Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly renewed by the coordinated action of two cell types, i.e., the bone-resorbing osteoclasts and the bone-forming osteoblasts. However, in some circumstances, bone regeneration...Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly renewed by the coordinated action of two cell types, i.e., the bone-resorbing osteoclasts and the bone-forming osteoblasts. However, in some circumstances, bone regeneration exceeds bone self repair capacities. This is notably often the case after bone fractures, osteolytic bone tumor surgery, or osteonecrosis. In this regard,bone tissue engineering with autologous or allogenic mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) is been widely developed. MSCs can be isolated from bone marrow or other tissues such as adipose tissue or umbilical cord, and can be implanted in bone defects with or without prior amplification and stimulation. However, the outcome of most pre-clinical studies remains relatively disappointing. A better understanding of the successive steps and molecular mechanisms involved in MSC-osteoblastic differentiation appears to be crucial to optimize MSC-bone therapy. In this review, we first present the important growth factors that stimulate osteoblastogenesis. Then we review the main transcription factors that modulate osteoblast differentiation, and the microRNAs(miRs)that inhibit their expression. Finally, we also discuss articles dealing with the use of these factors and miRs in the development of new bone MSC therapy strategies. We particularly focus on the studies using human MSCs, since significant differences exist between osteoblast differentiation mechanisms in humans and mice for instance.展开更多
Mammalian sperm must undergo a series of biochemical and physiological modifications, collectively called capacitation, in the female reproductive tract prior to the acrosome reaction （AR）. The mechanisms of these m...Mammalian sperm must undergo a series of biochemical and physiological modifications, collectively called capacitation, in the female reproductive tract prior to the acrosome reaction （AR）. The mechanisms of these modifications are not well characterized though protein kinases were shown to be involved in the regulation of intracellular Ca2＋ during both capacitation and the AR. In the present review, we summarize some of the signaling events that are involved in capacitation. During the capacitation process, phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase （PI3K） is phosphorylated/activated via a protein kinase A （PKA）-dependent cascade, and downregulated by protein kinase C a （PKCa）. PKCa is active at the beginning of capacitation, resulting in PI3K inactivation. During capacitation, PKCa as well as PP172 is degraded by a PKA-dependent mechanism, allowing the activation of PI3K. The activation of PKA during capacitation depends mainly on cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） produced by the bicarbonate-dependent soluble adenylyl cyclase. This activation of PKA leads to an increase in actin polymerization, an essential process for the development of hyperactivated motility, which is necessary for successful fertilization. Actin polymerization is mediated by PIP2 in two ways： first, PIP2 acts as a cofactor for phospholipase D （PLD） activation, and second, as a molecule that binds and inhibits actin-severing proteins such as gelsolin. Tyrosine phosphorylation of gelsolin during capacitation by Src family kinase （SFK） is also important for its inactivation. Prior to the AR, gelsolin is released from PIP2 and undergoes dephosphorylation/activation, resulting in fast F-actin depolymerization, leading to the AR.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the current practice of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in Lebanese Health care centers.METHODS:A multi-center prospective chart review study was conducted over 8 mo.A questionnaire was distributed to p...AIM:To evaluate the current practice of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in Lebanese Health care centers.METHODS:A multi-center prospective chart review study was conducted over 8 mo.A questionnaire was distributed to pharmacy students who collected data on demographics,SUP medications,dose,route,duration and associated risk factors.The appropriateness of SUP use was determined as per American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines.Institutional review board approval was obtained from each hospital center.RESULTS:A total of 1004 patients were included.67% of the patients who received prophylaxis did not have an indication for SUP.The majority (71.6%) of the patients who were administered parenteral drugs can tolerate oral medications.Overall,the regimen of acid-suppressant drugs was suboptimal in 87.6% of the sample.This misuse was mainly observed in non-teaching hospitals.CONCLUSION:This study highlighted the need,in Lebanese hospitals,to establish clinical practice guidelines for the use of SUP;mainly in non-critical care settings.展开更多
AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of a short-type single-balloon-enteroscope(SBE) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in patients with a reconstructed intestine.METHODS:Short-type SBE was develope...AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of a short-type single-balloon-enteroscope(SBE) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in patients with a reconstructed intestine.METHODS:Short-type SBE was developed to perform ERCP in postoperative patients with a reconstructed intestine.Short-type SBE is a direct-viewing endoscope with the following specifications:working length,1520 mm;total length,1840 mm;channel diameter,3.2 mm.In addition,short-type SBE has a water-jet channel.The study group comprised 22 patients who underwent 31 sessions of short-type SBE-assisted ERCP from June 2011 through May 2012.Reconstruction was performed by Billroth-Ⅱ(B-Ⅱ) gastrectomy in 6 patients(8 sessions),Roux-en-Y(R-Y) gastrectomy in 14 patients(21 sessions),and R-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 2 patients(2 sessions).We retrospectively studied the rate of reaching the blind end(papilla of Vater or choledochojejunal anastomosis),mean time required to reach the blind end,diagnostic success rate(defined as the rate of successfully imaging the bile and pancreatic ducts),therapeutic success rate(defined as the rate of successfully completing endoscopic treatment),mean procedure time,and complications.RESULTS:Among the 31 sessions of ERCP,the rate of reaching the blind end was 88% in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,91% in R-Y gastrectomy,and 100% in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.The mean time required to reach the papilla was 18.3 min in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,21.1 min in R-Y gastrectomy,and 32.5 min in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.The diagnostic success rates in all patients and those with an intact papilla were respectively 86% and 86% in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,90% and 87% in R-Y gastrectomy,and 100% in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.The therapeutic success rates in all patients and those with an intact papilla were respectively 100% and 100% in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,94% and 92% in R-Y gastrectomy,and 100% in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.Because the channel diameter was 3.2 mm,stone extraction could be performed with a wire-guided basket in 12 sessions,and wireguided intraductal展开更多
AIM:To prospectively examine the association between presence of Streptococcus bovis(S.bovis)in colonic suction fluid and the endoscopic findings on colonoscopy.METHODS:From May 2012 to March 2013,203 consecutivepatie...AIM:To prospectively examine the association between presence of Streptococcus bovis(S.bovis)in colonic suction fluid and the endoscopic findings on colonoscopy.METHODS:From May 2012 to March 2013,203 consecutivepatients who underwent colonoscopy for any reason were enrolled in the study.Exclusion criteria included:antibiotic use in the previous month,age younger than18 years,and inadequate preparation for colonoscopy.The colonoscopy was performed for the total length of the colon or to the occluding tumor.The endoscopic findings were registered.Samples were obtained proximal to the colonoscopic part of the suction tube from each patient and sent to the clinical microbiology laboratory for isolation and identification of S.bovis.Samples were incubated in enrichment media with addition of antibiotic disks for inhibition of growth of Gram-negative rods.The samples were seeded on differential growth media;suspected positive colonies were isolated and identified with Gram staining,catalase,and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase tests,and further identified using a VITEK2 system.Statistical analyses were performed using the Student’s t andχ2 tests.RESULTS:Of the 203 patients recruited,49(24%)patients were found to be S.bovis carriers;of them,the endoscopic findings included:17(34.7%)cases with malignant tumors,11(22.4%)with large polyps,5(10.2%)with medium-sized polyps,6(12.2%)with small polyps,4(8.1%)with colitis,and 6(12.2%)normal colonoscopies.Of 154 patients found negative for S.bovis,the endoscopic findings included:none with malignant tumors,9(5.8%)cases with large polyps,11(7.1%)with medium-sized polyps,26(16.9%)with small polyps,7(4.5%)with colitis,and101(65.6%)normal colonoscopies.S.bovis(Grampositive coccus)is considered part of the normal intestinal flora.There is an association between S.bovis bacteremia and colonic neoplasia.It is not well understood whether the bacterium has a pathogenetic role in the development of neoplasia or constitutes an epiphenomenon of colorectal neoplasms.There was a clear relationship展开更多
Hand gestures are powerful means of communication among humans and sign language is the most natural and expressive way of communication for dump and deaf people. In this work, real-time hand gesture system is propose...Hand gestures are powerful means of communication among humans and sign language is the most natural and expressive way of communication for dump and deaf people. In this work, real-time hand gesture system is proposed. Experimental setup of the system uses fixed position low-cost web camera with 10 mega pixel resolution mounted on the top of monitor of computer which captures snapshot using Red Green Blue [RGB] color space from fixed distance. This work is divided into four stages such as image preprocessing, region extraction, feature extraction, feature matching. First stage converts captured RGB image into binary image using gray threshold method with noise removed using median filter [medfilt2] and Guassian filter, followed by morphological operations. Second stage extracts hand region using blob and crop is applied for getting region of interest and then “Sobel” edge detection is applied on extracted region. Third stage produces feature vector as centroid and area of edge, which will be compared with feature vectors of a training dataset of gestures using Euclidian distance in the fourth stage. Least Euclidian distance gives recognition of perfect matching gesture for display of ASL alphabet, meaningful words using file handling. This paper includes experiments for 26 static hand gestures related to A-Z alphabets. Training dataset consists of 100 samples of each ASL symbol in different lightning conditions, different sizes and shapes of hand. This gesture recognition system can reliably recognize single-hand gestures in real time and can achieve a 90.19% recognition rate in complex background with a “minimum-possible constraints” approach.展开更多
