Intermittent fasting can benefit breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy.However,it is still uncertain how to select immunotherapy drugs to combine with intermittent fasting.Herein we observed ...Intermittent fasting can benefit breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy.However,it is still uncertain how to select immunotherapy drugs to combine with intermittent fasting.Herein we observed that two cycles of fasting treatment significantly inhibited breast tumor growth and lung tissue metastasis,as well as prolonged overall survival in mice bearing 4T1 and 4T07 breast cancer.During this process,both the immunosuppressive monocytic-(M-)and granulocytic-(G-)myeloid-derived suppressor cell(MDSC)decreased,accompanied by an increase in interleukin(IL)7R^(+)and granzyme B^(+)T cells in the tumor microenvironment.Interestingly,we observed that Ly6G^(low)G-MDSC sharply decreased after fasting treatment,and the cell surface markers and protein mass spectrometry data showed potential therapeutic targets.Mechanistic investigation revealed that glucose metabolism restriction suppressed the splenic granulocytemonocyte progenitor and the generation of colony-stimulating factors and IL-6,which both contributed to the accumulation of G-MDSC.On the other hand,glucose metabolism restriction can directly induce the apoptosis of Ly6G^(low)G-MDSC,but not Ly6G^(high)subsets.In summary,these results suggest that glucose metabolism restriction induced by fasting treatment attenuates the immune-suppressive milieu and enhances the activation of CD3^(+)T cells,providing potential solutions for enhancing immune-based cancer interventions.展开更多
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a public health concern as it can cause permanent morbidity and disability to those infected. While the global elimination of LF in these endemic areas is ongoing through mass drug ad...Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a public health concern as it can cause permanent morbidity and disability to those infected. While the global elimination of LF in these endemic areas is ongoing through mass drug administration, there is the need to develop diagnostic tools that would be utilized to track the progress of total global eradication as well as perform surveillance for the recurrence of lymphatic filariasis transmission. Currently, approved LF diagnosis tools are faced with lack of specificity, low sensitivity, and periodicity dependence. Recombinant filarial antigen-based assays can address these drawbacks and offer practical instruments for LF diagnosis and surveillance. This present study, evaluated rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens as potential diagnostic biomarker tools for Wuchereria banchrofti in human sera using microspheres-based multiplex serological assay. Based on statistical analysis using XLSTAT 2019 (Addinsoft) on data generated from multiplex technology assay, generated ROC curves for both rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 demonstrated 87.1% sensitivity to Wuchereria banchrofti human sera with rWb-SXP-1 antigens having the highest specificity of 96%. Indication that rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens are capable of detecting immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibodies in human sera synthesized specifically against W. banchrofti infections. Therefore, rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens can be utilized to detect W. banchrofti infections by antibody profiling with excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity using microsphere-based multiplex serological tests. This method can be particularly practical for screening a large number of sera samples and/or for quick, extensive field-testing due to the high-throughput and quick formats applied.展开更多
One possible application for the excess of glycerol, which is an exceeding byproduct in biodiesel industry, was used as carbon and energy sources for bioproducts synthesis. This work aims to evaluate biosurfactant pro...One possible application for the excess of glycerol, which is an exceeding byproduct in biodiesel industry, was used as carbon and energy sources for bioproducts synthesis. This work aims to evaluate biosurfactant production from glycerol by Pseudomonas aeruginosa EQ 109 isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil. Factorial design 2^3 was utilized to optimize the amount of biosurfactant produced, by using pH (A), initial biomass concentration (B), and initial glycerol concentration (C) as independent factors. The experiments were carried out in flasks containing 100 mL of mineral medium. Biosurfactant production was monitored by increase of the emulsification of aviation kerosene (E24) and surface tension reduction (STr). The results have shown that, at pH = 7.0, in order to increase E24, variables as B and C are the most influential, leading to a maximum value of E24 = 79%, as well as for an increase of GC (GCmax = 49%). STR was the variable with the best correlation factor for the proposed linear model (R2=0.96) and its maximum value was 48%. Xfwas not significant to the model, although it was influenced by pH and C, with C = 40g/L (Xfmax = 4.56 g/L).展开更多
BACKGROUND Fixed ratio combinations(FRCs)of analogue basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are a newer addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.The...BACKGROUND Fixed ratio combinations(FRCs)of analogue basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are a newer addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.They reduce treatment complexity by combining two injectables in a single daily injectable,thus potentially improving adherence and persistence.Clinicians wanting to use FRCs would need to choose between members of the class.AIM To describe and contrast the glycated haemoglobin reduction of two FRCs of analogue basal insulin and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.METHODS The following Population,Intervention,Comparison,Outcome question was used for the primary analysis:Among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus[P],what is the effect of iGlarLixi[I]compared to IDegLira[C]for bringing about glycaemic control(as measured by reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin)[O]?The Prisma Statement was used as a guideline for framing this systematic review.We searched PubMed,EMBASE and Cochrane library databases and Clinicaltrials.gov using various keywords and medical search headings related to type 2 diabetes mellitus,iGlarlixi,IDegLira and glycated haemoglobin A1c.RESULTS All 14 studies identified by the systematic search met the primary efficacy endpoint of reduction in glycated haemoglobin.There were no head-to-head studies between the FRCs of iGlarlixi and IDegLira,and we therefore did an