Protoplasts prepared from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cultivar BY-2) suspension cells have similar morphological characteristics to those in animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis such as condensation and periphe...Protoplasts prepared from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cultivar BY-2) suspension cells have similar morphological characteristics to those in animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis such as condensation and peripheral distribution of nuclei, TUNEL positive reaction, and DNA ladders were observed when tobacco protoplasts were treated with the hydroxyl radical generating system (1.0 mmol/L FeSO4/0.5 mmol/L H2O2). In animals, the loss of transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and the exposure of phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) are believed to be the main apoptosis events. To test whether these significant processes take place in plants, flow cytometry was used to detect annexin V binding and changes in DeltaPsi(m). Results showed that the PS turned out from inner membrane and DeltaPsi(m) gradually decreased during the apoptosis. All these apoptotic characteristics proved that hydroxyl radicals can cause typical programmed cell death (PCD) in tobacco protoplasts and this design can be served as an effective experiment system to explore the mechanism of plant apoptosis.展开更多
A 3-year-old boy developed transient protein-losing gastroenteropathy associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Both IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV were positive in a serologic blood test. Upper gastrointestinal...A 3-year-old boy developed transient protein-losing gastroenteropathy associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Both IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV were positive in a serologic blood test. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple erosions throughout the body of the stomach, without enlarged gastric folds. Histological examination of the biopsy specimens indicated eosinophilic gastroenteritis and CMV infection. The patient had complete resolution without specific therapy for CMV in four weeks. An allergic reaction as well as CMV infection played important roles in the pathogenesis of this case.展开更多
During the last decades the concept of bile secretion as merely a way to add detergent components to the intestinal mixture to facilitate fat digestion/absorption and to eliminate side products of heine metabolism has...During the last decades the concept of bile secretion as merely a way to add detergent components to the intestinal mixture to facilitate fat digestion/absorption and to eliminate side products of heine metabolism has evolved considerably. In the series of mini-reviews that the World Journal of Gastroenterology is to publish in its section of ＂Highlight Topics＇; we will intend to give a brief but updated overview of our knowledge in this field. This introductory letter is intended to thank all scientists who have contributed to the development of this area of knowledge in gastroenterology.展开更多
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have overlapping clinical, manometric, endoscopic and histopathologic features. The diagnosis of EE is nowadays based upon the presence of 15 or...Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have overlapping clinical, manometric, endoscopic and histopathologic features. The diagnosis of EE is nowadays based upon the presence of 15 or more eosinophils per high power field (eo/HPF) in esophageal biopsies. We report the cases of two young males suffering from dysphagia and recurrent food impaction with reflux esophagitis and more than 20 eo/HPF in upper-mid esophagus biopsies, both of which became asymptomatic on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. The first patient also achieved a histologic response, while EE remained in the other patient after effective PPI treatment, as shown by 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Topical steroid therapy combined with PPI led to complete remission in this latter patient. GERD and EE may be undistinguishable, even by histology, so diagnosis of EE should only be established after a careful correlation of clinical, endoscopic and pathologic data obtained under vigorous acid suppression. These diagnostic difficulties are maximal when both diseases overlap. Limited data are available about this topic, and the interaction between EE and GERD is a matter of debate. In this setting, upper-mid esophagus step biopsies and esophageal pH monitoring of patients on PPI therapy are pivotal to evaluate the role of each disease. A PPI trial is mandatory in patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of EE; in those unresponsive to PPI treatment, EE should be suggested. However, a clinical response to PPI may not rule out quiescent EE, as shown in this report.展开更多