The trace elements chemistry of Bartlett Pond, a small shallow wetland pond in Laredo, Southern Texas, was sampled to evaluate the dynamics of trace elements impacts on water quality and ecosystems ecology of the pond...The trace elements chemistry of Bartlett Pond, a small shallow wetland pond in Laredo, Southern Texas, was sampled to evaluate the dynamics of trace elements impacts on water quality and ecosystems ecology of the pond. Two types of fish (bass and tilapia) were also sampled to see the trace element accumulation in different parts of their body. The concentrations of trace elements in water samples were found in the following order: Fe ≫Sb > Pb > As ≫Co > Tl > Cr > Cd within Bartlett Pond. Overall, the water quality of the pond is unacceptable for drinking and any other purposes as trace element concentrations (e.g. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Fe, Sb and Tl) are exceedingly higher (several fold) than the WHO and US EPA guidelines. Predictive and correlation analysis shows that most trace elements exhibit a strong positive correlation among them indicating the same anthropogenic sources and biogeochemical processes regulate these trace elements within the pond. Distributions of the trace elements in water exhibit different shapes mostly as positively skewed distribution for As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Tl, symmetrical distribution for Fe and almost symmetrical distribution for Pb and Sb. Concentrations of As, Co and Tl accumulated much higher in different parts of the Bass than Tilapia fish. The concentrations of As, Tl, Co, and Sb appeared significantly higher in different parts of the body of both Bass and Tilapia than the maximum SRM certified values. Accumulation of these contaminants in fish tissues pose increased health risks to humans who consume these contaminated fish although fishing is prohibited. Anthropogenic activities in the region primarily degrade the whole pond ecosystem ecology of the Bartlett Pond and waters of this pond to be not recommended for any use. These findings may be useful for the scientific community and concerned authorities to improve understanding about these precious natural resources and conservation of the ecosystem ecology.展开更多
The Cap Pushing Response (CPR) is a free-flying technique used to study learning and memory in honey bees (Apis mellifera). The series of experiments outlined in this paper aimed to test whether honey bees exhibit the...The Cap Pushing Response (CPR) is a free-flying technique used to study learning and memory in honey bees (Apis mellifera). The series of experiments outlined in this paper aimed to test whether honey bees exhibit the cognitive concept of “expectancy” utilizing the CPR in a weight differentiation paradigm. Five previous experiments in our laboratory have explored whether the concept of expectancy can account for honey bee performance and have all failed to support the cognitive interpretation. The first experiment examined if bees could differentiate between the two caps in the amount of force they used to push the cap and the distance the cap was pushed when the caps were presented one at a time. The second experiment explored cap weight preference by presenting bees with a choice between the two caps. The third and fourth experiments tested the bee’s ability to expect reward or punishment based on cap weight. Results revealed that bees were found to have a strong preference for the light cap and therefore were not able to expect reward or punishment based on cap weight. These experiments contribute to the debate on whether bees have “cognitive” representations and continue to support the behaviorist interpretation.展开更多
We report the charge-changing cross sections(σ_(cc))of 24 p-shell nuclides on both hydrogen and carbon at about 900A MeV,of which^(8,9)Li,^(10–12)Be,^(10,14,15)B,^(14,15,17–22)N and^(16)O on hydrogen and^(8,9)Li on...We report the charge-changing cross sections(σ_(cc))of 24 p-shell nuclides on both hydrogen and carbon at about 900A MeV,of which^(8,9)Li,^(10–12)Be,^(10,14,15)B,^(14,15,17–22)N and^(16)O on hydrogen and^(8,9)Li on carbon are for the first time.Benefiting from the data set,we found a new and robust relationship between the scaling factor of the Glauber model calculations and the separation energies of the nuclei of interest on both targets.This allows us to deduce proton radii(R_p)for the first time from the cross sections on hydrogen.Nearly identical R_p values are deduced from both target data for the neutron-rich carbon isotopes;however,the R_p from the hydrogen target is systematically smaller in the neutron-rich nitrogen isotopes.This calls for further experimental and theoretical investigations.展开更多
Subsequent studies have demonstrated the reversed activity of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra on the deformity of sickled red blood cells in hypoxia conditions. The observation which related to an in vitro stud...Subsequent studies have demonstrated the reversed activity of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra on the deformity of sickled red blood cells in hypoxia conditions. The observation which related to an in vitro study had given rise to hopes as to the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) by the use of this plant species. In this paper, the authors aimed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of C. pentandra on the production of fetal hemoglobin in SCD patients. The work carried out hemoglobin electrophoresis, for a period of six months, on blood samples from SCD patients who voluntarily undergone routine treatment, based on the medicinal recipe prepared from the bark of the trunk and branches