Search

Study Question: Does anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) induce preantral follicle atresia in mice?Summary Answer: The present findings suggest that AMH-mediated follicle atresia only occurs in early follicles before they become sensitive to FSH.What Is Known Already: Most prior studies have investigated the ability of AMH to inhibit primordial follicle activation. Our previous study showed that AMH-overexpressing mice had fewer preantral follicles than expected after accounting for primordial follicle inhibition but the reason for this was not determined.Study Design, Size, Duration: Cross-sectional-control versus transgenic/knockout mouse studies were carried out.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Studies were conducted on female wild-type (Amh+/+), AMH-knockout (Amh-/-) and AMH overexpressing (Thy1.2-AMHTg/0) mice on a C57Bl/6J background (age: 42-120 days). The follicle counts were conducted for primordial, transitioning, primary, secondary and antral follicles in Amh-/- and Amh+/+ mice. After confirming that follicle development speeds were identical (proliferating cell nuclear antigen immunohistochemistry), the ratio of follicles surviving beyond each stage of folliculogenesis was determined in both genotypes. Evidence for increased rates of preantral follicle atresia was assessed by active caspase-3 immunohistochemistry in wild-type and Thy1.2-AMHTg/0 mice.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: Amh -/- mice at 100-120 days of age had lower primordial follicle counts but higher primordial follicle activation rates compared to Amh+/+ mice. These counteracting effects led to equivalent numbers of primordial follicles transitioning to the primary stage in Amh+/+ and Amh-/- mice. Despite this, Amh+/+ mice had fewer primary, secondary, small antral and medium antral follicles than Amh-/- mice indicating differing rates of developing follicle atresia between genotypes. Cleaved caspase-3 immunohistochemistry in Thy1.2-AMHTg/0 ovaries revealed high rates of granulosa cell and oocyte apoptosis in late primary/early secondary follicles of Thy1.2-AMHTg/0 mice.Large Scale Data: N/A.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The findings were shown only in one species and additional research will be required to determine generalizability to other species.Wider Implications Of the Findings: This study is consistent with prior studies showing that Amh-/- mice have increased primordial follicle activation but these new findings demonstrate that AMH-mediated preantral follicle atresia is a predominant cause of the increased small antral follicle counts in Amh-/- mice. This suggests that the role of AMH is not to conserve the ovarian reserve to prolong fertility, but instead to prevent the antral follicle pool from becoming too large. While this study may demonstrate a new function for AMH, the biological purpose of this function requires further investigation, particularly in mono-ovulatory species.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): This study was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand and the University of Otago. No competing interests to declare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato yellow leaf curl disease which is caused by Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) is economically important and a widely spread tomato disease in China. Rapid and accurate detection methods are important in the control TYLCV. Here, a rapid method was developed to identify TYLCV on the basis of recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) that can be visualized in 5 min using lateral flow dipsticks. The sensitivity and the specificity of this method were evaluated. This method can detect 0·5 pg DNA after 30 min at 37°C without any expensive instrumentation. In addition, it showed higher sensitivity than a PCR method when purified DNA was used. Moreover, the TYLCV was specifically detected, whereas other viruses infecting tomato produced negative results. The crude tomato extracts used in this assay has potential application in minimally equipped plant clinic laboratories. This method will facilitate the early and rapid detection of TYLCV for the timely application of control measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Since most phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) also produce 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC) deaminase, we investigated if there was an association between these two plant growth‐promoting properties under in vitro conditions. Methods and Results: A total of 841 bacterial isolates were obtained using selective and enrichment isolation methods. ACC deaminase was investigated using in vitro methods and by sequencing the acdS gene. The effect of ACC deaminase on P solubilization was investigated further using five efficient PSB. ACC deaminase production ability was found amongst a wide range of bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus, Burkholderia, Pseudomonas and Variovorax. The amount of ACC deaminase produced by PSB was significantly associated with the liberation of Pi from Ca‐P when ACC was the sole N source. Ca‐P solubilization was associated with the degree of acidification of the medium. Additionally, the P solubilization potential of PSB with (NH4)2SO4 was determined by the type of carboxylates produced. An in‐planta experiment was conducted using Burkholderia sp. 12F on chickpea cv. Genesis‐863 in sand : vermiculite (1 : 1 v/v) amended with rock phosphate and inoculation of this efficient PSB significantly increased growth, nodulation and P uptake of chickpea fertilized with rock phosphate. Conclusion: ACC deaminase activity influenced the capacity of PSB to solubilize P from Ca‐P when ACC was the sole N source and Burkholderia sp. 12F promoted the chickpea‐Mesorhizobium symbiosis. Significance and Impact of the Study: ACC deaminase activity could enhance the P solubilizing activity of rhizobacteria that improve plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1T1) isoforms are involved in adipogenesis. RUNX1T1 is mediated by the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO). However, the extent to which RUNX1T1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with obesity risk or metabolic abnormalities in a community population basis is unknown. Methods Samples were obtained from the Australian Crossroads study bio-bank. SNPs located in the coding region and 3′untranslated regions of RUNX1T1 with minor allele frequency ≥0.05 were analysed using Taqman genotyping assays. Results Eight candidate SNPs were genotyped successfully in 1440 participants. Of these SNPs only rs34269950 located in the 'RRACH' motif, the most common N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation modification site (recognized by FTO), was significantly associated with obesity risk and metabolic abnormalities. Specifically, compared to AA genotype, rs34269950 del/del genotype was associated with a 1.47 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01–2.14, P  =   0.042] fold higher rate of obesity risk. Additionally, the del/del genotype was associated with a 60% increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) [odds ratio (OR) = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.10–2.32, P  =   0.015], in comparison to the AA genotype. Finally, rs34269950 del/del increased the risk of a larger waist circumference (OR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.15–2.36, P  =   0.007), but not other components of MetS. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that RUNX1T1 rs34269950, located in a potential FTO recognition motif, is significantly associated with waist circumference. This provides novel evidence to suggest SNPs located in RRACH motif may be involved in RNA m6A modification and mechanistic pathways that influence abdominal obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Bacteriocins with antimicrobial activity are considered as potential natural bio‐preservatives to control the growth of food spoilage bacteria. The aim of this work was to characterize a novel bacteriocin BM1029 discovered from Lactobacillus crustorum MN047 and evaluate its antibacterial mechanism. Methods and Results: Bacteriocin BM1029 was purified by cation‐exchange chromatography and reversed‐phase chromatography. Antibacterial activity assay showed that BM1029 is antagonistic against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Furthermore, it was found that BM1029 showed low haemolysis with high stability to the pretreatment with different temperatures, pH and surfactants. Moreover electron microscopy and flow cytometry suggested that BM1029 inhibit indicator strains by damaging the cell envelope integrity. Cell cycle assay suggested that BM1029 arrested cell cycle in R‐phase. Conclusion: The novel bacteriocin BM1029 showed high bactericidal activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus through a cell envelope‐associated mechanism. Significance and Impact of the Study: Application of BM1029 inhibited the growth of indicator strains on beef meat storage at 4°C suggesting that this bacteriocin is promising to be used as a novel preservative in food processing and preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic, severely pruritic, eczematous skin disease that seriously deteriorates the quality of life of patients. Scratching is a cardinal symptom of AD. Although the vicious itch–scratch cycle continues and aggravates skin barrier dysfunction in AD, how scratching induces skin barrier dysfunction through tight junctions remains unclear. Aim: To study the effect of scratching on tight junctions in the itch–scratch cycle. Methods: Scratching behaviour and skin barrier