Flotation performance of a de-slimed（-150＋53μm）Jordanian siliceous phosphate was evaluated in a batch laboratory flotation column 100 cm high and 5 cm inside diameter.The collector used during anionic flotation wa...Flotation performance of a de-slimed（-150＋53μm）Jordanian siliceous phosphate was evaluated in a batch laboratory flotation column 100 cm high and 5 cm inside diameter.The collector used during anionic flotation was sodium oleate while an amine acetate（AEROMINE 3100C）was used for cationic flotation.Flotation comparison at different collector dosage,superficial gas velocity,and frother concentration showed that the maximum difference in performance between cationic and anionic flotation was obtained with these flotation parameters：30×10^（-6）（mg/L）frother concentration,250 g/t collector concentration,and 3.4 cm/s superficial gas velocity.At these operating conditions amine （cationic）flotation gave 7%higher flotation recovery,a 6%cleaner concentrate grade,and was 6%more efficient at removing silica.展开更多
Cancer cells differ from normal cells in various parameters, and these differences are caused by genomic mutations and consequential altered gene expression. The genetic and functional heterogeneity of tumor cells is ...Cancer cells differ from normal cells in various parameters, and these differences are caused by genomic mutations and consequential altered gene expression. The genetic and functional heterogeneity of tumor cells is a major challenge in cancer research, detection, and effective treatment. As such, the use of diagnostic methods is important to reveal this heterogeneity at the single-cell level. Droplet microfluidic devices are effective tools that provide exceptional sensitivity for analyzing single cells and molecules. In this review, we highlight two novel methods that employ droplet microfluidics for ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids and protein markers in cancer cells. We also discuss the future practical applications of these methods.展开更多
Objective： To observe the expression of CD13/APN in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions of patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris, and discuss its effect on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods： CD 13...Objective： To observe the expression of CD13/APN in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions of patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris, and discuss its effect on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods： CD 13 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions was detected by flow cytometry and imrnunohistochemical technique, respectively. Results were compared with those of healthy controls. Results： CD 13 expression was significantly higher in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris than in that of healthy controls, and in skin lesions than in healthy skin tissues. The expression was mainly in the suprabasal layers of skin lesions, and positively correlated to PASI （R 0.78029）. Conclusion： The significantly higher expression of CD13 in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions of the patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris probably is related to immunological abnormality, blood vessel abnormality and proliferation of keratinocyte in the pathogenic course of psoriasis. It may be a novel and effective way to treat psoriasis with specific CD13 inhibitors.展开更多
In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) is used to investigate and compare the impact of bioreactor parameters(such as its geometry, medium flow-rate, scaffold configuration) on the local transport phenomena ...In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) is used to investigate and compare the impact of bioreactor parameters(such as its geometry, medium flow-rate, scaffold configuration) on the local transport phenomena and, hence, their impact on human mesenchymal stem cell(hM SC) expansion. The geometric characteristics of the TissueFlex174;(Zyoxel Limited, Oxford, UK) microbioreactor were considered to set up a virtual bioreactor containing alginate(in both slab and bead configuration) scaffolds. The bioreactor and scaffolds were seeded with cells that were modelled as glucose consuming entities. The widely used glucose medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium(DMEM), supplied at two inlet flow rates of 25 and 100 μl·h^(-1), was modelled as the fluid phase inside the bioreactors. The investigation, based on applying dimensional analysis to this problem, as well as on detailed three-dimensional transient CFD results, revealed that the default bioreactor design and boundary conditions led to internal and external glucose transport, as well as shear stresses, that are conducive to h MSC growth and expansion. Furthermore, results indicated that the ‘top-inout' design(as opposed to its symmetric counterpart) led to higher shear stress for the same media inlet rate(25 μl·h^(-1)), a feature that can be easily exploited to induce shear-dependent differentiation. These findings further confirm the suitability of CFD as a robust design tool.展开更多
