Understanding the spatial interaction among residents,cooling service,and heat risk area in complex urban areas is conducive to developing targeted management.However,traditional urban thermal environment assessments ...Understanding the spatial interaction among residents,cooling service,and heat risk area in complex urban areas is conducive to developing targeted management.However,traditional urban thermal environment assessments typically relied on simple linear integration of associated indicators,often neglecting the spatial interaction effect.To explore the spatial interaction among the three elements,this study proposes an accessibility-based urban thermal environment assessment framework.Using Zhengzhou,a rapidly urbanizing city,as an example,remotely sensed images from three periods(2010,2015 and 2020)were applied to extract urban green space(UGS)and hot island area(HIA).An improved two-step floating catchment area(2SFCA)method and bivariate local Moran’s I were employed to explore whether residents’clustering locations are more likely to access cooling service or to be exposed to heat risk.The results demonstrate that the UGS in the city has been expanding,whereas the HIA shrank within the inner city in 2015 and then increased in 2020.Even though the urban thermal environment may have improved in the last decade,the spatial interaction among the residents,cooling service and heat risk area could be exacerbated.Spatial autocorrelation shows an increase in locations that are disadvantageous for resident congregation.Even when sufficient cooling services were provided,residents in these areas could still be exposed to high heat risk.The developed urban thermal environment framework provides a novel insight into the residents’heat risk exposure and cooling service accessibility,and the findings could assist urban planners in targeting the improvement of extra heat exposure risk locations.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism and functional consequences of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activation by lansoprazole in endothelial cells and macrophages. METHODS: Expression of HO-1 mRNA was analyzed by ...AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism and functional consequences of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activation by lansoprazole in endothelial cells and macrophages. METHODS: Expression of HO-1 mRNA was analyzed by Northern blotting. Western blotting was used to determine the HO-1 and ferritin protein levels. NADPH-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured with lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. HO-1 promoter activity in mouse fibroblasts, stably transfected with a 15-kb HO-1 gene that drives expression of the reporter gene luciferase, was assessed usingin vivo bioluminescence imaging. RESULTS: Lansoprazole levels in endothelial cells increased HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein levels in macrophages. In addition, lansoprazole-induced ferritin protein levels in both cell systems. Moreover, induction of the antioxidant proteins HO-1 and ferritin by lansoprazole was followed by a decrease in NADPH- mediated ROS formation. The radical scavenging properties of lansoprazole were diminished in the presence of the HO inhibitor, chromium mesoporphyrin IX. Induction of HO-1 gene expression by lansoprazole was not related to oxidative stress or to the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. However, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of HO-1 mRNA and promoter activity.CONCLUSION: Activation of HO-1 and ferritin may account for the gastric protection of lansoprazole and is dependent on a pathway blocked by LY294002.展开更多
The traditional resource use structure in Himalaya has transformed considerably during the recent past, mainly owing to the growth of population and the resultant increased demand of natural resources in the region. T...The traditional resource use structure in Himalaya has transformed considerably during the recent past, mainly owing to the growth of population and the resultant increased demand of natural resources in the region. This transformation in resource use practices is particularly significant in the densely populated tracts of Himalaya. As a result, cultivated land, forests, pastures and rangelands have been deteriorated and depleted steadily and significantly leading to their conversion into degraded and non-productive lands. These rapid land use changes have not only disrupted the fragile ecological equilibrium in the mountains through indiscriminate deforestation, degradation of land resources and disruption of the hydrological cycle, but also have significant and irreversible adverse impacts on the rural economy, society, livelihood and life quality of mountain communities. It has been observed that the agricultural production has declined, water sources are drying up fast due to decreased ground water recharge and a large number of villages are facing enormous deficit of critical resources, such as food, fodder, firewood and water, mainly due to unabated deforestation. As a result, the rural people, particularly the women, have to travel considerably long distances to collect fodder and firewood and to fetching water. It is therefore highly imperative to evolve a comprehensive and integrated land use framework for the conservation of the biophysical environment and sustainable development of natural resources in Himalaya. The land use policy would help local communities in making use of their natural resources scientifically and judiciously, and thus help in the conservation of the biophysical environment and in the increasing of the productivity of natural resources. The study indicates that conservation of forests and other critical natural resources through community participation, generation of alternative means of livelihood, and employment in rural areas can help increase rural income as well as restore ecosystem services.展开更多
The aim of this work is to analyze the particle characteristics, such as shape, roundness and size, of starches extracted from Florencia and waxy maize hybrids. The micromeritics and structural properties of the sampl...The aim of this work is to analyze the particle characteristics, such as shape, roundness and size, of starches extracted from Florencia and waxy maize hybrids. The micromeritics and structural properties of the samples were examined. The evaluation of flow properties, densification and compression behaviour of the powders was carried out. Physical parameters and swelling characteristics of tablets containing Florencia and waxy maize starch were also studied. Starch samples were compared with respect to their applicability as excipients in tablet formulation. The samples exhibited identical structure and similar particle characteristics. Maize starch extracted from the Florencia dent hybrid showed better flowability and compressibility in tableting experiments, which resulted in better mechanical tablet properties. With regard to utilization as a disintegrant, Florencia starch indicated rapid and intensive swelling and proved to act more effectively in the swelling process than waxy maize starch.展开更多
