AIM: To determine the composition of both fecal and duodenal mucosa-associated microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and healthy subjects using molecular-based techniques. METHODS: Fecal and duodenal m...AIM: To determine the composition of both fecal and duodenal mucosa-associated microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and healthy subjects using molecular-based techniques. METHODS: Fecal and duodenal mucosa brush samples were obtained from 41 IBS patients and 26 healthy subjects. Fecal samples were analyzed for the composition of the total microbiota using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and both fecal and duodenal brush samples were analyzed for the composition of bif idobacteria using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The FISH analysis of fecal samples revealed a 2-fold decrease in the level of bifidobacteria (4.2 ± 1.3 vs 8.3 ± 1.9, P < 0.01) in IBS patients compared to healthy subjects, whereas no major differences in other bacterial groups were observed. At the species level, Bifidobacterium catenulatum levels were significantly lower (6 ± 0.6 vs 19 ± 2.5, P < 0.001) in the IBS patients in both fecal and duodenal brush samples than in healthy subjects.CONCLUSION: Decreased bifidobacteria levels in both fecal and duodenal brush samples of IBS patients compared to healthy subjects indicate a role for microbiotic composition in IBS pathophysiology.展开更多
美国结直肠外科医师协会(The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons,ASCRS)于2019年2月公布了最新的藏毛窦诊治临床实践指南。指南是由国际知名结直肠外科专家组成的临床实践指南委员会修订,对藏毛窦的一些争议进行了汇总和...美国结直肠外科医师协会(The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons,ASCRS)于2019年2月公布了最新的藏毛窦诊治临床实践指南。指南是由国际知名结直肠外科专家组成的临床实践指南委员会修订,对藏毛窦的一些争议进行了汇总和分析。展开更多
文章以1997至2017年Web of Science数据库收录的585篇知识可视化研究文献作为数据基础。整合VOSviewer和Citespace两个文献计量可视化软件的优势,采用共被引分析、引文分析、共词分析等方法进行文献计量可视化图谱的绘制和分析。分析探...文章以1997至2017年Web of Science数据库收录的585篇知识可视化研究文献作为数据基础。整合VOSviewer和Citespace两个文献计量可视化软件的优势,采用共被引分析、引文分析、共词分析等方法进行文献计量可视化图谱的绘制和分析。分析探究1997至2017年间知识可视化领域的整体演进路径、研究热点与前沿,以期发现知识可视化研究的演变规律与未来发展趋势。展开更多
AIM: To evaluate ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters in colonic pathophysiology as they had recently been related to colorectal cancer(CRC) development. METHODS: Literature search was conducted on Pub Med using com...AIM: To evaluate ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters in colonic pathophysiology as they had recently been related to colorectal cancer(CRC) development. METHODS: Literature search was conducted on Pub Med using combinations of the following terms: ABC transporters, ATP binding cassette transporter proteins, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative, colitis, Crohns disease, colorectal cancer, colitis, intestinal inflammation, intestinal carcinogenesis, ABCB1/P-glycoprotein(P-gp/CD243/MDR1), ABCC2/multidrug resistance protein 2(MRP2) and ABCG2/breast cancer resistance protein(BCRP), Abcb1/Mdr1 a, abcc2/Mrp2, abcg2/Bcrp, knock-out mice, tight junction, membrane lipid function. RESULTS: Recently, human studies reported thatchanges in the levels of ABC transporters were early events in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence leading to CRC. A link between ABCB1, high fat diet and gut microbes in relation to colitis was suggested by the animal studies. The finding that colitis was preceded by altered gut bacterial composition suggests that deletion of Abcb1 leads to fundamental changes of hostmicrobiota interaction. Also, high fat diet increases the frequency and severity of colitis in specific pathogenfree Abcb1 KO mice. The Abcb1 KO mice might thus serve as a model in which diet/environmental factors and microbes may be controlled and investigated in relation to intestinal inflammation. Potential molecular mechanisms include defective transport of inflammatory mediators and/or phospholipid translocation from one side to the other of the cell membrane lipid bilayer by ABC transporters affecting inflammatory response and/or function of tight junctions, phagocytosis and vesicle trafficking. Also, diet and microbes give rise to molecules which are potential substrates for the ABC transporters and which may additionally affect ABC transporter function through nuclear receptors and transcriptional regulation. Another critical role of ABCB1 was suggested by the finding that ABCB1 expression identifies a subpopulation of pro-inflamm展开更多
In addition to their value as cereal grains, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) are important cool-season annual forages and cover crops. Yearling steer (Bos taurus) performance...In addition to their value as cereal grains, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) are important cool-season annual forages and cover crops. Yearling steer (Bos taurus) performance was compared in the spring following autumn establishment as for age cover crops after soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain harvest. Replicated pastures (0.4 ha) were no-till seeded in three consecutive years into soybean stubble in autumn, fertilized, and grazed the following spring near Ithaca, NE, USA. Each pasture (n = 3) was continuously stocked in spring with four yearling steers (380 ± 38 kg) for 17, 32, and 28 d in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. In 2005, average daily gain (ADG) for steers grazing