NAC proteins are plant-specific transcription factors and enriched with members involved in plant response to drought stress. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of TaNAC69 in bread wheat using Affymetr...NAC proteins are plant-specific transcription factors and enriched with members involved in plant response to drought stress. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of TaNAC69 in bread wheat using Affymetrix Wheat Genome Array datasets and quantitative RT-PCR. TaNAC69 expression was positively associated with wheat responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses and was closely correlated with a number of stress up-regulated genes. The functional analyses of TaNAC69 in transgenic wheat showed that TaNAC69 driven by a barley drought-inducible HvDhn4s promoter led to marked drought-inducible overexpression of TaNAC69 in the leaves and roots of transgenic lines. The HvDhn4s：Ta- NAC69 transgenic lines produced more shoot biomass under combined mild salt stress and water-limitation conditions, had longer root and more root biomass under polyethylene glycol-induced dehydration. Analysis of transgenic lines with constitutive overexpression of TaNAC69 showed the enhanced expression levels of several stress up-regulated genes. DNA-binding assays revealed that TaNAC69 and its rice homolog （ONAC131） were capable of binding to the promoter elements of three rice genes （chitinase, ZlM, and glyoxalase I） and an Arabidopsis glyoxalase I family gene, which are homologs of TaNAC69 up-regulated stress genes. These data suggest that TaNAC69 is involved in regulating stress upregulated genes and wheat adaptation to drought stress.展开更多
为了提高新生儿存活率,确保每一位婴儿都拥有健康的生命开端,世界卫生组织成员国于2013年共同制定了《西太平洋地区健康新生儿行动计划(2014—2020)》,其重点是推行新生儿早期基本保健(early essential newborn care, EENC)技术。本文...为了提高新生儿存活率,确保每一位婴儿都拥有健康的生命开端,世界卫生组织成员国于2013年共同制定了《西太平洋地区健康新生儿行动计划(2014—2020)》,其重点是推行新生儿早期基本保健(early essential newborn care, EENC)技术。本文从以下四方面阐述西太平洋地区EENC实施现状—地区引入、维持和推广EENC的方法;EENC实施进展;开展社会动员支持新生儿保健;最佳实践、经验总结和未来方向。中国正积极采取行动,以实现可持续发展目标中的妇幼健康指标和全民健康覆盖。展开更多
Hetero-structures made from vertically stacked monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides hold great potential for optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices.Discovery of the optimal layered material for specific a...Hetero-structures made from vertically stacked monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides hold great potential for optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices.Discovery of the optimal layered material for specific applications necessitates the estimation of key material properties,such as electronic band structure and thermal transport coefficients.However,screening of material properties via brute force ab initio calculations of the entire material structure space exceeds the limits of current computing resources.Moreover,the functional dependence of material properties on the structures is often complicated,making simplistic statistical procedures for prediction difficult to employ without large amounts of data collection.Here,we present a Gaussian process regression model,which predicts material properties of an input hetero-structure,as well as an active learning model based on Bayesian optimization,which can efficiently discover the optimal hetero-structure using a minimal number of ab initio calculations.The electronic band gap,conduction/valence band dispersions,and thermoelectric performance are used as representative material properties for prediction and optimization.The Materials Project platform is used for electronic structure computation,while the BoltzTraP code is used to compute thermoelectric properties.Bayesian optimization is shown to significantly reduce the computational cost of discovering the optimal structure when compared with finding an optimal structure by building a regression model to predict material properties.The models can be used for predictions with respect to any material property and our software,including data preparation code based on the Python Materials Genomics(PyMatGen)library as well as python-based machine learning code,is available open source.展开更多
Primary epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas of the liver(EHL)are rare tumors with a low incidence.The molecular background of EHL is still under investigation,with WWTR1-CAMPTA1 mutation may function as a tumor marker.C...Primary epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas of the liver(EHL)are rare tumors with a low incidence.The molecular background of EHL is still under investigation,with WWTR1-CAMPTA1 mutation may function as a tumor marker.Commonly,this tumor is misdiagnosed with angiosarcoma,cholangiocarcinomas,metastatic carcinoma,and hepatocellular carcinoma(sclerosing variant).Characteristic features on imaging modalities such as ultrasound,computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography guide in diagnosis and staging.The“halo sign”and the“lollipop sign”on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are described in the literature.Currently,there are no standardized guidelines for treating EHL with treatment options are broad including:chemotherapy,ablation,surgery and liver transplantation with inconsistent results.展开更多
Liver transplantation is the optimal treatment for many patients with advanced liver disease, including decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and acute liver failure. Organ shortage is the maindeterminant ...Liver transplantation is the optimal treatment for many patients with advanced liver disease, including decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and acute liver failure. Organ shortage is the maindeterminant of death on the waiting list and hence living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) assumes importance. Biliary complications are the most common post operative morbidity after LDLT and occur due to anatomical and technical reasons. They include biliary leaks, strictures and cast formation and occur in the recipient as well as the donor. The types of biliary complications after LDLT along with their etiology, presenting features, diagnosis and endoscopic and surgical management are discussed.展开更多
