A Recurrence Predictive Model for Node-negative Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Upfront Esophagectomy.

The prognosis for pathologically node-negative (pN0) esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) with surgery alone remains poor. We aimed to develop a model for a more precise prediction of recurrence, which will allow personalized management for pN0 ESCC after upfront complete resection. Clinical and pathological records of patients with completely resected pT1-3N0M0 ESCC were retrospectively analyzed between January 2014 and December 2019. A nomogram for the prediction of recurrence was established based on the Cox regression analysis and evaluated by C-index, AUC, and calibration curves. The model was further validated using bootstrap resampling and k-fold cross-validation and compared with the 8th edition of the AJCC TNM staging system using Td-ROC, NRI, IDI, and DCA. Two-hundred-and seventy cases were included in this study. The median follow-up was 45 months. Distant and/or loco-regional recurrences were noted in 89 (33.0%) patients. The predictive model revealed pT-category, differentiation, perineural invasion, examined lymph nodes (ELN), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) as independent risk factors for recurrence, with a c-index of 0.725 in the bootstrapping cohort. Td-ROC, NRI, and IDI showed a better predictive ability than the AJCC 8th TNM staging system. Based on this model, patients in the low-risk group had a significantly lower recurrence incidence than those in the high-risk group (p < .001). The predictive model developed in this study may facilitate the precise prediction of recurrences for pN0 ESCC after upfront surgery. Stratifying management of those patients might bring significantly better survival benefits.

Echinococcosis Is Associated with the Increased Prevalence of Intestinal Blastocystis Infection in Tibetans and Host Susceptibility to the Blastocystis in Mice.

Blastocystis is a common human intestinal protozoan parasite. Little is known about its prevalence in echinococcosis. This study tested whether Echinococcus multilocularis infection would increase host susceptibility to Blastocystis. A total of 114 fecal samples (68 hydatid disease patients and 46 healthy people) were collected from Tibetans in the Qinghai province in China. The presence of Blastocystis was identified by sequencing of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene. Balb/c mice were co-infected with Blastocystis and E. multilocularis and tested for host susceptibility to Blastocystis. The overall Blastocystis prevalence was 12.3%; 16.2% in the patients and 4.4% in healthy people (p < 0.05). Sequence analysis identified three known Blastocystis genotypes, including ST1, ST2, and ST3, and one unknown genotype. Experimental dual infection significantly reduced mouse survival rate (20%), induced more severe signs, and increased intestinal damages with a higher intestinal colonization level of Blastocystis. The mouse model showed that E. multilocularis infection increases host susceptibility to Blastocystis. Our study shows a significantly higher prevalence of Blastocystis in patients with liver echinococcosis and reveals that non-intestinal E. multilocularis infection increases host susceptibility to the Blastocystis. Our results highlight that E. multilocularis infection is associated with Blastocystis. These findings remind us that more attention should be paid to the gut health of the patients with a helminth infection during clinical patient care.

[Characteristics and Risk Assessment of Antibiotic Contamination in Chishui River Basin, Guizhou Province, China].

To preliminarily explore the antibiotic concentration distribution characteristics of Guizhou Chishui River basin surface water and potential ecological risks, we used solid phase extraction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (SPE-HPLC- MS) to analyze 21 types of antibiotics in surface water samples. Twelve types of antibiotics were detected in the Chishui River basin surface water, and the total concentrations of ofloxacin, sulfadiazine, and trimethoprim ranged from ND-1166.97 ng·L-1, with a detection rate of 100%. On average, the highest concentration of the three types of antibiotics detected were ofloxacin (221.59 ng·L-1), tetracycline (13.18 ng·L-1), and sulfadiazine (4.11 ng·L-1), and the antibiotic concentration distribution showed the following order of characteristics:downstream (359.41 ng·L-1) > midstream(224.59 ng·L-1) > upstream (179.72 ng·L-1). The ecological environment risk assessment results indicated the largest risk for downstream W21, tetracycline, doxycycline, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, and erythromycin. The risk quotient revealed that lincomycin had a medium-risk level, and ofloxacin had a high-risk level. This shows that antibiotics in the waters of the Chishui River basin may cause certain ecological risks.

MicroRNA-325-3p contributes to colorectal carcinoma by targeting cytokeratin 18.

