This paper analyses the impact of agricultural tax abolition and direct income payments to grain farmers on grain production and rural inequality in China. To separate the impact of the income support measures from re...This paper analyses the impact of agricultural tax abolition and direct income payments to grain farmers on grain production and rural inequality in China. To separate the impact of the income support measures from recent price trends for grains and inputs, and to account for differences in household responses, we use a village-level general equilibrium model that we calibrate for two villages with different degrees of market access in Jiangxi province. The results show that the income support policy does not reach its goal of promoting grain production. The increased incomes allow farm households to buy more inputs for livestock production and involve other activities that are more profitable than grain farming. Selling of rice outside the villages declines more than rice production, because households in the villages consume more rice when incomes rise. We further find that the income support measures tend to reduce income within a village, but that tax abolition tends to widen income inequality between villages.展开更多
AIM: To investigate whether narrow band imaging (NBI) is a useful tool for the in vivo detection of angiogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. METHODS: Conventional and NBI colonoscopy was performed in...AIM: To investigate whether narrow band imaging (NBI) is a useful tool for the in vivo detection of angiogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. METHODS: Conventional and NBI colonoscopy was performed in 14 patients with colonic inflammation (8 ulcerative colitis and 6 Crohn’s disease). Biopsy samples were taken and CD31 expression was assayed immuno- histochemically; microvascular density was assessed by vessel count. RESULTS: In areas that were endoscopically normal but positive on NBI, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in angiogenesis (12 ± 1 vessels/field vs 18 ± 2 vessels/field) compared with areas negative on NBI. In addition, in areas that were inflamed on white light endoscopy and positive on NBI, there was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in vessel density (24 ± 7 vessels/f ield) compared with NBI-negative areas.CONCLUSION: NBI may allow in vivo imaging of intestinal angiogenesis in IBD patients.展开更多
Following the genomics revolution, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying defenses against stress has been greatly expanded. Under strong selective pressure many animals may evolve an enhanced stress tol...Following the genomics revolution, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying defenses against stress has been greatly expanded. Under strong selective pressure many animals may evolve an enhanced stress tolerance. This can be achieved by altering the structure of proteins （through mutations in the coding regions of genes） or by altering the amount of protein （through changes in transcriptional regulation）. The latter type of evolution can be achieved by substitutions in the promoter of the gene of interest （cisregulatory change） or by altering the structure or amount of transcriptional regulator proteins （trans-regulatory change）. The metallothionein system is one of the best studied stress response systems in the context of heavy metals. Metallothionein expression is assumed to be regulated by metal transcription factor 1 （MTF-1）; however, up to now the involvement of MTF- 1 has only been proven for some vertebrates and Drosophila. Data on invertebrates such as nematodes and earthworms suggest that other mechanisms of metallothionein induction may be present. A detailed study of Cd tolerance was done for a species of soilliving springtail, Orchesella cincta. The metallothionein gene of this species is overexpressed in metal-exposed field populations. Analysis of the metallothionein promoter has demon- strated extensive polymorphisms that have a fimctional significance, as shown in bioreporter assays. In a study comparing 20 different populations, the frequency of a high-expresser promoter allele was positively correlated with the concentration of metals in soil, especially Cd. The springtail study shows that cis-regulatory change of genes involved in the cellular stress response may contribute to evolution of metal tolerance.展开更多
Vegetable oils are a source of energy, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins useful for human health care and development. These oils also contribute to organoleptic quality of their products’ ...Vegetable oils are a source of energy, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins useful for human health care and development. These oils also contribute to organoleptic quality of their products’ derivatives. However, their chemical and physical properties can be modified by the mode of their extraction, storage and distribution. These modifications might negatively affect the nutritional quality of the oils. The goals of this study were to: sample different vegetable oils for cosmetic or dietary use marketed in Cameroon, and verify purity and oxidation states of each kind of oil through determination of its acidity, iodine, peroxide, saponification, refractive indexes and the conformity of the labeling. The carotene content, the level of polar components and specific absorbance were also determined. As the result, six oils namely palm, palm kernel, coconut, black cumin, peanut and shea butter were collected. Apart from labeling, chemicals and physicals parameters analyzed were generally in accordance with the Cameroonian and Codex Alimentarius standard. This study suggests that vegetable oils sampled in the Cameroonian market may not expose consumers to lipid oxidation products generating pathological oxidative stress and inflammation. However, efforts in application of existing standard need to be done as far as labeling are concerned.展开更多