AIM:To examine the relative prevalence and temporal variation of dysphagia etiologies in patients undergoing upper endoscopy(EGD) over the past decade.METHODS:EGDs with the indication of dysphagia at an urban,universi...AIM:To examine the relative prevalence and temporal variation of dysphagia etiologies in patients undergoing upper endoscopy(EGD) over the past decade.METHODS:EGDs with the indication of dysphagia at an urban,university medical center in 1999,2004 and 2009 were retrospectively identified from the electronic medical record.The entire patient chart,including EGD,pathology,manometry,radiographic and clinician reports,was reviewed for demographic and clinical data and to determine the etiology of dysphagia.The number of EGDs in which an esophageal biopsy was performed was also noted.Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) as a cause of dysphagia independent of peptic stricture was defined by symptoms with erosive esophagitis or symptom response to proton pump inhibition(PPI).Cases of eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE) were defined by an appropriate clinical history and histological criteria of ≥ 15 eosinophils per high powered field.PPI-responsive esophageal eosinophilia was not routinely reported prior to 2008.Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance to analyze for trends between 1999,2004 and 2009 and a post-hoc Tukey analysis was performed following a significant main effect.RESULTS:A total of 1371 cases(mean age 54 years,43% male) met pre-specified inclusion criteria with 191,504 and 675 cases in 1999,2004 and 2009,respectively.Patients were older in 2004 compared to 2009(mean ± SD,54.0 ± 15.7 years vs 52.3 ± 16.8 years,P = 0.02) and there were more males in 1999 compared to 2004(57.5% vs 40.8%,P = 0.005).Overall,GERD(27.6%) and EoE(7.7%) were the most common identifiable causes of dysphagia.An unspecified diagnosis accounted for 21% of overall cases.There were no significant differences in the relative prevalence of achalasia or other motility disorders,peptic stricture,Schatzki's ring,esophageal cancer or unspecified diagnoses over the 10-year time period.There was,however,a decrease in the relative prevalence of GERD(39.3% vs 24.1%,P < 0.001) and increases in the relative prevalence of EoE(1.6% vs 11.2%,P < 0.001) and oropharyngeal disorders(1.6% vs 4.2%,P = 0.02) from 1999 to 2009.Post-hoc analyses determined that the increase in relative prevalence of EoE was significant between 1999 and 2009 as well as 2004 and 2009(5.4% vs 11.6%,P < 0.001),but not between 1999 and 2004(1.6% P 5.4%,P = 0.21).On the other hand,the decrease in relative prevalence of GERD was significant between 1999 and 2009 and 1999 and 2004(39.3% vs 27.7%,P = 0.006),but not between 2004 and 2009(27.7% vs 24.1%,P = 0.36).There were also significantly more EGDs in which a biopsy was obtained in 1999 compared to 2009(36.7% vs 68.7%,P < 0.001) as well as between 2004 and 2009(37.5% vs 68.7%,P < 0.001).While total EGD volume did increase over the 10-year time period,the percentage of EGDs for the indication of dysphagia remained stable making increasing upper endoscopy an unlikely reason for the observed increased prevalence of EoE.CONCLUSION:EoE has emerged as a dominant cause of dysphagia in adults.Whether this was due to a rise in disease incidence or increased recognition is unclear.展开更多
In the past 10 years （2004-2013）, annual open cruise during late summer provided new opportunities for comprehensive studies in the Northern South China Sea （NSCS）. The 10-year field investigation program was carr...In the past 10 years （2004-2013）, annual open cruise during late summer provided new opportunities for comprehensive studies in the Northern South China Sea （NSCS）. The 10-year field investigation program was carried out by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences （SCSIO, CAS）. Measurements inclu- ded water mass property, ocean circulation, atmospheric structure, and chemical and biological elements. The observation data collected during these open cruises have been intensively used in the studies of marine oceanographic, meteorological, chemical, and biological processes in the NSCS. In this study, comprehensive assessment of data application in oceanographic and meteorological studies is provided： （1） the property and variability of water masses in different layers; （2） the distribution of main currents and three-dimensional structure of mesoscale eddies; and （3） atmospheric structure and its feedback to the ocean. With the continuance of open cruises, it is feasible to construct high- quality, gridded climatological marine meteorological datasets in the NSCS in the near future.展开更多
文摘Protoplasts prepared from tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L., cultivar BY-2) suspension cells have similar morphological characteristics to those in animal cells. The hallmarks of apoptosis such as condensation and peripheral distribution of nuclei, TUNEL positive reaction, and DNA ladders were observed when tobacco protoplasts were treated with the hydroxyl radical generating system (1.0 mmol/L FeSO4/0.5 mmol/L H2O2). In animals, the loss of transmembrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) and the exposure of phospholipid phosphatidylserine (PS) are believed to be the main apoptosis events. To test whether these significant processes take place in plants, flow cytometry was used to detect annexin V binding and changes in DeltaPsi(m). Results showed that the PS turned out from inner membrane and DeltaPsi(m) gradually decreased during the apoptosis. All these apoptotic characteristics proved that hydroxyl radicals can cause typical programmed cell death (PCD) in tobacco protoplasts and this design can be served as an effective experiment system to explore the mechanism of plant apoptosis.
