AIM： To study the association between nitrite and nitrosamine intake and gastric cancer （GC）, between meat and processed meat intake, GC and oesophageal cancer （OC）, and between preserved fish, vegetable and smok...AIM： To study the association between nitrite and nitrosamine intake and gastric cancer （GC）, between meat and processed meat intake, GC and oesophageal cancer （OC）, and between preserved fish, vegetable and smoked food intake and GC. METHODS： In this article we reviewed all the published cohort and case-control studies from 1985-2005, and analyzed the relationship between nitrosamine and nitrite intake and the most important related food intake （meat and processed meat, preserved vegetables and fish, smoked foods and beer drinking） and GC or OC risk. Sixty-one studies, 11 cohorts and 50 case-control studies were included. RESULTS： Evidence from case-control studies supported an association between nitrite and nitrosamine intake with GC but evidence was insufficient in relation to OC. A high proportion of case-control studies found a positive association with meat intake for both tumours （11 of 16 studies on GC and 11 of 18 studies on OC）. A relatively large number of case-control studies showed quite consistent results supporting a positive association between processed meat intake and GC and OC risk （10 of 14 studies on GC and 8 of 9 studies on OC）. Almost all the case-control studies found a positive and significant association between preserved fish, vegetable and smoked food intake and GC. The evidence regarding OC was more limited. Overall the evidence from cohort studies was insufficient or more inconsistent than that from case-control studies.CONCLUSION： The available evidence supports a positive association between nitrite and nitrosamine intake and GC, between meat and processed meat intake and GC and OC, and between preserved fish, vegetable and smoked food intake and GC, but is not conclusive.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the treatment of pediatric functional chronic intestinal constipation (FCIC) with a probiotic goat yogurt. METHODS: A crossover double-blind formula-controlled trial was carried out on 59 students (ag...AIM: To evaluate the treatment of pediatric functional chronic intestinal constipation (FCIC) with a probiotic goat yogurt. METHODS: A crossover double-blind formula-controlled trial was carried out on 59 students (age range: 5-15 years) of a public school in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, presenting a FCIC diagnostic, according to Roma Ⅲ criteria. The students were randomized in two groups to receive a goat yogurt supplemented with 109 colony forming unit/mL Bifidobacterium longum (B.longum) (probiotic) daily or only the yogurt for a period of 5 wk (formula). Afterwards, the groups were intercrossed for another 5 wk. Defecation frequency, stool consistency and abdominal and defecation pain were assessed.RESULTS: Both treatment groups demonstrated improvement in defecation frequency compared to baseline. However, the group treated with probiotic showed most signif icant improvement in the f irst phase of the study. An inversion was observed after crossing over, resulting in a reduction in stool frequency when this group was treated by formula. Probiotic and formula improved stool consistency in the f irst phase of treatment, but the improvement obtained with probiotic was significantly higher (P = 0.03). In the second phase of treatment, the group initially treated with probiotic showed worseningstool consistency when using formula. However, the difference was not signif icant. A signif icant improvement in abdominal pain and defecation pain was observed with both probiotic and formula in the first phase of treatment, but again the improvement was more signif icant for the group treated with B. longum during phase I (P < 0.05). When all data of the crossover study were analyzed, significant differences were observed between probiotic yogurt and yogurt only for defecation frequency (P = 0.012), defecation pain (P = 0.046) and abdominal pain (P = 0.015).展开更多
The product of the ∧0/b （-B/0） differential production cross-section and the branching fraction of the decay ∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-（-B/0→ J/ψ-K＊（892）0）is measured as a function of the beauty hadron transverse mome...The product of the ∧0/b （-B/0） differential production cross-section and the branching fraction of the decay ∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-（-B/0→ J/ψ-K＊（892）0）is measured as a function of the beauty hadron transverse momentum, PT, and rapidity, y. The kinematic region of the measurements is pT〈20 GeV/c and 2.0 〈g〈4.5.The measurements use a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3fb-1 collected by the LHCb detector in pp collisions at centre-of-mass energies √s=7 TeV in 2011 and √s=8 TeV in 2012. Based on previous LHCb results of the fragmentation fraction ratio,f∧0/b/fd,the branching fraction of the decay ∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-is measured to be B（∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-）=（3.17±0.04±0.07±0.34＋0.45/-0.28）×10-4,where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, the third is due to the uncertainty on the branching fraction of the decay -B/0 →J/ψ-K＊（892）0,and the fourth is due to the knowledge of f∧0/b/fd.The sum of the asymmetries in the production and decay between ∧0/b and ∧0/bis also measured as a function of PT and y.The previously published branching fraction of ∧0/b→ J/ψ pπ-,relative to that of ∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-,is updated. The branching fractions of ∧0/b→P＋c（→ J/ψp）K-are determined.展开更多
Infection complicating pancreatic necrosis leads to persisting sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and accounts for about half the deaths that occur following acute pancreatitis. Severe cases due to gallstones...Infection complicating pancreatic necrosis leads to persisting sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and accounts for about half the deaths that occur following acute pancreatitis. Severe cases due to gallstones require urgent endoscopic sphincterotomy. Patients with pancreatic necrosis should be followed with serial contrast enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and if infection is suspected fine needle aspiration of the necrotic area for bacteriology (FNAB) should be undertaken. Treatment of sterile necrosis should initially be non-operative. In the presence of infection necrosectomy is indicated. Although traditionally this has been by open surgery, minimally invasive procedures are a promising new alternative. There are many unresolved issues in the management of pancreatic necrosis. These include, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, the precise indications for and frequency of repeat CE-CT and FNAB,and the role of enteral feeding.展开更多
AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necess...AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate(n = 29), or another treatment modality(n = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation(PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living(ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.RESULTS Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: Ⅱ.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the techniques, results, and complications related to computed tomography(CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsies of solid pancreatic lesions.METHODS: CT-guided percutaneous biopsies of solid pan...AIM: To evaluate the techniques, results, and complications related to computed tomography(CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsies of solid pancreatic lesions.METHODS: CT-guided percutaneous biopsies of solid pancreatic lesions performed at a cancer reference center between January 2012 and September 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Biopsy material was collected with a 16-20 G Tru-Core needle(10-15 cm; Angiotech, Vancouver, CA) using a coaxial system and automatic biopsy gun. When direct access to the lesion was not possible, indirect(transgastric or transhepatic) access or hydrodissection and/or pneumodissection maneuvers were used. Characteristics of the patients, lesions, procedures, and histologic results were recorded using a standardized form. RESULTS: A total of 103 procedures included in the study were performed on patients with a mean age of 64.8 year(range: 39-94 year). The mean size of the pancreatic lesions was 45.5 mm(range: 15-195 mm). Most(75/103, 72.8%) procedures were performed via direct access, though hydrodissection and/or pneumodissection were used in 22.2%(23/103) of cases and indirect transhepatic or transgastric access was used in 4.8%(5/103) of cases. Histologic analysis was performed on all biopsies, and diagnoses were conclusive in 98.1%(101/103) of cases, confirming3.9%(4/103) of tumors were benign and 94.2%(97/103) were malignant; results were atypical in 1.9%(2/103) of cases, requiring a repeat biopsy to diagnose a neuroendocrine tumor, and surgical resection to confirm a primary adenocarcinoma. Only mild/moderate complications were observed in 9/103 patients(8.7%),and they were more commonly associated with biopsies of lesions located in the head/uncinate process(n =8), than of those located in the body/tail(n = 1) of the pancreas, but this difference was not significant.CONCLUSION: CT-guided biopsy of a pancreatic lesion is a safe procedure with a high success rate, and is an excellent option for minimally invasive diagnosis.