Beta thalassemia(β-thalassemia)syndromes are a heterogeneous group of inherited hemoglobinopathies caused by molecular defects in the beta-globin gene that lead to the impaired synthesis of beta-globin chains of the ...Beta thalassemia(β-thalassemia)syndromes are a heterogeneous group of inherited hemoglobinopathies caused by molecular defects in the beta-globin gene that lead to the impaired synthesis of beta-globin chains of the hemoglobin.The hallmarks of the disease include ineffective erythropoiesis,chronic hemolytic anemia,and iron overload.Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic carriers to severe anemia requiring lifelong blood transfusions with subsequent devastating complications.The management of patients with severeβ-thalassemia represents a global health problem,particularly in low-income countries.Until recently,management strategies were limited to regular transfusions and iron chelation therapy,with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation available only for a subset of patients.Better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms ofβ-thalassemia syndromes and associated clinical phenotypes has paved the way for novel therapeutic options,including pharmacologic enhancers of effective erythropoiesis and gene therapy.展开更多
The conversion of acetone derived from biomass to isobutene has attracted extensive attentions.In comparison with Brønsted acidic catalyst,Lewis acidic catalyst could exhibit a better catalytic performance with a...The conversion of acetone derived from biomass to isobutene has attracted extensive attentions.In comparison with Brønsted acidic catalyst,Lewis acidic catalyst could exhibit a better catalytic performance with a higher isobutene selectivity.However,the catalyst stability remains a key problem for the long-running acetone conversion and the reasons for catalyst deactivation are poorly understood up to now.Herein,the deactivation mechanism of Lewis acidic Y/Beta catalyst during the acetone to isobutene conversion was investigated by various characterization techniques,including acetone-temperature-programmed surface reaction,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,in situ ultraviolet-visible,and ^(13)C cross polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.A successive aldol condensation and cyclization were observed as the main side-reactions during the acetone conversion at Lewis acidic Y sites.In comparison with the low reaction temperature,a rapid formation and accumulation of the larger cyclic unsaturated aldehydes/ketones and aromatics could be observed,and which could strongly adsorb on the Lewis acidic sites,and thus cause the catalyst deactivation eventually.After a simple calcination,the coke deposits could be easily removed and the catalytic activity could be well restored.展开更多
Ce-encapsulated Beta zeolite was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method with citric acid complexing Ce in the absence of Na species.Additional citric acid can effectively prevent the deposition of Ce species dur...Ce-encapsulated Beta zeolite was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method with citric acid complexing Ce in the absence of Na species.Additional citric acid can effectively prevent the deposition of Ce species during the hydrothermal synthesis of zeolites,leading to uniform distribution of Ce cluster in the framework of Beta zeolites.Moreover,the sodium-free synthesis system resulted that the Brønsted acid sites were mainly located on the straight channels and external surface of Beta zeolites,improving the utilization of Brønsted acid sites.In addition,Ce encapsulated Beta zeolites showed enhanced activity and robust stability in the alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene based on the synergistic effect between Ce species and Brønsted acid sites,which pave the way for its practical application in the production of alkylbenzene.展开更多
This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of resistance genes in strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from free-range chickens in Ouagadougou, where resistant bacteria can be transmitted ...This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of resistance genes in strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from free-range chickens in Ouagadougou, where resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans via faeces or contaminated meat. A total of 280 strains of Escherichia coli and 129 strains of Salmonella spp. resistant to at least one beta-lactam or carbapenem antibiotic were used in this study. PCR analyses revealed the presence of ESBL (extended spectrum beta lactamase) resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolates, with 3.21% (9/280) possessing the CTX-M (Cefotaximase) gene, 15.35% (43/280) had the SHV (Sulfhydril Variable) gene, and 11.42% (32/280) had carbapenemase resistance genes, more specifically IMP (Imipenemase metallo-beta-lactamase). As regards Salmonella spp. strains, only the presence of the SHV (Sulfhydril Variable) gene was identified in 2.32% (3/129) of isolates belonging to the ESBL family, while 26.35% (34/129) and 13.95% (18/129) of isolates respectively possessed the IMP (Imipenemase metallo-beta-lactamase) and NDM (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase) genes, both of the carbapenemase type. The significant prevalence of resistance genes in bacterial strains isolated from chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou raises major public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.展开更多
