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BACKGROUND: The quality of fresh tea leaves after harvest determines, to some extent, the quality and price of commercial tea. A fast and accurate method to evaluate the quality of fresh tea leaves is required. RESULTS: In this study, the potential of hyperspectral imaging in the range of 328-1115 nm for the rapid prediction of moisture, total nitrogen, crude fiber contents, and quality index value was investigated. Ninety samples of eight tea-leaf varieties and two picking standards were tested. Quantitative partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were established using a full spectrum, whereas multiple linear regression (MLR) models were developed using characteristic wavelengths selected by a successive projections algorithm (SPA) and competitive adaptive reweighted sampling. The results showed that the optimal SPA-MLR models for moisture, total nitrogen, crude fiber contents, and quality index value yielded optimal performance with coefficients of determination for prediction (R2 p) of 0.9357, 0.8543, 0.8188, 0.9168; root mean square error of 0.3437, 0.1097, 0.3795, 1.0358; and residual prediction deviation of 4.00, 2.56, 2.31, and 3.51, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results suggested that the hyperspectral imaging technique coupled with chemometrics was a promising tool for the rapid and nondestructive measurement of tea-leaf quality, and had the potential to develop multispectral imaging systems for future online detection of tea-leaf quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Camellia sinensis/química , Imágenes Hiperespectrales/métodos , Hojas de la Planta/química , Camellia sinensis/clasificación , Nitrógeno/análisis , Hojas de la Planta/clasificación , Control de CalidadRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To observe the chemical groups changing in rat kidney with regard to fatal hyperthermia by Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIR-MSP) and to provide a new method to diagnose fatal hyperthermia. METHODS: Rats were sacrificed by hyperthermia, brainstem injury, massive hemorrhage and asphyxiation and divided into groups. The renal samples were dissected immediately after death. The data of infrared spectroscopy in glomerulus were measured by FTIR-MSP. RESULTS: The absorbances of 3290, 3070, 2850, 1540 and 1396 cm(-1) significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the ratios of Al650/A3290 and A1650/A1540 significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in group of hyperthermia. CONCLUSION: FTIR-MSP can analyze the changes of chemical groups of kidney as an auxiliary diagnosis for discriminating hyperthermia with other causes of death.
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Fiebre/mortalidad , Riñón/metabolismo , Espectroscopía Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier/métodos , Animales , Análisis de Fourier , Microespectrofotometría , RatasRESUMEN
The mtDNA 1555A>G mutation was considered to be one of the most common causes of aminoglycoside-induced and non-syndromic hearing loss. However, this mutation was always found in homoplasmy with high phenotypic heterogeneity. Recently this mutation in heteroplasmy has been reported in several studies. In the present study, we have collected a large Chinese family harboring heteroplasmic mtDNA 1555A>G mutation with diverse clinical phenotypes. To investigate the relationship between the mutation load and the severity of hearing loss under Eastern Asian background, we performed clinical, molecular, genetic and phylogenic analysis. This pedigree was characterized by coexistence of eight subjects with homoplasmic mutation and ten subjects with various degrees of heteroplasmy, and the results suggested that there was a strong correlation between the mutation load and the severity/age-onset of hearing loss (r=0.758, p<0.001). We noticed that the mutation level of offspring was associated with their mothers' in this pedigree, which indicated that maybe exist a regular pattern during the process of the heteroplasmic transmission. In addition, analysis of the complete mtDNA genome of this family revealed that it belonged to Eastern Asian haplogroup B4C1. In addition, a rare homoplasmic mtDNA 9128T>C variant was identified, it located at a strictly conserved site of mtDNA ATP6 gene.