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the relationship between the -765G 〉 C COX-2 polymorphism and the development of different gastric lesions： atrophy or intestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS： A cross-section...AIM： To investigate the relationship between the -765G 〉 C COX-2 polymorphism and the development of different gastric lesions： atrophy or intestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS： A cross-sectional study was performed involving 320 Portuguese individuals （210 without evidence of neoplastic disease, 73 patients with gastric adenocarcinomas and 37 with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia） using a PCR-RFLP method.RESULTS： -765C allele was overrepresented in the patients with gastric adenocarcinoma （51%） when compared either with the control group （38%） or patients with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia （27%）. Callele was found to be very common in our population （0.22）, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed nearly 3-fold increased risk for the progression to gastric adenocarcinoma in patients with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia carrying the -765C allele （OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.03-6.93; P = 0.04）.CONCLUSION： -765C carrier status should be considered as another susceptibility marker for gastric adenocarcinoma development in patients with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia.展开更多
Vitamin D is an important secosteroid hormone with known effect on calcium homeostasis,but recently there is increasing recognition that vitamin D also is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation,has immunom...Vitamin D is an important secosteroid hormone with known effect on calcium homeostasis,but recently there is increasing recognition that vitamin D also is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation,has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.Vitamin D deficiency has been frequently reported in many causes of chronic liver disease and has been associated with the development and evolution of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and chronic hepatitis C(CHC)virus infection.The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and CHC is not completely known,but it seems that the involvement of vitamin D in the activation and regulation of both innate and adaptive immune systems and its antiproliferative effect may explain its importance in these liver diseases.Published studies provide evidence for routine screening for hypovitaminosis D in patients with liver disease.Further prospectives studies demonstrating the impact of vitamin D replacement in NAFLD and CHC are required.展开更多
AIM： To investigate the differences in injury patterns caused by arterial, venous or arteriovenous mesenteric occlusion. METHODS： Male Wistar rats were separated equally into four groups. Occlusion was performed by ...AIM： To investigate the differences in injury patterns caused by arterial, venous or arteriovenous mesenteric occlusion. METHODS： Male Wistar rats were separated equally into four groups. Occlusion was performed by clamping the superior mesenteric artery （A）, the mesenteric vein （V） or both （AV） for 30 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. A control group received sham surgery only. Intestinal sections were examined for histological damage and serum tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, endothelin-1 （ET-1）, P-selectin, antithrombin Ⅲ （AT Ⅲ） and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） concentrations were measured. RESULTS： All groups showed significant mucosal injury compared to controls. Furthermore, mucosal injury was significantly more severe in the V and AV groups compared to the A group （3.6 ± 0.55, 3.4 ± 0.55 and 2± 0.71, respectively, P = 0.01）. ICAM-1 was similarly elevated in all groups, with no significant differences between the groups. P-selectin levels were significantly elevated in the V and AV groups but not the A group （1.4 ± 0.5 ng/mL, 2.52 ± 0.9 ng/mL and 0.02± 0.01 ng/mL, respectively, P = 0.01） and ET-1 was significantly elevated in the A and V groups but not the AV group （0.32 ± 0.04 pg/mL, 0.36 ± 0.05 pg/mL and 0.29 ± 0.03 pg/mL, respectively, P = 0.01） compared to sham controls. ATⅢ levels were markedly depleted in the V and AV groups, but not in the A group （29.1 ± 5.2 pg/mL, 31.4 ±21.8 pg/mL and 55.8± 35.6 pg/mL, respectively, P = 0.01）, compared to controls. Serum TNF-α was significantly increased in all groups compared to sham controls （1.32 ± 0.87 ng/mL, 1.79 ± 0.20 ng/mL and 4.4 ± 0.69 ng/mL, for groups A, V and AV, respectively, P = 0.01）, with higher values in the AV group. CONCLUSION： Different patterns of response to ischemia/reperfusion are associated with venous, arterial or arteriovenous occlusion. Venous and arteriovenous occlusion was associated with the most severe alterations展开更多
AIM： To measure circulating angiotensins at different stages of human cirrhosis and to further evaluate a possible relationship between renin angiotensin system （RAS） components and hemodynamic changes. METHODS： P...AIM： To measure circulating angiotensins at different stages of human cirrhosis and to further evaluate a possible relationship between renin angiotensin system （RAS） components and hemodynamic changes. METHODS： Patients were allocated into 4 groups： mild-to-moderate liver disease （MLD）, advanced liver disease （ALD）, patients undergoing liver transplantation, and healthy controls. Blood was collected to determine plasma renin activity （PRA）, angiotensin （Ang） Ⅰ, Ang Ⅱ, and Ang-（1-7） levels using radioimmunoassays. During liver transplantation, hemodynamic parameters were determined and blood was simultaneously obtained from the portal vein and radial artery in order to measure RAS components. RESULTS： PRA and angiotensins were elevated in ALD when compared to MLD and controls （P 〈 0.05）. In contrast, Ang Ⅱ was significantly reduced in MLD. Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were increased in MLD when compared to controls and ALD. During transplantation, Ang Ⅱ levels were lower and Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were higher in the splanchnic circulation than in the peripheral circulation （0.52 ± 0.08 vs 0.38 ±0.04, P 〈 0.02）, whereas the peripheral circulating Ang Ⅱ/Ang Ⅰ ratio was elevated in comparison to splanchnic levels （0.18 ±0.02 vs 0.13 ±0.02, P 〈 0.04）. Ang-（1-7）/ Ang Ⅱ ratios positively correlated with cardiac output （r = 0.66） and negatively correlated with systemic vascular resistance （r = -0.70）. CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest that the relationship between Ang-（1-7） and Ang Ⅱ may play a role in the hemodynamic changes of human cirrhosis.展开更多
