T helper 17(Th17)cells are a newly identified subset of T helper cells that play important roles in host defense against extracellular bacteria as well as in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.The functions of Th1...T helper 17(Th17)cells are a newly identified subset of T helper cells that play important roles in host defense against extracellular bacteria as well as in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.The functions of Th17 cells are mediated via the production of several cytokines including interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-22.Recent studies show that the frequency of IL-171 cells is significantly elevated in a variety of chronic liver diseases including alcoholic liver disease,viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.IL-17 receptor is expressed virtually on all types of liver cells,while IL-22 receptor expression is restricted to epithelial cells including hepatocytes in the liver.IL-17 seems to play an important role in inducing liver inflammation via stimulating multiple types of liver nonparenchymal cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines,while IL-22 appears to be an important factor in promoting hepatocyte survival and proliferation.展开更多
Virtual surgical planning （VSP） has recently been introduced in craniomaxillofacial surgery with the goal of improving efficiency and precision for complex surgical operations. Among many indications, VSP can also b...Virtual surgical planning （VSP） has recently been introduced in craniomaxillofacial surgery with the goal of improving efficiency and precision for complex surgical operations. Among many indications, VSP can also be applied for the treatment of congenital and acquired craniofacial defects, including orbital fractures. VSP permits the surgeon to visualize the complex anatomy of craniofacial region, showing the relationship between bone and neurovascular structures. It can be used to design and print using three- dimensional （3D） printing technology and customized surgical models. Additionally, intraoperative navigation may be useful as an aid in performing the surgery. Navigation is useful for both the surgical dissection as well as to confirm the placement of the implant. Navigation has been found to be especially useful for orbit and sinus surgery. The present paper reports a case describing the use of VSP and computerized navigation for the reconstruction of a large orbital floor defect with a custom implant.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality for which liver resection is an important curative-intent treatment option. However, many pati...Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality for which liver resection is an important curative-intent treatment option. However, many patients present with advanced disease and with underlying chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis, limiting the proportion of patients who are surgical candidates. In addition, the development of recurrent or de novo cancers following surgical resection is common. These issues have led investigators to evaluate the benefit of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies aimed at improving resectability rates and decreasing recurrence rates. While high-level evidence to guide treatment decision making is lacking, recent advances in locoregional and systemic therapies, including antiviral treatment and immunotherapy, raise the prospect of novel approaches that may improve the outcomes of patients with HCC. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for various neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies and discuss opportunities for future clinical and translational research.展开更多
The Ca2+-sensing receptor(the Ca SR),a G-protein-coupled receptor,regulates Ca2+ homeostasis in the body by monitoring extracellular levels of Ca2+([Ca2+]o) and responding to a diverse array of stimuli.Mutations in th...The Ca2+-sensing receptor(the Ca SR),a G-protein-coupled receptor,regulates Ca2+ homeostasis in the body by monitoring extracellular levels of Ca2+([Ca2+]o) and responding to a diverse array of stimuli.Mutations in the Ca2+-sensing receptor result in hypercalcemic or hypocalcemic disorders,such as familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia,neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism,and autosomal dominant hypocalcemic hypercalciuria.Compelling evidence suggests that the Ca SR plays multiple roles extending well beyond not only regulating the level of extracellular Ca2+ in the human body,but also controlling a diverse range of biological processes.In this review,we focus on the structural biology of the Ca SR,the ligand interaction sites as well as their relevance to the disease associated mutations.This systematic summary will provide a comprehensive exploration of how the Ca SR integrates extracellular Ca2+ into intracellular Ca2+ signaling.展开更多
