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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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

It is well accepted that recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis is a severe complication of esophagectomy or lymphadenectomy performed adjacent to the recurrent laryngeal nerves. Herein, determination of the effectiveness of implementing continuous recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring to reduce the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis after esophagectomy was sought. A total of 115 patients diagnosed with esophageal cancer were enrolled in the thoracic section of the Tangdu Hospital of the Fourth Military Medical University from April 2008 to April 2009. Clinical parameters of patients, the morbidity, and the mortality following esophageal resection were recorded and compared. After the surgery, a 2-year follow up was completed. It was found that recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and postoperative pneumonia were more frequently diagnosed in the patients that did not receive continuous recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring (6/61 vs. 0/54). Furthermore, positive mediastinal lymph nodes ( P = 0.015), total mediastinal lymph nodes ( P < 0.001), positive total lymph nodes ( P = 0.027), and total lymph nodes ( P < 0.001) were more often surgically removed in the patients with continuous recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring. These patients also had a higher 2-year survival rate ( P = 0.038) after surgery. It was concluded that continuous intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring is technically safe and effectively identifies the recurrent laryngeal nerves. This may be a helpful method for decreasing the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis and postoperative pneumonia, and for improving the efficiency of lymphadenectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Six cases of eruptive vellus hair cysts ( EVHC) were evaluated for histopathology and the immunohistochemical profile of Ki-67 and four keratins ( K10, K14, K17 and K19). The pathological hallmark of EVHC was the existence of vellus hair shafts within the cystic cavity, but atypical pathological changes included two or three cysts and a foreign-body granuloma in three cases. Our results demonstrate that atypical pathological changes are not uncommon in EVHC, and indicate that based on keratin expression, it is likely that EVHC is derived from the infrainfundibulum and sebaceous duct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to prospectively investigate the correlation between CT angiographic clot load (CTACL) score, pulmonary perfusion defect (PPD) score and the global right ventricular function in the assessment of pulmonary embolism (PE) severity. Methods: 49 patients with acute PE, who underwent dual-source CT scan, were included in the study. CT angiography and perfusion imaging were performed. Data from electrocardiogram-gated coronary angiography scanning protocol were used for right ventricular function analysis. Two readers evaluated the CTACL and PPD scores using the Qanadli and Chae methods, respectively. Results: The PPD score had a strong positive correlation with the CTACL score (r=0.72, p<0.001) and both scores in turn had a strong positive correlation with the right ventricular/left ventricular (RV/LV) diameter ratio (r=0.60, r=0.62, p<0.001). However, the PPD score had a strong negative correlation with ejection fraction (EF) (r=20.63, p<0.001) while the CTACL score had a low negative correlation with EF (r=20.33, p=0.02). Between the RV/LV,1 group (n=35) and the RV/LV .1 group (n=14), the PPD score, CTACL score, pulmonary artery trunk diameter, EF and reflux of inferior vena cava were significantly different, all with p<0.001. The end-systolic volume (p=0.01) was significantly different but the end-diastolic volume (p=0.11) and stroke volume (p=0.08) showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion: Therefore, considering PPD scores, CTACL scores and cardiovascular manifestations together may be helpful in the evaluation of PE severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Progressive symmetrical erythrokeratodermia (PSEK) is a rare inherited cornification disorder characterized by symmetrical erythematous hyperkeratotic plaques. The genetic basis for PSEK is not clear. PSEK shares many clinical features with erythrokeratodermia variabilis (EKV), which is associated with mutations in genes coding for gap junction beta ( GJB) 3 and 4. A mutation in the loricrin gene ( LOR) was found in patients with PSEK, who were members of a family with Vohwinkel syndrome. It would therefore be of interest to determine if PSEK is also caused by mutations in these genes. To examine the mutation status of GJB3, GJB4 and LOR in patients with PSEK and in control subjects. Genomic DNA samples from 25 patients with PSEK and 56 healthy controls were examined by sequencing analysis of the coding sequences of GJB3, GJB4 and LOR. There were no mutations found in any of these three genes. PSEK is a disorder distinct from EKV, and the true pathogenesis of PSEK remains unknown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of chromosomal polymorphic variations on the outcome of IVF and embryo transfer (IVF–embryo transfer) treatment for infertile couples. METHODS During the period from October 2006 to December 2009, 1978 infertile couples who had received their first IVF–embryo transfer treatment cycle in our hospital were selected for this retrospective study, and the frequency of chromosomal polymorphic variations was calculated. From these, 1671 couples were selected and divided into three groups: 1402 couples with normal chromosomes (Group 1/control group), 82 couples with chromosomal polymorphic variations in only females (Group 2) and 187 couples with chromosomal polymorphic variations in only males (Group 3). The clinical pregnancy rates (CPR), early miscarriage rates and ongoing pregnancy rates after IVF–embryo transfer treatment were compared. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups in implantation rates (29.37% in the control group, 29.70% in Group 2 and 31.41% in Group 3, P > 0.05) and CPR (45.86, 46.34 and 51.87%, respectively, P > 0.05). Although there was a trend toward higher first trimester pregnancy loss rates in Group 3 (male chromosomal polymorphic variations), but not in Group 2, compared with normal karyotype couples (10.31 versus 6.84%), the difference did not reach significance (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Chromosomal polymorphic variations appear to have no adverse effects on the outcome of IVF–embryo transfer treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims: This work is aiming at investigating algicidal characterization of a bacterium isolate DHQ25 against harmful alga Alexandrium tamarense. Methods and Results: 16S rDNA sequence analysis showed that the most probable affiliation of DHQ25 belongs to the γ-proteobacteria subclass and the genus Vibrio. Bacterial isolate DHQ25 showed algicidal activity through an indirect attack. Xenic culture of A. tamarense was susceptible to the culture filtrate of DHQ25 by algicidal activity assay. Algicidal process demonstrated that the alga cell lysed and cellular substances released under the visual field of microscope. DHQ25 was a challenge controller of A. tamarense by the above characterizations of algicidal activity assay and algicidal process. Conclusion: Interactions between bacteria and harmful algal bloom (HAB) species proved to be an important factor regulating the population of these algae. Significance and Impact of Study: This is the first report of a Vibrio sp . bacterium algicidal to the toxic dinoflagellate A. tamarense. The findings increase our knowledge of the role of bacteria in algal-bacterial interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an organ-specific autoimmune liver disease characterized by progressive loss of intrahepatic small bile ducts. Cellular immune mechanisms involving T cell reaction are thought to be involved significantly in the pathogenesis of PBC. Recent studies have independently revealed enhanced T helper type 17 (Th17) response and weakened T regulatory cell (Treg) response in some autoimmune diseases, indicating a role of Th17/Treg imbalance in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. This prompted us to investigate whether the Th17/Treg balance was broken in the peripheral blood of patients with PBC and, if it was, what cytokine circumstances might contribute to this imbalance. The expression of 11 Th17/Treg differentiation-related genes and serum concentrations of the corresponding cytokines in 36 patients with PBC, 28 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 28 healthy controls were measured by real-time quantitative–polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay respectively. Peripheral Th17 and Treg cells were analysed by flow cytometry. Th17-related cytokines were increased significantly in patients with PBC. Consistent with the cytokine profile, the Th17 cell population and retinoid-related orphan receptor γt expression were increased markedly. In contrast, the Treg cell population and forkhead box P3 expression were decreased dramatically in the peripheral blood of patients with PBC. Our study revealed that the Th17/Treg imbalance, both cytokine profile and cell numbers, exists in patients with PBC, suggesting its potential role in the breakdown of immune self-tolerance in PBC. Interleukin-23, which characterized the imbalanced cytokine profile, may play an essential role in Th17-related human autoimmunity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The prevalence and clinical implications of naturally occurring variants that are resistant to hepatitis C virus (HCV) protease inhibitors in treatment-naive patients has not been reported. We report here the prevalence of such variants and their effect on clinical response. Methods. Population sequence analysis of the NS3·4A protease was conducted in 570 treatment-naive subjects. Results. Most subjects (98%) had wild-type virus. The remaining subjects had the following variants present in significant proportions (100%): V36M, 0.9%; R155K, 0.7%; V170A, 0.2%; and R109K, 0.2%. The V36M, R109K, and V170A substitutions confer low-level resistance (<7-fold) to protease inhibitors in replicon cells. The R155K substitution confers low-level resistance to telaprevir (TVR) and boceprevir and confers high-level resistance (>70-fold) to BILN 2061 and ITMN-191. Five subjects with the V36M or R109K variant were treated with 8-24 weeks of TVR and peginterferon-alpha2a (P) with or without ribavirin (R). Four achieved a sustained viral response, and 1 was lost to follow-up. In subjects with the R155K variant, TVR/PR provided greater antiviral activity than PR alone; however, the antiviral response was lower than that observed in subjects with wild-type virus. Conclusion. High levels of naturally occurring protease inhibitor-resistant variants were uncommon (<1% each) in HCV treatment-naive patients. TVR/PR efficiently inhibited V36M and R109K variants and contributed partial antiviral activity against the R155K variant. As new HCV agents are evaluated in clinical trials, it will be important to monitor the effect of baseline variants on sensitivity. Copyright © 2008 Infectious Diseases Society of America [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The individual tropospheric and stratospheric wind contributions to the Earth's variable rotation during the period 2000–2005 are investigated to further our understanding of the role of wind in exciting polar motion and the variation of the Earth's rotational rate (or the length of day, LOD, change). Instead of the previous empirical approach, which simply assumed the tropopause as an equal-pressure level, the present study employs a tropopause, which is space- and time-dependent and is from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction–National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) reanalyses. For the axial component, the tropospheric and stratospheric wind effects are essentially additive. For the equatorial components, however, a significant cancellation is found between the tropospheric and stratospheric wind terms, based on the NCEP/NCAR reanalysis model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent studies based on various ocean general circulation models (OGCMs) demonstrate that the oceans are a major contributor to polar motion excitations. In this paper, we analyse and compare observed non-atmospheric polar motion excitations with oceanic angular momentum (OAM) variations determined from four OGCMs, which include the parallel ocean climate model (POCM), a barotropic ocean model (BOM), the Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean (ECCO) non-data-assimilating model (ECCO-NDA) and the ECCO data-assimilating model (ECCO-DA). The data to be analysed span a 5-yr overlapped period from 1993 to 1997. At annual timescale, considerable discrepancies exist between POCM and the other three models, which result mainly from differences in annual components of the forcing wind fields. At semi-annual timescale, however, POCM shows better phase agreement with observed non-atmospheric polar motion excitation than the other three ocean models. At intraseasonal timescales, ECCO-DA yields better agreement with observations, and reduces the variance of non-atmospheric excitations by ∼60 per cent, 10–20 per cent more than those explained by the other three models. However, at the very short periods of 4–20 days, the BOM estimates could explain about half of the observed variance, twice as much as that by ECCO-NDA, and also shows considerably better correlation with observations. Due to different modelling schemes and methods, significant discrepancies could arise with respect to the quality of modelling large-scale oceanic mass redistribution and current variation. A complete understanding of global oceanic contributions to polar motion excitation still remains a challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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.