AIM: To determine the genomic changes in hepatitis B virus(HBV) and evaluate their role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in patients chronically infected with genotype C HBV.METHODS: Two hundred and...AIM: To determine the genomic changes in hepatitis B virus(HBV) and evaluate their role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in patients chronically infected with genotype C HBV.METHODS: Two hundred and forty chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients were subjected and followed for a median of 105 mo. HCC was diagnosed in accordance with AASLD guidelines. The whole X, S, basal core promoter(BCP), and precore regions of HBV were sequenced using the direct sequencing method.RESULTS: All of the subjects were infected with genotype C HBV. Out of 240 CHB patients, 25(10%) had C1653 T and 33(14%) had T1753 V mutation in X region; 157(65%) had A1762T/G1764 A mutations in BCP region, 50(21%) had G1896 A mutation in precore region and 67(28%) had pre-S deletions. HCC occurred in 6 patients(3%). The prevalence of T1753 V mutation was significantly higher in patients who developed HCC than in those without HCC. The cumulative occurrence rates of HCC were 5% and 19% at 10 and 15 years, respectively, in patients with T1753 V mutant, which were significantly higher than 1% and 1% in those with wild type HBV(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The presence of T1753 V mutation in HBV X-gene significantly increases the risk of HCC development in patients chronically infected with genotype C HBV.展开更多
AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) we...AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) were divided into three parts (proximal, atretic, distal). Standard histology and enzyme immunohistochemistry anti-S100, anti-protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, anti-neurofilament (NF), antic-kit-receptor (CD117) was carried out on conventional paraffin sections of the proximal and distal part. RESULTS: The neuronal and glial markers (PGP 9.5, NF, S-100) were expressed in hypertrophied ganglia and nerve fibres within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Furthermore, the submucous plexus contained typical giant ganglia. The innervation pattern of the proximal bowel resembled intestinal neuronal dysplasia. The density of myenteric ICCs was clearly reduced in the proximal bowel, whereas a moderate number of muscular ICCs were found. The anti-CD117 immunore- action revealed additional numerous mast cells. The distal bowel demonstrated normal morphology and density of the ENS, the ICCs and the mast cells.CONCLUSION: The proximal and distal bowel in small bowel atresia revealed clear changes in morphology and density of the ENS and ICCs.展开更多
Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a significant global soft fruit crop, prized for its nutrient content and pleasant flavor. However, diseases, particularly grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr. ...Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a significant global soft fruit crop, prized for its nutrient content and pleasant flavor. However, diseases, particularly grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr. poses major constraints to strawberry production and productivity. Grey mold severely impacts fruit quality and quantity, diminishing market value. This study evaluated five B. cinerea isolates from various locations in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. All isolates were pathogenic, with isolate SGM 2 identified as highly virulent. Host range studies showed the pathogen-producing symptoms in the fava bean pods, marigold, gerbera, and chrysanthemum flowers and in the fava bean, gerbera, and lettuce leaves. In vitro tests revealed that neem extract (15% w/v) achieved the highest mycelial growth inhibition at 76.66%, while black turmeric extract (5% w/v) had the lowest inhibition at 9.62%. Dual culture methods with bio-control agents indicated that Bacillus subtilis recorded the highest mean inhibition at 77.03%, while Pseudomonas fluorescens had the lowest at 20.36% against the two virulent isolates. Pot evaluations demonstrated that B. subtilis resulted in the lowest percent disease index at 20.59%, followed by neem extract at 23.31%, with the highest disease index in the control group at 42.51%. Additionally, B. subtilis significantly improved plant growth, yielding an average of 0.32 kg compared to 0.14 kg in the control. The promising results of B. subtilis and neem leaf extract from this study suggest their potential for eco-friendly managing grey mold in strawberries under field conditions.展开更多
Herbal and dietary supplements(HDS)are increasingly used worldwide for numerous,mainly unproven health benefits.The HDS industry is poorly regulated compared to prescription medicines and most products are easily obta...Herbal and dietary supplements(HDS)are increasingly used worldwide for numerous,mainly unproven health benefits.The HDS industry is poorly regulated compared to prescription medicines and most products are easily obtainable.Drug induced liver injury(DILI)is a well-recognized entity associated with prescription and over the counter medications and many reports have emerged of potential HDS-related DILI.There is considerable geographic variability in the risk and severity of DILI associated with HDS but the presentation of severe liver injury is similar with a hepatocellular pattern accompanied by jaundice.This type of injury can lead to acute liver failure and the need for liver transplantation.Patients will often fail to mention their use of HDS,considering it natural and therefore harmless.Hence physicians should understand that these products can be associated with DILI and explicitly ask about HDS use in any patient with otherwise unexplained acute liver injury.展开更多