1 Summary The 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Professor Tu YouYou for her key contributions to the discovery of artemisinin. Artemisinin has saved mil- lions of lives and represents one of t...1 Summary The 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Professor Tu YouYou for her key contributions to the discovery of artemisinin. Artemisinin has saved mil- lions of lives and represents one of the significant contribu- tions of China to global health. Many scientists were in- volved in the previously unknown 523 Project, and the No- bel Prize given to a single person has not been without con- troversy. Here we summarize some key events in the 523 Project and present our views on the Award to help the pub- lic better understand the rationale of the Nobel Committee＇ s decision, the significance of the discovery, and current is- sues related to artimisinin in treating malaria.展开更多
A new flowsheet was developed to recover the valuable minerals from oxide or oxide-sulfide ores of lead and zinc. The flowsheet consisted of flotation of sulfide minerals, desliming and sulphidization-flotation of oxi...A new flowsheet was developed to recover the valuable minerals from oxide or oxide-sulfide ores of lead and zinc. The flowsheet consisted of flotation of sulfide minerals, desliming and sulphidization-flotation of oxide minerals. The corresponding reagent system and techniques to the flowsheet were investigated. Batch and continuous tests show that the dosage of sodium sulfide, temperature, and collector type are main affecting factors on the recovery of smithsonite and cerussite. For the flotation of cerussite, there is an appropriate dosage of sodium sulfide at which the recovery reaches its maximum value. The required sodium sulfide for smithsonite flotation is higher than that for cerussite and the recovery of smithsonite flotation increases with the dosage of sodium sulfide at low level and becomes insensitive at high dosage. The appropriate temperature for smithsonite and cerussite flotation is found to be 2540℃. Amines are found to be the effective collectors for the flotation of smithsonite after sulphidization. Investigation also shows that desliming prior to sulphidization-flotation is essential to the effective recovery of smithsonite and cerussite, and the desliming process of two-stage hydrocyclon is well feasible and effective for the treatment of lead-zinc oxide ores. A further treatment on the cerussite flotation concentrate by shaking table is proposed to obtain higher lead grade.展开更多
Dear Editor,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARSCo V)is the causative agent of the 2002–2003 SARS pandemic,which resulted in more than 8000 human infections worldwide and an approximately 10%fatality ra...Dear Editor,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARSCo V)is the causative agent of the 2002–2003 SARS pandemic,which resulted in more than 8000 human infections worldwide and an approximately 10%fatality rate(Ksiazek et al.2003;Peiris et al.2004).The virus infects both upper airway and alveolar epithelial cells,resulting in mild to severe lung injury in展开更多
Propagation of light beams through scattering or multimode systems may lead to the randomization of the spatial coherence of the light.Although information is not lost,its recovery requires a coherent interferometric ...Propagation of light beams through scattering or multimode systems may lead to the randomization of the spatial coherence of the light.Although information is not lost,its recovery requires a coherent interferometric reconstruction of the original signals,which have been scrambled into the modes of the scattering system.Here we show that we can automatically unscramble optical beams that have been arbitrarily mixed in a multimode waveguide,undoing the scattering and mixing between the spatial modes through a mesh of silicon photonics tuneable beam splitters.Transparent light detectors integrated in a photonic chip are used to directly monitor the evolution of each mode along the mesh,allowing sequential tuning and adaptive individual feedback control of each beam splitter.The entire mesh self-configures automatically through a progressive tuning algorithm and resets itself after significantly perturbing the mixing,without turning off the beams.We demonstrate information recovery by the simultaneous unscrambling,sorting and tracking of four mixed modes,with residual cross-talk of−20 dB between the beams.Circuit partitioning assisted by transparent detectors enables scalability to meshes with a higher port count and to a higher number of modes without a proportionate increase in the control complexity.The principle of self-configuring and self-resetting in optical systems should be applicable in a wide range of optical applications.展开更多