文摘A 3-year-old boy developed transient protein-losing gastroenteropathy associated with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Both IgG and IgM antibodies to CMV were positive in a serologic blood test. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed multiple erosions throughout the body of the stomach, without enlarged gastric folds. Histological examination of the biopsy specimens indicated eosinophilic gastroenteritis and CMV infection. The patient had complete resolution without specific therapy for CMV in four weeks. An allergic reaction as well as CMV infection played important roles in the pathogenesis of this case.
文摘During the last decades the concept of bile secretion as merely a way to add detergent components to the intestinal mixture to facilitate fat digestion/absorption and to eliminate side products of heine metabolism has evolved considerably. In the series of mini-reviews that the World Journal of Gastroenterology is to publish in its section of ＂Highlight Topics＇; we will intend to give a brief but updated overview of our knowledge in this field. This introductory letter is intended to thank all scientists who have contributed to the development of this area of knowledge in gastroenterology.
文摘Eosinophilic esophagitis (EE) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) have overlapping clinical, manometric, endoscopic and histopathologic features. The diagnosis of EE is nowadays based upon the presence of 15 or more eosinophils per high power field (eo/HPF) in esophageal biopsies. We report the cases of two young males suffering from dysphagia and recurrent food impaction with reflux esophagitis and more than 20 eo/HPF in upper-mid esophagus biopsies, both of which became asymptomatic on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. The first patient also achieved a histologic response, while EE remained in the other patient after effective PPI treatment, as shown by 24-h esophageal pH monitoring. Topical steroid therapy combined with PPI led to complete remission in this latter patient. GERD and EE may be undistinguishable, even by histology, so diagnosis of EE should only be established after a careful correlation of clinical, endoscopic and pathologic data obtained under vigorous acid suppression. These diagnostic difficulties are maximal when both diseases overlap. Limited data are available about this topic, and the interaction between EE and GERD is a matter of debate. In this setting, upper-mid esophagus step biopsies and esophageal pH monitoring of patients on PPI therapy are pivotal to evaluate the role of each disease. A PPI trial is mandatory in patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of EE; in those unresponsive to PPI treatment, EE should be suggested. However, a clinical response to PPI may not rule out quiescent EE, as shown in this report.
基金done during the first author's Fulbright fellowship at the Center for Advanced Separation (CAST)/Virginia Technical Institute and State University-USA. Salah would like to thank all the people who work at CAST for their friendship and support during his stay in Blacksburg, VA.
文摘Flotation performance of a de-slimed（-150＋53μm）Jordanian siliceous phosphate was evaluated in a batch laboratory flotation column 100 cm high and 5 cm inside diameter.The collector used during anionic flotation was sodium oleate while an amine acetate（AEROMINE 3100C）was used for cationic flotation.Flotation comparison at different collector dosage,superficial gas velocity,and frother concentration showed that the maximum difference in performance between cationic and anionic flotation was obtained with these flotation parameters：30×10^（-6）（mg/L）frother concentration,250 g/t collector concentration,and 3.4 cm/s superficial gas velocity.At these operating conditions amine （cationic）flotation gave 7%higher flotation recovery,a 6%cleaner concentrate grade,and was 6%more efficient at removing silica.
