Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)have long been associated with a spectrum of disease outcomes in the gastroduodenal system.Heterogeneity in bacterial virulence factors or strains is not enough to explain the divergent di...Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)have long been associated with a spectrum of disease outcomes in the gastroduodenal system.Heterogeneity in bacterial virulence factors or strains is not enough to explain the divergent disease phenotypes manifested by the infection.This review focuses on host genetic factors that are involved during infection and eventually are thought to influence the disease phenotype.We have summarizedthe different host genes that have been investigated for association studies in H.pylori mediated duodenal ulcer or gastric cancer.We discuss that as the bacteria co-evolved with the host;these host gene also show much variation across different ethnic population.We illustrate the allelic distribution of interleukin-1B,across different population which is one of the most popular candidate gene studied with respect to H.pylori infections.Further,we highlight that several polymorphisms in the pathway gene can by itself or collectively affect the acid secretion pathway axis(gastrin:somatostatin)thereby resulting in a spectrum of disease展开更多
AIM:To assess the safety and effect of the supplementation of a patented blend of dietary phytoestrogens and insoluble fibers on estrogen receptor (ER)-β and biological parameters in sporadic colonic adenomas. METHOD...AIM:To assess the safety and effect of the supplementation of a patented blend of dietary phytoestrogens and insoluble fibers on estrogen receptor (ER)-β and biological parameters in sporadic colonic adenomas. METHODS:A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed. Patients scheduled to undergo surveillance colonoscopy for previous sporadic colonic adenomas were identified, and 60 eligible patients were randomized to placebo or active dietary intervention (ADI) twice a day, for 60 d before surveillance colonoscopy. ADI was a mixture of 175 mg milk thistle extract, 20 mg secoisolariciresinol and 750 mg oat fiber extract. ER-β and ER-α expression, apoptosis and proliferation (Ki-67 LI) were assessed in colon samples. RESULTS:No adverse event related to ADI was recorded. ADI administration showed a significant increases in ER-β protein (0.822 ± 0.08 vs 0.768 ± 0.10, P = 0.04) and a general trend to an increase in ER-β LI (39.222 ± 2.69vs 37.708 ± 5.31,P = 0.06), ER-β/ER-α LI ratio (6.564 ± 10.04 vs 2.437 ± 1.53, P = 0.06), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (35.592 ± 14.97 vs 31.541 ± 11.54, P = 0.07) and Ki-67 (53.923 ± 20.91 vs 44.833 ± 10.38, P = 0.07) approximating statistical significance. A significant increase of ER-β protein (0.805 ± 0.13 vs 0.773 ± 0.13,P = 0.04), mRNA (2.278 ± 1.19vs 1.105 ± 1.07, P < 0.02) and LI (47.533 ± 15.47 vs 34.875 ± 16.67,P < 0.05) and a decrease of ER-α protein (0.423 ± 0.06vs 0.532 ± 0.11,P < 0.02) as well as a trend to increase of ER-β/ER-α protein in ADI vs placebo group were observed in patients without polyps (1.734 ± 0.20 vs 1.571 ± 0.42, P = 0.07). CONCLUSION:The role of ER-β on the control of apoptosis, and its amenability to dietary intervention, are supported in our study.展开更多
AIM: To evaluate the effect of orally administeredplecanatide or dolcanatide, analogs of uroguanylin, on amelioration of colitis in murine models.METHODS: The cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cG MP) stimulatory potency ...AIM: To evaluate the effect of orally administeredplecanatide or dolcanatide, analogs of uroguanylin, on amelioration of colitis in murine models.METHODS: The cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cG MP) stimulatory potency of plecanatide and dolcanatide was measured using a human colon carcinoma T84 cellbased assay. For animal studies all test agents were formulated in phosphate buffered saline. Sulfasalazine or 5-amino salicylic acid(5-ASA) served as positive controls. Effect of oral treatment with test agents on amelioration of acute colitis induced either by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) in drinking water or by rectal instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic(TNBS) acid, was examined in BALB/c and/or BDF1 mice. Additionally, the effect of orally administered plecanatide on the spontaneous colitis in T-cell receptor alpha knockout(TCRα-/-) mice was also examined. Amelioration of colitis was assessed by monitoring severity of colitis, disease activity index and by histopathology. Frozen colon tissues were used to measure myeloperoxidase activity.RESULTS: Plecanatide and dolcanatide are structurally related analogs of uroguanylin, which is an endogenous ligand of guanylate cyclase-C(GC-C). As expected from the agonists of GC-C, both plecanatide and dolcanatide exhibited potent cG MP-stimulatory activity in T84 cells. Once-daily treatment by oral gavage with either of these analogs(0.05-0.5 mg/kg) ameliorated colitis in both DSS and TNBS-induced models of acute colitis, as assessed by body weight, reduction in colitis severity(P < 0.05) and disease activity index(P < 0.05). Amelioration of colitis by either of the drug candidates was comparable to that achieved by orally administered sulfasalazine or 5-ASA. Plecanatide also effectively ameliorated colitis in TCRα-/- mice, a model of spontaneous colitis. As dolcanatide exhibited higher resistance to proteolysis in simulated gastric and intestinal juices, it was selected for further studies. CONCLUSION: This is the first-ever study reporting the therapeutic utility of GC-C agonists as a new class of orally delivered and mucosally active drug candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.展开更多
Gastric cancer and liver cancer are among the most common malignancies and the leading causes of death worldwide,due to late detection and high recurrence rates.Today,these cancers have a heavy socioeconomic burden,fo...Gastric cancer and liver cancer are among the most common malignancies and the leading causes of death worldwide,due to late detection and high recurrence rates.Today,these cancers have a heavy socioeconomic burden,for which a full understanding of their pathophysiological features is warranted to search for promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets.Osteopontin (OPN) is overexpressed in most patients with gastric and liver cancers.Over the past decade,emerging evidence has revealed a correlation of OPN level and clinicopathological features and prognosis in gastric and liver cancers,indicating its potential as an independent prognostic indicator in such patients.Functional studies have verified the potential of OPN knockdown as a therapeutic approach in vitro and in vivo .Furthermore,OPN mediates multifaceted roles in the interaction between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment,in which many details need further exploration.OPN signaling results in various functions,including prevention of apoptosis,modulation of angiogenesis,malfunction of tumor-associated macrophages,degradation of extracellular matrix,activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt and nuclear factor-κB pathways,which lead to tumor formation and progression,particularly in gastric and liver cancers.This editorial aims to review recent findings on alteration in OPN expression and its clinicopathological associations with tumor progression,its potential as a therapeutic target,and putative mechanisms in gastric and liver cancers.Better understanding of the implications of OPN in tumorigenesis might facilitate development of therapeutic regimens to benefit patients with these deadly malignancies.展开更多