Background Both real-time three-dimensional echocardi ography (RT3DE) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) are novel imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to confirm the feasibility and accuracy ...Background Both real-time three-dimensional echocardi ography (RT3DE) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) are novel imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to confirm the feasibility and accuracy of RT3DE combined with MCE for quantitative evaluation of myocardial perfusion defects. Methods Thirteen dogs underwent ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD, n=6) or distal branch of the left circumflex artery (LCX, n=7) under general anaesthesia. Three to four ml of a perfluoropropane (C 3F 8) microbubble contrast agent was injected intravenously to assess the resulting myocardial perfusion defects with a commercially available Philips SONOS-7500 ultrasound system. After removal of the dog hearts, Evans blue dye was injected via the left and righ t coronary arteries to stain the myocardium at risk. In vitro anatomic measurements of myocardial mass after removal of the animals’ hearts were used as control s. Results Left ventricular (LV) mass determined by RT3DE ranged 36.7-68.9 g [mean, (54.6±9.6) g] before coronary artery ligation, and correlated highly (r=0.99) with in vitro measurement of LV mass [range, 38.9-71.1 g; mean, (55.6±9.3) g]. There was no significant difference between RT3DE and in vitro measurements of LV mass [range, 36.7-68.9 g; mean, (51.3±12.5) g. Or range, 38.9-71. 1 g; mean, (53.7±12.3) g, respectively] and under-perfused mass [range, 0-21.4 g; mean, (12.0±6.9) g. Or range, 0-19.8 g; mean, (10.8±6.3) g, respectively] after th e LAD ligation (P>0.05). Likewise, no significant difference was present between RT3DE and in vitro measurements of LV mass [range, 50.1-65.4 g; mean, (57.5±5.9 ) g. Or range, 51.5-65.8 g; mean, (57.3±6.4) g, respectively] and under-perfused m ass [range, 0-25.6 g; mean, (13.3±9.6) g. Or range, 0-22.7 g; mean, (12.8±8.1 ) g, respectively] after the LCX ligation (P>0.05). For all the animals with coronary ligation, LV mass measured by RT3DE ranged 35.9-68.6 g [mean, (54.8±10.0) g] a nd there was no significant differen展开更多
AIM： To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） on the differentiation of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts （CLPF） into myofibroblasts in vitro.METHODS： Primary CLPF cultures were in...AIM： To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） on the differentiation of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts （CLPF） into myofibroblasts in vitro.METHODS： Primary CLPF cultures were incubated with TGF-β1 and analyzed for production of m-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）, fibronectin （FN） and FN isoforms. Migration assays were performed in a modified 48-well Boyden chamber. Levels of total and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase （FAK） in CLPF were analyzed after induction of migration.did not change α-SMA levels, while TGF-β1 treatment for 6 d significantly increased α-SIVlA production. Short term incubation （6 h） with TGF-β1 enhanced CLPF migration, while long term treatment （6 d） of CLPF with TGF-β1 reduced migration to 15%-37% compared to untreated cells. FN and FN isoform mRNA expression were increased after short term incubation with TGF-β1 （2 d） in contrast to long term incubation with TGF-β1 for 6 d. After induction of migration, TGF-β1-preincubated CLPF showed higher amounts of FN and its isoforms and lower levels of total and phosphorylated FAK than untreated cells.CONCLUSION： Long term incubation of CLPF with TGF-β1 induced differentiation into myofibroblasts with enhanced α-SMA, reduced migratory potential and FAK phosphorylation, and increased FN production. In contrast, short term contact （6 h） of fibroblasts with TGF-β1 induced a dose-dependent increase of cell migration and FAK phosphorylation without induction of α-SMA production.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the completion rate and diagnostic yield of the Pill Cam SB2-ex in comparison to the Pill Cam SB2.METHODS:Two hundred cases using the 8-h Pill Cam SB2 were retrospectively compared to 200 cases using ...AIM: To evaluate the completion rate and diagnostic yield of the Pill Cam SB2-ex in comparison to the Pill Cam SB2.METHODS:Two hundred cases using the 8-h Pill Cam SB2 were retrospectively compared to 200 cases using the 12 h Pill Cam SB2-ex at a tertiary academic center.Endoscopically placed capsules were excluded from the study.Demographic information,indications for capsule endoscopy,capsule type,study length,completion of exam,clinically significant findings,timestamp of most distant finding,and significant findings beyond 8 h were recorded.RESULTS:The 8 and 12 h capsule groups were well matched respectively for both age(70.90±14.19vs 71.93±13.80,P=0.46)and gender(45.5%vs48%male,P=0.69).The most common indications for the procedure in both groups were anemia and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Pill Cam SB2-ex had a significantly higher completion rate than Pill Cam SB2(88%vs 79.5%,P=0.03).Overall,the diagnostic yield was greater for the 8 h capsule(48.5%for SB2vs 35%for SB2-ex,P=0.01).In 4/70(5.7%)of abnormal SB2-ex exams the clinically significant findingwas noted in the small bowel beyond the 8 h mark.CONCLUSION:In our study,we found the Pill Cam SB2-ex to have a significantly increased completion rate,though without any improvement in diagnostic yield compared to the Pill Cam SB2.展开更多
