In order to investigate the effect of vitamin A (VA) on the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae (MP)-induced A549 cells, A549 cells were co-cultured with MP for different time lengths and then th...In order to investigate the effect of vitamin A (VA) on the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae (MP)-induced A549 cells, A549 cells were co-cultured with MP for different time lengths and then the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the cell culture supernatants were detected before and after treatment with different concentrations of VA by using the enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay ( ELISA). The results showed that the level of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the supernatants of MP-induced A549 cells was much higher than that in non-induced cells (P〈0.01). After application of VA, IL-4 level was not increased until the concentration of VA was up to 0.5×10-5 mol/L (P〈0.01). However, with concentration of VA increased up to 1×10-4 mol/L, IL-4 was significantly suppressed (P〈0.01). It was concluded that MP could induce the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in A549 cells. VA could inhibit the secretion of IFN-γ and increase the IL-4 level in MP-induced A549 cells. However, high concentration of VA had an inhibitory effect on the secretion of IL-4 as well as on the IFN-γ. These data provided a theoretical basis for the application of VA in MP pneumonia in the clinical practice.展开更多
AIM: To assess vitamin D (Vit D) abnormalities in hepatitis C infected patients and their relationship with interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23 and N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ pro-collagen (PⅢNP) as immune response media...AIM: To assess vitamin D (Vit D) abnormalities in hepatitis C infected patients and their relationship with interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23 and N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ pro-collagen (PⅢNP) as immune response mediators. METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 Egyptian patients (36 male, 14 female) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, who visited the Hepatology Outpatient Clinic in the Endemic Disease Hospital at Cairo University. Patients were compared with 25 ageand sexmatched healthy individuals. Inclusion criteria were based on a history of liver disease with HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4) infection (as new patients or under followup). Based on ultrasonography, patients were classified into four subgroups; 14 with bright hepatomegaly; 11 with perihepatic fibrosis; 11 with hepatic cirrhosis; and 14 with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Total Vit D (i.e., 25-OH-Vit D) and active Vit D [i.e., 1,25-(OH) 2 -Vit D] assays were carried out using commercial kits. IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP levels were assayed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits, while HCV virus was measured by quantitative and qualitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Levels of Vit D and its active form were significantly lower in advanced liver disease (hepatic cirrhosis and/or carcinoma) patients, compared to those with bright hepatomegaly and perihepatic fibrosis. IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP levels were markedly increased in HCV patients and correlated with the progression of hepatic damage. The decrease in Vit D and active Vit D was concomitant with an increase in viral load, as well as levels of IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP among all subgroups of HCV-infected patients, compared to normal healthy controls. A significant negative correlation was evident between active Vit D and each of IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP (r = -0.679, -0.801 and -0.920 at P < 0.001, respectively). HCV-infected men and women showed no differences with respect to Vit D levels. The viral load was negatively correlated with Vit D and active Vit D (r = -0.084 and -0.846 at P < 0.001, respectively), and positively correlated with IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP (r = 0.951, 0.922 and 0.94 at P < 0.001, respectively). Whether the deficiency in Vit D was related to HCVinduced chronic liver disease or was a predisposing factor for a higher viral load remains to be elucidated. CONCLUSION: The negative correlations between Vit D and IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP highlight their involvement in the immune response in patients with HCV-4related liver diseases in Egypt.展开更多
The effect of plasma arc powder surfacing process on the amount of B4C particles in the coating and the thermal behavior of B4C particles in different surfacing stages has been investigated.The results showed that the...The effect of plasma arc powder surfacing process on the amount of B4C particles in the coating and the thermal behavior of B4C particles in different surfacing stages has been investigated.The results showed that the feeding rate of B4C partiles is the most important factor affecting the amount of B4C particles in the surfacing coating among all the surfacing parameters,and the most part of B4C Particles in the coating is nto the remainders of original solid B4C particles,but the consolidation products of the unmelted liquid B4C globules in the pool.The results also showed that the B4C particles would not be melted in the plasma arc column, their melting process mainly takes place in the anode spot region on the surface of the pool when surfacing current is less than 200A.展开更多
