrinsic reactive oxygen species(ROS) through mitochondrial dysfunction leading to altered protease/anti-protease balance. ROS, an index of oxidative stress is also involved in tumorigenesis by activation of different MAP kinase pathways including MMP induction. Oxidative stress is involved in cancer by changing the activity and expression of regulatory proteins especially MMPs. Epidemiological studies have shown that high intake of fruits that rich in antioxidants is associated with a lower cancer incidence. Evidence indicat
文摘The paper deals with cluster analysis and comparison of clustering methods. Cluster analysis belongs to multivariate statistical methods. Cluster analysis is defined as general logical technique, procedure, which allows clustering variable objects into groups-clusters on the basis of similarity or dissimilarity. Cluster analysis involves computational procedures, of which purpose is to reduce a set of data on several relatively homogenous groups-clusters, while the condition of reduction is maximal and simultaneously minimal similarity of clusters. Similarity of objects is studied by the degree of similarity (correlation coefficient and association coefficient) or the degree of dissimilarity-degree of distance (distance coefficient). Methods of cluster analysis are on the basis of clustering classified as hierarchical or non-hierarchical methods.
基金Supported by Research project PRVOUK P37-08(from Charles University in Praha,Faculty of Medicine at Hradec Kralove,Czech Republic)
文摘To evaluate vital signs and body indices in Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) positive and negative persons. A total of 22 centres entered the study. They were spread over the whole country, corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population. A total of 1818 subjects (aged 5-98 years) took part in the study, randomly selected out of 38147 subjects. H. pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13C-urea breath test. Data on height, weight, systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were collected at the clinics of general practitioners. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 30.4% (402/1321) in adults (≥ 18 year-old) and 5.2% (26/497) in children and adolescents (≤ 17 year-old). Once adjusted for age and gender, only a difference in body mass index remained statistically significant with H. pylori positive adults showing an increase of 0.6 kg/m<sup>2</sup> in body mass index. Once adjusted for age and gender, we found a difference in height between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative children and adolescents. On further adjustment for place of residence, this difference became statistically significant, with H. pylori positive children and adolescents being on average 3.5 cm shorter. H. pylori positive adults were significantly older compared to H. pylori negative subjects. Once adjusted for age and gender, H. pylori infection had no impact on body weight, body mass index and vital signs either in adults or children and adolescents. Chronic H. pylori infection appeared to be associated with short stature in children. H. pylori infection did not influence blood pressure, body weight and body mass index either in adults or children and adolescents.
基金supported by Iran Mineral Processing Research Center (IMPRC)the IMPRC for the financial support of this work
文摘The use of mechanical activation to enhance gold recovery from a CuPbZn complex sulfide concentrate was investigated. The effects of milling time, ball size, sample to ball ratio and milling speed on thiosulfate leaching were studied. Under optimum conditions of milling time 1 h, ball size 20 mm, sample to ball ratio 1/15 and mill speed 600 r/min, nearly 78% of sample is amorphized, particle size decreases from d100=30 μm to d100=8 μm, specific surface area increases from 1.3 m2/g to 4.6 m2/g and gold recovery enhances from 17.4 % in non-activated sample to 73.26 %.
文摘Widespread changes to forested watersheds affected by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) epidemic across western North America raised concerns about the effects of this climate-induced disturbance on drinking water and natural resources. Effective communication and knowledge exchange across scientists and stakeholders (i.e., drinking water managers) is essential for constructively responding to such landscape scale disturbances, providing improved adaptive capacity through knowledge sharing. An assessment of stakeholder knowledge levels, information needs, primary concerns, and suggested communication strategies were conducted via an online elicitation survey and World Science Café workshops. Knowledge levels, assessed via a survey of local water managers and experts, were relatively low with approximately half of the respondents reporting little to no knowledge of the effects of mountain pine beetle on drinking water quality and quantity, thereby indicating limited knowledge exchange between scientists and drinking water stakeholders. Increased accessibility and dissemination of research findings pertinent to the mountain pine beetle epidemic’s effects on drinking water quality and quantity is necessary for natural resource management. Recommendations for improved communication among scientists and drinking water stakeholders in particular and forest health in general include dispersal of non-academic research summaries, information exchange through existing media and community resources, demonstration projects, and information clearinghouses. This information provides a better understanding of the challenges, concerns, and first-hand experience of stakeholders of a landscape disturbance issue to apply this knowledge to enhance land management practice and how researchers on this overall project enhanced science communication efforts.