Introduction: Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections (UTI) have developed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics due to emergence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Carbapenamase produc...Introduction: Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections (UTI) have developed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics due to emergence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae which are a public health problem worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characterize ESBLs and carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Nairobi. 238 urine samples were collected from patients with urinary symptoms attending the outpatient department within the period 2020-2021. The urine were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done using VITEK® 2 Compact system (BioMérieux). Double disc synergy test and modified hodge tests were done as confirmatory tests for ESBLs and Carbapenamase phenotypes respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for the detection of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes. Results: From the 238 children sampled the prevalence of UTI caused by Enterobactericeae was 22.3%. The Enterobacteriaceae species isolated were Escherichia coli (84.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.66%), Proteus mirabillis (5.66%), Enterobacter aerogenes (1.89%) and Morganella morganii (1.89%). The isolated species were resistant to ampicillin. Meropenem had the highest susceptibility. Only E. coli species had the ESBLs (26.4%) and carbapenamase (1.9%) phenotypes. 100% had BlaCTX-M while 50% had blaTEM resistant gene. There was a significant association (p Conclusion: Ampicillin resistance resulted to use of alternative drugs and Meropenem was the drug of choice where increased resistance to the recommended drugs was noted. Further research on resistant genes is recommended.展开更多
BACKGROUND Autoimmunity has emerged as a probable disease modifier in patients with clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),that is,patients who have insulin resistance,obesity,and other cardiovascular ris...BACKGROUND Autoimmunity has emerged as a probable disease modifier in patients with clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),that is,patients who have insulin resistance,obesity,and other cardiovascular risk factors,suggesting that the presence of glutamic acid decarboxylase(anti-GAD65),islet antigen 2(anti-IA2),and zinc transporter 8(anti-Zn8T)antibodies could have deleterious effects on beta cell function,causing failure and earlier requirement for insulin treatment.AIM To evaluate anti-GAD65,anti-IA2 and anti-Zn8T as predictors of early insulin requirement in adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of T2DM.METHODS This was a case–control study in patients with clinically diagnosed with T2DM(68 cases and 64 controls with and without early insulin dependence respectively),male and female,aged 12–18 years.Somatometry,blood pressure,glucose,insulin,C-peptide,glycated hemoglobin A1c,and lipid profiles were assessed.ELISA was used to measure anti-GAD65,anti-IA2,and anti-Zn8T antibodies.Descriptive statistics,Pearson'sχ2 test,Student's t test,and logistic regression was performed.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS There were 132 patients(53.8%female),with a mean age was 15.9±1.3 years,and there was a disease evolution time of 4.49±0.88 years.The presence of anti-GAD65,anti-IA2,and anti-Zn8T positivity was found in 29.5%,18.2%,and 15.9%,respectively.Dividing the groups by early or no insulin dependence showed that the group with insulin had a higher frequency of antibody positivity:anti-GAD65 odds ratio(OR):2.42(1.112–5.303,P=0.026);anti-IA2:OR:1.55(0.859–2.818,P=0.105);and anti-Zn8T:OR:7.32(2.039–26.279,P=0.002).CONCLUSION Anti-GAD65 positivity was high in our study.Anti-GAD65 and anti-Zn8T positivity showed a significantly depleted beta cell reserve phenotype,leading to an increased risk of early insulin dependence.展开更多
Beta diversity,the variation of community composition among sites,bridges alpha and gamma diversity and can reveal the mechanisms of community assembly through applying distance-decay models and/or partitioning beta d...Beta diversity,the variation of community composition among sites,bridges alpha and gamma diversity and can reveal the mechanisms of community assembly through applying distance-decay models and/or partitioning beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components from functional and phylogenetic perspectives.Mountains as the most natural experiment system provide good opportunities for exploring beta diversity patterns and the underlying ecological processes.Here,we simultaneously consider distance-decay models and multiple di-mensions of beta diversity to examine spatial variations of bird communities,and to evaluate the relative importance of niche-based and neutral community assembly mechanisms along a 3600-m elevational gradient in the central Himalayas,China.Our results showed that species turnover dominates taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity.We observed strongest evidence of spatial distance decays in taxonomic similarities of birds,followed by its phylogenetic and functional analogues.Turnover component was highest in taxonomic beta diversity,while nestedness component was highest in functional beta diversity.Further,all correlations of assemblage similarity with climatic distance were higher than that with spatial distances.Standardized values of overall taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity and their turnover components increase with increasing elevational distance,while the standardized values of taxonomic and phylogenetic nestedness decreased with increasing elevational distance.Our results highlighted the niche-based deterministic processes in shaping elevational bird diversity patterns that were determined by the relative roles of decreasing trend of environmental filtering and increasing trend of limiting similarity along elevation distances.展开更多
文摘Beta thalassemia(β-thalassemia)syndromes are a heterogeneous group of inherited hemoglobinopathies caused by molecular defects in the beta-globin gene that lead to the impaired synthesis of beta-globin chains of the hemoglobin.The hallmarks of the disease include ineffective erythropoiesis,chronic hemolytic anemia,and iron overload.Clinical presentation ranges from asymptomatic carriers to severe anemia requiring lifelong blood transfusions with subsequent devastating complications.The management of patients with severeβ-thalassemia represents a global health problem,particularly in low-income countries.Until recently,management strategies were limited to regular transfusions and iron chelation therapy,with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation available only for a subset of patients.Better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms ofβ-thalassemia syndromes and associated clinical phenotypes has paved the way for novel therapeutic options,including pharmacologic enhancers of effective erythropoiesis and gene therapy.