The liver is the commonest site of metastatic disease for patients with colorectal cancer,with at least 25%developing colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)during the course of their illness.The management of CRLM has evol...The liver is the commonest site of metastatic disease for patients with colorectal cancer,with at least 25%developing colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)during the course of their illness.The management of CRLM has evolved into a complex field requiring input from experienced members of a multi-disciplinary team involving radiology(cross sectional,nuclear medicine and interventional),Oncology,Liver surgery,Colorectal surgery,and Histopathology.Patient management is based on assessment of sophisticated clinical,radiological and biomarker information.Despite incomplete evidence in this very heterogeneous patient group,maximising resection of CRLM using all available techniques remains a key objective and provides the best chance of long-term survival and cure.To this end,liver resection is maximised by the use of downsizing chemotherapy,optimisation of liver remnant by portal vein embolization,associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy,and combining resection with ablation,in the context of improvements in the functional assessment of the future remnant liver.Liver resection may safely be carried out laparoscopically or open,and synchronously with,or before,colorectal surgery in selected patients.For unresectable patients,treatment options including systemic chemotherapy,targeted biological agents,intraarterial infusion or bead delivered chemotherapy,tumour ablation,stereotactic radiotherapy,and selective internal radiotherapy contribute to improve survival and may convert initially unresectable patients to operability.Currently evolving areas include biomarker characterisation of tumours,the development of novel systemic agents targeting specific oncogenic pathways,and the potential reemergence of radical surgical options such as liver transplantation.展开更多
To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children and adolescents.METHODSPubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched for original articles from inception to September 2016. T...To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children and adolescents.METHODSPubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched for original articles from inception to September 2016. The literature search was made in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. For inclusion, each study had to report epidemiological data on FGIDs in children between 4 and 18 years old and contain standardized outcome based on Rome II, III or IV criteria. The overall quality of included epidemiological studies was evaluated in accordance with Loney’s proposal for prevalence studies of health literature. Two reviewers assessed each study for data inclusion and extraction. Discrepancies were reconciled through discussion with seniors.RESULTSA total of 659 articles were identified from the databases and 16 through manual search. A total of 43 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria for full-text reading, with 26 remaining to be included in the final analysis. All studies were written in English and published between 2005 and 2016. Eight (30.8%) articles were performed in North America, five (19.2%) in Latin America, five (19.2%) in Europe, seven (27%) in Asia, and one (3.8%) in Africa. Sample size varied between 114 and 99416 subjects, totaling 132600 individuals. Fourteen (53.9%) studies recruited their target samples from schools, 11 (42.3%) from healthcare settings and the remaining one (3.8%) from online panel community. The overall FGID prevalence rates for student samples ranged from 9.9% to 29% to as high as 87% in clinical samples. Cyclic vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation were the most researched conditions, with a prevalence ranging from 0.2% to 6.2%, 0% to 45.1% and 0.5% to 86.9%, respectively. The qualitative appraisal revealed that most of the studies showed average or below average generalizability.CONCLUSIONThe heterogeneity of the studies on FGIDs must be improved in order to allow com展开更多
AIM: To investigate the plasma levels of betatrophin in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed at the clinic with liver cirrhosis according to biological, ultrasonographic,or histological criteria w...AIM: To investigate the plasma levels of betatrophin in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed at the clinic with liver cirrhosis according to biological, ultrasonographic,or histological criteria were included.The severity of cirrhosis was classified according to Pugh's modification of Child's classification and MELD score. Insulin resistance(IR) was assessed by the Homeostasis Model Assessment. A total of 20 patients showed a MELD score higher than 14. The control group consisted in 15 sex-and aged-matched subjects.Fasting blood samples were obtained for subsequent analysis. Serum insulin was determined by Liaison automated immune chemiluminiscence assay(DiaSorin S.p.A.) using a sandwich assay. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.2 μU/mL. The intra and interassay variation coefficients were < 4% and < 10%,respectively. The normal values were between 2 and17 μU/mL. Human active betatrophin was analyzed by specific quantitative sandwich ELISA(Aviscera Bioscience). The sensitivity of the assay was 0.4 ng/mL, and the intra and interassay reproducibility were< 6% and < 10%, respectively.RESULTS: Plasma betatrophin levels were significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis compared with those in healthy subjects(P = 0.0001). Betatrophin levels were also associated with disease severity, being higher in Child-Pugh C patients compared to Child-Pugh B(P< 0.0005) and in patients who displayed a MELD score higher than 14 points compared to patients with lower punctuation(P = 0.01). In addition, we found a positive correlation between plasma betatrophin levels and the severity of cirrhosis according to Child-Pugh classification(r = 0.53; P < 0.01) or MELD score(r = 0.45; P <0.01). In the overall cohort, a moderate correlation between serum betatrophin and plasmatic bilirrubin(r= 0.39; P < 0.01) has been observed, as well as an inverse correlation between betatrophin and albumin(r =-0.41; P < 0.01) or prothrombin time(r =-0.44;P <0.01). Moreover, insulin resistance was observed in82.5% of the cirr展开更多
Viral hepatitis B and C virus(HBV and HCV) are responsible for the most of chronic liver disease worldwide and are transmitted by parenteral route, sexual and vertical transmission. One important measure to reduce the...Viral hepatitis B and C virus(HBV and HCV) are responsible for the most of chronic liver disease worldwide and are transmitted by parenteral route, sexual and vertical transmission. One important measure to reduce the burden of these infections is the diagnosis of acute and chronic cases of HBV and HCV. In order to provide an effective diagnosis and monitoring of antiviral treatment, it is important to choose sensitive, rapid, inexpensive, and robust analytical methods. Primary diagnosis of HBV and HCV infection is made by using serological tests for detecting antigens and antibodies against these viruses. In order to confirm primary diagnosis, to quantify viral load, to determine genotypes and resistance mutants for antiviral treatment, qualitative and quantitative molecular tests are used. In this manuscript, we review the current serological and molecular methods for the diagnosis of hepatitis B and C.展开更多
Si-based solar cells have dominated the entire photovoltaic market,but remain suffering from low power conversion efficiency(PCE),partly because of the poor utilization of ultraviolet(UV)light.Europium(III)(Eu^3+)comp...Si-based solar cells have dominated the entire photovoltaic market,but remain suffering from low power conversion efficiency(PCE),partly because of the poor utilization of ultraviolet(UV)light.Europium(III)(Eu^3+)complexes with organic ligands are capable of converting UV light into strong visible light,which makes them ideal light converter to increase the efficiency of solar cells.However,the low stability of such complexes seriously hampers their practical applications.In this work,we report a highly stable and luminescent ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA)copolymer film consisting of a Eu^3+complex as a down-shift material,Eu(ND)4 CTAC(ND=4-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,5-naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile,CTAC=hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride),coating of which onto the surface of large area polycrystalline silicon solar cells(active area:110 cm^2)results in an increase of PCE from 15.06%to 15.57%.Remarkable stability of the luminescent film was also demonstrated under lightsoaking test for 500 h,and no obvious luminescence degradation can be observed.The remarkable enhancement of the conversion efficiency by 0.51%absolute on such a large active area,together with the high stability of the luminescent film,demonstrates a prospect for the implementation of the films in photovoltaic industry.展开更多
Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) analogues marketed for type 2 diabetes(T2D) treatment have been showing positive and protective effects in several different tissues, including pancreas, heart or even brain....Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) analogues marketed for type 2 diabetes(T2D) treatment have been showing positive and protective effects in several different tissues, including pancreas, heart or even brain. This gut secreted hormone plays a potent insulinotropic activity and an important role in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, growing evidences suggest the occurrence of several commonalities between T2 D and neurodegenerative diseases, insulin resistance being pointed as a main cause for cognitive decline and increased risk to develop dementia. In this regard, it has also been suggested that stimulation of brain insulin signaling may have a protective role against cognitive deficits. As GLP-1 receptors(GLP-1R) are expressed throughout the central nervous system and GLP-1 may cross the blood-brain-barrier, an emerging hypothesis suggests that they may be promising therapeutic targets against brain dysfunctional insulin signaling-related pathologies. Importantly, GLP-1 actions depend not only on the direct effect mediated by its receptor activation, but also on the gut-brain axis involving an exchange of signals between both tissues via the vagal nerve, thereby regulating numerous physiological functions(e.g., energy homeostasis, glucose-dependent insulin secretion, as well as appetite and weight control). Amongst the incretin/GLP-1 mimetics class of anti-T2 D drugs with an increasingly described neuroprotective potential, the already marketed liraglutide emerged as a GLP-1R agonist highly resistant to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 degradation(thereby having an increased half-life) and whose systemic GLP-1R activity is comparable to that of native GLP-1. Importantly, several preclinical studies showed anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and neuroprotective effects of liraglutide against T2 D, stroke and Alzheimer disease(AD), whereas several clinical trials, demonstrated some surprising benefits of liraglutide on weight loss, microglia inhibition, behavior and cognition, and in AD biom展开更多
Hypertension is a complex disease that constitutes an important public health problem and demands many studies in order to understand the molecular mechanisms involving his pathophysiology. Therefore, an increasing nu...Hypertension is a complex disease that constitutes an important public health problem and demands many studies in order to understand the molecular mechanisms involving his pathophysiology. Therefore, an increasing number of studies have been conducted and new therapies are continually being discovered. In this context, exercise training has emerged as an important non-pharmacological therapy to treat hypertensive patients, minimizing the side effects of pharmacological therapies and frequently contributing to allow pharmacotherapy to be suspended. Several mechanisms have been associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension, such as hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin aldosterone system,impaired endothelial nitric oxide production, increased oxygen-reactive species, vascular thickening and stiffening, cardiac hypertrophy, impaired angiogenesis, and sometimes genetic predisposition. With the advent of microRNAs(miRNAs), new insights have been added to the perspectives for the treatment of this disease, and exercise training has been shown to be able to modulate the miRNAs associated with it. Elucidation of the relationship between exercise training and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of hypertension is fundamental in order to understand how exercise modulates the cardiovascular system at genetic level. This can be promising even for the development of new drugs. This article is a review of how exercise training acts on hypertension by means of specific miRNAs in the heart, vascular system, and skeletal muscle.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori), cag A genotype, and type of gastric pathology with ghrelin, leptin and nutritional status.METHODS Fasted dyspeptic adults(18-70 years) referred for an...AIM To evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori), cag A genotype, and type of gastric pathology with ghrelin, leptin and nutritional status.METHODS Fasted dyspeptic adults(18-70 years) referred for an upper digestive endoscopy were enrolled in this crosssectional study. Height and weight were assessed for body mass index(BMI) calculation. A sociodemographic survey was administered and nutrient intake was evaluated with 24 h dietary recalls. Serum total ghrelin and leptin levels were analyzed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. 13 C-Urea Breath Test was performed and four gastric biopsies were obtained during endoscopy for histopathology and H. pylori DNA amplification and genotyping. Data analysis was performed using χ2, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman's correlation and linear regression.RESULTS One hundred and sixty-three patients(40.8 ± 14.0 years), 98/65 females/males, were included. Overall, persistent H. pylori prevalence was 53.4%(95%CI: 45.7%-65.8%). Neither nutrient intake nor BMI differed significantly between H. pylori positive and negative groups. Serum ghrelin was significantly lower in infected patients [median 311.0 pg/m L(IQR 230.0-385.5)] than in uninfected ones [median 355.0 pg/m L(IQR 253.8-547.8)](P = 0.025), even after adjusting for BMI and gender(P = 0.03). Ghrelin levels tended to be lower in patients carrying cag A positive strains both in the antrum and the corpus; however, differences with those carrying cag A negative strains did not reach statistical significance(P = 0.50 and P = 0.49, respectively). In addition, the type and severity of gastric pathology in the corpus was associated with lower serum ghrelin(P = 0.04), independently of H.pylori status. Conversely, leptin levels did not differ significantly between infected and uninfected patients [median 1.84 ng/m L(0.80-4.85) vs 1.84 ng/m L(0.50-5.09),(P = 0.51)]. CONCLUSION H. pylori infection and severity of gastric corpus pathology are associated with lower serum ghrelin. Further studies could conf展开更多
基金Supported by a fellowship of the 'FundacióPrivada Institut D' investigacio Biomédica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL) partially funded by the ISCⅢnetwork (RCESP C03/09) Spain and ECNIS Network from the 6FP of the EC
文摘AIM： To study the association between nitrite and nitrosamine intake and gastric cancer （GC）, between meat and processed meat intake, GC and oesophageal cancer （OC）, and between preserved fish, vegetable and smoked food intake and GC. METHODS： In this article we reviewed all the published cohort and case-control studies from 1985-2005, and analyzed the relationship between nitrosamine and nitrite intake and the most important related food intake （meat and processed meat, preserved vegetables and fish, smoked foods and beer drinking） and GC or OC risk. Sixty-one studies, 11 cohorts and 50 case-control studies were included. RESULTS： Evidence from case-control studies supported an association between nitrite and nitrosamine intake with GC but evidence was insufficient in relation to OC. A high proportion of case-control studies found a positive association with meat intake for both tumours （11 of 16 studies on GC and 11 of 18 studies on OC）. A relatively large number of case-control studies showed quite consistent results supporting a positive association between processed meat intake and GC and OC risk （10 of 14 studies on GC and 8 of 9 studies on OC）. Almost all the case-control studies found a positive and significant association between preserved fish, vegetable and smoked food intake and GC. The evidence regarding OC was more limited. Overall the evidence from cohort studies was insufficient or more inconsistent than that from case-control studies.CONCLUSION： The available evidence supports a positive association between nitrite and nitrosamine intake and GC, between meat and processed meat intake and GC and OC, and between preserved fish, vegetable and smoked food intake and GC, but is not conclusive.
