Epithelial-to-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-to-epi- thelial transitions are well established biological events which have an important role in not just normal tissue and organ development, but in the pathogenesis of dis...Epithelial-to-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-to-epi- thelial transitions are well established biological events which have an important role in not just normal tissue and organ development, but in the pathogenesis of diseases. Increasing evidence has established their presence in the human colon during colorectal carcinogenesis and cancer invasion, chronic inflammation-related fibrosis and in the course of mucosal healing. A large body of evidence supports the role for transforming growth factor-13 and its downstream Smad signaling, the phosphatidylinositol 3＇-kinase/Akt/mTOR axis, the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase/Snail/Slug and FOXC2 pathway, and Hedgehog signaling and microR- NAs in the development of colorectal cancers via epi- thelial-to-mesenchymal transition. C-met and Frizzled-7, among others, seem to be the principle effectors of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, hence have a role not just in mucosal regeneration but in the progression of colonic wall fibrosis. Here we discuss a role for these pathways in the initiation and development of the transition events. A better understanding of their induction and regulation may lead to the identification of pathways and factors that could be potent therapeu- tic targets. The inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition using mTOR kinase inhibitors targeting theATP binding pocket and which inhibit both mTORC1 and mTORC2, RNA aptamers or peptide mimetics, such as a Wnt5A-mimetic, may all be useful in both cancer treatment and delaying fibrosis, while the induction of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in induced pluripotent stem cells may enhance epithelial healing in the case of severe mucosal damage. The preliminary results of the current studies are promising, but more clinical investigations are needed to develop new and safe therapeutic strategies for diseases of the colon.展开更多
The following article is about the historical overview of the Persian literature and the emergence and development of the short story as a literary genre and its prominent role in the modem literature of Iran. It disc...The following article is about the historical overview of the Persian literature and the emergence and development of the short story as a literary genre and its prominent role in the modem literature of Iran. It discusses the origin of the short story in general and preconditions for the popularity of the new genre the Iranian literature of the 20th century, and also about the first successful collection of short stories that introduced it to the public. Also the development process of the short story and principle factors in every stage of its emergence as an independent genre of prose, as well as the thematic range are the main aspects among others to be analyzed in the article. It is historically documented that the Islamic state was established in 1979 after the fall of the Shah. And the very event had big impact not only on the social and political life of the country, but also on the cultural and literary life of the Iranians of the time. The significance of the revolution was such that it divided the literature to be known as the ＂pre-revolution＂ and ＂post-revolution＂ periods. Therefore this article is aimed to observe how this historic event had influenced the short story in particular and the distinct features of the works created during the two periods. The next period which stands out in the development of the short story is during the late 90s and the beginning of the 2000, where the genre experienced aesthetic innovations and experiments with new forms and styles. The distinct feature of the period is mainly in its topics it deals, among other the effects of the globalization and popular culture brought forth, isolated individual, urbanization, climate change and its destructive outcome and the social conflicts resulting from them. Such global issues caused the established writers to look out of their borders and open up to the concerns of the planet, and by doing so establishing new schools of thought and style among the writers of short story in modem Iranian literature. Finally the article will overview the role of the Iranian contemporary female short story writers, children＇s literature and the works of the immigrant Iranian authors that continue the traditions of the Persian literature outside Irma.展开更多
This article discusses the role of the Souss river in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development through mainstreaming natural capital into macro-economic policies. The river course...This article discusses the role of the Souss river in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development through mainstreaming natural capital into macro-economic policies. The river course, rising from several headstreams in the high Atlas mountain and flowing westward for 180 km to the atlantic ocean is the beating heart of the Argan biosphere reserve. Its alluvial basin ensures the vital link between biodiversity and the population＇s utility functions for more than three million inhabitants. It is one of Morocco＇s most fertile regions where citrus fruits, vegetables, olives are grown beside an argan natural grove, and many of them are for export. Recent growing concern of local authorities tackles natural disasters and subsequent social issues associated to climate change, resource scarcities and flooding damages, especially after the 2014 flood events. This situation paved the way for local NGO incentives to embrace an ecological civilization approach for reconciliation with the Souss river. The local option adopted is to reverse the trend of intensive modem agriculture through a counterbalancing circular economy approach towards an agro-ecological producing pattern in order to sustain the river water balance.展开更多