triticale exceeded the ADG for wheat by 0.31 kghd<sup>-1</sup>d<sup>-1</sup>. In 2006, wheat ADG exceeded that for triticale by 0.12 kghd<sup>-1</sup>d<sup>-1</sup>. In 2007, steers grazing wheat lost weight, while steers grazing triticale gained 0.20 kghd<sup>-1</sup>d<sup>-1</sup>. Based on the 3-year average animal gains valued at $1.32 kg<sup>-1</sup>, mean net return ($ ha<sup>-1</sup> yr<sup>-1</sup>) was $62.15 for triticale and $22.55 for wheat. Since these grazed cover crops provide ecosystem services in addition to forage, grazing could be viewed as a mechanism for recovering costs and adds additional value to the system. Based on this 3-year grazing trial, triticale was superior to wheat and likely will provide the most stable beef yearling performance across years with variable weather for the western Cornbelt USA.展开更多
While considerable progress has been made in the taxonomic studies of the genus Lycodon in Asia,questions remain to be clarified regarding the taxonomy of certain groups,particularly those containing species in China....While considerable progress has been made in the taxonomic studies of the genus Lycodon in Asia,questions remain to be clarified regarding the taxonomy of certain groups,particularly those containing species in China.Not only do many regions in China remain overlooked by herpetologists,resulting in the possibility of undiscovered new species,but the surveyed areas also have suspicious records of recognized congeners that require taxonomic confirmations.Combining both morphological and genetic data,we tackle these outstanding issues in the taxonomy of Lycodon in China.In particular,we discover two new species of Lycodon:one from the previously neglected hot-dry valley in the northern Hengduan Mountain Region close to Tibet,and another recluse and cryptic species from the L.fasciatus complex in the downtown park of a major city in southern Sichuan Province.Additionally,we clarify the distribution of L.septentrionalis in China and resurrect and elevate its junior synonym subspecies,Dinodon septentrionale chapaense,as a full,valid species,and we synonymize the recently described L.namdongensis to the resurrected L.chapaensis comb.nov..Lycodon chapaensis comb.nov.thus represents a new national record of reptilian fauna of China.Lastly,based on literature review,we also correct some of the erroneous records of L.fasciatus and L.ruhstrati in China,point out remaining taxonomic issues of the genus for future research,and update the dichotomous key and distribution of the 20 species of Lycodon currently recorded from China.展开更多
Small bowel adenocarcinomas are remarkable for their rarity, difficult diagnosis and poor prognosis. Here we report an unusual case of a 33-year-old patient in whom infiltrative adenocarcinoma of the small bowel was d...Small bowel adenocarcinomas are remarkable for their rarity, difficult diagnosis and poor prognosis. Here we report an unusual case of a 33-year-old patient in whom infiltrative adenocarcinoma of the small bowel was diagnosed after a 10-year history of Crohn's disease. In most previously reported cases, detection of Crohn's disease was subsequent tothat of carcinoma of the small bowel or the patients involved had an even longer history of the disease. Our literature review suggests that the risk of small bowel adenocarcinoma is higher in patients with Crohn's disease than in the overall population. We present details on epidemiology as well as clinical and diagnostic aspects of this rare disease entity.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: Between November 1996 and December 2005, 10 patients with severe recurrent hepat...AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: Between November 1996 and December 2005, 10 patients with severe recurrent hepatitis C virus infection (n = 4), ductopenic rejection (n = 5) or portal vein thrombosis (n = 1) were included in this analysis. Eleven TIPSs (one patient underwent two TIPS procedures) were placed for management of therapy-refractory ascites (n = 7), hydrothorax (n = 2) or bleeding from colonic varices (n = 1). The median time interval between LT and TIPS placement was 15 (4-158) mo. RESULTS: TIPS placement was successful in all patients. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 12.5 to 8.7 mmHg. Complete and partial remission could be achieved in 43% and 29% of patients with ascites. Both patients with hydrothorax did not respond to TIPS. No recurrent bleeding was seen in the patient with colonic varices. Nine of 10 patients died during the study period. Only one of two patients, who underwent retransplantation after the TIPS procedure, survived. The median survival period after TIPS placement was 3.3 (range 0.4-20) too. The majority of patients died from sepsis with multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION: Indications for TIPS and technical performance in LT patients correspond to those in non-transplanted patients. At least partial control of therapy-refractory ascites and variceal bleeding could be achieved in most patients. Nevertheless, survival rates were disappointing, most probably because of the advanced stages of liver disease at the time of TIPS placement and the high risk of sepsis as a consequence of immunosuppression.展开更多