Zabuye Salt Lake in Tibet,China is a carbonate-type salt lake,which has some unique characteristics that make it different from other types of salt lakes.The lake is at the latter period in its evolution and contains ...Zabuye Salt Lake in Tibet,China is a carbonate-type salt lake,which has some unique characteristics that make it different from other types of salt lakes.The lake is at the latter period in its evolution and contains liquid and solid resources.Its brine is rich in Li,B,K and other useful minor elements that are of great economic value.We studied the concentration behavior of these elements and the crystallization paths of salts during isothermal evaporation of brine at 15℃and 25℃.The crystallization sequence of the primary salts from the brine at 25℃is halite（NaCl）→aphthitalite （3K_2SO_4·Na_2SO_4）→zabuyelite（Li_2CO_3）→trona（Na_2CO_3·NaHCO_3·2H_2O）→thermonatrite （Na_2CO_3·H_2O）→sylvite（KCl）,while the sequence is halite（NaCl）→sylvite（KCl）→trona （Na_2CO_3·NaHCO_3·2H_2O）→zabuyelite（Li_2CO_3）→thermonatrite（Na_2CO_3·H_2O）→aphthitalite （3K_2SO_4·Na_2SO_4） at 15℃.They are in accordance with the metastable phase diagram of the Na~＋,K~＋-Cl^-, CO_3^（2-）,SO_4^（2-）-H_2O quinary system at 25℃,except for Na_2CO_3·7H_2O which is replaced by trona and thermonatrite.In the 25℃experiment,zabuyelite（Li_2CO_3） was precipitated in the early stage because Li_2CO_3 is supersaturated in the brine at 25℃,in contrast with that at 15℃,it precipitated in the later stage.Potash was precipitated in the middle and late stages in both experiments,while boron was concentrated in the early and middle stages and precipitated in the late stage.展开更多
The human body consists of several physiological barriers that express a number of membrane transporters. For an orally absorbed drug the intestinal, hepatic, renal and blood-brain barriers are of the greatest importa...The human body consists of several physiological barriers that express a number of membrane transporters. For an orally absorbed drug the intestinal, hepatic, renal and blood-brain barriers are of the greatest importance. The ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters that mediate cellular efflux and the solute carrier transporters that mostly mediate cellular uptake are the two superfamilies responsible for membrane transport of vast majority of drugs and drug metabolites. The total number of human transporters in the two superfamilies exceeds 400, and about 40-50 transporters have been characterized for drug transport. The latest Food and Drug Administration guidance focuses on P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1(OATP1B1), OATP1B3, organic cation transporter 2(OCT2), and organic anion transporters 1(OAT1) and OAT3. The European Medicines Agency's shortlist additionally contains the bile salt export pump, OCT1, and the multidrug and toxin extrusion transporters, multidrug and toxin ex-trusion protein 1(MATE1) and MATE2/MATE2 K. A variety of transporter assays are available to test drugtransporter interactions, transporter-mediated drugdrug interactions, and transporter-mediated toxicity. The drug binding site of ABC transporters is accessible from the cytoplasm or the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Therefore, vesicular transport assays utilizing inside-out vesicles are commonly used assays, where the directionality of transport results in drugs being transported into the vesicle. Monolayer assays utilizing polarized cells expressing efflux transporters are the test systems suggested by regulatory agencies. However, in some monolayers, uptake transporters must be coexpressed with efflux transporters to assure detectable transport of low passive permeability drugs. For uptake transporters mediating cellular drug uptake, utilization of stable transfectants have been suggested. In vivo animal models complete the testing battery. Some issues, such as in vivo relevance, gender difference, age and ontogeny issues can only be addressed using in vivo models. Transporter specificity is provided by using knock-out or mutant models. Alternatively, chemical knock-outs can be employed. Compensatory changes are less likely when using chemical knockouts. On the other hand, specific inhibitors for some uptake transporters are not available, limiting the options to genetic knock-outs.展开更多
The philosophy of heart and brain are very ancient in our literature where the things good for the heart are not suggested good for the brain and vice-versa.Modern medicine is characterized by a high degree of special...The philosophy of heart and brain are very ancient in our literature where the things good for the heart are not suggested good for the brain and vice-versa.Modern medicine is characterized by a high degree of specialization and the heart-brain connection that could be targeted to treat these complex cardiovascular/brain disorders.The idea that adverse diet/genome interactions can cause disease is not new.In the recent era the science of nutritional genomics have increased our understanding of diet-health-gene interactions and have provided a number of benefits for individuals,groups and societies.Since dietary chemicals are regularly ingested and participate indirectly and directly in regulating gene expression,it follows that a subset of genes regulated by diet must be involved in disease initiation,progression,and severity.In this regards Liver X Receptor(LXR)-a,a key transcription factors,associated with the several chronic pathological situation including coronary heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases have recently been found to be regulated by the dietary components.The crucial findings at molecular biology unit,Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research(PGIMER),Chandigarh,INDIA have not only forced us to explore nutritional genomics as a holistic systems approach to understand the relationship between diet and health,but also to look into the disease preventing and health promoting foods that match our lifestyles,cultures and genetics.After all,we are what we eat.展开更多
SRD-P401 is a newly developed healthy food supplement which has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In this report, the effects of SRD-P401 on neck and shoulder stiffness were assessed by an inquiry method in t...SRD-P401 is a newly developed healthy food supplement which has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In this report, the effects of SRD-P401 on neck and shoulder stiffness were assessed by an inquiry method in the public field. The stiffness symptoms of all participants were improved after taking SRD-P401. The symptoms of the participants who took 3 g/day and/or 9 g/day of SRD-P401 improved in a week after taking it. Unpleasant adverse effects in stomach and alimentally organs were not found during the test period. SRD-P401 showed the anti-nociceptive effect on the acetic-acid-induces abdominal writhing in rats. The potency was equivalent to aspirin. Moreover, to investigate the ability of the anti-inflammatory effects of SRD-P401, we exerted by inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity. SRD-P401 and its constituents inhibit the COX activity. The results of this field test indicated SRD-P401 would be a beneficial and useful healthy food supplement for a person with stiffness in neck and/or shoulder.展开更多
