Purpose:The goal of this study is to analyze the relationship between funded and unfunded papers and their citations in both basic and applied sciences.Design/methodology/approach:A power law model analyzes the relati...Purpose:The goal of this study is to analyze the relationship between funded and unfunded papers and their citations in both basic and applied sciences.Design/methodology/approach:A power law model analyzes the relationship between research funding and citations of papers using 831,337 documents recorded in the Web of Science database.Findings:The original results reveal general characteristics of the diffusion of science in research fields:a)Funded articles receive higher citations compared to unfunded papers in journals;b)Funded articles exhibit a super-linear growth in citations,surpassing the increase seen in unfunded articles.This finding reveals a higher diffusion of scientific knowledge in funded articles.Moreover,c)funded articles in both basic and applied sciences demonstrate a similar expected change in citations,equivalent to about 1.23%,when the number of funded papers increases by 1%in journals.This result suggests,for the first time,that funding effect of scientific research is an invariant driver,irrespective of the nature of the basic or applied sciences.Originality/value:This evidence suggests empirical laws of funding for scientific citations that explain the importance of robust funding mechanisms for achieving impactful research outcomes in science and society.These findings here also highlight that funding for scientific research is a critical driving force in supporting citations and the dissemination of scientific knowledge in recorded documents in both basic and applied sciences.Practical implications:This comprehensive result provides a holistic view of the relationship between funding and citation performance in science to guide policymakers and R&D managers with science policies by directing funding to research in promoting the scientific development and higher diffusion of results for the progress of human society.展开更多
Purpose:The goal of this study is a comparative analysis of the relation between funding(a main driver for scientific research)and citations in papers of Nobel Laureates in physics,chemistry and medicine over 2019-202...Purpose:The goal of this study is a comparative analysis of the relation between funding(a main driver for scientific research)and citations in papers of Nobel Laureates in physics,chemistry and medicine over 2019-2020 and the same relation in these research fields as a whole.Design/methodology/approach:This study utilizes a power law model to explore the relationship between research funding and citations of related papers.The study here analyzes 3,539 recorded documents by Nobel Laureates in physics,chemistry and medicine and a broader dataset of 183,016 documents related to the fields of physics,medicine,and chemistry recorded in the Web of Science database.Findings:Results reveal that in chemistry and medicine,funded researches published in papers of Nobel Laureates have higher citations than unfunded studies published in articles;vice versa high citations of Nobel Laureates in physics are for unfunded studies published in papers.Instead,when overall data of publications and citations in physics,chemistry and medicine are analyzed,all papers based on funded researches show higher citations than unfunded ones.Originality/value:Results clarify the driving role of research funding for science diffusion that are systematized in general properties:a)articles concerning funded researches receive more citations than(un)funded studies published in papers of physics,chemistry and medicine sciences,generating a high Matthew effect(a higher growth of citations with the increase in the number of papers);b)research funding increases the citations of articles in fields oriented to applied research(e.g.,chemistry and medicine)more than fields oriented towards basic research(e.g.,physics).Practical implications:The results here explain some characteristics of scientific development and diffusion,highlighting the critical role of research funding in fostering citations and the expansion of scientific knowledge.This finding can support decision-making of policymakers and R&D managers to improve the effectiveness in allocating financial resources in science policies to generate a higher positive scientific and societal impact.展开更多
Nosocomial infections affect implanted medical devices and greatly challenge their functional outcomes,becoming sometimes life threatening for the patients.Therefore,aggressive antibiotic therapies are administered,wh...Nosocomial infections affect implanted medical devices and greatly challenge their functional outcomes,becoming sometimes life threatening for the patients.Therefore,aggressive antibiotic therapies are administered,which often require the use of last-resort drugs,if the infection is caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria.Reducing the risk of bacterial contamination of medical devices in the hospitals has thus become an emerging issue.Promising routes to control these infections are based on materials provided with intrinsic bactericidal properties(i.e.,chemical action)and on the design of surface coatings able to limit bacteria adhesion and fouling phenomena(i.e.,physical action),thus preventing bacterial biofilm formation.Here,we report the development and validation of coatings made of layer-by-layer deposition of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoro ethylene)P(VDF-TrFE)fibers with controlled orientations,which ultimately gave rise to antifouling surfaces.The obtained 10-layer surface morphology with 90°orientation fibers was able to efficiently prevent the adhesion of bacteria,by establishing a superhydrophobic-like behavior compatible with the Cassie-Baxter regimen.Moreover,the results highlighted that surface wettability and bacteria adhesion could be controlled using fibers with diameter comparable to bacteria size(i.e.,achievable via electrospinning process),by tuning the intra-fiber spacing,with relevant implications in the future design of biomedical surface coatings.展开更多