Endoscopic stenting has become a widely method for the management of various malignant and benign pancreatico-biliary disorders. Biliary and pancreatic stents are devices made of plastic or metal used primarily to est...Endoscopic stenting has become a widely method for the management of various malignant and benign pancreatico-biliary disorders. Biliary and pancreatic stents are devices made of plastic or metal used primarily to establish patency of an obstructed bile or pancreatic duct and may also be used to treat biliary or pancreatic leaks,pancreatic fluid collections and to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. In this review,relevant literature search and expert opinions have been used to evaluate the outcome of stenting in biliary and pancreatic benign and malignant diseases.展开更多
Stents are tubular devices made of plastic or metal. Endoscopic stenting is the most common treatment for obstruction of the common bile duct or of the main pancreatic duct, but also employed for the treatment of bili...Stents are tubular devices made of plastic or metal. Endoscopic stenting is the most common treatment for obstruction of the common bile duct or of the main pancreatic duct, but also employed for the treatment of bilio-pancreatic leakages, for preventing post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and to drain the gallbladder and pancreatic fluid collections. Recent progresses in techniques of stent insertion and metal stent design are represented by new, fullycovered lumen apposing metal stents. These stents are specifically designed for transmural drainage, with a saddle-shape design and bilateral flanges, to provide lumen-to-lumen anchoring, reducing the risk of migration and leakage. This review is an update of the technique of stent insertion and metal stent deployment, of the most recent data available on stent types and characteristics and the new applications for biliopancreatic stents.展开更多
Codiaeum variegatum has been widely investigated for its biological proprieties ranging from the antiamoebic potential to the phytochemical analysis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory ...Codiaeum variegatum has been widely investigated for its biological proprieties ranging from the antiamoebic potential to the phytochemical analysis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of C. variegatum leaf extracts and fractions. A primary macrophage culture activated by Saccharomyces cereviseae (SC) was used to evaluate cell cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential of the plant extracts and fractions. Macrophages were treated with different concentrations (0.1;1;10 and 100 μg/mL) of the extracts/fractions for the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase activity, nitric oxide (NO) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) production. No significant difference was observed on cell viability in the presence of extracts and fractions at tested concentration during the incubation period. Extracts and fractions of C. variegatum inhibited the 5-lipoxygenase activity, NO and TNF-α production by viable primary mouse macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. The fractionation process increased anti-inflammatory activity. Among fractions, HEF2, HEF3, HEF5, EEF1, EEF3 and EEF5 exhibited the best anti-inflammatory potential. C. variegatum extracts and fractions exhibited a greater anti-inflammatory potential throughout the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, 5-Lox and TNF-α.展开更多
Amoebiasis, classified as the third intestinal parasitic infection, represents a public health problem in low-income countries where hygiene and sanitation conditions are poor. With the resurgence of resistant pathoge...Amoebiasis, classified as the third intestinal parasitic infection, represents a public health problem in low-income countries where hygiene and sanitation conditions are poor. With the resurgence of resistant pathogenic strains as well as ancestral considerations in developing countries such as Cameroon, many people rely on medicinal plants to treat a plethora of diseases. This work aimed to highlight the anti-amoebic and anti-oxidant potential of Codiaeum variegatum extracts and fractions. The anti-amoebic potential of C. variegatum was assayed on the polyxenic culture of the clinical isolates of E. histolytica. Then, the anti-oxidant potential of the ethanolic/hydroethanolic extracts and fractions was evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging, iron reduction (FRAP), lipid peroxidation inhibitory potential and total antioxidant capacity tests followed by the determination of phenolic compound and flavonoid content. It was found that the fractionation process decreased the amoebicidal activities of C. variegatum leaf extracts. However hydroethanolic extract (CI<sub>50</sub>: 10.08 ± 0.42, 5.18 ± 0.09, 5.18 ± 0.09 μg/mL respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours) was more active than ethanolic extract (CI<sub>50</sub>: 15.59 ± 6.17;9.61 ± 2.37;6.26 ± 3.22 μg/mL respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours). Interestingly, the activities of hydroethanolic extract were significantly non-different compared to metronidazole CI<sub>50</sub>: 8.42 ± 0.44, 6.45 ± 0.22 and 3.42 ± 0.33 μg/mL, respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours). Ethanolic extract and EF5 showed higher Phenolic compound contents and higher antioxidant activity than hydroethanolic extract and other fractions through DPPH radical scavenging power (EC50 = 311.50 ± 4.12 μg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (44 ± 0.07 mgEAA/gF). However, these activities are significantly lower than those of ascorbic acid (EC50 = 31.20 ± 4.39 μg/mL, and 61.34 ± 4.42 μg/mL respectively). This low antioxidant activity was confirmed by poor phenolic and flavonoid com展开更多