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and in 2018,it was the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Endoscopic advances continue to be made for the diagnosis and management of both early g...Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and in 2018,it was the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Endoscopic advances continue to be made for the diagnosis and management of both early gastric cancer and premalignant gastric conditions.In this review,we discuss the epidemiology and risk factors of gastric cancer and emphasize the differences in early vs latestage gastric cancer outcomes.We then discuss endoscopic advances in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer and premalignant gastric lesions.This includes the implementation of different imaging modalities such as narrow-band imaging,chromoendoscopy,confocal laser endomicroscopy,and other experimental techniques.We also discuss the use of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and staging of early gastric cancer.We then discuss the endoscopic advances made in the treatment of these conditions,including endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic submucosal dissection,and hybrid techniques such as laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery.Finally,we comment on the current suggested recommendations for surveillance of both gastric cancer and its premalignant conditions.展开更多
The Emerald ash borer （EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire） an exotic invasive insect pest has killed millions of ash trees （Fraxinus spp.） across North America and threatens billions more. We validated six A. plan...The Emerald ash borer （EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire） an exotic invasive insect pest has killed millions of ash trees （Fraxinus spp.） across North America and threatens billions more. We validated six A. planipennis reference genes （actin, ACT; beta tubulin, E-TUB; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDH ; ribosomal protein, RPL7; translation elongation factor 1~, TEF-la; and ubiquitin, UBQ） using geNorm, Normfinder and BestKeeper for accurate determination of target messenger RNA levels in gene expression studies. The stability of the six reference genes was evaluated in different larval tissues, developmental stages and two treatments ofA. planipennis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Although there was no consistent ranking observed among the reference genes across the samples, the overall analysis revealed TEF-la as the most stable reference gene. GAPDH and ACT showed least stability for all the samples studied. We conclude that TEF-I~ is the most appropriate reference gene for gene expression studies in A. planipennis. Results obtained can be applicable for transcript profiling in other invasive insect pests. Further, these validated reference genes could also serve as the basis for selection of candidate reference genes in any given insect system post-validation.展开更多
All rice plant developmental stages are severely affected by soil salinity. Salinity-induced ionic and osmotic stresses affect stomata closure and gaseous exchange, and reduce transpiration and the rate of carbon assi...All rice plant developmental stages are severely affected by soil salinity. Salinity-induced ionic and osmotic stresses affect stomata closure and gaseous exchange, and reduce transpiration and the rate of carbon assimilation, and hence decrease plant yield. Understanding the response of rice plants toward salinity stress at the genetic level and developing salt-tolerant varieties are the vital mandates for its effective management. This review described the present status of salt-tolerance achieved in rice by various mechanisms including the ion homeostasis(Na^+/H^+, OsNHX antiporters), compatible organic solutes(glycine betaine and proline), antioxidative genes(OsECS, OsVTE1, OsAPX and OsMSRA4.1), salt responsive regulatory elements(transcription factors, cis-acting elements and miRNAs) and genes ecoding protein kinases(MAPKs, SAPKs and STRKs). Further, the future perspective of developing salt-tolerant varieties lies in exploring halotolerant gene homologs from rice varieties, especially the landraces. Genetic diversity among rice landraces can serve as a valuable resource for future studies toward variety improvement through breeding and genome editing. Further, identification, multiplication, preservation and utilization of biodiversity among landraces are the urgent buffers to be saved as a heritage for future generations to come.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the significance of Eustachian tube(ET)angles and ET pretympanic diameter on high resolution computed tomography(HRCT)Temporal bone in patients with chronic otitis media(COM).Methods:A retrospect...Objective:To evaluate the significance of Eustachian tube(ET)angles and ET pretympanic diameter on high resolution computed tomography(HRCT)Temporal bone in patients with chronic otitis media(COM).Methods:A retrospective study was carried out at Tertiary care centre.Group A included 92 ears with COM(38 patients with bilateral COM and 16 with unilateral COM);and Group B included 108 normal ears(54 patients with bilateral normal ears).Reid plane-ET angle,Tubotympanic angle and the ET pretympanic diameter was evaluated by HRCT temporal bone,and compared in the two groups.Patients with chronic otitis media(Group A)were subdivided into Group A1(Blocked ET)and Group A2(Patent ET).The parameters were evaluated and compared in the subgroups too.Results:The mean Reid plane-ET angle and Tubotympanic angle in Group A was 25.412.57 and 148.123.43 respectively;whereas in Group B it was 27.563.62 and 145.144.34 respectively.Reid plane-ET angle was significantly less in patients with COM and Tubotympanic angle was significantly more obtuse in COM patients.ET pretympanic diameter was(5.372.10)mm in Group A and(6.472.40)mm in Group B.It was significantly less in patients with COM.A significant correlation was found between the ET patency and the two ET parameters(Reid plane-ET angle and pretympanic diameter).Conclusions:Eustachian tube angles in adults may play a significant role in the etiology of chronic otitis media.Decrease in Reid plane-ET angle and pretympanic diameter on HRCT temporal bone can be used to predict ET dysfunction and to plan the surgical management of chronic otitis media.展开更多