基金Supported by Grants from Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvi-mento Cientifico e TecnológicoFundaco de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais
文摘AIM: To evaluate the treatment of pediatric functional chronic intestinal constipation (FCIC) with a probiotic goat yogurt. METHODS: A crossover double-blind formula-controlled trial was carried out on 59 students (age range: 5-15 years) of a public school in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil, presenting a FCIC diagnostic, according to Roma Ⅲ criteria. The students were randomized in two groups to receive a goat yogurt supplemented with 109 colony forming unit/mL Bifidobacterium longum (B.longum) (probiotic) daily or only the yogurt for a period of 5 wk (formula). Afterwards, the groups were intercrossed for another 5 wk. Defecation frequency, stool consistency and abdominal and defecation pain were assessed.RESULTS: Both treatment groups demonstrated improvement in defecation frequency compared to baseline. However, the group treated with probiotic showed most signif icant improvement in the f irst phase of the study. An inversion was observed after crossing over, resulting in a reduction in stool frequency when this group was treated by formula. Probiotic and formula improved stool consistency in the f irst phase of treatment, but the improvement obtained with probiotic was significantly higher (P = 0.03). In the second phase of treatment, the group initially treated with probiotic showed worseningstool consistency when using formula. However, the difference was not signif icant. A signif icant improvement in abdominal pain and defecation pain was observed with both probiotic and formula in the first phase of treatment, but again the improvement was more signif icant for the group treated with B. longum during phase I (P < 0.05). When all data of the crossover study were analyzed, significant differences were observed between probiotic yogurt and yogurt only for defecation frequency (P = 0.012), defecation pain (P = 0.046) and abdominal pain (P = 0.015).
基金Supported by CERN and national agencies:CAPES,CNPq,FAPERJ and FINEP(Brazil)NSFC(China)+17 种基金CNRS/IN2P3(France)BMBF,DFG,HGF and MPG(Germany)INFN(Italy)FOM and NWO(The Netherlands)MNi SW and NCN(Poland)MEN/IFA(Romania)Min ES and FANO(Russia)Min ECo(Spain)SNSF and SER(Switzerland)NASU(Ukraine)STFC(United Kingdom)NSF(USA)supported by IN2P3(France),KIT and BMBF(Germany),INFN(Italy),NWOSURF(The Netherlands),PIC(Spain),Grid PP(United Kingdom)support from EPLANET,Marie Sk lodowska-Curie ActionsERC(European Union),Conseil général de Haute-Savoie,Labex ENIGMASS and OCEVU,RégionAuvergne(France),RFBR(Russia),Xunta GalGENCAT(Spain),Royal Society and Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851(United Kingdom)
文摘The product of the ∧0/b （-B/0） differential production cross-section and the branching fraction of the decay ∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-（-B/0→ J/ψ-K＊（892）0）is measured as a function of the beauty hadron transverse momentum, PT, and rapidity, y. The kinematic region of the measurements is pT〈20 GeV/c and 2.0 〈g〈4.5.The measurements use a data sample corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 3fb-1 collected by the LHCb detector in pp collisions at centre-of-mass energies √s=7 TeV in 2011 and √s=8 TeV in 2012. Based on previous LHCb results of the fragmentation fraction ratio,f∧0/b/fd,the branching fraction of the decay ∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-is measured to be B（∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-）=（3.17±0.04±0.07±0.34＋0.45/-0.28）×10-4,where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, the third is due to the uncertainty on the branching fraction of the decay -B/0 →J/ψ-K＊（892）0,and the fourth is due to the knowledge of f∧0/b/fd.The sum of the asymmetries in the production and decay between ∧0/b and ∧0/bis also measured as a function of PT and y.The previously published branching fraction of ∧0/b→ J/ψ pπ-,relative to that of ∧0/b→ J/ψ pK-,is updated. The branching fractions of ∧0/b→P＋c（→ J/ψp）K-are determined.
文摘Infection complicating pancreatic necrosis leads to persisting sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome and accounts for about half the deaths that occur following acute pancreatitis. Severe cases due to gallstones require urgent endoscopic sphincterotomy. Patients with pancreatic necrosis should be followed with serial contrast enhanced computed tomography (CE-CT) and if infection is suspected fine needle aspiration of the necrotic area for bacteriology (FNAB) should be undertaken. Treatment of sterile necrosis should initially be non-operative. In the presence of infection necrosectomy is indicated. Although traditionally this has been by open surgery, minimally invasive procedures are a promising new alternative. There are many unresolved issues in the management of pancreatic necrosis. These include, the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, the precise indications for and frequency of repeat CE-CT and FNAB,and the role of enteral feeding.