In this paper the transmission of leptospirosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, is studied. Leptospirosis is currently spreading in Thailand and worldwide. A Susceptible-Infected-Removed sir model is used t...In this paper the transmission of leptospirosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, is studied. Leptospirosis is currently spreading in Thailand and worldwide. A Susceptible-Infected-Removed sir model is used to study the stability analysis, analytical solution and global behavior of the spreading of the disease. The model was analysed using the techniques of non-linear dynamical systems. Two equilibrium points were found and the stability conditions for these equilibrium points were established. It will be shown that the linearised solutions of the sir equations are in good agreement with numerical solutions.展开更多
The geotubes have been widely applied in the engineering of land reclamation from sea. At present three kinds of material can be used to make geotubes: splitting film, fibrillated splitting film and multifilament. The...The geotubes have been widely applied in the engineering of land reclamation from sea. At present three kinds of material can be used to make geotubes: splitting film, fibrillated splitting film and multifilament. The geotubes made of these materials have their advantages and disadvantages. In engineering application to know the rule of forces change is very important. Based on geometry way, limit-filling height of geotubes is determined. Experiment in Pudong International Airport reflects that packing soil height of small-size geotubes will be smaller than that of large-size geotubes.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the effect of orally administered plecanatide on colorectal dysplasia in Apc^(+/Min-FCCC) mice with dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced inflammation. METHODS Inflammation driven colorectal carcinogenes...AIM To evaluate the effect of orally administered plecanatide on colorectal dysplasia in Apc^(+/Min-FCCC) mice with dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced inflammation. METHODS Inflammation driven colorectal carcinogenesis was induced in Apc^(+/Min-FCCC) mice by administering DSS in their drinking water. Mice were fed a diet supplemented with plecanatide(0-20 ppm) and its effect on the multiplicity of histopathologically confirmed polypoid,flat and indeterminate dysplasia was evaluated. Plecanatide-mediated activation of guanylate cyclase-C(GC-C) signaling was assessed in colon tissues by measuring cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cG MP) by ELISA, protein kinase G-II and vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein by immunoblotting. Ki-67, c-myc and cyclin D1 were used as markers of proliferation. Cellular levels and localization of b-catenin in colon tissues were assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Uroguanylin(UG) and GC-C transcript levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). A mouse cytokine array panel was used to detect cytokines in the supernatant of colon explant cultures. RESULTS Oral treatment of Apc^(+/Min-FCCC) mice with plecanatide produced a statistically significant reduction in the formation of inflammation-driven polypoid, flat and indeterminate dysplasias. This anti-carcinogenic activity of plecanatide was accompanied by activation of cG MP/GC-C signaling mediated inhibition of Wnt/b-catenin signaling and reduced proliferation. Plecanatide also decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-6, IL-1 TNF), chemokines(MIP-1, IP-10) and growth factors(GCSF and GMCSF) from colon explants derived from mice with acute DSS-induced inflammation. The effect of plecanatidemediated inhibition of inflammation/dysplasia on endogenous expression of UG and GC-C transcripts was measured in intestinal tissues. Although GC-C expression was not altered appreciably, a statistically significant increase in the level of UG transcripts was detected in the proximal small intestine and colon, potentially due to a reduction in intestinal inflammation and/or neoplasia. Taken together, these results suggest that reductions in endogenous UG, accompanied by dysregulation in GC-C signaling, may be an early event in inflammation-promoted colorectal neoplasia; an event that can potentially be ameliorated by prophylactic intervention with plecanatide.CONCLUSION This study provides the first evidence that orally administered plecanatide reduces the multiplicity of inflammation-driven colonic dysplasia in mice, demonstrating the utility for developing GC-C agonists as chemopreventive agents.展开更多
“Vaccell” is a dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccine which has been established in Japan. The DCs play central roles in deciding the direction of host immune reactions as well as antigen present...“Vaccell” is a dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccine which has been established in Japan. The DCs play central roles in deciding the direction of host immune reactions as well as antigen presentation. We have demonstrated that DCs treated with a streptococcal immune adjuvant OK-432, produce interleukin-12, induce Th1-dominant state, and elicit anti-tumor effects, more powerful than those treated with the known DC-maturating factors. We therefore decided to mature DCs by the OK-432 for making an effective DC vaccine, Vaccell. The 255 patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer who received standard chemotherapy combined with DC vaccines, were analyzed retrospectively. Survival time of the patients with positive delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin reaction was significantly prolonged as compared with that of the patients with negative DTH. The findings strongly suggest that there may be “Responders” for the DC vaccine in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. We next conducted a small-scale prospective clinical study. In this trial, we pulsed HLA class II-restricted WT1 peptide (WT1-II) in addition to HLA class?I-restricted peptide (WT1-I) into the DCs. Survival of the patients received WT1-I?and -II pulsed DC vaccine was significantly extended as compared to that of the patients received DCs pulsed with WT1-I?or WT1-II alone. Furthermore, WT1-specific DTH positive patients showed significantly improved the overall survival as well as progression-free survival as compared to the DTH negative patients. The activation of antigen-specific immune responses by DC vaccine in combination with standard chemotherapy may be associated with a good clinical outcome in advanced pancreatic cancer. We are now planning a pivotal study of the Vaccell in appropriate protocols in Japan.展开更多