基金the Foreign Experts Bureau of Yunnan Province,Foreign Talents Program(2018,Grant No.YNZ2018002)Thailand Research grants entitled Biodiversity,phylogeny and role of fungal endophytes on above parts of Rhizophora apiculata and Nypa fruticans(Grant No.RSA5980068)+14 种基金the future of specialist fungi in a changing climate:baseline data for generalist and specialist fungi associated with ants,Rhododendron species and Dracaena species(Grant No.DBG6080013)Impact of climate change on fungal diversity and biogeography in the Greater Mekong Subregion(Grant No.RDG6130001)Chiang Mai University for the award of visiting ProfessorCAS President’s International Fellowship Initiative(PIFI)for funding his postdoctoral research(Grant No.2018PC0006)the National Science Foundation of China(NSFC,project code 31750110478)supported by the Graduate Program for the Undiscovered Taxa of Koreain part by the Project on Survey and Discovery of Indigenous Fungal Species of Korea funded by NIBR and Project on Discovery of Fungi from Freshwater and Collection of Fungarium funded by NNIBR of the Ministry of Environment(MOE)in part carried out with the support of Cooperative Research Program for Agriculture Science and Technology Development(PJ013744),Rural Development Administration,Republic of Koreain part supported by the BK21 plus program through the National Research Foundation(NRF)funded by the Ministry of Education of Korea.Jian-Kui Liu thanks the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC 31600032)the CNPq(Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico)for a research grant(309058/2015-5)funding for collecting trips(401186/2014-8)a collaborative project with RL as Special Visiting Professor(314570/2014-4)Funding for phylogenetic work on Graphidaceae was provided by a grant from the National Science Foundation(NSF)to The Field Museum:DEB-1025861"ATM-Assembling a taxonomic monograph:The lichen family Graphidaceae"PI Thorsten Lumbsch,CoPI Robert Luckingthe CAPES,CNPq,and FAPEMIG for financial support and ICMBio
文摘This article is the tenth series of the Fungal Diversity Notes,where 114 taxa distributed in three phyla,ten classes,30 orders and 53 families are described and illustrated.Taxa described in the present study include one new family(viz.Pseudoberkleasmiaceae in Dothideomycetes),five new genera(Caatingomyces,Cryptoschizotrema,Neoacladium,Paramassaria and Trochilispora)and 71 new species,(viz.Acrogenospora thailandica,Amniculicola aquatica,A.guttulata,Angustimassarina sylvatica,Blackwellomyces lateris,Boubovia gelatinosa,Buellia viridula,Caatingomyces brasiliensis,Calophoma humuli,Camarosporidiella mori,Canalisporium dehongense,Cantharellus brunneopallidus,C.griseotinctus,Castanediella meliponae,Coprinopsis psammophila,Cordyceps succavus,Cortinarius minusculus,C.subscotoides,Diaporthe italiana,D.rumicicola,Diatrypella delonicis,Dictyocheirospora aquadulcis,D.taiwanense,Digitodesmium chiangmaiense,Distoseptispora dehongensis,D.palmarum,Dothiorella styphnolobii,Ellisembia aurea,Falciformispora aquatic,Fomitiporia carpinea,F.lagerstroemiae,Grammothele aurantiaca,G.micropora,Hermatomyces bauhiniae,Jahnula queenslandica,Kamalomyces mangrovei,Lecidella yunnanensis,Micarea squamulosa,Muriphaeosphaeria angustifoliae,Neoacladium indicum,Neodidymelliopsis sambuci,Neosetophoma