文摘AIM To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.METHODS A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate(n = 29), or another treatment modality(n = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation(PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living(ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.RESULTS Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo. CONCLUSION The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: Ⅱ.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the techniques, results, and complications related to computed tomography(CT)-guided percutaneous core needle biopsies of solid pancreatic lesions.METHODS: CT-guided percutaneous biopsies of solid pancreatic lesions performed at a cancer reference center between January 2012 and September 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Biopsy material was collected with a 16-20 G Tru-Core needle(10-15 cm; Angiotech, Vancouver, CA) using a coaxial system and automatic biopsy gun. When direct access to the lesion was not possible, indirect(transgastric or transhepatic) access or hydrodissection and/or pneumodissection maneuvers were used. Characteristics of the patients, lesions, procedures, and histologic results were recorded using a standardized form. RESULTS: A total of 103 procedures included in the study were performed on patients with a mean age of 64.8 year(range: 39-94 year). The mean size of the pancreatic lesions was 45.5 mm(range: 15-195 mm). Most(75/103, 72.8%) procedures were performed via direct access, though hydrodissection and/or pneumodissection were used in 22.2%(23/103) of cases and indirect transhepatic or transgastric access was used in 4.8%(5/103) of cases. Histologic analysis was performed on all biopsies, and diagnoses were conclusive in 98.1%(101/103) of cases, confirming3.9%(4/103) of tumors were benign and 94.2%(97/103) were malignant; results were atypical in 1.9%(2/103) of cases, requiring a repeat biopsy to diagnose a neuroendocrine tumor, and surgical resection to confirm a primary adenocarcinoma. Only mild/moderate complications were observed in 9/103 patients(8.7%),and they were more commonly associated with biopsies of lesions located in the head/uncinate process(n =8), than of those located in the body/tail(n = 1) of the pancreas, but this difference was not significant.CONCLUSION: CT-guided biopsy of a pancreatic lesion is a safe procedure with a high success rate, and is an excellent option for minimally invasive diagnosis.
基金Supported by the Portuguese League Against Cancer (Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro-Núcleo Regional do Norte) and AstraZeneca Foundation
文摘AIM： To investigate the relationship between the -765G 〉 C COX-2 polymorphism and the development of different gastric lesions： atrophy or intestinal metaplasia and gastric adenocarcinoma. METHODS： A cross-sectional study was performed involving 320 Portuguese individuals （210 without evidence of neoplastic disease, 73 patients with gastric adenocarcinomas and 37 with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia） using a PCR-RFLP method.RESULTS： -765C allele was overrepresented in the patients with gastric adenocarcinoma （51%） when compared either with the control group （38%） or patients with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia （27%）. Callele was found to be very common in our population （0.22）, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed nearly 3-fold increased risk for the progression to gastric adenocarcinoma in patients with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia carrying the -765C allele （OR = 2.67, 95% CI = 1.03-6.93; P = 0.04）.CONCLUSION： -765C carrier status should be considered as another susceptibility marker for gastric adenocarcinoma development in patients with atrophy or intestinal metaplasia.
文摘Vitamin D is an important secosteroid hormone with known effect on calcium homeostasis,but recently there is increasing recognition that vitamin D also is involved in cell proliferation and differentiation,has immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.Vitamin D deficiency has been frequently reported in many causes of chronic liver disease and has been associated with the development and evolution of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)and chronic hepatitis C(CHC)virus infection.The role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and CHC is not completely known,but it seems that the involvement of vitamin D in the activation and regulation of both innate and adaptive immune systems and its antiproliferative effect may explain its importance in these liver diseases.Published studies provide evidence for routine screening for hypovitaminosis D in patients with liver disease.Further prospectives studies demonstrating the impact of vitamin D replacement in NAFLD and CHC are required.
文摘AIM： To investigate the differences in injury patterns caused by arterial, venous or arteriovenous mesenteric occlusion. METHODS： Male Wistar rats were separated equally into four groups. Occlusion was performed by clamping the superior mesenteric artery （A）, the mesenteric vein （V） or both （AV） for 30 min, followed by 60 min of reperfusion. A control group received sham surgery only. Intestinal sections were examined for histological damage and serum tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）, endothelin-1 （ET-1）, P-selectin, antithrombin Ⅲ （AT Ⅲ） and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） concentrations were measured. RESULTS： All groups showed significant mucosal injury compared to controls. Furthermore, mucosal injury was significantly more severe in the V and AV groups compared to the A group （3.6 ± 0.55, 3.4 ± 0.55 and 2± 0.71, respectively, P = 0.01）. ICAM-1 was similarly elevated in all groups, with no significant differences between the groups. P-selectin levels were significantly elevated in the V and AV groups but not the A group （1.4 ± 0.5 ng/mL, 2.52 ± 0.9 ng/mL and 0.02± 0.01 ng/mL, respectively, P = 0.01） and ET-1 was significantly elevated in the A and V groups but not the AV group （0.32 ± 0.04 pg/mL, 0.36 ± 0.05 pg/mL and 0.29 ± 0.03 pg/mL, respectively, P = 0.01） compared to sham controls. ATⅢ levels were markedly depleted in the V and AV groups, but not in the A group （29.1 ± 5.2 pg/mL, 31.4 ±21.8 pg/mL and 55.8± 35.6 pg/mL, respectively, P = 0.01）, compared to controls. Serum TNF-α was significantly increased in all groups compared to sham controls （1.32 ± 0.87 ng/mL, 1.79 ± 0.20 ng/mL and 4.4 ± 0.69 ng/mL, for groups A, V and AV, respectively, P = 0.01）, with higher values in the AV group. CONCLUSION： Different patterns of response to ischemia/reperfusion are associated with venous, arterial or arteriovenous occlusion. Venous and arteriovenous occlusion was associated with the most severe alterations
基金Supported by Fundacode Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de Minas Gerais, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico, FAPEMIG/CNPQ-PRONEX (Grupos de Excelência),Ministério de Ciência e Tecnologia/CNPq/ FAPEMIG-INCT-Nano-Biofar
文摘AIM： To measure circulating angiotensins at different stages of human cirrhosis and to further evaluate a possible relationship between renin angiotensin system （RAS） components and hemodynamic changes. METHODS： Patients were allocated into 4 groups： mild-to-moderate liver disease （MLD）, advanced liver disease （ALD）, patients undergoing liver transplantation, and healthy controls. Blood was collected to determine plasma renin activity （PRA）, angiotensin （Ang） Ⅰ, Ang Ⅱ, and Ang-（1-7） levels using radioimmunoassays. During liver transplantation, hemodynamic parameters were determined and blood was simultaneously obtained from the portal vein and radial artery in order to measure RAS components. RESULTS： PRA and angiotensins were elevated in ALD when compared to MLD and controls （P 〈 0.05）. In contrast, Ang Ⅱ was significantly reduced in MLD. Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were increased in MLD when compared to controls and ALD. During transplantation, Ang Ⅱ levels were lower and Ang-（1-7）/Ang Ⅱ ratios were higher in the splanchnic circulation than in the peripheral circulation （0.52 ± 0.08 vs 0.38 ±0.04, P 〈 0.02）, whereas the peripheral circulating Ang Ⅱ/Ang Ⅰ ratio was elevated in comparison to splanchnic levels （0.18 ±0.02 vs 0.13 ±0.02, P 〈 0.04）. Ang-（1-7）/ Ang Ⅱ ratios positively correlated with cardiac output （r = 0.66） and negatively correlated with systemic vascular resistance （r = -0.70）. CONCLUSION： Our findings suggest that the relationship between Ang-（1-7） and Ang Ⅱ may play a role in the hemodynamic changes of human cirrhosis.