基金supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health (Grant No. NIH/NGRR 1R21RR025371–01 to IS)
文摘Cancer cells differ from normal cells in various parameters, and these differences are caused by genomic mutations and consequential altered gene expression. The genetic and functional heterogeneity of tumor cells is a major challenge in cancer research, detection, and effective treatment. As such, the use of diagnostic methods is important to reveal this heterogeneity at the single-cell level. Droplet microfluidic devices are effective tools that provide exceptional sensitivity for analyzing single cells and molecules. In this review, we highlight two novel methods that employ droplet microfluidics for ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids and protein markers in cancer cells. We also discuss the future practical applications of these methods.
文摘Objective： To observe the expression of CD13/APN in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions of patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris, and discuss its effect on the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Methods： CD 13 expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions was detected by flow cytometry and imrnunohistochemical technique, respectively. Results were compared with those of healthy controls. Results： CD 13 expression was significantly higher in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris than in that of healthy controls, and in skin lesions than in healthy skin tissues. The expression was mainly in the suprabasal layers of skin lesions, and positively correlated to PASI （R 0.78029）. Conclusion： The significantly higher expression of CD13 in peripheral blood lymphocytes and skin lesions of the patients with advanced psoriasis vulgaris probably is related to immunological abnormality, blood vessel abnormality and proliferation of keratinocyte in the pathogenic course of psoriasis. It may be a novel and effective way to treat psoriasis with specific CD13 inhibitors.
基金Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Scholarship
文摘In this study, Computational Fluid Dynamics(CFD) is used to investigate and compare the impact of bioreactor parameters(such as its geometry, medium flow-rate, scaffold configuration) on the local transport phenomena and, hence, their impact on human mesenchymal stem cell(hM SC) expansion. The geometric characteristics of the TissueFlex174;(Zyoxel Limited, Oxford, UK) microbioreactor were considered to set up a virtual bioreactor containing alginate(in both slab and bead configuration) scaffolds. The bioreactor and scaffolds were seeded with cells that were modelled as glucose consuming entities. The widely used glucose medium, Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium(DMEM), supplied at two inlet flow rates of 25 and 100 μl·h^(-1), was modelled as the fluid phase inside the bioreactors. The investigation, based on applying dimensional analysis to this problem, as well as on detailed three-dimensional transient CFD results, revealed that the default bioreactor design and boundary conditions led to internal and external glucose transport, as well as shear stresses, that are conducive to h MSC growth and expansion. Furthermore, results indicated that the ‘top-inout' design(as opposed to its symmetric counterpart) led to higher shear stress for the same media inlet rate(25 μl·h^(-1)), a feature that can be easily exploited to induce shear-dependent differentiation. These findings further confirm the suitability of CFD as a robust design tool.
