Bronchial asthma is a common chronic airway inflammatory disease. Asthma is associated with high mortality, especially in the elderly patients. Repeated exacerbations cause disease progression. Therefore, identifying ...Bronchial asthma is a common chronic airway inflammatory disease. Asthma is associated with high mortality, especially in the elderly patients. Repeated exacerbations cause disease progression. Therefore, identifying the onset of acute elderly asthma as soon as possible and giving the effective treatment is crucial to improve the prognosis. This study was to investigate the significance of fractional exhaled nitric oxide （FeNO） combined with serum procalcitonin （PCT） and C-reactive protein （CRP） in the evaluation of elderly asthma. A total of 120 elderly patients with an acute attack of asthma from July, 2010 to May, 2012 were studied. On presentation, FeNO, serum PCT and CRP concentrations were measured and sputum culture was also performed. The elderly patients were re-evaluated when they had returned to their stable clinical state. The elderly patients were classified into two groups： positive bac- terial culture group （A） and negative bacterial culture group （B）. The results showed that： （1） In patients with an acute exacerbation of asthma, 48 （40%） patients had positive sputum bacterial culture and 72 （60%） had negative sputum bacterial culture. （2） The levels of FeNO in patients with acute exacerbation of asthma were significantly higher than in those with no acute exacerbation state （63.8±24.6 vs. 19±6.5 ppb, P〈0.05）. There was no significant difference in FeNO between group A and group B （P〉0.05）. （3） The levels of PCT and CRP in group A patients with an acute exacerbation of asthma were significantly higher （P〈0.05） than in group B （for PCT： 27.46±9.32 vs. 7.85±3.52 ng/mL; for CRP： 51.25±11.46 vs. 17.11±5.87 mg/L, respectively）. When they had returned to stable clinical state, the levels of PCT and CRP in group A were decreased significantly （P〈0.05）, and those in group B had no significant change （P〉0.05） when compared with the exacerbation group. There were no significant differences in the levels of PCT and CRP between the two groups in non-acute exacerbation state （/9〉0.05）. These results suggest that the increase in FeNO indicates the acute exacerbation of asthma, and the elevation of serum PCT and CRP levels may be associated with bacterial infection.展开更多
Objective:To exploit- the effects of gentiana scabra bage on the expression of hepatic collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis.Methods:Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the ...Objective:To exploit- the effects of gentiana scabra bage on the expression of hepatic collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis.Methods:Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the changes of content of hepatic type Ⅰ,Ⅲ collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with Liver fibrosis before and after the gentiana scabra bage treatmeat.Results:Comparing with the model group,changes of hepatic tvpe Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen proteins in gentiana scabra bage treated group were significantly weakened.Conclusions:Gentiana scabra bage treatment can reduce the content of hepatic type Ⅲ and type Ⅰ collagen protein significantly in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis,thereby,playing the role against hepatic fibrosis.展开更多
To optimize both grain yield and quality of low-glutelin rice cultivars under N-fertilizer strategies, two-year field experiments involving three low-glutelin rice cultivars（W1240, W1721, W025） and an ordinary rice ...To optimize both grain yield and quality of low-glutelin rice cultivars under N-fertilizer strategies, two-year field experiments involving three low-glutelin rice cultivars（W1240, W1721, W025） and an ordinary rice cultivar（H9405） with five N treatments were carried out to determine the effects of N application rate and genotype on protein fractions contents and Glutelin/Prolamin ratio（Glu/Pro）. The difference of protein fraction concentrations affected by N application rate existed in genotypes. Ordinary rice cultivar had a larger increase in glutlein concentration affected by N application rate than low-glutelin rice cultivars did. Glutelin in H9405 had a increase of 30.6 and 41.0% under the N4 treatment（360 kg N ha^（–1）） when compared with N0 treatment（no fertilizer N） in 2010 and 2011 respectively, while all the low-glutelin rice cultivars showed relatively smaller increases for two years. Variance analysis showed no significant effect of N application rate on glutelin in W1240 and W025 while the effects on albumin, globulin and prolamin were significant in low-glutelin rice. What＇s more, N treatment had no significant i nfluence on Glu/Pro ratios in low-glutelin rice cultivars while a significant increase in Glu/Pro ratio was observed in ordinary rice cultivar. So low-gultelin rice cultivars showed a different pattern from ordinary rice cultivars when influenced by N application rate.展开更多