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ADN Mitocondrial/genética , Genoma Mitocondrial/genética , Pérdida Auditiva/genética , Mutación , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Pueblo Asiatico/genética , Niño , Preescolar , Análisis Mutacional de ADN , Femenino , Variación Genética , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , ATPasas de Translocación de Protón Mitocondriales/genética , Linaje , Fenotipo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of frailty and cognitive impairment on adverse outcomes, including new falls and new activities of daily living (ADL) dependency over a 1-year follow-up. Patients and Methods: A total of 311 older hospitalized patients participated in this retrospective observational study and completed a 1-year follow-up. Frailty was assessed by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). Cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). All participants were classified into four groups: 1) the healthy group (n=180); 2) the cognitive impairment group only (n=38); 3) the frailty group only (n=44); and 4) coexisting frailty and cognitive impairment group (n=49). The follow-up data of adverse outcomes include the incidences of new falls and new ADL dependence. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations of frailty and/or cognitive impairment with adverse outcomes. Results: The prevalence rates of frailty, cognitive impairment, and co-occurring frailty with cognitive impairment were 29.9%, 28%, and 15.8%, respectively. Among these four groups, there was a statistical difference in the incidence of new ADL dependence during the follow-up period (9.5% vs 11.4% vs 35.9% vs 61.9%, P < 0.001). After adjusting the confounding variables, older hospitalized patients with frailty and cognitive impairment had a higher risk of new ADL dependence when compared with the healthy group (OR: 4.786, 95% CI: 1.492-15.355), but frailty only or cognitive impairment only was not associated with new ADL dependency. Conclusion: Elderly inpatients with comorbid frailty and cognitive impairment on admission were significantly associated with an increased risk of new ADL dependency 1 year after discharge. Therefore, it is necessary for the early identification of frailty and cognitive impairment, and effective interventions should be implemented.
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Disfunción Cognitiva , Fragilidad , Humanos , Anciano , Fragilidad/epidemiología , Fragilidad/diagnóstico , Estudios de Seguimiento , Actividades Cotidianas , Alta del Paciente , Anciano Frágil , Pacientes Internos , Evaluación Geriátrica/métodos , Disfunción Cognitiva/diagnósticoRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the screening of ß-thalassemia among newborns in Wuhan region, so as to explore the influencing factors of Hb A in dried blood spot. METHODS: Concentrations of Hb A,Hb A2,Hb F in the dried blood spots collected from 99 275 neonates in Wuhan region were analyzed by Sebia capillary electrophoresis. The screening result of ß-thalassemia was interpretated accroding to the ratio of each group, the suspicious ß-thalassemia newborns were recalled and the gene of thalassemia in those newborns was checked. RESULTS: Among 99 275 newborns, 1 408 positive patients were found, and the positive rate of screening was 1.41%. A total of 350 patients with gene mutation were found among 709 ß-thalassemia suspicious patients. There were significantly statistical differences of positive predictive value among Hb A levels in different groups and there were also significantly statistical differences of positive predictive values among gestational weeks in different groups. No significantly statistical differences were observed among different genetic defects and phenotypes of heterozygous ß-thalassemia in Hb A concentrations. Postnatal day and gestational age were significantly and positively associated with Hb A concentrations. CONCLUSION: The capillary electrophoresis is an effective screening method for ß-thalassemia of full-term neonate. Postnatal day and gestational age is associated with the pencentage of Hb A.
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Talasemia , Talasemia beta , Electroforesis Capilar , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Tamizaje Masivo , Mutación , Talasemia beta/epidemiología , Talasemia beta/genéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Some gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors (SETs) have malignant potential and complete resection may be required. However, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can be a tedious procedure and requires a long and extensive training to master. Devices for endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) are limited and are not widely available. We report here a simpler endoscopic method to resect small SETs using a commercially available endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) kit and enucleation technique. METHODS: All patients with SET who underwent device-assisted resection at our tertiary care hospital from April 2015 to November 2016 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All procedures were performed by a single expert endoscopist with an advanced endoscopy trainee. A mucosectomy and a limited dissection under mucosa were performed to preserve the mucosa before a device-assisted enucleation of the tumor to facilitate endoscopic closure of the defect closure in all cases. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients aged 38-70 y, of whom six were males, were included. Most of the tumors originated from the muscularis propria and were located at the proximal gastric body. The mean procedural duration was 53 minutes (range 23-91 min). The average size of the lesions was 13 mm (range 9-21 mm). The mean duration of hospitalization was 1.3 days. Bleeding and intentional perforation were all successfully managed during the procedure and did not result in any clinically significant adverse event. CONCLUSION: A device-assisted EFTR using a commercially available EMR kit is a safe and feasible method for the endoscopic resection of small gastric extrovert SETs.