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: 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]

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]

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 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]

A letter to the editor about the identification of three novel frameshift mutations of the MVK gene in four Chinese families is presented.

Growth hormone (GH) can increase milk production in cattle and this effect is widely believed to be mediated by indirect action of GH on the mammary gland. However, recent findings that both GH receptor (GHR) mRNA and protein are expressed in the epithelial cells of the bovine mammary gland suggest that GH may have a direct effect on the milk-producing cells. The objective of this study was to determine whether GH could affect milk protein gene expression, nutrient transport and proliferation of the bovine mammary epithelial cells. The bovine mammary epithelia-derived cell line MAC-T cells did not express detectable GHR (perhaps as a result of immortalization) and they were rendered GH responsive by GHR overexpression. Growth hormone treatment of these cells markedly increased (P<0.01) the expression of αs1-casein, αs2-casein, β -casein and α -lactalbumin mRNA, whereas it had no effect (P>0.05) on the expression of κ -casein, β -lactoglobulin, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-II or IGF binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) to IGFBP-6 mRNA. Growth hormone also had no effect on glucose, amino acid or fatty acid transport into, or the proliferation of, these cells. A sequence analysis revealed that the promoters of the bovine αs1-casein, αs2-casein, β -casein and α -lactalbumin genes contain putative binding sites for signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5). Cotransfection analyses confirmed that GH could stimulate (P<0.05) reporter gene expression from these promoters in MAC-T cells. These in vitro observations, together with the fact that GH receptor mRNA and protein are expressed in the epithelial cells of the bovine mammary gland, suggest that GH may directly stimulate transcription of major milk protein genes through STAT5 in the mammary gland, thereby increasing milk production in cattle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplemental common yeast culture (CY) and glycerol-enriched yeast culture (GY) on performance, plasma metabolites, antioxidant status, and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) mRNA expression in lactating Holstein cows under heat stress. During summer months, 30 healthy multiparous lactating cows (parity 3.25 ± 0.48; 60 ± 13 d in milk [DIM]; 648 ± 57 kg BW; an average milk yield of 33.8 ± 1.6 kg/d) were blocked by parity, previous milk yield, and DIM and randomly allocated to 3 dietary treatments: no supplemental yeast culture (Control), 1 L/d of CY (33.1 g yeast) per cow, and 2 L/d of GY (153.2 g glycerol and 31.6 g yeast) per cow. During the 60-d experiment, values of air temperature and relative humidity inside the bam were recorded hourly every 3 d to calculate temperature-humidity index (THI). Weekly rectal temperatures (RT) and respiration rates and daily DMI and milk yield were recorded for all cows. Milk and blood samples were taken twice monthly, and BW and BCS were obtained on d 0 and 60. In this experiment, THI values indicated cows experienced a moderate heat stress. Cows supplemented with CY and GY had greater yields of milk, energy-corrected milk and milk fat, and milk fat percent but lower HSP70 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes than Control cows (P < 0.05). Supplementing CY and GY tended (P <0.15) to decrease RT at 1400 h, increase milk protein yield and erythrocyte glutathione, and reduce plasma urea nitrogen compared with Control. Lower plasma NEFA concentration and HSP70 mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes (P < 0.05) and tendencies towards greater plasma glucose concentration (P = 0.11 ) but less BW loss (F = 0.14) were observed in GY relative to CY cows. In conclusion, either CY or GY supplementation partially mitigated the negative effects of heat stress on performance and HSP70 mRNA expression of lactating cows, and GY supplementation provided additional improvements in energy status and HSP70 gene expres-sion of lactating cows. [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]