BACKGROUND Diagnostic accuracy of various tumor markers and their combinations for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)was not fully investigated.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),the Lens cul...BACKGROUND Diagnostic accuracy of various tumor markers and their combinations for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)was not fully investigated.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),the Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP(AFP-L3),and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II(PIVKA-II)and their combination for HCC diagnosis.METHODS Patients with newly detected liver mass or elevated serum AFP levels were considered eligible.Serum AFP level,AFP-L3 fraction,and PIVKA-II level were measured at the first visit.RESULTS In total,622 patients were included;355 patients(57.1%)had chronic liver disease,and 208(33.4%)had liver cirrhosis.HCC was diagnosed in 160 patients(25.7%).The area under the receiver operating characteristics curves(AUROCs)of the serum AFP,AFP-L3 fraction,AFP-L3,and PIVKA-II levels for the diagnosis of HCC were 0.775,0.792,0.814,and 0.834,respectively.A novel diagnostic model was developed by classifying patients in a 1:1 ratio into training and validation sets.Using the binary regression analysis of the training cohort,the AFP,AFP-L3 fraction,and PIVKA-II(ALPs)score was calculated as follows:ALPs score=3.8×[serum AFP level(ng/mL)×AFP-L3 fraction(%)×0.01]+0.2×PIVKA-II level(mAU/mL).The AUROC of the ALPs score for diagnosis of HCC was 0.878,significantly higher than that of serum AFP level(P<0.001),AFP-L3 fraction(P<0.001),PIVKA-II level(P=0.036),and AFP-L3 level(P=0.006).The optimal ALPs score cut-off was 5.3(sensitivity,85.0%,specificity 80.1%).The validation cohort showed similar results.CONCLUSION The ALPs score calculated using serum AFP level,AFP-L3 fraction,and PIVKA-II level showed improved accuracy in HCC diagnosis.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the expression profiles of the transcription factor specificity protein 1(Sp1)and collagenⅠin recurrent pterygial tissues.What is more,to compare the changes of Sp1 and collagen I among primary pte...AIM:To investigate the expression profiles of the transcription factor specificity protein 1(Sp1)and collagenⅠin recurrent pterygial tissues.What is more,to compare the changes of Sp1 and collagen I among primary pterygial tissue,recurrent pterygial tissue and conjunctival tissue.METHODS:In the prospective study,we collected the pterygial tissues of 40 patients who underwent resection of primary pterygial tissue and recurrent pterygial tissue,and the conjunctival tissues of 10 patients with enucleation due to trauma.The relative expression levels of Sp1 and collagen I were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Paired t-test was performed to compare the Sp1 and collagen I of recurrent pterygial tissues,as well as the primary pterygial tissues and conjunctival tissues.In further,Pearson’s hypothesis testing of correlation coefficients was used to compare the correlations of Sp1 and Collagen I.RESULTS:The content of Sp1 and collagen I m RNA and protein was significantly greater in recurrent pterygial tissue than that was in primary and conjunctival tissue(P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between the m RNA and protein levels of Sp1 and collagen I in recurrent pterygial tissues(protein:r=0.913,P<0.05;m RNA:r=0.945,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Sp1 and collagen I are expressed in normal conjunctival,primary,and recurrent pterygial tissues,but expression is significantly greater in the latter.Sp1 and collagen I may be involved in the regulation of the development of recurrent pterygium.展开更多
A strong gluten wheat cultivar Shannong 12 and a medium-strength wheat cultivar Shannong 11 were used to investigate the effects of wheat protein contents and protein fractions on dough rheological properties using a ...A strong gluten wheat cultivar Shannong 12 and a medium-strength wheat cultivar Shannong 11 were used to investigate the effects of wheat protein contents and protein fractions on dough rheological properties using a reconstitution method. The results indicated that the peak height, peak width, peak integral, resistance to extension and area under the curve were increased when protein content increased to 120, 140, and 160% （w/w） of the protein content in the base flours for doughs made from each wheat cultivar. All protein fractions were added to each of the base flours at three levels （0.25, 0.50 and 1.00%, w/w） based upon the protein content. The mixograph dough development time, peak width, and resistance to extension increased when the glutenin, insoluble glutenin, soluble glutenin, and glutenin macropolymer were added and increased systematically with increasing levels of these fractions. Peak integral increased by adding and increasing protein content, however, albumin-globulin had no obvious effects. Extensibility at rupture decreased when the glutenin, insoluble glutenin, soluble glutenin, and glutenin macropolymer were added, and decreased systematically with increasing levels of these fractions. However, extensibility at rupture increased when the monomeric protein, albumin-globulin, and gliadin were added, and increased systematically with increasing levels of these fractions.展开更多
The accumulation of protein fractions was analyzed on developing and mature wheat grains of three cultivars differing in protein content and baking quality. There was a slight difference in the accumulation of cytopla...The accumulation of protein fractions was analyzed on developing and mature wheat grains of three cultivars differing in protein content and baking quality. There was a slight difference in the accumulation of cytoplasmic proteins in the cultivars used. The high yield but low protein cultivar showed a consistent decline of protein content during grain filling but the high - protein cultivars increased their psotein contant after 25 days post-anthcsis. The accumulation of storage proteins was different from that of cytoplasmic protein, and there were also cultivar variations. However, all cultivars reached their, maximum-synthesizing capacity for storage proteins at maturity. The relationship between the protein fractions or their ratio and baking quality was also discussed.展开更多