Low cost, high performance supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated using coconut waste as precursor. Simple one step pyrolysis is adopted to get the spherical shaped particle where lignocellulosic nature of carbon c...Low cost, high performance supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated using coconut waste as precursor. Simple one step pyrolysis is adopted to get the spherical shaped particle where lignocellulosic nature of carbon converts into porous carbon nanospheres. Three types of coconut wastes, namely, coconut fiber(CF), coconut leaves(CL) and coconut stick(CS) have been studied and compared for their application in supercapacitors. Uniform spherical shape with particle size ranging from 30 to 60 nm for leaves and sticks and20 nm for fibers was obtained. The electrochemical properties of the porous carbon nanospheres were studied using cyclic voltammetry(CV), chronopotentiometry(CP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). The porous carbon nanospheres derived from all the three biowaste samples show good electrochemical performance for supercapacitor application. Porous carbon nanospheres derived from coconut fiber exhibited maximum specific capacitance of 236 F/g followed by coconut stick and coconut leaves with 208 and 116 F/g respectively at a scan rate of 2 m V/s. Further impedance studies showed a charge transfer resistance of 4.9 for the porous carbon nanospheres derived from coconut fiber, while those from coconut leaves and coconut stick exhibited a slightly higher resistance of 6 and14.2, respectively. The simple eco-friendly approach we have demonstrated for synthesizing coconut waste based carbon nanospheres makes them excellent candidates for future, low-cost, energy storage devices.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the pharmacokinetics profile of Ivermectin 1% cream after topical treatment in patients with papulopustular rosacea(PPR).METHODS: Ivermectin 1% cream is a new, effective, and safe treatment for PPR...AIM: To investigate the pharmacokinetics profile of Ivermectin 1% cream after topical treatment in patients with papulopustular rosacea(PPR).METHODS: Ivermectin 1% cream is a new, effective, and safe treatment for PPR. The human pharmacokinetic(PK) profile of ivermectin and its circulating metabolites were assessed following topical application of ivermectin 1% cream to the face. Clinical PK assessments were conducted after 4 wk of treatment using healthy volunteers and PPR subjects. Additionally, PK sampling was conducted up to 1 year of treatment in clinical phase 3 studies. Plasma concentrations of ivermectin and ivermectin metabolites were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after a specific derivation to increase sensitivity.RESULTS: Systemic exposure to ivermectin was quantifiable at low levels in healthy and moderate to severe PPR subjects following the first topical application of ivermectin 1% cream(mean Cmax of 0.5 ± 0.2 ng/mL and 0.7 ± 0.5 ng/mL in healthy volunteers and PPR subjects, respectively). Ivermectin plasma levels reached a plateau after 2 wk of repeated topical application, indicating that steady-state concentrations had been reached. No further ivermectin plasma accumulation was observed during the long-term clinical studies that investigated ivermectin treatment up to 1 year. Investigation of ivermectin metabolites indicated that 2 circulating metabolites represented more than 10% of parent drug systemic exposure at steady state. Repeated topical application of ivermectin 1% cream resulted in lower systemic exposure levels when compared with orally administered ivermectin, suggesting limited transdermal absorption of ivermectin. Topically applied ivermectin is cleared from the plasma slowly(with a prolonged plasma half-life when compared to the oral route).CONCLUSION: Applications of ivermectin 1% cream result in low systemic exposure levels. Steady–state conditions are achieved by 2 wk without further accumulation under chronic treatment.展开更多
AIM: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a new point-of-care assay detecting anti-deamidated gliadin peptides in celiac disease(CD) patients.METHODS: One-hundred-and-twelve patients(age range: 1.8-79.2 years old) ...AIM: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a new point-of-care assay detecting anti-deamidated gliadin peptides in celiac disease(CD) patients.METHODS: One-hundred-and-twelve patients(age range: 1.8-79.2 years old) with clinical symptoms suggestive of CD and/or first-degree relatives(FDR) of CD patients(n = 66),and confirmed CD on a gluten-free diet(GFD)(n = 46),were prospectively enrolled in the study at Gastroenterology outpatient clinics for adult patients and from the Gastroenterology Consultation Ward at the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital of Geneva.Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects enrolled.The study received approval from the local ethics committee.The original CD diagnosis had been based on serum-positive IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)(QuantaLite,Inova Diagnostics,San Diego,CA,United States) and on biopsy results.Serum samples from all study participants were tested by the new CD lateral flow immunochromatographic assay(CD-LFIA) device,Simtomax Blood Drop(Augurix SA,BioArk,Monthey,Switzerland) to detect immunoglobulin(Ig)A and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides.The diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves with 95%CIs.A cut-off of 2 on the Rann colorimetric scale was used to calculate the device's sensitivity and specificity.RESULTS: CD-LFIA was highly accurate in detecting untreated celiac patients.In the group of patients with CD symptoms and/or FDR,eight new cases of CD were detected by ELISA and biopsy.All of these new cases were also correctly identified by CD-LFIA.The test yielded four false positive and four false negative results.The false positive results were all within the groups with clinical symptoms suggestive of CD and/or FDR,whereas the false negative results were all within the GFD group.The test yeld a sensitivity of 78.9%(95%CI: 54.4-93.9) and specificity of 95.7%(95%CI: 89.4-98.8),and the area under the curve reached 0.893(95%CI: 0.798-0.988).The Kappa coefficient,calculated according to the values obtained by two readers from the same device,was of 0.96(SE: 0.06).When the GFD patients were excluded from the analysis,the area under the curve reached 0.989(95%CI: 0.971-1.000) and the Kappa coefficient,calculated according to the values obtained by two readers from the same device,became 0.96(SE: 0.07).Furthermore,using the Rann scale cut-off of 2 without the GFD patients,sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 93.1%(95%CI: 83.3-98.1).CONCLUSION: The new CD-LFIA rapid screening test shows good diagnostic accuracy,sensitivity and specificity,and may rule out CD in patients with CD-related symptoms.展开更多
This letter presents the results of the influnces of an ultra-violet lithography(UVL)and a h e r beam canning lithography(LBSL)on the superconductivity of YBaCuO thin films on SrTiO3 substrates.The degeneration of sup...This letter presents the results of the influnces of an ultra-violet lithography(UVL)and a h e r beam canning lithography(LBSL)on the superconductivity of YBaCuO thin films on SrTiO3 substrates.The degeneration of superconductivity of YBaCuO thin films in UVL process is more than that in LBSL process.展开更多