indirect comparison based on a common comparator of insulin glargine U100.Both iGlarLixi and IDegLira effectively reduce glycated haemoglobin when compared to insulin glargine U100.However,using indirect comparisons,IDegLira had a greater haemoglobin A1c reducing ability(0.6%vs 0.3%).The indirect comparison is limited by the differences between the studies;the fasting blood glucose targets were slightly higher for iGlarLixi studies when compared to the IDegLira studies(4.0-5.0 mmol/L and 4.4-5.6 mmol/L),and the IDegLira study used a greater average dose of insulin glargine when compared to the iGlarLixi studies(66 U/d vs 40 U/d).CONCLUSION Both iGlarLixi and IDegLira effectively reduce glycated haemoglobin.Indirect comparisons,using insulin glargine as the common comparator,suggest that IDegLira reduces glycated haemoglobin to a greater extent than iGlarLixi.However,given the limitations of indirect comparisons,robust head to head studies and real-world data would better inform clinician choice and clinical practice guidelines.展开更多
Monocytes (MC), lymphocytes (LC) and Kupffer cells (KC) were isolated respectively from blood and surgical liver samples of patients suffering from he-patocellular carcinoma (HCC). 13 patients were given BCG, mixed ba...Monocytes (MC), lymphocytes (LC) and Kupffer cells (KC) were isolated respectively from blood and surgical liver samples of patients suffering from he-patocellular carcinoma (HCC). 13 patients were given BCG, mixed bacterium vaccine (MBV) and human white blood cell interferon (IFN), the other 3 patients were not treated with any biological immune stimulants (BIS) and served as controls. The cytosta-tic and cytotoxic effects of MC and KC on human hepatoma SMMC-7721 (TC) were assayed in vitro and the numbers of T total (Tt), T helper (Th) and T suppressor (Ts) cells were counted using CD monoclonal antibody immunofluorescence. The results were as follows: (1) On the 7th day after the first administration of BIS, the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of MC on TC showed obvious increase over pre-administration. The activity of BIS was 1 ?5 times as high as that in the controls. (2) After 3 administrations, the cytostatic effect of MC on TC increased to the normal level (84%), while the controls remained as before (45%). (3) On the 7th day after first administration, cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of KC on TC were 0.5 and 1 times higher respectively than those of the controls. (4) The numbers of Tt and Th of patients given BIS increased continuously; on the contrary Ts decreased in number. These results indicate that combined use of BCG, MBV and IFN can actively enhance the immune anti-hepatoma function of patients suffering from HCC.展开更多
In recent years,hard carbon materials have gained significant interest as anode materials for Na-ion batteries.Biomass waste is considered one of the most interesting,renewable,available,and cost-effective precursor t...In recent years,hard carbon materials have gained significant interest as anode materials for Na-ion batteries.Biomass waste is considered one of the most interesting,renewable,available,and cost-effective precursor to obtain hard carbon(HC);however,HC properties must be finely tuned to achieve performance comparable to those provided by Li-ion batteries.In this work,three biomass wastes(coconut shells,walnut shells,and corn silk) were evaluated as potential precursors for HC preparation involving a pyrolysis process and subsequent acid washing to remove the inorganic impurities.All obtained materials exhibited low and similar specific surface areas(<10 m^(2)·g^(-1)), but they presented different structures and surface functionalities.The walnut shell HC possessed a lower amount of inorganic impurities and oxygen-based functional groups compared to the coconut shell and corn silk HCs,leading to higher initial coulombic efficiency(iCE).The structural organization was higher in the case of the walnut shell HC,while the corn silk HC revealed a heterogeneous structure combining both highly disordered carbon and localized graphitized domains.All HCs delivered high initial reversible capacities between 293 and 315 mAh g^(-1) at 50 mA g^(-1) current rate,which remained rather stable during long-term cycling.The best capacity(293 mAh g^(-1) after 100 charge/discharge cycles) and highest capacity retention(93%) was achieved in walnut HCs in half-cells,which could be associated with its higher sp2 C content,better organized structure,and fewer impurities.An "adsorption-insertion" Na storage mechanism is suggested based on several techniques.The walnut HCs exhibited an attractive energy density of 279 Wh/kg when tested in full cells.展开更多
Background:China's coastal wetlands belong to some of the most threatened ecosystems worldwide.The loss and degradation of these wetlands seriously threaten waterbirds that depend on wetlands.Methods:The China Coa...Background:China's coastal wetlands belong to some of the most threatened ecosystems worldwide.The loss and degradation of these wetlands seriously threaten waterbirds that depend on wetlands.Methods:The China Coastal Waterbird Census was organized by volunteer birdwatchers in China's coastal region.Waterbirds were surveyed synchronously once every month at 14 sites,as well as irregularly at a further 18 sites,between September 2005 and December 2013.Results:A total of 75 species of waterbirds met the 1 % population level Ramsar listing criterion at least once at one site.The number of birds of the following species accounted for over 20 % of the total flyway populations at a single site:Mute Swan(Cygnus olor),Siberia Crane(Grus leucogeranus),Far Eastern Oystercatcher(Haematopus osculans),Bar-tailed Godwit(Limosa lapponica),Spotted Greenshank(Tringa guttifer),Great Knot(Calidris tenuirostris),Spoon-billed Sandpiper(Calidris pygmeus),Saunders' s Gull(Larus saundersi),Relict Gull(Larus relictus),Great Cormorant(Phalacrocorax carbo),Eurasian Spoonbill(Platalea leucorodia),Black-faced Spoonbill(Platalea minor) and Dalmatian Pelican(Pelecanus crispus).A total of 26 sites supported at least one species of which their number met the1 % criterion.Forty-two species met the 1 % criterion in the Yellow River Delta,Shandong;29 at the Cangzhou coast,Hebei and 26 species at the Lianyungang coast,Jiangsu.Conclusions:The results highlight the international importance of China's coastal wetlands for waterbirds.This study also demonstrates that participation of local birdwatchers in waterbird surveys results in data that are invaluable not only for understanding the current status of waterbirds in China's coastal regions but also for waterbird conservation and management.展开更多