Event-related potential (ERP) is a reliable neuroelectric measure of brain activity that helps to confirm the assessment of mental status and cognitive impairment. Many studies have reported that alcoholics show a sig...Event-related potential (ERP) is a reliable neuroelectric measure of brain activity that helps to confirm the assessment of mental status and cognitive impairment. Many studies have reported that alcoholics show a significantly lower ERP P300 amplitude than the norm. In the present study, ERP P300 waves were measured to evaluate the effect of citric acid on cognitive function during excessive alcohol consumption in healthy adults. Five volunteers were selected through clinical interview, physical examination, and psychiatric assessment for participation in this study. In a double-blind placebo-controlled before-after design, each subject was treated with 5 ml/kg body weight alcohol, 5 ml/kg body weight alcohol and 1 mg citric acid, or a placebo on three separate occasions, one week apart. ERP P300, blood biochemical indicators, blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and acetaldehyde concentrations were assessed. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a within-subjects factor was used to evaluate differences in blood biochemical indicators, BACs, blood acetaldehyde concentrations, and ERP P300 in the three sessions of assessments. Several blood biochemical indicators showed significant differences between treatments, including the levels of cholinesterase (CHE), total bile acid (TBA), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and glycylproline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (GPDA). BACs after consumption of alcohol alone or citric acid with al- cohol were significantly higher compared to those after placebo treatment (P<0.05). There were no significant dif- ferences in blood acetaldehyde concentrations between the treatments. The P300 amplitudes on the frontal (Fz), central (Cz), and parietal (Pz) regions of the scalp after consumption of alcohol were significantly lower than those after consumption of the placebo or citric acid with alcohol (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the latter two treatments. The results of this study suggest that citric acid could reduce the decline in ERP P300 amplitude and cognitive ability induced by acute alcohol consumption. It may also affect some blood biochemical indicators, but the specific mechanisms need further research.展开更多
Ultra rapid lispro(URLi)is a novel formulation of insulin lispro designed to more closely match the physiological insulin response to a meal,with the aim of improving postprandial glucose(PPG)control.We conducted a mu...Ultra rapid lispro(URLi)is a novel formulation of insulin lispro designed to more closely match the physiological insulin response to a meal,with the aim of improving postprandial glucose(PPG)control.We conducted a multinational,multicenter,randomized,double-blind,treat-to-target,26-week,phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of URLi in adults with type 2 diabetes(T2D).After an 8-week lead-in period during which basal insulin glargine or degludec was optimized,adults with T2D were randomized(2:1)to prandial URLi(n=395)or lispro(n=200).The primary endpoint was non-inferiority of URLi versus lispro in glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA_(1c))change from baseline to week 26.Multiplicity-adjusted analyses were performed to assess the superiority of URLi in 1-and 2-h PPG excursions during a mixed-meal tolerance test(MMTT)and HbA_(1c) change at week 26.URLi showed non-inferiority for Hb Achange at week 26 versus lispro(least-squares mean[LSM]difference,0.07%;95%confidence interval:-0.07,0.21).HbA_(1c) was reduced by 0.56%and 0.63%with URLi and lispro,respectively,with no significant treatment difference(P=0.321).URLi provided superior PPG excursion control versus lispro at1 h(LSM difference:-14.6 mg/d L,P<0.001)and 2 h(LSM difference:-21.8 mg/d L,P<0.001)as well as other time points(30–240 min)during the MMTT.Incremental area under the glucose curve during the MMTT was also significantly lower with URLi versus lispro.The safety profiles were generally similar between treatment groups.In conclusion,URLi was superior to lispro for PPG control,with noninferiority in HbA_(1c) improvement,in adults with T2D.展开更多
Extreme weather conditions occur at an increasing rate as evidenced by higher frequency of hurricanes and more extreme precipitation and temperature anomalies. Such extreme environmental conditions will have important...Extreme weather conditions occur at an increasing rate as evidenced by higher frequency of hurricanes and more extreme precipitation and temperature anomalies. Such extreme environmental conditions will have important implications for all living organisms through greater frequency of reproductive failure and reduced adult survival. We review examples of reproductive failure and reduced survival related to extreme weather conditions. Phenotypic plasticity may not be sufficient to allow adaptation to extreme weather for many animals. Theory predicts reduced reproductive effort as a response to increased stochasticity. We predict that patterns of natural selection will change towards truncation selection as environmental conditions become more extreme. Such changes in patterns of selection may facilitate adaptation to extreme events. However, effects of selection on reproductive effort are difficult to detect. We present a number of predictions for the effects of extreme weather conditions in need of empirical tests. Finally, we suggest a number of empirical reviews that could improve our ability to judge the effects of extreme environmental conditions on life history [Current Zoology 57 （3）： 375-389, 2011].展开更多