The search for new biomarkers predictive of type 2 diabetes currently constitutes a research avenue in Bioclinical. Total homocysteine remains a preferred target due to its involvement in the occurrence of degenerativ...The search for new biomarkers predictive of type 2 diabetes currently constitutes a research avenue in Bioclinical. Total homocysteine remains a preferred target due to its involvement in the occurrence of degenerative complications in type 2 diabetics. The aim of this work was to study hyperhomocysteinemia and other biochemical markers associated with T2D in the Congolese population. This was an analytical case-control study carried out between October 2022 and October 2023. The study population consisted of 150 subjects including 100 T2D patients and 50 control subjects. The main clinical data were collected on a pre-established form. Homocysteine determination was carried out by the sandwich ELISA method. The other biochemical markers were measured by colorimetric enzymatic methods. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 27.3% (41/150) of the entire study population. Type 2 diabetics had a frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia of 36% (36/100) and control 10% (5/50) (p = 0.001). The mean hyperhomocysteinemia concentration was 31.9 μmol/l with extremes ranging from 18 to 103 μmol/l. Means of biological markers between diabetics and controls showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01). The risk factors associated with this HHcy were: sex (OR = 3.5), age (OR = 9.4), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 3.4) and glycosylated hemoglobin (OR = 12) with a p-value <0.05 respectively. Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia can be considered as a predictive biomarker in the bioclinic of Congolese type 2 diabetic patients.展开更多
Great Wall Motor(GWM),a leading automotive manufacturer,places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.The company focuses on comprehensively evaluating and enhancing its supply cha...Great Wall Motor(GWM),a leading automotive manufacturer,places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.The company focuses on comprehensively evaluating and enhancing its supply chain to align with these objectives.This evaluation spans the entire product life cycle,encompassing design,manufacturing,packaging,distribution,usage,and recycling and disposal processes.Key areas of focus include optimizing raw material selection,improving product recyclability,reducing energy consumption and waste emissions,and minimizing carbon emissions during transportation.Through these endeavors,GWM not only enhances its environmental performance by reducing carbon emissions and resource consumption but also bolsters its brand image and competitiveness in the market.GWM’s dedication to environmental innovation and technological leadership serves as a driving force behind sustainable development and social responsibility within the industry.展开更多
Hypocrea/Trichoderma is a genus of soil-borne or wood-decaying fungi containing members important to mankind as producers of industrial enzymes and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, but also as opportunistic ...Hypocrea/Trichoderma is a genus of soil-borne or wood-decaying fungi containing members important to mankind as producers of industrial enzymes and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, but also as opportunistic pathogens of immuno- compromised humans and animals, while others can cause damage to cultivated mushroom. With the recent advent of a reliable, BarCode-aided identification system for all known taxa of Trichoderma and Hypocrea, it became now possible to study some of the biological fundamentals of the diversity in this fungal genus in more detail. In this article, we will therefore review recent progress in (1) the understanding of the geographic distribution of individual taxa; (2) mechanisms of speciation leading to development of mushroom diseases and facultative human mycoses; and (3) the possible correlation of specific traits of secondary metabolism and molecular phylogeny.展开更多
Trichoderma/Hypocrea is a genus of soil-borne or wood-decaying fungi containing members important to mankind as producers of industrial enzymes and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, but also as opportunistic ...Trichoderma/Hypocrea is a genus of soil-borne or wood-decaying fungi containing members important to mankind as producers of industrial enzymes and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, but also as opportunistic pathogens of immunocompromised humans. Species identification, while essential in view of the controversial properties of taxa ofthis genus, has been problematic by traditional methods. Here we will present a critical survey of the various identification methods in use. In addition,we will present an update on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the 88 taxa (which occur as 14 holomorphs, 49 teleomorphs and 25 anamorphs in nature) of Trichoderma/Hypocrea that have been confirmed by a combination of morphological, physiological and genetic approaches.展开更多