Accurate assessment of feed's Carbohydrate( CHO) and protein nutritional values and rumen metabolism are significant for dairy production. Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System( CNCPS) as an important method...Accurate assessment of feed's Carbohydrate( CHO) and protein nutritional values and rumen metabolism are significant for dairy production. Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System( CNCPS) as an important method to evaluate feedstuff nutritional values,hasn't been widely used in China. In order to illustrate updates of CNCPS systems deeply,the following sections were reviewed:( i) CHO and protein fractions were updated,CA was subdivided into CA1,CA2,CA3 and CA4 in CNCPS v6. 1,protein was reclassified into PA1,PA2,PB1,PB2 and PC after CNCPS v6. 1. Content of CHO and protein fractions vary in different feedstuff and affected by feed processing;( ii) Degradation rates( Kd) values for the new CA expanded scheme were updated to 0,7,5,40- 60 % h^(-1)respectively,Kd for PA and PB1 decreased to 200 % h^(-1)and 10- 40 % h^(-1);( iii) Equations for passage rate( Kp) initially includes Kpf( Kp of forages) and Kpc( Kp of concentrates),and adjusted by effective NDF( e NDF),while in CNCPS v5. 0,Kpl( Kp of liquids) equation was added and e NDF was replaced by physically effective NDF( pe NDF). In CNCPS v6. 1,Fp BW and Cp BW were integrated into Kp equations and pe NDF was abandoned.( iv)The relationship and difference among Weende system of proximate analysis,Van Soest fiber analysis~[35],NRC( 2001)~[28]and CNCPS were analyzed. The first two systems laid the foundation for NRC( 2001) and CNCPS system. The latter two systems are different in CHO and protein division,also NRC( 2001) developed separate Kp equations for wet and dry forages but no equation for Kpl. CNCPS developed a Kp equation that work for wet and dry forages,and Kpl equation was established. In conclusion,the division and development of CHO and protein fractions,the update of Kd and Kp equation were reviewed systematically.展开更多
BRAF has been recognized as a promising target for cancer therapy. A number of crystal structures have been published. Molecular docking is one of the most effective techniques in the field of computer-aided drug des...BRAF has been recognized as a promising target for cancer therapy. A number of crystal structures have been published. Molecular docking is one of the most effective techniques in the field of computer-aided drug design（CADD）. Appropriate protein conformation and docking method are essential for the successful virtual screening experiments. One approach considering protein flexibility and multiple docking methods was proposed in this study. Six DFG-in/αC-helix-out crystal structures of BRAF, three docking programs（Glide, GOLD and Ligand Fit） and 12 scoring functions were applied for the best combination by judging from the results of pose prediction and retrospective virtual screening（VS）. The most accurate results（mean RMSD of about 0.6 A） of pose prediction were obtained with two complex structures（PDB： 3 C4 C and 3 SKC） using Glide SP. From the retrospective VS, the most active compounds were identified by using the complex structure of 3 SKC, indicated by a ROC/AUC score of 0.998 and an EF of 20.6 at 5% of the database screen with Glide-SP. On the whole, PDB 3 SKC could achieve a higher rate of correct reproduction, a better enrichment and more diverse compounds. A comparison of 3 SKC and the other X-ray crystal structures led to a rationale for the docking results. PDB 3 SKC could achieve a broad range of sulfonamide substitutions through an expanded hydrophobic pocket formed by a further shift of the αC-helix. Our study emphasized the necessity and significance of protein flexibility and scoring functions in both ligand docking and virtual screening.展开更多
Introduction: The main objective of this study was to investigate abnormalities of serum protein fractions in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a de...Introduction: The main objective of this study was to investigate abnormalities of serum protein fractions in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 48 hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) recruited at the Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital (YO-TH), and 48 controls declared fit to donate blood by the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (RBTC) of Ouagadougou. Urea, creatinine, uric acid, and serum proteins were measured on the ARCHITECT C4000 equipment (ABOTT<sup>®</sup>), while the separating of the different protein fractions was performed on the Helena SAS 3 & 4 automated system. Results: A total of 96 individuals were included in the study. Protein levels were on average higher in controls (75.19 ± 6.56 g/L) than in hemodialysis patients (71.44 ± 12.33 g/L). Low blood albumin was significantly associated with the CRF hemodialysis groups compared to controls (p Conclusion: Serum protein electrophoresis is rapidly feasible and low cost. In hemodialysis CKD patients, it can be used to guide therapeutic management and predict morbidity and mortality related to variations in the various protein fractions.展开更多