With cameras becoming ubiquitous in Smartphones, it has become a very common trend to capture and share moments with friends and family in social media. Arguably, the 2 most relevant factors that contribute to the pop...With cameras becoming ubiquitous in Smartphones, it has become a very common trend to capture and share moments with friends and family in social media. Arguably, the 2 most relevant factors that contribute to the popularity are: the user’s social aspect and the content of the image (image quality, objects in the image etc.). In recent years, due to various security concerns, it has been increasingly difficult to derive social attributes from social media. Due to this limitation, in this paper we study what make images popular in social media based on the image content alone. We use Bayesian learning approach with variable likelihood function in order to predict image popularity. Our finding shows that a mapping between image content to image popularity can be achieved with a significant recall and precision. We then use our model to predict images that are likely to be more popular from a set of user images which eventually facilitate easy share.展开更多
We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers.Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals.Both the editors of ...We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers.Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals.Both the editors of the journals and authors of the manuscripts submitted to the journals are grateful to the following reviewers for reviewing the articles(either published or rejected)over the past period of time.Tzyh-Chyuan Hour,Ph D,Associate Professor,Institute of Biochemistry,Kaohsiung Medical University,100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road,展开更多
We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers.Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals.Both the editors of ...We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers.Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals.Both the editors of the journals and authors of the manuscripts submitted to the journals are grateful to the following reviewers for reviewing the展开更多
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)have long been associated with a spectrum of disease outcomes in the gastroduodenal system.Heterogeneity in bacterial virulence factors or strains is not enough to explain the divergent disease phenotypes manifested by the infection.This review focuses on host genetic factors that are involved during infection and eventually are thought to influence the disease phenotype.We have summarizedthe different host genes that have been investigated for association studies in H.pylori mediated duodenal ulcer or gastric cancer.We discuss that as the bacteria co-evolved with the host;these host gene also show much variation across different ethnic population.We illustrate the allelic distribution of interleukin-1B,across different population which is one of the most popular candidate gene studied with respect to H.pylori infections.Further,we highlight that several polymorphisms in the pathway gene can by itself or collectively affect the acid secretion pathway axis(gastrin:somatostatin)thereby resulting in a spectrum of disease
基金Supported by Wholly granted from R and D, CMD Pharma Limited, United Kingdom
文摘AIM:To assess the safety and effect of the supplementation of a patented blend of dietary phytoestrogens and insoluble fibers on estrogen receptor (ER)-β and biological parameters in sporadic colonic adenomas. METHODS:A randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was performed. Patients scheduled to undergo surveillance colonoscopy for previous sporadic colonic adenomas were identified, and 60 eligible patients were randomized to placebo or active dietary intervention (ADI) twice a day, for 60 d before surveillance colonoscopy. ADI was a mixture of 175 mg milk thistle extract, 20 mg secoisolariciresinol and 750 mg oat fiber extract. ER-β and ER-α expression, apoptosis and proliferation (Ki-67 LI) were assessed in colon samples. RESULTS:No adverse event related to ADI was recorded. ADI administration showed a significant increases in ER-β protein (0.822 ± 0.08 vs 0.768 ± 0.10, P = 0.04) and a general trend to an increase in ER-β LI (39.222 ± 2.69vs 37.708 ± 5.31,P = 0.06), ER-β/ER-α LI ratio (6.564 ± 10.04 vs 2.437 ± 1.53, P = 0.06), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (35.592 ± 14.97 vs 31.541 ± 11.54, P = 0.07) and Ki-67 (53.923 ± 20.91 vs 44.833 ± 10.38, P = 0.07) approximating statistical significance. A significant increase of ER-β protein (0.805 ± 0.13 vs 0.773 ± 0.13,P = 0.04), mRNA (2.278 ± 1.19vs 1.105 ± 1.07, P < 0.02) and LI (47.533 ± 15.47 vs 34.875 ± 16.67,P < 0.05) and a decrease of ER-α protein (0.423 ± 0.06vs 0.532 ± 0.11,P < 0.02) as well as a trend to increase of ER-β/ER-α protein in ADI vs placebo group were observed in patients without polyps (1.734 ± 0.20 vs 1.571 ± 0.42, P = 0.07). CONCLUSION:The role of ER-β on the control of apoptosis, and its amenability to dietary intervention, are supported in our study.
文摘AIM: To evaluate the effect of orally administeredplecanatide or dolcanatide, analogs of uroguanylin, on amelioration of colitis in murine models.METHODS: The cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cG MP) stimulatory potency of plecanatide and dolcanatide was measured using a human colon carcinoma T84 cellbased assay. For animal studies all test agents were formulated in phosphate buffered saline. Sulfasalazine or 5-amino salicylic acid(5-ASA) served as positive controls. Effect of oral treatment with test agents on amelioration of acute colitis induced either by dextran sulfate sodium(DSS) in drinking water or by rectal instillation of trinitrobenzene sulfonic(TNBS) acid, was examined in BALB/c and/or BDF1 mice. Additionally, the effect of orally administered plecanatide on the spontaneous colitis in T-cell receptor alpha knockout(TCRα-/-) mice was also examined. Amelioration of colitis was assessed by monitoring severity of colitis, disease activity index and by histopathology. Frozen colon tissues were used to measure myeloperoxidase activity.RESULTS: Plecanatide and dolcanatide are structurally related analogs of uroguanylin, which is an endogenous ligand of guanylate cyclase-C(GC-C). As expected from the agonists of GC-C, both plecanatide and dolcanatide exhibited potent cG MP-stimulatory activity in T84 cells. Once-daily treatment by oral gavage with either of these analogs(0.05-0.5 mg/kg) ameliorated colitis in both DSS and TNBS-induced models of acute colitis, as assessed by body weight, reduction in colitis severity(P < 0.05) and disease activity index(P < 0.05). Amelioration of colitis by either of the drug candidates was comparable to that achieved by orally administered sulfasalazine or 5-ASA. Plecanatide also effectively ameliorated colitis in TCRα-/- mice, a model of spontaneous colitis. As dolcanatide exhibited higher resistance to proteolysis in simulated gastric and intestinal juices, it was selected for further studies. CONCLUSION: This is the first-ever study reporting the therapeutic utility of GC-C agonists as a new class of orally delivered and mucosally active drug candidates for the treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.