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors. The present study aimed to investigate a non-invasive molecular marker that can evaluate the diagnosis and potential molecular mechanism of CRC. Microarray assays and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that microRNA (miR)-325-3p expression was significantly increased in both tissues and serum samples of patients with CRC. In addition, miR-325-3p expression in the tissues and serum was significantly associated with differentiation, TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. The results of the dual-luciferase reporter assay and western blot analysis revealed that cytokeratin 18 (CK18) is a target gene of miR-325-3p. Furthermore, treatment with transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß increased miR-325-3p expression in a time-dependent manner. Conversely, TGF-ß decreased CK18 expression at 48 and 72 h. Western blot analysis demonstrated that TGF-ß1 significantly decreased the expression of the epithelial marker, CK18, and increased the expression of the mesenchymal markers, α-SMA and vimentin. Notably, these effects were reversed following inhibition of miR-325-3p expression. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that miR-325-3p is a key regulator of TGF-ß-induced CK18 downregulation. Thus, elevated levels of miR-325-3p is an important factor affecting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and is likely to be a molecular marker in the progression of CRC and act as a potential therapeutic target.

The Role and Mechanisms of Mechanical Stimulation in Degeneration of Vertebral Cartilage Endplates / 医用生物力学

The important function of the endplate is to transmit stress and supply nutrition. Endplate degeneration might induce or promote degeneration of the intervertebral disc, causing a series of spine diseases that seriously impair people’s health and life quality. Endplate chondrocytes can respond to mechanical stimulation, which is an important factor affecting endplate degeneration. Inappropriate mechanical stimulation will accelerate endplate degeneration. This review summarized the effects of mechanical stimulation on vertebral endplate chondrocyte apoptosis, synthesis inhibition, calcification, and extracellular matrix degradation. The endplate degeneration induced by mechanical stimulation is regulated by a complex network of signal pathways composed of various signal transduction factors. The signal pathways involved in this review included NF-κB, Wnt, Hedgehog, MAPK, RhoA/Rock-1, AKT/mTOR, TGF-β signaling pathway and miRNA related signals. The interconnection of these pathways was highlighted and summarized. Multiple signaling pathways work together to regulate endplate chondrocyte metabolism, which ultimately leads to the endplate degeneration. This review might shed light on early diagnosis and precise treatment of cartilage endplate degeneration.

LncRNA ST7-AS1, by regulating miR-181b-5p/KPNA4 axis, promotes the malignancy of lung adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Growing evidence suggests that suppressor of tumorigenicity 7 antisense RNA 1 (ST7-AS1) is an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). However, little is known on its clinical significance, biological functions, or molecular mechanisms in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS: The expression of ST7-AS1 and miR-181b-5p were examined by qRT-PCR. The correlations between ST7-AS1 level and different clinicopathological features were analysed. In vitro, LUAD cells were examined for cell viability, migration and invasion by MTT, wound healing and Transwell assay, respectively. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers were detected by Western blot. The regulations between ST7-AS1, miR-181b-5p, and KPNA4 were examined by luciferase assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, RNA pulldown. Both gain- and loss-of-function strategies were used to assess the importance of different signalling molecules in malignant phenotypes of LUAD cells. The in vivo effect was analysed using the xenograft and the experimental metastasis mouse models. RESULTS: ST7-AS1 was upregulated in LUAD tissues or cell lines, correlated with tumours of positive lymph node metastasis or higher TNM stages, and associated with shorter overall survival of LUAD patients. ST7-AS1 essentially maintained the viability, migration, invasion, and EMT of LUAD cells. The oncogenic activities of ST7-AS1 were accomplished by sponging miR-181b-5p and releasing the suppression of the latter on KPNA4. In LUAD tissues, ST7-AS1 level positively correlated with that of KPNA4 and negatively with miR-181b-5p level. In vivo, targeting ST7-AS1 significantly inhibited xenograft growth and metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: ST7-AS1, by regulating miR-181b-5p/KPNA4 axis, promotes the malignancy of LUAD cells. Targeting ST7-AS1 and KPNA4 or up-regulating miR-181b-5p, therefore, may benefit the treatment of LUAD.

Newly excysted juveniles of Fasciola gigantica trigger the release of water buffalo neutrophil extracellular traps in vitro.

Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) are the most abundant leukocytes and are among the first line of immune system defense. PMNs can form neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in response to some pathogens. The release of NETs plays an important role in trapping and killing invading parasites. However, the effects of NETs on parasitic trematode infections remain unclear. In the present study, water buffalo NET formation, triggered by the newly excysted juveniles (NEJs) of Fasciola gigantica, was visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The major components of the structure of NETs were characterized by immunofluorescence. Viability of flukes incubated with water buffalo PMNs were examined under light microscopy. The results revealed that F. gigantic juveniles triggered PMN-mediated NETs. These NETs were confirmed to comprise the classic characteristics of NETs: DNA, histones, myeloperoxidase and neutrophil elastase. Although NETs were formed in response to viable larvae, the larvae were not killed in vitro. These results suggest that NET formation may serve as a mechanism to hamper the migration of large larvae to facilitate immune cells to kill them. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that parasitic trematode juveniles can trigger NET formation.

Clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 in children aged <18 years in Jiangxi, China: an analysis of 23 cases / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children aged <18 years.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed from the medical data of 23 children, aged from 3 months to 17 years and 8 months, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 in Jiangxi, China from January 21 to February 29, 2020.@*RESULTS@#Of the 23 children with COVID-19, 17 had family aggregation. Three children (13%) had asymptomatic infection, 6 (26%) had mild type, and 14 (61%) had common type. Among these 23 children, 16 (70%) had fever, 11 (48%) had cough, 8 (35%) had fever and cough, and 8 (35%) had wet rales in the lungs. The period from disease onset or the first nucleic acid-positive detection of SARS-CoV-2 to the virus nucleic acid negative conversion was 6-24 days (median 12 days). Of the 23 children, 3 had a reduction in total leukocyte count, 2 had a reduction in lymphocytes, 2 had an increase in C-reactive protein, and 2 had an increase in D-dimer. Abnormal pulmonary CT findings were observed in 12 children, among whom 9 had patchy ground-glass opacities in both lungs. All 23 children received antiviral therapy and were recovered.@*CONCLUSIONS@#COVID-19 in children aged <18 years often occurs with family aggregation, with no specific clinical manifestation and laboratory examination results. Most of these children have mild symptoms and a good prognosis. Epidemiological history is of particular importance in the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children aged <18 years.

A Comparative Study of the Effects of Different Decellularization Methods and Genipin-Cross-Linking on the Properties of Tracheal Matrices

BACKGROUND: Different decellularization methods can affect the integrity and the biomechanical and biocompatible properties of the tracheal matrix. Natural cross-linking with genipin can be applied to improve those properties. The goals of this study were to evaluate the effects of different decellularization methods on the properties of genipin-cross-linked decellularized tracheal matrices in rabbits. METHODS: The tracheas of New Zealand rabbits were decellularized by the Triton-X 100-processed method (TPM) and the detergent-enzymatic method (DEM) and were then cross-linked with genipin. Mechanical tests, haematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson trichrome staining, Safranin O staining, DAPI staining, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and biocompatibility tests were used to evaluate the treatment. The bioengineered trachea and control trachea were then implanted into allogeneic rabbits for 30 days. The structural and functional analyses were performed after transplantation. RESULTS: The biomechanical tests demonstrated that the biomechanical properties of the decellularized tracheas decreased and that genipin improved them (p < 0.05). The histological staining results revealed that most of the mucosal epithelial cells were removed and that the decellularized trachea had lower immunogenicity than the control group. The analysis of SEM revealed that the decellularized trachea retained the micro- and ultra-structural architectures of the trachea and that the matrices cross-linked with genipin were denser. The biocompatibility evaluation and in vivo implantation experiments showed that the decellularized trachea treated with the DEM had better biocompatibility than that treated with the TPM and that immunogenicity in the cross-linked tissues was lower than that in the uncross-linked tissues (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the trachea treated with the TPM, the rabbit trachea processed by the DEM had better biocompatibility and lower immunogenicity, and its structural and mechanical characteristics were effectively improved after the genipin treatment, which is suitable for engineering replacement tracheal tissue.