Objective Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. The aim of this study was to examine a possible relationship between DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ activity and E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 in the sera...Objective Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. The aim of this study was to examine a possible relationship between DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ activity and E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 in the sera of nephrolithiasis patients to evaluate the possibility of a new biomarker for evaluating kidney damage. Methods Sixty nephrolithiasis patients and 50 control patients were enrolled in a case-control study. Their blood urea, creatinine, protein levels and DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ activity levels were measured by spectrometry. Serum NSMCE2 levels were measured by ELISA. Blood was collected from patients of the government health clinics in Kuantan-Pahang and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results The result indicated that mean levels of sera NSMCE2 have a significantly increase（P〈0.01） in patients compared to control group. Compared with control subjects, activities and specific activities of serum DNase Ⅰ and Ⅱ were significantly elevated in nephrolithiasis patients（P〈0.01）. Conclusion This study suggests that an increase in serum concentrations of DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ and E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 level can be used as indicators for the diagnosis of kidney injury in patients with nephrolithiasis.展开更多
The grain legume cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is a major protein source used for food and feed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The crop is affected by the pod borer Maruca vitrata against which transgenic lines were dev...The grain legume cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is a major protein source used for food and feed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The crop is affected by the pod borer Maruca vitrata against which transgenic lines were developed as part of the genetic control approach. This study aimed to assess the protein profiles in seeds and leaves of transgenic cowpea lines and their non-transgenic near-isogenic counterparts. Crude protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method, and soluble proteins were quantified using Bradford dye binding assay. The average crude protein content ranged between 21.61% and 26.58% in the seeds and between 10.86% and 17.90% in the leaves. Total solubility varied between 13.03% and 20.64%. Osborne’s protein fractions contents in the seeds were 52.41% - 69.52% (albumin), 4.62% - 7.19% (globulin), 7.95% - 11.40% (glutelin) and 3% - 4% (prolamin). In any case, protein content differed significantly between cowpea genotypes but not between pairs of transgenic/non-transgenic lines. Insecticidal Cry1Ab protein expressed by transgenic lines was only detected in the albumin and globulin fractions. Altogether, these findings enhance our understanding of the effects of genetic modification on cowpea protein content and composition, with potential implications for nutritional and safety assessments.展开更多
The Bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. is a drought-resistant indigenous African grain legume with significant nutritional and agronomic potential. This study aimed to characterize the seed storage protei...The Bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. is a drought-resistant indigenous African grain legume with significant nutritional and agronomic potential. This study aimed to characterize the seed storage proteins of eight Bambara groundnut landraces. Seeds of Bambara groundnut landraces were collected from local markets in Burkina Faso, and total soluble protein as well as protein fractions were extracted. Crude protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method, and soluble proteins were quantified using Bradford dye binding assay. The average crude protein content of the seeds was found to be 18.46%, with variations ranging from 17.69% to 19.17% among the different landraces. Most of the protein content was soluble, constituting approximately 87.04% of the total crude protein. Albumin fraction was the most dominant, representing about 95.42% of the total soluble proteins. The globulin, prolamin and glutelin fractions accounted for 1.82%, 0.13% and 1.17% of the soluble proteins, respectively. The findings provide valuable insights into the protein composition of Bambara groundnut landraces and contribute to our understanding of its nutritional potential, laying the groundwork for further research on crop improvement and sustainable agriculture practices.展开更多
In order to investigate the effeits of late nitrogen application on nitrogen translocation and protein fractions, three genotypes differing in protein content were studied in pot experiments at low and high fertility ...In order to investigate the effeits of late nitrogen application on nitrogen translocation and protein fractions, three genotypes differing in protein content were studied in pot experiments at low and high fertility regimes with late foliar nitrogen application. At high fertility, late nitrogen application increased N translocation and improved N translocation efficiency greatly, however, cultivar differences were found at low fertility and late nitrogen application increased both leaf and chaff N translocation, and increased culm N translocation only at high fertility. Relative contributions of vegetative components to N translocation efficiency were altered by late nitrogen application. Albumin and gliadin contents at maturity were decreased by late nitrogen application for all cultivars used, and cultivar variations for globulins were also observed. Xin Kehan No. 9, the high yielding, low grain protein content cultivar remained no change for glutenin content to late nitrogen application, Dongnong 7742, the high yielding, high grain protein content, decreased slightly, and Roblin, high grain protein but low yielding cultivar decreased only at hihg fertility. Residual protein contents were significantly increased by late nitrogen application for all cultivars. It was concluded that nitrogen applied at later stage could be used efficiently noly at high fertility, and most of the N translocated were used for the synthesis of residual proteins.展开更多
基金supported by Fundation of Henan Provincial Medical Science and Technology Research(No.201003098)
文摘Bronchial asthma is a common chronic airway inflammatory disease. Asthma is associated with high mortality, especially in the elderly patients. Repeated exacerbations cause disease progression. Therefore, identifying the onset of acute elderly asthma as soon as possible and giving the effective treatment is crucial to improve the prognosis. This study was to investigate the significance of fractional exhaled nitric oxide （FeNO） combined with serum procalcitonin （PCT） and C-reactive protein （CRP） in the evaluation of elderly asthma. A total of 120 elderly patients with an acute attack of asthma from July, 2010 to May, 2012 were studied. On presentation, FeNO, serum PCT and CRP concentrations were measured and sputum culture was also performed. The elderly patients were re-evaluated when they had returned to their stable clinical state. The elderly patients were classified into two groups： positive bac- terial culture group （A） and negative bacterial culture group （B）. The results showed that： （1） In patients with an acute exacerbation of asthma, 48 （40%） patients had positive sputum bacterial culture and 72 （60%） had negative sputum bacterial culture. （2） The levels of FeNO in patients with acute exacerbation of asthma were significantly higher than in those with no acute exacerbation state （63.8±24.6 vs. 19±6.5 ppb, P〈0.05）. There was no significant difference in FeNO between group A and group B （P〉0.05）. （3） The levels of PCT and CRP in group A patients with an acute exacerbation of asthma were significantly higher （P〈0.05） than in group B （for PCT： 27.46±9.32 vs. 7.85±3.52 ng/mL; for CRP： 51.25±11.46 vs. 17.11±5.87 mg/L, respectively）. When they had returned to stable clinical state, the levels of PCT and CRP in group A were decreased significantly （P〈0.05）, and those in group B had no significant change （P〉0.05） when compared with the exacerbation group. There were no significant differences in the levels of PCT and CRP between the two groups in non-acute exacerbation state （/9〉0.05）. These results suggest that the increase in FeNO indicates the acute exacerbation of asthma, and the elevation of serum PCT and CRP levels may be associated with bacterial infection.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81360252:81360128)Natural Science Foundation of Yunnan Province(No.2012FB025)
文摘Objective:To exploit- the effects of gentiana scabra bage on the expression of hepatic collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis.Methods:Immunohistochemical technique was used to observe the changes of content of hepatic type Ⅰ,Ⅲ collagen proteins in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with Liver fibrosis before and after the gentiana scabra bage treatmeat.Results:Comparing with the model group,changes of hepatic tvpe Ⅰ and type Ⅲ collagen proteins in gentiana scabra bage treated group were significantly weakened.Conclusions:Gentiana scabra bage treatment can reduce the content of hepatic type Ⅲ and type Ⅰ collagen protein significantly in Paragonimus skrjabini rats with liver fibrosis,thereby,playing the role against hepatic fibrosis.
基金provided by the Key Technologies R&D Program of China during the 12th Five-Year Plan period (2011BAD16B14, 2012BAD20B05, 2012BAD04B08)
文摘To optimize both grain yield and quality of low-glutelin rice cultivars under N-fertilizer strategies, two-year field experiments involving three low-glutelin rice cultivars（W1240, W1721, W025） and an ordinary rice cultivar（H9405） with five N treatments were carried out to determine the effects of N application rate and genotype on protein fractions contents and Glutelin/Prolamin ratio（Glu/Pro）. The difference of protein fraction concentrations affected by N application rate existed in genotypes. Ordinary rice cultivar had a larger increase in glutlein concentration affected by N application rate than low-glutelin rice cultivars did. Glutelin in H9405 had a increase of 30.6 and 41.0% under the N4 treatment（360 kg N ha^（–1）） when compared with N0 treatment（no fertilizer N） in 2010 and 2011 respectively, while all the low-glutelin rice cultivars showed relatively smaller increases for two years. Variance analysis showed no significant effect of N application rate on glutelin in W1240 and W025 while the effects on albumin, globulin and prolamin were significant in low-glutelin rice. What＇s more, N treatment had no significant i nfluence on Glu/Pro ratios in low-glutelin rice cultivars while a significant increase in Glu/Pro ratio was observed in ordinary rice cultivar. So low-gultelin rice cultivars showed a different pattern from ordinary rice cultivars when influenced by N application rate.
