Syngas biomethanation is a potent bio-conversion route, utilizing microorganisms to assimilate intermediate gases to produce methane. However, since methanogens have a long doubling time, the reactor works best at a low dilution rate; otherwise, the cells can be washed out during the continuous fermentation process. In this study, the performance of a practical reverse membrane bioreactor (RMBR) with high cell density for rapid syngas biomethanation as well as a co-substrate of syngas and organic substances was examined in a long-term fermentation process of 154 days and compared with the reactors of the free cells (FCBR). The RMBR reached maximum capacities of H2, CO, and CO2 conversion of 7.0, 15.2, and 4.0 mmol/Lreactor.day, respectively, at the organic loading rate of 3.40 gCOD/L.day. The highest methane production rate from the RMBR was 186.0 mL/Lreactor.day on the 147th day, compared to the highest rate in the FCBR, 106.3 mL/Lreactor.day, on the 58th day. The RMBR had the ability to maintain a high methanation capacity by retaining the microbial cells, which were at a high risk for cell wash out. Consequently, the system was able to convert more syngas simultaneously with the organic compounds into methane compared to the FCBR.
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Κυριακή 27 Μαρτίου 2016
Fermentation, Vol. 2, Pages 8: Syngas Biomethanation in a Semi-Continuous Reverse Membrane Bioreactor (RMBR)
Novel treatment of symptomatic pontine Virchow–Robin space
Publication date: Available online 27 March 2016
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): Ying Kao, Shao-Yuan Hsu, Chih-Ju Chang, Jing-Shan Huang
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Outcomes and prognostic factors of simple partial cystectomy for localized bladder urothelial cell carcinoma
Publication date: Available online 27 March 2016
Source:The Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences
Author(s): I-Hung Shao, Ying-Hsu Chang, Kai-Jie Yu, Po-Hung Lin, Chung-Yi Liu, Cheng-Keng Chuang, See-Tong Pang
Radical cystectomy has remained the gold standard for recurrent superficial or muscle invasive bladder tumor. However, partial cystectomy still has a role in those who reject or have contraindications for radical cystectomy. In this study, we sought to identify predictors of bladder recurrence and overall survival after simple partial cystectomy. We included 27 patients with bladder tumor who received simple partial cystectomy without pelvic lymph node dissection between March 2000 and September 2013. Adjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy was prescribed according to the pathological results. Parameters were compared on the basis of bladder recurrence and overall survival. During a mean follow-up time of 39 months, five patients (18.5%) experienced bladder recurrence. An older age, a higher pathological stage, positive surgical margins, and distant metastases were significant predictors of overall survival (p = 0.031, p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.011, respectively). Meanwhile, previous bladder instillation and positive surgical margins were significant predictors of bladder recurrence (p = 0.026 and p = 0.027, respectively). The rate of consecutive distant metastases (33.3%) was almost twice the rate of bladder recurrence (18.5%), and six patients developed consecutive distant metastases without first experiencing bladder recurrence. In patients who received a simple partial cystectomy as an alternative treatment, previous bladder instillation and positive surgical margins were significant predictors of bladder recurrence. Patients with an older age, positive surgical margins, and consecutive distant metastases had worse overall survival. Partial cystectomy with routine lymph node dissection may be a better option for achieving favorable long-term outcomes.
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Why a new algorithm using high-sensitivity cardiac troponins for the rapid rule-out of NSTEMI is not adapted to routine practice
Journal Name: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)
Issue: Ahead of print
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Evaluation of an automated urinary iodine measurement using AU5800 analyzer with AutoLab Iodine reagent
Journal Name: Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)
Issue: Ahead of print
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In Vitro Disassembly of Influenza A Virus Capsids by Gradient Centrifugation
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A Neonatal Mouse Spinal Cord Compression Injury Model
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Current Status of Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicine in China
As an important component of traditional medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely spread and applied in more than 100 countries across the world. The standardization of TCM is very important for the international application of Chinese medicine. In this paper, we have explained and analyzed the standardization situations of TCM in China with the purpose of providing reference for standardization and international development of TCM.
