Clinical significance of LAG-3 on microvessel density in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Aims: We aimed to determine whether lymphocyte activation gene 3 (LAG-3), also known as CD223, is associated with microvessel density (MVD) in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), as well as their clinical significance in predicting survival. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty-seven patients were enrolled in the study. Samples were obtained on resection at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of the Qingdao Municipal Hospital from June 2014 to June 2016. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine vessel density and LAG-3 abundance. Statistical analyses were performed to test for correlation of LAG-3 density and other clinicopathological variables with overall survival (OS). Results: High LAG-3 abundance was significantly correlated with increased MVD in primary HCC (P < 0.05). The ?2 test revealed a significant association of LAG-3 with preoperative AFP level, tumor diameter, N stage, and the presence of HBV infection (P < 0.05). Patients with high LAG-3 expression had shorter OS compared to those with low LAG-3 expression (P < 0.05). The Cox proportional hazards model showed that both higher LAG-3 and MVD density, age, the number of tumors, preoperative AFP level, tissue differentiation, Child–Pugh grade, and lymph node metastasis correlated with survival. Conclusions: High expression of LAG-3 is associated with angiogenesis and poor prognosis in HCC patients. With the deepening of research, LAG-3 is likely to become a novel biomarker for clinical diagnosis and prognosis and can even be a therapeutic target of HCC.

Evaluation of protection against bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 after vaccination of the calves with bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 combo inactivated vaccine / Avaliação da proteção contra o vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 2 após vacinação de bezerros com vacina combinada inativada do vírus da diarreia viral bovina tipo 1

This study was designed to evaluate the extent of the protection for bovine viral diarrhea virus type 2 (BVDV-2) infection, afforded by vaccination with a combo inactivated vaccine, which contains bovine viral diarrhea virus type 1 (BVDV-1) and infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus (IBRV). Five 3-4-month-old calves were intramuscularly vaccinated with a single dose of the combo vaccine and boosted with same dose three weeks after the first vaccination, with five mock immunized calves serving as a control group. Twenty-one days after the second vaccination, all calves were challenged with BVDV-2 SX08 strain by spray into nostril. The unvaccinated animals developed typical clinical signs of high rectal temperature, diarrhoea with erosions and a dramatic drop in leukocyte counts. These signs occured markedly less in all vaccinated animals, the rectal temperature, leukopenia and virarmia of which, were significantly less than the mock immunized calves. It can be concluded that vaccination with the combo inactivated vaccine affords cross-protection against clinical effects of a challenge-infection with BVDV-2 SX08 strain, although it was part protection.(AU)

Este estudo foi desenvolvido para avaliar a extensão da proteção contra a infecção pelo vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 2 (BVDV-2) através da vacinação com uma vacina combinada inativada contendo o vírus da diarréia viral bovina tipo 1 (BVDV-1) e vírus da rinotraqueíte de bovinos infecciosos (IBRV). Cinco bezerros com 3 a 4 meses de idade foram vacinados via intramuscular com uma dose única da vacina combinada e reforçados com a mesma dose três semanas após a primeira vacinação, com cinco bezerros imunizados em simulação servindo como grupo controle. Vinte e um dias após a segunda vacinação, todos os bezerros foram desafiados com a cepa BVDV-2 SX08 por spray na narina. Os animais não vacinados desenvolveram sinais clínicos típicos, como alta temperatura retal, diarréia com erosões e queda drástica na contagem de leucócitos. Estes sinais tiveram ocorrência significativamente menor em todos os animais vacinados, cuja temperatura retal, leucopenia e virarmia eram significativamente menores do que os bezerros simulados. É possível concluir que a vacinação com a vacina combinada inativada proporciona proteção cruzada contra os efeitos clínicos de uma infecção provocada pela cepa BVDV-2 SX08, embora tenha sido parcialmente protegida.(AU)

Effect of feeding grape seed Proanthocyanidin extract on production performance, metabolic and anti-oxidative status of dairy cattle / Efeito da alimentação do extrato de semente de uva Proanthocyanidin sobre o desempenho da produção e o status metabólico e antioxidante de gado leiteiro

