Differentiating pediatric cystic nephroma from common renal multicystic lesions: A case report

Pediatric cystic nephroma is a rare, clinically benign, renal tumor. Pediatric renal cystic lesions are complex. Imaging findings and tumor appearance are often nonspecific, and careful pathological examination is necessary. We discuss diagnosis of pediatric cystic nephroma and how to differentiate it from multicystic dysplastic kidney and cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma.

Protective effects of sodium ferulate on flap transplantation via anti-inflammatory modulation and oxidative stress inhibition

Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) has brought attention to flap failure in reconstructive surgery. To improve the prognosis of skin transplantation, we performed experimental IRI by surgical obstruction of blood flow and used sodium ferulate (SF) to prevent IRI in rats. After SF treatment, the morphological and histological changes of the skin flaps were observed by H&E and Masson's trichrome staining. We also detected the expression levels of COX-1, HO-1, and Ki67 by immunohistochemical and western blot analysis. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to identify the content of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in peripheral blood and skin tissue. Compared with the model group, SF treatment significantly improved the recovered flap area (%) and promoted collagen synthesis. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was significantly inhibited by heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction after SF treatment. Furthermore, SF significantly inhibited the levels of TNF-α in peripheral blood, MPO and MDA in the skin tissue, and the increased synthesis of NO. Our results showed the protective effects of SF on IRI after flap transplantation and we believe that the protective effects of SF was closely related to the alleviation of the inflammatory response and the inhibition of the oxidative stress injury.

Bimanual irrigation-aspiration for ectopia lentis and use of a small incision for 4-point scleral-sutured foldable intraocular lens and anterior vitrectomy in patients with Marfan syndrome

Purpose: This study evaluated bimanual intracapsular irrigation-aspiration for ectopia lentis with use of a small incision for 4-point scleral fixation of a foldable posterior-chamber intraocular lens (IOL) and anterior vitrectomy in patients with Marfan syndrome. Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 18 eyes from 10 patients with Marfan syndrome who underwent surgical intervention for ectopia lentis at our clinic between July 2012 and September 2018. In this study, intraoperative and postoperative complications, uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, spherical equivalent, intraocular pressure, and endothelial cell density were evaluated. Results: No intraoperative complications were reported. In all cases, early postoperative evaluation revealed a clear cornea, round pupil, and well-centered IOL. Mean logMAR uncorrected visual acuity improved from 1.09 preoperatively to 0.56 postoperatively (P < 0.05). Mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.45 preoperatively to 0.17 postoperatively (P < 0.05). Aside from transient ocular hypertension, no postoperative complications were reported. Conclusion: The combined surgical technique presented above yields excellent visual outcomes with an extremely low incidence of complications. This approach is simple, safe, and effective in the treatment of ectopia lentis in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Association of furanone C-30 with biofilm formation & antibiotic resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background & objectives: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause nosocomial bloodstream infections in humans. This study was aimed to explore the association of furanone C-30 with biofilm formation, quorum sensing (QS) system and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa. Methods: An in vitro model of P. aeruginosa bacterial biofilm was established using the standard P. aeruginosa strain (PAO-1). After treatment with 2.5 and 5 ?g/ml of furanone C-30, the change of biofilm morphology of PAO-1 was observed, and the expression levels of QS-regulated virulence genes (lasB, rhlA and phzA2), QS receptor genes (lasR, rhlR and pqsR) as well as QS signal molecule synthase genes (lasI, rhlI, pqsE and pqsH) were determined. Besides, the AmpC expression was quantified in planktonic and mature biofilm induced by antibiotics. Results: Furanone C-30 treatment significantly inhibited biofilm formation in a dose-dependent manner. With the increase of furanone C-30 concentration, the expression levels of lasB, rhlA, phzA2, pqsR, lasI, rhlI pqsE and pqsH significantly decreased in mature biofilm bacteria while the expression levels of lasR and rhlR markedly increased. The AmpC expression was significantly decreased in both planktonic and biofilm bacteria induced by imipenem and ceftazidime. Interpretation & conclusions: Furanone C-30 may inhibit biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa through regulating QS genes. The inhibitory effect of furanone C-30 on las system appeared to be stronger than that on rhl system. Further studies need to be done with different strains of P. aeruginosa to confirm our findings.

Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection in sheep from northern China

@#Toxoplasma gondii is an important zoonotic parasite causing significant health problems to humans and animals. In recent years, a number of investigations about the seroprevalence of T. gondii in China have been reported, but little is known on the prevalence of toxoplasmosis in sheep in northern China. In the present study, a total of 288 sheep serum samples were collected from Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, Jilin and Hebei provinces of northern China for T. gondii antibody survey using a latex agglutination test (LAT). Of these, 87 (30.2%) serum samples were positive for antibodies to T. gondii, and the antibody titres ranged from 1:64 to 1:1,024. Seroprevalence of T. gondii infection in sheep was 17.1% in Inner Mongolia, 33.8% in Heilongjiang, 24.6% in Jilin and 46.3% in Hebei. Age and rearing system significantly affected seropositivity. The present survey indicates antibodies to T. gondii are widely prevalent in sheep in northern China, which may cause public health problems in these provinces.

Molecular Detection of Theileria species in Cattle from Jilin Province, China

Bovine theileriosis is a tick-borne disease that is hampering the development of the domestic cattle industry in northern China. This study involved a molecular survey of bovine Theileria species in 137 blood samples from cattle in the Jilin province of China. The DNA samples were screened by species-specific 18S rRNA PCR. Results revealed that 19.7% (27/137), 17.5% (24/137) and 10.9% (15/137) were found to be infected with Theileria sinensis, Theileria orientalis, respectively. Mixed infection was found in 8.8% (12/137). The overall detection rates of Baishan, Yanji, Jilin and Liaoyuan districts was 60.0%, 17.5%, 5.3% and 0%, respectively. There is little information on the detection and distribution of bovine Theileria species in northern China. Therefore, this study provides important data for understanding the epidemiology of Theileria species and designing appropriate approaches for the diagnosis and control of bovine theileriosis in northern China.

In vitro proliferation and differentiation of hepatic oval cells and their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation

Hepatic oval cells (HOCs) are recognized as facultative liver progenitor cells that play a role in liver regeneration after acute liver injury. Here, we investigated the in vitro proliferation and differentiation characteristics of HOCs in order to explore their potential capacity for intrahepatic transplantation. Clusters or scattered HOCs were detected in the portal area and interlobular bile duct in the liver of rats subjected to the modified 2-acetylaminofluorene and partial hepatectomy method. Isolated HOCs were positive for c-kit and CD90 staining (99.8% and 88.8%, respectively), and negative for CD34 staining (3.6%) as shown by immunostaining and flow cytometric analysis. In addition, HOCs could be differentiated into hepatocytes and bile duct epithelial cells after leukemia inhibitory factor deprivation. A two-cuff technique was used for orthotopic liver transplantation, and HOCs were subsequently transplanted into recipients. Biochemical indicators of liver function were assessed 4 weeks after transplantation. HOC transplantation significantly prolonged the median survival time and improved the liver function of rats receiving HOCs compared to controls (P=0.003, Student t-test). Administration of HOCs to rats also receiving liver transplantation significantly reduced acute allograft rejection compared to control liver transplant rats 3 weeks following transplantation (rejection activity index score: control=6.3±0.9; HOC=3.5±1.5; P=0.005). These results indicate that HOCs may be useful in therapeutic liver regeneration after orthotopic liver transplantation.