This study aims to characterize the climatic variability in the South-East of Ivory Coast and to show its impact on the supply of water resources. To do this, statistical and hydrological methods were applied to clima...This study aims to characterize the climatic variability in the South-East of Ivory Coast and to show its impact on the supply of water resources. To do this, statistical and hydrological methods were applied to climatic data collected at the Marc DELORME Research Station of the CNRA. The statistical trend tests on this data revealed a significant decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature, insolation and evaporation. Statistical break methods indicate a rainfall break in 1982 which marks a modification of the rainfall regime thus translating a drop in rainfall of 15%, a recession in the frequency of rainy days in general and in particular in rainfall heights between 10 and 30 mm and greater than 50 mm. This break is accompanied by a shortening of the rainy seasons, with average rainfall durations ranging from 54 days (short rainy season) to 104 days (great rainy season). Despite the disturbances in the different seasons of the year, the monthly rainfall regimes in the area have not changed. The assessment of the effects of drought on water resources using the Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for three-time scales (1 month, 3 months and 12 months) indicates a severe drought ranging from 3% to 7% over the period 1961 to 2018. However, despite the presence of this severe drought, the intensity of the drought was found to be moderate on all time scales. The Thorrnthwaite method was used to highlight the impacts of this climatic variability on the region’s water resources. The average annual recharge estimated at 402 mm, has been reduced to 153 mm during a deficit period, a decrease of about 62%. The average annual runoff, which was 294 mm, fells to 257 mm, a decrease of about 13%. This recorded decrease in the water infiltrated after the rainfall break (1983-2018), explains the heterogeneous decrease in the depth of the water table.展开更多
Forest biodiversity studies conducted across Europe use a multitude of forestry terms,often inconsistently.This hinders the comparability across studies and makes the assessment of the impacts of forest management on ...Forest biodiversity studies conducted across Europe use a multitude of forestry terms,often inconsistently.This hinders the comparability across studies and makes the assessment of the impacts of forest management on biodiversity highly context-dependent.Recent attempts to standardize forestry and stand description terminology mostly used a top-down approach that did not account for the perspectives and approaches of forest biodiversity experts.This work aims to establish common standards for silvicultural and vegetation definitions,creating a shared conceptual framework for a consistent study on the effects of forest management on biodiversity.We have identified both strengths and weaknesses of the silvicultural and vegetation information provided in forest biodiversity studies.While quantitative data on forest biomass and dominant tree species are frequently included,information on silvicultural activities and vegetation composition is often lacking,shallow,or based on broad and heterogeneous classifications.We discuss the existing classifications and their use in European forest biodiversity studies through a novel bottom-up and top-driven review process,and ultimately propose a common framework.This will enhance the comparability of forest biodiversity studies in Europe,and puts the basis for effective implementation and monitoring of sustainable forest management policies.The standards here proposed are potentially adaptable and applicable to other geographical areas and could be extended to other forest interventions.展开更多
Allometric models are necessary for estimating biomass in terrestrial ecosystems. Generalized allometric relationship exists for many tropical trees, but species- and region-specific models are often lacking. We devel...Allometric models are necessary for estimating biomass in terrestrial ecosystems. Generalized allometric relationship exists for many tropical trees, but species- and region-specific models are often lacking. We developed species-specific allometric models to predict aboveground biomass for 11 native tree species of the Sudanian savanna- woodlands. Diameters at the base and at breast height, with species means ranging respectively from 11 to 28 cm and 9 to 19 cm, and the height of the trees were used as predictor variables. Sampled trees spanned a wide range of sizes including the largest sizes these species can reach. As a response variable, the biomass of the trees was obtained through destructive sampling of 4 754 trees during wood harvesting. We used a stepwise multiple regression analysis with backward elimination procedure to develop models separately predicting, total biomass of the trees, stem biomass, and biomass of branches and twigs. All species- specific regression models relating biomass with measured tree dimen- sions were highly significant (p 〈 0.001). The biomass of branches and twigs was less predictable compared to stem biomass and total biomass, although their models required fewer predictors and predictor interac- tions. The best-fit equations for total above-ground biomass and stem biomass bad R2 〉 0.70, except for the Acacia species; for branches including twig biomass, R2-values varied from 0.749 for Anogeissus leiocarpa to 0.183 for Acacia macrostachya. The use of these equations in estimating available biomass will avoid destructive sampling, and aid in planning for sustainable use of these species.展开更多
OBJECTIVE Platinum compounds such as cisplatin and carboplatin are frequently used as the first-line chemotherapy for the treatment of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).In the present study,we investiga...OBJECTIVE Platinum compounds such as cisplatin and carboplatin are frequently used as the first-line chemotherapy for the treatment of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).In the present study,we investigated whether garcinol,apolyisoprenylated benzophenone can chemosensitize HNSCC to cisplatin.METHODS The effect of garcinol and cisplatin on HNSCC was assessed by MTT,Western blotting,real time PCR,FACS,immunohistochemistry,DNA binding assay and xenograft mouse model.RESULTS We found that garcinol inhibited the viability of a panel of diverse HNSCC cell lines,enhanced the apoptotic effect of cisplatin,suppressed constitutive as well as cisplatin-induced NF-κB activation,and downregulated the expression of various oncogenic gene products(cyclin D1,Bcl-2,survivin and VEGF).In vivo study showed that administration of garcinol alone(0.5 mg·kg-1,ip five times/week)significantly suppressed the growth of the tumor,and this effect was further increased by cisplatin.Both the markers of proliferation index(Ki-67)and microvessel density(CD31)were downregulated in tumor tissues by the combination of cisplatin and garcinol.The pharmacokinetic results of garcinol indicated that good systemic exposure was achievable after ip administration of garcinol at 0.5and 2mg·kg-1 with mean peak concentration(cmax)of 1825.4 and 6635.7nmol·L-1 in the mouse serum,respectively.CONCLUSION Overall,our results suggest that garcinol can indeed potentiate the effects of cisplatin by negative regulation of various inflammatory and proliferative biomarkers.展开更多