of C. pentandra, in a hospital center of herbal medicines located in Kinshasa. The medicinal recipe called BEAT-SS is a patented product of the hospital center named Centre de Phytothérapie Moderne NIECA. Blood samples from patients under treatment were taken to evaluate the behavior of different forms of hemoglobin (hemoglobin S, hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2). Agarose gel electrophoresis with integrated reading was used for the separation of the different forms of hemoglobin, as well as their dosage on each sample of sickle blood. A reduction in the proportion of hemoglobin S and an increase in the proportion of fetal hemoglobin were found in all sickle cell patients during the treatment period. This observation could affirm that the management of sickle cell patients using the recipe prepared from the aqueous extract of C. pentandra could increase the level of fetal hemoglobin in these patients.展开更多
Polyreactive innate-type B cells account for many B cells expressing self-reactivity in the periphery. Improper regulation of these B cells may be an important factor that underlies autoimmune disease. Here we have ex...Polyreactive innate-type B cells account for many B cells expressing self-reactivity in the periphery. Improper regulation of these B cells may be an important factor that underlies autoimmune disease. Here we have explored the influence of self-reactive innate B cells in the development of collagen-induced arthritis （CIA）, a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. We show that splenic marginal zone （MZ）, but not B- 1 B cells exhibit spontaneous IgM reactivity to autologous collagen II in na＇=＇ve mice. Upon immunization with heterologous collagen II in complete Freund＇s adjuvant the collagen-reactive MZ B cells expanded rapidly, while the B-1 B cells showed a modest anti-collagen response. The MZ B cells were easily activated by toll-like receptor （TLR） 4 and 9-1igands in vitro, inducing proliferation and cytokine secretion, implying that dual engagement of the B-cell receptor and TLRs may promote the immune response to self-antigen. Furthermore, collagen-primed MZ B cells showed significant antigen-presenting capacity as reflected by cognate T-cell proliferation in vitroand induction of IgG anti-collagen antibodies in vivo. MZ B cells that were deficient in complement receptors I and 2 demonstrated increased proliferation and cytokine production, while Fcy receptor lib deficiency of the cells lead to increased cytokine production and antigen presentation. In conclusion, our data highlight self-reactive MZ B cells as initiators of the autoimmune response in CIA, where complement and Fc receptors are relevant in controlling the self-reactivity in the cells.展开更多
Enhancing awareness of personal cleanliness and antibacterial resistance has intensified the antibacterial substance request on consumable products. Antibacterial agents that have been commercialized nowadays are prod...Enhancing awareness of personal cleanliness and antibacterial resistance has intensified the antibacterial substance request on consumable products. Antibacterial agents that have been commercialized nowadays are produced from inorganic and non-renewable substances. This provides several drawbacks, particularly against health and environmental issues. Therefore, many scientists work on substituting fossil-fuel-based antibacterial agents with natural ones such as from biomass. Biomass derivatives, natural abundances of biopolymers in the world, amount to major compounds including polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, and chitosan) and polyphenol (tannin and lignin) substances which are capable to combat the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. To date, no report focuses on a deep understanding of antibacterial properties derived from biomass and the internal and external factors effects. This work provides that gap because comprehensive knowledge is necessary before applying biomass to the products. The potency of biomass derivatives as antibacterial additives is also summarized. Basic knowledge of antibacterial characteristics to the application in products is highlighted in this review. Besides, the discussion about challenges and future perspectives is also delivered.展开更多
Oxidative stress is closely associated with secondary cell death in many disorders of the central nervous system including stroke, Parkinson＇s disease, Alzheimer＇s disease. Among many aber-rant oxidative stress-asso...Oxidative stress is closely associated with secondary cell death in many disorders of the central nervous system including stroke, Parkinson＇s disease, Alzheimer＇s disease. Among many aber-rant oxidative stress-associated proteins, DJ-1 has been associated with the oxidative stress cell death cascade primarily in Parkinson＇s disease. Although principally expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus, DJ-1 can be secreted into the serum under pathological condition. Recently, a close pathological association between DJ-I and oxidative stress in stroke has been implicated. To this end, we and others have demonstrated the important role of mitochondria in neuroprotection for stroke by demonstrating that the translocation of DJ-1 in the mitochondria could potentially mitigate mitochondrial injury. Here, we discuss our recent findings testing the hypothesis that DJ- 1 not only functions as a form of intracellular protection from oxidative stress, but that it also utilizes paracrine and/or autocrine cues in order to accomplish extracellular signaling between neighboring neuronal cells, resulting in neuroprotection. This article highlights recent evidence supporting the status of DJ-1 as key anti-oxidative stress therapeutic target for stroke.展开更多