Early changes of interproximal ridge height with alveolar ridge preservation of maxillary single anterior teeth / 华西口腔医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#This study aimed to provide foundation for interproximal bone preservation to improve esthetic effects of inter-implant papillar by alveolar ridge preservation following tooth extraction of maxillary single anterior teeth.@*METHODS@#A total of 30 patients requiring maxillary single anterior teeth extraction were randomly divided into test and control groups (15 cases in each group). The test group underwent alveolar ridge preservation after tooth extraction (Bio-Oss bone powder was implanted in alveolar fossa and fixed with surface free gingival graft suture). No other treatment was performed on the control group after tooth extraction. All patients were scanned using cone beam computed tomography with personalized digital radiographic template at 7 days and 6 months after tooth extraction. Then, measurement of height changes at the interproximal and middle buccal was performed.@*RESULTS@#At the mesial and distal interproximal site, ridge height reduction in the test group measured (0.358±0.151) mm, (0.322±0.180) mm, whereas that of control group reached (0.653±0.260) mm, (0.667±0.274) mm, indicating statistical significance (P<0.05). At the middle buccal site, the ridge height reduction of test group amounted to (0.826±0.307) mm, whereas that of control group totaled (1.510±0.625) mm, also presenting statistical significance (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Alveolar ridge preservation can reduce absorption of alveolar crest height after tooth extraction, which could improve esthetic effects of inter-implant papillae gingiva.

Optimization of compounded nanosuspension of paclitaxel and betulinic acid by Box-Behnken design-response surface method / 中草药

Objective: To prepare compounded nanosuspensions of paclitaxel and betulinic acid nanosuspension and optimize the preparation process. Methods: Nanosuspension was prepared by high pressure homogenization with poloxamer 188 and lecithin as stabilizer. Stabilizer concentration, stabilizer ratio, homogeneous pressure, and cycle times were selected as investigation factors and the particle size and PDI of nanosuspension were selected as evaluation index to optimize the prescription by Box-Behnken design-response surface method and the in vitro evaluation was determined. Results: The optimal formulation was as follows: stabilizer concentration 0.6 mg/mL, poloxamer 188-lecithin (2∶1), homogenous pressure 100 MPa, cycle times 20 times. The average particle size was (282.54 ± 5.40) nm, PDI was 0.242 ± 0.020. The nano-particles in the paclitaxel-betulinic acid compounded nanosuspension were rod-shaped. The nanosuspension had perfect redispersibility and satisfactory short-term stability. Paclitaxel and betulinic acid in nano lyophilized powders all existed in amorphous form. After being prepared into nanosuspension formulation, the solubility of paclitaxel in water was increased by about 90 times while that of betulinic acid was increased by about 100 times. In 2 h, the cumulative dissolution rate of paclitaxel and betulinic acid in nanosuspension of paclitaxel and betulinic acid were all up to 95%. Conclusion: Optimizing the preparation process of nano-suspension with Box-Behnken design-response surface method is effective and feasible and nanosuspension formulation can improve the dissolution of paclitaxel and betulinic acid observably.

HPLC fingerprint and multi-index content determination of children antifebrile lotion / 中草药

Objective: To establish HPLC fingerprint of antipyretic lotion for children and determine the content of 10 components (neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, forsythiae A, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, rosmarinic acid and forsythin). Methods: The analysis of antipyretic lotion for children was performed on the Kromasil 100-5 C18 (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) chromatographic column, with mobile phase comprising of 0.1% phosphate acid-acetonitrile flowing at 1 mL/min in a gradient elution manner, and the column temperature was 35 ℃, and detection wavelength was set at 330 nm. With forsythia A as reference peak, HPLC fingerprint of 11 batches of preparations was established; Based on the conditions of fingerprint chromatogram, the content of 10 components was determined at the detection wavelength of 330 and 280 nm and the multi-index content of 11 batches of the preparation was determined. Results: HPLC fingerprint was established, a total of 37 peaks were selected as the common peaks, of which 22 peaks were identified, and the similarities of 11 batches of preparations were between 0.987 and 0.999. The linear relationships of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, forsythiae A, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, rosmarinic acid, and forsythioside were good in the range of 14.18-141.78, 20.53-205.63, 14.38-143.78, 5.62-56.19, 22.22-222.22, 8.40-83.98, 5.70-57.02, 7.46-76.36, 16.95-169.48, 8.59-85.94 g/mL, respectively. The average recoveries were 109.51%, 98.73%, 99.41%, 90.63%, 92.73%, 95.39%, 91.87%, 106.50%, 95.23%, and 108.71%. The content of neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, forsythiae A, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, isochlorogenic acid C, rosmarinic acid, and forsythin in the 11 batches were in the range of 306.38-457.85, 607.67-854.71, 306.81-469.02, 95.65-170.64, 484.41-819.44, 234.28-322.01, 145.42-226.85, 219.11-292.21, 347.94-507.74, 201.35-261.94 mg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: The method is accurate, simple, stable and reliable, which can be used for the quality control of antipyretic lotion for children.