Aims to investigate the effects of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE) on production performance, metabolism, and anti-oxidative status of Holstein dairy cattle in early lactation. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cattle were assigned to four groups (CON, G20, G40 and G80) and supplied with 0, 20, 40, and 80mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day. G20 significantly increased milk yield compared with other groups. Milk protein and non-fat-solids were increased in G20, G40 and G80 groups compared with the control group only at the 7th day during the experiment. No significant difference was observed in milk fat and somatic cell count, nor on parameters of energy metabolism in blood, liver function and kidney function between the four groups. There was no significant difference in glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity, and hydrogen peroxide between the groups; but the malondialdehyde content of G20 significantly increased at day 14 in comparison with CON, and tended to increase at the 28th day. In conclusion, feeding 20mg GSPE/kg of body weight/day was associated with a significant increase in milk yield without detrimental effects on liver or kidney function and with substantial energy metabolism and antioxidant parameters improvement in early lactation dairy cattle.(AU)

O presente trabalho visa investigar os efeitos do extrato de semente de uva Proanthocyanidin (GSPE) sobre o desempenho da produção, o metabolismo e o status antioxidante de gado leiteiro Holstein em lactação precoce. Quarenta e oito vacas leiteiras multíparas Holstein foram divididas em quatro grupos (CON, G20, G40 e G80) e receberam 0, 20, 40 e 80mg de GSPE/kg de peso corporal/dia, respectivamente. O G20 aumentou significativamente o rendimento do leite em comparação com os outros grupos. A proteína e os sólidos não gordurosos do leite foram aumentados nos grupos G20, G40 e G80 somente no sétimo dia durante a experiência. Não foi observada diferença significativa na gordura do leite e na contagem de células somáticas, bem como nos parâmetros de metabolismo energético no sangue, na função hepática e na função renal entre os grupos em relação ao grupo controle. Não houve diferença significativa na glutationa peroxidase, na dimutase de superóxido, na capacidade antioxidante total e no peróxido de hidrogênio entre os grupos, mas o conteúdo malondialdeído do G20 aumentou significativamente no dia 14 em comparação com o CON, e tendia a aumentar no dia 28. Em conclusão, a alimentação de 20mg de GSPE/kg de peso corporal/dia foi associada a um aumento significativo no rendimento do leite, sem efeitos nocivos sobre a função hepática ou a renal, com o metabolismo de energia substancial e a melhoria dos parâmetros antioxidantes de gado leiteiro no início da lactação.(AU)

The structure of the skin, types and distribution of mucous cell of yangtze sturgeon ( Acipenser dabryanus ) / La estructura de la piel, los tipos y distribución de las células mucosas del esturión yangtze ( Acipenser dabryanus )

The structural characteristics of the skin, types and distribution of mucous cells of Yangtze sturgeon (Acipenser dabryanus) were studied at the light microscope level, stained with Haematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Alcian blue-periodie acid Schiff (ABPAS). The skin of both was composed of epidermis and dermis. The dermis was divided into stratum spongiosum and stratum compactum. The stained color of stratum compactum was stained more deeply than that of stratum spongiosum. The skin thickness displayed differences in the fish at different body positions. The thickest of epidermis layer was on the dorsal region for Yangtze sturgeon, reversely, the thinnest was the mandibular region; Stratum spongiosum on the mandibular region was the thickest, the stratum spongiosum of the maxillary region was not obvious. In summary, keratinized spines, a kind of keratin derivative, are widely distributed in the mandibular, ventral, dorsal, and caudal peduncle skin surface for Yangtze sturgeon, and some pit organs mainly present in the skin surface of the maxillary and ventral regions. In short, the small amount of mucous cells in the skin of Yangtze sturgeon and the type of mucous cell were main Type IV, nevertheless there was a distribution of a few Type III.

Se estudiaron las características estructurales de la piel, los tipos y la distribución de las células mucosas del esturión Yangtze (Acipenser dabryanus) con microscopio de luz, teñidas con hematoxilina-eosina (HE) y azul alcián-ácido de Schiff (AB-PAS). La piel estaba compuesta por epidermis y dermis. La dermis se dividía en estrato esponjoso y estrato compacto. El grosor de la piel mostró diferencias en los peces en diferentes posiciones del cuerpo. La capa más gruesa de la epidermis se observó en la región dorsal del esturión Yangtze; a la inversa, la más delgada en la región mandibular. El estrato esponjoso en la región mandibular era el más grueso, el estrato esponjoso de la región maxilar no era visualizado. En resumen, las espinas queratinizadas, un tipo derivado de la queratina, estaban ampliamente distribuidas en la superficie de la piel del pedúnculo mandibular, ventral, dorsal y caudal en el esturión Yangtze, y algunos órganos en fosas, presentes principalmente en la superficie de la piel de las regiones mandibular y ventral. En resumen, la pequeña cantidad de células mucosas en la piel del esturión Yangtze y el tipo de célula mucosa eran células principales tipo IV, sin embargo, se observaron algunas células tipo III.