The Yanshan Basin,located in northern North China,underwent three primary stages in the Mesoproterozoic,and corresponding biotas have been summarized for each stage in the present study.The three stages are stage A(th...The Yanshan Basin,located in northern North China,underwent three primary stages in the Mesoproterozoic,and corresponding biotas have been summarized for each stage in the present study.The three stages are stage A(the lower part of the Changcheng Group which dominated by clastic sediments),stage B(the upper part of the Changcheng Group to the Jixian Group which characterized by carbonate sediments),and stage C(the upper part of the Jixian Group which dominated by clastic sediments).This paper will focus on the evolution of biota during stage B.Microbiota of the stage B exhibits a high level of diversity and abundance.Planktonic microfossils have various forms and complex decorations.Most microfossils are small.In stage B,there was great variation in the biotic abundance and diversity,the average diameter of spherical benthic microfossils,and the maximum diameter of the spherical microfossils.We analyzed these parameters and identified two typical biotic events,and both biotic events were corresponded with geological events.The first event occurred in the third member of the Dahongyu Formation.In this era,the maximum diameter of the silicified microfossils significantly increased,and large,spherical planktonic specimens are abundant.The flourishing of large organisms in the strata is presumably related to volcanic activity.The second event occurred in the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation.During this era,the microfossil assemblage changed significantly.The changes correspond with a decline in stromatolites as well as the transformations of the carbon isotope ratios and the elemental geochemistry.展开更多
Objective： Falls are one of the life events leading to injury and in serious cases cause high morbidity and mortality. This research was conducted to determine the fall incidence among female population of Kashan cit...Objective： Falls are one of the life events leading to injury and in serious cases cause high morbidity and mortality. This research was conducted to determine the fall incidence among female population of Kashan city from the years 2005 to 2008. Methods： This was a retrospective research using existing data from the data bank of trauma center of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Records of all the female patients treated at local hospitals with complete hospitalisation kept at the center were examined for 4 con- secutive years from 2005 to 2008. Results： A total of 2 094 female patients＇ records were examined. A significantly higher incidence of injuy occurred in 2008 compared to 2005 （P〈0.0001）. In addition, the highest frequency of injury occurred in age group above 65 years （31.9%） and in group with elementary education level （42.8%）. Conclusion： The results showed that fall incidences occurred in the old age group above 65 years. Fall injuries at this age may cause disability. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken, such as increasing the awareness of the aging population about the seriousness of fall incidence and encouraging the aged individuals to get involved in fitness program to remain physical fit and healthy.展开更多
文摘Epithelial-to-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-to-epi- thelial transitions are well established biological events which have an important role in not just normal tissue and organ development, but in the pathogenesis of diseases. Increasing evidence has established their presence in the human colon during colorectal carcinogenesis and cancer invasion, chronic inflammation-related fibrosis and in the course of mucosal healing. A large body of evidence supports the role for transforming growth factor-13 and its downstream Smad signaling, the phosphatidylinositol 3＇-kinase/Akt/mTOR axis, the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase/Snail/Slug and FOXC2 pathway, and Hedgehog signaling and microR- NAs in the development of colorectal cancers via epi- thelial-to-mesenchymal transition. C-met and Frizzled-7, among others, seem to be the principle effectors of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition, hence have a role not just in mucosal regeneration but in the progression of colonic wall fibrosis. Here we discuss a role for these pathways in the initiation and development of the transition events. A better understanding of their induction and regulation may lead to the identification of pathways and factors that could be potent therapeu- tic targets. The inhibition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition using mTOR kinase inhibitors targeting theATP binding pocket and which inhibit both mTORC1 and mTORC2, RNA aptamers or peptide mimetics, such as a Wnt5A-mimetic, may all be useful in both cancer treatment and delaying fibrosis, while the induction of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in induced pluripotent stem cells may enhance epithelial healing in the case of severe mucosal damage. The preliminary results of the current studies are promising, but more clinical investigations are needed to develop new and safe therapeutic strategies for diseases of the colon.