Background In elderly patients, especially those older than 80 years, atrial fibrillation （AF） is associated with an almost 25% in- creased risk of stroke. Stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulants is therefore highly ...Background In elderly patients, especially those older than 80 years, atrial fibrillation （AF） is associated with an almost 25% in- creased risk of stroke. Stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulants is therefore highly recommended. The prevalence of factors that have been associated with a lower rate of prescription and adherence to anticoagulant therapy in these patients is little known. The objective of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of elderly subjects, with and without AF, consecutively admitted to an acute geriatric unit, discussing factors that may decrease the persistence on stroke prophylaxis therapy. We also highlight possible strategies to overcome the barriers conditioning the current underuse of oral anticoagulants in this segment of the population. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed on a cohort of elderly patients with and without AF admitted to the Acute Geriatric Unit of San Gerardo Hospital （Monza, Italy）. Results Compared to patients without AF （n = 1216）, those with AF （n = 403） had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index （3 vs. 2, P 〈 0.001）, number of administered drugs （4 vs. 3, P 〈 0.001）, rate of heart failure （36.5% vs. 12%, P 〈 0.001） and chronic kidney disease （20.6 vs. 13.2, P 〈 0.001）. Many patients with AF were frail （54%） or pre-frail （29%）. Conclusions Elderly patients with AF have higher rates of conditions that affect adherence to traditional anticoagulant therapy （vitamin K antagonists, VKA）. New direct oral anticoagulants （DOAs） can help overcome this problem. In order to prescribe the most appropriate VKA or DOAs, with the best efficacy/safety profile and the highest compliance, a comprehensive geriatric assessment should always accompany the scores for thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk stratification.展开更多
In the past decade there has been extensive research into tropical intraseasonal variability, one of the major components of the low frequency variability of the general atmospheric circulation. This paper briefly rev...In the past decade there has been extensive research into tropical intraseasonal variability, one of the major components of the low frequency variability of the general atmospheric circulation. This paper briefly reviews the state-of-the-art in this research area: the nature of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, its relation to monsoonal and extratropical circulations, and the current theoretical understandings.展开更多
The effects of non-thermal plasma （NTP） treatment on biomass in the form of pulverized palmbased empty fruit bunches （EFB） are investigated. Specifically, this study investigates the effects of NTP treatment on th...The effects of non-thermal plasma （NTP） treatment on biomass in the form of pulverized palmbased empty fruit bunches （EFB） are investigated. Specifically, this study investigates the effects of NTP treatment on the surface reactivity, morphology, oxygen-to-carbon （O/C） ratio of the EFB at varying treatment times. The surface reactivity is determined by the reaction of antioxidant functional groups or reactive species with 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl （DPPH）. By measuring the concentration of the DPPH with a spectrophotometer, the change in the amount of antioxidant functional groups can be measured to determine the surface reactivity. The reactions of the various lignin components in the EFB with respect to the NTP treatment are discussed by qualitatively assessing the changes in the Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectra. The surface morphology is examined by a scanning electron microscope. To determine the amount of oxygen deposited on the EFB by the air-based NTP treatment, the oxygen and carbon contents are measured by an energy dispersive x-ray detector to determine the O/C ratio. The results show that the NTP reactor produced reactive species such as atomic oxygen and ozone, increasing the surface reactivity and chemical scavenging rate of the EFB. Consequently, the surface morphology changed, with an observed rougher surface from the images of the EFB samples. The change in the appearance of the surface is accompanied by a high O/C ratio, and is caused by reactions of certain components of lignin due to the NTP treatment, The lignin component that was modified is believed to be syringyl, as the syringyl portion in the lignin of EFBs is higher compared to the other components. Syringyl components are detected in the range of F-FIR wavenumbers of 1109-1363 cm-1. With increasing NTP treatment times, the absorbance （of the peaks in the PTIR spectra） for syringyl related C-H and lignin associated C=C bonds decreases as the syringyl decomposes. The resulting release of carboxyl compounds increases the absorbance for the carbonyl C=O group. The results show that NTP treatment is able to modify the surface properties of EFB, and that the surface reactivity can be increased to improve their conversion and processing efficiencies.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the effects of ZK1916784, a low calcemic analog of calcitriol on intestinal inflammation. METHODS: Acute and chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) according to standard proced...AIM: To investigate the effects of ZK1916784, a low calcemic analog of calcitriol on intestinal inflammation. METHODS: Acute and chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) according to standard procedures. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with ZK1916784 or placebo and colonic inflammation was evaluated. Cytokine production by mesenterial lymph node (MLN) cells was measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) within the colonic tissue, and the effect of the calcitriol analog on DCs was investigated. RESULTS: Treatment with ZK191784 resulted in significant amelioration of disease with a reduced histological score in acute and chronic intestinal inflammation. In animals with acute DSS colitis, down- regulation of colonic inflammation was associated with a dramatic reduction in the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ and a significant increase in intereleukin (IL)-10 by MLN cells. Similarly, in chronic colitis, IL-10 expression in colonic tissue increased 1.4-fold when mice were treated with ZK191784, whereas expression of the Th1-specific transcription factor T-beta decreased by 81.6%. Lower numbers of infiltrating activated CD11c+ DCs were found in the colon in ZK191784-treated mice with acute DSScolitis, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by primary mucosal DCs was inhibited in the presence of the calcitriol analog. CONCLUSION: The calcitriol analog ZK191784 demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties in experimental colitis that were at least partially mediated by the immunosuppressive effects of the derivate on mucosal DCs.展开更多
