共查询到20条相似文献,搜索用时 31 毫秒
1.
2.
Li-Chiu Wang Hui-Wen Yao Chuan-Fa Chang Shainn-Wei Wang Shih-Min Wang Shun-Hua Chen 《Journal of biomedical science》2017,24(1):94
Background
Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) infection can induce fatal encephalitis in young children. Clinical reports show that interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of infected patients with brainstem encephalitis are significantly elevated. We used a murine model to address the significance of endogenous IL-6 in EV-A71 infection.Results
EV-A71 infection transiently increased serum and brain IL-6 protein levels in mice. Most importantly, absence of IL-6 due to gene knockout or depletion of IL-6 using neutralizing monoclonal antibody enhanced the mortality and tissue viral load of infected mice. Absence of IL-6 increased the damage in the central nervous system and decreased the lymphocyte and virus-specific antibody responses of infected mice.Conclusions
Endogenous IL-6 functions to clear virus and protect the host from EV-A71 infection. Our study raises caution over the use of anti-IL-6 antibody or pentoxifylline to reduce IL-6 for patient treatment.3.
Zhimei Yang Jianguo Zhuang Lei Zhao Xiuping Gao Zhengxiu Luo Enmei Liu Fadi Xu Zhou Fu 《Respiratory research》2017,18(1):199
Background
Asthma is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and airway remodeling. While exposure of house dust mites (HDM) is a common cause of asthma, the pathogenesis of the HDM-induced asthma is not fully understood. Bronchopulmonary C-fibers (PCFs) contribute to the neurogenic inflammation, viral infection induced-persistent AHR, and ovalbumin induced collagen deposition largely via releasing neuropeptides, such as substance P (SP). However, PCF roles in the pathogenesis of the HDM-induced asthma remain unexplored. The goal of this study was to determine what role PCFs played in generating these characteristics.Methods
We compared the following variables among the PCF-intact and -degenerated BALB/c mice with and without chronic HDM exposure (four groups): 1) AHR and pulmonary SP; 2) airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass; 3) pulmonary inflammatory cells; and 4) epithelium thickening and mucus secretion.Results
We found that HDM evoked AHR associated with upregulation of pulmonary SP and inflammation, ASM mass increase, epithelium thickenings, and mucus hypersecretion. PCF degeneration decreased the HDM-induced changes in AHR, pulmonary SP and inflammation, and ASM mass, but failed to significantly affect the epithelium thickening and mucus hypersecretion.Conclusion
Our data suggest an involvement of PCFs in the mechanisms by which HDM induces allergic asthma via airway inflammation, AHR, and airway remodeling.4.
Aims
Biocrusts that form on topsoils contribute ecosystem services to drylands, and their loss under anthropogenic pressure has negative ecological consequences. Therefore, development of biocrust inoculation technology for restoration is of interest. This requires knowledge of biocrust growth and dispersal. To contribute to this, we determined the speed at which biocrusts expand laterally based on the self-propelled motility of cyanobacteria.Methodology
We inoculated sterile soil with natural biocrusts and incubated them over a year in a greenhouse under conditions mimicking local precipitation, monitoring the crust’s lateral expansion using time-course photography, chlorophyll a content, and microscopic inspection. Concurrent uninoculated controls served to monitor, and discount, natural inoculation by aeolian propagules.Results
While the expansion front was highly variable in space, biocrusts expanded in the order of 2 cm month?1, but only in seasons with moderate temperatures (Spring and Fall). Microcoleus vaginatus, Microcoleus steenstrupii, and Scytonema spp. advanced at averages of 1 cm month?1, the crust advance front being preferentially driven by specialized propagules (hormogonia). These rates are within expectations based on instantaneous gliding motility speeds of cyanobacteria.Conclusions
Based on the expansion capability of biocrusts during growth seasons, greenhouse inoculum units can be optimally spaced to fill 4–8 cm gaps.5.