文摘The conversion of acetone derived from biomass to isobutene has attracted extensive attentions.In comparison with Brønsted acidic catalyst,Lewis acidic catalyst could exhibit a better catalytic performance with a higher isobutene selectivity.However,the catalyst stability remains a key problem for the long-running acetone conversion and the reasons for catalyst deactivation are poorly understood up to now.Herein,the deactivation mechanism of Lewis acidic Y/Beta catalyst during the acetone to isobutene conversion was investigated by various characterization techniques,including acetone-temperature-programmed surface reaction,gas chromatography-mass spectrometry,in situ ultraviolet-visible,and ^(13)C cross polarization magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.A successive aldol condensation and cyclization were observed as the main side-reactions during the acetone conversion at Lewis acidic Y sites.In comparison with the low reaction temperature,a rapid formation and accumulation of the larger cyclic unsaturated aldehydes/ketones and aromatics could be observed,and which could strongly adsorb on the Lewis acidic sites,and thus cause the catalyst deactivation eventually.After a simple calcination,the coke deposits could be easily removed and the catalytic activity could be well restored.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(22278090,21978055)Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(2022A1515012088)the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangdong Province,China(2022A0505030073,2022A0505030013).
文摘Ce-encapsulated Beta zeolite was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal method with citric acid complexing Ce in the absence of Na species.Additional citric acid can effectively prevent the deposition of Ce species during the hydrothermal synthesis of zeolites,leading to uniform distribution of Ce cluster in the framework of Beta zeolites.Moreover,the sodium-free synthesis system resulted that the Brønsted acid sites were mainly located on the straight channels and external surface of Beta zeolites,improving the utilization of Brønsted acid sites.In addition,Ce encapsulated Beta zeolites showed enhanced activity and robust stability in the alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene based on the synergistic effect between Ce species and Brønsted acid sites,which pave the way for its practical application in the production of alkylbenzene.
文摘This study was carried out to assess the prevalence of resistance genes in strains of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. isolated from free-range chickens in Ouagadougou, where resistant bacteria can be transmitted to humans via faeces or contaminated meat. A total of 280 strains of Escherichia coli and 129 strains of Salmonella spp. resistant to at least one beta-lactam or carbapenem antibiotic were used in this study. PCR analyses revealed the presence of ESBL (extended spectrum beta lactamase) resistance genes in Escherichia coli isolates, with 3.21% (9/280) possessing the CTX-M (Cefotaximase) gene, 15.35% (43/280) had the SHV (Sulfhydril Variable) gene, and 11.42% (32/280) had carbapenemase resistance genes, more specifically IMP (Imipenemase metallo-beta-lactamase). As regards Salmonella spp. strains, only the presence of the SHV (Sulfhydril Variable) gene was identified in 2.32% (3/129) of isolates belonging to the ESBL family, while 26.35% (34/129) and 13.95% (18/129) of isolates respectively possessed the IMP (Imipenemase metallo-beta-lactamase) and NDM (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase) genes, both of the carbapenemase type. The significant prevalence of resistance genes in bacterial strains isolated from chickens sold outdoors in Ouagadougou raises major public health concerns, due to the possible transmission of these resistant strains to humans through the consumption of contaminated meat, thus complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.