An extreme （weather and climate） event does not only mean that an extreme occurs at a location, but more generally it can impact a certainarea and last a certain period of time, which is defined as a regional extrem...An extreme （weather and climate） event does not only mean that an extreme occurs at a location, but more generally it can impact a certainarea and last a certain period of time, which is defined as a regional extreme event （REE） with a certain impacted area and duration. The conceptof REE has been defined to allow mainly objective assessment of the events without a pre-determined boundary and duration. This paper reviewsthe studies on REEs published during the past 20 years, especially recent years. Mainly in view of methodology, these studies can be divided intothree types studies focusing on spatial simultaneity, studies focusing on temporal persistence, and studies identifying REEs. The methodsidentifying REEs include two kinds, e.g., type-I methods stressing REE＇s temporal persistence within a relatively certain area and type-IImethods focusing on catching a complete REE. Identification methods proposed in this paper could provide valuable information for variouspurposes, such as real-time monitoring, estimating long-term changes, mechanism diagnosis, forecasting study and even attribution analysis.Research on REEs is important for objectively defining extreme weather and climate events, which depends on the spatial and temporal scales ofinterest. Such an objective definition will support ongoing climate monitoring and improve the assessment of how regional extreme events havechanged over time.展开更多
文摘Bone is a dynamic tissue that is constantly renewed by the coordinated action of two cell types, i.e., the bone-resorbing osteoclasts and the bone-forming osteoblasts. However, in some circumstances, bone regeneration exceeds bone self repair capacities. This is notably often the case after bone fractures, osteolytic bone tumor surgery, or osteonecrosis. In this regard,bone tissue engineering with autologous or allogenic mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) is been widely developed. MSCs can be isolated from bone marrow or other tissues such as adipose tissue or umbilical cord, and can be implanted in bone defects with or without prior amplification and stimulation. However, the outcome of most pre-clinical studies remains relatively disappointing. A better understanding of the successive steps and molecular mechanisms involved in MSC-osteoblastic differentiation appears to be crucial to optimize MSC-bone therapy. In this review, we first present the important growth factors that stimulate osteoblastogenesis. Then we review the main transcription factors that modulate osteoblast differentiation, and the microRNAs(miRs)that inhibit their expression. Finally, we also discuss articles dealing with the use of these factors and miRs in the development of new bone MSC therapy strategies. We particularly focus on the studies using human MSCs, since significant differences exist between osteoblast differentiation mechanisms in humans and mice for instance.
文摘Mammalian sperm must undergo a series of biochemical and physiological modifications, collectively called capacitation, in the female reproductive tract prior to the acrosome reaction （AR）. The mechanisms of these modifications are not well characterized though protein kinases were shown to be involved in the regulation of intracellular Ca2＋ during both capacitation and the AR. In the present review, we summarize some of the signaling events that are involved in capacitation. During the capacitation process, phosphatidyl-inositol-3-kinase （PI3K） is phosphorylated/activated via a protein kinase A （PKA）-dependent cascade, and downregulated by protein kinase C a （PKCa）. PKCa is active at the beginning of capacitation, resulting in PI3K inactivation. During capacitation, PKCa as well as PP172 is degraded by a PKA-dependent mechanism, allowing the activation of PI3K. The activation of PKA during capacitation depends mainly on cyclic adenosine monophosphate （cAMP） produced by the bicarbonate-dependent soluble adenylyl cyclase. This activation of PKA leads to an increase in actin polymerization, an essential process for the development of hyperactivated motility, which is necessary for successful fertilization. Actin polymerization is mediated by PIP2 in two ways： first, PIP2 acts as a cofactor for phospholipase D （PLD） activation, and second, as a molecule that binds and inhibits actin-severing proteins such as gelsolin. Tyrosine phosphorylation of gelsolin during capacitation by Src family kinase （SFK） is also important for its inactivation. Prior to the AR, gelsolin is released from PIP2 and undergoes dephosphorylation/activation, resulting in fast F-actin depolymerization, leading to the AR.
文摘AIM:To evaluate the current practice of stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in Lebanese Health care centers.METHODS:A multi-center prospective chart review study was conducted over 8 mo.A questionnaire was distributed to pharmacy students who collected data on demographics,SUP medications,dose,route,duration and associated risk factors.The appropriateness of SUP use was determined as per American Society of Health-System Pharmacists guidelines.Institutional review board approval was obtained from each hospital center.RESULTS:A total of 1004 patients were included.67% of the patients who received prophylaxis did not have an indication for SUP.The majority (71.6%) of the patients who were administered parenteral drugs can tolerate oral medications.Overall,the regimen of acid-suppressant drugs was suboptimal in 87.6% of the sample.This misuse was mainly observed in non-teaching hospitals.CONCLUSION:This study highlighted the need,in Lebanese hospitals,to establish clinical practice guidelines for the use of SUP;mainly in non-critical care settings.