Kosala GAD Weerakoon Senanayake AM Kularatne Deepthika H Edussuriya Sarachchandra KA Kodikara Laxman PG Gunatilake Vasanti G Pinto Ashoka B Seneviratne Sunethra Gunasena 《BMC research notes》2011,4(1):268
Background
In 2009, an outbreak of dengue caused high fatality in Sri Lanka. We conducted 5 autopsies of clinically suspected myocarditis cases at the General Hospital, Peradeniya to describe the histopathology of the heart and other organs.Methods
The diagnosis of dengue was confirmed with specific IgM and IgG ELISA, HAI and RT-PCR techniques. The histology was done in tissue sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin.Results
Of the 319 cases of dengue fever, 166(52%) had severe infection. Of them, 149 patients (90%) had secondary dengue infection and in 5 patients, DEN-1 was identified as the causative serotype. The clinical diagnosis of myocarditis was considered in 45(27%) patients. The autopsies were done in 5 patients who succumbed to shock (3 females and 2 males) aged 13- 31 years. All had pleural effusions, ascites, bleeding patches in tissue planes and histological evidence of myocarditis. The main histological findings of the heart were interstitial oedema with inflammatory cell infiltration and necrosis of myocardial fibers. One patient had pericarditis. The concurrent pulmonary abnormalities were septal congestion, pulmonary haemorrhage and diffuse alveolar damage; one case showed massive necrosis of liver.Conclusions
The histology supports occurrence of myocarditis in dengue infection.6.
Background
The present study elucidates the protective potential of bromelain against dichlorvos intoxication in mice brains. Dichlorvos induces the oxidative stress by disproportionating the balance between free radicals generation and their scavenging in neurons which leads to neuronal degeneration.Methods
In this study, mice were divided into four groups-group I (control), group II (dichlorvos treated), group III (bromelain treated) and group IV (exposed to both bromelain and dichlorvos both).Results
Dichlorvos treatment increased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl content (PCC) which indicate the increased oxidative stress. Meanwhile, brain endogenous antioxidants and cholinesterases level was decreased after dichlorvos exposure. Levels of TBARS and PCC decreased whereas cholinesterases level was recorded to be elevated after bromelain exposure.Conclusion
Bromelain offered neuroprotection by decreasing oxidative stress and augmenting cholinesterases in mice brains. This study highlights the invulnerability of bromelain against oxidative and cholinergic deficits in mice brains.7.
Ya Wang You Qing Li Kang Lv Jin Jin Cheng Xiao Long Chen Ying Ge Xiang Yang Yu 《Plant and Soil》2018,430(1-2):99-111
Background and aims
Microalgae are ubiquitous in paddy soils. However, their roles in arsenic (As) accumulation and transport in rice plants remains unknown.Methods
Two green algae and five cyanobacteria were used in pot experiments under continuously flooded conditions to ascertain whether a microalgal inoculation could influence rice growth and rice grain As accumulation in plants grown in As-contaminated soils.Results
The microalgal inoculation greatly enhanced nutrient uptake and rice growth. The presence of representative microalga Anabaena azotica did not significantly differ the grain inorganic As concentrations but remarkably decreased the rice root and grain DMA concentrations. The translocation of As from roots to grains was also markedly decreased by rice inoculated with A. azotica. This subsequently led to a decrease in the total As concentration in rice grains.Conclusions
The results of the study indicate that the microalgal inoculation had a strong influence on soil pH, soil As speciation, and soil nutrient bioavailability, which significantly affected the rice growth, nutrient uptake, and As accumulation and translocation in rice plants. The results suggest that algae inoculation can be an effective strategy for improving nutrient uptake and reducing As translocation from roots to grains by rice grown in As-contaminated paddy soils.8.
Jiwei Hou Jingyan Shi Ling Chen Zhongyang Lv Xiang Chen Honghui Cao Zou Xiang Xiaodong Han 《Cell communication and signaling : CCS》2018,16(1):89
Background
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a devastating disease characterized by the histopathological pattern of usual interstitial pneumonia and is associated with a high mortality rate. Recently, lung resident mesenchymal stem cells (LR-MSCs) have been identified as an important contributor to myofibroblast activation in pulmonary fibrosis. Macrophages are also believed to play a critical role in pulmonary fibrosis. However, the underlying connections between LR-MSCs and macrophages in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis are still elusive.Methods
In this study, we investigated the interaction between LR-MSCs and macrophages using a bleomycin-induced mouse pulmonary fibrosis model and a coculture system.Results
Here, we show that blocking pulmonary macrophage infiltration attenuated bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In addition, as determined by flow cytometry, we discovered that the recruited macrophages in fibrotic lungs of bleomycin-treated mice were mainly M2 macrophages. In particular, we found that M2, rather than M1 macrophages, promoted myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs. Moreover, we demonstrated that suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway could attenuate myofibroblast differentiation of LR-MSCs induced by M2 macrophages and bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Tissue samples from IPF patients confirmed the infiltration of M2 macrophages and activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Conclusion
In summary, this study furthered our understanding of the pulmonary fibrosis pathogenesis and highlighted M2 macrophages as a critical target for treating pulmonary fibrosis.9.
