Abstract Aim: this study was performed to investigate the association between selenium concentrations, dietary intake, and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: we identified eligible studies in PubMed and EMBASE databases, in addition to the reference lists of original studies and review articles on this topic, up to 1 Feb 2019. A summary of standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity between studies was assessed using Cochran Q and I2 statistics. Results: finally, a meta-analysis showed that dietary intake of selenium and tissue selenium concentration were not associated with HCC risk (dietary SMD = -0.11, 95% CI-0.26 to 0.03; tissue SMD = -0.12, 95% CI-0.56 to 0.33). However, samples from toenail, whole blood, and serum all showed an inverse association with HCC risk (toenail SMD = -0.53, 95% CI-0.72 to -0.35; whole blood SMD = -2.21, 95% CI-2.67 to -1.76; tissue SMD = -1.26, 95% CI-1.71 to -0.81). Dose-response data from few studies showed that an extra increase in serum selenium was dramatically related with a lower risk of HCC (adjusted p-trend < 0.05). This study showed that selenium concentration in toenail, whole blood and serum was inversely associated with HCC risk. Conclusion: increased concentration in serum selenium was related to a lower risk of HCC. However, these results based on dietary intake and tissue samples, which included few studies, did not reach statistical significance.

Resumen Objetivo: este estudio se realizó para investigar la asociación entre las concentraciones de selenio, la ingesta dietética y el riesgo de carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC). Métodos: identificamos estudios elegibles en las bases de datos PubMed y EMBASE, además de las listas de referencias de los estudios originales y artículos de revisión sobre este tema hasta el 1 de febrero de 2019. Se realizó un resumen de las diferencias medias estandarizadas (SMD) con intervalos de confianza (CI) del 95% utilizando un modelo de efectos aleatorios. La heterogeneidad entre estudios se evaluó utilizando las estadísticas de Cochran Q e I2. Resultados: por último, el metaanálisis mostró que la concentración de selenio en la ingesta dietética y de selenio tisular no estaban asociadas al riesgo de HCC (SMD dietética -0,11, IC 95%: -0,26 a 0,03; SMD tisular -0,12, IC 95%: -0,56 a 0,33). Sin embargo, las muestras de uña del pie, sangre entera y suero mostraron todas ellas una asociación inversa con el riesgo de CHC (SMD ungueal -0.53, IC 95%: -0.72 a -0.35; SMD de sangre entera -2.21, IC 95%: -2.67 a -1.76; SMD tisular -1.26, IC 95%: -1.71 a -0.81). Los datos de dosis-respuesta de pocos estudios mostraron que los incrementos del selenio sérico se relacionaban fuertemente con un menor riesgo de CHC (tendencia de p ajustada < 0.05). Este estudio demostró que la concentración de selenio en las uñas del pie, en sangre entera y en suero se asocian inversamente al riesgo de CHC. Conclusión: el aumento de la concentración de selenio sérico se relacionó con menor riesgo de CHC. Sin embargo, los resultados de la ingesta dietética y los tejidos, que incluían pocos estudios, no alcanzaron la significación estadística.

ABSTRACT Reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV) infection has frequently affected the poultry industry in recent years. The infection with REV weakens the immune responses of the infected poultry. It is reported that Enteromorphaclathrata polysaccharides are capable of regulating immune function. In order to investigate the immuno regulatory effects of Enteromorphaclathrata polysaccharides (EPS) on the response of REV-infected broilers to a live attenuated Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. Broilers were intraperitoneally injected with REV at one day of age, subcutaneously infected with EPS at 2 days of age, and vaccinated by nasal drip with a live attenuated ND (Lasota strain) vaccine at 5 days of age. Immune organ index, secretory immunoglobulinA (SIgA), peripheral blood heterophil to lymphocyte ratios (H/L ratio), peripheral blood lymphocyte transformation rates, and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels were measured at 3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 56 days of age. The results showed that EPS increased the immune organ index, and the secretion of small intestine secretory immunoglobulin A, serum ND antibody titers, blood H/L ratio, peripheral blood lymphocyte transformation rates, and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels. These results indicate that EPS are able to enhance the immune responses of chickens both to REV infection and to ND vaccination. Therefore, Enteromorphaclathrata polysaccharides can be considered as an immune regulator in the future.