Many riparian(Tugai) forests growing along rivers in arid and hyper-arid regions of Central Asia are dominated by the Euphrates poplar(Populus euphratica). Besides generative reproduction, which is only possible u...Many riparian(Tugai) forests growing along rivers in arid and hyper-arid regions of Central Asia are dominated by the Euphrates poplar(Populus euphratica). Besides generative reproduction, which is only possible upon flooding events and at a distance to the groundwater of less than 2 m, this phreatophytic tree species also reproduces vegetatively by forming clones that can cover land surface areas of several hectares. Along a gradient of groundwater distances, we investigated whether the fraction of clones in P. euphratica stands(1) increases with increasing distance to the water table;(2) is higher if supplied with water via river cut-offs; and(3) approaches 100% at a short distance to the groundwater, but at high salt concentrations in the upper soil layers, which would prevent germination and establishment of seedlings. AFLP(Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) analyses were conducted on leaf samples taken from mature P. euphratica trees growing at the fringes of the Taklimakan Desert in stands with different distances(2–12 m) to the groundwater at two plots at the middle and the lower reaches of the Tarim River and in a stand close to Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, China. Genetic diversity was large among plots, but considerably smaller within plots. We found the highest genetic diversity(caused by regeneration from seeds) at plots that have a short distance to the groundwater or are supplied with additional water. There was no significant relationship between groundwater distance and clonal fraction. All investigated trees at the saline Ebinur Lake site belonged to one single clone. Our results demonstrate that the genetic pattern of this widespread species is not easily predictable even over small distances as it is a result of a complex interplay of stand history and dispersal of propagules(pollen, seeds, and vegetative diaspores) by wind and water. In conservation and restoration schemes, P. euphratica stands with a high genetic diversity and stands that grow at short distances to the water table and are regularly subjected to flooding(which favors generative over clonal reproduction) should be prioritized.展开更多
Exotic species are assumed to alter ecosystem functioning. However, little is known of the relationships within vertically structured plant communities such as forests, where tree saplings interact with herbaceous spe...Exotic species are assumed to alter ecosystem functioning. However, little is known of the relationships within vertically structured plant communities such as forests, where tree saplings interact with herbaceous species, especially in the early phases of succession. This relationship was tested in a common garden experiment which assessed the impacts on tree saplings and herbaceous species following nutrient addition and the introduction of exotic herb species. The experiment was established in South- East China using four broad-leaved tree species (Elaeocarpus decipiens, Schima superba, Castanea henryi and Quercus serrata) to study the relationships between tree sapling diversity, herb-layer productivity and invasibility. Tree saplings were planted in monoculture and in mixtures of two and four species. A full factorial design was applied, within which species composition was crossed with nutrient and exotic seed-addition treatments. The seed-addition treatment included mixtures of seeds from eight exotic herb species, and herb community attributes were assessed after a four month growing season. Results indicate that certain tree species negatively affect native as well as exotic herbs;however, the high productivity of native herbs had a stronger negative impact on exotic species than tree saplings. Nutrient addition increased the productivity of exotic herbs but had no effect on native herbs. Remarkably, exotic species introduction had a negative feedback effect on the growth of tree saplings, which highlights the potential of exotic herbs to diminish tree recruitment. Although tree saplings reduced invasive effects on the herb-layer during the earliest phase of forest succession, nutrient addition had a more profound and opposite effect on these invaders.展开更多
Primary open-angle glaucoma as a causal factor for circadian disruption:Living by the clock,in alignment with external time cues is an important condition for human health and well-being.Periodic changes in the ambien...Primary open-angle glaucoma as a causal factor for circadian disruption:Living by the clock,in alignment with external time cues is an important condition for human health and well-being.Periodic changes in the ambient light serve as a key factor to synchronize the endogenously generated circadian rhythms.The retina perceives the photic signals and transmits them to the central body clock,the suprachiasmatic nuclei(SCN),via the retinohypothalamic tract.展开更多
Objective: Since the ban of antibiotics as growth promoting feed additives in the EU in 2006 research in alternatives has gained importance. Phytogenic feed additives represent a heterogenous class of different plant ...Objective: Since the ban of antibiotics as growth promoting feed additives in the EU in 2006 research in alternatives has gained importance. Phytogenic feed additives represent a heterogenous class of different plant derived substances that are discussed to improve the health of farm animals by direct and indirect antioxidant effects and by influencing microbial eubiosis in the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently our study aimed to investigate the influence of broccoli extract and the essential oils of tur- meric, oregano, thyme and rosemary, as selected individual additives, on intestinal and faecal microflora, on xenobiotic enzymes, and on the antioxidant system of piglets. Methods: 48 four weeks old male weaned piglets were assigned to 6 groups of 8. The piglets were housed individually in stainless steel pens with slatted floor. The control group (Con) was fed a diet without an additive for 4 weeks. The diet of group BE contained 0.15 g/kg sulforaphane in form of a broccoli extract. 