A piezoelectric sensor responsive to vitamin B 1 was fabricated based on the vitamin B 1 tetraphenylborate ion pair. The general performance characteristics of the sensor are presented here. The proposed sensor sho...A piezoelectric sensor responsive to vitamin B 1 was fabricated based on the vitamin B 1 tetraphenylborate ion pair. The general performance characteristics of the sensor are presented here. The proposed sensor showed a wide working pH range, a good sensitivity and selectivity. The response range is between 1 0×10 -7 -4 9×10 -5 mol/L with a detection limit of 8×10 -8 mol/L at pH 4 0. The selectivity should be attributed to the preferential adsorption of the component ion on the membrane/solution interface. The adsorption behavior of vitamin B 1 on the crystal surface was investigated with a quartz crystal impedance(QCI) system.展开更多
Vitamin B 12 deficiency,mostly of maternal origin in newborns,is a well treatable condition but can cause severe neurologic sequelae.In women of childbearing age and pregnant women worldwide vitamin B12 deficiency has...Vitamin B 12 deficiency,mostly of maternal origin in newborns,is a well treatable condition but can cause severe neurologic sequelae.In women of childbearing age and pregnant women worldwide vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported with frequencies of 10%-50%.Children with vitam in B I2 deficiency are asym ptom atic at birth but may develop severe multisystemic symptoms,including irreversible developmental impairment in the second halfyear of life.Early detection of vitamin B12 deficiency allows for presymptomatic treatment.This article provides an overview over the function of vitamin B12 and discusses causes and frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in newborns,infants,and women of childbearing age.It describes novel successful approaches to newborn screening(NBS)for vitamin B,2 deficiency and results of a pilot study which performed systematic NBS for vitamin B12 deficiency using so-called second-tier strategies by measuring homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in dried blood spots.Recommendations for diagnostics in mothers of children with vitamin B12 deficiency are described as well as results of systematic work-up in mothers and treatment and follow-up of children with vitamin B12 deficiency detected by NBS.Treatment options of vitamin B12 deficiency are presented including a newly developed standardized supplementation scheme with exclusively oral vitamin BI2 supplementation.Recommendations for preventive approaches to vitamin Bl2 deficiency for children and mothers are stated.Many children worldwide could benefit from systematic inclusion of vitamin B12 deficiency into NBS panels.In addition,preventive approaches to maternal vitamin B12 deficiency should be implemented systematically during maternal care.展开更多
Modification was made on the reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC)with Yue et al's method as a base.The modified RP-HPLC was used to detect leukotriene B_4(LTB_4)and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraen...Modification was made on the reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC)with Yue et al's method as a base.The modified RP-HPLC was used to detect leukotriene B_4(LTB_4)and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid(5-HETE).It was found that the modified method has the merits of simpler procedures,shorter testing time and more satisfactory efficacy.展开更多
The equilibrium phase and adiabatic temperature for combustion synthesis of Al_2O_3/B_4C employing Al, B_2O_3 and C as starting materials is analyzed by both conventional and CALPHAD method. The adiabatic temperature ...The equilibrium phase and adiabatic temperature for combustion synthesis of Al_2O_3/B_4C employing Al, B_2O_3 and C as starting materials is analyzed by both conventional and CALPHAD method. The adiabatic temperature calculed by CALPHAD method is significantly lower than that obtained by conventional method. The CALPHAD calculation also reveals that the equilibrium phases presented at the adiabatic temperature are different to the desired composites. The adiabatic temperature in this system can be lowered by introducing Al_2O_3 as diluents. The maximum amount of Al_2O_3 that can be added to the system while maintain a self-sustaining combusion mode is 1.3 mol.展开更多