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is an important factor in the progression of inflammatory responses in vivo. To develop a new anti-inflammatory drug to block the biological activity of ICAM-1, we produced a monoclonal antibody (Ka=4.19×10−8 M) against human ICAM-1. The anti-ICAM-1 single-chain variable antibody fragment (scFv) was expressed at a high level as inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli. We refolded the scFv (Ka=2.35×10−7 M) by ion-exchange chromatography, dialysis, and dilution. The results showed that column chromatography refolding by high-performance Q Sepharose had remarkable advantages over conventional dilution and dialysis methods. Furthermore, the anti-ICAM-1 scFv yield of about 60 mg/L was higher with this method. The purity of the final product was greater than 90%, as shown by denaturing gel electrophoresis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell culture, and animal experiments were used to assess the immunological properties and biological activities of the renatured scFv.

The use of waste green tea leaves (TV) with particle diameter 30 and 40 of the Tyler series, on the removal of the dyes basic yellow 57 (AM 57), basic blue 99 (AZB 99) and acid red 18 was investigated from aqueous solutions at room temperature by intermittent desorption experiments. The parameters evaluated in the adsorption capacity were: pH, mass of adsorbent, the concentration of dye adsorption rate and ionic strength, supported by the FTIR, SEM, EDX and TGA analysis. The results are analyzed using mathematical models of Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin- Radushkevich and Redlich -Peterson. The results show that the adsorption is given by a mixed mechanism. The determined parameters show a high affinity of the adsorbent with AZ 99 with a maximum adsorption capacity of 287.2 mg g-1, followed with by AM 57 120 mg g-1 and the RA 18 with 58 mg g-1 elucidating the potential use of the adsorbent for the removal of the dyes in aqueous solutions by pseudo- second order kinetic. High concentration of the ionic strength decreases the adsorption of the three dyes.

Se investigó el uso de hojas de té verde (TV) molidas con diámetro de partículas malla 30 y 40 de la serie Tyler, en la remoción de los colorantes Amarillo 57 (AM 57), Azul básico 99 (AZB 99) y Rojo ácido 18 (RA 18), a partir de soluciones acuosas a temperatura ambiente, mediante experimentos de desorción discontinuos. Los parámetros evaluados en la capacidad de adsorción fueron: pH, masa de adsorbente, concentración de los colorantes, velocidad de adsorción y fuerza iónica, apoyados por los análisis de FTIR, SEM, EDX y TGA. Los resultados se han analizado usando los modelos matemáticos de Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Dubinin-Radushkevich y Redlich-Peterson. Estos resultados muestran que la adsorción se da mediante un mecanismo mixto. Los parámetros determinados ponen en claro una alta afinidad del adsorbente con el AZ 99 con una máxima capacidad de adsorción de 287,2 mg g-1, seguido con el AM 57 con un q máx 120 mg g-1 y con el RA 18 con q máx de 58 mg g-1, elucidando el potencial uso de este adsorbente para la remoción de los colorantes en soluciones acuosas mediante una cinética de pseudo-segundo orden, especialmente el AZB99. Altas concentraciones de la fuerza iónica disminuyen la adsorción de los tres colorantes.

OBJECTIVE: We attempted to evaluate maternal thyroid function in a new self-sequential longitudinal reference interval (SLRI) which we established recently. By this method, we analysed the correlation between pregnancy outcome, neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and maternal thyroid diseases. METHODS: A total of 1744 pregnant women participated in the study and 1747 babies were born from those women (three bore twins). The levels of TSH, free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) of mothers were quantified by electrochemistry immunoassay (ECL). The levels of neonatal blood TSH were detected by time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay (TRFIA). All data were collected and statistically analysed by SPSS 13.0 software. RESULTS: With our new SLRI method, we found that 0.11%~3.84% pregnant women would get thyroid diseases. Subclinical hypothyroidism was the most common maternal thyroid disorder. Being positive for thyroid peroxidase antibodies was a significant risk factor of subclinical hypothyroidism during pregnancy. The median, P2.5~P97.5, and interquartile range (IQR) of neonatal TSH (N-TSH) of 1747 babies were 2.72 mIU/L, 0.10~8.01 mIU/L and 2.62 mIU/L, respectively; 28.6% of pregnant women with thyroid diseases developed pregnancy complications. The prevalence was significantly higher than in the normal thyroid function group (p< 0.001). The levels of N-TSH were low correlated with maternal TSH levels (p < 0.05), but there were no significant correlations between N-TSH and maternal FT4 and maternal TPO-Ab (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Thyroid disorders, especially subclinical hypothyroidism, are common in pregnant women. These disorders are associated with pregnancy and fetal outcome. Routine maternal thyroid function screening is important and should be recommended.