A fungal endophyte defensive symbiosis affects plant-nematode interactions in cotton 总被引:1,自引:0,他引:1
Wenqing Zhou Terry A. Wheeler James L. Starr Cesar U. Valencia Gregory A. Sword 《Plant and Soil》2018,422(1-2):251-266
Background and aims
Most investigations of fungi as nematode antagonists have focused on their interactions with nematodes in the soil. This study tested a foliar-isolated endophytic Phialemonium inflatum for its effects against the root-knot nematode as an endophyte in cotton using a seed treatment inoculation.Methods
Cotton seeds were inoculated with P. inflatum spore suspensions prior to planting. Nematode infection and reproduction were quantified at Day 12 and 6 weeks after nematode egg inoculation, respectively. To establish whether the observed negative effects on nematodes were due to P. inflatum in the soil or as an endophyte in the plant, we also applied a soil fungicide treatment at the seedling stage to kill the fungi outside the plant.Results
Persistent suppression of nematode penetration and galling, as well as subsequent reproduction, were observed in endophyte-treated plants independent of fungicide treatment, consistent with an endophytic mode of nematode suppression; and these negative effects did not depend on the concentration of fungal inoculum used to treat to the seed.Conclusions
Our study highlights a novel role for P. inflatum as part of a plant-fungal defensive symbiosis in cotton, as well as the need for a broader understanding of endophyte-plant-nematode ecological interactions.10.
Li Li Chang-Sheng Wu Guan-Mei Hou Ming-Zhe Dong Zhen-Bo Wang Yi Hou Heide Schatten Gui-Rong Zhang Qing-Yuan Sun 《Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E》2018,16(1):110
Background
Diabetes induces many complications including reduced fertility and low oocyte quality, but whether it causes increased mtDNA mutations is unknown.Methods
We generated a T2D mouse model by using high-fat-diet (HFD) and Streptozotocin (STZ) injection. We examined mtDNA mutations in oocytes of diabetic mice by high-throughput sequencing techniques.Results
T2D mice showed glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, low fecundity compared to the control group. T2D oocytes showed increased mtDNA mutation sites and mutation numbers compared to the control counterparts. mtDNA mutation examination in F1 mice showed that the mitochondrial bottleneck could eliminate mtDNA mutations.Conclusions
T2D mice have increased mtDNA mutation sites and mtDNA mutation numbers in oocytes compared to the counterparts, while these adverse effects can be eliminated by the bottleneck effect in their offspring. This is the first study using a small number of oocytes to examine mtDNA mutations in diabetic mothers and offspring.11.
N. Cesbron A.-L. Royer Y. Guitton A. Sydor B. Le Bizec G. Dervilly-Pinel 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2017,13(8):99
Introduction
Collecting feces is easy. It offers direct outcome to endogenous and microbial metabolites.Objectives
In a context of lack of consensus about fecal sample preparation, especially in animal species, we developed a robust protocol allowing untargeted LC-HRMS fingerprinting.Methods
The conditions of extraction (quantity, preparation, solvents, dilutions) were investigated in bovine feces.Results
A rapid and simple protocol involving feces extraction with methanol (1/3, M/V) followed by centrifugation and a step filtration (10 kDa) was developed.Conclusion
The workflow generated repeatable and informative fingerprints for robust metabolome characterization.12.