Rice sheath blight disease （ShB）, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, gives rise to significant grain yield losses. The present study evaluated the efficacy of Integral, the commercial liquid formulation of Bacillus subti...Rice sheath blight disease （ShB）, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, gives rise to significant grain yield losses. The present study evaluated the efficacy of Integral, the commercial liquid formulation of Bacillus subtilis strain MBI 600, against rice ShB and for plant growth promotion. In greenhouse studies, four log concentrations of Integral （from 2.2×10^6 to 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL） were used as seed treatment （ST）. After 25 d, seedlings were dipped （SD） into Integral prior to transplanting. At 30 d after transplanting （DAT）, leaf sheaths were inoculated with immature sclerotia of the pathogen. At 45 DAT, a foliar spray （FS） with Integral was applied to some treatments. The fungicide control was 50% carbendazim at 1.0 g/L, and a nontreated control was also included. Overall, there were 10 treatments, each with five replications. ShB severity was rated at 52 DAT, and seedling height and number of tillers per plant were rated at 60 DAT. In 2009, two field trials evaluated Integral at 2.2×10^8 and 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL. Integral was applied as ST, and seedlings were produced in a nursery bed. After 32 d, seedlings were treated with Integral as SD and transplanted into 10 m^2 blocks. Foliar sprays were given at 45 and 60 DAT. There were seven treatments, each with eight replications arranged as a factorial randomized complete block design. At 20 DAT, the plots were broadcast inoculated with R. solani produced on rice grains. Seedling height before transplanting, ShB severity at 90 DAT, and grain yield at harvest were recorded. Integral at 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL provided significant increase of seedling heights over other treatments under greenhouse conditions. The Integral treatments of ST ＋ SD ＋ FS at 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL significantly suppressed ShB over other treatments. In field studies, Integral provided significant increase of seedling height in nursery, and number of tillers per plant, compared with the control. ShB severity was significantly suppressed with higher concentrations of Integral compared t展开更多
AIM: To determine the efficacy of probiotic supplementation on intestinal transit time (ITT) and to identify factors that influence these outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) o...AIM: To determine the efficacy of probiotic supplementation on intestinal transit time (ITT) and to identify factors that influence these outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of probiotic supplementation that measured ITT in adults was conducted by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE using relevant combinations. Main search limits included RCTs of probiotic supplementation in healthy or constipated adults that measured ITT. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. A random effects meta-analysis was performed with standardized mean difference (SMD) of ITT between probiotic and control groups as the primary outcome. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the impact of moderator variables on ITT SMD. RESULTS: A total of 11 clinical trials with 13 treatment effects representing 464 subjects were included in this analysis. Probiotic supplementation was associated with decreased ITT in relation to controls, with an SMD of 0.40 (95%CI: 0.20-0.59, P < 0.001). Constipation (r 2 = 39%, P = 0.01), higher mean age (r 2 = 27%, P = 0.03), and higher percentage of female subjects (r 2 = 23%, P < 0.05) were predictive of decreased ITT with probiotics in meta-regression. Subgroup analyses demonstrated statistically greater reductions in ITT with probiotics in subjects with vs without constipation and in older vs younger subjects [both SMD: 0.59 (95%CI: 0.39-0.79) vs 0.17 (95%CI: -0.08-0.42), P = 0.01]. Medium to large treatment effects were identified with Bifidobacterium Lactis (B. lactis ) HN019 (SMD: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.27-1.18, P < 0.01) and B. lactis DN-173 010 (SMD: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.15-0.94, P < 0.01) while other single strains and combination products yielded small treatment effects. CONCLUSION: Overall, short-term probiotic supplementation decreases ITT with consistently greater treatment effects identified in constipated or older adults and with certain probiotic strains.展开更多
基金supported by the intramural program of NIAAA,NIH.