OBJETIVO: Intentamos evaluar la función tiroidea materna en un nuevo intervalo de referencia longitudinal auto-secuencial (SLRI) que establecimos recientemente. Por este método, analizamos la correlación entre el resultado del embarazo, el nivel de la hormona estimulante de la tiroides (TSH) en neonatos, y las enfermedades tiroideas maternas MÉTODOS: Un total de 1744 mujeres embarazadas participó en el estudio y 1747 bebés nacieron de esas mujeres (tres de ellas tuvieron gemelos). Los niveles de TSH, la tiroxina libre (FT4), y los anticuerpos de la peroxidasa tiroidea (TPO-Ab) de las madres, fueron cuantificados mediante inmunoensayo electroquímico (ECL). Los niveles de TSH en la sangre de los neonatos, fueron determinados mediante inmunoensayo por fluorescencia resuelto en el tiempo (TRFIA). Todos los datos fueron recogidos y analizados estadísticamente usando el software SPSS 13.0 RESULTADOS: Con nuestro nuevo método SLRI, encontramos que 0.11%~3.84% de las mujeres embarazadas contraerán enfermedades tiroideas. El hipotiroidismo subclínico fue el trastorno de la tiroides materna más común. Ser positivo a los anticuerpos de la peroxidasa tiroidea fue un factor de riesgo significativo del hipotiroidismo subclínico durante el embarazo. La mediana, P2.5~P97.5, y el rango intercuartil (IQR) de la TSH (N-TSH) neonatal de los 1747 bebés fueron 2.72 mIU/L, 0.10~8.01 mIU/L y 2.62 mIU/L respectivamente. El 28.6% de las mujeres embarazadas que tenían enfermedades tiroideas, desarrollaron complicaciones del embarazo. La prevalencia fue significativamente más alta que en el grupo con función tiroidea normal (p < 0.001). Los niveles de N-TSH fueron bajos en correlación con los niveles de TSH maternos (p < 0.05), pero no hubo ninguna correlación significativa entre la N-TSH y la FT4 materna, y la TPO-Ab materna (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIÓNS: Los trastornos tiroideos, especialmente el hipotiroidismo, son comunes en las mujeres embarazadas.Estos trastornos se hallan asociados con el resultado del embarazo y el resultado fetal. El tamizaje de rutina de la función tiroidea materna es importante y debe recomendarse.

Isozymes of peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), esterase (EST) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were analyzed on transgenic maize (with external chitinase gene) and its parent by vertical polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). This study was made using shoots at the fourth leaf stage. Results showed that: POD and EST were detected in 6 bands. POD-2 and POD-3 were present at the bud and seedling stages. POD-1, POD-4, POD-5 and POD-6 were only present at the seedling stage. POD-6 expressed stronger in the transgenic maize with chitinase than in its parent. EST-2 was present only at the bud stage, and its expression in transgenic maize was stronger than that in its parent. EST-5 only existed at the seedling stage. EST-4 did not exist in the parent maize seedlings and EST-1, EST-3 and EST-6 were present at the bud or seedling stage. Four bands were detected for CAT. CAT-1 and CAT-3 were weaker bands than the others. CAT-3 in transgenic maize was stronger than in its parent. Three bands of SOD were detected; SOD-1 and SOD-2 existed at the bud and seedling stages, but SOD-3 was not shown in buds of the parent corn. All data showed that the expression of isozymes in transgenic and parent maize had obvious differences.