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Resección Endoscópica de la Mucosa/instrumentación , Mucosa Gástrica/cirugía , Tumores del Estroma Gastrointestinal/cirugía , Gastroscopía/instrumentación , Neoplasias Gástricas/cirugía , Adulto , Anciano , Resección Endoscópica de la Mucosa/métodos , Estudios de Factibilidad , Femenino , Gastroscopía/métodos , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Resultado del TratamientoRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopy is often used during the endoscopic drainage of pancreatic-fluid collections (PFCs). An electrocautery-enhanced coaxial lumen-apposing, self-expanding metal stent (ELAMS) facilitates a single-step procedure and may avoid the need for fluoroscopy. This study compares the treatment outcomes using ELAMS with and without fluoroscopy. METHODS: Patients with PFCs who had cystogastrostomy from January 2014 to February 2017 were enrolled. Two groups were studied based on fluoroscopy use. Technical success was defined as uneventful insertion of ELAMS at time of procedure. Clinical success was defined as (i) clinical resolution of symptoms after the procedure and (ii) >75% reduction in cyst size on computed tomography 8 weeks after stent placement. Adverse events including bleeding, stent migration, and infection were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients (13 males) had PFCs drainage with ELAMS in the study period. The mean age was 51.6 ± 14.2 years. Thirteen patients had walled-off necrosis while eight had a pancreatic pseudocyst. The mean size of the PFCs was 11.3 ± 3.3 cm. Fluoroscopy was used in seven cases (33%) and was associated with a longer procedure time compared to non-fluoroscopy (43.1 ± 10.4 vs 33.3 ± 10.5 min, P = 0.025). This association was independent of the size, location, or type of PFCs. Fluoroscopy had no effect on the technical success rates. In fluoroless procedures, the clinical resolution was 91% as compared to 71% in fluoroscopy procedures (P = 0.52) and the radiologic resolution was 57% as compared to 71% in fluoroscopy procedures (P = 0. 65). Three cases of stent migration/displacement occurred in the fluoroless procedures. CONCLUSIONS: ELAMS may avoid the need for fluoroscopy during cystogastrostomy. Procedures without fluoroscopy were significantly shorter and fluoroscopy use had no impact on the technical or clinical success rates.
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To explore the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for small, solid or semi-solid pancreatic lesions (≤20 mm) and the factors affecting its accuracy. METHODS: Altogether 92 patients with small, solid or semi-solid pancreatic lesions who underwent EUS-FNA at the Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from November 2009 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the factors affecting the accuracy of EUS-FNA for detecting these lesions. RESULTS: Among the 92 cases, 56 (60.9%) were diagnosed as having malignant lesions and 36 (39.1%) as benign lesions, respectively. The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of small, solid or semi-solid pancreatic lesions were 71.4%, 100% and 82.6%, respectively. When considering the impact of the presence of a tissue core on the diagnosis, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EUS-FNA with tissue core compared with those based on cytology alone were 77.3% vs 50.0%; 100% vs 100%; and 86.8% vs 62.5%, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that larger tumor size (>15-20 mm) (odds ratio [OR] 4.200, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-14.53, P = 0.023) and histologic diagnosis based on tissue core (OR 4.593, 95% CI 1.03-20.47, P = 0.046) were related to a higher accuracy of EUS-FNA. Adverse events were observed in three patients, all were treated conservatively and recovered within 3 days. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA is effective and safe for diagnosing small pancreatic lesions. Tumor size and presence of tissue core are related to higher accuracy of the EUS-FNA.