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Dietary Flavonoid Hyperoside Induces Apoptosis of Activated Human LX-2 Hepatic Stellate Cell by Suppressing Canonical NF-κB Signaling
Hyperoside, an active compound found in plants of the genera Hypericum and Crataegus, is reported to exhibit antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory activities. Induction of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) apoptosis is recognized as a promising strategy for attenuation of hepatic fibrosis. In this study, we investigated whether hyperoside treatment can exert antifibrotic effects in human LX-2 hepatic stellate cells. We found that hyperoside induced apoptosis in LX-2 cells and decreased levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), type I collagen, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Remarkably, hyperoside also inhibited the DNA-binding activity of the transcription factor NF-κB and altered expression levels of NF-κB-regulated genes related to apoptosis, including proapoptotic genes Bcl-Xs, DR4, Fas, and FasL and anti-apoptotic genes A20, c-IAP1, Bcl-, and RIP1. Our results suggest that hyperoside may have potential as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Expression of Migration-Related Genes in Human Colorectal Cancer and Activity of a Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 17
Introduction. The ability to form metastases which depends on the mechanisms of cell migration is an important element of the progression of cancer. In the present study we analyzed the genes involved in the regulation of migration in colon cancer cells. Materials and Methods. A total of 20 pairs of surgically removed tumoral and healthy (marginal) tissues samples from colorectal cancer patients at clinical stages I-II and III-IV were analyzed. The isolation of RNA from CRC and normal tissues and its subsequent molecular analysis were performed according to manufacturer's instructions. Microarray data analysis was performed using the GeneSpring 11.5 platform and Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). In SAM analysis to identify significantly differentially expressed genes score and -value parameters were used. Results. The largest increase in expression of genes was shown by MMP9, ADAM17, EphA2, and TIMP. Conclusions. Presented genes, especially ADAM17, MMP9, EphA2, TIMP1, ICAM 11, and CD4, may be used as prognostic markers of advanced stages of colorectal cancer, contributing to the development of new lines of therapy focused on reducing metastasis of the primary tumor.
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The Prognostic Significance of Beta2 Microglobulin in Patients with Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
Objective. To determine the prognostic significance of beta2 microglobulin (β2-m) concentrations in patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disorder caused by pathologic activation of the immune system. Patients and Methods. The study population consisted of 74 patients diagnosed with HLH and 35 healthy controls. Serum β2-m levels were measured using a latex agglutination photometric immunoassay. Results. Median serum β2-m levels were significantly higher in HLH patients than in healthy controls (4.05 versus 1.5 mg/L; ) and were significantly higher in patients with lymphoma associated hemophagocytic syndrome (LAHS) than in patients with benign disease-associated HLH (4.2 versus 3.3 mg/L; ). Higher serum β2-m levels were positively correlated with LAHS (), abnormal lactate dehydrogenase concentrations (), and hypoalbuminemia (). ROC analysis showed that overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter in LAHS patients with serum β2-m levels ≥4.03 mg/L compared to
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Association between facility type during pediatric inpatient rehabilitation and functional outcomes
Publication date: Available online 26 March 2016
Source:Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Author(s): Molly M. Fuentes, Susan Apkon, Nathalia Jimenez, Frederick P. Rivara
ObjectiveTo compare functional outcomes between children receiving inpatient rehabilitation at children's hospitals versus other facilities.DesignRetrospective cohort study using the Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation Functional Independence Measure for Children (WeeFIM®) national dataset, 2004-2014.SettingU.S. inpatient rehabilitation facilities.ParticipantsChildren (n=28,793) aged 6 months to 18 years who received initial inpatient rehabilitation.InterventionsNot applicable.Main Outcome MeasuresTotal, cognitive, and motor developmental functional quotients (DFQ, which is the WeeFIM score divided by age-adjusted norms x 100) at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation and WeeFIM efficiency (change in WeeFIM score divided by length of stay), adjusting for age, gender, race, insurance, region, admission function, impairment type, discharge year, and length of stay.Results12,732 children received rehabilitation at 25 children's hospitals and 16,061 at 36 other facilities (general hospitals or freestanding rehabilitation hospitals). Adjusting for clustering by facility, patients at children's hospitals had lower cognitive DFQ at admission (difference between children's hospitals and other facility types: -3.8 (95% confidence interval (CI) -7.7, -0.1), shorter lengths of stay (median 16 days versus 22 days, p<.001), and higher WeeFIM efficiency (difference 0.63 (95% CI 0.25, 1.00)) than children at other facility types. Rehabilitation in a children's hospital was independently associated with higher discharge cognitive DFQ (regression coefficient 2.3, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.2) and more efficient rehabilitation admissions (regression coefficient 0.3, 95% CI 0.1 to 0.6).ConclusionsChildren who receive inpatient rehabilitation at children's hospitals have more efficient inpatient rehabilitation admissions, a shorter median length of stay, and a small improvement in cognitive function compared to children at other types of facilities.