Optimization of purification of total polyphenols from Acanthopanan trifoliates leaves by macroporous resin / 中草药

Objective: To investigate the adsorption performance and purification effect of macroporous adsorption resin on total polyphenols in Acanthopanan trifoliates leaves, and to determine the technological conditions for the purification of total polyphenols from A. trifoliates leaves. Methods: The Folin-Ciocalteu colorimetric method was used to quantify the adsorption and desorption effects of five macroporous adsorption resins on the total polyphenols in the A. trifoliates leaves. The resin suitable for separation and purification of total polyphenols in A. trifoliates leaves was screened, and the adsorption and desorption conditions were investigated and optimized. The final optimized parameters were determined by single factor experiments. Results: The best purification parameters of total polyphenols were determined as follows: the concentration of sample solution was 1.0 mg/mL (crude drug) with pH 3.0, sample flow rate was at 2 mL/min, and the sample loading was controlled to 30 mL, the elution was 50% ethanol at a flow rate of 2.0 mL/min with pH 6.0, and the elution amount was 40 mL. The polyphenol sample of the A. trifoliates leaves was purified by HPD100 resin, and the purity increased from 11.7% to 49.7%, and the purification effect was 4.25 times than before. After 30 times enlargement experiment, the purity of the A. trifoliates leaves polyphenol sample increased from 12.5% before purification to 54.5%, and the purification effect was 4.4 times than before. The amount of macroporous resin did not affect the purification efficiency, which provided reference for HPD100 macroporous resin for industrial production of total polyphenols purification of A. trifoliates leaves. Conclusion: HPD100 is the best resin for purifying total polyphenols from A. trifoliates leaves, and the process technology result in this experiment can be applied to industrial production.

Expression profiles of genes involved in TLRs and NLRs signaling pathways of water buffaloes infected with Fasciola gigantica.

Infection of ruminants and humans with Fasciola gigantica is attracting increasing attention due to its economic impact and public health significance. However, little is known of innate immune responses during F. gigantica infection. Here, we investigated the expression profiles of genes involved in Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and NOD-like receptors (NLRs) signaling pathways in buffaloes infected with 500F. gigantica metacercariae. Serum, liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were collected from infected and control buffaloes at 3, 10, 28, and 70days post infection (dpi). Then, the levels of 12 cytokines in serum samples were evaluated by ELISA. Also, the levels of expression of 42 genes, related to TLRs and NLRs signaling, in liver and PBMCs were determined using custom RT2 Profiler PCR Arrays. At 3 dpi, modest activation of TLR4 and TLR8 and the adaptor protein (TICAM1) was detected. At 10 dpi, NF-κB1 and Interferon Regulatory Factor signaling pathways were upregulated along with activation of TLR1, TLR2, TLR6, TLR10, TRAF6, IRF3, TBK1, CASP1, CD80, and IFNA1 in the liver, and inflammatory response with activated TLR4, TLR9, TICAM1, NF-κB1, NLRP3, CD86, IL-1B, IL-6, and IL-8 in PBMCs. At 28 dpi, there was increase in the levels of cytokines along with induction of NLRP1 and NLRP3 inflammasomes-dependent immune responses in the liver and PBMCs. At 70 dpi, F. gigantica activated TLRs and NLRs, and their downstream interacting molecules. The activation of TLR7/9 signaling (perhaps due to increased B-cell maturation and activation) and upregulation of NLRP3 gene were also detected. These findings indicate that F. gigantica alters the expression of TLRs and NLRs genes to evade host immune defenses. Elucidation of the roles of the downstream effectors interacting with these genes may aid in the development of new interventions to control disease caused by F. gigantica infection.