基金Supported by A Prototype Single Balloon Enteroscope from Olympus Medical Systems,Tokyo,Japan
文摘AIM:To evaluate the effectiveness of a short-type single-balloon-enteroscope(SBE) for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) in patients with a reconstructed intestine.METHODS:Short-type SBE was developed to perform ERCP in postoperative patients with a reconstructed intestine.Short-type SBE is a direct-viewing endoscope with the following specifications:working length,1520 mm;total length,1840 mm;channel diameter,3.2 mm.In addition,short-type SBE has a water-jet channel.The study group comprised 22 patients who underwent 31 sessions of short-type SBE-assisted ERCP from June 2011 through May 2012.Reconstruction was performed by Billroth-Ⅱ(B-Ⅱ) gastrectomy in 6 patients(8 sessions),Roux-en-Y(R-Y) gastrectomy in 14 patients(21 sessions),and R-Y hepaticojejunostomy in 2 patients(2 sessions).We retrospectively studied the rate of reaching the blind end(papilla of Vater or choledochojejunal anastomosis),mean time required to reach the blind end,diagnostic success rate(defined as the rate of successfully imaging the bile and pancreatic ducts),therapeutic success rate(defined as the rate of successfully completing endoscopic treatment),mean procedure time,and complications.RESULTS:Among the 31 sessions of ERCP,the rate of reaching the blind end was 88% in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,91% in R-Y gastrectomy,and 100% in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.The mean time required to reach the papilla was 18.3 min in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,21.1 min in R-Y gastrectomy,and 32.5 min in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.The diagnostic success rates in all patients and those with an intact papilla were respectively 86% and 86% in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,90% and 87% in R-Y gastrectomy,and 100% in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.The therapeutic success rates in all patients and those with an intact papilla were respectively 100% and 100% in B-Ⅱ gastrectomy,94% and 92% in R-Y gastrectomy,and 100% in R-Y hepaticojejunostomy.Because the channel diameter was 3.2 mm,stone extraction could be performed with a wire-guided basket in 12 sessions,and wireguided intraductal
文摘AIM:To prospectively examine the association between presence of Streptococcus bovis(S.bovis)in colonic suction fluid and the endoscopic findings on colonoscopy.METHODS:From May 2012 to March 2013,203 consecutivepatients who underwent colonoscopy for any reason were enrolled in the study.Exclusion criteria included:antibiotic use in the previous month,age younger than18 years,and inadequate preparation for colonoscopy.The colonoscopy was performed for the total length of the colon or to the occluding tumor.The endoscopic findings were registered.Samples were obtained proximal to the colonoscopic part of the suction tube from each patient and sent to the clinical microbiology laboratory for isolation and identification of S.bovis.Samples were incubated in enrichment media with addition of antibiotic disks for inhibition of growth of Gram-negative rods.The samples were seeded on differential growth media;suspected positive colonies were isolated and identified with Gram staining,catalase,and pyrrolidonyl arylamidase tests,and further identified using a VITEK2 system.Statistical analyses were performed using the Student’s t andχ2 tests.RESULTS:Of the 203 patients recruited,49(24%)patients were found to be S.bovis carriers;of them,the endoscopic findings included:17(34.7%)cases with malignant tumors,11(22.4%)with large polyps,5(10.2%)with medium-sized polyps,6(12.2%)with small polyps,4(8.1%)with colitis,and 6(12.2%)normal colonoscopies.Of 154 patients found negative for S.bovis,the endoscopic findings included:none with malignant tumors,9(5.8%)cases with large polyps,11(7.1%)with medium-sized polyps,26(16.9%)with small polyps,7(4.5%)with colitis,and101(65.6%)normal colonoscopies.S.bovis(Grampositive coccus)is considered part of the normal intestinal flora.There is an association between S.bovis bacteremia and colonic neoplasia.It is not well understood whether the bacterium has a pathogenetic role in the development of neoplasia or constitutes an epiphenomenon of colorectal neoplasms.There was a clear relationship
文摘Hand gestures are powerful means of communication among humans and sign language is the most natural and expressive way of communication for dump and deaf people. In this work, real-time hand gesture system is proposed. Experimental setup of the system uses fixed position low-cost web camera with 10 mega pixel resolution mounted on the top of monitor of computer which captures snapshot using Red Green Blue [RGB] color space from fixed distance. This work is divided into four stages such as image preprocessing, region extraction, feature extraction, feature matching. First stage converts captured RGB image into binary image using gray threshold method with noise removed using median filter [medfilt2] and Guassian filter, followed by morphological operations. Second stage extracts hand region using blob and crop is applied for getting region of interest and then “Sobel” edge detection is applied on extracted region. Third stage produces feature vector as centroid and area of edge, which will be compared with feature vectors of a training dataset of gestures using Euclidian distance in the fourth stage. Least Euclidian distance gives recognition of perfect matching gesture for display of ASL alphabet, meaningful words using file handling. This paper includes experiments for 26 static hand gestures related to A-Z alphabets. Training dataset consists of 100 samples of each ASL symbol in different lightning conditions, different sizes and shapes of hand. This gesture recognition system can reliably recognize single-hand gestures in real time and can achieve a 90.19% recognition rate in complex background with a “minimum-possible constraints” approach.