文摘Gastric cancer and liver cancer are among the most common malignancies and the leading causes of death worldwide,due to late detection and high recurrence rates.Today,these cancers have a heavy socioeconomic burden,for which a full understanding of their pathophysiological features is warranted to search for promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets.Osteopontin (OPN) is overexpressed in most patients with gastric and liver cancers.Over the past decade,emerging evidence has revealed a correlation of OPN level and clinicopathological features and prognosis in gastric and liver cancers,indicating its potential as an independent prognostic indicator in such patients.Functional studies have verified the potential of OPN knockdown as a therapeutic approach in vitro and in vivo .Furthermore,OPN mediates multifaceted roles in the interaction between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment,in which many details need further exploration.OPN signaling results in various functions,including prevention of apoptosis,modulation of angiogenesis,malfunction of tumor-associated macrophages,degradation of extracellular matrix,activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase-Akt and nuclear factor-κB pathways,which lead to tumor formation and progression,particularly in gastric and liver cancers.This editorial aims to review recent findings on alteration in OPN expression and its clinicopathological associations with tumor progression,its potential as a therapeutic target,and putative mechanisms in gastric and liver cancers.Better understanding of the implications of OPN in tumorigenesis might facilitate development of therapeutic regimens to benefit patients with these deadly malignancies.
基金supported by project of K0722 from the Institute of Mineral Resources,Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences
文摘Zabuye Salt Lake in Tibet,China is a carbonate-type salt lake,which has some unique characteristics that make it different from other types of salt lakes.The lake is at the latter period in its evolution and contains liquid and solid resources.Its brine is rich in Li,B,K and other useful minor elements that are of great economic value.We studied the concentration behavior of these elements and the crystallization paths of salts during isothermal evaporation of brine at 15℃and 25℃.The crystallization sequence of the primary salts from the brine at 25℃is halite（NaCl）→aphthitalite （3K_2SO_4·Na_2SO_4）→zabuyelite（Li_2CO_3）→trona（Na_2CO_3·NaHCO_3·2H_2O）→thermonatrite （Na_2CO_3·H_2O）→sylvite（KCl）,while the sequence is halite（NaCl）→sylvite（KCl）→trona （Na_2CO_3·NaHCO_3·2H_2O）→zabuyelite（Li_2CO_3）→thermonatrite（Na_2CO_3·H_2O）→aphthitalite （3K_2SO_4·Na_2SO_4） at 15℃.They are in accordance with the metastable phase diagram of the Na~＋,K~＋-Cl^-, CO_3^（2-）,SO_4^（2-）-H_2O quinary system at 25℃,except for Na_2CO_3·7H_2O which is replaced by trona and thermonatrite.In the 25℃experiment,zabuyelite（Li_2CO_3） was precipitated in the early stage because Li_2CO_3 is supersaturated in the brine at 25℃,in contrast with that at 15℃,it precipitated in the later stage.Potash was precipitated in the middle and late stages in both experiments,while boron was concentrated in the early and middle stages and precipitated in the late stage.
基金Supported by FP7 IMI MIP-DILI:Mechanism-based integrated systems for the prediction of drug-induced liver injuryFP7 Eustroke,Health-F2-2008-202213:European Stroke Research Network+1 种基金TUDAS-1-2006-0029,OMFB-00505/2007:Development of HTS kit for analyzing transporter-drug interactions using cholesterol treated insect-cells expressing human MXR transporterGOP-1.1.1-11-2011-0017:Integrated preclinical tools for the determination and the enhancement of drug absorption
文摘The human body consists of several physiological barriers that express a number of membrane transporters. For an orally absorbed drug the intestinal, hepatic, renal and blood-brain barriers are of the greatest importance. The ATP-binding cassette(ABC) transporters that mediate cellular efflux and the solute carrier transporters that mostly mediate cellular uptake are the two superfamilies responsible for membrane transport of vast majority of drugs and drug metabolites. The total number of human transporters in the two superfamilies exceeds 400, and about 40-50 transporters have been characterized for drug transport. The latest Food and Drug Administration guidance focuses on P-glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein, organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1(OATP1B1), OATP1B3, organic cation transporter 2(OCT2), and organic anion transporters 1(OAT1) and OAT3. The European Medicines Agency's shortlist additionally contains the bile salt export pump, OCT1, and the multidrug and toxin extrusion transporters, multidrug and toxin ex-trusion protein 1(MATE1) and MATE2/MATE2 K. A variety of transporter assays are available to test drugtransporter interactions, transporter-mediated drugdrug interactions, and transporter-mediated toxicity. The drug binding site of ABC transporters is accessible from the cytoplasm or the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. Therefore, vesicular transport assays utilizing inside-out vesicles are commonly used assays, where the directionality of transport results in drugs being transported into the vesicle. Monolayer assays utilizing polarized cells expressing efflux transporters are the test systems suggested by regulatory agencies. However, in some monolayers, uptake transporters must be coexpressed with efflux transporters to assure detectable transport of low passive permeability drugs. For uptake transporters mediating cellular drug uptake, utilization of stable transfectants have been suggested. In vivo animal models complete the testing battery. Some issues, such as in vivo relevance, gender difference, age and ontogeny issues can only be addressed using in vivo models. Transporter specificity is provided by using knock-out or mutant models. Alternatively, chemical knock-outs can be employed. Compensatory changes are less likely when using chemical knockouts. On the other hand, specific inhibitors for some uptake transporters are not available, limiting the options to genetic knock-outs.
文摘The philosophy of heart and brain are very ancient in our literature where the things good for the heart are not suggested good for the brain and vice-versa.Modern medicine is characterized by a high degree of specialization and the heart-brain connection that could be targeted to treat these complex cardiovascular/brain disorders.The idea that adverse diet/genome interactions can cause disease is not new.In the recent era the science of nutritional genomics have increased our understanding of diet-health-gene interactions and have provided a number of benefits for individuals,groups and societies.Since dietary chemicals are regularly ingested and participate indirectly and directly in regulating gene expression,it follows that a subset of genes regulated by diet must be involved in disease initiation,progression,and severity.In this regards Liver X Receptor(LXR)-a,a key transcription factors,associated with the several chronic pathological situation including coronary heart disease and neurodegenerative diseases have recently been found to be regulated by the dietary components.The crucial findings at molecular biology unit,Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research(PGIMER),Chandigarh,INDIA have not only forced us to explore nutritional genomics as a holistic systems approach to understand the relationship between diet and health,but also to look into the disease preventing and health promoting foods that match our lifestyles,cultures and genetics.After all,we are what we eat.