Screening gene function in vivo is a powerful approach to discover novel drug targets. We present high-throughput screening (HTS) data for 3 762 distinct global gene knockout (KO) mouse lines with viable adult hom...Screening gene function in vivo is a powerful approach to discover novel drug targets. We present high-throughput screening (HTS) data for 3 762 distinct global gene knockout (KO) mouse lines with viable adult homozygous mice generated using either gene-trap or homologous recombination technologies. Bone mass was determined from DEXA scans of male and female mice at 14 weeks of age and by microCT analyses of bones from male mice at 16 weeks of age. Wild-type (WT) cagemates/littermates were examined for each gene KO. Lethality was observed in an additional 850 KO lines. Since primary HTS are susceptible to false positive findings, additional cohorts of mice from KO lines with intriguing HTS bone data were examined. Aging, ovariectomy, histomorphometry and bone strength studies were performed and possible non-skeletal phenotypes were explored. Together, these screens identified multiple genes affecting bone mass: 23 previously reported genes (Calcr, Cebpb, Crtap, Dcstamp, Dkkl, Duoxa2, Enppl, Fgf23, Kissl/Kisslr, Kl (Klotho), Lrp5, Mstn, Neol, Npr2, Ostml, Postn, Sfrp4, S1c30a5, Sic39a13, Sost, Sumf1, Src, Wnt10b), five novel genes extensively characterized (Cldn18, Fam20c, Lrrkl, Sgpll, Wnt16), five novel genes with preliminary characterization (Agpat2, RassfS, Slc10a7, Stc26a7, Slc30a10) and three novel undisclosed genes coding for potential osteoporosis drug targets.展开更多
Breeding for seedling traits in herbaceous perennial biomass feedstocks that translate into increased biomass yield or quality in established swards could accelerate the development of perennial grass cultivars for bi...Breeding for seedling traits in herbaceous perennial biomass feedstocks that translate into increased biomass yield or quality in established swards could accelerate the development of perennial grass cultivars for bioenergy or forage. In previously reported research, breeding for single large tillers (ST) or multiple tillers (MT, ≥3) six weeks after planting for two generations in big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) base populations produced ST and MT populations that differed significantly for seedling and mature plant traits including biomass yield in spaced planted nurseries. Our objective was to evaluate these ST and MT populations in sward trials to determine the effect of these genetic changes on biomass yield and quality when the plants were grown in competitive sward conditions. Big bluestem monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated at three locations in Nebraska in 2001 and 2002 as randomized complete block experiments with four replicates. Switchgrass monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated in 2003, 2004, and 2005 near Mead, NE as a randomized complete block with six replicates. In both big bluestem and switchgrass, the ST and MT populations did not consistently differ from the base population or each other for biomass yield or forage quality. These results demonstrate the importance of evaluating perennial grasses in sward trials and not relying solely on greenhouse-grown plants or space-planted nurseries to develop selection criteria and make selection decisions.展开更多
BACKGROUND Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis(PFIC)encompasses a group of autosomal recessive disorders with high morbidity and mortality.Variants in the gene encoding tight junction protein-2(TJP2)have bee...BACKGROUND Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis(PFIC)encompasses a group of autosomal recessive disorders with high morbidity and mortality.Variants in the gene encoding tight junction protein-2(TJP2)have been linked to PFIC type 4(PFIC4),which predominantly presents in childhood.However,there are only limited data from adults with TJP2-related PFIC4.We report a family with an autosomal recessive disorder with a novel variant in the TJP2 gene in adults with very variable expression of PFIC4.CASE SUMMARY The index patient presented at 19 years old with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding and was treated with endoscopic banding and beta-blockers.In 2018,he developed primary liver cancer that was treated with radiofrequency ablation followed by liver transplantation in 2019.Genetic testing revealed a novel homozygous TJP2 variant causing PFIC4(TJP2([NM_004817.3]:c.[3334C>T];[3334C>T])).The consanguineous family consists of the father and mother(both heterozygous)and their 12 children,of which five carry the variant in a homozygous state;however,these five siblings have highly variable expression of PFIC4.Two homozygous brothers had cirrhosis and portal hypertension at diagnosis at the ages of 19 and 36.Two other homozygous brothers,age 23 and 19,and the homozygous sister,age 21,have elevated liver enzymes but presently no cirrhosis,which may suggest an age-dependent penetrance.In addition,five sisters had severe and mild intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and carry the TJP2 variant in a homozygous and heterozygous state,respectively.CONCLUSION This novel TJP2 variant is associated with PFIC4 causing severe liver disease with cirrhosis and primary liver cancer in adolescents/adults.展开更多
Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common causes of cancerrelated mortality.This particular type of cancer has the distinctive characteristic of mostly happening in individuals with an underlying liver di...Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common causes of cancerrelated mortality.This particular type of cancer has the distinctive characteristic of mostly happening in individuals with an underlying liver disease.This makes the management of patients more challenging,since physicians must take into consideration two different conditions,the chronic liver disease and the tumor.The underlying liver disease has several implications in clinical practice,because different kinds of chronic liver disease can lead to varying degrees of risk of developing HCC,obstacles in surveillance,and differences in the efficacy of the treatment against HCC.A shift in the prevalence of liver diseases has been evident over the last few years,with viral hepatitis gradually losing the leading position as cause of HCC and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease gaining importance.Therefore,in an era of personalized medicine,it is imperative that physicians are aware of the underlying liver disease of individuals with HCC and its impact in the management of their tumors.展开更多
An open-top chamber experiment was conducted at the University of Michigan Biological Station near Pellston, Michigan, USA, to study the effects of soil fertility and CO2 on leaf, stem and root dark respiration (Rd) o...An open-top chamber experiment was conducted at the University of Michigan Biological Station near Pellston, Michigan, USA, to study the effects of soil fertility and CO2 on leaf, stem and root dark respiration (Rd) of Populus tremuloides. Overall, area-based day-time leaf Rd (Rda) was significantly greater at elevated than at ambient CO2 in high-fertility soil, but not in low-fertility soil. Mass-based leaf Rd (Rdm) was overall greater for high- than for low-fertility soil grown trees at elected, but not at ambient CO2. Nighttime leaf Rd. and Rdm were unthected by soil fertility or CO2, nor was stem Rda, which ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 μmol m-2 s-1 in the spring and 3.5 to 4.5 μmol m-2 s-1 in the summer. Root Rda. was significantly higher in high- than in low-fertility soil, but was unaffected by CO2. Since biomass production of P. tremuloides will be significantly greater at elevated CO2 while specific Rd will either increase or remain unchanged, we predict that carbon loss to the atmosphere through respiration from this ecologically important species would increase at higher CO2. Soil fertility would also interact with elevated CO2 in affecting the carbon flow in the plant-soil-air system.展开更多
Xerostomia is a severe side effect of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. To date, no satisfactory treatment option has been established. Because mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been identified as ...Xerostomia is a severe side effect of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. To date, no satisfactory treatment option has been established. Because mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been identified as a potential treatment modality, we aimed to evaluate stem cell distribution following intravenous and intraglandular injections using a surgical model of salivary gland damage and to analyse the effects of MSC injections on the recruitment of immune cells. The submandibular gland ducts of rats were surgically ligated. Syngeneic adult MSCs were isolated, immortalised by simian virus 40(SV40) large T antigen and characterized by flow cytometry. MSCs were injected intravenously and intraglandularly. After 1, 3 and 7 days, the organs of interest were analysed for stem cell recruitment. Inflammation was analysed by immunohistochemical staining. We were able to demonstrate that, after intravenous injection, MSCs were recruited to normal and damaged submandibular glands on days 1, 3 and 7. Unexpectedly, stem cells were recruited to ligated and non-ligated glands in a comparable manner. After intraglandular injection of MSCs into ligated glands, the presence of MSCs, leucocytes and macrophages was enhanced, compared to intravenous injection of stem cells. Our data suggest that injected MSCs were retained within the inflamed glands, could become activated and subsequently recruited leucocytes to the sites of tissue damage.展开更多
It can be difficult to calculate some under-sampled regions in global Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations. The global variance reduction(GVR) method is a useful solution to the problem of variance reduction e...It can be difficult to calculate some under-sampled regions in global Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations. The global variance reduction(GVR) method is a useful solution to the problem of variance reduction everywhere in a phase space. In this research, a GVR procedure was developed and applied to the Chinese Fusion Engineering Testing Reactor(CFETR). A cylindrical CFETR model was utilized for comparing various implementations of the GVR method to find the optimum.It was found that the flux-based GVR method could ensure more reliable statistical results, achieving an efficiency being 7.43 times that of the analog case. A mesh tally of the scalar neutron flux was chosen for the GVR method to simulate global neutron transport in the CFETR model.Particles distributed uniformly in the system were sampled adequately through ten iterations of GVR weight window.All voxels were scored, and the average relative error was 2.4% in the ultimate step of the GVR iteration.展开更多