文摘The liver is the commonest site of metastatic disease for patients with colorectal cancer,with at least 25%developing colorectal liver metastases(CRLM)during the course of their illness.The management of CRLM has evolved into a complex field requiring input from experienced members of a multi-disciplinary team involving radiology(cross sectional,nuclear medicine and interventional),Oncology,Liver surgery,Colorectal surgery,and Histopathology.Patient management is based on assessment of sophisticated clinical,radiological and biomarker information.Despite incomplete evidence in this very heterogeneous patient group,maximising resection of CRLM using all available techniques remains a key objective and provides the best chance of long-term survival and cure.To this end,liver resection is maximised by the use of downsizing chemotherapy,optimisation of liver remnant by portal vein embolization,associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy,and combining resection with ablation,in the context of improvements in the functional assessment of the future remnant liver.Liver resection may safely be carried out laparoscopically or open,and synchronously with,or before,colorectal surgery in selected patients.For unresectable patients,treatment options including systemic chemotherapy,targeted biological agents,intraarterial infusion or bead delivered chemotherapy,tumour ablation,stereotactic radiotherapy,and selective internal radiotherapy contribute to improve survival and may convert initially unresectable patients to operability.Currently evolving areas include biomarker characterisation of tumours,the development of novel systemic agents targeting specific oncogenic pathways,and the potential reemergence of radical surgical options such as liver transplantation.
文摘To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children and adolescents.METHODSPubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched for original articles from inception to September 2016. The literature search was made in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. For inclusion, each study had to report epidemiological data on FGIDs in children between 4 and 18 years old and contain standardized outcome based on Rome II, III or IV criteria. The overall quality of included epidemiological studies was evaluated in accordance with Loney’s proposal for prevalence studies of health literature. Two reviewers assessed each study for data inclusion and extraction. Discrepancies were reconciled through discussion with seniors.RESULTSA total of 659 articles were identified from the databases and 16 through manual search. A total of 43 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria for full-text reading, with 26 remaining to be included in the final analysis. All studies were written in English and published between 2005 and 2016. Eight (30.8%) articles were performed in North America, five (19.2%) in Latin America, five (19.2%) in Europe, seven (27%) in Asia, and one (3.8%) in Africa. Sample size varied between 114 and 99416 subjects, totaling 132600 individuals. Fourteen (53.9%) studies recruited their target samples from schools, 11 (42.3%) from healthcare settings and the remaining one (3.8%) from online panel community. The overall FGID prevalence rates for student samples ranged from 9.9% to 29% to as high as 87% in clinical samples. Cyclic vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation were the most researched conditions, with a prevalence ranging from 0.2% to 6.2%, 0% to 45.1% and 0.5% to 86.9%, respectively. The qualitative appraisal revealed that most of the studies showed average or below average generalizability.CONCLUSIONThe heterogeneity of the studies on FGIDs must be improved in order to allow com
文摘AIM: To investigate the plasma levels of betatrophin in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS: Forty patients diagnosed at the clinic with liver cirrhosis according to biological, ultrasonographic,or histological criteria were included.The severity of cirrhosis was classified according to Pugh's modification of Child's classification and MELD score. Insulin resistance(IR) was assessed by the Homeostasis Model Assessment. A total of 20 patients showed a MELD score higher than 14. The control group consisted in 15 sex-and aged-matched subjects.Fasting blood samples were obtained for subsequent analysis. Serum insulin was determined by Liaison automated immune chemiluminiscence assay(DiaSorin S.p.A.) using a sandwich assay. The sensitivity of the assay was 0.2 μU/mL. The intra and interassay variation coefficients were < 4% and < 10%,respectively. The normal values were between 2 and17 μU/mL. Human active betatrophin was analyzed by specific quantitative sandwich ELISA(Aviscera Bioscience). The sensitivity of the assay was 0.4 ng/mL, and the intra and interassay reproducibility were< 6% and < 10%, respectively.RESULTS: Plasma betatrophin levels were significantly increased in patients with cirrhosis compared with those in healthy subjects(P = 0.0001). Betatrophin levels were also associated with disease severity, being higher in Child-Pugh C patients compared to Child-Pugh B(P< 0.0005) and in patients who displayed a MELD score higher than 14 points compared to patients with lower punctuation(P = 0.01). In addition, we found a positive correlation between plasma betatrophin levels and the severity of cirrhosis according to Child-Pugh classification(r = 0.53; P < 0.01) or MELD score(r = 0.45; P <0.01). In the overall cohort, a moderate correlation between serum betatrophin and plasmatic bilirrubin(r= 0.39; P < 0.01) has been observed, as well as an inverse correlation between betatrophin and albumin(r =-0.41; P < 0.01) or prothrombin time(r =-0.44;P <0.01). Moreover, insulin resistance was observed in82.5% of the cirr
文摘Viral hepatitis B and C virus(HBV and HCV) are responsible for the most of chronic liver disease worldwide and are transmitted by parenteral route, sexual and vertical transmission. One important measure to reduce the burden of these infections is the diagnosis of acute and chronic cases of HBV and HCV. In order to provide an effective diagnosis and monitoring of antiviral treatment, it is important to choose sensitive, rapid, inexpensive, and robust analytical methods. Primary diagnosis of HBV and HCV infection is made by using serological tests for detecting antigens and antibodies against these viruses. In order to confirm primary diagnosis, to quantify viral load, to determine genotypes and resistance mutants for antiviral treatment, qualitative and quantitative molecular tests are used. In this manuscript, we review the current serological and molecular methods for the diagnosis of hepatitis B and C.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (21771050)the Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province (B2016202147 and B2016202149)+2 种基金the Educational Committee of Hebei Province (LJRC021 and QN2015172)Hebei Province Natural Science Foundation (B2017202048)Tianjin Natural Science Foundation (18JCYBJC17200)
文摘Si-based solar cells have dominated the entire photovoltaic market,but remain suffering from low power conversion efficiency(PCE),partly because of the poor utilization of ultraviolet(UV)light.Europium(III)(Eu^3+)complexes with organic ligands are capable of converting UV light into strong visible light,which makes them ideal light converter to increase the efficiency of solar cells.However,the low stability of such complexes seriously hampers their practical applications.In this work,we report a highly stable and luminescent ethylene-vinyl acetate(EVA)copolymer film consisting of a Eu^3+complex as a down-shift material,Eu(ND)4 CTAC(ND=4-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,5-naphthyridine-3-carbonitrile,CTAC=hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium chloride),coating of which onto the surface of large area polycrystalline silicon solar cells(active area:110 cm^2)results in an increase of PCE from 15.06%to 15.57%.Remarkable stability of the luminescent film was also demonstrated under lightsoaking test for 500 h,and no obvious luminescence degradation can be observed.The remarkable enhancement of the conversion efficiency by 0.51%absolute on such a large active area,together with the high stability of the luminescent film,demonstrates a prospect for the implementation of the films in photovoltaic industry.