文摘The following article is about the historical overview of the Persian literature and the emergence and development of the short story as a literary genre and its prominent role in the modem literature of Iran. It discusses the origin of the short story in general and preconditions for the popularity of the new genre the Iranian literature of the 20th century, and also about the first successful collection of short stories that introduced it to the public. Also the development process of the short story and principle factors in every stage of its emergence as an independent genre of prose, as well as the thematic range are the main aspects among others to be analyzed in the article. It is historically documented that the Islamic state was established in 1979 after the fall of the Shah. And the very event had big impact not only on the social and political life of the country, but also on the cultural and literary life of the Iranians of the time. The significance of the revolution was such that it divided the literature to be known as the ＂pre-revolution＂ and ＂post-revolution＂ periods. Therefore this article is aimed to observe how this historic event had influenced the short story in particular and the distinct features of the works created during the two periods. The next period which stands out in the development of the short story is during the late 90s and the beginning of the 2000, where the genre experienced aesthetic innovations and experiments with new forms and styles. The distinct feature of the period is mainly in its topics it deals, among other the effects of the globalization and popular culture brought forth, isolated individual, urbanization, climate change and its destructive outcome and the social conflicts resulting from them. Such global issues caused the established writers to look out of their borders and open up to the concerns of the planet, and by doing so establishing new schools of thought and style among the writers of short story in modem Iranian literature. Finally the article will overview the role of the Iranian contemporary female short story writers, children＇s literature and the works of the immigrant Iranian authors that continue the traditions of the Persian literature outside Irma.
文摘This article discusses the role of the Souss river in disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation and sustainable development through mainstreaming natural capital into macro-economic policies. The river course, rising from several headstreams in the high Atlas mountain and flowing westward for 180 km to the atlantic ocean is the beating heart of the Argan biosphere reserve. Its alluvial basin ensures the vital link between biodiversity and the population＇s utility functions for more than three million inhabitants. It is one of Morocco＇s most fertile regions where citrus fruits, vegetables, olives are grown beside an argan natural grove, and many of them are for export. Recent growing concern of local authorities tackles natural disasters and subsequent social issues associated to climate change, resource scarcities and flooding damages, especially after the 2014 flood events. This situation paved the way for local NGO incentives to embrace an ecological civilization approach for reconciliation with the Souss river. The local option adopted is to reverse the trend of intensive modem agriculture through a counterbalancing circular economy approach towards an agro-ecological producing pattern in order to sustain the river water balance.
基金Project supported by the National Key Technology R&D Program of China(No.2008BAI52B03)the Program of Education Depart-ment of Zhejiang Province (No.20061391),China
文摘Event-related potential (ERP) is a reliable neuroelectric measure of brain activity that helps to confirm the assessment of mental status and cognitive impairment. Many studies have reported that alcoholics show a significantly lower ERP P300 amplitude than the norm. In the present study, ERP P300 waves were measured to evaluate the effect of citric acid on cognitive function during excessive alcohol consumption in healthy adults. Five volunteers were selected through clinical interview, physical examination, and psychiatric assessment for participation in this study. In a double-blind placebo-controlled before-after design, each subject was treated with 5 ml/kg body weight alcohol, 5 ml/kg body weight alcohol and 1 mg citric acid, or a placebo on three separate occasions, one week apart. ERP P300, blood biochemical indicators, blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) and acetaldehyde concentrations were assessed. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) with a within-subjects factor was used to evaluate differences in blood biochemical indicators, BACs, blood acetaldehyde concentrations, and ERP P300 in the three sessions of assessments. Several blood biochemical indicators showed significant differences between treatments, including the levels of cholinesterase (CHE), total bile acid (TBA), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), and glycylproline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase (GPDA). BACs after consumption of alcohol alone or citric acid with al- cohol were significantly higher compared to those after placebo treatment (P<0.05). There were no significant dif- ferences in blood acetaldehyde concentrations between the treatments. The P300 amplitudes on the frontal (Fz), central (Cz), and parietal (Pz) regions of the scalp after consumption of alcohol were significantly lower than those after consumption of the placebo or citric acid with alcohol (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between the latter two treatments. The results of this study suggest that citric acid could reduce the decline in ERP P300 amplitude and cognitive ability induced by acute alcohol consumption. It may also affect some blood biochemical indicators, but the specific mechanisms need further research.