文摘T helper 17(Th17)cells are a newly identified subset of T helper cells that play important roles in host defense against extracellular bacteria as well as in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.The functions of Th17 cells are mediated via the production of several cytokines including interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-22.Recent studies show that the frequency of IL-171 cells is significantly elevated in a variety of chronic liver diseases including alcoholic liver disease,viral hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma.IL-17 receptor is expressed virtually on all types of liver cells,while IL-22 receptor expression is restricted to epithelial cells including hepatocytes in the liver.IL-17 seems to play an important role in inducing liver inflammation via stimulating multiple types of liver nonparenchymal cells to produce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines,while IL-22 appears to be an important factor in promoting hepatocyte survival and proliferation.
文摘Virtual surgical planning （VSP） has recently been introduced in craniomaxillofacial surgery with the goal of improving efficiency and precision for complex surgical operations. Among many indications, VSP can also be applied for the treatment of congenital and acquired craniofacial defects, including orbital fractures. VSP permits the surgeon to visualize the complex anatomy of craniofacial region, showing the relationship between bone and neurovascular structures. It can be used to design and print using three- dimensional （3D） printing technology and customized surgical models. Additionally, intraoperative navigation may be useful as an aid in performing the surgery. Navigation is useful for both the surgical dissection as well as to confirm the placement of the implant. Navigation has been found to be especially useful for orbit and sinus surgery. The present paper reports a case describing the use of VSP and computerized navigation for the reconstruction of a large orbital floor defect with a custom implant.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common liver malignancy worldwide and a major cause of cancer-related mortality for which liver resection is an important curative-intent treatment option. However, many patients present with advanced disease and with underlying chronic liver disease and/or cirrhosis, limiting the proportion of patients who are surgical candidates. In addition, the development of recurrent or de novo cancers following surgical resection is common. These issues have led investigators to evaluate the benefit of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment strategies aimed at improving resectability rates and decreasing recurrence rates. While high-level evidence to guide treatment decision making is lacking, recent advances in locoregional and systemic therapies, including antiviral treatment and immunotherapy, raise the prospect of novel approaches that may improve the outcomes of patients with HCC. In this review, we evaluate the evidence for various neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies and discuss opportunities for future clinical and translational research.
基金supported by the US National Institutes of Health(GM081749 and EB007268)a Center for Diagnostics and Therapeutics fellowship(to Zhang Chen)funds from the Georgia Research Alliance
文摘The Ca2+-sensing receptor(the Ca SR),a G-protein-coupled receptor,regulates Ca2+ homeostasis in the body by monitoring extracellular levels of Ca2+([Ca2+]o) and responding to a diverse array of stimuli.Mutations in the Ca2+-sensing receptor result in hypercalcemic or hypocalcemic disorders,such as familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia,neonatal severe primary hyperparathyroidism,and autosomal dominant hypocalcemic hypercalciuria.Compelling evidence suggests that the Ca SR plays multiple roles extending well beyond not only regulating the level of extracellular Ca2+ in the human body,but also controlling a diverse range of biological processes.In this review,we focus on the structural biology of the Ca SR,the ligand interaction sites as well as their relevance to the disease associated mutations.This systematic summary will provide a comprehensive exploration of how the Ca SR integrates extracellular Ca2+ into intracellular Ca2+ signaling.
基金supported by the Division of Intramural Research at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases(NIAID)
文摘1 Summary The 2015 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Professor Tu YouYou for her key contributions to the discovery of artemisinin. Artemisinin has saved mil- lions of lives and represents one of the significant contribu- tions of China to global health. Many scientists were in- volved in the previously unknown 523 Project, and the No- bel Prize given to a single person has not been without con- troversy. Here we summarize some key events in the 523 Project and present our views on the Award to help the pub- lic better understand the rationale of the Nobel Committee＇ s decision, the significance of the discovery, and current is- sues related to artimisinin in treating malaria.