文摘The trace elements chemistry of Bartlett Pond, a small shallow wetland pond in Laredo, Southern Texas, was sampled to evaluate the dynamics of trace elements impacts on water quality and ecosystems ecology of the pond. Two types of fish (bass and tilapia) were also sampled to see the trace element accumulation in different parts of their body. The concentrations of trace elements in water samples were found in the following order: Fe ≫Sb > Pb > As ≫Co > Tl > Cr > Cd within Bartlett Pond. Overall, the water quality of the pond is unacceptable for drinking and any other purposes as trace element concentrations (e.g. As, Cd, Co, Cr, Pb, Fe, Sb and Tl) are exceedingly higher (several fold) than the WHO and US EPA guidelines. Predictive and correlation analysis shows that most trace elements exhibit a strong positive correlation among them indicating the same anthropogenic sources and biogeochemical processes regulate these trace elements within the pond. Distributions of the trace elements in water exhibit different shapes mostly as positively skewed distribution for As, Cd, Co, Cr, and Tl, symmetrical distribution for Fe and almost symmetrical distribution for Pb and Sb. Concentrations of As, Co and Tl accumulated much higher in different parts of the Bass than Tilapia fish. The concentrations of As, Tl, Co, and Sb appeared significantly higher in different parts of the body of both Bass and Tilapia than the maximum SRM certified values. Accumulation of these contaminants in fish tissues pose increased health risks to humans who consume these contaminated fish although fishing is prohibited. Anthropogenic activities in the region primarily degrade the whole pond ecosystem ecology of the Bartlett Pond and waters of this pond to be not recommended for any use. These findings may be useful for the scientific community and concerned authorities to improve understanding about these precious natural resources and conservation of the ecosystem ecology.
文摘The Cap Pushing Response (CPR) is a free-flying technique used to study learning and memory in honey bees (Apis mellifera). The series of experiments outlined in this paper aimed to test whether honey bees exhibit the cognitive concept of “expectancy” utilizing the CPR in a weight differentiation paradigm. Five previous experiments in our laboratory have explored whether the concept of expectancy can account for honey bee performance and have all failed to support the cognitive interpretation. The first experiment examined if bees could differentiate between the two caps in the amount of force they used to push the cap and the distance the cap was pushed when the caps were presented one at a time. The second experiment explored cap weight preference by presenting bees with a choice between the two caps. The third and fourth experiments tested the bee’s ability to expect reward or punishment based on cap weight. Results revealed that bees were found to have a strong preference for the light cap and therefore were not able to expect reward or punishment based on cap weight. These experiments contribute to the debate on whether bees have “cognitive” representations and continue to support the behaviorist interpretation.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12325506,11961141004)the“111 center”(B20065)+1 种基金the NSERC,Canada,the Faculty Research Scheme at IIT(ISM)Dhanbad(FRS(154)/2021–2022/Physics)the support of the Chinese government and Beihang University under the Thousand Talent program。
文摘We report the charge-changing cross sections(σ_(cc))of 24 p-shell nuclides on both hydrogen and carbon at about 900A MeV,of which^(8,9)Li,^(10–12)Be,^(10,14,15)B,^(14,15,17–22)N and^(16)O on hydrogen and^(8,9)Li on carbon are for the first time.Benefiting from the data set,we found a new and robust relationship between the scaling factor of the Glauber model calculations and the separation energies of the nuclei of interest on both targets.This allows us to deduce proton radii(R_p)for the first time from the cross sections on hydrogen.Nearly identical R_p values are deduced from both target data for the neutron-rich carbon isotopes;however,the R_p from the hydrogen target is systematically smaller in the neutron-rich nitrogen isotopes.This calls for further experimental and theoretical investigations.
文摘Subsequent studies have demonstrated the reversed activity of the aqueous extract of Ceiba pentandra on the deformity of sickled red blood cells in hypoxia conditions. The observation which related to an in vitro study had given rise to hopes as to the management of sickle cell disease (SCD) by the use of this plant species. In this paper, the authors aimed to investigate the effect of the aqueous extract of C. pentandra on the production of fetal hemoglobin in SCD patients. The work carried out hemoglobin electrophoresis, for a period of six months, on blood samples from SCD patients who voluntarily undergone routine treatment, based on the medicinal recipe prepared from the bark of the trunk and branches of C. pentandra, in a hospital center of herbal medicines located in Kinshasa. The medicinal recipe called BEAT-SS is a patented product of the hospital center named Centre de Phytothérapie Moderne NIECA. Blood samples from patients under treatment were taken to evaluate the behavior of different forms of hemoglobin (hemoglobin S, hemoglobin F and hemoglobin A2). Agarose gel electrophoresis with integrated reading was used for the separation of the different forms of hemoglobin, as well as their dosage on each sample of sickle blood. A reduction in the proportion of hemoglobin S and an increase in the proportion of fetal hemoglobin were found in all sickle cell patients during the treatment period. This observation could affirm that the management of sickle cell patients using the recipe prepared from the aqueous extract of C. pentandra could increase the level of fetal hemoglobin in these patients.