Comparative proteomic analysis of the nucleus accumbens during extinction and reinstatement of morphine dependence / Análisis proteómico comparativo del núcleo accumbens durante laextinción y recaída de la dependencia a la morfina

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to detect differentially expressed proteins in the nucleus accumbens between the states of extinction and reinstatement of morphine addiction. Numerous studies on the neurobiological mechanisms concerning drug craving and relapse have been reported to date, but data on their relationship with the underlying key molecular mechanisms involved remain limited. METHODS: In this study, 40 male SpragueDawley rats were equally randomized into a saline group and a morphine group. Both groups received drug selfadministration training, after which extinction models were established naturally. The groups were further divided into two subgroups for extinction and reinstatement tests. Cerebral nucleus accumbens masses were measured for total protein extraction. Twodimensional electrophoresis was performed to determine differential protein spots. These differential proteins were then enzymolysed and identified using mass spectrography. RESULTS: The proteins were classified as fatty acidbinding protein, serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit beta isoform, serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit alpha isoform, serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A regulatory subunit B² subunit gamma or heat shock protein 90 cochaperone CDC37. CONCLUSION: Significant changes in five proteins were detected between extinction and reinstatement. These proteins are correlated with phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.

ANTECEDENTES: El objetivo de este estudio fue detectar las proteínas diferencialmente expresadas en el núcleo accumbens entre los estados de extinción y recaída de la adicción a la morfina. Hasta la fecha se han reportado numerosos estudios en relación con los mecanismos neurobiológicos del deseo incontenible y recaída en el consumo de drogas, pero los datos sobre su relación con los mecanismos moleculares fundamentales subyacentes implicados, siguen siendo limitados. MÉTODO: En este estudio, 40 ratas machos SpragueDawley fueron por igual asignadas de manera aleatoria a un grupo salino y un grupo de morfina. Ambos grupos recibieron entrenamiento de autoadministración de drogas, después de lo cual se establecieron modelos de extinción de manera natural. A su vez, los grupos fueron luego subdivididos en dos subgrupos para realizar pruebas de extinción y recaída. Se procedió a medir las masas cerebrales del núcleo accumbens para la extracción total de proteína. Se realizó una electroforesis bidimensional para determinar manchas proteicas diferenciales. Estas proteínas diferenciales fueron entonces sometidas a enzimólisis e identificadas mediante espectrografía de masa. RESULTADOS: Las proteínas fueron clasificadas como proteína de unión a ácidos grasos, isoforma beta de la subunidad catalítica serinatreonina proteína fosfatasa 2A, isoforma alfa de la subunidad catalítica serinatreonina proteína fosfatasa 2A, subunidad gamma subunidad B" de la serinatreonina proteína fosfatasa 2A, o la proteína CDC37 cochaperona 90 de choque térmico. CONCLUSIÓN: Se detectaron cambios significativos en cinco proteínas entre la extinción y la recaída. Estas proteínas están correlacionadas con la fosforilación y el ciclo del ácido tricarboxílico.

Inhibition of STAT3 by RNA interference suppresses angiogenesis in colorectal carcinoma

In order to investigate signal transduction and activation of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling on angiogenesis in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) after inhibiting STAT3 expression, we constructed the HT-29-shSTAT3 cell line by lentivirus-mediated RNAi. Cell growth was assessed with MTT and the cell cycle distribution by flow cytometry. CRC nude mouse models were established and tumor growth was monitored periodically. On day 30, all mice were killed and tumor tissues were removed. Microvessel density (MVD) was determined according to CD34-positive staining. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF2) was monitored by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Knockdown of STAT3 expression significantly inhibited cell growth in HT-29 cells, with a significantly higher proportion of cells at G0/G1 (P < 0.01). Consistently, in vivo data also demonstrated that tumor growth was significantly inhibited in mice injected with HT-29-shSTAT3 cells. MVD was 9.80 ± 3.02 in the HT-29-shSTAT3 group, significantly less than that of the control group (P < 0.01). mRNA and protein levels of VEGFA and MMP2 in the HT-29-shSTAT3 group were significantly lower than in the control group (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed in the mRNA or protein level of FGF2 (P > 0.05). Taken together, these results demonstrate that STAT3 signaling is important to the growth of CRC and promotes angiogenesis by regulating VEGFA and MMP2 expression.