“Serum tumor markers expression(CA19-9,CA242,and CEA)and its clinical implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus”authored by Meng and Shi presents an observational case-control study investigating the correlation betw...“Serum tumor markers expression(CA19-9,CA242,and CEA)and its clinical implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus”authored by Meng and Shi presents an observational case-control study investigating the correlation between tumor markers and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).The study explores the diagnostic accuracy of tumor markers,particularly cancer antigen 19-9(CA19-9),CA242,and carcinoembryonic antigen,in poorly controlled T2DM patients with hemoglobin A1c levels exceeding 9%,employing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Though study offers valuable insights into the potential utility of tumor markers in clinical practice,caution is advised regarding routine tumor marker testing due to challenges such as limited availability and cost.Additionally,the study overlooks potential confounding factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.Variations in CA19-9 and CA242 expression underscore the complex interplay between tumor markers and systemic diseases,warranting further investigation into their diagnostic and prognostic implications.While Meng and Shi represent a significant contribution to the field,more extensive research is needed to fully elucidate the role of tumor markers in diabetes management and beyond.展开更多
Two very recent back-to-back papers published in Nature1,2 decipher the holistic role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR)/dietary-ligand axis,in enteric and pulmonary vasculature to emphasize tolerance induction and...Two very recent back-to-back papers published in Nature1,2 decipher the holistic role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR)/dietary-ligand axis,in enteric and pulmonary vasculature to emphasize tolerance induction and vessel integrity during homeostasis,sterile inflammation and infections.Both studies spectacularly highlight the significance of endothelium in orchestrating tissue tolerance by demonstrating the multifaceted activities of endothelial-expressed AHR that protects the vasculature to maintain organ homeostasis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Data regarding the worldwide gastrointestinal surgery rates in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD)remains limited.AIM To systematically review the global variation in the rates of surgery in CD.METHODS A com...BACKGROUND Data regarding the worldwide gastrointestinal surgery rates in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD)remains limited.AIM To systematically review the global variation in the rates of surgery in CD.METHODS A comprehensive search analysis was performed using multiple electronic databases from inception through July 1,2020,to identify all full text,randomized controlled trials and cohort studies pertaining to gastrointestinal surgery rates in adult patients with CD.Outcomes included continent based demographic data,CD surgery rates over time,as well as the geoepidemiologic variation in CD surgery rates.Statistical analyses were conducted using R.RESULTS Twenty-three studies spanning four continents were included.The median proportion of persons with CD who underwent gastrointestinal surgery in studies from North America,Europe,Asia,and Oceania were 30%(range:1.7%-62.0%),40%(range:0.6%-74.0%),17%(range:16.0%-43.0%),and 38%respectively.No clear association was found regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time in North America(R^(2)=0.035)and Europe(R^(2)=0.100).A moderate,negative association was seen regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time(R^(2)=0.520)in Asia.CONCLUSION There appears to be significant inter-continental variation regarding surgery rates in CD.Homogenous evidencebased guidelines accounting for the geographic differences in managing patients with CD is prudent.Moreover,as a paucity of data on surgery rates in CD exists outside the North American and European continents,future studies,particularly in less studied locales,are warranted.展开更多
Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability.Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and ...Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability.Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and sustainability actions to build resilient health systems.In this study,we evaluated the preparedness,knowledge,and perception regarding climate change and its impact on human health among Indian nursing students.A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 644 undergraduate nursing students studying in three institutes in the southern,northern,and western parts of India.We used a structured online questionnaire with established validity and reliability to collect data.The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 software.The results showed that more than half of the students reported experiencing excessive increase(362;56.2%)and decrease(374;58.1%)in temperature in recent years.Though more than three quarters of the students(494;76.7%)accepted the general truth that climate change is mainly caused by human activities,only less than half of the students(309;48.0%)perceived the impact of climate change to be high.Three quarters of the students(483;75.0%)had a high level of knowledge regarding climate change.The students who had a high level of knowledge about climate change exerted a high perceived impact of climate change(χ^(2)=75.47;P<0.01).More than half of the students(50.9%)felt that they needed information about climate change to be included in the nursing curriculum,and only one sixth of the students(16.1%)were highly confident about engaging in climate change-related conversation with patients.Most of the students who participated in the study had basic knowledge about climate change and its impact on human health.However,there is an observed gap between knowledge and their preparedness and confidence to engage in climate change actions.Hence,we propose to strengthen the nursing curriculum by integrating various curricular and co-curricular activ展开更多
文摘NAC proteins are plant-specific transcription factors and enriched with members involved in plant response to drought stress. In this study, we analyzed the expression profiles of TaNAC69 in bread wheat using Affymetrix Wheat Genome Array datasets and quantitative RT-PCR. TaNAC69 expression was positively associated with wheat responses to both abiotic and biotic stresses and was closely correlated with a number of stress up-regulated genes. The functional analyses of TaNAC69 in transgenic wheat showed that TaNAC69 driven by a barley drought-inducible HvDhn4s promoter led to marked drought-inducible overexpression of TaNAC69 in the leaves and roots of transgenic lines. The HvDhn4s：Ta- NAC69 transgenic lines produced more shoot biomass under combined mild salt stress and water-limitation conditions, had longer root and more root biomass under polyethylene glycol-induced dehydration. Analysis of transgenic lines with constitutive overexpression of TaNAC69 showed the enhanced expression levels of several stress up-regulated genes. DNA-binding assays revealed that TaNAC69 and its rice homolog （ONAC131） were capable of binding to the promoter elements of three rice genes （chitinase, ZlM, and glyoxalase I） and an Arabidopsis glyoxalase I family gene, which are homologs of TaNAC69 up-regulated stress genes. These data suggest that TaNAC69 is involved in regulating stress upregulated genes and wheat adaptation to drought stress.
文摘为了提高新生儿存活率,确保每一位婴儿都拥有健康的生命开端,世界卫生组织成员国于2013年共同制定了《西太平洋地区健康新生儿行动计划(2014—2020)》,其重点是推行新生儿早期基本保健(early essential newborn care, EENC)技术。本文从以下四方面阐述西太平洋地区EENC实施现状—地区引入、维持和推广EENC的方法;EENC实施进展;开展社会动员支持新生儿保健;最佳实践、经验总结和未来方向。中国正积极采取行动,以实现可持续发展目标中的妇幼健康指标和全民健康覆盖。
基金This work was supported as part of the Computational Materials Sciences Program funded by the US Department of Energy,Office of Science,Basic Energy Sciences,under Award Number DE-SC0014607Calculations were performed at the Center for High Performance Computing of the University of Southern California,as well as the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center,a DOE Office of Science User Facility supported by the Office of Science of the US Department of Energy under Contract No.DE-AC02-05CH11231.
文摘Hetero-structures made from vertically stacked monolayers of transition metal dichalcogenides hold great potential for optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices.Discovery of the optimal layered material for specific applications necessitates the estimation of key material properties,such as electronic band structure and thermal transport coefficients.However,screening of material properties via brute force ab initio calculations of the entire material structure space exceeds the limits of current computing resources.Moreover,the functional dependence of material properties on the structures is often complicated,making simplistic statistical procedures for prediction difficult to employ without large amounts of data collection.Here,we present a Gaussian process regression model,which predicts material properties of an input hetero-structure,as well as an active learning model based on Bayesian optimization,which can efficiently discover the optimal hetero-structure using a minimal number of ab initio calculations.The electronic band gap,conduction/valence band dispersions,and thermoelectric performance are used as representative material properties for prediction and optimization.The Materials Project platform is used for electronic structure computation,while the BoltzTraP code is used to compute thermoelectric properties.Bayesian optimization is shown to significantly reduce the computational cost of discovering the optimal structure when compared with finding an optimal structure by building a regression model to predict material properties.The models can be used for predictions with respect to any material property and our software,including data preparation code based on the Python Materials Genomics(PyMatGen)library as well as python-based machine learning code,is available open source.
文摘Primary epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas of the liver(EHL)are rare tumors with a low incidence.The molecular background of EHL is still under investigation,with WWTR1-CAMPTA1 mutation may function as a tumor marker.Commonly,this tumor is misdiagnosed with angiosarcoma,cholangiocarcinomas,metastatic carcinoma,and hepatocellular carcinoma(sclerosing variant).Characteristic features on imaging modalities such as ultrasound,computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography/computed tomography guide in diagnosis and staging.The“halo sign”and the“lollipop sign”on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are described in the literature.Currently,there are no standardized guidelines for treating EHL with treatment options are broad including:chemotherapy,ablation,surgery and liver transplantation with inconsistent results.