文摘Introduction: Enterobacteriaceae causing urinary tract infections (UTI) have developed resistance to the commonly used antibiotics due to emergence of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and Carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae which are a public health problem worldwide. This study aims to determine the prevalence and characterize ESBLs and carbapenamase producing Enterobactericeae. Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, Nairobi. 238 urine samples were collected from patients with urinary symptoms attending the outpatient department within the period 2020-2021. The urine were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were done using VITEK® 2 Compact system (BioMérieux). Double disc synergy test and modified hodge tests were done as confirmatory tests for ESBLs and Carbapenamase phenotypes respectively. Polymerase Chain Reaction was used for the detection of blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV, blaKPC and blaOXA-48 genes. Results: From the 238 children sampled the prevalence of UTI caused by Enterobactericeae was 22.3%. The Enterobacteriaceae species isolated were Escherichia coli (84.9%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (5.66%), Proteus mirabillis (5.66%), Enterobacter aerogenes (1.89%) and Morganella morganii (1.89%). The isolated species were resistant to ampicillin. Meropenem had the highest susceptibility. Only E. coli species had the ESBLs (26.4%) and carbapenamase (1.9%) phenotypes. 100% had BlaCTX-M while 50% had blaTEM resistant gene. There was a significant association (p Conclusion: Ampicillin resistance resulted to use of alternative drugs and Meropenem was the drug of choice where increased resistance to the recommended drugs was noted. Further research on resistant genes is recommended.
基金Supported by Mexican Federal Funds HIM,No.2018/068 SSA152.
文摘BACKGROUND Autoimmunity has emerged as a probable disease modifier in patients with clinically diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),that is,patients who have insulin resistance,obesity,and other cardiovascular risk factors,suggesting that the presence of glutamic acid decarboxylase(anti-GAD65),islet antigen 2(anti-IA2),and zinc transporter 8(anti-Zn8T)antibodies could have deleterious effects on beta cell function,causing failure and earlier requirement for insulin treatment.AIM To evaluate anti-GAD65,anti-IA2 and anti-Zn8T as predictors of early insulin requirement in adolescents with a clinical diagnosis of T2DM.METHODS This was a case–control study in patients with clinically diagnosed with T2DM(68 cases and 64 controls with and without early insulin dependence respectively),male and female,aged 12–18 years.Somatometry,blood pressure,glucose,insulin,C-peptide,glycated hemoglobin A1c,and lipid profiles were assessed.ELISA was used to measure anti-GAD65,anti-IA2,and anti-Zn8T antibodies.Descriptive statistics,Pearson'sχ2 test,Student's t test,and logistic regression was performed.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS There were 132 patients(53.8%female),with a mean age was 15.9±1.3 years,and there was a disease evolution time of 4.49±0.88 years.The presence of anti-GAD65,anti-IA2,and anti-Zn8T positivity was found in 29.5%,18.2%,and 15.9%,respectively.Dividing the groups by early or no insulin dependence showed that the group with insulin had a higher frequency of antibody positivity:anti-GAD65 odds ratio(OR):2.42(1.112–5.303,P=0.026);anti-IA2:OR:1.55(0.859–2.818,P=0.105);and anti-Zn8T:OR:7.32(2.039–26.279,P=0.002).CONCLUSION Anti-GAD65 positivity was high in our study.Anti-GAD65 and anti-Zn8T positivity showed a significantly depleted beta cell reserve phenotype,leading to an increased risk of early insulin dependence.
基金supported by the Key R&D Program of Tibet Auton-omous Region(XZ202301ZY0019G)Project for the Local Development of Science and Technology by the Central Government(XZ202301YD0007C)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31400361).
文摘Beta diversity,the variation of community composition among sites,bridges alpha and gamma diversity and can reveal the mechanisms of community assembly through applying distance-decay models and/or partitioning beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components from functional and phylogenetic perspectives.Mountains as the most natural experiment system provide good opportunities for exploring beta diversity patterns and the underlying ecological processes.Here,we simultaneously consider distance-decay models and multiple di-mensions of beta diversity to examine spatial variations of bird communities,and to evaluate the relative importance of niche-based and neutral community assembly mechanisms along a 3600-m elevational gradient in the central Himalayas,China.Our results showed that species turnover dominates taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity.We observed strongest evidence of spatial distance decays in taxonomic similarities of birds,followed by its phylogenetic and functional analogues.Turnover component was highest in taxonomic beta diversity,while nestedness component was highest in functional beta diversity.Further,all correlations of assemblage similarity with climatic distance were higher than that with spatial distances.Standardized values of overall taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity and their turnover components increase with increasing elevational distance,while the standardized values of taxonomic and phylogenetic nestedness decreased with increasing elevational distance.Our results highlighted the niche-based deterministic processes in shaping elevational bird diversity patterns that were determined by the relative roles of decreasing trend of environmental filtering and increasing trend of limiting similarity along elevation distances.