535, 282, 373 and 476 mg/kg of the essential oils of turmeric (Cuo), oregano (Oo), thyme (To) and rosemary (Ro) were added to the diets of the remaining 4 groups to stan-dardise supplementation to 150 mg/kg of the oils’ key terpene compounds ar-turmerone, carvacrol, thymol and 1,8-cineole. The composition of bacterial microflora was examined by cultivating samples of jejeunal and colonic mucosa and of faeces under specific conditions. The mRNA expression of xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes was determined by reversing transcrip- tase real time detection PCR (RT-PCR). Total antioxidant status was assayed using the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring thiobarbioturic acid reactive substances (TBA- RS). Results: Compared to Con piglets all additives positively influenced weight gain and feed conversion in week 1. Over the whole trial period no significant differences in performance parameters existed between the experimental groups. Compared to group Con performance of Ro piglets was, however, slightly impaired. Com- pared to Con piglets Cuo, Oo and To increased the ratio of Lactobacilli:E. coli attached to the jejunal mucosa, whereas BE and Ro impaired this ratio slightly. In contrast in colonic mucosa Ro improved Lactobacilli:E. coli ratio. In faecal samples an improvement of Lactobacilli:E. coli ratio could be analysed for To and Ro. Ro was the only additive that reduced the incidence rate of piglets tested positive for enterotoxic E. coli (ETEC). All additives significantly increased jejunal TEAC and reduced TBA-RS. In the liver BE, Cuo, Oo and To increased TEAC in tendency and Ro significantly. Liver TBA-RS were slightly reduced by all additives compared to Con piglets. Whereas the influence of BE, To and Ro on jejunal TEAC mainly was derived from the induction of xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes (indirect antioxidant effects), Cuo and Oo influenced TEAC by direct antioxidant effects. Discussion and Conclusions: Our results have shown: That within the labiatae oils Oo and To have the potential to improve performance slightly. That phytogenic substances have a small but not sig- nificant influence on intestinal microflora. That phytogenic feed additives up-regulate the anti- oxidant system of piglets either by direct or by indirect antioxidant effects and that they may thereby improve health status. That within the labiatae oils Oo has a high direct antioxidant potential whereas Ro potently induces xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes. That broccoli extract is an attractive new phytogenic additive, improving antioxidant status by indirect antioxidant effects. That defined combinations of selected phytogenic substances may produce additive effects. That health promoting effects of phytogenic additives in the future should be studied systematically under the challenge with pathogenic microorganisms or food derived to-xins.展开更多
New water-based nanofluids including unparalleled milk protein α-lactalbumin hollow nano-bio-tubes using low cost, available and advanced partial chemical hydrolysis strategy in bottom-up nano-assembly have been empl...New water-based nanofluids including unparalleled milk protein α-lactalbumin hollow nano-bio-tubes using low cost, available and advanced partial chemical hydrolysis strategy in bottom-up nano-assembly have been employed in this work. The aqueous sol-gel chemistry in nanotechnology which we selected for this goal offers new fabrication as interesting smart protein nanotubes. The kinds of nanometer sized tubular structures such as waved, helically coiled, bent, bamboo-shaped, bead-like and branched single-walled protein nanotubes (SWPNTs) with a range of 3 - 8 nm in outer diameters were produced by this method. Complete characterization for natural produced nanotubes including SEM, TEM images, G bond and D bond in Raman spectroscopy, XRD patterns, DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) and FTIR analysis were evaluated which they are most significant experiments in synthesized protein nanotubes soluble in clear water nanofluids and stabilization of transparent nanofluids was proved within more than one year after preparation. Various necessary ligand ion salts such as Mn2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ or mixtures as bridge makers and producing biological self-assembly hollow SWPNTs were performed and we focused on new chemical technology under specific acidic hydrolysis method not conventional enzymatic proteolysis and applying surfactants, pH reagent, Tris-HCl buffer, polar solvent which could be produced by β-sheet stacked hydrolysed protein α-lactalbumin mechanism under appropriate conditions to achieving high efficiency new protein nanotubes skeleton. They can be promising materials applied in food science, diet nutrition, nanomedicine, nano-biotechnology and surgery.展开更多
Late Middle Triassic to early Late Triassic insects from Argentina have been previously described from the Bermejo and Cuyana Basins where they have been recovered from the Ischichuca-Los Rastros and Potrerillos-Cache...Late Middle Triassic to early Late Triassic insects from Argentina have been previously described from the Bermejo and Cuyana Basins where they have been recovered from the Ischichuca-Los Rastros and Potrerillos-Cacheuta Formations, respectively. The insect fauna discussed herein was collected during field studies in 1986/1987 from the Llantenes section (Norian to Rhaetian? Late Triassic), which is situated in the Malargiie Basin in southern Mendoza province. The insect remains were found in the upper part of the Llantenes section (Llantenes Formation), which is built up of two coarsening-upwards cycles reflecting a deltaic progradation of a fluvial into a lacustrine environment (lower part), succeeded by repeated progradatious into a floodplaindominated environment (upper part; with finds of insects, conchostracans, fish remains, plant fragments, and drifted logs). The new finds represent the youngest Triassic insect records described from Argentina and even from South America in its entirety. There is only one contemporaneous fossil assemblage in Gondwana: in the Ciarence/Moreton Basin (Aberdare Conglomerate; Late Norian) in Australia. The new Triassic insects include an impression of an isolated Mecopterida-like wing (Mendozachorista volkheimeri gen. et sp. nov.; Mendozachoristidae fam. nov.), coleopteran elytra of the Permosynidae (Ademosyne rosenfeldi sp. nov. and Ademosyne Uantenesensis sp. nov.) and other isolated body fragments. This new Late Triassic entomofauna from Argentina is of considerable importance in the reconstruction of the biotic recovery of continental environments in Gondwana after the catastrophic mass extinction at the P/T boundary.展开更多