文摘BACKGROUND Diagnostic accuracy of various tumor markers and their combinations for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)was not fully investigated.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),the Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of AFP(AFP-L3),and protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist-II(PIVKA-II)and their combination for HCC diagnosis.METHODS Patients with newly detected liver mass or elevated serum AFP levels were considered eligible.Serum AFP level,AFP-L3 fraction,and PIVKA-II level were measured at the first visit.RESULTS In total,622 patients were included;355 patients(57.1%)had chronic liver disease,and 208(33.4%)had liver cirrhosis.HCC was diagnosed in 160 patients(25.7%).The area under the receiver operating characteristics curves(AUROCs)of the serum AFP,AFP-L3 fraction,AFP-L3,and PIVKA-II levels for the diagnosis of HCC were 0.775,0.792,0.814,and 0.834,respectively.A novel diagnostic model was developed by classifying patients in a 1:1 ratio into training and validation sets.Using the binary regression analysis of the training cohort,the AFP,AFP-L3 fraction,and PIVKA-II(ALPs)score was calculated as follows:ALPs score=3.8×[serum AFP level(ng/mL)×AFP-L3 fraction(%)×0.01]+0.2×PIVKA-II level(mAU/mL).The AUROC of the ALPs score for diagnosis of HCC was 0.878,significantly higher than that of serum AFP level(P<0.001),AFP-L3 fraction(P<0.001),PIVKA-II level(P=0.036),and AFP-L3 level(P=0.006).The optimal ALPs score cut-off was 5.3(sensitivity,85.0%,specificity 80.1%).The validation cohort showed similar results.CONCLUSION The ALPs score calculated using serum AFP level,AFP-L3 fraction,and PIVKA-II level showed improved accuracy in HCC diagnosis.
基金Supported by the Key Program of Natural Science Research of Anhui Provincial Education Department(No.KJ2019A1097)Science Foundation of Anhui Provincial Health Bureau(No.2018SEYL025)Natural Science Research of Anhui Provincial Education Department(No.12925KJ2018B11)。
文摘AIM:To investigate the expression profiles of the transcription factor specificity protein 1(Sp1)and collagenⅠin recurrent pterygial tissues.What is more,to compare the changes of Sp1 and collagen I among primary pterygial tissue,recurrent pterygial tissue and conjunctival tissue.METHODS:In the prospective study,we collected the pterygial tissues of 40 patients who underwent resection of primary pterygial tissue and recurrent pterygial tissue,and the conjunctival tissues of 10 patients with enucleation due to trauma.The relative expression levels of Sp1 and collagen I were analyzed by reverse transcription quantitative-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot.Paired t-test was performed to compare the Sp1 and collagen I of recurrent pterygial tissues,as well as the primary pterygial tissues and conjunctival tissues.In further,Pearson’s hypothesis testing of correlation coefficients was used to compare the correlations of Sp1 and Collagen I.RESULTS:The content of Sp1 and collagen I m RNA and protein was significantly greater in recurrent pterygial tissue than that was in primary and conjunctival tissue(P<0.05).There was a positive correlation between the m RNA and protein levels of Sp1 and collagen I in recurrent pterygial tissues(protein:r=0.913,P<0.05;m RNA:r=0.945,P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Sp1 and collagen I are expressed in normal conjunctival,primary,and recurrent pterygial tissues,but expression is significantly greater in the latter.Sp1 and collagen I may be involved in the regulation of the development of recurrent pterygium.
基金supported financially by the 863 Program of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(2006AA10Z1E9)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30671270)the 863 Key Important Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology,China(2006AA100101).
文摘A strong gluten wheat cultivar Shannong 12 and a medium-strength wheat cultivar Shannong 11 were used to investigate the effects of wheat protein contents and protein fractions on dough rheological properties using a reconstitution method. The results indicated that the peak height, peak width, peak integral, resistance to extension and area under the curve were increased when protein content increased to 120, 140, and 160% （w/w） of the protein content in the base flours for doughs made from each wheat cultivar. All protein fractions were added to each of the base flours at three levels （0.25, 0.50 and 1.00%, w/w） based upon the protein content. The mixograph dough development time, peak width, and resistance to extension increased when the glutenin, insoluble glutenin, soluble glutenin, and glutenin macropolymer were added and increased systematically with increasing levels of these fractions. Peak integral increased by adding and increasing protein content, however, albumin-globulin had no obvious effects. Extensibility at rupture decreased when the glutenin, insoluble glutenin, soluble glutenin, and glutenin macropolymer were added, and decreased systematically with increasing levels of these fractions. However, extensibility at rupture increased when the monomeric protein, albumin-globulin, and gliadin were added, and increased systematically with increasing levels of these fractions.