dysfunction on the neck and back in an AD mouse model were assessed. The expression of tight junction proteins was compared between the neck and back mice, and the mechanisms underlying the involvement of Akt/CLDN1 pathways in this process were explored. Results: We used oxazolone to induce AD on the neck or back of mice. There was significantly more scratching behaviour and more pronounced skin barrier dysfunction with the neck than with the back. Downregulation of claudin‐1 (CLDN1) and upregulation of Akt phosphorylation in skin were well correlated with scratching behaviour in this AD model. Furthermore, SC79, an agonist of Akt phosphorylation, could downregulate CLDN1 expression in HaCaT cells. An antagonist of Akt phosphorylation (LY294002) was used to treat the AD mice; this treatment rescued CLDN1 expression through inhibiting Akt phosphorylation in skin, and importantly, also inhibited the scratching behaviour induced by AD. Conclusion: The results reveal the underlying mechanism of tight junction damage promoted by scratching in the itch–scratch cycle of AD, and opens a new avenue to pruritus management in AD, through Akt antagonists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen fixation is an important biological process in terrestrial ecosystems and for global crop production. Legume nodulation and N2 fixation have been improved using nodule-enhancing rhizobacteria (NER) under both regular and stressed conditions. The positive effect of NER on legume--rhizobia symbiosis can be facilitated by plant growth-promoting (PGP) mechanisms, some of which remain to be identified. NER that produce aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid deaminase and indole acetic acid enhance the legume--rhizobia symbiosis through (i) enhancing the nodule induction, (ii) improving the competitiveness of rhizobia for nodulation, (iii) prolonging functional nodules by suppressing nodule senescence and (iv) upregulating genes associated with legume--rhizobia symbiosis. The means by which these processes enhance the legume--rhizobia symbiosis is the focus of this review. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which PGP rhizobacteria operate, and how they can be altered, will provide opportunities to enhance legume--rhizobial interactions, to provide new advances in plant growth promotion and N2 fixation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of Bacillus methylotrophicus M4‐1 to protect winter wheat from the harmful effects of soil salinity and alkalinity. Methods and Results: We isolated the halotolerant B. methylotrophicus M4‐1. Two representative soils with different salt contents (S1, 213 μs cm−1; S2, 786 μs cm−1) in the Yellow River delta region of China were selected for experiments. The effects of the M4‐1 strain on the typical wheat variety (Jimai 21) in this environment were proven. In S1 soil, the M4‐1 strain reduced the wheat rhizosphere soil pH (1·61%) and electrical conductivity (EC) (8·01%) and increased the exchangeable K content (11·14%). The uptake of Mg2+ (20·73%) by wheat roots and K+ (8·84%) by leaves was increased, and the content of Na+ (23·62%) in leaves was reduced. In S2 soil, the M4‐1 strain was able to reduce soil EC (2·56%) and increase exchangeable K (11·20%) content. The absorption of K+ (13·28%) in wheat leaves was increased, and the content of Na+ (12·41%) in roots was decreased. Total N and organic matter contents in rhizosphere soil were significantly positively correlated with wheat growth and salt tolerance, whereas EC showed a significant negative correlation. Conclusions: M4‐1 attenuates salt stress injury in wheat under both low and high salt stress. Significance and Impact of the Study: We demonstrated the efficacy and value of plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria addition to protect winter wheat against salt stress and improve crop yield. We also elucidated the physicochemical and biochemical interactions among M4‐1, the rhizosphere and the host plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of British Journal of Surgery is the property of Oxford University Press / USA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background There is limited understanding on whether and how socioeconomic status (SES), particularly educational attainment and household income, impacts on telomere length in an Australian rural context. Additionally, it is unknown whether access to health services via the Australian public or private health system influences telomere length. Aim This study investigates whether there is a relationship between telomere length and SES indicators (income, education) as well as health insurance status in a rural Australian population. Methods Samples were drawn from the Australian Rural Victoria cross-sectional Crossroads Study. Leucocyte telomere length (LTL) was measured using a multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction method. Results Among 1424 participants, we did not find a significant main effect association with LTL across education, income level and health insurance. An exploratory finding was sex may influence the relationship between educational attainment and LTL (P =  0.021). In males, but not females, higher education was associated with longer LTL by 0.033 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.002–0.063, P =  0.035]; in those with low education attainment, male participants had shorter LTL by 0.058 (95% CI −0.086 to −0.029) than female participants (P  <   0.0001). Conclusion Being male and having lower education attainment was associated with shorter telomere length in our rural population. Evidence from our study supports the importance of education on LTL in males in rural Australia. Our studies also support previous findings that LTL in later life may not be closely associated with indicators of SES. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prognostic values of the AJCC staging system for gastric cancer (GC‐AJCC), the AJCC staging system for gastric neuroendocrine tumours (NET‐AJCC) and the European Neuroendocrine Tumor Society (ENETS) system for gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma and mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma (MA)NEC remain controversial. Methods: Data on patients with (MA)NEC from 21 centres in China were analysed. Different staging systems were evaluated by performing Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and calculating the concordance index (C‐index) and Akaike information criterion (AIC). Based on three existing systems, a modified staging system (mTNM) was developed. Results: A total of 871 patients were included. In the GC‐AJCC system, an overlap was noticed for pT2 and pT3 categories. Patients with stage IIIC disease had a similar prognosis to those with stage IV disease. The pT categories of the NET‐AJCC system had a lower C‐index and higher AIC than those of the other systems. In the ENETS system, there was a low proportion (0·2 per cent) of patients with stage IIIA and a high proportion (67·6 per cent) of stage IIIB disease. The mTNM system adopted the NET‐AJCC pT and GC‐AJCC pN and pM definitions, and was developed based on the ENETS stage definitions. The proportion of patients in each stage was better distributed and the mTNM system showed improved prognostic performance in predicting overall and disease‐free survival. Conclusion: The mTNM system offers more accurate prognostic value for gastric (MA)NEC than the AJCC or ENETS staging systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Happle–Tinschert syndrome (HTS) and Curry–Jones syndrome (CJS; OMIM 601707) are rare, sporadic, multisystem disorders characterized by hypo‐ and hyperpigmented skin patches following Blaschko's lines, plus acral skeletal and other abnormalities. The blaschkoid pattern implies mosaicism, and indeed CJS was found in 2016 to be caused by a recurrent postzygotic mutation in a gene of the hedgehog signalling pathway, namely SMO, c.1234C>T, p.Leu412Phe. More recently the original case of HTS was found to carry the same somatic mutation. Despite this genetic and phenotypic overlap, two significant differences remained between the two syndromes. The histological hallmark of HTS, basaloid follicular hamartomas, is not a feature of CJS. Meanwhile, the severe gastrointestinal manifestations regularly reported in CJS had not been described in HTS. We report a patient whose phenotype was entirely consistent with HTS apart from intractable constipation, and a second patient with classic features of CJS plus early‐onset medulloblastoma, a feature of basal cell naevus syndrome (BCNS). Both had the same recurrent SMO mutation. This prompted a literature review that revealed a case with the same somatic mutation, with basaloid follicular hamartomas and other features of both CJS and BCNS. Segmental BCNS can also be caused by a somatic mutation in PTCH1. We thus demonstrate for the first time phenotypic and genetic overlap between HTS, CJS and segmental BCNS. All of these conditions are caused by somatic mutations in genes of the hedgehog signalling pathway and we therefore propose the unifying term 'mosaic hedgehog spectrum'. What's already known about this topic? Happle–Tinschert syndrome (HTS) and Curry–Jones syndrome (CJS) are rare mosaic multisystem disorders with linear skin lesions.CJS is characterized by severe constipation, which has not previously been reported in HTS.HTS is characterized by basaloid follicular hamartomas, which are not a recognized feature of CJS.The recurrent mosaic SMO mutation found in CJS was recently reported in a patient with HTS. What does this study add? We describe a patient with HTS and intractable constipation, and a case of CJS with medulloblastoma.Both patients had the same recurrent somatic SMO mutation also found in a case reported as segmental basal cell naevus syndrome.SMO functions in the hedgehog pathway, explaining phenotypic overlap between HTS, CJS and mosaic basal cell naevus syndrome.We propose the term 'mosaic hedgehog spectrum' for these overlapping conditions. Linked Comment: Zenker. Br J Dermatol 2020; 182:22–23. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: An 8‐week trial was performed to evaluate the differences in the intestinal microbiota and immune function of common carp (Cyprinus carpio)‐fed different diets. Methods and Results: The fish (initial weight 492·6 ± 30 g, n = 270) were randomly divided into three groups with three replicates and were fed earthworms (group A), earthworms + duckweed (group M) or duckweed (group P) respectively. The diversity and dominant microbiota of the intestinal bacteria were detected by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, and the abundance of dominant bacteria was quantified by qPCR. Additionally, the activities of some nonspecific immune enzymes and antioxidant enzymes were determined. The results showed that higher diversity and abundance of intestinal microbiota were observed in group M and group P (P < 0·05). Based on the intestinal microbiota, Cetobacterium was only detected in the intestines of common carp in group A, and Bacillus was identified in groups M and P. Additionally, a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes was also found in the intestine in group P than in group A (P < 0·05). Interestingly, the higher activities of immune enzymes were detected in intestine of common carp in group M, such as acid phosphatase, phosphatase (AKP), lysozyme, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase. In addition, the lower level of metabolites were also detected, such as nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the intestinal microbiota and intestinal immunity of common carp were affected by diet. Meanwhile, the results show that a mixed diet can promote and improve the immune function of the omnivorous carp intestine, which suggests that paddy fields might be more suitable for the intestinal health and animal welfare of omnivorous fishes because they contain plant and animal diets. Significance and Impact of the Study: As an ecological aquaculture strategy, the rice‐fish mode has attracted attention among farmers, researchers and even consumers, especially for the cultivation of common carp in paddy fields. In paddy fields, fish can eat plant‐ and animal‐based diets. However, it is not clear whether common carp feeding on a mixed diet in paddy fields have better intestinal health. This experiment is one of only a few studies performed from the perspective of intestinal micro‐organisms and immunity to successfully study the effects of different natural diets on adult common carp. This study also provides a theoretical basis for healthy breeding of common carp in paddy fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A20, a pivotal anti‐inflammatory protein, preserves immune homeostasis and regulates prolonged inflammation. A previous study has shown that A20 expression levels are down‐regulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). However, the precise role of A20 in reducing autoimmune disorders needs to be further elucidated. In this study, A20 expression was found to be preferentially reduced on circulating CD56bright natural killer (NK) cells in patients with AS, and its level was negatively correlated with that of proinflammatory cytokines. Further investigation demonstrated that A20 reduces interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α production in CD56bright NK cells after stimulation with monokines or phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin(P/I). Furthermore, CD56bright NK cells isolated from AS patients promote TNF‐α secretion by autologous monocytes, and increasing the A20 expression level partially attenuates this process. More importantly, decreased A20 expression on circulating CD56bright NK cells is associated with worse disease status in patients with AS. Our findings reveal that A20 participates in the pathogenesis of AS by negatively regulating CD56bright NK cells and that its reduced expression contributes to a worsened disease status in patients with AS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Question: Is air pollution associated with IVF treatment outcomes in the USA?Summary Answer: We did not find clear evidence of a meaningful association between reproductive outcomes and average daily concentrations of particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3).What Is Known Already: Maternal exposure to air pollution such as PM2.5, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide or O3 may increase risks for adverse perinatal outcomes. Findings from the few studies using data from IVF populations to investigate associations between specific pollutants and treatment outcomes are inconclusive.Study Design, Size and Duration: Retrospective cohort study of 253 528 non-cancelled fresh, autologous IVF cycles including 230 243 fresh, autologous IVF cycles with a transfer of ≥1 embryo was performed between 2010 and 2012.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: We linked 2010-2012 National ART Surveillance System data for fresh, autologous IVF cycles with the ambient air pollution data generated using a Bayesian fusion model available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. We calculated county-level average daily PM2.5 and O3 concentrations for three time periods: cycle start to oocyte retrieval (T1), oocyte retrieval to embryo transfer (T2) and embryo transfer +14 days (T3). Multivariable predicted marginal proportions from logistic and log-linear regression models were used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) and 95% CI for the association between reproductive outcomes (implantation rate, pregnancy and live birth) and interquartile increases in PM2.5 and O3. The multipollutant models were also adjusted for patients and treatment characteristics and accounted for clustering by clinic and county of residence.Main Results and the Role Of Chance: For all exposure periods, O3 was weakly positively associated with implantation (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.02 for T3) and live birth (aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.002-1.02 for T1; aRR 1.01, 95% CI 1.004-1.02 for T2 and aRR 1.02, 95% CI 1.004-1.03 for T3). PM2.5 was not associated with any of the reproductive outcomes assessed.Limitations, Reasons For Caution: The main limitation of this study is the use of aggregated air pollution data as proxies for individual exposure. The weak positive associations found in this study might be related to confounding by factors that we were unable to assess and may not reflect clinically meaningful differences.Wider Implications Of the Findings: More research is needed to assess the impact of air pollution on reproductive function.Study Funding/competing Interest(s): None. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To observe the therapeutic effects of vaginal infusion of probiotic Clostridium butyricum WZ001 on bacterial vaginosis (BV) in mice. Methods and Results: Female ICR mice were used to establish the model of BV by infecting oestrogen‐treated mice with Escherichia coli, and then treated with high‐ and low dose of C. butyricum. Clinical indexes of mice in the C. butyricum‐treated groups were significantly improved and comparable to those in the antibiotic group. Pap staining showed that neutrophil count was significantly increased after modelling and largely decreased after C. butyricum treatment (P < 0·01). Dynamic observation of E. coli and Lactobacillus showed that the number of E. coli significantly decreased in the C. butyricum‐treated groups or in the antibiotic group with prolonged treatment (P < 0·01). Besides, the number of E. coli in the low‐dose C. butyricum group was higher than that in either its high‐dose counterpart or the antibiotic group respectively (P < 0·01). The number of Lactobacillus decreased evidently in the antibiotic group (P < 0·01), while that in the C. butyricum groups remained consistent. Moreover, C. butyricum inhibited the proliferation of E. coli by the experiment in vitro. The phosphorylation of nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB) p65 in vaginal tissue and the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐6, increased after modelling and significantly decreased after treated with C. butyricum (P < 0·01), with no difference found when compared with the antibiotic group. Conclusion: Clostridium butyricum inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria as well as the inflammatory response induced by E. coli and promotes the growth of Lactobacillus to maintain the vaginal micro‐ecological balance. Significance and Impact of the Study: Our results suggest that probiobitc C. butyricum WZ001 has a great potential in the clinical treatment of BV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Postoperative complications have a great impact on the postoperative course and oncological outcomes following major cancer surgery. Among them, infective complications play an important role. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether postoperative infective complications influence long‐term survival after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: Patients who underwent resection with curative intent for HCC between July 2003 and June 2016 were identified from a multicentre database (8 institutions) and analysed retrospectively. Independent risk factors for postoperative infective complications were identified. After excluding patients who died 90 days or less after surgery, overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were compared between patients with and without postoperative infective complications within 30 days after resection. Results: Among 2442 patients identified, 332 (13·6 per cent) had postoperative infective complications. Age over 60 years, diabetes mellitus, obesity, cirrhosis, intraoperative blood transfusion, duration of surgery exceeding 180 min and major hepatectomy were identified as independent risk factors for postoperative infective complications. Univariable analysis revealed that median OS and RFS were poorer among patients with postoperative infective complications than among patients without (54·3 versus 86·8 months, and 22·6 versus 43·2 months, respectively; both P < 0·001). After adjustment for other prognostic factors, multivariable Cox regression analyses identified postoperative infective complications as independently associated with decreased OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·20, 95 per cent c.i. 1·02 to 1·41; P = 0·027) and RFS (HR 1·19, 1·03 to 1·37; P = 0·021). Conclusion: Postoperative infective complications decreased long‐term OS and RFS in patients treated with liver resection for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To identify the mechanism in which way maltodextrin enhance bile tolerance in Lactobacillus plantarum Lp‐115. Methods and Results: Based on determining the OD600 value and counting the numbers of viable cells by the pour plate method, the results showed that maltodextrin could not promote the strain growth directly, but could enhance the tolerance of bile in Lp‐115. The OD600 value of L. plantarum Lp‐115 cultured in MRSB broth with maltodextrin was three times higher than the control value. After supplementing the medium with 4·0% maltodextrin, the highest survival rate was observed when the bile concentration is 0.3%. Conclusions: In summary, maltodextrin exhibited a significant improvement of bile tolerance and it could enhance cell hydrophobicity, shift the fatty acid composition of the membrane and induce the expression of a bile salt hydrolase gene (pva3) significantly. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first report concerning the mechanism of maltodextrin enhancing the bile tolerance. This study promotes the application of maltodextrin as a choice to protect probiotic L. plantarum strains against the bile salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether preoperative bodyweight is associated with long‐term prognosis in patients after liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is controversial. This study aimed to investigate the relationship of patient weight with long‐term recurrence and overall survival (OS) after curative liver resection for HCC. Methods: Data for patients with HCC who underwent curative liver resection between 2000 and 2015 in five centres in China were analysed retrospectively in three groups according to their preoperative BMI: underweight (BMI 18·4 kg/m2 or less), normal weight (BMI 18·5–24·9 kg/m2) and overweight (BMI 25·0 kg/m2 or above). Patients' baseline characteristics, operative variables and long‐term survival outcomes were compared. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors for OS and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) after resection. Results: Of 1524 patients, 107 (7·0 per cent) were underweight, 891 (58·5 per cent) were of normal weight and 526 (34·5 per cent) were overweight. Univariable analyses showed that underweight and overweight patients had poorer OS (both P < 0·001) and RFS (both P < 0·001) than patients of normal weight. Multivariable Cox regression analysis also identified both underweight and overweight to be independent risk factors for OS (hazard ratio (HR) 1·22, 95 per cent c.i. 1·19 to 1·56, P = 0·019; and HR 1·57, 1·36 to 1·81, P < 0·001, respectively) and RFS (HR 1·28, 1·16 to 1·53, P = 0·028; and HR 1·34, 1·17 to 1·54, P < 0·001). Conclusion: Underweight and overweight patients appear to have a worse prognosis than those of normal weight following liver resection for HCC. Size matters [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an immune‐mediated vasculitis with symptoms that mimic febrile illness; the immune origin has been suggested but never proved. First, cell chip technology was used to screen immune targets cells. With the indirect immunofluorescence assay we found that the HeLa cell chip could be recognized by KD patient serum samples. The target cell proteome was extracted as antigens, and antigen recognition reaction was performed using the patients' serum as antibodies and the detected target protein was detected and identified as phosphoglycerate kinase 1 (PGK1). Then PGK1 was produced and tested with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), Western blotting, immunoprecipitation and competitive inhibition immunofluorescence assay. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G against PGK1 was detected in 46% (23 of 50) sera of KD patients, 13% (five of 38) sera in febrile non‐KD patients (FC) and 2·6% (one of 38) sera in healthy donors. As an immune target, PGK1 not only helps understanding of the pathogenesis, it also has potential value in facilitating the laboratory diagnosis of KD. PGK1 was identified as a new immune target of Kawasaki disease. The specific autoantibody against PGK1 was detected in nearly half (23 of 50) of patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dear Editor, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is already well known globally.1 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection causes a spectrum of severe clinical manifestations, which lead to a high rate of intensive care unit admissions and mortality. We report a first case of COVID-19 with reactivation of the human herpesvirus (HHV) alpha subfamily - herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 and varicella zoster virus (VZV). Viraemia [varicella zoster virus (VZV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1] and BAFL (HSV-1) were detected on 8 March 2020 (N, not detected; red, high; pink, low), which might have resulted in aggravation of the disease course. [Extracted from the article]

Dear Editor, During the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for patients with COVID-19 have to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and are therefore susceptible to PPE-related adverse skin reactions. Limitations of this study include response bias, as HCWs with adverse skin reactions were more likely to respond. [Extracted from the article]

Study of primary stars lying in Sirius-like systems with various masses of white dwarf (WD) companions and orbital separations is one of the key aspects to understand the origin and nature of barium (Ba) stars. In this paper, based on high-resolution and high-S/N spectra, we present systematic analysis of photospheric abundances for 18 FGK primary stars of Siriuslike systems including six giants and 12 dwarfs. Atmospheric parameters, stellar masses, and abundances of 24 elements (C, Na, Mg, Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, La, Ce, and Nd) are determined homogeneously. The abundance patterns in these sample stars show that most of the elements in our sample follow the behaviour of field stars with similar metallicity. As expected, s-process elements in four known Ba giants show overabundance. A weak correlation was found between anomalies of s-process elemental abundance and orbital separation, suggesting that the orbital separation of the binaries could not be the main constraint to differentiate strong Ba stars from mild Ba stars. Our study shows that the large mass (>0.51 M⊙) of a WD companion in a binary system is not a sufficient condition to form a Ba star, even if the separation between the two components is small. Although not sufficient, it seems to be a necessary condition since Ba stars with lower mass WDs in the observed sample were not found. Our results support that [s/Fe] and [hs/ls] ratios of Ba stars are anti-correlated with the metallicity. However, the different levels of s-process overabundance among Ba stars may not be dominated mainly by the metallicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Recent evidence has shown that microRNA‐126 (miR‐126) has been involved in the development and function of immune cells, which contributed to the pathogenesis of related clinical diseases. However, the potential role of miR‐126 in the development and function of CD4+ T cells remains largely unknown. Here we first found that the activation and proliferation, as well as the expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ, of CD4+T cells from miR‐126 knock‐down (KD) mice using the miRNA‐sponge technique were enhanced significantly in vitro, compared with those in CD4+ T cells from wild‐type (WT) mice. To monitor further the possible effect of miR‐126 deficiency on the function of CD4+ T cells in vivo, we used dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)‐induced murine model of acute autoimmune colitis and found that miR‐126 deficiency could elevate the pathology of colitis. Importantly, the proportion of CD4+ T cells in splenocytes increased significantly in miR‐126KD mice. Moreover, the expression levels of CD69 and CD44 on CD4+ T cells increased significantly and the expression level of CD62L decreased significantly. Of note, adoptive cell transfer assay showed that the pathology of colitis was more serious in carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE)‐labelled miR‐126KD CD4+ T cell‐transferred group, compared with that in the CFSE‐labelled WT CD4+ T cells transferred group. Consistently, the expression levels of CD69 and CD44 on CFSE+ cells increased