文摘Liver transplantation is the optimal treatment for many patients with advanced liver disease, including decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma and acute liver failure. Organ shortage is the maindeterminant of death on the waiting list and hence living donor liver transplantation(LDLT) assumes importance. Biliary complications are the most common post operative morbidity after LDLT and occur due to anatomical and technical reasons. They include biliary leaks, strictures and cast formation and occur in the recipient as well as the donor. The types of biliary complications after LDLT along with their etiology, presenting features, diagnosis and endoscopic and surgical management are discussed.
文摘AIM: To determine the genomic changes in hepatitis B virus(HBV) and evaluate their role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) in patients chronically infected with genotype C HBV.METHODS: Two hundred and forty chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients were subjected and followed for a median of 105 mo. HCC was diagnosed in accordance with AASLD guidelines. The whole X, S, basal core promoter(BCP), and precore regions of HBV were sequenced using the direct sequencing method.RESULTS: All of the subjects were infected with genotype C HBV. Out of 240 CHB patients, 25(10%) had C1653 T and 33(14%) had T1753 V mutation in X region; 157(65%) had A1762T/G1764 A mutations in BCP region, 50(21%) had G1896 A mutation in precore region and 67(28%) had pre-S deletions. HCC occurred in 6 patients(3%). The prevalence of T1753 V mutation was significantly higher in patients who developed HCC than in those without HCC. The cumulative occurrence rates of HCC were 5% and 19% at 10 and 15 years, respectively, in patients with T1753 V mutant, which were significantly higher than 1% and 1% in those with wild type HBV(P < 0.001).CONCLUSION: The presence of T1753 V mutation in HBV X-gene significantly increases the risk of HCC development in patients chronically infected with genotype C HBV.
文摘AIM: To investigate morphological changes of the enteric nervous system (ENS) and the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in small bowel atresia.METHODS: Resected small bowel specimens from affected patients (n = 7) were divided into three parts (proximal, atretic, distal). Standard histology and enzyme immunohistochemistry anti-S100, anti-protein gene product (PGP) 9.5, anti-neurofilament (NF), antic-kit-receptor (CD117) was carried out on conventional paraffin sections of the proximal and distal part. RESULTS: The neuronal and glial markers (PGP 9.5, NF, S-100) were expressed in hypertrophied ganglia and nerve fibres within the myenteric and submucosal plexuses. Furthermore, the submucous plexus contained typical giant ganglia. The innervation pattern of the proximal bowel resembled intestinal neuronal dysplasia. The density of myenteric ICCs was clearly reduced in the proximal bowel, whereas a moderate number of muscular ICCs were found. The anti-CD117 immunore- action revealed additional numerous mast cells. The distal bowel demonstrated normal morphology and density of the ENS, the ICCs and the mast cells.CONCLUSION: The proximal and distal bowel in small bowel atresia revealed clear changes in morphology and density of the ENS and ICCs.
文摘Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) is a significant global soft fruit crop, prized for its nutrient content and pleasant flavor. However, diseases, particularly grey mold caused by Botrytis cinerea Pers. Fr. poses major constraints to strawberry production and productivity. Grey mold severely impacts fruit quality and quantity, diminishing market value. This study evaluated five B. cinerea isolates from various locations in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya. All isolates were pathogenic, with isolate SGM 2 identified as highly virulent. Host range studies showed the pathogen-producing symptoms in the fava bean pods, marigold, gerbera, and chrysanthemum flowers and in the fava bean, gerbera, and lettuce leaves. In vitro tests revealed that neem extract (15% w/v) achieved the highest mycelial growth inhibition at 76.66%, while black turmeric extract (5% w/v) had the lowest inhibition at 9.62%. Dual culture methods with bio-control agents indicated that Bacillus subtilis recorded the highest mean inhibition at 77.03%, while Pseudomonas fluorescens had the lowest at 20.36% against the two virulent isolates. Pot evaluations demonstrated that B. subtilis resulted in the lowest percent disease index at 20.59%, followed by neem extract at 23.31%, with the highest disease index in the control group at 42.51%. Additionally, B. subtilis significantly improved plant growth, yielding an average of 0.32 kg compared to 0.14 kg in the control. The promising results of B. subtilis and neem leaf extract from this study suggest their potential for eco-friendly managing grey mold in strawberries under field conditions.