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Biopsia por Aspiración con Aguja Fina Guiada por Ultrasonido Endoscópico , Neoplasias Pancreáticas , Humanos , Análisis Multivariante , Páncreas/patología , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/diagnóstico , Estudios Retrospectivos , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: We present a rare case of plasma cell type of Castleman's disease (CD) involving only the right renal sinus in a 65-year-old woman with a duplex collecting system (DCS). CASE SUMMARY: The patient presented with a right renal sinus lesion after renal ultrasonography. Subsequent abdominal enhanced computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the kidneys showed DCS and a soft tissue mass with mild enhancement at the lower right renal sinus. The lesion was suspected to be a malignant renal pelvic carcinoma. Hence, the patient underwent a right radical nephrectomy. Histological examination revealed hyperplastic lymphoid follicles in the renal sinus. A detailed review of the patient's CT and MRI images and a literature review suggested that the lesion was hypointense on T2-weighted images and hyperintense on diffusion-weighted image manifestations, and showed mild enhancement, which distinguished the plasma cell type of CD from many other renal sinus lesions. Furthermore, peripelvic soft tissue masses with a smooth internal surface of the renal pelvis were on imaging findings, which suggests that the urinary tract epithelial system is invulnerable and can be used to differentiate the plasma cell type of CD from malignant lymphoma with a focally growth pattern to some extent. CONCLUSION: Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult in such cases, as plasma cell type of CD involving only the right kidney is exceedingly rare. However, heightened awareness of this disease entity and its radiographic presentations may alert one to consider this diagnosis.
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OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in assessing locoregionally and determining therapeutic options for ampullary adenomas and the related factors. METHODS: Patients undergoing EUS and surgical or endoscopic resection for biopsy-proven ampullary adenomas between 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. The depth of tumor invasion, intraductal extension, and regional lymph node staging evaluated by EUS were compared with post-treatment pathological findings. RESULTS: Altogether 120 patients were enrolled in this study. The overall accuracy for EUS in T staging was 81.7%. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS for T staging were 93.9%, 45.5% for adenoma and T1, 50.0% and 96.5% for T2, 66.7% and 97.4% for T3, 50.0% and 97.5% for T4 lesions, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of EUS for the diagnosis of any intraductal extension were 89.5%, 86.1%, and 86.7%, respectively. The overall accuracy of EUS for regional lymph node staging was 75.0%. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS for diagnosing N1 were 62.5% and 87.5%. By multivariate analysis no factors were found to be independently associated with EUS accuracy for tumor invasive depth. However, small lesion size (≤15 mm) and dilated duct were associated with an overestimation in intraductal extension. CONCLUSION: EUS may be a useful diagnostic tool for selecting endoscopic or surgical treatment for ampullary adenomas.
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Adenoma/diagnóstico por imagen , Ampolla Hepatopancreática , Neoplasias del Conducto Colédoco/diagnóstico por imagen , Adenoma/patología , Adenoma/cirugía , Anciano , Toma de Decisiones Clínicas/métodos , Neoplasias del Conducto Colédoco/patología , Neoplasias del Conducto Colédoco/cirugía , Endosonografía , Femenino , Humanos , Metástasis Linfática , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Invasividad Neoplásica , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Cuidados Preoperatorios/métodos , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de Riesgo , Sensibilidad y EspecificidadRESUMEN
Ulceration of carotid arterial plaque is associated with cerebral events. Detection of ulcerated plaques will benefit patient from stroke and other ischemic events. The aim of this study was to evaluate morphology of atherosclerotic plaques in the carotid arteries and to assess its clinical impact in predicting cerebral events.A total of 386 patients were examined with 256-multislice spiral computed tomographic angiography (MSCTA).It was found that 356 of the 386 patients had cerebral ischemic symptoms. Specifically, 35 patients had amaurosis fugax (AmF), 178 had transient ischemic attack (TIA), and 143 had ischemic stroke. Abnormal images were found in 658 carotid arteries by MSCTA. Of the 658 abnormal images of carotid arteries, besides the 34 cases of carotid arterial occlusion, 624 cases were atherosclerotic plaques. Of the 624 plaques, 394 (63.2%) were smooth surface plaques, 161 (25.8%) were irregular surface plaques, and 69 (11.1%) were ulcerated plaques. Incidence of ulcerated plaque was higher in the ischemic stroke patients (13.1%) compared with that in the TIA group (10.3%), AmF group (6.6%), or symptom-free group (9.4%) although it was not statistically significant (Pâ=â.288). However, there was significant difference in the incidence of ischemic stroke between the ulcerated (20/69, 28.9%) and nonulcerated groups (69/555, 12.4%, Pâ<â.05, odds ratioâ=â2.875).These findings suggested that 256-MSCTA is an advanced imaging tool to determine not only arterial stenosis but also morphologic assessment of atherosclerotic plaques, which will benefit the patients by predicting the cerebral events in advance.