基金Supported by FEDER(Programa Operacional Factores de Competitividade-COMPETE)Portuguese funds via Portuguese Science Foundation(FCT)(Projects:PTDC/SAUNMC/110990/2009,PTDC/SAU-TOX/117481/2010 and Pest/SAU/LA0001/2011fellowships:SFRH/BD/90036/2012,PTDC/SAU-TOX/117481/2010,SFRH/BPD/95770/2013,SFRH/BPD/84163/2012,QREN Do IT,"DIAMARKER PROJECT",n.o 13853,SFRH/BD/73388/2010,SFRH/BPD/84473/2012)
文摘Long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1) analogues marketed for type 2 diabetes(T2D) treatment have been showing positive and protective effects in several different tissues, including pancreas, heart or even brain. This gut secreted hormone plays a potent insulinotropic activity and an important role in maintaining glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, growing evidences suggest the occurrence of several commonalities between T2 D and neurodegenerative diseases, insulin resistance being pointed as a main cause for cognitive decline and increased risk to develop dementia. In this regard, it has also been suggested that stimulation of brain insulin signaling may have a protective role against cognitive deficits. As GLP-1 receptors(GLP-1R) are expressed throughout the central nervous system and GLP-1 may cross the blood-brain-barrier, an emerging hypothesis suggests that they may be promising therapeutic targets against brain dysfunctional insulin signaling-related pathologies. Importantly, GLP-1 actions depend not only on the direct effect mediated by its receptor activation, but also on the gut-brain axis involving an exchange of signals between both tissues via the vagal nerve, thereby regulating numerous physiological functions(e.g., energy homeostasis, glucose-dependent insulin secretion, as well as appetite and weight control). Amongst the incretin/GLP-1 mimetics class of anti-T2 D drugs with an increasingly described neuroprotective potential, the already marketed liraglutide emerged as a GLP-1R agonist highly resistant to dipeptidyl peptidase-4 degradation(thereby having an increased half-life) and whose systemic GLP-1R activity is comparable to that of native GLP-1. Importantly, several preclinical studies showed anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and neuroprotective effects of liraglutide against T2 D, stroke and Alzheimer disease(AD), whereas several clinical trials, demonstrated some surprising benefits of liraglutide on weight loss, microglia inhibition, behavior and cognition, and in AD biom
基金Supported by Grants from Funda■o de AmparoàPesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo-FAPESP,No.2009/18370-3 and 2010/50048-1by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico-CNPq,No.476515/2012-2,USP/PRP-NAPmiR+1 种基金by the grant from FAPESP,No.2012/04104-2,No.2013/10472-7 and No.2010/09438-0by the grant from CNPq,No.159827/2011-6,No.159827/2011-6 and No.308267/2013-3
文摘Hypertension is a complex disease that constitutes an important public health problem and demands many studies in order to understand the molecular mechanisms involving his pathophysiology. Therefore, an increasing number of studies have been conducted and new therapies are continually being discovered. In this context, exercise training has emerged as an important non-pharmacological therapy to treat hypertensive patients, minimizing the side effects of pharmacological therapies and frequently contributing to allow pharmacotherapy to be suspended. Several mechanisms have been associated with the pathogenesis of hypertension, such as hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and renin-angiotensin aldosterone system,impaired endothelial nitric oxide production, increased oxygen-reactive species, vascular thickening and stiffening, cardiac hypertrophy, impaired angiogenesis, and sometimes genetic predisposition. With the advent of microRNAs(miRNAs), new insights have been added to the perspectives for the treatment of this disease, and exercise training has been shown to be able to modulate the miRNAs associated with it. Elucidation of the relationship between exercise training and miRNAs in the pathogenesis of hypertension is fundamental in order to understand how exercise modulates the cardiovascular system at genetic level. This can be promising even for the development of new drugs. This article is a review of how exercise training acts on hypertension by means of specific miRNAs in the heart, vascular system, and skeletal muscle.
基金the Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina, No. UBACYT 20020100100837 and No. UBACYT 20020130100645BA to Goldman CGthe International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria, Coordinated Research Project (CRP) E43025 No. ARG-16746 to Goldman CG. UBA
文摘AIM To evaluate the association of Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori), cag A genotype, and type of gastric pathology with ghrelin, leptin and nutritional status.METHODS Fasted dyspeptic adults(18-70 years) referred for an upper digestive endoscopy were enrolled in this crosssectional study. Height and weight were assessed for body mass index(BMI) calculation. A sociodemographic survey was administered and nutrient intake was evaluated with 24 h dietary recalls. Serum total ghrelin and leptin levels were analyzed by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. 13 C-Urea Breath Test was performed and four gastric biopsies were obtained during endoscopy for histopathology and H. pylori DNA amplification and genotyping. Data analysis was performed using χ2, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis tests, Spearman's correlation and linear regression.RESULTS One hundred and sixty-three patients(40.8 ± 14.0 years), 98/65 females/males, were included. Overall, persistent H. pylori prevalence was 53.4%(95%CI: 45.7%-65.8%). Neither nutrient intake nor BMI differed significantly between H. pylori positive and negative groups. Serum ghrelin was significantly lower in infected patients [median 311.0 pg/m L(IQR 230.0-385.5)] than in uninfected ones [median 355.0 pg/m L(IQR 253.8-547.8)](P = 0.025), even after adjusting for BMI and gender(P = 0.03). Ghrelin levels tended to be lower in patients carrying cag A positive strains both in the antrum and the corpus; however, differences with those carrying cag A negative strains did not reach statistical significance(P = 0.50 and P = 0.49, respectively). In addition, the type and severity of gastric pathology in the corpus was associated with lower serum ghrelin(P = 0.04), independently of H.pylori status. Conversely, leptin levels did not differ significantly between infected and uninfected patients [median 1.84 ng/m L(0.80-4.85) vs 1.84 ng/m L(0.50-5.09),(P = 0.51)]. CONCLUSION H. pylori infection and severity of gastric corpus pathology are associated with lower serum ghrelin. Further studies could conf