Human effects and environment impacts associated with nanoparticles generated from road traffic have recently attracted wide attention.Knowledge of the influencing variables on both number and mass of nanoparticles,so...Human effects and environment impacts associated with nanoparticles generated from road traffic have recently attracted wide attention.Knowledge of the influencing variables on both number and mass of nanoparticles,sources,characteristics and limitations of advanced commercially accessible instruments for monitoring nanoparticles,are still scarce and not sufficient to make regulatory decision on solid particles smaller than 23 nm(SPN<23 nm).Given the harmful effects of nanoparticles on human health(i.e.visibility impairment,cardiac-rhythm disturbance,heart attacks,premature death,etc.),their control and assessment seem to be an absolute priority.In this overview,we classify and analyze the existing knowledge of nanoparticles in road traffic atmosphere,recent progress,and emerging priorities in research related to these topics.The major aspects of ongoing research in this field,and a brief discussion of the main sources of atmosphere nanoparticles are presented.The subsequent section focuses on the influencing parameters of nanoparticles including climate conditions,height above the road surface and distance between source(road traffic)and sampling site.The next section provides a comprehensive summary on sampling measurement methodologies and instrumental techniques.We also review the health and environment implications associated with particle exposure.Finally,an evaluation of the state of research related to nanoparticles together with highlights for future research activities are also presented.展开更多
Multicellular microtissues of primary human hepatocytes(PHHs)co-cultured with other supporting cell types are a promis-ing model for drug screening and toxicological studies.However,these liver microtissues(LMs)rapidl...Multicellular microtissues of primary human hepatocytes(PHHs)co-cultured with other supporting cell types are a promis-ing model for drug screening and toxicological studies.However,these liver microtissues(LMs)rapidly lose their functions during ex vivo culture.Here,in order to mimic the cellular and structural hepatic microenvironment,we co-cultured PHHs with human mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)and human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)in the presence of cell-sized microparticles(MPs)derived from liver extracellular matrix(LEMPs).The microwell culture platform enabled biofabrication of size-controlled multicellular microtissues(PHH:HUVEC:MSC=3:2:1)with efficient LEMP incorporation(about 70%at a 2:1 ratio of cells:MP).The biofabricated liver microtissues(BLMs)were cultured ex vivo for 14 days and compared to the cell-only LM in terms of gene and protein expression,functional activity,cytochrome P450(CYP450)enzyme inducibility,and drug sensitivity.The results supported superior hepatic-related gene expression,functional activity,and polarity for PHH in BLM compared to LM.CYP450 enzyme inducibility and dose-responsive sensitivity to toxic drugs were significantly higher in the BLM group.In conclusion,microtissue engineering by incorporation of tissue-specific microparticles within a multicellular microtissue can offer some advantages for drug discovery studies and cell transplantation applications.In the near future,this approach could generate a scalable platform of several functional biofabricated microtissues representing different organs.展开更多
Selective loading of spatially separated redox cocatalysts on direct Z-scheme heterojunctions holds great promise for advancing the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis,which however is limited to the photodepositi...Selective loading of spatially separated redox cocatalysts on direct Z-scheme heterojunctions holds great promise for advancing the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis,which however is limited to the photodeposition of noble metal cocatalysts and the fabrication of hollow double-shelled semiconductor heterojunctions.Moreover,the co-exposure of discrete cocatalyst and semiconductor increases the product diversity when both the exposed sites of which participate in CO_(2)photoreduction.Herein,we present a facile and versatile protocol to overcome these limitations via surface coating of Z-scheme heterojunctions with bifunctional noble-metal-free cocatalysts.With Cu_(2)O/Fe_(2)O_(3)(CF)as a model heterojunction and layered Ni(OH)_(2)as a model cocatalyst,it is found that Ni(OH)_(2)lying on the surfaces of Cu_(2)O and Fe_(2)O_(3)separately co-catalyzes the CO_(2)reduction and H_(2)O oxidation.Thorough experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the Ni(OH)_(2)outer layer:(i)mitigates the charge recombination in CF and balances their transfer and consumption;(ii)reduces the rate-determining barriers for CO_(2)-to-CO and H_(2)O-to-O_(2)conversion,(iii)suppresses the side proton reduction occurring on CF,and(iv)protects the CF from component detachment.As expected,the redox reactions stoichiometrically proceed,and significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity,selectivity,and stability in CO generation are achieved by the stacked Cu_(2)O/Fe_(2)O_(3)@Ni(OH)_(2)in contrast to CF.This study demonstrates the significance of the synergy between bifunctional cocatalysts and Z-scheme heterojunctions for improving the efficacy of overall redox reactions,opening a fresh avenue for the rational design of artificial photosynthetic systems.展开更多
基金supported by the Postdoctoral Research Funds of Hebei Medical University(30705010016-3759)Natural Science Foundation of China(32272328)+4 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(B2022321001)National Key Research Project of Hebei Province(20375502D)Postdoctoral Research Project of Hebei Province(B2022003031)Science and Technology Research Program of Hebei Provincial Colleges(QN2023229)Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of Nutrition and Health(2023YDYY-KF05)。