significantly. Furthermore, both the proliferation and IFN‐γ secretion of CFSE+ cells also increased significantly in the CFSE‐labelled miR‐126KD CD4+ T cell‐transferred group. Mechanistic evidence showed that the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS‐1), as a functional target of miR‐126, was elevated in CD4+ T cells from miR‐126KD mice, accompanied by altered transduction of the extracellular regulated kinase, protein B (AKT) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway. Our data revealed a novel role in which miR‐126 was an intrinsic regulator in the function of CD4+ T cells, which provided preliminary basis for exploring further the role of miR‐126 in the development, function of CD4+ T cells and related clinical diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the factors affecting the semen traits of boars in Southern China. A total of 172,408 ejaculates of boars from 9 AI centers were collected from January 2013 to May 2016. A linear growth model was used to analyze the effects of leve1 1 (boar breed, age, season, and boar age at herd entry) and level 2 (housing type) factors on semen quality. The intraclass correlation coefficients of semen volume, total sperm number, functional sperm number, sperm concentration, motility, and abnormal sperm were 0.62, 0.62, 0.61, 0.60, 0.54, and 0.70, respectively. Boars reared in ordinary houses had lower total and functional sperm numbers than those reared in air filtration houses (P < 0.05). The functional sperm number of Duroc boars was lower than that of Landrace and Yorkshire boars (P < 0.05). The total and functional sperm numbers were lowest from May to September and peaked at the age of 34.1 and 37.7 mo, respectively. Furthermore, boars aged 8 and 9 mo at herd entry had greater functional sperm numbers than those aged 5, 6, 7, and 12 mo at herd entry (P < 0.05), whereas no significant difference was observed between boars aged 8 mo and boars aged 9 mo at herd entry (P > 0.05). In conclusion, the linear growth model is suitable for longitudinal data analysis. To improve boar breeding, sunstroke prevention in the early spring should be given greater attention. Importantly, 8 mo appears to be the most suitable age for boar introduction, especially for Duroc boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A previous study provided evidence for a genetic association between PPP2 CA on 5q31.1 and systemic lupus erythematosus ( SLE) across multi-ancestral cohorts, but failed to find significant evidence for an association in the Han Chinese population. Objectives To explore the association between this locus and SLE using data from our previously published genome-wide association study ( GWAS). Methods Single-nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs) rs7726414 and rs244689 (near TCF7 and PPP2 CA in 5q31.1) were selected as candidate independent associations from a large-scale study in a Han Chinese population consisting of 1047 cases and 1205 controls. Subsequently, 3509 cases and 8246 controls were genotyped in two further replication studies. We then investigated the SNPs' associations with SLE subphenotypes and gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Results Highly significant associations with SLE in the Han Chinese population were detected for SNPs rs7726414 and rs244689 by combining the genotype data from our previous GWAS and two independent replication cohorts. Further conditional analyses indicated that these two SNPs contribute to disease susceptibility independently. A significant association with SLE, age at diagnosis < 20 years, was found for rs7726414 ( P = 0·001). The expression levels of TCF7 and PPP2 CA messenger RNA in patients with SLE were significantly decreased compared with those in healthy controls. Conclusions This study found evidence for multiple associations with SLE in 5q31.1 at genome-wide levels of significance for the first time in a Han Chinese population, in a combined genotype dataset. These findings suggest that variants in the 5q31.1 locus not only provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of SLE, but also contribute to the complex subphenotypes of SLE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio harveyi is an opportunistic pathogen in seawater and can cause severe vibriosis. It is prevalent in hatcheries worldwide and can lead to severe economic losses. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a rapid detection method for monitoring this pathogen. In this study, to increase the detection sensitivity of our assay with monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) against V. harveyi, the conditions of the dot blot assay were optimized, and enhanced chemiluminescent ( ECL) substrate replaced the traditional tetramethylbenzidine ( TMB) substrate. Based on the optimization results, an ECL-based novel dot blot assay was developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of V. harveyi. Compared with the traditional dot blot assay, the incubation time was shortened from 8 to 2 h. The limit of detection ( LOD) for V. harveyi was 2 × 105 CFU per ml (103 CFU per spot) in pure bacterial suspension, which was 50-fold more sensitive than the traditional dot blot assay (1 × 107 CFU per ml). Furthermore, when compared with indirect ELISA, the dot blot assay showed approximately 1000-fold higher sensitivity ( CFU/ CFU). After the test sample was pre-enriched in turbot homogenates for 6 h before the dot blot analysis, the LOD for V. harveyi was 10 CFU per ml. Significance and Impact of the Study Vibrio harveyi is one of the most opportunistic pathogens that can cause high mortality in hatcheries worldwide. To detect this pathogen, a novel dot blot based on enhanced chemiluminescent ( ECL) has been established. This ECL-based dot blot was found to be more sensitive and rapid for V. harveyi detection than traditional dot blot, and this technology is recommended as an applied protocol for monitoring V. harveyi in seawater to reduce economic losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Complement activation has a deep pathogenic influence in immunoglobulin (Ig)A nephropathy (IgAN). C3a and C5a, small cleavage fragments generated by complement activation, are key mediators of inflammation. The fragments exert broad proinflammatory effects by binding to specific receptors (C3aR and C5aR, respectively). However, no studies thus far have investigated the effects of C3a, C5a and their receptors on IgAN. We observed that C3aR and C5aR antagonists repressed IgA-induced cell proliferation and interleukin (IL)-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) production in cultured human mesangial cells (HMCs). Furthermore, an IgAN mouse model induced by Sendai virus infection was employed to investigate the effects of C3aR and C5aR on IgAN in vivo for the first time. Wild-type (WT) and several knock-out mouse strains (C3aR-/- or C5aR-/-) were immunized intranasally with increasing doses of inactivated virus for 14 weeks and were subjected to two intravenous viral challenges during the time-period indicated. In the Sendai virus-induced IgAN model, C3aR/C5aR-deficient mice had significantly reduced proteinuria, lower renal IgA and C3 deposition, less histological damage and reduced mesangial proliferation compared with WT mice. Both C3aR deficiency and C5aR deficiency, especially C3aR deficiency, inhibited renal tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, IL-1β, IL-6 and MCP-1 expression significantly. However, C3aR/C5aR-deficient and WT mice with IgAN did not differ with respect to their blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine levels. Our findings provide further support for the idea that C3aR and C5aR are crucially important in IgAN, and suggest that pharmaceutically targeting C3aR/C5aR may hold promise for the treatment of IgAN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Symmetrical acrokeratoderma ( SAK) is characterized by brown to black hyperkeratotic patches on acral regions. Although epidermal hyperkeratosis and acanthosis are consistent pathological changes, the nature of epidermal hyperplasia is unknown. Aim To evaluate epidermal proliferation and differentiation and melanocytic density in skin lesions of SAK. Methods Expression of keratin 10 (K10), K14, K16, involucrin, filaggrin, Ki-67, and Melan-A was detected by immunohistochemistry in eight patients with SAK, seven patients with ichthyosis vulgaris ( IV) and six healthy controls ( HCs). Results Expression of K14, K16, involucrin and filaggrin was upregulated in patients with SAK compared with patients with IV and the HCs ( P < 0.01-0.05), but K10 expression was similar for the three groups ( P > 0.05). Numbers of Ki-67+ and Melan-A+ cells were higher in patients with SAK than in patients with IV and the HCs ( P < 0.05). Conclusions These results demonstrate that excessive keratinocyte proliferation and abnormal differentiation contribute to epidermal hyperplasia, while melanocytic proliferation is responsible for the pigmented lesions in SAK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgery continues to be the mainstay of esophageal cancer treatment. However, it is a big challenge for the surgical treatment of patients with both esophageal cancer and coronary artery disease (CAD).We reported, here, the first case series of esophageal cancer patients treated with simultaneous esophagectomy and off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). From August 2010 to August 2012, 2154 esophageal or esophageal gastric junction (EGJ) cancer patients underwent surgical treatment in Tangdu Hospital, Xi'an, China. Among them, six patients with esophageal or EGJ esophageal gastric junction cancer complicated with CAD were given simultaneous esophagectomy