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Nao-Xue-Shu Oral Liquid Protects and Improves Secondary Brain Insults of Hypertensive Cerebral Hemorrhage
Aim. To determine one traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Nao-Xue-Shu oral liquid which protects and improves secondary brain insults (SBI) in hypertensive cerebral hemorrhage (HCH). Methods. 158 patients with HCH were divided into routine clinical medicine plus Nao-Xue-Shu oral liquid () as treatment group, and routine clinical medicine () only served as the control group. The incidence of SBI and the classification of a favorable prognosis and a bad prognosis using the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS) were assessed to evaluate the clinical effects. The changes of IL-6 and TNF-α levels were determined to study the mechanism of the effects for the TCM. Results. The incidence of SBI at the end of week 2 was 8.97% in the treatment group and 23.75% in the control group, and the difference was significant (). The incidence of a favorable prognosis was 48.72% in the treatment group and 32.72% in the control group, and the difference was significant () at the end of week 2. These findings indicate clear differences for IL-6 and TNF-α at the end of week 1 and week 2 compared with before treatment for the treatment group and a marked difference at the end of week 2 between the two groups. It also shows a significant difference between the end of week 2 and before treatment for IL-6 and TNF-α for the control group, although the difference was much smaller than the treatment group. Conclusion. Nao-Xue-Shu oral liquid could protect against the occurrence of SBI and improve HCH and SBI patients. It may also decrease the damage and the mass effects of the hematoma by reducing IL-6 and TNF-α to obtain the effects, and thus it is a potentially suitable drug for HCH and SBI.
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Defining Prolonged Length of Acute Care Stay for Surgically and Conservatively Treated Patients with Spontaneous Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Population-Based Analysis
Background. The definition of prolonged length of stay (LOS) during acute care remains unclear among surgically and conservatively treated patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods. Using a population-based quality assessment registry, we calculated change points in LOS for surgically and conservatively treated patients with ICH. The influence of comorbidities, baseline characteristics at admission, and in-hospital complications on prolonged LOS was evaluated in a multivariate model. Results. Overall, 13272 patients with ICH were included in the analysis. Surgical therapy of the hematoma was documented in 1405 (10.6%) patients. Change points for LOS were 22 days (CI: 8, 22; CL 98%) for surgically treated patients and 16 days (CI: 16, 16; CL: 99%) for conservatively treated patients. Ventilation therapy was related to prolonged LOS in surgically (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5–3.1; ) and conservatively treated patients (OR: 2.5, 95% CI: 2.2–2.9; ). Two or more in-hospital complications in surgical patients (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 2.1–3.5) and ≥1 in conservative patients (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 2.7–3.3) were predictors of prolonged LOS. Conclusion. The definition of prolonged LOS after ICH could be useful for several aspects of quality management and research. Preventing in-hospital complications could decrease the number of patients with prolonged LOS.
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Quantitative determination of copper in a glass matrix using double pulse laser induced breakdown and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic techniques
Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Ahmed A.I. Khalil, Mohamed A. Morsy
A series of lithium–lead–borate glasses of a variable copper oxide loading were quantitatively analyzed in this work using two distinct spectroscopic techniques, namely double pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). DP-LIBS results measured upon a combined nanosecond lasers irradiation running at 266nm and 1064nm pulses of a collinear configuration directed to the surface of borate glass samples with a known composition. This arrangement was employed to predict the electron's temperature (Te) and density (Ne) of the excited plasma from the recorded spectra.The intensity of elements' responses using this scheme is higher than that of single-pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (SP-LIBS) setup under the same experimental conditions. On the other hand, the EPR data shows typical Cu (II) EPR-signals in the borate glass system that is networked at a distorted tetragonal Borate-arrangement. The signal intensity of the Cu (II) peak at g⊥=2.0596 has been used to quantify the Cu-content accurately in the glass matrix. Both techniques produced linear calibration curves of Cu-metals in glasses with excellent linear regression coefficient (R2) values. This study establishes a good correlation between DP-LIBS analysis of glass and the results obtained using EPR spectroscopy. The proposed protocols prove the great advantage of DP-LIBS system for the detection of a trace copper on the surface of glasses.
Graphical abstract
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Separation and concentration of natural products by fast forced adsorption using well-dispersed velvet-like graphitic carbon nitride with response surface methodology optimisation
Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Xinru Ding, Jun Zhu, Yue Zhang, Qian Xia, Wentao Bi, Xiaodi Yang, Jinfei Yang
Well-dispersed velvet-like graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles with a large surface area were prepared and utilized for separation and concentration of bioactive compounds from fruit extracts by fast (20s) forced adsorption. The large surface area, enhanced non-covalent interactions of this nanoparticle with bioactive compounds and good dispersity in different solvents benefited its application as a good sorbent. To evaluate their adsorption capabilities, these carbon nitride nanoparticles were used for separation and concentration of flavonoids from fruit extracts by a forced-adsorption dispersive solid phase extraction method. The combined use of this nanoparticle and our experimental conditions showed excellent precision (3.6–4.7%) and sensitivity (limits of detection (S/N=3): 0.6–3.75ng/mL). This research provides an alternative strategy to prepare suitable sorbents for adsorption, separation and concentration of various compounds from different extracts.
