In the absence of consistent clinical evidence, there are concerns that fructose contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). To determine the effect of fructose on markers of NAFLD, we ...conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled feeding trials.
We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library (through 3 September 2013). We included relevant trials that involved a follow-up of ≥ 7 days. Two reviewers independently extracted relevant data. Data were pooled by the generic inverse variance method using random effects models and expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) for intrahepatocellular lipids (IHCL) and mean difference (MD) for alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Inter-study heterogeneity was assessed (Cochran Q statistic) and quantified (I(2) statistic).
Eligibility criteria were met by eight reports containing 13 trials in 260 healthy participants: seven isocaloric trials, in which fructose was exchanged isocalorically for other carbohydrates, and six hypercaloric trials, in which the diet was supplemented with excess energy (+21-35% energy) from high-dose fructose (+104-220 g/day). Although there was no effect of fructose in isocaloric trials, fructose in hypercaloric trials increased both IHCL (SMD=0.45 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18, 0.72)) and ALT (MD=4.94 U/l (95% CI: 0.03, 9.85)).
Few trials were available for inclusion, most of which were small, short (≤ 4 weeks), and of poor quality.
Isocaloric exchange of fructose for other carbohydrates does not induce NAFLD changes in healthy participants. Fructose providing excess energy at extreme doses, however, does raise IHCL and ALT, an effect that may be more attributable to excess energy than fructose. Larger, longer and higher-quality trials of the effect of fructose on histopathological NAFLD changes are required.
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DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, VSZLJ, ZAGLJ
Cell surface proteins are excellent targets for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. By using bioinformatics tools, we generated a catalog of 3,702 transmembrane proteins located at the surface ...of human cells (human cell surfaceome). We explored the genetic diversity of the human cell surfaceome at different levels, including the distribution of polymorphisms, conservation among eukaryotic species, and patterns of gene expression. By integrating expression information from a variety of sources, we were able to identify surfaceome genes with a restricted expression in normal tissues and/or differential expression in tumors, important characteristics for putative tumor targets. A high-throughput and efficient quantitative real-time PCR approach was used to validate 593 surfaceome genes selected on the basis of their expression pattern in normal and tumor samples. A number of candidates were identified as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets for colorectal tumors and glioblastoma. Several candidate genes were also identified as coding for cell surface cancer/testis antigens. The human cell surfaceome will serve as a reference for further studies aimed at characterizing tumor targets at the surface of human cells.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Large admission DWI lesion volumes are associated with poor outcomes despite acute stroke treatment. The primary aims of our study were to determine whether CTA collaterals correlate with admission ...DWI lesion volumes in patients with AIS with proximal occlusions, and whether a CTA collateral profile could identify large DWI volumes with high specificity.
We studied 197 patients with AIS with M1 and/or intracranial ICA occlusions. We segmented admission and follow-up DWI lesion volumes, and categorized CTA collaterals by using a 5-point CS system. ROC analysis was used to determine CS accuracy in predicting DWI lesion volumes >100 mL. Patients were dichotomized into 2 categories: CS = 0 (malignant profile) or CS>0. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to compare imaging and clinical variables between these 2 groups.
There was a negative correlation between CS and admission DWI lesion volume (ρ = -0.54, P < .0001). ROC analysis revealed that CTA CS was a good discriminator of DWI lesion volume >100 mL (AUC = 0.84, P < .001). CS = 0 had 97.6% specificity and 54.5% sensitivity for DWI volume >100 mL. CS = 0 patients had larger mean admission DWI volumes (165.8 mL versus 32.7 mL, P < .001), higher median NIHSS scores (21 versus 15, P < .001), and were more likely to become functionally dependent at 3 months (95.5% versus 64.0%, P = .003). Admission NIHSS score was the only independent predictor of a malignant CS (P = .007).
In patients with AIS with PAOs, CTA collaterals correlate with admission DWI infarct size. A malignant collateral profile is highly specific for large admission DWI lesion size and poor functional outcome.
Mass spectrometry was used to monitor neutral chemical species from sugar cane bagasse that could volatilize during the bagasse ozonation process. Lignin fragments and some radicals liberated by ...direct ozone reaction with the biomass structure were detected. Ozone density was monitored during the ozonation by optical absorption spectroscopy. The optical results indicated that the ozone interaction with the bagasse material was better for bagasse particle sizes less than or equal to 0.5 mm. Both techniques have shown that the best condition for the ozone diffusion in the bagasse was at 50% of its moisture content. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to analyze the lignin bond disruptions and morphology changes of the bagasse surface that occurred due to the ozonolysis reactions as well. Appropriate chemical characterization of the lignin content in bagasse before and after its ozonation was also carried out.
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IJS, KILJ, NUK, PNG, UL, UM
The Peruvian amazon is very diverse in native forestry species, the Guazuma crinita "Bolaina" being one of the most planted species in the country; however, little or no information about soil ...requirements and nutrient demands is known. The objective of this work was to assess the general conditions of soil fertility, biomass and macro- and micronutrient amounts in high-productivity Guazuma crinita plantations. Fields of high yielding Bolaina of different ages (1-10 years) were sampled in two regions. Soil and plant samples were collected in each field and biometric measurements of fresh weight, diameter at breast height and height were performed. For soil and plant analysis, both macro- (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn) were determined. Finally, allometric equations were constructed for biometric and nutrient amounts. This study is the first to assess and model macro- and micronutrient amounts in the productive cycle in this species, which grows in fertile soils. In the case of biometric equations, the logarithmic and logistic models performed better. For nutrient amounts, this species followed a pattern of Ca > N > K > P > S > Mg for macronutrients and Fe > B > Mn > Zn > Cu for micronutrients. The best prediction models for nutrients were the square root and logistic models.