Summary Background There is a need for the development of novel nonsteroidal topical drugs for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD). Objectives The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of WBI-1001 over 6 weeks of treatment of mild to severe AD. Methods Patients with AD affecting 3-20% of their body surface area and with an Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) of 2-4 were randomized (1 : 1 : 1) to receive placebo, WBI-1001 0·5% or WBI-1001 1·0% in a cream formulation applied twice daily for 6 weeks. At the end of this phase, patients receiving WBI-1001 continued the same treatment for an additional 6 weeks. Patients receiving placebo entered into a 6-week double-blind phase with re-randomization (1 : 1) to WBI-1001 0·5% or 1·0% cream. The primary objective was to evaluate the efficacy of WBI-1001 over 6 weeks of treatment of mild to severe AD. The primary endpoint was the mean change from baseline in IGA at day 42 (week 6). Results In total, 148 patients were randomized and analysed in the placebo (51), WBI-1001 0·5% (50) and WBI-1001 1·0% (47) groups. There was a decrease of 1·3 [43%; P < 0·001; 95% confidence interval (CI) −1·2 to −0·5] and 1·8 (56·3%; P < 0·001; 95% CI −1·6 to −0·9) in IGA at day 42 in the WBI-1001 0·5% and 1·0% groups, respectively, as compared with a decrease of 0·5 (14·7%) in the placebo group. Adverse drug reactions included a few cases of folliculitis and contact dermatitis. Conclusions WBI-1001 is an efficacious novel topical anti-inflammatory molecule for the treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We tested a method of rapid DNA extraction from wetland soil samples for use in the polymerase chain reaction. The glass bead/calcium chloride/SDS method obtained in the present study was compared with the calcium chloride/SDS/enzymatic extraction method and the UltraClean™ Soil DNA Isolation Kit. Rapid DNA extraction could be completed within about two hours without purification steps. This study succeeded in establishing a fast soil DNA extraction protocol that can be applied to various environmental sources that are rich in humic acid content. The method provides a technology with high-quality DNA extraction from soils for testing the diversity of AOB and AOA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disseminated superficial porokeratosis (DSP) is an autosomal dominant epidermal keratinization disorder. The genetic basis for DSP has not been clearly elucidated. We previously mapped the locus for DSP to a large region (5.7 Mb) at 18p11.3 in a four-generation Chinese family with DSP, but no gene responsible for porokeratosis has been identified to date. To narrow the critical region for DSP, thereby facilitating the identification of this disease gene and possibly leading to an understanding of the pathogenesis of porokeratosis, genotyping was performed on the same Chinese family with DSP using nine heterozygous single-nucleotide polymorphism markers at 18p11.3. We found the locus of DSP to be located within a 2.7 Mb region between markers rs58085394 and rs238533. Our study provides a map location for isolation of a gene causing DSP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A retrospective review of 18 patients treated for Boerhaave's syndrome in our center from 1954 to 2006 was undertaken. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1, the time delayed before treatment was less than 24 hours; group 2, the time delayed was more than 24 hours. The time interval between perforation and the onset of treatment in group 2 was from 50 hours to 30 days. Roentgenograms of the chest and esophagogram with a water-soluble contrast medium are able to reveal the perforation in most cases, and thoracentesis or thoracic drainage after swallow methylene blue may provide help as well. Surgical intervention was adopted in all three patients in group 1 and 12 in group 2, and conservative intervention in three in group 2. In group 1, two patients recovered uneventfully, the other one developed a postoperative respiratory infection, and he recovered after the infection was controlled. The mortality in group 2 was 33.3% (5/15), and the mortality in patients with conservative intervention was 100% (3/3). Five complications occurred after surgical intervention in group 2, including four fistulae and one incision infection. In conclusion, it may be appropriate to manage patients aggressively with primary repair and adequate mediastinal and pleural drainage when patients present late. Because of the syndrome's initial severity and a tendency to postoperative complications, patients should be closely monitored, and correct antibiotic therapy and adequate nutrition are very important in treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY. The objective of this study was to characterize the histologic changes from endoscopic screening for early esophageal cancer (EC) on subjects at high-incidence area (HIA) and low-incidence area (LIA) in Henan, China, and to further compare the changes in p53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in the multistage of human esophageal carcinogenesis from these two populations. The detection rate of basal cell hyperplasia (BCH) and dysplasia (DYS) was higher in the subjects from HIA than in those from LIA. Out of the 1568 symptom-free subjects examined at HIA, 10 (0.6%) cases with early squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were identified. Immunoreactivity of p53 and PCNA was observed in cell nuclei of esophageal biopsies and surgically resected esophageal cancer specimens both in HIA and LIA. With the lesions progressed from normal epithelium to BCH to DYS to SCC, the positive-immunostaining cells expanded from basal layer to superficial layer, and the number of positive cells/mm2 for p53 and PCNA increased, and was significantly higher in HIA than in LIA among the similar morphological lesions (P < 0.01). The number of p53 positive cells/mm2 in SCC from HIA was almost fivefold higher than SCC from LIA (P < 0.01). The remarkable difference was also observed between HIA and LIA in DYS and BCH. The present results indicate that p53 protein accumulation is an important early biomarker for identifying high-risk subjects for EC. [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]

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether adjuvant chemotherapy is associated with improved survival in patients with resectable gastric neuroendocrine carcinomas (G‐NECs) or mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinomas (G‐MANECs). Methods: The study included patients with G‐NECs or G‐MANECs who underwent surgery in one of 21 centres in China between 2004 and 2016. Propensity score matching analysis was used to reduce selection bias, and overall survival (OS) in different treatment groups was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: In total, 804 patients with resectable G‐NECs or G‐MANECs were included, of whom 490 (60·9 per cent) received adjuvant chemotherapy. After propensity score matching, OS in the chemotherapy group was similar to that in the no‐chemotherapy group. Among patients with G‐NECs, survival in the fluorouracil (5‐FU)‐based chemotherapy group and the non‐5‐FU‐based chemotherapy group was similar to that in the no‐chemotherapy group. Similarly, etoposide plus cisplatin or irinotecan plus cisplatin was not associated with better OS in patients with G‐NECs. Among patients with G‐MANECs, OS in the non‐5‐FU‐based chemotherapy group was worse than that in the no‐chemotherapy group. Patients with G‐MANECs did not have better OS when platinum‐based chemotherapy was used. Conclusion: There was no survival benefit in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy for G‐NECs or G‐MANECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Soy products contain high levels of genistein, a phytoestrogen that is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation and angiogenesis. Genistein has been found to inhibit the growth of carcinogen-induced cancers in rats and human leukemia cells transplanted into mice. The induction of stress proteins (e.g., glucose-related proteins and heat shock proteins) in tumor cells has been shown to protect them against programmed cell death; this stress response is inhibited by genistein. The mechanism(s) by which genistein affects certain stress response genes was explored in this study.Methods: Mammalian cell cultures were treated with azetidine, a proline analog, which elicits a stress response that includes the induction of the expression of glucose-regulated protein GRP78 and heat shock protein HSP70. The effects of azetidine and/or genistein treatment on cellular levels of grp78 and hsp70 messenger RNAs and proteins were measured by northern blot hybridization and western blot analyses, respectively, and the binding of nuclear factors to sequence motifs in the upstream (promoter) regions of these two genes were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays.Results: Genistein antagonized the binding of a specific transcription factor, nuclear factor-Y/CCAAT binding factor (NF-Y/CBF), to the CCAAT sequence element most proximal to the transcription start sites in the hsp70 and grp78 promoters; this CCAAT element was previously shown to be necessary for full-stress inducibility of both genes. Treatment of cells with genistein converted NF-Y/CBF into a nonbinding, transcriptionally inactive form.Implication: The anticancer effects of genistein may be related to its ability to reduce the expression of stress response-related genes. [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]

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]