文摘A new flowsheet was developed to recover the valuable minerals from oxide or oxide-sulfide ores of lead and zinc. The flowsheet consisted of flotation of sulfide minerals, desliming and sulphidization-flotation of oxide minerals. The corresponding reagent system and techniques to the flowsheet were investigated. Batch and continuous tests show that the dosage of sodium sulfide, temperature, and collector type are main affecting factors on the recovery of smithsonite and cerussite. For the flotation of cerussite, there is an appropriate dosage of sodium sulfide at which the recovery reaches its maximum value. The required sodium sulfide for smithsonite flotation is higher than that for cerussite and the recovery of smithsonite flotation increases with the dosage of sodium sulfide at low level and becomes insensitive at high dosage. The appropriate temperature for smithsonite and cerussite flotation is found to be 2540℃. Amines are found to be the effective collectors for the flotation of smithsonite after sulphidization. Investigation also shows that desliming prior to sulphidization-flotation is essential to the effective recovery of smithsonite and cerussite, and the desliming process of two-stage hydrocyclon is well feasible and effective for the treatment of lead-zinc oxide ores. A further treatment on the cerussite flotation concentrate by shaking table is proposed to obtain higher lead grade.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China Grant (81290341) to ZLSthe National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases of the National Institutes of Health (Award Number R01AI110964) to PD and ZLS+2 种基金United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Emerging Pandemic Threats PREDICT project Grant (Cooperative Agreement No. AID-OAA-A-14-00102) to PDSingapore NRFCRP Grant (NRF2012NRF-CRP001–056)CD-PHRG Grant (CDPHRG/0006/2014) to LFW
文摘Dear Editor,Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus(SARSCo V)is the causative agent of the 2002–2003 SARS pandemic,which resulted in more than 8000 human infections worldwide and an approximately 10%fatality rate(Ksiazek et al.2003;Peiris et al.2004).The virus infects both upper airway and alveolar epithelial cells,resulting in mild to severe lung injury in
基金the European Union's Seventh FP7 Programme(Grant agreement No.323734,BBOI)the European Union’s H2020 Programme(Grant No.688172,STREAMS)+1 种基金Fondazione Cariplo(Grant No.2016-0881,ACTIO)by Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative grant(Air Force Office of Scientific Research,FA9550-12-1-0024)。
文摘Propagation of light beams through scattering or multimode systems may lead to the randomization of the spatial coherence of the light.Although information is not lost,its recovery requires a coherent interferometric reconstruction of the original signals,which have been scrambled into the modes of the scattering system.Here we show that we can automatically unscramble optical beams that have been arbitrarily mixed in a multimode waveguide,undoing the scattering and mixing between the spatial modes through a mesh of silicon photonics tuneable beam splitters.Transparent light detectors integrated in a photonic chip are used to directly monitor the evolution of each mode along the mesh,allowing sequential tuning and adaptive individual feedback control of each beam splitter.The entire mesh self-configures automatically through a progressive tuning algorithm and resets itself after significantly perturbing the mixing,without turning off the beams.We demonstrate information recovery by the simultaneous unscrambling,sorting and tracking of four mixed modes,with residual cross-talk of−20 dB between the beams.Circuit partitioning assisted by transparent detectors enables scalability to meshes with a higher port count and to a higher number of modes without a proportionate increase in the control complexity.The principle of self-configuring and self-resetting in optical systems should be applicable in a wide range of optical applications.