Graphical abstract
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Dual-nanomaterial based electrode for voltammetric stripping of trace Fe(II) in coastal waters
Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Mingyue Lin, Dawei Pan, Yun Zhu, Xueping Hu, Haitao Han, ChenChen Wang
In this work, a dual-nanomaterial based electrode was established for selective and sensitive detection of trace Fe(II) in the presence of complexing agent (2,2′-bipyridyl). Titanium carbide nanoparticles (TiCNPs) were used as the growth-template for the formation of three-dimensional platinum nanoflowers (PtNFs) due to their unique cubic structures. Nafion was employed as the conducting matrix to help TiCNPs better attached onto the surface of the electrode and slow down the crystal rate of PtNFs during electrodeposition, which resulted in flower structure and more active surface of PtNFs. Taking advantage of synergistic effects of TiCNPs and Nafion as well as the catalytic amplifying effect of PtNFs, the excellent anodic signal responses for the voltammetric stripping determination of Fe(II) were obtained. The linear range of Fe(II) on this dual-nanomaterial based electrode was from 1nmolL−1 to 6μmolL−1 with the lowest detectable concentration of 0.1nmolL−1 and a detection limit of 0.03nmolL−1. Additionally, the effect of several experimental parameters, such as concentration and pH value of buffer solution, concentration of modifier and ligand, deposition potential and time of electrochemical determination, and scan rate were studied for analytical applications. The fabricated sensor had been successfully applied for the sensitive determination of trace Fe(II) in coastal waters.
Graphical abstract
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Determination of tryptamine in foods using square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry
Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Daniel J.E. Costa, Ana M. Martínez, Williame F. Ribeiro, Kátia M. Bichinho, María Susana Di Nezio, Marcelo F. Pistonesi, Mario C.U. Araujo
Tryptamine, a biogenic amine, is an indole derivative with an electrophilic substituent at the C3 position of the pyrrole ring of the indole moiety. The electrochemical oxidation of tryptamine was investigated using glassy carbon electrode (GCE), and focusing on trace level determination in food products by square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry (SWAdSV). The electrochemical responses of tryptamine were evaluated using differing voltammetric techniques over a wide pH range, a quasi-reversible electron-transfer to redox system represented by coupled peaks P1–P3, and an irreversible reaction for peak P2 were demonstrated. The proton and electron counts associated with the oxidation reactions were estimated. The nature of the mass transfer process was predominantly diffusion-limited for the oxidation process of P1, the most selective and sensitive analytical response (acetate buffer solution pH 5.3), being used for the development of SWAdSV method, under optimum conditions. The excellent response allowed the development of an electroanalytical method with a linear response range of from 4.7–54.5)×10−8molL−1, low detection limit (0.8×10−9molL−1), and quantification limit (2.7×10–9molL−1), and acceptable levels of repeatability (3.6%), and reproducibility (3.8%). Tryptamine content was determined in bananas, tomatoes, cheese (mozzarella and gorgonzola), and cold meats (chicken sausage and pepperoni sausage), yielding recoveries above 90%, with excellent analytical performance using simple and low cost instrumentation.
Graphical abstract
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A novel double-component MOAC honeycomb composite with pollen grains as a template for phosphoproteomics research
Publication date: 1 July 2016
Source:Talanta, Volume 154
Author(s): Jiaxi Wang, Jie Li, Yanan Wang, Mingxia Gao, Xiangmin Zhang, Chunhui Deng
The enrichment and separation of phosphopeptides from mixed biological samples is a technologically very significance, but highly challenging work. Current designed materials are mainly based on the broad and effective adsorptive character of metal oxide affinity chromatography (MOAC). Though significant progress has been made in the enrichment of phosphopeptides with MOAC material, there are chances for further development. In this study, a novel pollen-based MOAC honeycomb material was firstly explored in which the suitable hydrophilic channels preferentially enrich much more endogenous phosphopeptides than nonphosphopeptides or proteins while doping binary metal oxides at the atomic level and the ultra-high specific surface area have further allowed it to possess more effective active sites. Based on these unique features, the pollen-based material exhibited high selectivity for β-casein (mass ratio of β-casein/BSA, 1:1500), ultra-low detection limit (0.1fmol), desirable reusability. Moreover, the bionics MOAC composites were investigated in the enrichment of phosphopeptides from nonfat milk, human serum (male and female at the same age) and mice liver, results of which indicate the great potential of the composite for the phosphoproteome analysis of complex biological samples through the cheap and environmentally friendly process.
Graphical abstract
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Αλέξανδρος Γ. Σφακιανάκης Medicine by Alexandros G. Sfakianakis,Anapafseos 5 Agios Nikolaos 72100 Crete Greece,00302841026182,0030693260717...
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heory of COVID-19 pathogenesis Publication date: November 2020Source: Medical Hypotheses, Volume 144Author(s): Yuichiro J. Suzuki ScienceD...
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