文摘SRD-P401 is a newly developed healthy food supplement which has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In this report, the effects of SRD-P401 on neck and shoulder stiffness were assessed by an inquiry method in the public field. The stiffness symptoms of all participants were improved after taking SRD-P401. The symptoms of the participants who took 3 g/day and/or 9 g/day of SRD-P401 improved in a week after taking it. Unpleasant adverse effects in stomach and alimentally organs were not found during the test period. SRD-P401 showed the anti-nociceptive effect on the acetic-acid-induces abdominal writhing in rats. The potency was equivalent to aspirin. Moreover, to investigate the ability of the anti-inflammatory effects of SRD-P401, we exerted by inhibiting the Cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme activity. SRD-P401 and its constituents inhibit the COX activity. The results of this field test indicated SRD-P401 would be a beneficial and useful healthy food supplement for a person with stiffness in neck and/or shoulder.
文摘In this paper the transmission of leptospirosis, an infectious disease caused by bacteria, is studied. Leptospirosis is currently spreading in Thailand and worldwide. A Susceptible-Infected-Removed sir model is used to study the stability analysis, analytical solution and global behavior of the spreading of the disease. The model was analysed using the techniques of non-linear dynamical systems. Two equilibrium points were found and the stability conditions for these equilibrium points were established. It will be shown that the linearised solutions of the sir equations are in good agreement with numerical solutions.
文摘The geotubes have been widely applied in the engineering of land reclamation from sea. At present three kinds of material can be used to make geotubes: splitting film, fibrillated splitting film and multifilament. The geotubes made of these materials have their advantages and disadvantages. In engineering application to know the rule of forces change is very important. Based on geometry way, limit-filling height of geotubes is determined. Experiment in Pudong International Airport reflects that packing soil height of small-size geotubes will be smaller than that of large-size geotubes.
基金Supported by National Cancer Institute(CA133689 to Kunwar Shailubhai,CA006927 to Fox Chase Cancer Center)an appropriation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania(Fox Chase Cancer Center)
文摘AIM To evaluate the effect of orally administered plecanatide on colorectal dysplasia in Apc^(+/Min-FCCC) mice with dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced inflammation. METHODS Inflammation driven colorectal carcinogenesis was induced in Apc^(+/Min-FCCC) mice by administering DSS in their drinking water. Mice were fed a diet supplemented with plecanatide(0-20 ppm) and its effect on the multiplicity of histopathologically confirmed polypoid,flat and indeterminate dysplasia was evaluated. Plecanatide-mediated activation of guanylate cyclase-C(GC-C) signaling was assessed in colon tissues by measuring cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cG MP) by ELISA, protein kinase G-II and vasodilator stimulated phosphoprotein by immunoblotting. Ki-67, c-myc and cyclin D1 were used as markers of proliferation. Cellular levels and localization of b-catenin in colon tissues were assessed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Uroguanylin(UG) and GC-C transcript levels were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR). A mouse cytokine array panel was used to detect cytokines in the supernatant of colon explant cultures. RESULTS Oral treatment of Apc^(+/Min-FCCC) mice with plecanatide produced a statistically significant reduction in the formation of inflammation-driven polypoid, flat and indeterminate dysplasias. This anti-carcinogenic activity of plecanatide was accompanied by activation of cG MP/GC-C signaling mediated inhibition of Wnt/b-catenin signaling and reduced proliferation. Plecanatide also decreased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines(IL-6, IL-1 TNF), chemokines(MIP-1, IP-10) and growth factors(GCSF and GMCSF) from colon explants derived from mice with acute DSS-induced inflammation. The effect of plecanatidemediated inhibition of inflammation/dysplasia on endogenous expression of UG and GC-C transcripts was measured in intestinal tissues. Although GC-C expression was not altered appreciably, a statistically significant increase in the level of UG transcripts was detected in the proximal small intestine and colon, potentially due to a reduction in intestinal inflammation and/or neoplasia. Taken together, these results suggest that reductions in endogenous UG, accompanied by dysregulation in GC-C signaling, may be an early event in inflammation-promoted colorectal neoplasia; an event that can potentially be ameliorated by prophylactic intervention with plecanatide.CONCLUSION This study provides the first evidence that orally administered plecanatide reduces the multiplicity of inflammation-driven colonic dysplasia in mice, demonstrating the utility for developing GC-C agonists as chemopreventive agents.
文摘“Vaccell” is a dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccine which has been established in Japan. The DCs play central roles in deciding the direction of host immune reactions as well as antigen presentation. We have demonstrated that DCs treated with a streptococcal immune adjuvant OK-432, produce interleukin-12, induce Th1-dominant state, and elicit anti-tumor effects, more powerful than those treated with the known DC-maturating factors. We therefore decided to mature DCs by the OK-432 for making an effective DC vaccine, Vaccell. The 255 patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer who received standard chemotherapy combined with DC vaccines, were analyzed retrospectively. Survival time of the patients with positive delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) skin reaction was significantly prolonged as compared with that of the patients with negative DTH. The findings strongly suggest that there may be “Responders” for the DC vaccine in advanced pancreatic cancer patients. We next conducted a small-scale prospective clinical study. In this trial, we pulsed HLA class II-restricted WT1 peptide (WT1-II) in addition to HLA class?I-restricted peptide (WT1-I) into the DCs. Survival of the patients received WT1-I?and -II pulsed DC vaccine was significantly extended as compared to that of the patients received DCs pulsed with WT1-I?or WT1-II alone. Furthermore, WT1-specific DTH positive patients showed significantly improved the overall survival as well as progression-free survival as compared to the DTH negative patients. The activation of antigen-specific immune responses by DC vaccine in combination with standard chemotherapy may be associated with a good clinical outcome in advanced pancreatic cancer. We are now planning a pivotal study of the Vaccell in appropriate protocols in Japan.
文摘Low cost, high performance supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated using coconut waste as precursor. Simple one step pyrolysis is adopted to get the spherical shaped particle where lignocellulosic nature of carbon converts into porous carbon nanospheres. Three types of coconut wastes, namely, coconut fiber(CF), coconut leaves(CL) and coconut stick(CS) have been studied and compared for their application in supercapacitors. Uniform spherical shape with particle size ranging from 30 to 60 nm for leaves and sticks and20 nm for fibers was obtained. The electrochemical properties of the porous carbon nanospheres were studied using cyclic voltammetry(CV), chronopotentiometry(CP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). The porous carbon nanospheres derived from all the three biowaste samples show good electrochemical performance for supercapacitor application. Porous carbon nanospheres derived from coconut fiber exhibited maximum specific capacitance of 236 F/g followed by coconut stick and coconut leaves with 208 and 116 F/g respectively at a scan rate of 2 m V/s. Further impedance studies showed a charge transfer resistance of 4.9 for the porous carbon nanospheres derived from coconut fiber, while those from coconut leaves and coconut stick exhibited a slightly higher resistance of 6 and14.2, respectively. The simple eco-friendly approach we have demonstrated for synthesizing coconut waste based carbon nanospheres makes them excellent candidates for future, low-cost, energy storage devices.