文摘AIM: To determine the composition of both fecal and duodenal mucosa-associated microbiota in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients and healthy subjects using molecular-based techniques. METHODS: Fecal and duodenal mucosa brush samples were obtained from 41 IBS patients and 26 healthy subjects. Fecal samples were analyzed for the composition of the total microbiota using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) and both fecal and duodenal brush samples were analyzed for the composition of bif idobacteria using real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The FISH analysis of fecal samples revealed a 2-fold decrease in the level of bifidobacteria (4.2 ± 1.3 vs 8.3 ± 1.9, P < 0.01) in IBS patients compared to healthy subjects, whereas no major differences in other bacterial groups were observed. At the species level, Bifidobacterium catenulatum levels were significantly lower (6 ± 0.6 vs 19 ± 2.5, P < 0.001) in the IBS patients in both fecal and duodenal brush samples than in healthy subjects.CONCLUSION: Decreased bifidobacteria levels in both fecal and duodenal brush samples of IBS patients compared to healthy subjects indicate a role for microbiotic composition in IBS pathophysiology.
文摘文章以1997至2017年Web of Science数据库收录的585篇知识可视化研究文献作为数据基础。整合VOSviewer和Citespace两个文献计量可视化软件的优势,采用共被引分析、引文分析、共词分析等方法进行文献计量可视化图谱的绘制和分析。分析探究1997至2017年间知识可视化领域的整体演进路径、研究热点与前沿,以期发现知识可视化研究的演变规律与未来发展趋势。
文摘AIM: To evaluate ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters in colonic pathophysiology as they had recently been related to colorectal cancer(CRC) development. METHODS: Literature search was conducted on Pub Med using combinations of the following terms: ABC transporters, ATP binding cassette transporter proteins, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative, colitis, Crohns disease, colorectal cancer, colitis, intestinal inflammation, intestinal carcinogenesis, ABCB1/P-glycoprotein(P-gp/CD243/MDR1), ABCC2/multidrug resistance protein 2(MRP2) and ABCG2/breast cancer resistance protein(BCRP), Abcb1/Mdr1 a, abcc2/Mrp2, abcg2/Bcrp, knock-out mice, tight junction, membrane lipid function. RESULTS: Recently, human studies reported thatchanges in the levels of ABC transporters were early events in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence leading to CRC. A link between ABCB1, high fat diet and gut microbes in relation to colitis was suggested by the animal studies. The finding that colitis was preceded by altered gut bacterial composition suggests that deletion of Abcb1 leads to fundamental changes of hostmicrobiota interaction. Also, high fat diet increases the frequency and severity of colitis in specific pathogenfree Abcb1 KO mice. The Abcb1 KO mice might thus serve as a model in which diet/environmental factors and microbes may be controlled and investigated in relation to intestinal inflammation. Potential molecular mechanisms include defective transport of inflammatory mediators and/or phospholipid translocation from one side to the other of the cell membrane lipid bilayer by ABC transporters affecting inflammatory response and/or function of tight junctions, phagocytosis and vesicle trafficking. Also, diet and microbes give rise to molecules which are potential substrates for the ABC transporters and which may additionally affect ABC transporter function through nuclear receptors and transcriptional regulation. Another critical role of ABCB1 was suggested by the finding that ABCB1 expression identifies a subpopulation of pro-inflamm
文摘In addition to their value as cereal grains, wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and triticale (× Triticosecale Wittmack) are important cool-season annual forages and cover crops. Yearling steer (Bos taurus) performance was compared in the spring following autumn establishment as for age cover crops after soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] grain harvest. Replicated pastures (0.4 ha) were no-till seeded in three consecutive years into soybean stubble in autumn, fertilized, and grazed the following spring near Ithaca, NE, USA. Each pasture (n = 3) was continuously stocked in spring with four yearling steers (380 ± 38 kg) for 17, 32, and 28 d in 2005, 2006, and 2007, respectively. In 2005, average daily gain (ADG) for steers grazing triticale exceeded the ADG for wheat by 0.31 kghd<sup>-1</sup>d<sup>-1</sup>. In 2006, wheat ADG exceeded that for triticale by 0.12 kghd<sup>-1</sup>d<sup>-1</sup>. In 2007, steers grazing wheat lost weight, while steers grazing triticale gained 0.20 kghd<sup>-1</sup>d<sup>-1</sup>. Based on the 3-year average animal gains valued at $1.32 kg<sup>-1</sup>, mean net return ($ ha<sup>-1</sup> yr<sup>-1</sup>) was $62.15 for triticale and $22.55 for wheat. Since these grazed cover crops provide ecosystem services in addition to forage, grazing could be viewed as a mechanism for recovering costs and adds additional value to the system. Based on this 3-year grazing trial, triticale was superior to wheat and likely will provide the most stable beef yearling performance across years with variable weather for the western Cornbelt USA.