文摘AIM:To examine the relative prevalence and temporal variation of dysphagia etiologies in patients undergoing upper endoscopy(EGD) over the past decade.METHODS:EGDs with the indication of dysphagia at an urban,university medical center in 1999,2004 and 2009 were retrospectively identified from the electronic medical record.The entire patient chart,including EGD,pathology,manometry,radiographic and clinician reports,was reviewed for demographic and clinical data and to determine the etiology of dysphagia.The number of EGDs in which an esophageal biopsy was performed was also noted.Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD) as a cause of dysphagia independent of peptic stricture was defined by symptoms with erosive esophagitis or symptom response to proton pump inhibition(PPI).Cases of eosinophilic esophagitis(EoE) were defined by an appropriate clinical history and histological criteria of ≥ 15 eosinophils per high powered field.PPI-responsive esophageal eosinophilia was not routinely reported prior to 2008.Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance to analyze for trends between 1999,2004 and 2009 and a post-hoc Tukey analysis was performed following a significant main effect.RESULTS:A total of 1371 cases(mean age 54 years,43% male) met pre-specified inclusion criteria with 191,504 and 675 cases in 1999,2004 and 2009,respectively.Patients were older in 2004 compared to 2009(mean ± SD,54.0 ± 15.7 years vs 52.3 ± 16.8 years,P = 0.02) and there were more males in 1999 compared to 2004(57.5% vs 40.8%,P = 0.005).Overall,GERD(27.6%) and EoE(7.7%) were the most common identifiable causes of dysphagia.An unspecified diagnosis accounted for 21% of overall cases.There were no significant differences in the relative prevalence of achalasia or other motility disorders,peptic stricture,Schatzki's ring,esophageal cancer or unspecified diagnoses over the 10-year time period.There was,however,a decrease in the relative prevalence of GERD(39.3% vs 24.1%,P < 0.001) and increases in the relative prevalence of EoE(1.6% vs 11.2%,P < 0.001) and oropharyngeal disorders(1.6% vs 4.2%,P = 0.02) from 1999 to 2009.Post-hoc analyses determined that the increase in relative prevalence of EoE was significant between 1999 and 2009 as well as 2004 and 2009(5.4% vs 11.6%,P < 0.001),but not between 1999 and 2004(1.6% P 5.4%,P = 0.21).On the other hand,the decrease in relative prevalence of GERD was significant between 1999 and 2009 and 1999 and 2004(39.3% vs 27.7%,P = 0.006),but not between 2004 and 2009(27.7% vs 24.1%,P = 0.36).There were also significantly more EGDs in which a biopsy was obtained in 1999 compared to 2009(36.7% vs 68.7%,P < 0.001) as well as between 2004 and 2009(37.5% vs 68.7%,P < 0.001).While total EGD volume did increase over the 10-year time period,the percentage of EGDs for the indication of dysphagia remained stable making increasing upper endoscopy an unlikely reason for the observed increased prevalence of EoE.CONCLUSION:EoE has emerged as a dominant cause of dysphagia in adults.Whether this was due to a rise in disease incidence or increased recognition is unclear.
基金Constructive comments by three reviewers are gratefully acknowledged. Special gratitude goes to our colleagues Drs. Rui Shi, Jian Li, and Ke Huang for their help in data collection. This work was supported by the National Basic Research Program of China （2011CB403501）, the Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences （XDAll010403 and XDA11010 302）, Sanya and Chinese Academy of Sciences Cooperation Project （2013YD77）, the National Natural Science Foundation of China （41276024, 41206011, 41106028, 41406038, 41306012, 41306014, 41476014, 41476012 and 41406131）, the Infrastructure Facilities Project of Xisha station and Nansha station （KZCX2-EW-Y040）, and the Major National Scientific Instrument and Equipment Develop- ment Project （2012YQ12003910）.
文摘In the past 10 years （2004-2013）, annual open cruise during late summer provided new opportunities for comprehensive studies in the Northern South China Sea （NSCS）. The 10-year field investigation program was carried out by the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences （SCSIO, CAS）. Measurements inclu- ded water mass property, ocean circulation, atmospheric structure, and chemical and biological elements. The observation data collected during these open cruises have been intensively used in the studies of marine oceanographic, meteorological, chemical, and biological processes in the NSCS. In this study, comprehensive assessment of data application in oceanographic and meteorological studies is provided： （1） the property and variability of water masses in different layers; （2） the distribution of main currents and three-dimensional structure of mesoscale eddies; and （3） atmospheric structure and its feedback to the ocean. With the continuance of open cruises, it is feasible to construct high- quality, gridded climatological marine meteorological datasets in the NSCS in the near future.