Vitamin D deficiency may be more prevalent among HIV-positive patients than in the general population due to HIV disease-related factors. This study examined the effects of HIV infection and use of antiretroviral drug...Vitamin D deficiency may be more prevalent among HIV-positive patients than in the general population due to HIV disease-related factors. This study examined the effects of HIV infection and use of antiretroviral drugs in serum vitamin D levels in HIV patients visiting Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Kenya from October 2013 to April 2014. The effect of vitamin D status on CD4?cell count and HIV viral load was evaluated to determine the status of disease progression to AIDS. HIV viral load in blood samples was determined using COBAS Ampliprep/TaqMan HIV-1 test kit while CD4?cell counts were done using the fluorescence-activated cell sorter system. The levels of vitamin D in serum were determined using electrochemiluminescence binding assay in Cobas E601 mass analyzers. In addition, selected plasma enzymes were used to evaluate liver function. Higher percentage (49.12%) of deficient vitamin D cases were observed among HIV patients not on ART. Deficient levels of Vitamin D were associated with abnormal selected liver enzymes. High viral load was observed among patients not on ART with deficient and insufficient vitamin D. The CD4?cell count was higher in patients on ART with sufficient vitamin D levels compared to those with deficient vitamin D. These observations suggest a need to supplement ART with vitamin D in order to ameliorate Vitamin D deficiency as a strategy to improve HIV management.展开更多
The IR spectrum and 11B and 27Al MAS NMR spectra of Al18B4O33 are presented and discussed in relation to the possible existence of boron atoms substituting for aluminum atoms. The IR spectrum shows that the strong vi...The IR spectrum and 11B and 27Al MAS NMR spectra of Al18B4O33 are presented and discussed in relation to the possible existence of boron atoms substituting for aluminum atoms. The IR spectrum shows that the strong vibrations of the BO3 groups are present in the 1 500-1 200 cm-1 region, and very weak bands of BO4 units are present in the region from 1 000 to 1 100 cm-1. 11B MAS NMR spectrum indicates that the strong signal for BO3 units appears in the region from δ+5 to δ+20, and the very weak signal for BO4 units is at about δ- 1, while 27Al MAS NMR spectrum shows five peaks at about δ+62, +42. 1, +14, -4. 7 and -6. 4, originating from AlO4, AlO4, AlO5, AlO6 and AlO6, respectively. These results reveal that there are minor BO4 units in Al18B4O33, indicating that a small amount of B atoms substitute for Al atoms in the 4-fold coordination.展开更多
Objective:The frequent consumption of deep-fried foods has been linked to high risk of certain non-communicable diseases.As a consequence,the safety of deep-fried oil(DFO)ingested with fried foods has been called into...Objective:The frequent consumption of deep-fried foods has been linked to high risk of certain non-communicable diseases.As a consequence,the safety of deep-fried oil(DFO)ingested with fried foods has been called into question.This study therefore evaluated the effects of DFO from palm kernel on serum 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct formation,De Ritis ratio(DRR),liver histology and atherogenicity in Wistar rats and the role of vitamin C intervention.Methods:Deep-fried oil samples were characterized for total antioxidant capacity(TAC),degradation and metal contamination levels and compared against counterpart unused frying oil(UFO).In the animal experiment,both oil samples,sourced from commercial cooks,were orally administered,for 13 weeks,to sixty-two rats randomly divided into six test groups of two exposure levels alongside vitamin C control.After exposure,serum liver enzyme activities and lipoproteins levels were determined using colorimetric methods,while protein adducts levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Histopathological examinations of liver tissues were also performed.Results:DFO had significantly lower(P=0.021)TAC,significantly higher(P=0.024)volatile acid and Pb concentrations compared to UFO.Exposure to DFO significantly increased(P<0.01)serum protein adduct formation,the De Ritis ratio and caused cytoplasmic vacuolation and pigment deposit on liver tissues compared to the control.Additionally,DFO exposures had an initial negative body weight gain rate that increased at the end of the study.Conclusion:However,co-administration of vitamin C significantly reduced(P<0.05)the De Ritis ratio and reduced the serum protein adducts levels by at least 15%.Concomitant intake of vitamin C and DFO can mitigate probable adverse effects.展开更多
文摘In order to investigate the effect of vitamin A (VA) on the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in Mycoplasma Pneumoniae (MP)-induced A549 cells, A549 cells were co-cultured with MP for different time lengths and then the levels of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the cell culture supernatants were detected before and after treatment with different concentrations of VA by using the enzyme-linked immu-nosorbent assay ( ELISA). The results showed that the level of IFN-γ and IL-4 in the supernatants of MP-induced A549 cells was much higher than that in non-induced cells (P〈0.01). After application of VA, IL-4 level was not increased until the concentration of VA was up to 0.5×10-5 mol/L (P〈0.01). However, with concentration of VA increased up to 1×10-4 mol/L, IL-4 was significantly suppressed (P〈0.01). It was concluded that MP could induce the secretion of IFN-γ and IL-4 in A549 cells. VA could inhibit the secretion of IFN-γ and increase the IL-4 level in MP-induced A549 cells. However, high concentration of VA had an inhibitory effect on the secretion of IL-4 as well as on the IFN-γ. These data provided a theoretical basis for the application of VA in MP pneumonia in the clinical practice.