BACKGROUND The concept of positive health(PH)supports an integrated approach for patients by taking into account six dimensions of health.This approach is especially relevant for patients with chronic disorders.Chroni...BACKGROUND The concept of positive health(PH)supports an integrated approach for patients by taking into account six dimensions of health.This approach is especially relevant for patients with chronic disorders.Chronic gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatico-biliary(GI-HPB)disorders are among the top-6 of the most prevalent chronically affected organ systems.The impact of chronic GI-HPB disorders on individuals may be disproportionally high because:(1)The affected organ system frequently contributes to a malnourished state;and(2)persons with chronic GIHPB disorders are often younger than persons with chronic diseases in other organ systems.AIM To describe and quantify the dimensions of PH in patients with chronic GI-HPB disorders.METHODS Prospective,observational questionnaire study performed between 2019 and 2021 in 235 patients with a chronic GIHPB disorder attending the Outpatient Department of the Maastricht University Medical Center.Validated questionnaires and data from patient files were used to quantify the six dimensions of PH.Internal consistency was tested with McDonald’s Omega.Zero-order Pearson correlations and t-tests were used to assess associations and differences.A P value<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS The GI-HPB patients scored significantly worse in all dimensions of PH compared to control data or norm scores from the general population.Regarding quality of life,participation and daily functioning,GI-HPB patients scored in the same range as patients with chronic disorders in other organ systems,but depressive symptoms(in 35%)and malnutrition(in 45%)were more frequent in patients with chronic GI-HPB disorders.Intercorrelation scores between the six dimensions were only very weak to weak,forcing us to quantify each domain separately.CONCLUSION All six dimensions of PH are impaired in the GI-HPB patients.Malnutrition and depressive symptoms are more prevalent compared to patients with chronic disorders in other organ systems.展开更多
In the last years, increasing smartphones’ capabilities have caused a paradigm shift in the way of users’ view and using mobile devices. Although researchers have started to focus on behavioral models to explain and...In the last years, increasing smartphones’ capabilities have caused a paradigm shift in the way of users’ view and using mobile devices. Although researchers have started to focus on behavioral models to explain and predict human behavior, there is limited empirical research about the influence of smartphone users’ individual differences on the usage of security measures. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of individual differences on cognitive determinants of behavioral intention to use security measures. Individual differences are measured by the Five-Factor Model;cognitive determinants of behavioral intention are adapted from the validated behavioral models theory of planned behavior and technology acceptance model. An explorative, quantitative survey of 435 smartphone users is served as data basis. The results suggest that multiple facets of smartphone user’s personalities significantly affect the cognitive determinants, which indicate the behavioral intention to use security measures. From these findings, practical and theoretical implications for companies, organizations, and researchers are derived and discussed.展开更多
文摘This paper analyses the impact of agricultural tax abolition and direct income payments to grain farmers on grain production and rural inequality in China. To separate the impact of the income support measures from recent price trends for grains and inputs, and to account for differences in household responses, we use a village-level general equilibrium model that we calibrate for two villages with different degrees of market access in Jiangxi province. The results show that the income support policy does not reach its goal of promoting grain production. The increased incomes allow farm households to buy more inputs for livestock production and involve other activities that are more profitable than grain farming. Selling of rice outside the villages declines more than rice production, because households in the villages consume more rice when incomes rise. We further find that the income support measures tend to reduce income within a village, but that tax abolition tends to widen income inequality between villages.
文摘AIM: To investigate whether narrow band imaging (NBI) is a useful tool for the in vivo detection of angiogenesis in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. METHODS: Conventional and NBI colonoscopy was performed in 14 patients with colonic inflammation (8 ulcerative colitis and 6 Crohn’s disease). Biopsy samples were taken and CD31 expression was assayed immuno- histochemically; microvascular density was assessed by vessel count. RESULTS: In areas that were endoscopically normal but positive on NBI, there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in angiogenesis (12 ± 1 vessels/field vs 18 ± 2 vessels/field) compared with areas negative on NBI. In addition, in areas that were inflamed on white light endoscopy and positive on NBI, there was a significant (P < 0.01) increase in vessel density (24 ± 7 vessels/f ield) compared with NBI-negative areas.CONCLUSION: NBI may allow in vivo imaging of intestinal angiogenesis in IBD patients.