文摘AIM: To investigate the pharmacokinetics profile of Ivermectin 1% cream after topical treatment in patients with papulopustular rosacea(PPR).METHODS: Ivermectin 1% cream is a new, effective, and safe treatment for PPR. The human pharmacokinetic(PK) profile of ivermectin and its circulating metabolites were assessed following topical application of ivermectin 1% cream to the face. Clinical PK assessments were conducted after 4 wk of treatment using healthy volunteers and PPR subjects. Additionally, PK sampling was conducted up to 1 year of treatment in clinical phase 3 studies. Plasma concentrations of ivermectin and ivermectin metabolites were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection after a specific derivation to increase sensitivity.RESULTS: Systemic exposure to ivermectin was quantifiable at low levels in healthy and moderate to severe PPR subjects following the first topical application of ivermectin 1% cream(mean Cmax of 0.5 ± 0.2 ng/mL and 0.7 ± 0.5 ng/mL in healthy volunteers and PPR subjects, respectively). Ivermectin plasma levels reached a plateau after 2 wk of repeated topical application, indicating that steady-state concentrations had been reached. No further ivermectin plasma accumulation was observed during the long-term clinical studies that investigated ivermectin treatment up to 1 year. Investigation of ivermectin metabolites indicated that 2 circulating metabolites represented more than 10% of parent drug systemic exposure at steady state. Repeated topical application of ivermectin 1% cream resulted in lower systemic exposure levels when compared with orally administered ivermectin, suggesting limited transdermal absorption of ivermectin. Topically applied ivermectin is cleared from the plasma slowly(with a prolonged plasma half-life when compared to the oral route).CONCLUSION: Applications of ivermectin 1% cream result in low systemic exposure levels. Steady–state conditions are achieved by 2 wk without further accumulation under chronic treatment.
基金Supported by the Swiss Celiac Association,Association Romande de Coeliakie,No.ME 8309 awarded to Sch ppi MG
文摘AIM: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of a new point-of-care assay detecting anti-deamidated gliadin peptides in celiac disease(CD) patients.METHODS: One-hundred-and-twelve patients(age range: 1.8-79.2 years old) with clinical symptoms suggestive of CD and/or first-degree relatives(FDR) of CD patients(n = 66),and confirmed CD on a gluten-free diet(GFD)(n = 46),were prospectively enrolled in the study at Gastroenterology outpatient clinics for adult patients and from the Gastroenterology Consultation Ward at the Pediatric Department of the University Hospital of Geneva.Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects enrolled.The study received approval from the local ethics committee.The original CD diagnosis had been based on serum-positive IgA anti-tissue transglutaminase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)(QuantaLite,Inova Diagnostics,San Diego,CA,United States) and on biopsy results.Serum samples from all study participants were tested by the new CD lateral flow immunochromatographic assay(CD-LFIA) device,Simtomax Blood Drop(Augurix SA,BioArk,Monthey,Switzerland) to detect immunoglobulin(Ig)A and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides.The diagnostic performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves with 95%CIs.A cut-off of 2 on the Rann colorimetric scale was used to calculate the device's sensitivity and specificity.RESULTS: CD-LFIA was highly accurate in detecting untreated celiac patients.In the group of patients with CD symptoms and/or FDR,eight new cases of CD were detected by ELISA and biopsy.All of these new cases were also correctly identified by CD-LFIA.The test yielded four false positive and four false negative results.The false positive results were all within the groups with clinical symptoms suggestive of CD and/or FDR,whereas the false negative results were all within the GFD group.The test yeld a sensitivity of 78.9%(95%CI: 54.4-93.9) and specificity of 95.7%(95%CI: 89.4-98.8),and the area under the curve reached 0.893(95%CI: 0.798-0.988).The Kappa coefficient,calculated according to the values obtained by two readers from the same device,was of 0.96(SE: 0.06).When the GFD patients were excluded from the analysis,the area under the curve reached 0.989(95%CI: 0.971-1.000) and the Kappa coefficient,calculated according to the values obtained by two readers from the same device,became 0.96(SE: 0.07).Furthermore,using the Rann scale cut-off of 2 without the GFD patients,sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 93.1%(95%CI: 83.3-98.1).CONCLUSION: The new CD-LFIA rapid screening test shows good diagnostic accuracy,sensitivity and specificity,and may rule out CD in patients with CD-related symptoms.
文摘This letter presents the results of the influnces of an ultra-violet lithography(UVL)and a h e r beam canning lithography(LBSL)on the superconductivity of YBaCuO thin films on SrTiO3 substrates.The degeneration of superconductivity of YBaCuO thin films in UVL process is more than that in LBSL process.
文摘With cameras becoming ubiquitous in Smartphones, it has become a very common trend to capture and share moments with friends and family in social media. Arguably, the 2 most relevant factors that contribute to the popularity are: the user’s social aspect and the content of the image (image quality, objects in the image etc.). In recent years, due to various security concerns, it has been increasingly difficult to derive social attributes from social media. Due to this limitation, in this paper we study what make images popular in social media based on the image content alone. We use Bayesian learning approach with variable likelihood function in order to predict image popularity. Our finding shows that a mapping between image content to image popularity can be achieved with a significant recall and precision. We then use our model to predict images that are likely to be more popular from a set of user images which eventually facilitate easy share.
文摘We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers.Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals.Both the editors of the journals and authors of the manuscripts submitted to the journals are grateful to the following reviewers for reviewing the articles(either published or rejected)over the past period of time.Tzyh-Chyuan Hour,Ph D,Associate Professor,Institute of Biochemistry,Kaohsiung Medical University,100 Shih-Chuan 1st Road,
文摘We acknowledge our sincere thanks to our reviewers.Many reviewers have contributed their expertise and time to the peer review,a critical process to ensure the quality of our World Series Journals.Both the editors of the journals and authors of the manuscripts submitted to the journals are grateful to the following reviewers for reviewing the