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Isquemia Encefálica , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas , Angiografía por Tomografía Computarizada/métodos , Placa Aterosclerótica , Isquemia Encefálica/epidemiología , Isquemia Encefálica/etiología , Isquemia Encefálica/prevención & control , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/complicaciones , Enfermedades de las Arterias Carótidas/diagnóstico , China/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Placa Aterosclerótica/diagnóstico por imagen , Placa Aterosclerótica/patología , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Estudios Retrospectivos , Tomografía Computarizada EspiralRESUMEN
Dihydrofisetin is a flavanonol derived from some edible wild herbs and traditional Chinese medicines. It has been found to possess many biological activities. However, the anti-inflammatory potential of Dihydrofisetin remains uncharacterized. The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of Dihydrofisetin and its underlying mechanisms. We found that Dihydrofisetin dose-dependently inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced productions of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in RAW 264.7 macrophages, probably through suppressing the protein expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP-1) were also suppressed. We further demonstrated that Dihydrofisetin inhibited the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway and phosphorylation of IκB-α whereas upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). The in vivo carrageenan-induced mice paw edema study also indicated that treatment with 100 mg/kg of Dihydrofisetin could significantly inhibit carrageenan induced paw edema, decrease the levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA, and increase the activity of GSH-Px in paw tissues. Taken together, Dihydrofisetin may act as a natural agent for treating inflammatory diseases by targeting MAPK, NF-κB and HO-1 pathways.
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Antiinflamatorios/farmacología , Edema/tratamiento farmacológico , Flavonoides/farmacología , Macrófagos/inmunología , Animales , Antiinflamatorios/química , Carragenina , Citocinas , Edema/inducido químicamente , Flavonoides/química , Flavonoles , Hemo-Oxigenasa 1/metabolismo , Lipopolisacáridos/inmunología , Proteínas de la Membrana/metabolismo , Ratones , Quinasas de Proteína Quinasa Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismo , Óxido Nítrico/metabolismo , Células RAW 264.7 , Transducción de Señal , Proteínas Quinasas p38 Activadas por Mitógenos/metabolismoRESUMEN
n/a.