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IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in several regions of the world. General changes in lifestyle, including consumption of fat-rich food, are among the most important factors leading to an ...unprecedented increase in the prevalence of this disease. Weight gain results from an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure. Both of these parameters are under the tight control of specialized neurons of the hypothalamus that respond to peripheral anorexigenic and adipostatic signals carried by leptin and insulin. Here we show, by macroarray analysis, that high-fat feeding hyperlipidic diet (HL) induces the expression of several proinflammatory cytokines and inflammatory responsive proteins in hypothalamus. This phenomenon is accompanied by increased activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor-κB. In addition, HL feeding leads to impaired functional and molecular activation of the insulin-signaling pathway, which is paralleled by increased serine phosphorylation of the insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate-2. Intracerebroventricular treatment of HL rats with a specific inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SP600125) restores insulin signaling and leads to a reduced caloric intake and weight loss. We conclude that HL feeding induces a local proinflammatory status in the hypothalamus, which results in impaired anorexigenic insulin signaling.
The conversion of lignocellulose into fermentable sugars is considered a promising alternative for increasing ethanol production. Higher fermentation yield has been achieved through the process of ...simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). In this study, a comparison was performed between the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Kluyveromyces marxianus for their potential use in SSF process. Three strains of S. cerevisiae were evaluated: two are widely used in the Brazilian ethanol industry (CAT-1 and PE-2), and one has been isolated based on its capacity to grow and ferment at 42 °C (LBM-1). In addition, we used thermotolerant strains of K. marxianus. Two strains were obtained from biological collections, ATCC 8554 and CCT 4086, and one strain was isolated based on its fermentative capacity (UFV-3). SSF experiments revealed that S. cerevisiae industrial strains (CAT-1 and PE-2) have the potential to produce cellulosic ethanol once ethanol had presented yields similar to yields from thermotolerant strains. The industrial strains are more tolerant to ethanol and had already been adapted to industrial conditions. Moreover, the study shows that although the K. marxianus strains have fermentative capacities similar to strains of S. cerevisiae, they have low tolerance to ethanol. This characteristic is an important target for enhancing the performance of this yeast in ethanol production.
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CEKLJ, DOBA, EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, IZUM, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NUK, OBVAL, OILJ, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
The rover Opportunity has investigated the rim of Endeavour Crater, a large ancient impact crater on Mars. Basaltic breccias produced by the impact form the rim deposits, with stratigraphy similar to ...that observed at similar-sized craters on Earth. Highly localized zinc enrichments in some breccia materials suggest hydrothermal alteration of rim deposits. Gypsum-rich veins cut sedimentary rocks adjacent to the crater rim. The gypsum was precipitated from low-temperature aqueous fluids flowing upward from the ancient materials of the rim, leading temporarily to potentially habitable conditions and providing some of the waters involved in formation of the ubiquitous sulfate-rich sandstones of the Meridiani region.
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BFBNIB, NMLJ, NUK, PNG, SAZU, UL, UM, UPUK
The sediment of five mangrove in Pernambuco/Brazil was investigated to find a reference site for toxicity bioassays. Sediment characteristics, metal levels, and toxic effects on the nauplius of the ...copepod Tisbe biminiensis were studied. The sediment was composed by terrigenous muds and siliciclastic sands with medium to high organic matter contents. The FeAs association show most of the high concentrations and positive correlation among its constituents in the south. In the north, the Ca-Sr-La association is higher and exhibits positive correlation among its components that usually found in carbonate rocks. Very intense toxic effects were observed, mainly in the south, with >70 % reductions in development. As and Hg were positively correlated with mortality and decrease in development. The sediment quality at studied mangroves prevent their use as a reference site in bioassays. These could be linked to the direct/perennial contribution of geogenic sources associated with anthropogenic environmental impacts.
•Estuarine sediment presented toxic effects to the copepod Tisbe biminiensi.•The As and Hg could be associated with observed toxic effects.•Studied mangroves cannot be used as reference sites in bioassays.•Copepod toxicity tests were useful to the pollution evaluation in estuarine sediments.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UILJ, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZAGLJ, ZRSKP
Blends of chitosan (from Cuban lobster) and clay micro/nanoparticles were prepared by dispersion of the clay particles in the film matrix and the films obtained were characterized in terms of water ...solubility, water vapor, oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability, optical, mechanical and thermal properties using an Instron universal testing machine, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyses and scanning electron microscopy (
SEM). The water vapor barrier properties of the films were significantly improved by incorporation of clay in their composition, while the water solubility decreased as the clay concentration increased (for a constant chitosan concentration). The tensile strength of chitosan/clay films increased significantly with increasing chitosan and clay concentrations, while the values of elongation decreased slightly for high values of chitosan concentration.
T
m
increased with the increase of chitosan concentration, but the changes in
T
m
with the addition of clay were not significant.
Polynomial models were fitted to the experimental data in order to facilitate future design of chitosan/clay film systems.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK