Malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome in Chronic Kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease is becoming a major health problem globally and in India an alarming number of about 8 million people are suffering from this disease. Patients undergoing hemodialysis have a high prevalence of protein-energy malnutrition and inflammation. As these two conditions often occur concomitantly in hemodialysis patients, they have been referred together as ‘malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome’ to emphasize the important association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The three factors related to the pathophysiology in these patients are dialysis related nutrient loss, increased protein catabolism and hypoalbuminemia. Inflammation in Chronic Kidney disease is the most important factor in the genesis of several complications in renal disease. Pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1 and TNF-alpha play a major role in the onset of metabolic alterations in Chronic Kidney disease patients. Atherosclerosis is a very frequent complication in uremia due to the coexistence of hypertension, hyperhomocysteinemia, inflammation, malnutrition and increased oxidative stress, generation of advanced glycation end products, advanced oxidation protein products, hyperlipidemia and altered structural and functional ability of HDL. LDL-cholesterol, apolipoprotein (A), apolipoprotein (B), and Lp(a) are also associated with atherosclerosis. Studies have now provided enormous data to enable the evaluation of the severity of malnutrition-inflammation-atherosclerosis syndrome as well as effective monitoring of these patients.     

Radioprotective effects of ocimum flavonoids on leukocyte oxidants and antioxidants in oral cancer

Oxidants (NADPH oxidase and myeloperoxidase) and antioxidants (GSH,GSH peroxidase, SOD and glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase, that provides NADPH for antioxidants) were assayed in the neutrophils from oral cancer patients, in three stages viz, baseline samples,15 days after radiation and 30 days following radiation. These samples were obtained from 2 groups of patients. Group A that received radiation alone and Group B that received radiation and ocimum flavonoids,a radioprotector. The results showed a significant fall in the SOD levels in the second follow up of group B.Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase showed significant increase only in the first follow up of patients who received Ocimum flavonoids. Except for these findings all other parameters remained statistically nonsignificant.     

A Curve for all reasons

The cause-effect relationship for a wide variety of biological processes from molecular to ecosystem levels can be described by a curvilinear function called the rectangular hyperbola. Although a simple algebraic equation adequately describes this curve, biological models have generated different equations incorporating biologically meaningful parameters. The Michelis-Menten equation describing enzyme kinetics, and the Type II functional response of predators to changing prey densities are two such examples.     

历史视野中的澳门

澳门在历史上的地位是显赫的 ,它是中国历史的缩影 ,澳门问题是殖民主义的产物 ,澳门回归是中国人民完成统一大业使命的百年追求。     

论技术类科技期刊的品牌创建——《中国南方果树》33年办刊实践与探索

在总结中国南方果树杂志社33年办刊工作实践的基础上,从刊物定位、编读关系、刊物质量、刊物特色、刊物经营、刊物文化等6个方面论述技术类期刊的品牌创建.     

Cell-like-carbon-micro-spheres for robust potassium anode

Large-scale low-cost synthesis methods for potassium ion battery (PIB) anodes with long cycle life and high capacity have remained challenging. Here, inspired by the structure of a biological cell, biomimetic carbon cells (BCCs) were synthesized and used as PIB anodes. The protruding carbon nanotubes across the BCC wall mimicked the ion-transporting channels present in the cell membrane, and enhanced the rate performance of PIBs. In addition, the robust carbon shell of the BCC could protect its overall structure, and the open space inside the BCC could accommodate the volume changes caused by K⁺ insertion, which greatly improved the stability of PIBs. For the first time, a stable solid electrolyte interphase layer is formed on the surface of amorphous carbon. Collectively, the unique structural characteristics of the BCCs resulted in PIBs that showed a high reversible capacity (302 mAh g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ and 248 mAh g⁻¹ at 500 mA g⁻¹), excellent cycle stability (reversible capacity of 226 mAh g⁻¹ after 2100 cycles and a continuous running time of more than 15 months at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹), and an excellent rate performance (160 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹). This study represents a new strategy for boosting battery performance, and could pave the way for the next generation of battery-powered applications.     

东南亚华人财团的地位和作用论析

本文总体阐述东盟国家华人财团叨年代的发展战略、在所在国经济中的相对实力和地位以及在东盟国家经济发展中所起的作用。