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis in the Aksu Region of Xinjiang, China, between 1985 and 2016 / Prevalência de tuberculose bovina na região Aksu de Xinjiang, China, entre 1985 e 2016

Prevalence of bovine tuberculosis infection in cattle in Aksu Prefecture determined by intradermal tuberculin skin test (TST), between 1985 and 2016. Cattle were analyzed according to region, feeding pattern, herds and age. A total of 890,009 cattle were tested, with overall bovine tuberculosis prevalence of 0.13% (1172/890009). Statistically significant difference was found in feeding pattern and herds. Prevalence in cows (0.19%, 615/327022) was higher than that in beeves (P< 0.01, OR= 1.903, 95% CI = 1.696 to 2.134). Significant difference (P< 0.01; OR= 2.238, 95%; CI= 1.937 to 2.585) was evident for rates for bovine tuberculosis in the peasant household (0.12%, 942/802343) and farm groups (0.26%, 230/87666). The overall prevalence of bTB was decreased in the Aksu Prefecture, especially the positive rate was under 0.1% in 2010s. We concluded that the control measures forbovine tuberculosis in the Aksu region cattle herds are effective.(AU)

Prevalência de infecção por tuberculose bovina em gado na prefeitura de Aksu determinada por teste cutâneo tuberculínico (TST) entre 1985 e 2016 foi avaliada. O gado foi analisado de acordo com região, padrão alimentar, rebanho e idade. Um total de 890009 animais foram testados, com prevalência de 0,13% de tuberculose bovina (1172/890009). Diferença estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada em padrão alimentar e rebanhos. Prevalência em vacas (0,19%, 615/327022) foi mais alta que em bois (P< 0,01, OR= 1,903, 95% CI = 1,696 a 2,134). Diferenças significativas (P< 0,01; OR= 2,238, 95%; CI= 1,937 a 2,585) foram evidentes em taxas para tuberculose bovina em casas de camponeses (0,12%, 942/802343) e grupos de fazendeiros (0,26%, 230/87666). A prevalência de bTB caiu na prefeitura Aksu, a taxa positiva se encontrava abaixo de 0.1% a partir de 2010. Conclui-se que as medidas de controle para tuberculose bovina na região de Aksu foram eficazes.(AU)

Antimicrobial resistance of staphylococci and streptococci isolated from dogs

@#A study was conducted for the examination of bacterial species isolated in dogs from Animal Clinics of Nanjing Agricultural University, China. Forty nasal swabs were taken from dogs having respiratory signs. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius was the most frequently isolated pathogen (37.50 %) followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.75%), Streptococcus pluranimalium (10.93%), Streptococcus canis (9.37%), Staphylococcus schleiferi (9.37%), Staphylococcus intermedius (6.25%), Staphylococcus cohnii (4.71%) and Staphylococcus hominis (3.12%). S. pseudintermedius and S. pluranimalium were subjected to commonly used antibiotics for determination of resistant drugs. Antimicrobial resistance in S. pseudintermedius was common in gentamicin (70.83%) and tetracycline (50%) while in S. pluranimalium was common in enrofloxacin (71.42%) and gentamicin (57.14%).

Molecular identification of Kalicephalus isolated from snakes in Hunan province, subtropical China

@#Parasite classification and identification are central to controlling parasitosis. Traditional methods for identifying parasite species are based on morphological features, but these are time-consuming and inaccurate, especially for cryptic species. The purpose of the present study was to select molecular markers to promote the development of molecular systematic for parasites. The internal transcribed spacers (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) falls in between 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rDNA sequences, including ITS-1 and ITS-2 sequences. Previous studies have demonstrated that rDNA ITS sequences provide useful genetic markers for identifying parasitic nematodes. With the ultimate goal of controlling parasite transmission, we identified Kalicephalus belonging to three species using ITS rDNA genes. The ITS genes (750–797 bp) of 21 Kalicephalus belonging to 3 species were cloned and sequenced. Intra- and interspecific identities were 98.4% and 80%–89%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree reconstructed with the neighbour-joining (NJ) method revealed that congener Kalicephalus form the same branch, which is far apart from other branches of other nematodes. This is consistent with morphological classifications, demonstrating the accuracy of our molecular method. This is the first report stating that ITS genes can be used to classify Kalicephalus, and it lays the foundation for identification, molecular epidemiology, and phylogenetics of Kalicephalus and related parasitic nematodes.