文摘The accumulation of protein fractions was analyzed on developing and mature wheat grains of three cultivars differing in protein content and baking quality. There was a slight difference in the accumulation of cytoplasmic proteins in the cultivars used. The high yield but low protein cultivar showed a consistent decline of protein content during grain filling but the high - protein cultivars increased their psotein contant after 25 days post-anthcsis. The accumulation of storage proteins was different from that of cytoplasmic protein, and there were also cultivar variations. However, all cultivars reached their, maximum-synthesizing capacity for storage proteins at maturity. The relationship between the protein fractions or their ratio and baking quality was also discussed.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(31572435)Creative Workgroup on Dairy Industry of Beijing City 2012
文摘Accurate assessment of feed's Carbohydrate( CHO) and protein nutritional values and rumen metabolism are significant for dairy production. Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System( CNCPS) as an important method to evaluate feedstuff nutritional values,hasn't been widely used in China. In order to illustrate updates of CNCPS systems deeply,the following sections were reviewed:( i) CHO and protein fractions were updated,CA was subdivided into CA1,CA2,CA3 and CA4 in CNCPS v6. 1,protein was reclassified into PA1,PA2,PB1,PB2 and PC after CNCPS v6. 1. Content of CHO and protein fractions vary in different feedstuff and affected by feed processing;( ii) Degradation rates( Kd) values for the new CA expanded scheme were updated to 0,7,5,40- 60 % h^(-1)respectively,Kd for PA and PB1 decreased to 200 % h^(-1)and 10- 40 % h^(-1);( iii) Equations for passage rate( Kp) initially includes Kpf( Kp of forages) and Kpc( Kp of concentrates),and adjusted by effective NDF( e NDF),while in CNCPS v5. 0,Kpl( Kp of liquids) equation was added and e NDF was replaced by physically effective NDF( pe NDF). In CNCPS v6. 1,Fp BW and Cp BW were integrated into Kp equations and pe NDF was abandoned.( iv)The relationship and difference among Weende system of proximate analysis,Van Soest fiber analysis~[35],NRC( 2001)~[28]and CNCPS were analyzed. The first two systems laid the foundation for NRC( 2001) and CNCPS system. The latter two systems are different in CHO and protein division,also NRC( 2001) developed separate Kp equations for wet and dry forages but no equation for Kpl. CNCPS developed a Kp equation that work for wet and dry forages,and Kpl equation was established. In conclusion,the division and development of CHO and protein fractions,the update of Kd and Kp equation were reviewed systematically.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21102181,81302634 and 21572273)
文摘BRAF has been recognized as a promising target for cancer therapy. A number of crystal structures have been published. Molecular docking is one of the most effective techniques in the field of computer-aided drug design（CADD）. Appropriate protein conformation and docking method are essential for the successful virtual screening experiments. One approach considering protein flexibility and multiple docking methods was proposed in this study. Six DFG-in/αC-helix-out crystal structures of BRAF, three docking programs（Glide, GOLD and Ligand Fit） and 12 scoring functions were applied for the best combination by judging from the results of pose prediction and retrospective virtual screening（VS）. The most accurate results（mean RMSD of about 0.6 A） of pose prediction were obtained with two complex structures（PDB： 3 C4 C and 3 SKC） using Glide SP. From the retrospective VS, the most active compounds were identified by using the complex structure of 3 SKC, indicated by a ROC/AUC score of 0.998 and an EF of 20.6 at 5% of the database screen with Glide-SP. On the whole, PDB 3 SKC could achieve a higher rate of correct reproduction, a better enrichment and more diverse compounds. A comparison of 3 SKC and the other X-ray crystal structures led to a rationale for the docking results. PDB 3 SKC could achieve a broad range of sulfonamide substitutions through an expanded hydrophobic pocket formed by a further shift of the αC-helix. Our study emphasized the necessity and significance of protein flexibility and scoring functions in both ligand docking and virtual screening.
文摘Introduction: The main objective of this study was to investigate abnormalities of serum protein fractions in hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of 48 hemodialysis patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) recruited at the Yalgado Ouedraogo Teaching Hospital (YO-TH), and 48 controls declared fit to donate blood by the Regional Blood Transfusion Center (RBTC) of Ouagadougou. Urea, creatinine, uric acid, and serum proteins were measured on the ARCHITECT C4000 equipment (ABOTT<sup>®</sup>), while the separating of the different protein fractions was performed on the Helena SAS 3 & 4 automated system. Results: A total of 96 individuals were included in the study. Protein levels were on average higher in controls (75.19 ± 6.56 g/L) than in hemodialysis patients (71.44 ± 12.33 g/L). Low blood albumin was significantly associated with the CRF hemodialysis groups compared to controls (p Conclusion: Serum protein electrophoresis is rapidly feasible and low cost. In hemodialysis CKD patients, it can be used to guide therapeutic management and predict morbidity and mortality related to variations in the various protein fractions.