文摘Intermittent fasting can benefit breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunotherapy.However,it is still uncertain how to select immunotherapy drugs to combine with intermittent fasting.Herein we observed that two cycles of fasting treatment significantly inhibited breast tumor growth and lung tissue metastasis,as well as prolonged overall survival in mice bearing 4T1 and 4T07 breast cancer.During this process,both the immunosuppressive monocytic-(M-)and granulocytic-(G-)myeloid-derived suppressor cell(MDSC)decreased,accompanied by an increase in interleukin(IL)7R^(+)and granzyme B^(+)T cells in the tumor microenvironment.Interestingly,we observed that Ly6G^(low)G-MDSC sharply decreased after fasting treatment,and the cell surface markers and protein mass spectrometry data showed potential therapeutic targets.Mechanistic investigation revealed that glucose metabolism restriction suppressed the splenic granulocytemonocyte progenitor and the generation of colony-stimulating factors and IL-6,which both contributed to the accumulation of G-MDSC.On the other hand,glucose metabolism restriction can directly induce the apoptosis of Ly6G^(low)G-MDSC,but not Ly6G^(high)subsets.In summary,these results suggest that glucose metabolism restriction induced by fasting treatment attenuates the immune-suppressive milieu and enhances the activation of CD3^(+)T cells,providing potential solutions for enhancing immune-based cancer interventions.
文摘Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a public health concern as it can cause permanent morbidity and disability to those infected. While the global elimination of LF in these endemic areas is ongoing through mass drug administration, there is the need to develop diagnostic tools that would be utilized to track the progress of total global eradication as well as perform surveillance for the recurrence of lymphatic filariasis transmission. Currently, approved LF diagnosis tools are faced with lack of specificity, low sensitivity, and periodicity dependence. Recombinant filarial antigen-based assays can address these drawbacks and offer practical instruments for LF diagnosis and surveillance. This present study, evaluated rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens as potential diagnostic biomarker tools for Wuchereria banchrofti in human sera using microspheres-based multiplex serological assay. Based on statistical analysis using XLSTAT 2019 (Addinsoft) on data generated from multiplex technology assay, generated ROC curves for both rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 demonstrated 87.1% sensitivity to Wuchereria banchrofti human sera with rWb-SXP-1 antigens having the highest specificity of 96%. Indication that rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens are capable of detecting immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) antibodies in human sera synthesized specifically against W. banchrofti infections. Therefore, rWb-SXP-1 and rWb-123 antigens can be utilized to detect W. banchrofti infections by antibody profiling with excellent diagnostic sensitivity and specificity using microsphere-based multiplex serological tests. This method can be particularly practical for screening a large number of sera samples and/or for quick, extensive field-testing due to the high-throughput and quick formats applied.
文摘One possible application for the excess of glycerol, which is an exceeding byproduct in biodiesel industry, was used as carbon and energy sources for bioproducts synthesis. This work aims to evaluate biosurfactant production from glycerol by Pseudomonas aeruginosa EQ 109 isolated from crude oil-contaminated soil. Factorial design 2^3 was utilized to optimize the amount of biosurfactant produced, by using pH (A), initial biomass concentration (B), and initial glycerol concentration (C) as independent factors. The experiments were carried out in flasks containing 100 mL of mineral medium. Biosurfactant production was monitored by increase of the emulsification of aviation kerosene (E24) and surface tension reduction (STr). The results have shown that, at pH = 7.0, in order to increase E24, variables as B and C are the most influential, leading to a maximum value of E24 = 79%, as well as for an increase of GC (GCmax = 49%). STR was the variable with the best correlation factor for the proposed linear model (R2=0.96) and its maximum value was 48%. Xfwas not significant to the model, although it was influenced by pH and C, with C = 40g/L (Xfmax = 4.56 g/L).
文摘BACKGROUND Fixed ratio combinations(FRCs)of analogue basal insulin and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are a newer addition to the therapeutic armamentarium for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.They reduce treatment complexity by combining two injectables in a single daily injectable,thus potentially improving adherence and persistence.Clinicians wanting to use FRCs would need to choose between members of the class.AIM To describe and contrast the glycated haemoglobin reduction of two FRCs of analogue basal insulin and glucagon like peptide-1 receptor agonist in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.METHODS The following Population,Intervention,Comparison,Outcome question was used for the primary analysis:Among adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus[P],what is the effect of iGlarLixi[I]compared to IDegLira[C]for bringing about glycaemic control(as measured by reduction in glycosylated haemoglobin)[O]?The Prisma Statement was used as a guideline for framing this systematic review.We searched PubMed,EMBASE and Cochrane library databases and Clinicaltrials.gov using various keywords and medical search headings related to type 2 diabetes mellitus,iGlarlixi,IDegLira and glycated haemoglobin A1c.RESULTS All 14 studies identified by the systematic search met the primary efficacy endpoint of reduction in glycated haemoglobin.There were no head-to-head studies between the FRCs of iGlarlixi and IDegLira,and we therefore did an indirect comparison based on a common comparator of insulin glargine U100.Both iGlarLixi and IDegLira effectively reduce glycated haemoglobin when compared to insulin glargine U100.However,using indirect comparisons,IDegLira had a greater haemoglobin A1c reducing ability(0.6%vs 0.3%).The indirect comparison is limited by the differences between the studies;the fasting blood glucose targets were slightly higher for iGlarLixi studies when compared to the IDegLira studies(4.0-5.0 mmol/L and 4.4-5.6 mmol/L),and the IDegLira study used a greater average dose of insulin glargine when compared to the iGlarLixi studies(66 U/d vs 40 U/d).CONCLUSION Both iGlarLixi and IDegLira effectively reduce glycated haemoglobin.Indirect comparisons,using insulin glargine as the common comparator,suggest that IDegLira reduces glycated haemoglobin to a greater extent than iGlarLixi.However,given the limitations of indirect comparisons,robust head to head studies and real-world data would better inform clinician choice and clinical practice guidelines.