The Application Methods of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Signal Pathway Inhibitors SP600125 and SB203580 in Long-term in Vivo Experiments / Métodos de aplicación de los inhibidores SP600125 y SB203580 de la vía de señalización de la proteína quinasa activada por mitógeno en experimentos in vivo a largo plazo

ABSTRACT Objective: To explore the application methods of mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway inhibitors SP600125 and SB203580 in long-term in vivo experiments. Methods: A total of 55 healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into blank control group, model control group, SP low dose group, SP high dose group, SP blank group, SB low dose group, SB high dose group, SB blank group, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control group, DMSO blank group, and positive control group. Since the first day of the experiment, each group was administered the corresponding treatment for four weeks continuously. Then, the myocardial c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and the total protein of p38, protein phosphorylation and its gene expression levels were detected. Results: After intravenous treatment with adriamycin, the myocardial phosphorylate-JNK (p-JNK) and phosphorylate-p38 (p-p38) levels in all groups were increased to varying degrees, of which the model control group increased the most significantly (p < 0.05). Compared with the model control group, the myocardial p-JNK and p-p38 increased more slowly in the SP low dose group, SP high dose group, SB low dose group, SB high dose group and positive control group (p < 0.05), of which the increase in the SP high dose group and the SB high dose group was the slowest (p < 0.05). After four weeks, the total protein and messenger ribonucleic acid of the myocardial JNK and p38 in all groups had no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion: The continuous intravenous injection of SP600125 and SB203580 for four weeks significantly reduced the protein phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38, which provides a practical avenue for the long-term study in vivo.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Explorar los métodos de aplicación de los inhibidores SP600125 y SB203580 de la vía de señalización de la proteína quinasa activada por mitógeno en experimentos in vivo a largo plazo. Métodos: Un total de 55 conejos sanos de Nueva Zelandia fueron divididos aleatoriamente en los grupos siguientes: grupo de control en blanco, grupo de control modelo, grupo de dosis baja SP, grupo de dosis alta SP, grupo en blanco SP, grupo de dosis baja SB, grupo de dosis alta SB, grupo en blanco SB, grupo de control dimetilsulfóxido (DMSO), grupo en blanco DMSO, y grupo de control positivo. Desde el primer día del experimento, a cada grupo se le administró el tratamiento correspondiente por cuatro semanas continuas. Entonces, se detectaron la quinasa c-Jun N-terminal (JNK) miocárdica y la proteína p38 total, así como la fosforilación proteica y sus niveles de expresión génica. Resultados: Después del tratamiento intravenoso con adriamicina, los niveles de fosfo-JNK (p-JNK) y fosfo-p38 (p-p38) del miocardio aumentaron en todos los grupos en diversos grados, siendo el aumento del grupo de control modelo el más significativo (p < 0.05). En comparación con el grupo de control modelo, p-JNK y p-p38 miocárdicos aumentaron más lentamente en el grupo de dosis baja SP, el grupo de dosis alta SP, el grupo de dosis baja SB, el grupo de dosis alta SB, y el grupo de control positivo (p < 0.05). De estos, el aumento en el grupo de dosis alta SP y el grupo de dosis alta SB fue el más lento (p < 0.05). Después de cuatro semanas, la proteína total y el ácido ribonucleico mensajero de JNK y p38 miocárdicos en todos los grupos, no tuvieron diferencias significativas (p > 0.05). Conclusión: La inyección intravenosa continua de SP600125 y SB203580 durante cuatro semanas redujo significativamente los niveles de fosforilación proteica de JNK y p38, lo que proporciona una vía práctica para el estudio a largo plazo in vivo.

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.