文摘Following the genomics revolution, our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying defenses against stress has been greatly expanded. Under strong selective pressure many animals may evolve an enhanced stress tolerance. This can be achieved by altering the structure of proteins （through mutations in the coding regions of genes） or by altering the amount of protein （through changes in transcriptional regulation）. The latter type of evolution can be achieved by substitutions in the promoter of the gene of interest （cisregulatory change） or by altering the structure or amount of transcriptional regulator proteins （trans-regulatory change）. The metallothionein system is one of the best studied stress response systems in the context of heavy metals. Metallothionein expression is assumed to be regulated by metal transcription factor 1 （MTF-1）; however, up to now the involvement of MTF- 1 has only been proven for some vertebrates and Drosophila. Data on invertebrates such as nematodes and earthworms suggest that other mechanisms of metallothionein induction may be present. A detailed study of Cd tolerance was done for a species of soilliving springtail, Orchesella cincta. The metallothionein gene of this species is overexpressed in metal-exposed field populations. Analysis of the metallothionein promoter has demon- strated extensive polymorphisms that have a fimctional significance, as shown in bioreporter assays. In a study comparing 20 different populations, the frequency of a high-expresser promoter allele was positively correlated with the concentration of metals in soil, especially Cd. The springtail study shows that cis-regulatory change of genes involved in the cellular stress response may contribute to evolution of metal tolerance.
文摘Vegetable oils are a source of energy, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and fat-soluble vitamins useful for human health care and development. These oils also contribute to organoleptic quality of their products’ derivatives. However, their chemical and physical properties can be modified by the mode of their extraction, storage and distribution. These modifications might negatively affect the nutritional quality of the oils. The goals of this study were to: sample different vegetable oils for cosmetic or dietary use marketed in Cameroon, and verify purity and oxidation states of each kind of oil through determination of its acidity, iodine, peroxide, saponification, refractive indexes and the conformity of the labeling. The carotene content, the level of polar components and specific absorbance were also determined. As the result, six oils namely palm, palm kernel, coconut, black cumin, peanut and shea butter were collected. Apart from labeling, chemicals and physicals parameters analyzed were generally in accordance with the Cameroonian and Codex Alimentarius standard. This study suggests that vegetable oils sampled in the Cameroonian market may not expose consumers to lipid oxidation products generating pathological oxidative stress and inflammation. However, efforts in application of existing standard need to be done as far as labeling are concerned.
文摘Endoscopic stenting has become a widely method for the management of various malignant and benign pancreatico-biliary disorders. Biliary and pancreatic stents are devices made of plastic or metal used primarily to establish patency of an obstructed bile or pancreatic duct and may also be used to treat biliary or pancreatic leaks,pancreatic fluid collections and to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis. In this review,relevant literature search and expert opinions have been used to evaluate the outcome of stenting in biliary and pancreatic benign and malignant diseases.
文摘Stents are tubular devices made of plastic or metal. Endoscopic stenting is the most common treatment for obstruction of the common bile duct or of the main pancreatic duct, but also employed for the treatment of bilio-pancreatic leakages, for preventing post- endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and to drain the gallbladder and pancreatic fluid collections. Recent progresses in techniques of stent insertion and metal stent design are represented by new, fullycovered lumen apposing metal stents. These stents are specifically designed for transmural drainage, with a saddle-shape design and bilateral flanges, to provide lumen-to-lumen anchoring, reducing the risk of migration and leakage. This review is an update of the technique of stent insertion and metal stent deployment, of the most recent data available on stent types and characteristics and the new applications for biliopancreatic stents.
文摘Codiaeum variegatum has been widely investigated for its biological proprieties ranging from the antiamoebic potential to the phytochemical analysis. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of C. variegatum leaf extracts and fractions. A primary macrophage culture activated by Saccharomyces cereviseae (SC) was used to evaluate cell cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory potential of the plant extracts and fractions. Macrophages were treated with different concentrations (0.1;1;10 and 100 μg/mL) of the extracts/fractions for the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase activity, nitric oxide (NO) and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) production. No significant difference was observed on cell viability in the presence of extracts and fractions at tested concentration during the incubation period. Extracts and fractions of C. variegatum inhibited the 5-lipoxygenase activity, NO and TNF-α production by viable primary mouse macrophages in a concentration-dependent manner. The fractionation process increased anti-inflammatory activity. Among fractions, HEF2, HEF3, HEF5, EEF1, EEF3 and EEF5 exhibited the best anti-inflammatory potential. C. variegatum extracts and fractions exhibited a greater anti-inflammatory potential throughout the inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators such as NO, 5-Lox and TNF-α.