文摘Monocytes (MC), lymphocytes (LC) and Kupffer cells (KC) were isolated respectively from blood and surgical liver samples of patients suffering from he-patocellular carcinoma (HCC). 13 patients were given BCG, mixed bacterium vaccine (MBV) and human white blood cell interferon (IFN), the other 3 patients were not treated with any biological immune stimulants (BIS) and served as controls. The cytosta-tic and cytotoxic effects of MC and KC on human hepatoma SMMC-7721 (TC) were assayed in vitro and the numbers of T total (Tt), T helper (Th) and T suppressor (Ts) cells were counted using CD monoclonal antibody immunofluorescence. The results were as follows: (1) On the 7th day after the first administration of BIS, the cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of MC on TC showed obvious increase over pre-administration. The activity of BIS was 1 ?5 times as high as that in the controls. (2) After 3 administrations, the cytostatic effect of MC on TC increased to the normal level (84%), while the controls remained as before (45%). (3) On the 7th day after first administration, cytostatic and cytotoxic effects of KC on TC were 0.5 and 1 times higher respectively than those of the controls. (4) The numbers of Tt and Th of patients given BIS increased continuously; on the contrary Ts decreased in number. These results indicate that combined use of BCG, MBV and IFN can actively enhance the immune anti-hepatoma function of patients suffering from HCC.
基金financial support from the European Union’s Horizon2020 Program(project NAIADEScall:LCE10-2014,Contract no.646433)。
文摘In recent years,hard carbon materials have gained significant interest as anode materials for Na-ion batteries.Biomass waste is considered one of the most interesting,renewable,available,and cost-effective precursor to obtain hard carbon(HC);however,HC properties must be finely tuned to achieve performance comparable to those provided by Li-ion batteries.In this work,three biomass wastes(coconut shells,walnut shells,and corn silk) were evaluated as potential precursors for HC preparation involving a pyrolysis process and subsequent acid washing to remove the inorganic impurities.All obtained materials exhibited low and similar specific surface areas(<10 m^(2)·g^(-1)), but they presented different structures and surface functionalities.The walnut shell HC possessed a lower amount of inorganic impurities and oxygen-based functional groups compared to the coconut shell and corn silk HCs,leading to higher initial coulombic efficiency(iCE).The structural organization was higher in the case of the walnut shell HC,while the corn silk HC revealed a heterogeneous structure combining both highly disordered carbon and localized graphitized domains.All HCs delivered high initial reversible capacities between 293 and 315 mAh g^(-1) at 50 mA g^(-1) current rate,which remained rather stable during long-term cycling.The best capacity(293 mAh g^(-1) after 100 charge/discharge cycles) and highest capacity retention(93%) was achieved in walnut HCs in half-cells,which could be associated with its higher sp2 C content,better organized structure,and fewer impurities.An "adsorption-insertion" Na storage mechanism is suggested based on several techniques.The walnut HCs exhibited an attractive energy density of 279 Wh/kg when tested in full cells.
文摘Background:China's coastal wetlands belong to some of the most threatened ecosystems worldwide.The loss and degradation of these wetlands seriously threaten waterbirds that depend on wetlands.Methods:The China Coastal Waterbird Census was organized by volunteer birdwatchers in China's coastal region.Waterbirds were surveyed synchronously once every month at 14 sites,as well as irregularly at a further 18 sites,between September 2005 and December 2013.Results:A total of 75 species of waterbirds met the 1 % population level Ramsar listing criterion at least once at one site.The number of birds of the following species accounted for over 20 % of the total flyway populations at a single site:Mute Swan(Cygnus olor),Siberia Crane(Grus leucogeranus),Far Eastern Oystercatcher(Haematopus osculans),Bar-tailed Godwit(Limosa lapponica),Spotted Greenshank(Tringa guttifer),Great Knot(Calidris tenuirostris),Spoon-billed Sandpiper(Calidris pygmeus),Saunders' s Gull(Larus saundersi),Relict Gull(Larus relictus),Great Cormorant(Phalacrocorax carbo),Eurasian Spoonbill(Platalea leucorodia),Black-faced Spoonbill(Platalea minor) and Dalmatian Pelican(Pelecanus crispus).A total of 26 sites supported at least one species of which their number met the1 % criterion.Forty-two species met the 1 % criterion in the Yellow River Delta,Shandong;29 at the Cangzhou coast,Hebei and 26 species at the Lianyungang coast,Jiangsu.Conclusions:The results highlight the international importance of China's coastal wetlands for waterbirds.This study also demonstrates that participation of local birdwatchers in waterbird surveys results in data that are invaluable not only for understanding the current status of waterbirds in China's coastal regions but also for waterbird conservation and management.