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Dieta , Metaanálisis como Asunto , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/epidemiología , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/prevención & control , Alimentos , Humanos , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
A number of studies have examined the associations between dietary patterns and pancreatic cancer risk, but the findings have been inconclusive. Herein, we conducted this meta-analysis to assess the associations between dietary patterns and the risk of pancreatic cancer. MEDLINE (provided by the National Library of Medicine) and EBSCO (Elton B. Stephens Company) databases were searched for relevant articles published up to May 2016 that identified common dietary patterns. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were finally included in this meta-analysis. A reduced risk of pancreatic cancer was shown for the highest compared with the lowest categories of healthy patterns (odds ratio, OR = 0.86; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.77-0.95; p = 0.004) and light-moderate drinking patterns (OR = 0.90; 95% CI: 0.83-0.98; p = 0.02). There was evidence of an increased risk for pancreatic cancer in the highest compared with the lowest categories of western-type pattern (OR = 1.24; 95% CI: 1.06-1.45; p = 0.008) and heavy drinking pattern (OR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.10-1.48; p = 0.002). The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate that healthy and light-moderate drinking patterns may decrease the risk of pancreatic cancer, whereas western-type and heavy drinking patterns may increase the risk of pancreatic cancer. Additional prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Dieta/efectos adversos , Medicina Basada en la Evidencia , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/etiología , Consumo de Bebidas Alcohólicas/efectos adversos , Alcoholismo/fisiopatología , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Estudios de Cohortes , Dieta Saludable , Dieta Occidental/efectos adversos , Humanos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/epidemiología , Neoplasias Pancreáticas/prevención & control , Cooperación del Paciente , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
We conducted an omics-analysis of the venom of Naja kaouthia from China. Proteomics analysis revealed six protein families [three-finger toxins (3-FTx), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), nerve growth factor, snake venom metalloproteinase (SVMP), cysteine-rich secretory protein and ohanin], and venom-gland transcriptomics analysis revealed 28 protein families from 79 unigenes. 3-FTx (56.5% in proteome/82.0% in transcriptome) and PLA2 (26.9%/13.6%) were identified as the most abundant families in venom proteome and venom-gland transcriptome. Furthermore, N. kaouthia venom expressed strong lethality (i.p. LD50: 0.79µg/g) and myotoxicity (CK: 5939U/l) in mice, and showed notable activity in PLA2 but weak activity in SVMP, l-amino acid oxidase or 5' nucleotidase. Antivenomic assessment revealed that several venom components (nearly 17.5% of total venom) from N. kaouthia could not be thoroughly immunocaptured by commercial Naja atra antivenom. ELISA analysis revealed that there was no difference in the cross-reaction between N. kaouthia and N. atra venoms against the N. atra antivenom. The use of commercial N. atra antivenom in treatment of snakebites caused by N. kaouthia is reasonable, but design of novel antivenom with the attention on enhancing the immune response of non-immunocaptured components should be encouraged. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The venomics, antivenomics and venom-gland transcriptome of the monocoled cobra (Naja kaouthia) from China have been elucidated. Quantitative and qualitative differences are evident when venom proteomic and venom-gland transcriptomic profiles are compared. Two protein families (3-FTx and PLA2) are found to be the predominated components in N. kaouthia venom, and considered as the major players in functional role of venom. Other protein families with relatively low abundance appear to be minor in the functional significance. Antivenomics and ELISA evaluation reveal that the N. kaouthia venom can be effectively immunorecognized by commercial N. atra antivenom, but still a small number of venom components could not be thoroughly immunocaptured. The findings indicate that exploring the precise composition of snake venom should be executed by an integrated omics-approach, and elucidating the venom composition is helpful in understanding composition-function relationships and will facilitate the clinical application of antivenoms.