文摘Herbal and dietary supplements(HDS)are increasingly used worldwide for numerous,mainly unproven health benefits.The HDS industry is poorly regulated compared to prescription medicines and most products are easily obtainable.Drug induced liver injury(DILI)is a well-recognized entity associated with prescription and over the counter medications and many reports have emerged of potential HDS-related DILI.There is considerable geographic variability in the risk and severity of DILI associated with HDS but the presentation of severe liver injury is similar with a hepatocellular pattern accompanied by jaundice.This type of injury can lead to acute liver failure and the need for liver transplantation.Patients will often fail to mention their use of HDS,considering it natural and therefore harmless.Hence physicians should understand that these products can be associated with DILI and explicitly ask about HDS use in any patient with otherwise unexplained acute liver injury.
文摘Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer and in 2018,it was the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide.Endoscopic advances continue to be made for the diagnosis and management of both early gastric cancer and premalignant gastric conditions.In this review,we discuss the epidemiology and risk factors of gastric cancer and emphasize the differences in early vs latestage gastric cancer outcomes.We then discuss endoscopic advances in the diagnosis of early gastric cancer and premalignant gastric lesions.This includes the implementation of different imaging modalities such as narrow-band imaging,chromoendoscopy,confocal laser endomicroscopy,and other experimental techniques.We also discuss the use of endoscopic ultrasound in the diagnosis and staging of early gastric cancer.We then discuss the endoscopic advances made in the treatment of these conditions,including endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic submucosal dissection,and hybrid techniques such as laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery.Finally,we comment on the current suggested recommendations for surveillance of both gastric cancer and its premalignant conditions.
文摘The Emerald ash borer （EAB, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire） an exotic invasive insect pest has killed millions of ash trees （Fraxinus spp.） across North America and threatens billions more. We validated six A. planipennis reference genes （actin, ACT; beta tubulin, E-TUB; glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, GAPDH ; ribosomal protein, RPL7; translation elongation factor 1~, TEF-la; and ubiquitin, UBQ） using geNorm, Normfinder and BestKeeper for accurate determination of target messenger RNA levels in gene expression studies. The stability of the six reference genes was evaluated in different larval tissues, developmental stages and two treatments ofA. planipennis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Although there was no consistent ranking observed among the reference genes across the samples, the overall analysis revealed TEF-la as the most stable reference gene. GAPDH and ACT showed least stability for all the samples studied. We conclude that TEF-I~ is the most appropriate reference gene for gene expression studies in A. planipennis. Results obtained can be applicable for transcript profiling in other invasive insect pests. Further, these validated reference genes could also serve as the basis for selection of candidate reference genes in any given insect system post-validation.
基金Director,University Institute of Engineering and Technology and Department of Science and Technology-Science and Engineering Research Board(Grant No.SB/FT/LS-442/2012)for financial support。
文摘All rice plant developmental stages are severely affected by soil salinity. Salinity-induced ionic and osmotic stresses affect stomata closure and gaseous exchange, and reduce transpiration and the rate of carbon assimilation, and hence decrease plant yield. Understanding the response of rice plants toward salinity stress at the genetic level and developing salt-tolerant varieties are the vital mandates for its effective management. This review described the present status of salt-tolerance achieved in rice by various mechanisms including the ion homeostasis(Na^+/H^+, OsNHX antiporters), compatible organic solutes(glycine betaine and proline), antioxidative genes(OsECS, OsVTE1, OsAPX and OsMSRA4.1), salt responsive regulatory elements(transcription factors, cis-acting elements and miRNAs) and genes ecoding protein kinases(MAPKs, SAPKs and STRKs). Further, the future perspective of developing salt-tolerant varieties lies in exploring halotolerant gene homologs from rice varieties, especially the landraces. Genetic diversity among rice landraces can serve as a valuable resource for future studies toward variety improvement through breeding and genome editing. Further, identification, multiplication, preservation and utilization of biodiversity among landraces are the urgent buffers to be saved as a heritage for future generations to come.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the significance of Eustachian tube(ET)angles and ET pretympanic diameter on high resolution computed tomography(HRCT)Temporal bone in patients with chronic otitis media(COM).Methods:A retrospective study was carried out at Tertiary care centre.Group A included 92 ears with COM(38 patients with bilateral COM and 16 with unilateral COM);and Group B included 108 normal ears(54 patients with bilateral normal ears).Reid plane-ET angle,Tubotympanic angle and the ET pretympanic diameter was evaluated by HRCT temporal bone,and compared in the two groups.Patients with chronic otitis media(Group A)were subdivided into Group A1(Blocked ET)and Group A2(Patent ET).The parameters were evaluated and compared in the subgroups too.Results:The mean Reid plane-ET angle and Tubotympanic angle in Group A was 25.412.57 and 148.123.43 respectively;whereas in Group B it was 27.563.62 and 145.144.34 respectively.Reid plane-ET angle was significantly less in patients with COM and Tubotympanic angle was significantly more obtuse in COM patients.ET pretympanic diameter was(5.372.10)mm in Group A and(6.472.40)mm in Group B.It was significantly less in patients with COM.A significant correlation was found between the ET patency and the two ET parameters(Reid plane-ET angle and pretympanic diameter).Conclusions:Eustachian tube angles in adults may play a significant role in the etiology of chronic otitis media.Decrease in Reid plane-ET angle and pretympanic diameter on HRCT temporal bone can be used to predict ET dysfunction and to plan the surgical management of chronic otitis media.