The skin is the largest organ of the individual, being the interface between the body and the microenvironment. In severely burned patients and other diseases, the physiological processes of wound healing are not suff...The skin is the largest organ of the individual, being the interface between the body and the microenvironment. In severely burned patients and other diseases, the physiological processes of wound healing are not sufficient to complete the closure of their wounds. The in vitro culture of autologous epidermis, which has represented the beginning of Tissue Engineering, is a valuable tool for the treatment of these patients. Keratinocytes can be cultured and stratified in vitro, and an entire epidermal sheet can be obtained. The epidermis cells can be amplified in the laboratory from a skin sample to obtain a surface equivalent to that required for each patient. This technology was first used clinically in 1981 and in Argentina since 1991. Wound repair is a complex process that involves dermal and epidermal cells, extracellular matrix, soluble factors and the sum of interactions between them, providing physical, biological and chemical keys capable of guiding cell function. Seeking to improve the results obtained with cultured epidermis, tissue engineering was directed towards the development of substitutes that not only involve epidermis but also the dermal component. The tissue engineered skin and its therapeutic applications reported in this review demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of these approaches. It represents a clear benefit in wound healing. Now, focus must be directed on the development of new scaffolds, developed by different technologies, such as polymer science, or nanotechnology, able to be used as templates to direct the growth of cells, in an attempt to better regenerate the lost skin.展开更多
Background Circulating microparticles （MPs） have been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease （CAD）. In this study, we explored the relationship between MPs procoagulant activity and characteristics...Background Circulating microparticles （MPs） have been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease （CAD）. In this study, we explored the relationship between MPs procoagulant activity and characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque detected by 64-slice computed tomography angiography （CTA）. Methods In 127 consecutive patients with CAD but without acute coronary syndrome and who under went 64-slice CTA, MPs procoagulant activity in plasma Coy a thrombin generation test）, soluble form of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 （sLOX-1） and N（epsilon）-（carboxymethyl） lysine （CML） circulating levels （by ELISA） were measured. A quantitative volumetric analysis of the lumen and plaque burden of the vessel wall （soft and calcific components）, for the three major coronary vessels, was performed. The patients were classified in three groups according to the presence of calcium volume： non-calcified plaque （NCP） group （calcium volume （%） = 0）, moderate calcified plaque （MCP） group （0 〈 calcium volume （%） 〈 1）, and calcified plaque （CP） group （calcium volume （%） 〉 1）. Results MPs procoagulant activity and CML levels were higher in MCP group than in CP or NCP group （P = 0.009 and P = 0.027, respectively）. MPs procoagulant activity was positively associated with CML （r = 0.317, P 〈 0.0001） and sLOX-1 levels （r = 0.216, P = 0.0025）. Conclusions MPs procoagulant activity was higher in the MCP patient group and correlated positively with sLOX-1 and CML levels, suggesting that it may characterize a state of blood vulnerability that may locally precipitate plaque instability and increase the risk of subsequent major cardiovascular events.展开更多
Objective:The bulb of Albuca bracteata Jacq.,and Albuca setosa commonly used in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the treatment of several types of disease conditions including diabetes,was investigated for th...Objective:The bulb of Albuca bracteata Jacq.,and Albuca setosa commonly used in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the treatment of several types of disease conditions including diabetes,was investigated for their phytochemical contents and antioxidant activities.Methods:The antioxidant activity was determined by evaluating the effect of various solvent extracts(acetone,methanol,ethanol and water) on 2,2 – diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) scavenging activity,2,20– azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt(ABTS),ferric reducing power,hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide scavenging activity while the various extracts were also analysed for phytochemical their contents.Results:The results obtained indicate that polyphenols,proanthocyanidins,saponins and alkaloids are present in higher concentrations.The composition of phenols(117 mg/g),flavonols(26.28 mg/g),proanthocyanidins(84.85 mg/g) and flavonoids(5.36 mg/g) were significantly higher in the acetone extract while saponin and alkaloids contents were higher in the aqueous extract.Antioxidant studies of the extracts for nitric oxide,hydrogen peroxide,ABTS and DPPH showed high antioxidant potential in a concentration-dependent manner that was not significantly different from Vitamin C,BHT and Rutin used as standard references.The methanol extract showed higher ferric reducing potential compared to the aqueous extract but was significantly different from Vitamin C,BHT and Rutin.Conclusion:This implies that the bulb of Albuca bracteata may serve as a natural source of antioxidants,which together with the numerous phytochemicals present,could account for its folkloric use as a medicinal plant.展开更多