and off-pump CABG, and were followed up until August 2014. Four patients were operated through left lateral thoracotomy and two patients were operated through median sternotomy plus upper midline laparotomy. All the patients survived the operation well and the postoperative morbidity rate was 67% (one anastomosis leakage, three cardiac arrhythmias). There was no postoperative mortality. The mean follow-up time was 34.5±7.8 months (range, 24-46 months). One patient died 36 months later due to tumor recurrence and all the other patients survived until the time to follow up. Simultaneous esophagectomy and off-pump CABG approachmight be a safe and effective procedure with good survival in selected patients with both esophageal cancer and CAD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The Asian citrus psyllid ( ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama transmits the bacterium 'Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus' (Las), which causes citrus huanglongbing ( HLB) disease. Although many studies have been conducted on the biology of ACP on different host plants, few have taken the plant, Las bacteria and the vector insect within one context to evaluate the effects of Las on the fitness of ACP under field conditions. Understanding the relationship between Las and ACP is critical for both ACP and HLB disease management. Methods and Results We estimated the development and survival of ACP immatures, the longevity and fecundity of ACP female adults in four treatments (Las-positive or -negative ACP on Las-infected and -free citrus plants). Las-positive ACP immatures developed significantly faster on Las-infected citrus than those on Las-free plants. The fecundity and longevity of Las-positive female adults were also greater, or longer on Las-infected citrus shoots, whereas the survival of Las-positive immatures was significantly lower on Las-infected citrus shoots, compared to those that developed on Las-free plants. Similarly, the intrinsic rate of population increase ( rm) was highest (0·1404) when Las-positive ACP fed on Las-infected citrus shoots and the lowest (0·1328) when the Las-negative ACP fed on Las-free citrus shoots. Conclusions Both the Las infection in ACP and citrus plants had obvious effects on the biology of ACP. When compared to the Las infection in ACP insects, the Las infection in citrus shoots had a more significant effect on the fitness of ACP. Significance and Impact of the Study To efficiently prevent the occurrence and spread of HLB disease, it is critical to understand the ecological basis of vector outbreaks and disease incidence, especially under field conditions. Thus, this study has increased our understanding of the epidemiology of HLB transmitted by psyllids in nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2-period field trial was conducted to determine the effects of feeding regimen on weight gain, semen characteristics, libido, and lameness in 170- to 200-kg (period 1) and 200- to 250-kg (period 2) boars. Sixty-one Duroc boars were allotted to 1 of 3 dietary treatments and 15 g/d fish oil was also provided for each experimental boar, to maintain the n-6:n-3 intake ratio at approximately 6.1:1. The energy intakes of the 3 treatment groups were controlled by basing the feed intake on a corn–soybean meal-based diet (3.11 Mcal/kg of ME) to create: 1) low energy intake group (L, n = 20, 7.3 Mcal/d of ME), 2) medium energy intake group (M, n = 20, 7.7 Mcal/d of ME), and 3) high energy intake group (H, n = 21, 8.3 Mcal/d of ME) in period 1. Feed intake was then increased to 7.6, 8.2, and 8.6 Mcal/d of ME for the 3 groups, respectively, in period 2. During the 28-wk experimental period, boar weight gain, testis volume, semen characteristics, libido, toe measurements, claw lesions, and lameness were examined, and the number of boars culled in each group was recorded to calculate the culling rate. Although there were no differences in testis volume, sperm concentration, and motility, the percentage of abnormal sperm, the percentage of claw lesions, and claw lesion scores differed among treatments (P > 0.05), and ADG was significantly increased with the increase of energy intake between the 2 periods (P < 0.05). The M and H boars had significantly greater total sperm number and functional sperm number than the L boars (P < 0.05), while no significant difference was observed between the M and H groups (P > 0.05). Nonetheless, the H boars took more time to mount the collection dummy and produce an ejaculate and, in particular, showed a greater percentage of lameness than the L and M boars (P < 0.05). Therefore, the medium energy intake regimen (energy intakes of 7.7 and 8.2 Mcal/d of ME with ADG of 454.5 and 375.3 g/d in 2 periods, respectively) improved the total sperm number and functional sperm number, and meanwhile decreased the occurrence of lameness in 170- to 250-kg Duroc boars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of temperature (5-25°C) on epiphytic lactic acid bacteria ( LAB) populations during 60 days of fermentation of whole-plant corn silage. Methods and Results Vacuum bag mini-silos of chopped whole-plant corn were incubated at five different temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25°C), according to a completely randomized design with four repetitions. The silos were opened and sampled on day 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 28 and 60. At 20 and 25°C, Lactobacillus plantarum- and Pediococcus pentosaceus-related operational taxonomic units ( OTU) dominated the fermentation within 1 day. After 7 days, the OTU related to the heterofermentative species Lactobacillus buchneri began to appear and it eventually dominated silages incubated at these temperatures. Population dynamic of LAB at 5 and 10°C was different. At these temperatures, Leuconostoc citreum OTU was identified at the beginning of the fermentation. Thereafter, Lactobacillus sakei- and Lactobacillus curvatus-related OTU appeared and quickly prevailed. Corn silage at 15°C acted as a transition between 20-25°C and 5-10°C, in terms of LAB diversity and succession. Conclusion The conditions of silage incubation temperature affect species diversity of LAB population with notable difference along the temperature gradient. Colder temperature conditions (5 and 10°C) have led to the identification of LAB species never observed in corn silage. Significance and Impact of the Study This study demonstrated the impact of temperature gradient on the diversity and some important population shift of lactic acid bacteria communities during fermentation of corn silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study tested the hypothesis that polyphenolic extract from Eucommia ulmoides Oliver leaf (PEE) may improve meat quality and myofiber type composition in longissimus muscle (LM). Pigs were grouped into two treatments and fed one of the following diets for 60 d: a standard diet (SD) and SD+0.08% PEE. The myofiber type composition in LM, meat quality, morphology of LM, and mRNA abundance of myosin heavy chain type (MyHC I, IIa, IIb, and IIx) were detected. The results showed that diet supplemented with PEE increased final BW (P < 0.01) and ADG (P < 0.01) and reduced F:G (P < 0.01) compared to the control group. Supplementation with PEE increased the value of pH24h (P < 0.05), redness (P < 0.05), yellowness (P < 0.05), and fiber density (P < 0.05) but decreased fiber diameter (P < 0.05). The abundance of MyHC I mRNA (P < 0.05) in the PEE group was increased, while the abundance of MyHC IIb mRNA (P < 0.05) was decreased, compared with the normal group. These results indicated that PEE supplementation improved meat quality and regulated myofiber type composition. Eucommia ulmoides Oliver polyphenols should be as a potential natural additive in the finishing pig diet to improve meat quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the effect of replacing spray-dried plasma powder (SDPP) with yeast cell wall (YCW) in creep feed on the intestinal inflammatory status of piglets was evaluated. Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric diets were supplied to piglets: 1) standard diet (BD), 2) 1% YCW+3% SDPP (LY), 3) 2% YCW+2% SDPP (MY), 4) 4% YCW (HY), and 5) 4% SDPP (ZY). The results showed that feeding the LY diet had a better effect on improving duodenal and ileal villous height of piglets during suckling and nursery periods compared with the ZY group (P < 0.05). Besides, feeding YCW (LY, MY, and HY) increased mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) in the duodenum and jejunum compared with the BD group (P < 0.05). Also, the HY diet up-regulated the mRNA expression of nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2) in the ileum compared with the ZY diet (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the HY diet increased the mRNA expression of IL-6 in the duodenum and ileum compared with the BD group. These results suggest that YCW had a benefit in enhancing intestinal immune defenses. Collectively, the current results indicate that YCW can be used as a substitute for SDPP in creep feed for its beneficial effects on improving intestinal villous height and promoting intestinal immune defenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tryptophan enhances antioxidant activity and intestinal development. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether Trp could improve intestinal barrier integrity in weaned piglets. Twenty-one weaned piglets were randomly assigned to 3 groups: a control group (a basal feed containing 0.1% Trp) and 2 Trp-supplemented groups (a basal feed plus 0.1 or 0.2% Trp). Tryptophan, 0.2%, increased serum diamine oxidase activity (P < 0.05) and 0.1% Trp increased the serum endotoxin concentration (P < 0.05), suggesting that Trp increased intestinal permeability. Compared with the control group, 0.2% Trp significantly decreased the abundance of occludin, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), and claudin-1 in the ileum of weanling piglets, whereas 0.1% Trp decreased only the abundance of occludin. Furthermore, compared with the control group, 0.2% Trp significantly decreased the mRNA expression of occludin, ZO-1, and claudin-1 in the ileum of weanling piglets. In conclusion, Trp above the recommended intake increased intestinal permeability and decreased the intestinal expression of tight junction proteins in weanling piglets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To isolate a novel strain that could degrade many kinds PAEs efficiently and investigate the DBP-degrading pathway in this strain. Methods and Results Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain was identified as Rhizobium sp. This strain, named LMB-1, can also utilize phthalates, such as DEHP, DMP, DBP and DEP. During the degradation of DBP, six possible metabolites, diethyl phthalate, mono-ethyl phthalate, di-methyl phthalate, mono-methyl phthalate, phthalic acid and tartaric acid, were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry ( GC- MS) analysis, and the degradation pathway of DBP was also identified in this study. Conclusions In summary, strain LMB-1, identified as Rhizobium sp., was found to be capable of efficiently degrading PAEs, and it was determined that the strain degraded DMP completely within 45 h. DEP, DMP, MEP, MMP, PA and tartaric acid were detected during the course of DBP degradation by LMB-1. We propose that this strain could completely degrade DBP or other PAEs. Our results offer a novel and potential candidate, Rhizobium sp. LMB-1, for use in the bioremediation of cultivated soil contaminated by PAEs. Significance and Impact of the Study This is the first report concerning the complete degradation of phthalate esters by Rhizobium sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To optimize a protective medium for freeze-dried Pichia membranifaciens and to evaluate biocontrol efficacies of agents against blue and green mould and anthracnose in citrus fruit. Methods and Results Based on the screening assays of saccharides and antioxidants, response surface methodology was used to optimize sucrose, sodium glutamate and skim milk to improve viability of freeze-dried Pi. membranifaciens. Biocontrol assays were conducted between fresh and freeze-dried Pi. membranifaciens against Penicillium italicum, Penicillium digitatum and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in citrus fruit. Solving the regression equation indicated that the optimal protective medium was 6·06% (w/v) sucrose combined with 3·40% (w/v) sodium glutamate and 5·43% (w/v) skim milk. Pi. membranifaciens freeze-dried in the optimal protective medium showed 76·80% viability, and retained biocontrol efficacy against Pe. italicum, Pe. digitatum and Co. gloeosporioides in citrus fruit. Conclusions The optimal protective medium showed more effective protective properties than each of the three protectants used alone. The viability of freeze-dried Pi. membranifaciens finally reached 76·80%. Meanwhile, the biocontrol efficacies showed no significant difference between fresh and freeze-dried yeast against Pe. italicum, Pe. digitatum and Co. gloeosporioides in citrus fruit. Significance and Impact of the Study The results showed the potential value of Pi. membranifaciens CICC 32259 for commercialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Tildrakizumab is a high-affinity, humanized, IgG1/κ, anti-interleukin ( IL)-23p19 monoclonal antibody that does not bind human IL-12 or p40 is being developed for the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis. Objectives To evaluate the safety and efficacy of subcutaneous tildrakizumab in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis. Methods A three-part, randomized, double-blind, phase IIb trial was conducted in 355 adults with chronic plaque psoriasis. Participants were randomized to receive subcutaneous tildrakizumab (5, 25, 100, 200 mg) or placebo at weeks 0 and 4 (part I) and every 12 weeks thereafter until week 52 (part II). Study drug was discontinued at week 52 and participants were followed through week 72 (part III). Primary efficacy end point was Psoriasis Area and Severity Index ( PASI) 75 response at week 16. Adverse events ( AEs) and vital signs were monitored throughout the study. Results At week 16, PASI 75 responses were 33·3% ( n = 14), 64·4% ( n = 58), 66·3% ( n = 59), 74·4% ( n = 64) and 4·4% ( n = 2) in the 5-, 25-, 100- and 200-mg tildrakizumab and placebo groups, respectively ( P ≤ 0·001 for each tildrakizumab dose vs. placebo). PASI 75 response was generally maintained through week 52; only eight of 222 participants who achieved PASI 75 response at week 52 and continued to part III relapsed following discontinuation up to week 72. Possible drug-related serious AEs included bacterial arthritis and lymphoedema (part I), and melanoma, stroke, epiglottitis and knee infection (part II). Conclusions Tildrakizumab had treatment effects that were superior to placebo, maintained for 52 weeks of treatment, and persisted for 20 weeks after cessation. Tildrakizumab was generally safe and well tolerated. These results suggest that IL-23p19 is a key target for suppressing psoriasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic value of using the copy number of propionibacterial rRNA as a biomarker for sarcoidosis. Ribosomal RNA of Propionibacterium acnes and P. granulosum was measured by real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue of lymph node biopsy from 65 Chinese patients with sarcoidosis, 45 with tuberculosis and 50 controls with other diseases (23 with non-specific lymphadenitis and 27 with mediastinal lymph node metastasis from lung cancer). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was analysed to determine an optimal cut-off value for diagnosis, and the diagnostic accuracy of the cut-off value was evaluated in additional tissue samples [24 patients with sarcoidosis and 22 with tuberculosis (TB)]. P. acnes or P. granulosum rRNA was detected in 48 of the 65 sarcoidosis samples but only in four of the 45 TB samples and three of the 50 control samples. Analysis of the ROC curve revealed that an optimal cut-off value of the copy number of propionibacterial rRNA for diagnosis of sarcoidosis was 50·5 copies/ml with a sensitivity and specificity of 73·8 and 92·6%, respectively. Based on the cut-off value, 19 of the 24 additional sarcoidosis samples exhibited positive P. acnes or P. granulosum, whereas only one of the 22 additional TB samples was positive, resulting in a sensitivity and specificity of 79·2 and 95·5%, respectively. These findings suggest that propionibacteria might be associated with sarcoidosis granulomatous inflammation. Detection of propionibacterial rRNA by RT-PCR might possibly distinguish sarcoidosis from TB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Radiation-induced sensorineural hearing loss is a common complication after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) that significantly affects their quality of life. The goal of this study was to compare SmartArc-based volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT-S) with step-and-shoot intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with locoregionally advanced NPC with regard to the sparing effect on middle ear, vestibule and cochlea. Methods: 20 patients with non-metastatic Stage III or IV NPC were selected to have planning with VMAT-S and IMRT [using Philips Pinnacle Planning System (Philips, Fitchburg, WI) for Varian accelerator] for dosimetric comparison. Mean middle ears, vestibule and cochlea doses for the two planning techniques were compared using a paired t-test. Target coverage and dose homogeneity were evaluated by calculating conformity index (CI) and homogeneity index (HI) values. Results: VMAT-S had significantly improved homogeneity and conformity compared with IMRT. Mean HI of planning target volume of gross tumour volume (PGTV) was better with VMAT-S (1.05 ± 0.02) than IMRT (1.09 ± 0.03) (p < 0.001). Mean CI of PGTV is also better with VMAT-S (0.59 ± 0.12) than IMRT (0.54 ± 0.12) (p < 0.001). Mean doses to the left cochleas were 43.8 ± 3.6 and 47.8 ± 4.0 (p < 0.001) for VMAT-S and IMRT plans, respectively. Mean doses to the right cochleas were 42.7 ± 4.7 and 47.6 ± 5.4 (p < 0.001) for VMAT-S and IMRT plans, respectively. VMAT-S also significantly reduced the mean doses to middle ears (p < 0.001 for both) and vestibule (p < 0.001 for both). Conclusion: Our results indicate that VMAT-S provides better sparing of hearing apparatus in locoregionally advanced NPC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the diagnostic values of using autoantibodies in sera to a panel of eight tumor-associated antigens ( TAAs) of P53, Koc, P62, C-myc, IMP1, Survivn, P16 and Cyclin B1 full-length recombinant proteins for early detection of patients with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma ( GCA) and high-risk subjects screening. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect autoantibodies against the eight selected TAAs in 383 sera samples from four groups, including 140 subjects with normal gastric cardia epithelia ( NOR), 76 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis ( CAG), 79 patients with gastric cardia dysplasia ( DYS) and 88 patients with GCA. In addition, the expression of the eight antigens was analyzed in gastric cardia tissues by immunohistochemical method. The individual autoantibodies to six TAAs ( P53, P62, IMP1, Survivn P16 and Cyclin B1) were significantly higher in sera from patients with GCA than that in normal subjects ( P < 0.05). When autoantibody assay successively accumulated to seven TAAs ( P53, Koc, P62, C-myc, IMP1, Survivn and P16), a stepwise increased detection frequency of autoantibodies was found in the four sera groups (13% in NOR, 39% in CAG, 46% in DYS, and 64% in GCA, respectively), the risks to CAG, DYS and GCA steadily increased about 4.4-, 5.7- and 12.0-fold. The sensitivity and the specificity for autoantibodies against the seven TAAs in diagnosing GCA reached up to 64% and 87%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the seven anti- TAA autoantibodies was 0.73 (95% CI: 0.68-0.78) No more increase in sensitivity was found with the addition of new anti- TAA autoantibodies. A combination detection of autoantibodies to TAAs might be helpful to distinguish GCA patients from normal subjects and the patients with gastric cardia precancerous lesions. In addition, further studies in patients with GCA and precancerous lesions using enlarged TAA panels might improve the sensitivity and specificity of cancer detection and high-risk subjects screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate comparatively the percentage gamma passing rate (%GP) of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) pre-treatment volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) dosimetric verification and the ircorrelation and sensitivity with percentage dosimetric errors (%DE). Methods: %GP of 2D and 3D pre-treatment VMAT quality assurance (QA) with different acceptance criteria was obtained by Arc CHECK' (Sun Nuclear Corporation, Melbourne, FL) for 20 patients with nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) and 20 patients with oesophageal cancer. %DE were calculated from planned do se-volume histogram (DVH) and patients' pre dicted DVH calculated by 3DVH' software (Sun Nuclear Corporation). Correlation and sensitivity between %GP and %DE were investigated using Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) and receiver operating characteristics (ROCs). Results: Relatively higher %DE on some DVH-based metrics were observed for both patients with NPC and oesophageal cancer. Except for 2%/2 mm criterion, the average %GPs for all patients undergoing VMAT were acceptable with average rates of 97.11% ±1,54% and 97.39% ±1.37% for 2D and 3D 3%/3mm criteria, respectively. The number of correlations for 3D was higher than that for 2D (21 vs 8). However, the general correlation was still poor for all the analysed metrics (9 out of 26 for 3D 3%/3mm criterion). The average area under the curve (AUC) of ROCs was 0.66 ± 0.12 and 0.71 ± 0.21 for 2D and 3D evaluations, respectively. Conclusions: There is a lack of correlation between %GP and %DE for both 2D and 3D pre-treatment VMAT dosimetric evaluation. DVH-based dose metrics evaluation obtained from 3DVH will provide more useful analysis. Advances in knowledge: Correlation and sensitivity of %GP with %DE for VMAT QA were studied for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated Zn-bearing zeolite clinoptilolite (Zn-ZCP) as a Zn supplement on performance, organ or tissue development, Zn accumulation in tissues, and gene expression of Zn transporters in the duodenum of broilers. A total of 300 1-d-old Arbor Acres chickens were randomly allocated to 5 dietary treatments with 6 replicate cages of 10 birds per treatment for a 21-d feeding period. The treatments comprised a basal corn-soybean meal diet without supplemental Zn (the control) or similar diets supplemented with 80 mg/kg Zn from ZnSO4 or 20, 40, or 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP, respectively. Supplementation of Zn-ZCP had a positive effect on G:F (linear, P < 0.05) and had tendency difference on ADG (linear, P < 0.1) of broilers during 1 to 21 d. Incremental Zn-ZCP inclusion in the diet increased the fresh weight of the pancreas (linear, P < 0.05) and tibia (linear, P < 0.05) in broilers on d 14. The same trend to the fresh weight of the tibia (linear, P < 0.05) and pancreas (linear, P < 0.05) was observed on d 21. Increasing Zn-ZCP level showed a linear response on Zn concentration in the liver (linear, P < 0.001), pancreas (linear, P < 0.05), and tibia (linear, P < 0.05) on d 14. The same trend of Zn concentrations in pancreas (linear, P < 0.05) and tibia (linear, P < 0.001) was observed on d 21. The mRNA levels of Zn transporter 2 (ZnT-2) and Zn transporter 5 (ZnT-5) in the duodenum of chicks fed the diet with 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP did not differ from those of chicks fed the control diet, but both were lower (P < 0.05) than those of chicks fed ZnSO4 diet. Metallothionein (MT) mRNA levels of broilers fed the diet supplemented with 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP or ZnSO4 was higher (P < 0.05) than that in the control group. Dietary treatments did not affect the mRNA expression of Zn transporter 1 (ZnT-1) or metal response element-binding transcription factor-1 (MTF-1). In conclusion, as a Zn supplement, Zn-ZCP was comparable to ZnSO4 for enhancing Zn accumulation and growth performance of broilers during 1 to 21 d. Broilers fed the diet with 80 mg/kg Zn from Zn-ZCP had different expressions of ZnT-2 and ZnT-5 in the duodenum compared with those fed the ZnSO4 diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To explore how buccal carcinoma spread, using contrast-enhanced multislice CT (CEMSCT). Methods: We retrospectively analysed the extent of lesions in 56 patients with primary buccal squamous cell carcinoma (SCCA). Abnormal manifestations on CEMSCT at oral subsites and involved adjacent structures were documented and evaluated, which were compared with the results of surgery and histopathology. Results: Infiltration and spread to oral subsites and/or adjacent structures was confirmed in 33 patients (58.9%). The opening of the Stensen duct was the most commonly invaded oral subsite (72.7%); other sites included the gingivobuccal sulcus (60.6%), pterygomandibular raphe (54.5%), gingiva (24.2%), retromolar trigone (24.2%), orbicularis oris (18.2%) and the floor of mouth (15.2%). Of the involved adjacent structures, the buccal space was the most common site of spread (69.7%), followed by the masticatory muscles and spaces (57.6%), bone (54.5%), skin and subcutaneous fat (39.4%), pharynx (30.3%), investing fascia (15.2%) and the base of the skull (6.1%). CEMSCT manifestations of the involvement in buccal SCCAs had correlations with pathological findings (p,0.05). The sensitivities, specificities and accuracies of two radiologists' evaluation on buccal carcinoma involvement were 50.00%, 23.21% and 73.21%; and 51.79%, 32.14% and 83.93%, respectively. Conclusions: Buccal SCCAs could superficially and deeply spread to multiple oral subsites and/or adjacent structures. CEMSCT could delineate their spread pathways and extents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic values by detecting sera autoantibodies to eight tumor-associated antigens ( TAAs) of P53, IMP1, P16, cyclin B1, P62, C-myc, Survivn and Koc full-length recombinant proteins for the screening of high-risk subjects and early detection of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma ( ESCC). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect autoantibodies against the eight selected TAAs in 567 sera samples from four groups, including 200 individuals with normal esophageal epithelia ( NOR), 214 patients with esophageal basal cell hyperplasia ( BCH), 65 patients with esophageal dysplasia ( DYS), and 88 patients with ESCC. In addition, the expression of the eight antigens in esophageal tissues was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Statistically significant distribution differences were identified among the four groups for each of the individual autoantibodies to six TAAs ( P53, IMP1, P16, cyclin B1, P62, and C-myc); the detection rates of antoantibodies were positively correlated with the progression of ESCC. When autoantibody assay successively accumulated to six TAAs ( P53, IMP1, P16, cyclin B1, P62, and C-myc), a stepwise increased detection frequency of autoantibodies was found in the four sera groups (6% in NOR, 18% in BCH, 38% in DYS, and 64% in ESCC, respectively), the risks to BHC, DYS, and ESCC steadily increased about 3-, 9-, and 27-folds. The sensitivity and the specificity for autoantibodies against the six TAAs in diagnosing ESCC reached up to 64% and 94%, respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the six anti- TAA autoantibodies was 0.78 (95% confidence interval 0.74-0.83). No more increasing in sensitivity was found with the addition of new anti- TAA autoantibodies. A combination detection of autoantibodies to TAAs might distinguish ESCC patients from normal individuals and the patients with esophageal precancerous lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the association analysis of the major histocompatibility complex region in psoriasis vulgaris (PsV). It mentions the human leucocyte antigen (HLA) region is significantly associated with psoriasis and accounts for important genetic factors in the pathogenesis of psoriasis; and also mentions the effects of the HLA region with respect to familial history have not yet been elucidated.

The article presents case study of a 47-year-old man diagnosed with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) based on clinical manifestations of a skin biopsy with direct immunofluorescence. Topics include myelosuppression induced by azathioprine (AZA) associated with specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) gene, initially treated with prednisone and association between nucleoside diphosphate-linked moiety X-type motif 15 (NUDT15) gene and thiopurine toxicity.