Rankl expression predicts poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients: results from a retrospective and single-center analysis

The receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK pathway plays an important role in the prognosis of several solid tumor types, but its role in gastric cancer prognosis has been poorly characterized. A total of 116 gastric cancer patients who underwent surgical resection were enrolled in this study. Expressions of RANKL and RANK in gastric cancer tissues were detected using immunohistochemical staining. Thirty-eight patients (33%) showed a high level of RANKL expression and 61 patients (53%) showed a high level of RANK expression. There was a positive correlation between expressions of RANKL and RANK (P=0.014, r=0.221). A high level of RANKL expression indicated shorter overall survival (OS) (P=0.008), and was associated with a higher pathological tumor/lymph node/metastasis (pTNM) stage (P=0.035), while no significant correlation was detected between RANK expression and clinicopathological parameters. RANKL also predicted poor prognosis in patients with high RANK expression (P=0.008) and Bormann's type III/IV (P=0.002). Furthermore, RANKL expression correlated with pTNM stage according to high RANK expression (P=0.009), while no significance was found in patients with low RANK expression (P=1.000). Together, our results revealed that high expression of RANKL could predict worse outcomes in gastric cancer especially combined with RANK detection, and thereby this pathway could be a useful prognostic indicator of gastric cancer.

Exosomes promote cetuximab resistance via the PTEN/Akt pathway in colon cancer cells

Cetuximab is widely used in patients with metastatic colon cancer expressing wildtype KRAS. However, acquired drug resistance limits its clinical efficacy. Exosomes are nanosized vesicles secreted by various cell types. Tumor cell-derived exosomes participate in many biological processes, including tumor invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. In this study, exosomes derived from cetuximab-resistant RKO colon cancer cells induced cetuximab resistance in cetuximab-sensitive Caco-2 cells. Meanwhile, exosomes from RKO and Caco-2 cells showed different levels of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) and phosphor-Akt. Furthermore, reduced PTEN and increased phosphorylated Akt levels were found in Caco-2 cells after exposure to RKO cell-derived exosomes. Moreover, an Akt inhibitor prevented RKO cell-derived exosome-induced drug resistance in Caco-2 cells. These findings provide novel evidence that exosomes derived from cetuximab-resistant cells could induce cetuximab resistance in cetuximab-sensitive cells, by downregulating PTEN and increasing phosphorylated Akt levels.

Regulation of semaphorin 4D expression and cell proliferation of ovarian cancer by ERalpha and ERbeta

Ovarian cancer is one of the most common malignancies in women. Semaphorin 4D (sema 4D) is involved in the progress of multiple cancers. In the presence of estrogen-like ligands, estrogen receptors (ERα and ERβ) participate in the progress of breast and ovarian cancers by transcriptional regulation. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of sema 4D and elucidate the regulatory pattern of ERα and ERβ on sema 4D expression in ovarian cancers. Sema 4D levels were up-regulated in ovarian cancer SKOV-3 cells. Patients with malignant ovarian cancers had significantly higher sema 4D levels than controls, suggesting an oncogene role of sema 4D in ovarian cancer. ERα expressions were up-regulated in SKOV-3 cells compared with normal ovarian IOSE80 epithelial cells. Conversely, down-regulation of ERβ was observed in SKOV-3 cells. Forced over-expression of ERα and ERβ in SKOV-3 cells was manipulated to establish ERα+ and ERβ+ SKOV-3 cell lines. Incubation of ERα+ SKOV-3 cells with ERs agonist 17β-estradiol (E2) significantly enhanced sema 4D expression and rate of cell proliferation. Incubated with E2, ERβ+ SKOV-3 cells showed lower sema 4D expression and cell proliferation. Blocking ERα and ERβ activities with ICI182-780 inhibitor, sema 4D expressions and cell proliferation of ERα+ and ERβ+ SKOV-3 cells were recovered to control levels. Taken together, the data showed that sema 4D expression was positively correlated with the progress of ovarian cancer. ERα positively regulated sema 4D expression and accelerated cell proliferation. ERβ negatively regulated sema 4D expression and inhibited cell multiplication.