文摘This study aims to characterize the climatic variability in the South-East of Ivory Coast and to show its impact on the supply of water resources. To do this, statistical and hydrological methods were applied to climatic data collected at the Marc DELORME Research Station of the CNRA. The statistical trend tests on this data revealed a significant decrease in precipitation and an increase in temperature, insolation and evaporation. Statistical break methods indicate a rainfall break in 1982 which marks a modification of the rainfall regime thus translating a drop in rainfall of 15%, a recession in the frequency of rainy days in general and in particular in rainfall heights between 10 and 30 mm and greater than 50 mm. This break is accompanied by a shortening of the rainy seasons, with average rainfall durations ranging from 54 days (short rainy season) to 104 days (great rainy season). Despite the disturbances in the different seasons of the year, the monthly rainfall regimes in the area have not changed. The assessment of the effects of drought on water resources using the Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) for three-time scales (1 month, 3 months and 12 months) indicates a severe drought ranging from 3% to 7% over the period 1961 to 2018. However, despite the presence of this severe drought, the intensity of the drought was found to be moderate on all time scales. The Thorrnthwaite method was used to highlight the impacts of this climatic variability on the region’s water resources. The average annual recharge estimated at 402 mm, has been reduced to 153 mm during a deficit period, a decrease of about 62%. The average annual runoff, which was 294 mm, fells to 257 mm, a decrease of about 13%. This recorded decrease in the water infiltrated after the rainfall break (1983-2018), explains the heterogeneous decrease in the depth of the water table.
基金This review was funded by the EU Framework Programme Horizon 2020 through the COST Association(www.cost.eu):COST Action CA18207:BOTTOMS-UP–Biodiversity of Temperate Forest Taxa Orienting Management Sustainability by Unifying Perspectives.TC and TS acknowledge the support of the NBFC to the University of Padova,funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research,PNRR,Missione 4 Componente 2,“Dalla ricerca all’impresa”,Investimento 1.4,Project CN00000033.
文摘Forest biodiversity studies conducted across Europe use a multitude of forestry terms,often inconsistently.This hinders the comparability across studies and makes the assessment of the impacts of forest management on biodiversity highly context-dependent.Recent attempts to standardize forestry and stand description terminology mostly used a top-down approach that did not account for the perspectives and approaches of forest biodiversity experts.This work aims to establish common standards for silvicultural and vegetation definitions,creating a shared conceptual framework for a consistent study on the effects of forest management on biodiversity.We have identified both strengths and weaknesses of the silvicultural and vegetation information provided in forest biodiversity studies.While quantitative data on forest biomass and dominant tree species are frequently included,information on silvicultural activities and vegetation composition is often lacking,shallow,or based on broad and heterogeneous classifications.We discuss the existing classifications and their use in European forest biodiversity studies through a novel bottom-up and top-driven review process,and ultimately propose a common framework.This will enhance the comparability of forest biodiversity studies in Europe,and puts the basis for effective implementation and monitoring of sustainable forest management policies.The standards here proposed are potentially adaptable and applicable to other geographical areas and could be extended to other forest interventions.
基金provided by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
文摘Allometric models are necessary for estimating biomass in terrestrial ecosystems. Generalized allometric relationship exists for many tropical trees, but species- and region-specific models are often lacking. We developed species-specific allometric models to predict aboveground biomass for 11 native tree species of the Sudanian savanna- woodlands. Diameters at the base and at breast height, with species means ranging respectively from 11 to 28 cm and 9 to 19 cm, and the height of the trees were used as predictor variables. Sampled trees spanned a wide range of sizes including the largest sizes these species can reach. As a response variable, the biomass of the trees was obtained through destructive sampling of 4 754 trees during wood harvesting. We used a stepwise multiple regression analysis with backward elimination procedure to develop models separately predicting, total biomass of the trees, stem biomass, and biomass of branches and twigs. All species- specific regression models relating biomass with measured tree dimen- sions were highly significant (p 〈 0.001). The biomass of branches and twigs was less predictable compared to stem biomass and total biomass, although their models required fewer predictors and predictor interac- tions. The best-fit equations for total above-ground biomass and stem biomass bad R2 〉 0.70, except for the Acacia species; for branches including twig biomass, R2-values varied from 0.749 for Anogeissus leiocarpa to 0.183 for Acacia macrostachya. The use of these equations in estimating available biomass will avoid destructive sampling, and aid in planning for sustainable use of these species.
基金The project supported by National Medical Research Council of Singapore and NUS Academic Research fund
文摘OBJECTIVE Platinum compounds such as cisplatin and carboplatin are frequently used as the first-line chemotherapy for the treatment of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC).In the present study,we investigated whether garcinol,apolyisoprenylated benzophenone can chemosensitize HNSCC to cisplatin.METHODS The effect of garcinol and cisplatin on HNSCC was assessed by MTT,Western blotting,real time PCR,FACS,immunohistochemistry,DNA binding assay and xenograft mouse model.RESULTS We found that garcinol inhibited the viability of a panel of diverse HNSCC cell lines,enhanced the apoptotic effect of cisplatin,suppressed constitutive as well as cisplatin-induced NF-κB activation,and downregulated the expression of various oncogenic gene products(cyclin D1,Bcl-2,survivin and VEGF).In vivo study showed that administration of garcinol alone(0.5 mg·kg-1,ip five times/week)significantly suppressed the growth of the tumor,and this effect was further increased by cisplatin.Both the markers of proliferation index(Ki-67)and microvessel density(CD31)were downregulated in tumor tissues by the combination of cisplatin and garcinol.The pharmacokinetic results of garcinol indicated that good systemic exposure was achievable after ip administration of garcinol at 0.5and 2mg·kg-1 with mean peak concentration(cmax)of 1825.4 and 6635.7nmol·L-1 in the mouse serum,respectively.CONCLUSION Overall,our results suggest that garcinol can indeed potentiate the effects of cisplatin by negative regulation of various inflammatory and proliferative biomarkers.