文摘Background Both real-time three-dimensional echocardi ography (RT3DE) and myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) are novel imaging techniques. The purpose of this study was to confirm the feasibility and accuracy of RT3DE combined with MCE for quantitative evaluation of myocardial perfusion defects. Methods Thirteen dogs underwent ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD, n=6) or distal branch of the left circumflex artery (LCX, n=7) under general anaesthesia. Three to four ml of a perfluoropropane (C 3F 8) microbubble contrast agent was injected intravenously to assess the resulting myocardial perfusion defects with a commercially available Philips SONOS-7500 ultrasound system. After removal of the dog hearts, Evans blue dye was injected via the left and righ t coronary arteries to stain the myocardium at risk. In vitro anatomic measurements of myocardial mass after removal of the animals’ hearts were used as control s. Results Left ventricular (LV) mass determined by RT3DE ranged 36.7-68.9 g [mean, (54.6±9.6) g] before coronary artery ligation, and correlated highly (r=0.99) with in vitro measurement of LV mass [range, 38.9-71.1 g; mean, (55.6±9.3) g]. There was no significant difference between RT3DE and in vitro measurements of LV mass [range, 36.7-68.9 g; mean, (51.3±12.5) g. Or range, 38.9-71. 1 g; mean, (53.7±12.3) g, respectively] and under-perfused mass [range, 0-21.4 g; mean, (12.0±6.9) g. Or range, 0-19.8 g; mean, (10.8±6.3) g, respectively] after th e LAD ligation (P>0.05). Likewise, no significant difference was present between RT3DE and in vitro measurements of LV mass [range, 50.1-65.4 g; mean, (57.5±5.9 ) g. Or range, 51.5-65.8 g; mean, (57.3±6.4) g, respectively] and under-perfused m ass [range, 0-25.6 g; mean, (13.3±9.6) g. Or range, 0-22.7 g; mean, (12.8±8.1 ) g, respectively] after the LCX ligation (P>0.05). For all the animals with coronary ligation, LV mass measured by RT3DE ranged 35.9-68.6 g [mean, (54.8±10.0) g] a nd there was no significant differen
文摘AIM： To investigate the effects of transforming growth factor β1 （TGF-β1） on the differentiation of colonic lamina propria fibroblasts （CLPF） into myofibroblasts in vitro.METHODS： Primary CLPF cultures were incubated with TGF-β1 and analyzed for production of m-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）, fibronectin （FN） and FN isoforms. Migration assays were performed in a modified 48-well Boyden chamber. Levels of total and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase （FAK） in CLPF were analyzed after induction of migration.did not change α-SMA levels, while TGF-β1 treatment for 6 d significantly increased α-SIVlA production. Short term incubation （6 h） with TGF-β1 enhanced CLPF migration, while long term treatment （6 d） of CLPF with TGF-β1 reduced migration to 15%-37% compared to untreated cells. FN and FN isoform mRNA expression were increased after short term incubation with TGF-β1 （2 d） in contrast to long term incubation with TGF-β1 for 6 d. After induction of migration, TGF-β1-preincubated CLPF showed higher amounts of FN and its isoforms and lower levels of total and phosphorylated FAK than untreated cells.CONCLUSION： Long term incubation of CLPF with TGF-β1 induced differentiation into myofibroblasts with enhanced α-SMA, reduced migratory potential and FAK phosphorylation, and increased FN production. In contrast, short term contact （6 h） of fibroblasts with TGF-β1 induced a dose-dependent increase of cell migration and FAK phosphorylation without induction of α-SMA production.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the completion rate and diagnostic yield of the Pill Cam SB2-ex in comparison to the Pill Cam SB2.METHODS:Two hundred cases using the 8-h Pill Cam SB2 were retrospectively compared to 200 cases using the 12 h Pill Cam SB2-ex at a tertiary academic center.Endoscopically placed capsules were excluded from the study.Demographic information,indications for capsule endoscopy,capsule type,study length,completion of exam,clinically significant findings,timestamp of most distant finding,and significant findings beyond 8 h were recorded.RESULTS:The 8 and 12 h capsule groups were well matched respectively for both age(70.90±14.19vs 71.93±13.80,P=0.46)and gender(45.5%vs48%male,P=0.69).The most common indications for the procedure in both groups were anemia and obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.Pill Cam SB2-ex had a significantly higher completion rate than Pill Cam SB2(88%vs 79.5%,P=0.03).Overall,the diagnostic yield was greater for the 8 h capsule(48.5%for SB2vs 35%for SB2-ex,P=0.01).In 4/70(5.7%)of abnormal SB2-ex exams the clinically significant findingwas noted in the small bowel beyond the 8 h mark.CONCLUSION:In our study,we found the Pill Cam SB2-ex to have a significantly increased completion rate,though without any improvement in diagnostic yield compared to the Pill Cam SB2.