文摘Purpose:The goal of this study is to analyze the relationship between funded and unfunded papers and their citations in both basic and applied sciences.Design/methodology/approach:A power law model analyzes the relationship between research funding and citations of papers using 831,337 documents recorded in the Web of Science database.Findings:The original results reveal general characteristics of the diffusion of science in research fields:a)Funded articles receive higher citations compared to unfunded papers in journals;b)Funded articles exhibit a super-linear growth in citations,surpassing the increase seen in unfunded articles.This finding reveals a higher diffusion of scientific knowledge in funded articles.Moreover,c)funded articles in both basic and applied sciences demonstrate a similar expected change in citations,equivalent to about 1.23%,when the number of funded papers increases by 1%in journals.This result suggests,for the first time,that funding effect of scientific research is an invariant driver,irrespective of the nature of the basic or applied sciences.Originality/value:This evidence suggests empirical laws of funding for scientific citations that explain the importance of robust funding mechanisms for achieving impactful research outcomes in science and society.These findings here also highlight that funding for scientific research is a critical driving force in supporting citations and the dissemination of scientific knowledge in recorded documents in both basic and applied sciences.Practical implications:This comprehensive result provides a holistic view of the relationship between funding and citation performance in science to guide policymakers and R&D managers with science policies by directing funding to research in promoting the scientific development and higher diffusion of results for the progress of human society.
文摘Purpose:The goal of this study is a comparative analysis of the relation between funding(a main driver for scientific research)and citations in papers of Nobel Laureates in physics,chemistry and medicine over 2019-2020 and the same relation in these research fields as a whole.Design/methodology/approach:This study utilizes a power law model to explore the relationship between research funding and citations of related papers.The study here analyzes 3,539 recorded documents by Nobel Laureates in physics,chemistry and medicine and a broader dataset of 183,016 documents related to the fields of physics,medicine,and chemistry recorded in the Web of Science database.Findings:Results reveal that in chemistry and medicine,funded researches published in papers of Nobel Laureates have higher citations than unfunded studies published in articles;vice versa high citations of Nobel Laureates in physics are for unfunded studies published in papers.Instead,when overall data of publications and citations in physics,chemistry and medicine are analyzed,all papers based on funded researches show higher citations than unfunded ones.Originality/value:Results clarify the driving role of research funding for science diffusion that are systematized in general properties:a)articles concerning funded researches receive more citations than(un)funded studies published in papers of physics,chemistry and medicine sciences,generating a high Matthew effect(a higher growth of citations with the increase in the number of papers);b)research funding increases the citations of articles in fields oriented to applied research(e.g.,chemistry and medicine)more than fields oriented towards basic research(e.g.,physics).Practical implications:The results here explain some characteristics of scientific development and diffusion,highlighting the critical role of research funding in fostering citations and the expansion of scientific knowledge.This finding can support decision-making of policymakers and R&D managers to improve the effectiveness in allocating financial resources in science policies to generate a higher positive scientific and societal impact.
文摘Nosocomial infections affect implanted medical devices and greatly challenge their functional outcomes,becoming sometimes life threatening for the patients.Therefore,aggressive antibiotic therapies are administered,which often require the use of last-resort drugs,if the infection is caused by multi-drug-resistant bacteria.Reducing the risk of bacterial contamination of medical devices in the hospitals has thus become an emerging issue.Promising routes to control these infections are based on materials provided with intrinsic bactericidal properties(i.e.,chemical action)and on the design of surface coatings able to limit bacteria adhesion and fouling phenomena(i.e.,physical action),thus preventing bacterial biofilm formation.Here,we report the development and validation of coatings made of layer-by-layer deposition of electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoro ethylene)P(VDF-TrFE)fibers with controlled orientations,which ultimately gave rise to antifouling surfaces.The obtained 10-layer surface morphology with 90°orientation fibers was able to efficiently prevent the adhesion of bacteria,by establishing a superhydrophobic-like behavior compatible with the Cassie-Baxter regimen.Moreover,the results highlighted that surface wettability and bacteria adhesion could be controlled using fibers with diameter comparable to bacteria size(i.e.,achievable via electrospinning process),by tuning the intra-fiber spacing,with relevant implications in the future design of biomedical surface coatings.