文摘Polyreactive innate-type B cells account for many B cells expressing self-reactivity in the periphery. Improper regulation of these B cells may be an important factor that underlies autoimmune disease. Here we have explored the influence of self-reactive innate B cells in the development of collagen-induced arthritis （CIA）, a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis. We show that splenic marginal zone （MZ）, but not B- 1 B cells exhibit spontaneous IgM reactivity to autologous collagen II in na＇=＇ve mice. Upon immunization with heterologous collagen II in complete Freund＇s adjuvant the collagen-reactive MZ B cells expanded rapidly, while the B-1 B cells showed a modest anti-collagen response. The MZ B cells were easily activated by toll-like receptor （TLR） 4 and 9-1igands in vitro, inducing proliferation and cytokine secretion, implying that dual engagement of the B-cell receptor and TLRs may promote the immune response to self-antigen. Furthermore, collagen-primed MZ B cells showed significant antigen-presenting capacity as reflected by cognate T-cell proliferation in vitroand induction of IgG anti-collagen antibodies in vivo. MZ B cells that were deficient in complement receptors I and 2 demonstrated increased proliferation and cytokine production, while Fcy receptor lib deficiency of the cells lead to increased cytokine production and antigen presentation. In conclusion, our data highlight self-reactive MZ B cells as initiators of the autoimmune response in CIA, where complement and Fc receptors are relevant in controlling the self-reactivity in the cells.
基金Besides,thanks for financing assistance(No.SKPB6412/LPDP/LPDP.3/2023)from the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education(LPDP).
文摘Enhancing awareness of personal cleanliness and antibacterial resistance has intensified the antibacterial substance request on consumable products. Antibacterial agents that have been commercialized nowadays are produced from inorganic and non-renewable substances. This provides several drawbacks, particularly against health and environmental issues. Therefore, many scientists work on substituting fossil-fuel-based antibacterial agents with natural ones such as from biomass. Biomass derivatives, natural abundances of biopolymers in the world, amount to major compounds including polysaccharides (cellulose, hemicellulose, and chitosan) and polyphenol (tannin and lignin) substances which are capable to combat the growth of Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria. To date, no report focuses on a deep understanding of antibacterial properties derived from biomass and the internal and external factors effects. This work provides that gap because comprehensive knowledge is necessary before applying biomass to the products. The potency of biomass derivatives as antibacterial additives is also summarized. Basic knowledge of antibacterial characteristics to the application in products is highlighted in this review. Besides, the discussion about challenges and future perspectives is also delivered.
基金funded by USF School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation SciencesCVB,NT,and YK+2 种基金funded by USF Department of Neurosurgery and Brain Repair,NIH 1R01NS07195601A1Department of Defense W81XWH-11-1-0634the James and Esther King Biomedical Research Foundation 1KG01-33966
文摘Oxidative stress is closely associated with secondary cell death in many disorders of the central nervous system including stroke, Parkinson＇s disease, Alzheimer＇s disease. Among many aber-rant oxidative stress-associated proteins, DJ-1 has been associated with the oxidative stress cell death cascade primarily in Parkinson＇s disease. Although principally expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus, DJ-1 can be secreted into the serum under pathological condition. Recently, a close pathological association between DJ-I and oxidative stress in stroke has been implicated. To this end, we and others have demonstrated the important role of mitochondria in neuroprotection for stroke by demonstrating that the translocation of DJ-1 in the mitochondria could potentially mitigate mitochondrial injury. Here, we discuss our recent findings testing the hypothesis that DJ- 1 not only functions as a form of intracellular protection from oxidative stress, but that it also utilizes paracrine and/or autocrine cues in order to accomplish extracellular signaling between neighboring neuronal cells, resulting in neuroprotection. This article highlights recent evidence supporting the status of DJ-1 as key anti-oxidative stress therapeutic target for stroke.
文摘An extreme （weather and climate） event does not only mean that an extreme occurs at a location, but more generally it can impact a certainarea and last a certain period of time, which is defined as a regional extreme event （REE） with a certain impacted area and duration. The conceptof REE has been defined to allow mainly objective assessment of the events without a pre-determined boundary and duration. This paper reviewsthe studies on REEs published during the past 20 years, especially recent years. Mainly in view of methodology, these studies can be divided intothree types studies focusing on spatial simultaneity, studies focusing on temporal persistence, and studies identifying REEs. The methodsidentifying REEs include two kinds, e.g., type-I methods stressing REE＇s temporal persistence within a relatively certain area and type-IImethods focusing on catching a complete REE. Identification methods proposed in this paper could provide valuable information for variouspurposes, such as real-time monitoring, estimating long-term changes, mechanism diagnosis, forecasting study and even attribution analysis.Research on REEs is important for objectively defining extreme weather and climate events, which depends on the spatial and temporal scales ofinterest. Such an objective definition will support ongoing climate monitoring and improve the assessment of how regional extreme events havechanged over time.