文摘AIM: To assess vitamin D (Vit D) abnormalities in hepatitis C infected patients and their relationship with interleukin (IL)-17, IL-23 and N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ pro-collagen (PⅢNP) as immune response mediators. METHODS: The study was conducted on 50 Egyptian patients (36 male, 14 female) with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, who visited the Hepatology Outpatient Clinic in the Endemic Disease Hospital at Cairo University. Patients were compared with 25 ageand sexmatched healthy individuals. Inclusion criteria were based on a history of liver disease with HCV genotype 4 (HCV-4) infection (as new patients or under followup). Based on ultrasonography, patients were classified into four subgroups; 14 with bright hepatomegaly; 11 with perihepatic fibrosis; 11 with hepatic cirrhosis; and 14 with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Total Vit D (i.e., 25-OH-Vit D) and active Vit D [i.e., 1,25-(OH) 2 -Vit D] assays were carried out using commercial kits. IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP levels were assayed using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits, while HCV virus was measured by quantitative and qualitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Levels of Vit D and its active form were significantly lower in advanced liver disease (hepatic cirrhosis and/or carcinoma) patients, compared to those with bright hepatomegaly and perihepatic fibrosis. IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP levels were markedly increased in HCV patients and correlated with the progression of hepatic damage. The decrease in Vit D and active Vit D was concomitant with an increase in viral load, as well as levels of IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP among all subgroups of HCV-infected patients, compared to normal healthy controls. A significant negative correlation was evident between active Vit D and each of IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP (r = -0.679, -0.801 and -0.920 at P < 0.001, respectively). HCV-infected men and women showed no differences with respect to Vit D levels. The viral load was negatively correlated with Vit D and active Vit D (r = -0.084 and -0.846 at P < 0.001, respectively), and positively correlated with IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP (r = 0.951, 0.922 and 0.94 at P < 0.001, respectively). Whether the deficiency in Vit D was related to HCVinduced chronic liver disease or was a predisposing factor for a higher viral load remains to be elucidated. CONCLUSION: The negative correlations between Vit D and IL-17, IL-23 and PⅢNP highlight their involvement in the immune response in patients with HCV-4related liver diseases in Egypt.
文摘The effect of plasma arc powder surfacing process on the amount of B4C particles in the coating and the thermal behavior of B4C particles in different surfacing stages has been investigated.The results showed that the feeding rate of B4C partiles is the most important factor affecting the amount of B4C particles in the surfacing coating among all the surfacing parameters,and the most part of B4C Particles in the coating is nto the remainders of original solid B4C particles,but the consolidation products of the unmelted liquid B4C globules in the pool.The results also showed that the B4C particles would not be melted in the plasma arc column, their melting process mainly takes place in the anode spot region on the surface of the pool when surfacing current is less than 200A.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China( No.2 0 0 75 0 0 7)
文摘A piezoelectric sensor responsive to vitamin B 1 was fabricated based on the vitamin B 1 tetraphenylborate ion pair. The general performance characteristics of the sensor are presented here. The proposed sensor showed a wide working pH range, a good sensitivity and selectivity. The response range is between 1 0×10 -7 -4 9×10 -5 mol/L with a detection limit of 8×10 -8 mol/L at pH 4 0. The selectivity should be attributed to the preferential adsorption of the component ion on the membrane/solution interface. The adsorption behavior of vitamin B 1 on the crystal surface was investigated with a quartz crystal impedance(QCI) system.
文摘Vitamin B 12 deficiency,mostly of maternal origin in newborns,is a well treatable condition but can cause severe neurologic sequelae.In women of childbearing age and pregnant women worldwide vitamin B12 deficiency has been reported with frequencies of 10%-50%.Children with vitam in B I2 deficiency are asym ptom atic at birth but may develop severe multisystemic symptoms,including irreversible developmental impairment in the second halfyear of life.Early detection of vitamin B12 deficiency allows for presymptomatic treatment.This article provides an overview over the function of vitamin B12 and discusses causes and frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in newborns,infants,and women of childbearing age.It describes novel successful approaches to newborn screening(NBS)for vitamin B,2 deficiency and results of a pilot study which performed systematic NBS for vitamin B12 deficiency using so-called second-tier strategies by measuring homocysteine and methylmalonic acid in dried blood spots.Recommendations for diagnostics in mothers of children with vitamin B12 deficiency are described as well as results of systematic work-up in mothers and treatment and follow-up of children with vitamin B12 deficiency detected by NBS.Treatment options of vitamin B12 deficiency are presented including a newly developed standardized supplementation scheme with exclusively oral vitamin BI2 supplementation.Recommendations for preventive approaches to vitamin Bl2 deficiency for children and mothers are stated.Many children worldwide could benefit from systematic inclusion of vitamin B12 deficiency into NBS panels.In addition,preventive approaches to maternal vitamin B12 deficiency should be implemented systematically during maternal care.
文摘Modification was made on the reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography(RP-HPLC)with Yue et al's method as a base.The modified RP-HPLC was used to detect leukotriene B_4(LTB_4)and 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid(5-HETE).It was found that the modified method has the merits of simpler procedures,shorter testing time and more satisfactory efficacy.
文摘The equilibrium phase and adiabatic temperature for combustion synthesis of Al_2O_3/B_4C employing Al, B_2O_3 and C as starting materials is analyzed by both conventional and CALPHAD method. The adiabatic temperature calculed by CALPHAD method is significantly lower than that obtained by conventional method. The CALPHAD calculation also reveals that the equilibrium phases presented at the adiabatic temperature are different to the desired composites. The adiabatic temperature in this system can be lowered by introducing Al_2O_3 as diluents. The maximum amount of Al_2O_3 that can be added to the system while maintain a self-sustaining combusion mode is 1.3 mol.
文摘Vitamin D deficiency may be more prevalent among HIV-positive patients than in the general population due to HIV disease-related factors. This study examined the effects of HIV infection and use of antiretroviral drugs in serum vitamin D levels in HIV patients visiting Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi Kenya from October 2013 to April 2014. The effect of vitamin D status on CD4?cell count and HIV viral load was evaluated to determine the status of disease progression to AIDS. HIV viral load in blood samples was determined using COBAS Ampliprep/TaqMan HIV-1 test kit while CD4?cell counts were done using the fluorescence-activated cell sorter system. The levels of vitamin D in serum were determined using electrochemiluminescence binding assay in Cobas E601 mass analyzers. In addition, selected plasma enzymes were used to evaluate liver function. Higher percentage (49.12%) of deficient vitamin D cases were observed among HIV patients not on ART. Deficient levels of Vitamin D were associated with abnormal selected liver enzymes. High viral load was observed among patients not on ART with deficient and insufficient vitamin D. The CD4?cell count was higher in patients on ART with sufficient vitamin D levels compared to those with deficient vitamin D. These observations suggest a need to supplement ART with vitamin D in order to ameliorate Vitamin D deficiency as a strategy to improve HIV management.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘The IR spectrum and 11B and 27Al MAS NMR spectra of Al18B4O33 are presented and discussed in relation to the possible existence of boron atoms substituting for aluminum atoms. The IR spectrum shows that the strong vibrations of the BO3 groups are present in the 1 500-1 200 cm-1 region, and very weak bands of BO4 units are present in the region from 1 000 to 1 100 cm-1. 11B MAS NMR spectrum indicates that the strong signal for BO3 units appears in the region from δ+5 to δ+20, and the very weak signal for BO4 units is at about δ- 1, while 27Al MAS NMR spectrum shows five peaks at about δ+62, +42. 1, +14, -4. 7 and -6. 4, originating from AlO4, AlO4, AlO5, AlO6 and AlO6, respectively. These results reveal that there are minor BO4 units in Al18B4O33, indicating that a small amount of B atoms substitute for Al atoms in the 4-fold coordination.
文摘Objective:The frequent consumption of deep-fried foods has been linked to high risk of certain non-communicable diseases.As a consequence,the safety of deep-fried oil(DFO)ingested with fried foods has been called into question.This study therefore evaluated the effects of DFO from palm kernel on serum 4-hydroxynonenal protein adduct formation,De Ritis ratio(DRR),liver histology and atherogenicity in Wistar rats and the role of vitamin C intervention.Methods:Deep-fried oil samples were characterized for total antioxidant capacity(TAC),degradation and metal contamination levels and compared against counterpart unused frying oil(UFO).In the animal experiment,both oil samples,sourced from commercial cooks,were orally administered,for 13 weeks,to sixty-two rats randomly divided into six test groups of two exposure levels alongside vitamin C control.After exposure,serum liver enzyme activities and lipoproteins levels were determined using colorimetric methods,while protein adducts levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Histopathological examinations of liver tissues were also performed.Results:DFO had significantly lower(P=0.021)TAC,significantly higher(P=0.024)volatile acid and Pb concentrations compared to UFO.Exposure to DFO significantly increased(P<0.01)serum protein adduct formation,the De Ritis ratio and caused cytoplasmic vacuolation and pigment deposit on liver tissues compared to the control.Additionally,DFO exposures had an initial negative body weight gain rate that increased at the end of the study.Conclusion:However,co-administration of vitamin C significantly reduced(P<0.05)the De Ritis ratio and reduced the serum protein adducts levels by at least 15%.Concomitant intake of vitamin C and DFO can mitigate probable adverse effects.