文摘Rice sheath blight disease （ShB）, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, gives rise to significant grain yield losses. The present study evaluated the efficacy of Integral, the commercial liquid formulation of Bacillus subtilis strain MBI 600, against rice ShB and for plant growth promotion. In greenhouse studies, four log concentrations of Integral （from 2.2×10^6 to 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL） were used as seed treatment （ST）. After 25 d, seedlings were dipped （SD） into Integral prior to transplanting. At 30 d after transplanting （DAT）, leaf sheaths were inoculated with immature sclerotia of the pathogen. At 45 DAT, a foliar spray （FS） with Integral was applied to some treatments. The fungicide control was 50% carbendazim at 1.0 g/L, and a nontreated control was also included. Overall, there were 10 treatments, each with five replications. ShB severity was rated at 52 DAT, and seedling height and number of tillers per plant were rated at 60 DAT. In 2009, two field trials evaluated Integral at 2.2×10^8 and 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL. Integral was applied as ST, and seedlings were produced in a nursery bed. After 32 d, seedlings were treated with Integral as SD and transplanted into 10 m^2 blocks. Foliar sprays were given at 45 and 60 DAT. There were seven treatments, each with eight replications arranged as a factorial randomized complete block design. At 20 DAT, the plots were broadcast inoculated with R. solani produced on rice grains. Seedling height before transplanting, ShB severity at 90 DAT, and grain yield at harvest were recorded. Integral at 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL provided significant increase of seedling heights over other treatments under greenhouse conditions. The Integral treatments of ST ＋ SD ＋ FS at 2.2×10^9 cfu/mL significantly suppressed ShB over other treatments. In field studies, Integral provided significant increase of seedling height in nursery, and number of tillers per plant, compared with the control. ShB severity was significantly suppressed with higher concentrations of Integral compared t
文摘AIM: To determine the efficacy of probiotic supplementation on intestinal transit time (ITT) and to identify factors that influence these outcomes. METHODS: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of probiotic supplementation that measured ITT in adults was conducted by searching MEDLINE and EMBASE using relevant combinations. Main search limits included RCTs of probiotic supplementation in healthy or constipated adults that measured ITT. Study quality was assessed using the Jadad scale. A random effects meta-analysis was performed with standardized mean difference (SMD) of ITT between probiotic and control groups as the primary outcome. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the impact of moderator variables on ITT SMD. RESULTS: A total of 11 clinical trials with 13 treatment effects representing 464 subjects were included in this analysis. Probiotic supplementation was associated with decreased ITT in relation to controls, with an SMD of 0.40 (95%CI: 0.20-0.59, P < 0.001). Constipation (r 2 = 39%, P = 0.01), higher mean age (r 2 = 27%, P = 0.03), and higher percentage of female subjects (r 2 = 23%, P < 0.05) were predictive of decreased ITT with probiotics in meta-regression. Subgroup analyses demonstrated statistically greater reductions in ITT with probiotics in subjects with vs without constipation and in older vs younger subjects [both SMD: 0.59 (95%CI: 0.39-0.79) vs 0.17 (95%CI: -0.08-0.42), P = 0.01]. Medium to large treatment effects were identified with Bifidobacterium Lactis (B. lactis ) HN019 (SMD: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.27-1.18, P < 0.01) and B. lactis DN-173 010 (SMD: 0.54, 95%CI: 0.15-0.94, P < 0.01) while other single strains and combination products yielded small treatment effects. CONCLUSION: Overall, short-term probiotic supplementation decreases ITT with consistently greater treatment effects identified in constipated or older adults and with certain probiotic strains.