miscanthi,N.salicis,Nodulosphaeria aquilegiae,N.thalictri,Paramassaria samaneae,Penicillium circulare,P.geumsanense,P.mali-pumilae,P.psychrotrophicum,P.wandoense,Phaeoisaria siamensis,Phaeopoacea asparagicola,Phaeosphaeria penniseti,Plectocarpon galapagoense,Porina sorediata,Pseudoberkleasmium chiangmaiense,Pyrenochaetopsis sinensis,Rhizophydium koreanum,Russula prasina,Sporoschisma chiangraiense,Stigmatomyces chamaemyiae,S.cocksii,S.papei,S.tschirnhausii,S.vikhrevii,Thysanorea uniseptata,Torula breviconidiophora,T.polyseptata,Trochilispora schefflerae and Vaginatispora palmae).Further,twelve new combinations(viz.Cryptoschizotrema cryptotrema,Prolixandromyces australi,P.elongatus,P.falcatus,P.longispinae,P.microveliae,P.neoalardi,P.polhemorum,P.protubera
基金Supported by Research Project PRVOUK P37-08 from Faculty of Medicine at Hradec Králové,Charles University in Praha,Czech Republic
文摘AIM:To study possible decrease in prevalence of Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori) infection in the Czech Republic within a 10-year period.METHODS:A total of 22 centres entered the study.The catchment areas of these centres covered cities and towns with more than 20 000 inhabitants,smaller towns(≤ 20 000 inhabitants) with surrounding villages and rural areas,and were spread over the whole country,corresponding well to the geographical distribution of the Czech population.A total of 1 837 subjects(aged 5-98 years) took part in the study,randomly selected out of 38 147 people from the general population.H.pylori infection was investigated by means of a 13 C-urea breath test.Breath samples in duplicates were analysed using isotope ratio mass spectrometry.The cut-off point was 3.5.Social and demographic characteristics were based on data from self-completed questionnaires.RESULTS:The overall prevalence of H.pylori infection was 23.5%(430/1826),and 4.8%(20/420) in children aged 15 or less.There was no statistically significant difference in prevalence between males(24.3%;208/857) and females(22.9%,222/969,P = 0.494).H.pylori infection was strongly associated with higher age,among subjects aged 55+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was 39.8%(252/633,P < 0.001).The highest prevalence of H.pylori infection was found among persons aged 55-64 years(43.9%,97/221) and 75+ years(37.9%,58/153).Among study subjects aged 15+ years,prevalence of H.pylori infection was significantly increased in those with lowest education(odds risk 3.19,95% CI 1.87-5.47).Compared to never married(14.1%),the prevalence of H.pylori infection was statistically significantly higher among married(35.4%,246/694,P < 0.001),divorced(36.8%,49/133,P < 0.001) and widowed study subjects(40.2%,45/112,P < 0.001),both in minimally and fully adjusted analysis.There was no significant difference in the prevalence of H.pylori infection between married and widowed subjects(35.4%,246/694 vs 40.2%,45/112,P = 0.389).There was little variation in smoking prevalence a
基金Supported by Scientific Grant Agency of the Ministry of Education of Slovak Republic and Academy of Sciences VEGA,No.1/0393/20the Operational Program Integrated Infrastructure Within the Project:Demand-Driven Research for the Sustainable and Innovative Food,Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund,No.Drive4SIFood 313011V336.