Effects of heme oxygenase-1 recombinant Lactococcus lactis on the intestinal barrier of hemorrhagic shock rats

This study aimed to investigate the effects of heme oxygenase-1 recombinant Lactococcus lactis (LL-HO-1) on the intestinal barrier of rats with hemorrhagic shock. One hundred Sprague-Dawley male rats (280–320 g) were randomly divided into healthy control group (N group) and hemorrhagic shock group (H group). Each group was subdivided into HO1t, HO2t, HO3t, PBS and LL groups in which rats were intragastrically injected with LL-HO-1 once, twice and three times, PBS and L. lactis (LL), respectively. The mortality, intestinal myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, intestinal contents of TNF-α, IL-10 and HO-1, and intestinal Chiu's score were determined. Results showed that in N group, the HO-1 content increased after LL-HO-1 treatment, and significant difference was observed in HO1t group and HO2t group (P<0.05). In H groups, MPO activity and Chiu's score decreased, but IL-10 content increased in LL-HO-1-treated groups when compared with PBS and LL groups (P<0.05). When compared with N group, the MPO activity reduced dramatically in LL-HO-1-treated groups. Thus, in healthy rats (N group), intragastrical LL-HO-1 treatment may increase the intestinal HO-1 expression, but has no influence on the intestinal barrier. In hemorrhagic shock rats, LL-HO-1 may significantly protect the intestinal barrier, and repeating the intragastrical LL-HO-1 treatments twice has the most obvious protection.

Prevalence of genital human papillomavirus among rural and urban populations in southern Yunnan province, China

This study was designed to investigate and compare the HPV prevalence, genotypes distribution and associated risk factors in rural and urban women living in Xishuang Banna district, in the province of Yunnan. A total of 177 and 190 women from rural and urban areas were engaged, respectively. HPV DNA was amplified using the L1 consensus primers system (MY09/11 and GP5/6) and HPV GenoArray test was conducted for genotyping. Proportions were compared by chi-square test, and logistic regression was used to evaluate risk factors. A total of 54 women were positive for HPV DNA. Among rural women, 23 women were positive for HPV infection, of which 21 showed a single infection and 2 had a multiple infection. HPV-16 (10/23) was the most prevalent genotype followed by HPV-52 (5/23), and HPV-58 (5/23). Urban women had a higher infection rate for overall HPV (31/54) and for multiple genotype infection (8/31). HPV-52 (9/31) was the most prevalent genotype followed by HPV-39 (7/31) and HPV-68 (5/31). The age-specific HPV prevalence was also different between rural and urban women. In urban area, women with age <35 years had the highest HPV prevalence, which declined thereafter as age advanced. However, in rural women the highest HPV prevalence was observed in an older age group (>56 years). Ethnicity, smoking and parity were significantly associated with HPV infection among urban women. Our study demonstrates that HPV prevalence and genotype distribution varies among women from rural and urban areas in the south of Yunnan.

Neuropeptide Y, substance P, and human bone morphogenetic protein 2 stimulate human osteoblast osteogenic activity by enhancing gap junction intercellular communication

Bone homeostasis seems to be controlled by delicate and subtle “cross talk” between the nervous system and “osteo-neuromediators” that control bone remodeling. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of interactions between neuropeptides and human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (hBMP2) on human osteoblasts. We also investigated the effects of neuropeptides and hBMP2 on gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). Osteoblasts were treated with neuropeptide Y (NPY), substance P (SP), or hBMP2 at three concentrations. At various intervals after treatment, cell viability was measured by the MTT assay. In addition, cellular alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and osteocalcin were determined by colorimetric assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. The effects of NPY, SP and hBMP on GJIC were determined by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The viability of cells treated with neuropeptides and hBMP2 increased significantly in a time-dependent manner, but was inversely associated with the concentration of the treatments. ALP activity and osteocalcin were both reduced in osteoblasts exposed to the combination of neuropeptides and hBMP2. The GJIC of osteoblasts was significantly increased by the neuropeptides and hBMP2. These results suggest that osteoblast activity is increased by neuropeptides and hBMP2 through increased GJIC. Identification of the GJIC-mediated signal transduction capable of modulating the cellular activities of bone cells represents a novel approach to studying the biology of skeletal innervation.