文摘Amoebiasis, classified as the third intestinal parasitic infection, represents a public health problem in low-income countries where hygiene and sanitation conditions are poor. With the resurgence of resistant pathogenic strains as well as ancestral considerations in developing countries such as Cameroon, many people rely on medicinal plants to treat a plethora of diseases. This work aimed to highlight the anti-amoebic and anti-oxidant potential of Codiaeum variegatum extracts and fractions. The anti-amoebic potential of C. variegatum was assayed on the polyxenic culture of the clinical isolates of E. histolytica. Then, the anti-oxidant potential of the ethanolic/hydroethanolic extracts and fractions was evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging, iron reduction (FRAP), lipid peroxidation inhibitory potential and total antioxidant capacity tests followed by the determination of phenolic compound and flavonoid content. It was found that the fractionation process decreased the amoebicidal activities of C. variegatum leaf extracts. However hydroethanolic extract (CI<sub>50</sub>: 10.08 ± 0.42, 5.18 ± 0.09, 5.18 ± 0.09 μg/mL respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours) was more active than ethanolic extract (CI<sub>50</sub>: 15.59 ± 6.17;9.61 ± 2.37;6.26 ± 3.22 μg/mL respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours). Interestingly, the activities of hydroethanolic extract were significantly non-different compared to metronidazole CI<sub>50</sub>: 8.42 ± 0.44, 6.45 ± 0.22 and 3.42 ± 0.33 μg/mL, respectively after 24, 48 and 72 hours). Ethanolic extract and EF5 showed higher Phenolic compound contents and higher antioxidant activity than hydroethanolic extract and other fractions through DPPH radical scavenging power (EC50 = 311.50 ± 4.12 μg/mL) and total antioxidant capacity (44 ± 0.07 mgEAA/gF). However, these activities are significantly lower than those of ascorbic acid (EC50 = 31.20 ± 4.39 μg/mL, and 61.34 ± 4.42 μg/mL respectively). This low antioxidant activity was confirmed by poor phenolic and flavonoid com
文摘BACKGROUND The concept of positive health(PH)supports an integrated approach for patients by taking into account six dimensions of health.This approach is especially relevant for patients with chronic disorders.Chronic gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatico-biliary(GI-HPB)disorders are among the top-6 of the most prevalent chronically affected organ systems.The impact of chronic GI-HPB disorders on individuals may be disproportionally high because:(1)The affected organ system frequently contributes to a malnourished state;and(2)persons with chronic GIHPB disorders are often younger than persons with chronic diseases in other organ systems.AIM To describe and quantify the dimensions of PH in patients with chronic GI-HPB disorders.METHODS Prospective,observational questionnaire study performed between 2019 and 2021 in 235 patients with a chronic GIHPB disorder attending the Outpatient Department of the Maastricht University Medical Center.Validated questionnaires and data from patient files were used to quantify the six dimensions of PH.Internal consistency was tested with McDonald’s Omega.Zero-order Pearson correlations and t-tests were used to assess associations and differences.A P value<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS The GI-HPB patients scored significantly worse in all dimensions of PH compared to control data or norm scores from the general population.Regarding quality of life,participation and daily functioning,GI-HPB patients scored in the same range as patients with chronic disorders in other organ systems,but depressive symptoms(in 35%)and malnutrition(in 45%)were more frequent in patients with chronic GI-HPB disorders.Intercorrelation scores between the six dimensions were only very weak to weak,forcing us to quantify each domain separately.CONCLUSION All six dimensions of PH are impaired in the GI-HPB patients.Malnutrition and depressive symptoms are more prevalent compared to patients with chronic disorders in other organ systems.
文摘In the last years, increasing smartphones’ capabilities have caused a paradigm shift in the way of users’ view and using mobile devices. Although researchers have started to focus on behavioral models to explain and predict human behavior, there is limited empirical research about the influence of smartphone users’ individual differences on the usage of security measures. The aim of this study is to examine the influence of individual differences on cognitive determinants of behavioral intention to use security measures. Individual differences are measured by the Five-Factor Model;cognitive determinants of behavioral intention are adapted from the validated behavioral models theory of planned behavior and technology acceptance model. An explorative, quantitative survey of 435 smartphone users is served as data basis. The results suggest that multiple facets of smartphone user’s personalities significantly affect the cognitive determinants, which indicate the behavioral intention to use security measures. From these findings, practical and theoretical implications for companies, organizations, and researchers are derived and discussed.