Heparin has been considered to be a potentially useful ligand for low-density lipoprotein(LDL) detection and analysis in a clinical context.In order to construct an affinity surface for preferential adsorption of LD...Heparin has been considered to be a potentially useful ligand for low-density lipoprotein(LDL) detection and analysis in a clinical context.In order to construct an affinity surface for preferential adsorption of LDL,heparin-modified gold surface(GS-Hep) was fabricated by a self-assembling method and hydrophobic-modified gold surfaces(GS-Hydro) was used as a control.The morphologies of the modified gold surfaces were investigated by atomic force microscopy(AFM) and the quantity of heparin bound to gold surface was assayed by the toluidine blue(TB) colorimetric method.Water contact angles were determined to investigate wettability on GS-Hep and GS-Hydro.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR) technique was used subsequently to detect the selective binding of LDL with heparin.And the investigation on the effect of pH on LDL adsorption suggests that lower pH lead to higher quantities of LDL adsorption on GS-Hep.Compared with GS-Hydro,GS-Hep is selective for LDL from both single and binary protein solutions.Moreover,adsorbed LDL on GS-Hep could be washed off by injecting elution solution,such as NaCl solution,for the purpose of the regeneration of GS-Hep for further LDL adsorption.展开更多
The purpose of this study was to describe women’s experiences with gender violence and the impact on mental health. The research was a qualitative observational study. Participants were n = 72 women clients of (02) P...The purpose of this study was to describe women’s experiences with gender violence and the impact on mental health. The research was a qualitative observational study. Participants were n = 72 women clients of (02) Primary Health Centers at the University of Carabobo-Venezuela. The technique to gather the information was focus group discussion (FGD). The interpretation of data was an analytical process based on Mayring’s approach. The principal findings showed that, women clients of primary health centers experienced different levels of violence in everyday life. Physical violence was the most frequent abuse reported by victims. Death threats were the most frequent conduct used by the partners in terms of psychological violence. Women expressed being under the control of a dominant partner without physical aggression or threats, but they felt a lack of autonomy. Additionally, women who experienced different levels of abuse specified some symptoms that could suggest an impact on mental health. In conclusion, women naturalized dominance and control because they understood this kind of abuse as normal behavior between relationship partners.展开更多
Antibacterial activities of various spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles and nano special morphological structures including quantum dots, nanorod arrays, nanoporous shapes and needle-like crystals had been investigated...Antibacterial activities of various spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles and nano special morphological structures including quantum dots, nanorod arrays, nanoporous shapes and needle-like crystals had been investigated as new nanomedicine compounds. Also antibacterial activity based on minimal inhibitory concentration and the growth inhibitory zone (well method) was evaluated. ZnO nanostructures were fabricated by novel hydrolysis sol-gel-hydrothermal process followed with rapid quenching as new technique using glycerine, vegetable fatty esters such as coconut, sunflower and Lauric alcohol ethoxylated as organic templates soluble in eco-friendly nanofluids. The results showed that Bacillus anthracis and Pseudomonas aerogenes were extremely sensitive to treatment with unique ZnO nanostructured. Their growth inhibitory zone presented 30 mm and 25 mm inhibition zone with better inhibitory effect compared to the Gentamicin antibiotic standard. ZnO nanostructures had also been indicated to have a wide range of antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria especially more effective on (gr+) species using the growth inhibitory zone. We could design and make significant formulations of fatty acids and esters-capped ZnO quantum dots nanofluids which created high promising agents for controlling Anthrax, Staphylococcus epidermidis and their influences in antimicrobial properties with low cost for future.展开更多
This document addresses an exhaustive standalone Photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting system considering two crucial issues: system efficiency and cost effectiveness. It contributes a compact resolution with a combined...This document addresses an exhaustive standalone Photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting system considering two crucial issues: system efficiency and cost effectiveness. It contributes a compact resolution with a combined feature of Dual Mode-Multiple Output (DMMO) associated with input ripple reduction technique. Control strategy incorporates with aspect of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and output voltage levels regulation. A theoretical analysis is conducted to evaluate the effect of ripple current on PV power. Proposed dual mode converter achieves efficiency of 98.36% and 97.76% respectively for mode-1 and mode-2 operation. However, simulation is performed applying MATLAB/SIMULINK tools to analyze the feasibility of the recommended system.展开更多
Objective To evaluate the benefits of surgical repair acute type A aortic dissection(ATAAD)on survival of octogenarians.Methods Patients who underwent surgery for acute ATAAD from the multicenter European Registry of ...Objective To evaluate the benefits of surgical repair acute type A aortic dissection(ATAAD)on survival of octogenarians.Methods Patients who underwent surgery for acute ATAAD from the multicenter European Registry of Type A Aortic Dissection(ERTAAD)were the subjects of the present analysis.Results 326(8.4%)patients were aged≥80 years.Among 280 propensity score matched pairs,in-hospital mortality was 30.0%in patients aged≥80 years and 20.0%in younger patients(P=0.006),while 10-year mortality were 93.2%and 48.0%,respectively(P<0.001).The hazard of mortality was higher among octogenarians up to two years after surgery,but it became comparable to that of younger patients up to 5 years.Among patients who survived 3 months after surgery,10-year relative survival was 0.77 in patients aged<80 years,and 0.46 in patients aged≥80 years.Relative survival of octogenarians decreased markedly 5 years after surgery.Age≥85 years,glomerular filtration rate,preoperative invasive ventilation,preoperative mesenteric mal-perfusion and aortic root replacement were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality among octogenarians(AUC=0.792;E:O ratio=0.991;CITL=0.016;slope=1.096).An additive score was developed.A risk score≤1 was observed in 68.4%of patients,and their in-hospital mortality was 20.9%.Conclusions Provided a thoughtful patient selection,surgery may provide a survival benefit in patients aged≥80 years with ATAAD that,when compared to younger patients and the general population,may last up to 5 years after the procedure.These findings have significant epidemiologic and clinical relevance because of the increasing longevity of the population of the Western countries.展开更多
基金funded by the Major Project of the National Social Science Foundation of China(Grant No.19ZDA088)the National Natural Science Foundation of China Projects(Grant No.72204101).