Las isoenzimas de la peroxidasa (POD), catalasa (CAT), estearasa (EST) y superóxido dimutasa (SOD) fueron analizadas en maíz transgénico (con el gen externo de la quitinasa) y su progenitor por electoforesis de gel de poliacrilamida (PAGE). Este estudio fue hecho utilizando tallos en el estado fenológico de cuarta hoja. Los resultados mostraron que: POD y EST se detectaron en 6 bandas. POD-2 y POD-3 estuvieron presentes en los estados fenológicos de yema y plántula. POD-1, POD-4, POD-5 y POD-6 sólo estuvieron presentes en el estado de plántula. POD-6 se expresó con más firmeza en el maíz transgénico con quitinasa que en su progenitor. EST-2 estuvo presente sólo en el estado de yema, y su expresión en el maíz transgénico fue más firme que en su progenitor. EST-5 sólo existió en el estado de plántula. EST-4 no existió en las plántulas progenitoras de maíz, y EST-1, EST-3 y EST-6 estuvieron presentes en los estados de yema o plántula. Se detectaron cuatro bandas para CAT. Las bandas fueron más débiles para CAT-1 y CAT-3. Este último se expresó más firmemente en maíz transgénico que en su progenitor. Se detectaron tres bandas de SOD: SOD-1 y SOD-2 existieron en los estados de yema y plántula, pero SOD-3 no estuvo presente en las yemas del maíz progenitor. Todos los datos mostraron que la expresión de las isoenzimas tuvieron diferencias obvias en maíz transgénico versus su progenitor.

Ecological performance optimization of a generalized irreversible thermoacoustic heat engine with heat resistance, heat leakage, thermal relaxation and internal dissipation, in which heat transfer between the working fluid and heat reservoirs obeys a complex generalized heat transfer law Q <img border=0 src="../../../../../img/revistas/rmf/v56n5/a5s1.jpg">Δ (T)n -where n is a complex-, is investigated in this paper. Both the real part and the imaginary part of the complex heat transfer exponent change the optimal ecological function versus efficiency relationship, quantitatively. The analytical formulas about the ecological function and thermal efficiency of the thermoacoustic heat engine are derived. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of the influences of various factors on optimal performance of the generalized irreversible thermoacoustic heat engine is carried out by detailed numerical examples. The optimal zone on the performance of the thermoacoustic heat engine is obtained by numerical analysis. The results obtained herein can provide some theoretical guidelines for the design of real thermoacoustic engines.

En este artículo se investigan la optimización del desempeño ecológico de un motor termoacístico irreversible generalizado con resistencia térmica, fugas de calor, relajación térmica y disipación interna, en el que la transferencia de calor entre el fluido de trabajo y el reservorio (recipiente) de calor obedece a una ley de transferencia de calor compleja generalizada [], donde n es complejo. La parte imaginaria y la parte real del exponente complejo de la transferencia de calor cambian cuantitativamente a la función ecológica óptima vs la relación de eficiencia. Se obtienen las fórmulas analíticas de la función ecológica y la eficiencia térmica del motor termoacústico. Asimismo, se hace un análisis comparativo de la influencia de varios factores cuando el desempeño del motor termoacústico irreversible generalizado es óptimo con ejemplos numéricos detallados. Se obtiene la zona óptima del desempeño del motor termoacústico por análisis numérico. Los resultados obtenidos proveen guías teóricas para el diseño de motores termoacústicos.

The yield and speed of detection of Salmonella enterica serotype Paratyphi A from the blood of patients with suspected paratyphoid fever A in 13 500 paired aerobic and anaerobic bottles (AEB, ANB) that were each filled with 5 ml of blood by the BacT/ALERT 3D system were compared, and the blood bacterial counts of 1 000 probable patients were estimated by pour plate method. A total of 4 060 isolates were recovered, of these, 3 149 were recovered from both AEB and ANB, 461 from the AEB only, and 450 from the ANB only. The estimating median bacterial count in blood from 400 patients was 0.5 CFU/ml. The research findings demonstrate that the blood volume drawn is an important factor determining the yields from blood cultures. Growth of significantly more isolates was detected earlier in AEB.

A dynamic kiln-wide wood drying model was developed previously to solve the integral form of the unsteady-state mass, momentum and energy balance equations in the air side. For the wood side, an empirical model, characteristic drying curve, for the internal moisture movement is used, which was obtained for low and medium temperature drying of Pinus radiata, with a medium velocity of 1.4-4.1 m s-1. As part of the research programme to improve the design and control of dehumidifier wood drying kilns, the wood drying model has been assessed using the experimental data measured under drying conditions similar to those in dehumidifier kiln. It is noted that close agreement between the modelled results and the experimental data can be obtained for Pinus radiata drying processes with a medium air velocity (<; 5 m s-1). However, larger discrepancy between the modelled results and the measured data has been observed with a higher velocity (8 m s-1). To solve this problem a new characteristic drying curve, based on a two-zone diffusion model, has been used in the kiln-wide wood drying model and more accurate results have been obtained