文摘The search for new biomarkers predictive of type 2 diabetes currently constitutes a research avenue in Bioclinical. Total homocysteine remains a preferred target due to its involvement in the occurrence of degenerative complications in type 2 diabetics. The aim of this work was to study hyperhomocysteinemia and other biochemical markers associated with T2D in the Congolese population. This was an analytical case-control study carried out between October 2022 and October 2023. The study population consisted of 150 subjects including 100 T2D patients and 50 control subjects. The main clinical data were collected on a pre-established form. Homocysteine determination was carried out by the sandwich ELISA method. The other biochemical markers were measured by colorimetric enzymatic methods. Hyperhomocysteinemia was present in 27.3% (41/150) of the entire study population. Type 2 diabetics had a frequency of hyperhomocysteinemia of 36% (36/100) and control 10% (5/50) (p = 0.001). The mean hyperhomocysteinemia concentration was 31.9 μmol/l with extremes ranging from 18 to 103 μmol/l. Means of biological markers between diabetics and controls showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.01). The risk factors associated with this HHcy were: sex (OR = 3.5), age (OR = 9.4), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 3.4) and glycosylated hemoglobin (OR = 12) with a p-value <0.05 respectively. Our results suggest that hyperhomocysteinemia can be considered as a predictive biomarker in the bioclinic of Congolese type 2 diabetic patients.
文摘Great Wall Motor(GWM),a leading automotive manufacturer,places a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social responsibility.The company focuses on comprehensively evaluating and enhancing its supply chain to align with these objectives.This evaluation spans the entire product life cycle,encompassing design,manufacturing,packaging,distribution,usage,and recycling and disposal processes.Key areas of focus include optimizing raw material selection,improving product recyclability,reducing energy consumption and waste emissions,and minimizing carbon emissions during transportation.Through these endeavors,GWM not only enhances its environmental performance by reducing carbon emissions and resource consumption but also bolsters its brand image and competitiveness in the market.GWM’s dedication to environmental innovation and technological leadership serves as a driving force behind sustainable development and social responsibility within the industry.
基金Project (Nos.FWF P-12748-MOB,FWF P-16601-CPK,and FWFP-17895-ISD) supported by the Austrian Science Fund Grants
文摘Hypocrea/Trichoderma is a genus of soil-borne or wood-decaying fungi containing members important to mankind as producers of industrial enzymes and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, but also as opportunistic pathogens of immuno- compromised humans and animals, while others can cause damage to cultivated mushroom. With the recent advent of a reliable, BarCode-aided identification system for all known taxa of Trichoderma and Hypocrea, it became now possible to study some of the biological fundamentals of the diversity in this fungal genus in more detail. In this article, we will therefore review recent progress in (1) the understanding of the geographic distribution of individual taxa; (2) mechanisms of speciation leading to development of mushroom diseases and facultative human mycoses; and (3) the possible correlation of specific traits of secondary metabolism and molecular phylogeny.
文摘Trichoderma/Hypocrea is a genus of soil-borne or wood-decaying fungi containing members important to mankind as producers of industrial enzymes and biocontrol agents against plant pathogens, but also as opportunistic pathogens of immunocompromised humans. Species identification, while essential in view of the controversial properties of taxa ofthis genus, has been problematic by traditional methods. Here we will present a critical survey of the various identification methods in use. In addition,we will present an update on the taxonomy and phylogeny of the 88 taxa (which occur as 14 holomorphs, 49 teleomorphs and 25 anamorphs in nature) of Trichoderma/Hypocrea that have been confirmed by a combination of morphological, physiological and genetic approaches.