基金This research is supported by the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research(STEP)program(2019QZKK0501)Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Project of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment(2019HJ2096001006)+4 种基金China's Biodiversity Observation Network(Sino-BON),Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute,CAS(Y4ZK111B01:2017CASSEABRIQG002)the Animal Branch of the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species,CAS(Large Research Infrastructure Funding)to J.C.and NSF GRFP 2017216966 to K.WWe thank Mr.Di-Hao Wu for providing locality information of the new speciesMr.Ben-Fu Miao,Mr.Hui-Ming Xu(Yunlong National Nature Reserve),and Mr.Wen-Jie Dong(KIZ)for their assistances in the fieldand Mr.Chao Wu,Mr.Wei-Liang Xie,Mr.Shao-Bing Hou(KIZ),Mr.Jin-Long Ren(CIB)and Mr.Franco Leung Ka Wah(CIB)for providing photos of Lycodon species.
文摘While considerable progress has been made in the taxonomic studies of the genus Lycodon in Asia,questions remain to be clarified regarding the taxonomy of certain groups,particularly those containing species in China.Not only do many regions in China remain overlooked by herpetologists,resulting in the possibility of undiscovered new species,but the surveyed areas also have suspicious records of recognized congeners that require taxonomic confirmations.Combining both morphological and genetic data,we tackle these outstanding issues in the taxonomy of Lycodon in China.In particular,we discover two new species of Lycodon:one from the previously neglected hot-dry valley in the northern Hengduan Mountain Region close to Tibet,and another recluse and cryptic species from the L.fasciatus complex in the downtown park of a major city in southern Sichuan Province.Additionally,we clarify the distribution of L.septentrionalis in China and resurrect and elevate its junior synonym subspecies,Dinodon septentrionale chapaense,as a full,valid species,and we synonymize the recently described L.namdongensis to the resurrected L.chapaensis comb.nov..Lycodon chapaensis comb.nov.thus represents a new national record of reptilian fauna of China.Lastly,based on literature review,we also correct some of the erroneous records of L.fasciatus and L.ruhstrati in China,point out remaining taxonomic issues of the genus for future research,and update the dichotomous key and distribution of the 20 species of Lycodon currently recorded from China.
文摘Small bowel adenocarcinomas are remarkable for their rarity, difficult diagnosis and poor prognosis. Here we report an unusual case of a 33-year-old patient in whom infiltrative adenocarcinoma of the small bowel was diagnosed after a 10-year history of Crohn's disease. In most previously reported cases, detection of Crohn's disease was subsequent tothat of carcinoma of the small bowel or the patients involved had an even longer history of the disease. Our literature review suggests that the risk of small bowel adenocarcinoma is higher in patients with Crohn's disease than in the overall population. We present details on epidemiology as well as clinical and diagnostic aspects of this rare disease entity.
基金Supported by "Verein zur Frderung der Forschung in Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie an der Medizinischen Universitt Innsbruck"
文摘AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPSs) after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS: Between November 1996 and December 2005, 10 patients with severe recurrent hepatitis C virus infection (n = 4), ductopenic rejection (n = 5) or portal vein thrombosis (n = 1) were included in this analysis. Eleven TIPSs (one patient underwent two TIPS procedures) were placed for management of therapy-refractory ascites (n = 7), hydrothorax (n = 2) or bleeding from colonic varices (n = 1). The median time interval between LT and TIPS placement was 15 (4-158) mo. RESULTS: TIPS placement was successful in all patients. The mean portosystemic pressure gradient was reduced from 12.5 to 8.7 mmHg. Complete and partial remission could be achieved in 43% and 29% of patients with ascites. Both patients with hydrothorax did not respond to TIPS. No recurrent bleeding was seen in the patient with colonic varices. Nine of 10 patients died during the study period. Only one of two patients, who underwent retransplantation after the TIPS procedure, survived. The median survival period after TIPS placement was 3.3 (range 0.4-20) too. The majority of patients died from sepsis with multiorgan failure. CONCLUSION: Indications for TIPS and technical performance in LT patients correspond to those in non-transplanted patients. At least partial control of therapy-refractory ascites and variceal bleeding could be achieved in most patients. Nevertheless, survival rates were disappointing, most probably because of the advanced stages of liver disease at the time of TIPS placement and the high risk of sepsis as a consequence of immunosuppression.