文摘Colorectal cancer(CRC)is a leading cause of human mortality worldwide.As conventional anticancer therapy not always being effective,there is growing interest in innovative“drug-free”cancer treatments or interventions that improve the efficacy of established therapy.CRC is associated with microbiome alterations,a process known as dysbiosis that involves depletion and/or enrichment of particular gut bacterial species and their metabolic functions.Supplementing patient treatment with traditional probiotics(with or without prebiotics),nextgeneration probiotics(NGP),or postbiotics represents a potentially effective and accessible complementary anticancer strategy by restoring gut microbiota composition and/or by signaling to the host.In this capacity,restoration of the gut microbiota in cancer patients can stabilize and enhance intestinal barrier function,as well as promote anticarcinogenic,anti-inflammatory,antimutagenic or other biologically important biochemical pathways that show high specificity towards tumor cells.Potential benefits of traditional probiotics,NGP,and postbiotics include modulating gut microbiota composition and function,as well as the host inflammatory response.Their application in CRC prevention is highlighted in this review,where we consider supportive in vitro,animal,and clinical studies.Based on emerging research,NGP and postbiotics hold promise in establishing innovative treatments for CRC by conferring physiological functions via the production of dominant natural products and metabolites that provide new host-microbiota signals to combat CRC.Although favorable results have been reported,further investigations focusing on strain and dose specificity are required to ensure the efficacy and safety of traditional probiotics,NGP,and postbiotics in CRC prevention and treatment.
文摘Organization of proteins into complexes is crucial for many cellular functions. Recently, the SUT1 protein was shown to form homodimeric complexes, to be associated with lipid raft-like microdomains in yeast as well as in plants and to undergo endocytosis in response to brefeldin A. We therefore aimed to identify SUTl-interacting proteins that might be involved in dimerization, endocytosis, or targeting of SUT1 to raft-like microdomains. Therefore, we identified potato membrane proteins, which are associated with the detergent-resistant membrane （DRM） fraction. Among the proteins identified, we clearly confirmed StSUT1 as part of DRM in potato source leaves. We used the yeast two-hybrid split ubiq- uitin system （SUS） to systematically screen for interaction between the sucrose transporter StSUT1 and other membrane- associated or soluble proteins in vivo. The SUS screen was followed by immunoprecipitation using affinity-purified StSUTl-specific peptide antibodies and mass spectrometric analysis of co-precipitated proteins. A large overlap was ob- served between the StSUTl-interacting proteins identified in the co-immunoprecipitation and the detergent-resistant membrane fraction. One of the SUTl-interacting proteins, a protein disulfide isomerase （PDI）, interacts also with other sucrose transporter proteins. A potential role of the PDI as escort protein is discussed.
文摘The glenohumeral joint is the most commonly dislocated joint of the body and anterior instability is the most common type of shoulder instability.Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging,and more recently,MR arthrography,have become the essential investigation modalities of glenohumeral instability,especially for pre-procedure evaluation before arthroscopic surgery.Injuries associated with glenohumeral instability are variable,and can involve the bones,the labor-ligamentous components,or the rotator cuff.Anterior instability is associated with injuries of the anterior labrum and the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament,in the form of Bankart lesion and its variants;whereas posterior instability is associated with reverse Bankart and reverse Hill-Sachs lesion.Multidirectional instability often has no labral pathology on imaging but shows specific osseous changes such as increased chondrolabral retroversion.This article reviews the relevant anatomy in brief,the MR imaging technique and the arthrographic technique,and describes the MR findings in each type of instability as well as common imaging pitfalls.
文摘All plant cells are surrounded by a cell wall that determines the directionality of cell growth and protects the cell against its environment. Plant cell walls are comprised primarily of polysaccharides and represent the largest sink for photosynthetically fixed carbon, both for individual plants and in the terrestrial biosphere as a whole. Cell wall synthesis is a highly sophisticated process, involving multiple enzymes and metabolic intermediates, intracellular trafficking of proteins and cell wall precursors, assembly of cell wall polymers into the extracellular matrix, remodeling of polymers and their interactions, and recycling of cell wall sugars. In this review we discuss how newly fixed carbon, in the form of UDP-glucose and other nucleotide sugars, contributes to the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides, and how cell wall synthesis is influenced by the carbon status of the plant, with a focus on the model species Arabidopsis （Arabidopsis thaliana）.