文摘Understanding the spatial interaction among residents,cooling service,and heat risk area in complex urban areas is conducive to developing targeted management.However,traditional urban thermal environment assessments typically relied on simple linear integration of associated indicators,often neglecting the spatial interaction effect.To explore the spatial interaction among the three elements,this study proposes an accessibility-based urban thermal environment assessment framework.Using Zhengzhou,a rapidly urbanizing city,as an example,remotely sensed images from three periods(2010,2015 and 2020)were applied to extract urban green space(UGS)and hot island area(HIA).An improved two-step floating catchment area(2SFCA)method and bivariate local Moran’s I were employed to explore whether residents’clustering locations are more likely to access cooling service or to be exposed to heat risk.The results demonstrate that the UGS in the city has been expanding,whereas the HIA shrank within the inner city in 2015 and then increased in 2020.Even though the urban thermal environment may have improved in the last decade,the spatial interaction among the residents,cooling service and heat risk area could be exacerbated.Spatial autocorrelation shows an increase in locations that are disadvantageous for resident congregation.Even when sufficient cooling services were provided,residents in these areas could still be exposed to high heat risk.The developed urban thermal environment framework provides a novel insight into the residents’heat risk exposure and cooling service accessibility,and the findings could assist urban planners in targeting the improvement of extra heat exposure risk locations.
基金Supported by The German Academic Exchange Program(DAAD,S.S.G.)
文摘AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism and functional consequences of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activation by lansoprazole in endothelial cells and macrophages. METHODS: Expression of HO-1 mRNA was analyzed by Northern blotting. Western blotting was used to determine the HO-1 and ferritin protein levels. NADPH-dependent reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was measured with lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence. HO-1 promoter activity in mouse fibroblasts, stably transfected with a 15-kb HO-1 gene that drives expression of the reporter gene luciferase, was assessed usingin vivo bioluminescence imaging. RESULTS: Lansoprazole levels in endothelial cells increased HO-1 mRNA and HO-1 protein levels in macrophages. In addition, lansoprazole-induced ferritin protein levels in both cell systems. Moreover, induction of the antioxidant proteins HO-1 and ferritin by lansoprazole was followed by a decrease in NADPH- mediated ROS formation. The radical scavenging properties of lansoprazole were diminished in the presence of the HO inhibitor, chromium mesoporphyrin IX. Induction of HO-1 gene expression by lansoprazole was not related to oxidative stress or to the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. However, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of HO-1 mRNA and promoter activity.CONCLUSION: Activation of HO-1 and ferritin may account for the gastric protection of lansoprazole and is dependent on a pathway blocked by LY294002.
文摘The traditional resource use structure in Himalaya has transformed considerably during the recent past, mainly owing to the growth of population and the resultant increased demand of natural resources in the region. This transformation in resource use practices is particularly significant in the densely populated tracts of Himalaya. As a result, cultivated land, forests, pastures and rangelands have been deteriorated and depleted steadily and significantly leading to their conversion into degraded and non-productive lands. These rapid land use changes have not only disrupted the fragile ecological equilibrium in the mountains through indiscriminate deforestation, degradation of land resources and disruption of the hydrological cycle, but also have significant and irreversible adverse impacts on the rural economy, society, livelihood and life quality of mountain communities. It has been observed that the agricultural production has declined, water sources are drying up fast due to decreased ground water recharge and a large number of villages are facing enormous deficit of critical resources, such as food, fodder, firewood and water, mainly due to unabated deforestation. As a result, the rural people, particularly the women, have to travel considerably long distances to collect fodder and firewood and to fetching water. It is therefore highly imperative to evolve a comprehensive and integrated land use framework for the conservation of the biophysical environment and sustainable development of natural resources in Himalaya. The land use policy would help local communities in making use of their natural resources scientifically and judiciously, and thus help in the conservation of the biophysical environment and in the increasing of the productivity of natural resources. The study indicates that conservation of forests and other critical natural resources through community participation, generation of alternative means of livelihood, and employment in rural areas can help increase rural income as well as restore ecosystem services.
文摘The aim of this work is to analyze the particle characteristics, such as shape, roundness and size, of starches extracted from Florencia and waxy maize hybrids. The micromeritics and structural properties of the samples were examined. The evaluation of flow properties, densification and compression behaviour of the powders was carried out. Physical parameters and swelling characteristics of tablets containing Florencia and waxy maize starch were also studied. Starch samples were compared with respect to their applicability as excipients in tablet formulation. The samples exhibited identical structure and similar particle characteristics. Maize starch extracted from the Florencia dent hybrid showed better flowability and compressibility in tableting experiments, which resulted in better mechanical tablet properties. With regard to utilization as a disintegrant, Florencia starch indicated rapid and intensive swelling and proved to act more effectively in the swelling process than waxy maize starch.