文摘Screening gene function in vivo is a powerful approach to discover novel drug targets. We present high-throughput screening (HTS) data for 3 762 distinct global gene knockout (KO) mouse lines with viable adult homozygous mice generated using either gene-trap or homologous recombination technologies. Bone mass was determined from DEXA scans of male and female mice at 14 weeks of age and by microCT analyses of bones from male mice at 16 weeks of age. Wild-type (WT) cagemates/littermates were examined for each gene KO. Lethality was observed in an additional 850 KO lines. Since primary HTS are susceptible to false positive findings, additional cohorts of mice from KO lines with intriguing HTS bone data were examined. Aging, ovariectomy, histomorphometry and bone strength studies were performed and possible non-skeletal phenotypes were explored. Together, these screens identified multiple genes affecting bone mass: 23 previously reported genes (Calcr, Cebpb, Crtap, Dcstamp, Dkkl, Duoxa2, Enppl, Fgf23, Kissl/Kisslr, Kl (Klotho), Lrp5, Mstn, Neol, Npr2, Ostml, Postn, Sfrp4, S1c30a5, Sic39a13, Sost, Sumf1, Src, Wnt10b), five novel genes extensively characterized (Cldn18, Fam20c, Lrrkl, Sgpll, Wnt16), five novel genes with preliminary characterization (Agpat2, RassfS, Slc10a7, Stc26a7, Slc30a10) and three novel undisclosed genes coding for potential osteoporosis drug targets.
文摘Breeding for seedling traits in herbaceous perennial biomass feedstocks that translate into increased biomass yield or quality in established swards could accelerate the development of perennial grass cultivars for bioenergy or forage. In previously reported research, breeding for single large tillers (ST) or multiple tillers (MT, ≥3) six weeks after planting for two generations in big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman) and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) base populations produced ST and MT populations that differed significantly for seedling and mature plant traits including biomass yield in spaced planted nurseries. Our objective was to evaluate these ST and MT populations in sward trials to determine the effect of these genetic changes on biomass yield and quality when the plants were grown in competitive sward conditions. Big bluestem monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated at three locations in Nebraska in 2001 and 2002 as randomized complete block experiments with four replicates. Switchgrass monocultures of the base, ST, and MT populations were evaluated in 2003, 2004, and 2005 near Mead, NE as a randomized complete block with six replicates. In both big bluestem and switchgrass, the ST and MT populations did not consistently differ from the base population or each other for biomass yield or forage quality. These results demonstrate the importance of evaluating perennial grasses in sward trials and not relying solely on greenhouse-grown plants or space-planted nurseries to develop selection criteria and make selection decisions.
基金Supported by Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen of China,No.SZSM201612074
文摘BACKGROUND Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis(PFIC)encompasses a group of autosomal recessive disorders with high morbidity and mortality.Variants in the gene encoding tight junction protein-2(TJP2)have been linked to PFIC type 4(PFIC4),which predominantly presents in childhood.However,there are only limited data from adults with TJP2-related PFIC4.We report a family with an autosomal recessive disorder with a novel variant in the TJP2 gene in adults with very variable expression of PFIC4.CASE SUMMARY The index patient presented at 19 years old with liver cirrhosis and variceal bleeding and was treated with endoscopic banding and beta-blockers.In 2018,he developed primary liver cancer that was treated with radiofrequency ablation followed by liver transplantation in 2019.Genetic testing revealed a novel homozygous TJP2 variant causing PFIC4(TJP2([NM_004817.3]:c.[3334C>T];[3334C>T])).The consanguineous family consists of the father and mother(both heterozygous)and their 12 children,of which five carry the variant in a homozygous state;however,these five siblings have highly variable expression of PFIC4.Two homozygous brothers had cirrhosis and portal hypertension at diagnosis at the ages of 19 and 36.Two other homozygous brothers,age 23 and 19,and the homozygous sister,age 21,have elevated liver enzymes but presently no cirrhosis,which may suggest an age-dependent penetrance.In addition,five sisters had severe and mild intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and carry the TJP2 variant in a homozygous and heterozygous state,respectively.CONCLUSION This novel TJP2 variant is associated with PFIC4 causing severe liver disease with cirrhosis and primary liver cancer in adolescents/adults.