文摘Human effects and environment impacts associated with nanoparticles generated from road traffic have recently attracted wide attention.Knowledge of the influencing variables on both number and mass of nanoparticles,sources,characteristics and limitations of advanced commercially accessible instruments for monitoring nanoparticles,are still scarce and not sufficient to make regulatory decision on solid particles smaller than 23 nm(SPN<23 nm).Given the harmful effects of nanoparticles on human health(i.e.visibility impairment,cardiac-rhythm disturbance,heart attacks,premature death,etc.),their control and assessment seem to be an absolute priority.In this overview,we classify and analyze the existing knowledge of nanoparticles in road traffic atmosphere,recent progress,and emerging priorities in research related to these topics.The major aspects of ongoing research in this field,and a brief discussion of the main sources of atmosphere nanoparticles are presented.The subsequent section focuses on the influencing parameters of nanoparticles including climate conditions,height above the road surface and distance between source(road traffic)and sampling site.The next section provides a comprehensive summary on sampling measurement methodologies and instrumental techniques.We also review the health and environment implications associated with particle exposure.Finally,an evaluation of the state of research related to nanoparticles together with highlights for future research activities are also presented.
基金supported by Grants from Royan Institute(No.96000165)to MV and HBBahar Tashkhis Teb Co.(Nos.BTT,9702,and 9802)+1 种基金Iran National Science Foundation(No.97014445)to MVthe Ministry of Health and Medical Education(No.56700/147)to HB.
文摘Multicellular microtissues of primary human hepatocytes(PHHs)co-cultured with other supporting cell types are a promis-ing model for drug screening and toxicological studies.However,these liver microtissues(LMs)rapidly lose their functions during ex vivo culture.Here,in order to mimic the cellular and structural hepatic microenvironment,we co-cultured PHHs with human mesenchymal stromal cells(MSCs)and human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)in the presence of cell-sized microparticles(MPs)derived from liver extracellular matrix(LEMPs).The microwell culture platform enabled biofabrication of size-controlled multicellular microtissues(PHH:HUVEC:MSC=3:2:1)with efficient LEMP incorporation(about 70%at a 2:1 ratio of cells:MP).The biofabricated liver microtissues(BLMs)were cultured ex vivo for 14 days and compared to the cell-only LM in terms of gene and protein expression,functional activity,cytochrome P450(CYP450)enzyme inducibility,and drug sensitivity.The results supported superior hepatic-related gene expression,functional activity,and polarity for PHH in BLM compared to LM.CYP450 enzyme inducibility and dose-responsive sensitivity to toxic drugs were significantly higher in the BLM group.In conclusion,microtissue engineering by incorporation of tissue-specific microparticles within a multicellular microtissue can offer some advantages for drug discovery studies and cell transplantation applications.In the near future,this approach could generate a scalable platform of several functional biofabricated microtissues representing different organs.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.21603191)Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.LY20B030003 and LQ16B010001)+2 种基金Public Welfare Technology Application Research Plan Project of Zhejiang Province(Analysis Test Item,No.2017C37024)Foundation of Science and Technology Bureau of Jinhua(No.20204185),Self-Topic Fund of Zhejiang Normal University(No.2020ZS04).
文摘Selective loading of spatially separated redox cocatalysts on direct Z-scheme heterojunctions holds great promise for advancing the efficiency of artificial photosynthesis,which however is limited to the photodeposition of noble metal cocatalysts and the fabrication of hollow double-shelled semiconductor heterojunctions.Moreover,the co-exposure of discrete cocatalyst and semiconductor increases the product diversity when both the exposed sites of which participate in CO_(2)photoreduction.Herein,we present a facile and versatile protocol to overcome these limitations via surface coating of Z-scheme heterojunctions with bifunctional noble-metal-free cocatalysts.With Cu_(2)O/Fe_(2)O_(3)(CF)as a model heterojunction and layered Ni(OH)_(2)as a model cocatalyst,it is found that Ni(OH)_(2)lying on the surfaces of Cu_(2)O and Fe_(2)O_(3)separately co-catalyzes the CO_(2)reduction and H_(2)O oxidation.Thorough experimental and theoretical investigation reveals that the Ni(OH)_(2)outer layer:(i)mitigates the charge recombination in CF and balances their transfer and consumption;(ii)reduces the rate-determining barriers for CO_(2)-to-CO and H_(2)O-to-O_(2)conversion,(iii)suppresses the side proton reduction occurring on CF,and(iv)protects the CF from component detachment.As expected,the redox reactions stoichiometrically proceed,and significantly enhanced photocatalytic activity,selectivity,and stability in CO generation are achieved by the stacked Cu_(2)O/Fe_(2)O_(3)@Ni(OH)_(2)in contrast to CF.This study demonstrates the significance of the synergy between bifunctional cocatalysts and Z-scheme heterojunctions for improving the efficacy of overall redox reactions,opening a fresh avenue for the rational design of artificial photosynthetic systems.