文摘Background In elderly patients, especially those older than 80 years, atrial fibrillation （AF） is associated with an almost 25% in- creased risk of stroke. Stroke prophylaxis with anticoagulants is therefore highly recommended. The prevalence of factors that have been associated with a lower rate of prescription and adherence to anticoagulant therapy in these patients is little known. The objective of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of elderly subjects, with and without AF, consecutively admitted to an acute geriatric unit, discussing factors that may decrease the persistence on stroke prophylaxis therapy. We also highlight possible strategies to overcome the barriers conditioning the current underuse of oral anticoagulants in this segment of the population. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed on a cohort of elderly patients with and without AF admitted to the Acute Geriatric Unit of San Gerardo Hospital （Monza, Italy）. Results Compared to patients without AF （n = 1216）, those with AF （n = 403） had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index （3 vs. 2, P 〈 0.001）, number of administered drugs （4 vs. 3, P 〈 0.001）, rate of heart failure （36.5% vs. 12%, P 〈 0.001） and chronic kidney disease （20.6 vs. 13.2, P 〈 0.001）. Many patients with AF were frail （54%） or pre-frail （29%）. Conclusions Elderly patients with AF have higher rates of conditions that affect adherence to traditional anticoagulant therapy （vitamin K antagonists, VKA）. New direct oral anticoagulants （DOAs） can help overcome this problem. In order to prescribe the most appropriate VKA or DOAs, with the best efficacy/safety profile and the highest compliance, a comprehensive geriatric assessment should always accompany the scores for thrombotic and hemorrhagic risk stratification.
文摘In the past decade there has been extensive research into tropical intraseasonal variability, one of the major components of the low frequency variability of the general atmospheric circulation. This paper briefly reviews the state-of-the-art in this research area: the nature of the Madden-Julian Oscillation, its relation to monsoonal and extratropical circulations, and the current theoretical understandings.
基金Tenaga Nasional Berhad (Malaysia) for funding this research (TNBR/SF 240/2016)
文摘The effects of non-thermal plasma （NTP） treatment on biomass in the form of pulverized palmbased empty fruit bunches （EFB） are investigated. Specifically, this study investigates the effects of NTP treatment on the surface reactivity, morphology, oxygen-to-carbon （O/C） ratio of the EFB at varying treatment times. The surface reactivity is determined by the reaction of antioxidant functional groups or reactive species with 2,2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl （DPPH）. By measuring the concentration of the DPPH with a spectrophotometer, the change in the amount of antioxidant functional groups can be measured to determine the surface reactivity. The reactions of the various lignin components in the EFB with respect to the NTP treatment are discussed by qualitatively assessing the changes in the Fourier transform infrared （FTIR） spectra. The surface morphology is examined by a scanning electron microscope. To determine the amount of oxygen deposited on the EFB by the air-based NTP treatment, the oxygen and carbon contents are measured by an energy dispersive x-ray detector to determine the O/C ratio. The results show that the NTP reactor produced reactive species such as atomic oxygen and ozone, increasing the surface reactivity and chemical scavenging rate of the EFB. Consequently, the surface morphology changed, with an observed rougher surface from the images of the EFB samples. The change in the appearance of the surface is accompanied by a high O/C ratio, and is caused by reactions of certain components of lignin due to the NTP treatment, The lignin component that was modified is believed to be syringyl, as the syringyl portion in the lignin of EFBs is higher compared to the other components. Syringyl components are detected in the range of F-FIR wavenumbers of 1109-1363 cm-1. With increasing NTP treatment times, the absorbance （of the peaks in the PTIR spectra） for syringyl related C-H and lignin associated C=C bonds decreases as the syringyl decomposes. The resulting release of carboxyl compounds increases the absorbance for the carbonyl C=O group. The results show that NTP treatment is able to modify the surface properties of EFB, and that the surface reactivity can be increased to improve their conversion and processing efficiencies.
基金Supported by Grants from the German Research Foundation DFG (UGS, HCR)as well as research grants from the University of Regensburg, Germany, as part of the ReForM-program (UGS, FO)
文摘AIM: To investigate the effects of ZK1916784, a low calcemic analog of calcitriol on intestinal inflammation. METHODS: Acute and chronic colitis was induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) according to standard procedures. Mice were treated intraperitoneally with ZK1916784 or placebo and colonic inflammation was evaluated. Cytokine production by mesenterial lymph node (MLN) cells was measured by ELISA. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect intestinal dendritic cells (DCs) within the colonic tissue, and the effect of the calcitriol analog on DCs was investigated. RESULTS: Treatment with ZK191784 resulted in significant amelioration of disease with a reduced histological score in acute and chronic intestinal inflammation. In animals with acute DSS colitis, down- regulation of colonic inflammation was associated with a dramatic reduction in the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ and a significant increase in intereleukin (IL)-10 by MLN cells. Similarly, in chronic colitis, IL-10 expression in colonic tissue increased 1.4-fold when mice were treated with ZK191784, whereas expression of the Th1-specific transcription factor T-beta decreased by 81.6%. Lower numbers of infiltrating activated CD11c+ DCs were found in the colon in ZK191784-treated mice with acute DSScolitis, and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines by primary mucosal DCs was inhibited in the presence of the calcitriol analog. CONCLUSION: The calcitriol analog ZK191784 demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties in experimental colitis that were at least partially mediated by the immunosuppressive effects of the derivate on mucosal DCs.