基金Supported by European-Latin American ESCALON Consortium,EU Horizon 2020 Program,No.825510National Institutes of Health,No.NIH R21 TW012390-01A1.
文摘Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is one of the most common causes of cancerrelated mortality.This particular type of cancer has the distinctive characteristic of mostly happening in individuals with an underlying liver disease.This makes the management of patients more challenging,since physicians must take into consideration two different conditions,the chronic liver disease and the tumor.The underlying liver disease has several implications in clinical practice,because different kinds of chronic liver disease can lead to varying degrees of risk of developing HCC,obstacles in surveillance,and differences in the efficacy of the treatment against HCC.A shift in the prevalence of liver diseases has been evident over the last few years,with viral hepatitis gradually losing the leading position as cause of HCC and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease gaining importance.Therefore,in an era of personalized medicine,it is imperative that physicians are aware of the underlying liver disease of individuals with HCC and its impact in the management of their tumors.
基金the National institute for Global Environmental Change (DOENIGEC), Program for Ecosystem Research (DOE-PER Grant D E- FG O Z-9
文摘An open-top chamber experiment was conducted at the University of Michigan Biological Station near Pellston, Michigan, USA, to study the effects of soil fertility and CO2 on leaf, stem and root dark respiration (Rd) of Populus tremuloides. Overall, area-based day-time leaf Rd (Rda) was significantly greater at elevated than at ambient CO2 in high-fertility soil, but not in low-fertility soil. Mass-based leaf Rd (Rdm) was overall greater for high- than for low-fertility soil grown trees at elected, but not at ambient CO2. Nighttime leaf Rd. and Rdm were unthected by soil fertility or CO2, nor was stem Rda, which ranged from 1.0 to 1.4 μmol m-2 s-1 in the spring and 3.5 to 4.5 μmol m-2 s-1 in the summer. Root Rda. was significantly higher in high- than in low-fertility soil, but was unaffected by CO2. Since biomass production of P. tremuloides will be significantly greater at elevated CO2 while specific Rd will either increase or remain unchanged, we predict that carbon loss to the atmosphere through respiration from this ecologically important species would increase at higher CO2. Soil fertility would also interact with elevated CO2 in affecting the carbon flow in the plant-soil-air system.
基金supported by the Novartis Foundation for Therapeutic Research
文摘Xerostomia is a severe side effect of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. To date, no satisfactory treatment option has been established. Because mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs) have been identified as a potential treatment modality, we aimed to evaluate stem cell distribution following intravenous and intraglandular injections using a surgical model of salivary gland damage and to analyse the effects of MSC injections on the recruitment of immune cells. The submandibular gland ducts of rats were surgically ligated. Syngeneic adult MSCs were isolated, immortalised by simian virus 40(SV40) large T antigen and characterized by flow cytometry. MSCs were injected intravenously and intraglandularly. After 1, 3 and 7 days, the organs of interest were analysed for stem cell recruitment. Inflammation was analysed by immunohistochemical staining. We were able to demonstrate that, after intravenous injection, MSCs were recruited to normal and damaged submandibular glands on days 1, 3 and 7. Unexpectedly, stem cells were recruited to ligated and non-ligated glands in a comparable manner. After intraglandular injection of MSCs into ligated glands, the presence of MSCs, leucocytes and macrophages was enhanced, compared to intravenous injection of stem cells. Our data suggest that injected MSCs were retained within the inflamed glands, could become activated and subsequently recruited leucocytes to the sites of tissue damage.
基金supported by the National Special Project for Magnetic Confined Nuclear Fusion Energy(Nos.2013GB108004 and2015GB108002)the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation(No.11175207)
文摘It can be difficult to calculate some under-sampled regions in global Monte Carlo radiation transport calculations. The global variance reduction(GVR) method is a useful solution to the problem of variance reduction everywhere in a phase space. In this research, a GVR procedure was developed and applied to the Chinese Fusion Engineering Testing Reactor(CFETR). A cylindrical CFETR model was utilized for comparing various implementations of the GVR method to find the optimum.It was found that the flux-based GVR method could ensure more reliable statistical results, achieving an efficiency being 7.43 times that of the analog case. A mesh tally of the scalar neutron flux was chosen for the GVR method to simulate global neutron transport in the CFETR model.Particles distributed uniformly in the system were sampled adequately through ten iterations of GVR weight window.All voxels were scored, and the average relative error was 2.4% in the ultimate step of the GVR iteration.