Elif Erdem Ibrahim Inan Harbiyeli Hazal Boral Macit Ilkit Meltem Yagmur Reha Ersoz 《Mycopathologia》2018,183(3):521-527
Purpose
To evaluate the efficiency of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in addition to topical voriconazole in cases with mycotic keratitis.Design
Retrospective case series in a tertiary university hospital.Participants
CXL was performed on 13 patients with mycotic keratitis who presented poor or no response to topical voriconazole treatment.Methods
The clinical features, symptoms, treatment results and complications were recorded retrospectively. The corneal infection was graded according to the depth of infection into the stroma (from grade 1 to grade 3). The visual analogue scale was used to calculate the pain score before and 2 days after surgery.Main Outcome Measures
Grade of the corneal infection.Results
Mean age of 13 patients (6 female and 7 male) was 42.4 ± 17.7 years (20–74 years). Fungus was demonstrated in culture (eight patients) or cytological examination (five patients). Seven of the 13 patients (54%) were healed with topical voriconazole and CXL adjuvant treatment in 26 ± 10 days (15–40 days). The remaining six patients did not respond to CXL treatment; they initially presented with higher grade ulcers. Pre- and post-operative pain score values were 8 ± 0.8 and 3.5 ± 1, respectively (p < 0.05).Conclusions
The current study suggests that adjunctive CXL treatment is effective in patients with small and superficial mycotic ulcers. These observations require further research by large randomized clinical trials.13.
Jan Olsson Eloise Kok Rolf Adolfsson Hugo Lövheim Fredrik Elgh 《Immunity & ageing : I & A》2017,14(1):10
Background
Herpes viruses establish a life-long latency and can cause symptoms during both first-time infection and later reactivation. The aim of the present study was to describe the seroepidemiology of Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV1), Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV2), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Varicella Zoster virus (VZV) and Human herpes virus type 6 (HHV6) in an adult Swedish population (35–95 years of age).Methods
Presence of antibodies against the respective viruses in serum from individuals in the Betula study was determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Singular samples from 535 persons (53.9% women, mean age at inclusion 62.7?±?14.4 years) collected 2003-2005 were analyzed for the five HHVs mentioned above. In addition, samples including follow-up samples collected 1988–2010 from 3,444 persons were analyzed for HSV.Results
Prevalence of HSV1 was 79.4%, HSV2 12.9%, CMV 83.2%, VZV 97.9%, and HHV6 97.5%. Herpes virus infections were more common among women (p?=?0.010) and a lower age-adjusted HSV seroprevalence was found in later birth cohorts (p?<?0.001). The yearly incidence of HSV infection was estimated at 14.0/1000.Conclusion
Women are more often seropositive for HHV, especially HSV2. Age-adjusted seroprevalence for HSV was lower in later birth cohorts indicating a decreasing childhood and adolescent risk of infection.14.
Thijs Welle Anna T. Hoekstra Ineke A. J. J. M. Daemen Celia R. Berkers Matheus O. Costa 《Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic Society》2017,13(7):83
Introduction
Swine dysentery caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is a production limiting disease in pig farming. Currently antimicrobial therapy is the only treatment and control method available.Objective
The aim of this study was to characterize the metabolic response of porcine colon explants to infection by B. hyodysenteriae.Methods
Porcine colon explants exposed to B. hyodysenteriae were analyzed for histopathological, metabolic and pro-inflammatory gene expression changes.Results
Significant epithelial necrosis, increased levels of l-citrulline and IL-1α were observed on explants infected with B. hyodysenteriae.Conclusions
The spirochete induces necrosis in vitro likely through an inflammatory process mediated by IL-1α and NO.15.
16.
Ylva Gårdinger Anna Dieden Joanna Hlebowicz Ola Björgell Magnus Dencker 《Cardiovascular ultrasound》2017,15(1):10
Background
Myocardial performance index (MPI) has been investigated in a variety of populations, but the effect of food intake has not been evaluated. We assessed whether myocardial performance index is affected by food intake in healthy subjects.Methods
Twenty-three healthy subjects aged 25.6?±?4.5 years were investigated. MPI was measured before, 30 min after, and 110 min after a standardized meal.Results
MPI decreased significantly (P?<?0.05) from fasting values 30 min after the meal, and had almost returned to baseline after 110 min. MPI decreased from 0.28?±?0.06 (fasting) to 0.20?±?0.07 30 min after eating. At 110 min after eating the index value was almost back to the baseline value 0.26?±?0.06. (P?=?0.15).Conclusions
This study shows that myocardial performance index is affected by food intake in healthy subjects.17.