文摘“Serum tumor markers expression(CA19-9,CA242,and CEA)and its clinical implications in type 2 diabetes mellitus”authored by Meng and Shi presents an observational case-control study investigating the correlation between tumor markers and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).The study explores the diagnostic accuracy of tumor markers,particularly cancer antigen 19-9(CA19-9),CA242,and carcinoembryonic antigen,in poorly controlled T2DM patients with hemoglobin A1c levels exceeding 9%,employing receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.Though study offers valuable insights into the potential utility of tumor markers in clinical practice,caution is advised regarding routine tumor marker testing due to challenges such as limited availability and cost.Additionally,the study overlooks potential confounding factors like smoking and alcohol consumption.Variations in CA19-9 and CA242 expression underscore the complex interplay between tumor markers and systemic diseases,warranting further investigation into their diagnostic and prognostic implications.While Meng and Shi represent a significant contribution to the field,more extensive research is needed to fully elucidate the role of tumor markers in diabetes management and beyond.
基金Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.
文摘Two very recent back-to-back papers published in Nature1,2 decipher the holistic role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor(AHR)/dietary-ligand axis,in enteric and pulmonary vasculature to emphasize tolerance induction and vessel integrity during homeostasis,sterile inflammation and infections.Both studies spectacularly highlight the significance of endothelium in orchestrating tissue tolerance by demonstrating the multifaceted activities of endothelial-expressed AHR that protects the vasculature to maintain organ homeostasis.
文摘BACKGROUND Data regarding the worldwide gastrointestinal surgery rates in patients with Crohn’s disease(CD)remains limited.AIM To systematically review the global variation in the rates of surgery in CD.METHODS A comprehensive search analysis was performed using multiple electronic databases from inception through July 1,2020,to identify all full text,randomized controlled trials and cohort studies pertaining to gastrointestinal surgery rates in adult patients with CD.Outcomes included continent based demographic data,CD surgery rates over time,as well as the geoepidemiologic variation in CD surgery rates.Statistical analyses were conducted using R.RESULTS Twenty-three studies spanning four continents were included.The median proportion of persons with CD who underwent gastrointestinal surgery in studies from North America,Europe,Asia,and Oceania were 30%(range:1.7%-62.0%),40%(range:0.6%-74.0%),17%(range:16.0%-43.0%),and 38%respectively.No clear association was found regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time in North America(R^(2)=0.035)and Europe(R^(2)=0.100).A moderate,negative association was seen regarding the proportion of patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery over time(R^(2)=0.520)in Asia.CONCLUSION There appears to be significant inter-continental variation regarding surgery rates in CD.Homogenous evidencebased guidelines accounting for the geographic differences in managing patients with CD is prudent.Moreover,as a paucity of data on surgery rates in CD exists outside the North American and European continents,future studies,particularly in less studied locales,are warranted.
文摘Higher education plays an important role in all aspects of sustainability.Infusing climate change and sustainability into the curriculum is important to prepare future health-care professionals for climate change and sustainability actions to build resilient health systems.In this study,we evaluated the preparedness,knowledge,and perception regarding climate change and its impact on human health among Indian nursing students.A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted among 644 undergraduate nursing students studying in three institutes in the southern,northern,and western parts of India.We used a structured online questionnaire with established validity and reliability to collect data.The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26 software.The results showed that more than half of the students reported experiencing excessive increase(362;56.2%)and decrease(374;58.1%)in temperature in recent years.Though more than three quarters of the students(494;76.7%)accepted the general truth that climate change is mainly caused by human activities,only less than half of the students(309;48.0%)perceived the impact of climate change to be high.Three quarters of the students(483;75.0%)had a high level of knowledge regarding climate change.The students who had a high level of knowledge about climate change exerted a high perceived impact of climate change(χ^(2)=75.47;P<0.01).More than half of the students(50.9%)felt that they needed information about climate change to be included in the nursing curriculum,and only one sixth of the students(16.1%)were highly confident about engaging in climate change-related conversation with patients.Most of the students who participated in the study had basic knowledge about climate change and its impact on human health.However,there is an observed gap between knowledge and their preparedness and confidence to engage in climate change actions.Hence,we propose to strengthen the nursing curriculum by integrating various curricular and co-curricular activ