文摘The skin is the largest organ of the individual, being the interface between the body and the microenvironment. In severely burned patients and other diseases, the physiological processes of wound healing are not sufficient to complete the closure of their wounds. The in vitro culture of autologous epidermis, which has represented the beginning of Tissue Engineering, is a valuable tool for the treatment of these patients. Keratinocytes can be cultured and stratified in vitro, and an entire epidermal sheet can be obtained. The epidermis cells can be amplified in the laboratory from a skin sample to obtain a surface equivalent to that required for each patient. This technology was first used clinically in 1981 and in Argentina since 1991. Wound repair is a complex process that involves dermal and epidermal cells, extracellular matrix, soluble factors and the sum of interactions between them, providing physical, biological and chemical keys capable of guiding cell function. Seeking to improve the results obtained with cultured epidermis, tissue engineering was directed towards the development of substitutes that not only involve epidermis but also the dermal component. The tissue engineered skin and its therapeutic applications reported in this review demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of these approaches. It represents a clear benefit in wound healing. Now, focus must be directed on the development of new scaffolds, developed by different technologies, such as polymer science, or nanotechnology, able to be used as templates to direct the growth of cells, in an attempt to better regenerate the lost skin.
文摘Background Circulating microparticles （MPs） have been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease （CAD）. In this study, we explored the relationship between MPs procoagulant activity and characteristics of atherosclerotic plaque detected by 64-slice computed tomography angiography （CTA）. Methods In 127 consecutive patients with CAD but without acute coronary syndrome and who under went 64-slice CTA, MPs procoagulant activity in plasma Coy a thrombin generation test）, soluble form of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 （sLOX-1） and N（epsilon）-（carboxymethyl） lysine （CML） circulating levels （by ELISA） were measured. A quantitative volumetric analysis of the lumen and plaque burden of the vessel wall （soft and calcific components）, for the three major coronary vessels, was performed. The patients were classified in three groups according to the presence of calcium volume： non-calcified plaque （NCP） group （calcium volume （%） = 0）, moderate calcified plaque （MCP） group （0 〈 calcium volume （%） 〈 1）, and calcified plaque （CP） group （calcium volume （%） 〉 1）. Results MPs procoagulant activity and CML levels were higher in MCP group than in CP or NCP group （P = 0.009 and P = 0.027, respectively）. MPs procoagulant activity was positively associated with CML （r = 0.317, P 〈 0.0001） and sLOX-1 levels （r = 0.216, P = 0.0025）. Conclusions MPs procoagulant activity was higher in the MCP patient group and correlated positively with sLOX-1 and CML levels, suggesting that it may characterize a state of blood vulnerability that may locally precipitate plaque instability and increase the risk of subsequent major cardiovascular events.
基金Govan Mbeki Research Development Council(GMRDC),University of Fort Hare(Grant No.C228)National Research Foundation(NRF)(Grant No.95187)both of South Africa for funding this work
文摘Objective:The bulb of Albuca bracteata Jacq.,and Albuca setosa commonly used in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa for the treatment of several types of disease conditions including diabetes,was investigated for their phytochemical contents and antioxidant activities.Methods:The antioxidant activity was determined by evaluating the effect of various solvent extracts(acetone,methanol,ethanol and water) on 2,2 – diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) scavenging activity,2,20– azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid diammonium salt(ABTS),ferric reducing power,hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide scavenging activity while the various extracts were also analysed for phytochemical their contents.Results:The results obtained indicate that polyphenols,proanthocyanidins,saponins and alkaloids are present in higher concentrations.The composition of phenols(117 mg/g),flavonols(26.28 mg/g),proanthocyanidins(84.85 mg/g) and flavonoids(5.36 mg/g) were significantly higher in the acetone extract while saponin and alkaloids contents were higher in the aqueous extract.Antioxidant studies of the extracts for nitric oxide,hydrogen peroxide,ABTS and DPPH showed high antioxidant potential in a concentration-dependent manner that was not significantly different from Vitamin C,BHT and Rutin used as standard references.The methanol extract showed higher ferric reducing potential compared to the aqueous extract but was significantly different from Vitamin C,BHT and Rutin.Conclusion:This implies that the bulb of Albuca bracteata may serve as a natural source of antioxidants,which together with the numerous phytochemicals present,could account for its folkloric use as a medicinal plant.