基金funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research(01LL0918K)
文摘Many riparian(Tugai) forests growing along rivers in arid and hyper-arid regions of Central Asia are dominated by the Euphrates poplar(Populus euphratica). Besides generative reproduction, which is only possible upon flooding events and at a distance to the groundwater of less than 2 m, this phreatophytic tree species also reproduces vegetatively by forming clones that can cover land surface areas of several hectares. Along a gradient of groundwater distances, we investigated whether the fraction of clones in P. euphratica stands(1) increases with increasing distance to the water table;(2) is higher if supplied with water via river cut-offs; and(3) approaches 100% at a short distance to the groundwater, but at high salt concentrations in the upper soil layers, which would prevent germination and establishment of seedlings. AFLP(Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism) analyses were conducted on leaf samples taken from mature P. euphratica trees growing at the fringes of the Taklimakan Desert in stands with different distances(2–12 m) to the groundwater at two plots at the middle and the lower reaches of the Tarim River and in a stand close to Ebinur Lake, Xinjiang, China. Genetic diversity was large among plots, but considerably smaller within plots. We found the highest genetic diversity(caused by regeneration from seeds) at plots that have a short distance to the groundwater or are supplied with additional water. There was no significant relationship between groundwater distance and clonal fraction. All investigated trees at the saline Ebinur Lake site belonged to one single clone. Our results demonstrate that the genetic pattern of this widespread species is not easily predictable even over small distances as it is a result of a complex interplay of stand history and dispersal of propagules(pollen, seeds, and vegetative diaspores) by wind and water. In conservation and restoration schemes, P. euphratica stands with a high genetic diversity and stands that grow at short distances to the water table and are regularly subjected to flooding(which favors generative over clonal reproduction) should be prioritized.
文摘Exotic species are assumed to alter ecosystem functioning. However, little is known of the relationships within vertically structured plant communities such as forests, where tree saplings interact with herbaceous species, especially in the early phases of succession. This relationship was tested in a common garden experiment which assessed the impacts on tree saplings and herbaceous species following nutrient addition and the introduction of exotic herb species. The experiment was established in South- East China using four broad-leaved tree species (Elaeocarpus decipiens, Schima superba, Castanea henryi and Quercus serrata) to study the relationships between tree sapling diversity, herb-layer productivity and invasibility. Tree saplings were planted in monoculture and in mixtures of two and four species. A full factorial design was applied, within which species composition was crossed with nutrient and exotic seed-addition treatments. The seed-addition treatment included mixtures of seeds from eight exotic herb species, and herb community attributes were assessed after a four month growing season. Results indicate that certain tree species negatively affect native as well as exotic herbs;however, the high productivity of native herbs had a stronger negative impact on exotic species than tree saplings. Nutrient addition increased the productivity of exotic herbs but had no effect on native herbs. Remarkably, exotic species introduction had a negative feedback effect on the growth of tree saplings, which highlights the potential of exotic herbs to diminish tree recruitment. Although tree saplings reduced invasive effects on the herb-layer during the earliest phase of forest succession, nutrient addition had a more profound and opposite effect on these invaders.
基金supported by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research(grant No.19-015-00329)(to DG)by Government of Tyumen District,Decree of 20.11.2020 No.928-rp(to DG).
文摘Primary open-angle glaucoma as a causal factor for circadian disruption:Living by the clock,in alignment with external time cues is an important condition for human health and well-being.Periodic changes in the ambient light serve as a key factor to synchronize the endogenously generated circadian rhythms.The retina perceives the photic signals and transmits them to the central body clock,the suprachiasmatic nuclei(SCN),via the retinohypothalamic tract.
文摘Objective: Since the ban of antibiotics as growth promoting feed additives in the EU in 2006 research in alternatives has gained importance. Phytogenic feed additives represent a heterogenous class of different plant derived substances that are discussed to improve the health of farm animals by direct and indirect antioxidant effects and by influencing microbial eubiosis in the gastrointestinal tract. Consequently our study aimed to investigate the influence of broccoli extract and the essential oils of tur- meric, oregano, thyme and rosemary, as selected individual additives, on intestinal and faecal microflora, on xenobiotic enzymes, and on the antioxidant system of piglets. Methods: 48 four weeks old male weaned piglets were assigned to 6 groups of 8. The piglets were housed individually in stainless steel pens with slatted floor. The control group (Con) was fed a diet without an additive for 4 weeks. The diet of group BE contained 0.15 g/kg sulforaphane in form of a broccoli extract. 535, 282, 373 and 476 mg/kg of the essential oils of turmeric (Cuo), oregano (Oo), thyme (To) and rosemary (Ro) were added to the diets of the remaining 4 groups to stan-dardise supplementation to 150 mg/kg of the oils’ key terpene compounds ar-turmerone, carvacrol, thymol and 1,8-cineole. The composition of bacterial microflora was examined by cultivating samples of jejeunal and colonic mucosa and of faeces under specific conditions. The mRNA expression of xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes was determined by reversing transcrip- tase real time detection PCR (RT-PCR). Total antioxidant status was assayed using the Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC), and lipid peroxidation was determined by measuring thiobarbioturic acid reactive substances (TBA- RS). Results: Compared to Con piglets all additives positively influenced weight gain and feed conversion in week 1. Over the whole trial period no significant differences in performance parameters existed between the experimental groups. Compared to group Con performance of Ro piglets was, however, slightly impaired. Com- pared to Con piglets Cuo, Oo and To increased the ratio of Lactobacilli:E. coli attached to the jejunal mucosa, whereas BE and Ro impaired this ratio