基金supported by grants from the International Islamic University Malaysia,the research management centre(No.IIUM/504/5/29/1)
文摘Objective Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. The aim of this study was to examine a possible relationship between DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ activity and E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 in the sera of nephrolithiasis patients to evaluate the possibility of a new biomarker for evaluating kidney damage. Methods Sixty nephrolithiasis patients and 50 control patients were enrolled in a case-control study. Their blood urea, creatinine, protein levels and DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ activity levels were measured by spectrometry. Serum NSMCE2 levels were measured by ELISA. Blood was collected from patients of the government health clinics in Kuantan-Pahang and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results The result indicated that mean levels of sera NSMCE2 have a significantly increase（P〈0.01） in patients compared to control group. Compared with control subjects, activities and specific activities of serum DNase Ⅰ and Ⅱ were significantly elevated in nephrolithiasis patients（P〈0.01）. Conclusion This study suggests that an increase in serum concentrations of DNase Ⅰ/Ⅱ and E3 SUMO-protein ligase NSE2 level can be used as indicators for the diagnosis of kidney injury in patients with nephrolithiasis.
文摘The grain legume cowpea Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. is a major protein source used for food and feed in Sub-Saharan Africa. The crop is affected by the pod borer Maruca vitrata against which transgenic lines were developed as part of the genetic control approach. This study aimed to assess the protein profiles in seeds and leaves of transgenic cowpea lines and their non-transgenic near-isogenic counterparts. Crude protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method, and soluble proteins were quantified using Bradford dye binding assay. The average crude protein content ranged between 21.61% and 26.58% in the seeds and between 10.86% and 17.90% in the leaves. Total solubility varied between 13.03% and 20.64%. Osborne’s protein fractions contents in the seeds were 52.41% - 69.52% (albumin), 4.62% - 7.19% (globulin), 7.95% - 11.40% (glutelin) and 3% - 4% (prolamin). In any case, protein content differed significantly between cowpea genotypes but not between pairs of transgenic/non-transgenic lines. Insecticidal Cry1Ab protein expressed by transgenic lines was only detected in the albumin and globulin fractions. Altogether, these findings enhance our understanding of the effects of genetic modification on cowpea protein content and composition, with potential implications for nutritional and safety assessments.
文摘The Bambara groundnut Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc. is a drought-resistant indigenous African grain legume with significant nutritional and agronomic potential. This study aimed to characterize the seed storage proteins of eight Bambara groundnut landraces. Seeds of Bambara groundnut landraces were collected from local markets in Burkina Faso, and total soluble protein as well as protein fractions were extracted. Crude protein content was determined by the Kjeldahl method, and soluble proteins were quantified using Bradford dye binding assay. The average crude protein content of the seeds was found to be 18.46%, with variations ranging from 17.69% to 19.17% among the different landraces. Most of the protein content was soluble, constituting approximately 87.04% of the total crude protein. Albumin fraction was the most dominant, representing about 95.42% of the total soluble proteins. The globulin, prolamin and glutelin fractions accounted for 1.82%, 0.13% and 1.17% of the soluble proteins, respectively. The findings provide valuable insights into the protein composition of Bambara groundnut landraces and contribute to our understanding of its nutritional potential, laying the groundwork for further research on crop improvement and sustainable agriculture practices.
文摘In order to investigate the effeits of late nitrogen application on nitrogen translocation and protein fractions, three genotypes differing in protein content were studied in pot experiments at low and high fertility regimes with late foliar nitrogen application. At high fertility, late nitrogen application increased N translocation and improved N translocation efficiency greatly, however, cultivar differences were found at low fertility and late nitrogen application increased both leaf and chaff N translocation, and increased culm N translocation only at high fertility. Relative contributions of vegetative components to N translocation efficiency were altered by late nitrogen application. Albumin and gliadin contents at maturity were decreased by late nitrogen application for all cultivars used, and cultivar variations for globulins were also observed. Xin Kehan No. 9, the high yielding, low grain protein content cultivar remained no change for glutenin content to late nitrogen application, Dongnong 7742, the high yielding, high grain protein content, decreased slightly, and Roblin, high grain protein but low yielding cultivar decreased only at hihg fertility. Residual protein contents were significantly increased by late nitrogen application for all cultivars. It was concluded that nitrogen applied at later stage could be used efficiently noly at high fertility, and most of the N translocated were used for the synthesis of residual proteins.