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Venenos Elapídicos/biosíntesis , Glándulas Exocrinas/metabolismo , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Naja naja/metabolismo , Transcriptoma/fisiología , Animales , Antivenenos , Venenos Elapídicos/genética , Naja naja/genéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship among serum vitamin D levels, physical performance impairment, and geriatric syndromes in elders with hypertension. METHODS: According to the concentration of vitamin D levels, a total of 143 elderly patients with hypertension were classified into vitamin D deficient group (vitamin D ≤ 20 ng/mL, n = 94) and vitamin D appropriate group (vitamin D > 20 ng/mL, n = 49). Geriatric syndromes and physical performance were assessed by using comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA). Correlation among vitamin D levels, geriatric syndromes and physical performance was analyzed. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found in various aspects of geriatric syndromes between the two groups (P > 0.05). While correlation analysis indicated that vitamin D levels had a positive association with ADL score (r = 0.235, P < 0.01) and a negative association with Morse fall scale score (r = -0.238, P < 0.01). Patients with deficient vitamin D level had longer time both in the Five Time Sit to Stand Test (5tSTS), (15.765 ± 5.593) and the four-meter walk test [7.440 (5.620, 9.200)], a weaker hand-grip in the grip strength test (28.049 ± 9.522), and a lower Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (Tinetti POMA) [26 (22, 27)] and Balance subscale of the Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (B-POMA) score [14 (12, 16)], compared with appropriate vitamin D level [(13.275 ± 3.692); 5.810 (4.728, 7.325)]; (31.989 ± 10.217); [26.5 (25, 28)]; [15 (14, 16), respectively, all P < 0.05]. Furthermore, results of logistic regression indicated that vitamin D was significantly associated with 5tSTS (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 1.050-1.331, P < 0.01), Tinetti POMA (OR = 3.7, 95% CI:1.284-10.830, P < 0.05) and B-POMA (OR = 0.8, 95% CI:0.643-0.973, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In elderly hypertensive patients, serum vitamin D deficient level is associated with physical performance impairment. However, no statistical significance was found between vitamin D and geriatric syndromes. Further study is required to investigate possible mechanisms for the association between vitamin D and physical performance.
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Bungarus multicinctus (many-banded krait) and Naja atra (Chinese cobra) are widely distributed and medically important venomous snakes in China; however, their venom proteomic profiles have not been fully compared. Here, we fractionated crude venoms and analyzed them using a combination of proteomic techniques. Three-finger toxins (3-FTx) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2) were most abundant in both species, respectively accounting for 32.6% and 66.4% of total B. multicinctus venom, and 84.3% and 12.2% of total N. atra venom. Venoms from these two species contained one common protein family and six less abundant species-specific protein families. The proteomic profiles of B. multicinctus and N. atra venoms and analysis of toxicological activity in mice suggested that 3-FTx and PLA2 are the major contributors to clinical symptoms caused by envenomation. The venoms differed in enzymatic activity, likely the result of inter-specific variation in the amount of related venom components. Antivenomics assessment revealed that a small number of venom components (3-FTxs and PLA2s in B. multicinctus, and 3-FTxs in N. atra) could not be immunocaptured completely, suggesting that we should pay attention to enhancing the immune response of these components in designing commercial antivenoms for B. multicinctus and N. atra. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The proteomic profiles of venoms from two medically important snake species - B. multicinctus and N. atra - have been explored. Quantitative and qualitative differences are evident in both venoms when proteomic profiles and transcriptomic results are compared; this is a reminder that combined approaches are needed to explore the precise composition of snake venom. Two protein families (3-FTx and PLA2) of high abundance in these snake venoms are major players in the biochemical and pharmacological effects of envenomation. Elucidation of the proteomic profiles of these snake venoms is helpful in understanding composition-function relationships and will facilitate the clinical application of antivenoms.
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Bungarotoxinas , Bungarus/metabolismo , Venenos Elapídicos , Elapidae/metabolismo , Proteómica , Animales , Bungarotoxinas/química , Bungarotoxinas/metabolismo , Venenos Elapídicos/química , Venenos Elapídicos/metabolismo , Ratones , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: With a rapidly ageing population, sarcopenic obesity, defined as decreased muscle mass and function combined with increased body fat, is a complex health problem. Although sarcopenic obesity contributes to a decline in physical function and exacerbates frailty in older adults, evidence from clinical trials about the effect of exercise and nutrition on this complex syndrome in Chinese older adults is lacking. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We devised a study protocol for a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Sarcopenia is described as age-related decline in muscle mass plus low muscle strength and/or low physical performance. Obesity is defined as a percentage of body fat above the 60th centile. Ninety-two eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a control group, nutrition group, exercise group and nutrition plus exercise group to receive an 8-week intervention and 12-week follow-up. The primary outcomes will be the change in short physical performance battery scores, grip strength and 6â m usual gait speed. The secondary outcomes will include basic activities of daily living scores, instrumental activity daily living scores, body composition and body anthropometric indexes. For all main analyses, the principle of intention-to-treat will be used. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study was approved by the medical ethics committee of Zhejiang Hospital on 25 November 2015. The study will present data targeting the clinical effects of nutrition and exercise on physical function and body composition in a Chinese older population with sarcopenic obesity. The results will help to provide important clinical evidence of the role of complex non-pharmaceutical interventions for sarcopenic obese older people. The findings of this study will be submitted to peer-reviewed medical journals for publication and presented at relevant academic conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR-IOR-15007501; Pre-results.