slightly. In contrast in colonic mucosa Ro improved Lactobacilli:E. coli ratio. In faecal samples an improvement of Lactobacilli:E. coli ratio could be analysed for To and Ro. Ro was the only additive that reduced the incidence rate of piglets tested positive for enterotoxic E. coli (ETEC). All additives significantly increased jejunal TEAC and reduced TBA-RS. In the liver BE, Cuo, Oo and To increased TEAC in tendency and Ro significantly. Liver TBA-RS were slightly reduced by all additives compared to Con piglets. Whereas the influence of BE, To and Ro on jejunal TEAC mainly was derived from the induction of xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes (indirect antioxidant effects), Cuo and Oo influenced TEAC by direct antioxidant effects. Discussion and Conclusions: Our results have shown: That within the labiatae oils Oo and To have the potential to improve performance slightly. That phytogenic substances have a small but not sig- nificant influence on intestinal microflora. That phytogenic feed additives up-regulate the anti- oxidant system of piglets either by direct or by indirect antioxidant effects and that they may thereby improve health status. That within the labiatae oils Oo has a high direct antioxidant potential whereas Ro potently induces xenobiotic and antioxidant enzymes. That broccoli extract is an attractive new phytogenic additive, improving antioxidant status by indirect antioxidant effects. That defined combinations of selected phytogenic substances may produce additive effects. That health promoting effects of phytogenic additives in the future should be studied systematically under the challenge with pathogenic microorganisms or food derived to-xins.
文摘New water-based nanofluids including unparalleled milk protein α-lactalbumin hollow nano-bio-tubes using low cost, available and advanced partial chemical hydrolysis strategy in bottom-up nano-assembly have been employed in this work. The aqueous sol-gel chemistry in nanotechnology which we selected for this goal offers new fabrication as interesting smart protein nanotubes. The kinds of nanometer sized tubular structures such as waved, helically coiled, bent, bamboo-shaped, bead-like and branched single-walled protein nanotubes (SWPNTs) with a range of 3 - 8 nm in outer diameters were produced by this method. Complete characterization for natural produced nanotubes including SEM, TEM images, G bond and D bond in Raman spectroscopy, XRD patterns, DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering) and FTIR analysis were evaluated which they are most significant experiments in synthesized protein nanotubes soluble in clear water nanofluids and stabilization of transparent nanofluids was proved within more than one year after preparation. Various necessary ligand ion salts such as Mn2+, Zn2+ and Ca2+ or mixtures as bridge makers and producing biological self-assembly hollow SWPNTs were performed and we focused on new chemical technology under specific acidic hydrolysis method not conventional enzymatic proteolysis and applying surfactants, pH reagent, Tris-HCl buffer, polar solvent which could be produced by β-sheet stacked hydrolysed protein α-lactalbumin mechanism under appropriate conditions to achieving high efficiency new protein nanotubes skeleton. They can be promising materials applied in food science, diet nutrition, nanomedicine, nano-biotechnology and surgery.
基金the projects PICTO-UNNE 0226/07,SGCyTUNNE PI-075/07 and CONICET-PI 5581(grants to OFG)Field work in the Llantenes section was part of a project on the Triassic of the western part of Argentina carried out in 1986/1987 (Hauschke 1988,1989)which was supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(DFG),Bonn(Germany)
文摘Late Middle Triassic to early Late Triassic insects from Argentina have been previously described from the Bermejo and Cuyana Basins where they have been recovered from the Ischichuca-Los Rastros and Potrerillos-Cacheuta Formations, respectively. The insect fauna discussed herein was collected during field studies in 1986/1987 from the Llantenes section (Norian to Rhaetian? Late Triassic), which is situated in the Malargiie Basin in southern Mendoza province. The insect remains were found in the upper part of the Llantenes section (Llantenes Formation), which is built up of two coarsening-upwards cycles reflecting a deltaic progradation of a fluvial into a lacustrine environment (lower part), succeeded by repeated progradatious into a floodplaindominated environment (upper part; with finds of insects, conchostracans, fish remains, plant fragments, and drifted logs). The new finds represent the youngest Triassic insect records described from Argentina and even from South America in its entirety. There is only one contemporaneous fossil assemblage in Gondwana: in the Ciarence/Moreton Basin (Aberdare Conglomerate; Late Norian) in Australia. The new Triassic insects include an impression of an isolated Mecopterida-like wing (Mendozachorista volkheimeri gen. et sp. nov.; Mendozachoristidae fam. nov.), coleopteran elytra of the Permosynidae (Ademosyne rosenfeldi sp. nov. and Ademosyne Uantenesensis sp. nov.) and other isolated body fragments. This new Late Triassic entomofauna from Argentina is of considerable importance in the reconstruction of the biotic recovery of continental environments in Gondwana after the catastrophic mass extinction at the P/T boundary.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province of China(Nos.Y4110606 and Y1090649)the Opening Foundation of Zhejing Provincial Top Key Discipline,China(No.20110915)+1 种基金the Zhejiang Provincial Innovative Research Team,China(No.2009R50004)the Fresenius Medical Care of Deutschland GmbH’s Nephrocore Program,Germany
文摘Heparin has been considered to be a potentially useful ligand for low-density lipoprotein(LDL) detection and analysis in a clinical context.In order to construct an affinity surface for preferential adsorption of LDL,heparin-modified gold surface(GS-Hep) was fabricated by a self-assembling method and hydrophobic-modified gold surfaces(GS-Hydro) was used as a control.The morphologies of the modified gold surfaces were investigated by atomic force microscopy(AFM) and the quantity of heparin bound to gold surface was assayed by the toluidine blue(TB) colorimetric method.Water contact angles were determined to investigate wettability on GS-Hep and GS-Hydro.Surface plasmon resonance(SPR) technique was used subsequently to detect the selective binding of LDL with heparin.And the investigation on the effect of pH on LDL adsorption suggests that lower pH lead to higher quantities of LDL adsorption on GS-Hep.Compared with GS-Hydro,GS-Hep is selective for LDL from both single and binary protein solutions.Moreover,adsorbed LDL on GS-Hep could be washed off by injecting elution solution,such as NaCl solution,for the purpose of the regeneration of GS-Hep for further LDL adsorption.