Purpose of Review
To understand the role of antibody detection in the diagnosis of infections caused by filamentous fungi (molds). Rapid and accurate profiling of infection-causing fungal pathogens remains a significant challenge in modern health care. Classical fungal culture and serology continue to be relevant even though over the past few decades, antigen (biomarker) assays such as ELISA and lateral flow devices have been developed and validated.Recent Findings
This article reviews the current antibody detection systems (serological tests) for the diagnosis of mold infections associated with pulmonary disease and introduces new developments. Classic and more recently developed serological techniques and their performance characteristics, including immunodiffusion, complement fixation, and ELISA.Summary
The diseases covered are allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, chronic pulmonary aspergillosis, invasive aspergillosis, mucormycosis, diseases caused by filamentous basidiomycetes, infection caused by Talaromyces marneffei and pythiosis. Serology remains a cornerstone for fungal diagnostic testing.18.
Background
No drugs have been approved for the treatment of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) secondary to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), particularly those with idiopathic honeycomb lung. This study was conducted to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of bosentan for PH based on changes in prognosis and respiratory failure.Methods
IPF patients with borderline or less severe PH and completely organized honeycomb lung were randomized (1:1) to bosentan or no treatment for PH for 2 years and assessed at baseline and every 6 months for respiratory failure, activities of daily living (ADL), lung and heart functions by right cardiac catheterization, and other parameters. An interim analysis was performed, however, following detection of a significant survival benefit favoring bosentan therapy.Results
Significant differences were noted for the bosentan-treated (n?=?12) vs. untreated (n?=?12) groups in hospital-free survival (603.44?±?50.074 days vs. 358.87?±?68.65 days; hazard ratio [HR], 0.19; P?=?0.017) and overall survival (671 days vs. 433.78?±?66.98 days; HR, 0.10; P?=?0.0082). Again, significant improvements were noted for the bosentan-treated group from baseline to month 6 or 12 in several indices in ADL, pulmonary circulation, and %DLCO. Without requiring O2 inhalation, bosentan was associated with no increase but a trend toward a decrease in adverse events and an improvement in respiratory status.Conclusions
Bosentan tended to improve prognosis and ADL without worsening respiratory failure in IPF patients with borderline or less severe PH and completely organized honeycomb lung alone.Trial registration
This study was registered on December 18, 2010 with UMIN-CTR Clinical Trial as UMIN000004749 to investigate the long-term influence of bosentan on cardiac function, as well as its cardioprotective efficacy and safety, in patients with pulmonary hypertension secondary to concurrent COPD and IPF, respectively.19.
Kirti Richa Callie W. Babbitt Nenad G. Nenadic Gabrielle Gaustad 《The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment》2017,22(1):66-81
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to analyze the environmental trade-offs of cascading reuse of electric vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in stationary energy storage at automotive end-of-life.Methods
Two systems were jointly analyzed to address the consideration of stakeholder groups corresponding to both first (EV) and second life (stationary energy storage) battery applications. The environmental feasibility criterion was defined by an equivalent-functionality lead-acid (PbA) battery. A critical methodological challenge addressed was the allocation of environmental impacts associated with producing LIBs across the EV and stationary use systems. The model also tested sensitivity to parameters such as the fraction of battery cells viable for reuse, service life of refurbished cells, and PbA battery efficiency.Results and discussion
From the perspective of EV applications, cascading reuse of an LIB in stationary energy storage can reduce net cumulative energy demand and global warming potential by 15 % under conservative estimates and by as much as 70 % in ideal refurbishment and reuse conditions. When post-EV LIB cells were compared directly to a new PbA system for stationary energy storage, the reused cells generally had lower environmental impacts, except in scenarios where very few of the initial battery cells and modules could be reused and where reliability was low (e.g., life span of 1 year or less) in the secondary application.Conclusions
These findings demonstrate that EV LIB reuse in stationary application has the potential for dual benefit—both from the perspective of offsetting initial manufacturing impacts by extending battery life span as well as avoiding production and use of a less-efficient PbA system. It is concluded that reuse decisions and diversion of EV LIBs toward suitable stationary applications can be based on life cycle centric studies. However, technical feasibility of these systems must still be evaluated, particularly with respect to the ability to rapidly analyze the reliability of EV LIB cells, modules, or packs for refurbishment and reuse in secondary applications.20.
Mao Kinoshita Koichi Akiyama Keiichi Itatani Ayahiro Yamashita Maki Ishii Atsushi Kainuma Yoshinobu Maeda Takako Miyazaki Masaaki Yamagishi Teiji Sawa 《Cardiovascular ultrasound》2017,15(1):27