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Terapia por Ejercicio/métodos , Terapia Nutricional/métodos , Obesidad/terapia , Sarcopenia/complicaciones , Actividades Cotidianas , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Composición Corporal , China , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Fuerza Muscular , Músculo Esquelético/patología , Estado Nutricional , Proyectos de Investigación , Método Simple Ciego , Prueba de PasoRESUMEN
This study investigates the intracellular transport of protein antigens facilitated by L121-adjuvants and examines the associated cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) effect. EL4 mouse thymoma cells were treated with L121-adjuvant and stained with AnnexinV-propidium iodide (PI) followed by flow cytometric analysis. The intracellular trafficking dynamics of bovine serum albumin (BSA)-FITC in the J774.A.1 macrophages, influenced by the L121-adjuvant, was visualized by confocal microscopy. The antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) effect induced by the L121-adjuvant was determined by the cleavage-specific fluorogenic caspase substrate. The trafficking of BSA-FITC in the J774A.1 cells by confocal microscopy illustrated that the L121-adjuvant facilitated the intracellular transport of proteins to the subcellular compartments, including the lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and the cis-Golgi apparatus. The L121-adjuvant also facilitated antigen delivery to the dendritic cells in the lymph nodes. Immunization of mice with the L121-adjuvant resulted in cell-mediated cytotoxic responses in the target cells, as detected by PhiPhiLux, a fluorogenic caspase substrate. Taken together, the L121-adjuvant improved the dynamics of protein delivery to antigen presenting cells, and also induced caspase activation, thereby illustrating the mechanism of antigen-specific CTL effects.
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Adyuvantes Inmunológicos , Antígenos/inmunología , Antígenos/metabolismo , Poloxámero/administración & dosificación , Linfocitos T Citotóxicos/inmunología , Animales , Células Presentadoras de Antígenos/inmunología , Células Presentadoras de Antígenos/metabolismo , Transporte Biológico , Caspasas/metabolismo , Células Dendríticas/inmunología , Citometría de Flujo , Inmunización , Ganglios Linfáticos/inmunología , Macrófagos/inmunología , Macrófagos/ultraestructura , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Microscopía Confocal , Ovalbúmina/inmunología , Poloxámero/metabolismo , Proteínas/inmunología , Proteínas/metabolismoRESUMEN
The aim of this study was to investigate the use of tomatine adjuvant to deliver soluble antigen for crosspresentation by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs). BMDCs were incubated with tomatine adjuvantovalbumin (OVA) complex and analyzed for antigen uptake by flow cytometry. Adjuvant-induced cell death was examined in situ by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. To elucidate the effect of antigen internalization on tomatine adjuvant-mediated antigen presentation, BMDCs were treated with several endocytosis inhibitors, and antigen presentation was analyzed by B3Z activity assay. Our data indicated that tomatine adjuvant enhanced antigen internalization by antigen presenting cells (APCs) and induced significant cell death and leukocyte infiltration at the injection sites. In vitro tomatine adjuvant treatment of BMDCs activated Ova/K(b) restricted B3Z T cell hybridomas, whereas this activation was impaired by pretreatment with brefeldin A, cytochalasin B, wortmannin, or ZnCl2. Our results demonstrated the role of tomatine adjuvant in antigen delivery to antigen presenting cells (APCs) and suggested the involvement of phagocytosis and PI3K signaling during the delivery of soluble antigens in the context of MHC class I.