Bilateral repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

There has been concern regarding the use of controversial paradigms for repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to manage treatment-resistant depression (TRD). This meta-analysis assessed the efficacy of bilateral rTMS compared with unilateral and sham rTMS in patients with TRD. PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EAGLE and NTIS databases were searched to identify relevant studies, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on bilateral rTMS for TRD patients were included. The response was defined as the primary outcome, and remission was the secondary outcome. Ten RCTs that included 634 patients met the eligibility criteria. The risk ratio (RRs) of both the primary and secondary outcomes of bilateral rTMS showed non-significant increases compared to unilateral rTMS (RR=1.01, P=0.93; odds ratio [OR]=0.77, P=0.22). Notably, the RR of the primary bilateral rTMS outcome was significantly increased compared to that for sham rTMS (RR=3.43, P=0.0004). The results of our analysis demonstrated that bilateral rTMS was significantly more effective than sham rTMS but not unilateral rTMS in patients with TRD. Thus, bilateral rTMS may not be a useful paradigm for patients with TRD.

Improved biological performance of magnesium by micro-arc oxidation

Magnesium and its alloys have recently been used in the development of lightweight, biodegradable implant materials. However, the corrosion properties of magnesium limit its clinical application. The purpose of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the degradation behavior and biomechanical properties of magnesium materials treated with micro-arc oxidation (MAO), which is a new promising surface treatment for developing corrosion resistance in magnesium, and to provide a theoretical basis for its further optimization and clinical application. The degradation behavior of MAO-treated magnesium was studied systematically by immersion and electrochemical tests, and its biomechanical performance when exposed to simulated body fluids was evaluated by tensile tests. In addition, the cell toxicity of MAO-treated magnesium samples during the corrosion process was evaluated, and its biocompatibility was investigated under in vivo conditions. The results of this study showed that the oxide coating layers could elevate the corrosion potential of magnesium and reduce its degradation rate. In addition, the MAO-coated sample showed no cytotoxicity and more new bone was formed around it during in vivo degradation. MAO treatment could effectively enhance the corrosion resistance of the magnesium specimen and help to keep its original mechanical properties. The MAO-coated magnesium material had good cytocompatibility and biocompatibility. This technique has an advantage for developing novel implant materials and may potentially be used for future clinical applications.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii in sheep and goats in Jinzhou, Northeastern China

In the present study, serum samples from 402 sheep and 216 goats were collected from 5 counties in Jinzhou from August to October 2012 and antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii were detected by modified agglutination test (MAT). Overall, 104 (16.8%) had antibodies to T. gondii with antibody titres of 1:25 to 1:800. Seropositive samples were distributed in all the 5 counties and seroprevalences of T. gondii varied significantly with flock size, age and rearing system, but not with breed, gender and farm location. The seroprevalences in small farms (18.3%, 95/518, 95% confidence interval [CI], 15.0-21.7%) were statistically higher than that in large farms (9%, 9/100, 95% CI, 3.4-14.6%) (P < 0.05), older animals were statistically higher than that in younger animals (P < 0.01). The prevalence in extensively and semiintensively raised samples was statistically higher than that in intensively raised animals (P < 0.01). Small flock size and extensive rearing system are the potential risk factors for the prevalence of Toxoplasma infection in sheep and goats in Jinzhou. This is the first report of T. gondii infection in sheep and goats in Jinzhou, northeastern China, and of an association of seropositivity to T. gondii and the risk factors.

ERKs and mitochondria-related pathways are essential for glycyrrhizic acid-mediated neuroprotection against glutamate-induced toxicity in differentiated PC12 cells

The present study focuses on the neuroprotective effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA, a major compound separated from Glycyrrhiza Radix, which is a crude Chinese traditional drug) against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in differentiated PC12 (DPC12) cells. The results showed that GA treatment improved cell viability and ameliorated abnormal glutamate-induced alterations in mitochondria in DPC12 cells. GA reversed glutamate-suppressed B-cell lymphoma 2 levels, inhibited glutamate-enhanced expressions of Bax and cleaved caspase 3, and reduced cytochrome C (Cyto C) release. Exposure to glutamate strongly inhibited phosphorylation of AKT (protein kinase B) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs); however, GA pretreatment enhanced activation of ERKs but not AKT. The presence of PD98059 (a mitogen-activated protein/extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase [MEK] inhibitor) but not LY294002 (a phosphoinositide 3-kinase [PI3K] inhibitor) diminished the potency of GA for improving viability of glutamate-exposed DPC12 cells. These results indicated that ERKs and mitochondria-related pathways are essential for the neuroprotective effect of GA against glutamate-induced toxicity in DPC12 cells. The present study provides experimental evidence supporting GA as a potential therapeutic agent for use in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.