文摘The purpose of this study was to describe women’s experiences with gender violence and the impact on mental health. The research was a qualitative observational study. Participants were n = 72 women clients of (02) Primary Health Centers at the University of Carabobo-Venezuela. The technique to gather the information was focus group discussion (FGD). The interpretation of data was an analytical process based on Mayring’s approach. The principal findings showed that, women clients of primary health centers experienced different levels of violence in everyday life. Physical violence was the most frequent abuse reported by victims. Death threats were the most frequent conduct used by the partners in terms of psychological violence. Women expressed being under the control of a dominant partner without physical aggression or threats, but they felt a lack of autonomy. Additionally, women who experienced different levels of abuse specified some symptoms that could suggest an impact on mental health. In conclusion, women naturalized dominance and control because they understood this kind of abuse as normal behavior between relationship partners.
文摘Antibacterial activities of various spherical zinc oxide nanoparticles and nano special morphological structures including quantum dots, nanorod arrays, nanoporous shapes and needle-like crystals had been investigated as new nanomedicine compounds. Also antibacterial activity based on minimal inhibitory concentration and the growth inhibitory zone (well method) was evaluated. ZnO nanostructures were fabricated by novel hydrolysis sol-gel-hydrothermal process followed with rapid quenching as new technique using glycerine, vegetable fatty esters such as coconut, sunflower and Lauric alcohol ethoxylated as organic templates soluble in eco-friendly nanofluids. The results showed that Bacillus anthracis and Pseudomonas aerogenes were extremely sensitive to treatment with unique ZnO nanostructured. Their growth inhibitory zone presented 30 mm and 25 mm inhibition zone with better inhibitory effect compared to the Gentamicin antibiotic standard. ZnO nanostructures had also been indicated to have a wide range of antibacterial activities against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria especially more effective on (gr+) species using the growth inhibitory zone. We could design and make significant formulations of fatty acids and esters-capped ZnO quantum dots nanofluids which created high promising agents for controlling Anthrax, Staphylococcus epidermidis and their influences in antimicrobial properties with low cost for future.
文摘This document addresses an exhaustive standalone Photovoltaic (PV) energy harvesting system considering two crucial issues: system efficiency and cost effectiveness. It contributes a compact resolution with a combined feature of Dual Mode-Multiple Output (DMMO) associated with input ripple reduction technique. Control strategy incorporates with aspect of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) and output voltage levels regulation. A theoretical analysis is conducted to evaluate the effect of ripple current on PV power. Proposed dual mode converter achieves efficiency of 98.36% and 97.76% respectively for mode-1 and mode-2 operation. However, simulation is performed applying MATLAB/SIMULINK tools to analyze the feasibility of the recommended system.
基金supported by the Finnish Heart Associationby the Sigrid Jusélius Foundation.
文摘Objective To evaluate the benefits of surgical repair acute type A aortic dissection(ATAAD)on survival of octogenarians.Methods Patients who underwent surgery for acute ATAAD from the multicenter European Registry of Type A Aortic Dissection(ERTAAD)were the subjects of the present analysis.Results 326(8.4%)patients were aged≥80 years.Among 280 propensity score matched pairs,in-hospital mortality was 30.0%in patients aged≥80 years and 20.0%in younger patients(P=0.006),while 10-year mortality were 93.2%and 48.0%,respectively(P<0.001).The hazard of mortality was higher among octogenarians up to two years after surgery,but it became comparable to that of younger patients up to 5 years.Among patients who survived 3 months after surgery,10-year relative survival was 0.77 in patients aged<80 years,and 0.46 in patients aged≥80 years.Relative survival of octogenarians decreased markedly 5 years after surgery.Age≥85 years,glomerular filtration rate,preoperative invasive ventilation,preoperative mesenteric mal-perfusion and aortic root replacement were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality among octogenarians(AUC=0.792;E:O ratio=0.991;CITL=0.016;slope=1.096).An additive score was developed.A risk score≤1 was observed in 68.4%of patients,and their in-hospital mortality was 20.9%.Conclusions Provided a thoughtful patient selection,surgery may provide a survival benefit in patients aged≥80 years with ATAAD that,when compared to younger patients and the general population,may last up to 5 years after the procedure.These findings have significant epidemiologic and clinical relevance because of the increasing longevity of the population of the Western countries.