文摘Ultra rapid lispro(URLi)is a novel formulation of insulin lispro designed to more closely match the physiological insulin response to a meal,with the aim of improving postprandial glucose(PPG)control.We conducted a multinational,multicenter,randomized,double-blind,treat-to-target,26-week,phase 3 trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of URLi in adults with type 2 diabetes(T2D).After an 8-week lead-in period during which basal insulin glargine or degludec was optimized,adults with T2D were randomized(2:1)to prandial URLi(n=395)or lispro(n=200).The primary endpoint was non-inferiority of URLi versus lispro in glycated hemoglobin A1c(HbA_(1c))change from baseline to week 26.Multiplicity-adjusted analyses were performed to assess the superiority of URLi in 1-and 2-h PPG excursions during a mixed-meal tolerance test(MMTT)and HbA_(1c) change at week 26.URLi showed non-inferiority for Hb Achange at week 26 versus lispro(least-squares mean[LSM]difference,0.07%;95%confidence interval:-0.07,0.21).HbA_(1c) was reduced by 0.56%and 0.63%with URLi and lispro,respectively,with no significant treatment difference(P=0.321).URLi provided superior PPG excursion control versus lispro at1 h(LSM difference:-14.6 mg/d L,P<0.001)and 2 h(LSM difference:-21.8 mg/d L,P<0.001)as well as other time points(30–240 min)during the MMTT.Incremental area under the glucose curve during the MMTT was also significantly lower with URLi versus lispro.The safety profiles were generally similar between treatment groups.In conclusion,URLi was superior to lispro for PPG control,with noninferiority in HbA_(1c) improvement,in adults with T2D.
文摘Extreme weather conditions occur at an increasing rate as evidenced by higher frequency of hurricanes and more extreme precipitation and temperature anomalies. Such extreme environmental conditions will have important implications for all living organisms through greater frequency of reproductive failure and reduced adult survival. We review examples of reproductive failure and reduced survival related to extreme weather conditions. Phenotypic plasticity may not be sufficient to allow adaptation to extreme weather for many animals. Theory predicts reduced reproductive effort as a response to increased stochasticity. We predict that patterns of natural selection will change towards truncation selection as environmental conditions become more extreme. Such changes in patterns of selection may facilitate adaptation to extreme events. However, effects of selection on reproductive effort are difficult to detect. We present a number of predictions for the effects of extreme weather conditions in need of empirical tests. Finally, we suggest a number of empirical reviews that could improve our ability to judge the effects of extreme environmental conditions on life history [Current Zoology 57 （3）： 375-389, 2011].
基金supported by National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No. 2011CB808800)National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41272015)
文摘The Yanshan Basin,located in northern North China,underwent three primary stages in the Mesoproterozoic,and corresponding biotas have been summarized for each stage in the present study.The three stages are stage A(the lower part of the Changcheng Group which dominated by clastic sediments),stage B(the upper part of the Changcheng Group to the Jixian Group which characterized by carbonate sediments),and stage C(the upper part of the Jixian Group which dominated by clastic sediments).This paper will focus on the evolution of biota during stage B.Microbiota of the stage B exhibits a high level of diversity and abundance.Planktonic microfossils have various forms and complex decorations.Most microfossils are small.In stage B,there was great variation in the biotic abundance and diversity,the average diameter of spherical benthic microfossils,and the maximum diameter of the spherical microfossils.We analyzed these parameters and identified two typical biotic events,and both biotic events were corresponded with geological events.The first event occurred in the third member of the Dahongyu Formation.In this era,the maximum diameter of the silicified microfossils significantly increased,and large,spherical planktonic specimens are abundant.The flourishing of large organisms in the strata is presumably related to volcanic activity.The second event occurred in the third member of the Gaoyuzhuang Formation.During this era,the microfossil assemblage changed significantly.The changes correspond with a decline in stromatolites as well as the transformations of the carbon isotope ratios and the elemental geochemistry.
文摘Objective： Falls are one of the life events leading to injury and in serious cases cause high morbidity and mortality. This research was conducted to determine the fall incidence among female population of Kashan city from the years 2005 to 2008. Methods： This was a retrospective research using existing data from the data bank of trauma center of Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Records of all the female patients treated at local hospitals with complete hospitalisation kept at the center were examined for 4 con- secutive years from 2005 to 2008. Results： A total of 2 094 female patients＇ records were examined. A significantly higher incidence of injuy occurred in 2008 compared to 2005 （P〈0.0001）. In addition, the highest frequency of injury occurred in age group above 65 years （31.9%） and in group with elementary education level （42.8%）. Conclusion： The results showed that fall incidences occurred in the old age group above 65 years. Fall injuries at this age may cause disability. Therefore, preventive measures should be taken, such as increasing the awareness of the aging population about the seriousness of fall incidence and encouraging the aged individuals to get involved in fitness program to remain physical fit and healthy.