Serum levels of cytokines in water buffaloes experimentally infected with Fasciola gigantica.

Fasciola gigantica infection in water buffaloes causes significant economic losses especially in developing countries. Although modulation of the host immune response by cytokine neutralization or vaccination is a promising approach to control infection with this parasite, our understanding of cytokine's dynamic during F. gigantica infection is limited. To address this, we quantified the levels of serum cytokines produced in water buffaloes following experimental infection with F. gigantica. Five buffaloes were infected via oral gavage with 500 viable F. gigantica metacercariae and blood samples were collected from buffaloes one week before infection and for 13 consecutive weeks thereafter. The levels of 10 cytokines in serum samples were simultaneously determined using ELISA. F. gigantica failed to elicit the production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-2, IL-6, IL-12, and IFN-γ. On the other hand, evidence of a Th2 type response was detected, but only early in the course of parasite colonization and included modest increase in the levels of IL-10 and IL-13. The results also revealed suppression of the immune responses as a feature of chronic F. gigantica infection in buffaloes. Taken together, F. gigantica seems to elicit a modest Th2 response at early stage of infection in order to downregulate harmful Th1- and Th17-type inflammatory responses in experimentally infected buffaloes. The full extent of anti-F. gigantica immune response and its relation to pathogenesis requires further study.

Transcriptomic responses of water buffalo liver to infection with the digenetic fluke Fasciola gigantica.

BACKGROUND: Fasciola gigantica, the tropical liver fluke, infects buffaloes in Asian and African countries and causes significant economic losses and poses public health threat in these countries. However, little is known of the transcriptional response of buffaloes to infection with F. gigantica. The objective of the present study was to perform the first transcriptomic analysis of buffalo liver infected by F. gigantica. Understanding the mechanisms that underpin F. gigantica infection in buffaloes will contribute to our ability to control this parasite. METHODS: We challenged buffaloes with 500 viable F. gigantica metacercariae and collected liver samples through a time course at 3, 42 and 70 days post-infection (dpi). Then, we performed gene expression analysis on liver samples using RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) Illumina technology and confirmed the RNA-Seq data by quantitative RT-PCR analysis. RESULTS: Totals of 496, 880 and 441 differentially expressed transcripts were identified in the infected livers at 3, 42 and 70 dpi, respectively. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that transcriptional changes in the liver of infected buffaloes evolve over the course of infection. The predominant response of buffaloes to infection was mediated by certain pathways, such as MHC antigen processing and presentation, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), and the cytochrome P450. Hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes and bile secretion were also affected. CONCLUSIONS: Fasciola gigantica can induce statistically significant and biologically plausible differences in the hepatic gene expression of infected buffaloes. These findings provide new insights into the response of buffaloes to F. gigantica over the course of infection, which may be useful in determining pathways that can modulate host-parasite interaction and thus potentially important for clearance of the parasite.

The peritoneal dialysis efficacy of icodextrin-based solution:a Meta-analysis / 天津医药

Objective To compare the efficacy of icodextrin-based solution (ico) and glucose-based solution (GLU) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods Pubmed (1996-2016.12), MEDLINE (1996-2016.12), Embase (1974-2016.12) and Cochrane library were searched by two independent investigators who conducted quality assessment and data mining and performed Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.2. Results Ten randomized controlled trials with 825 participants were included in this study, and 661 patients completed the trials at last. The Meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences in body weight (WMD=-1.88, 95%CI:-4.68-0.93, P=0.19), fasting plasma glucose (WMD=-0.76, 95%CI:-1.79-0.28, P=0.15), plasma triglycerides (WMD=-0.56, 95%CI:-1.18-0.06, P=0.08), plasma total cholesterol (WMD=-0.17, 95%CI:-0.63-0.29, P=0.47) and adverse events (RR=1.06, 95%CI:0.86-1.29, P=0.59) between ICO group and GLU group. The peritoneal creatinine clearance (WMD=0.48, 95%CI:0.27-0.68,P<0.001) and peritoneal urea clearance (WMD=0.44, 95%CI:0.23-0.66, P<0.001) were better in ICO group than those of GLU group. Conclusion ICO can provide a better peritoneal creatinine clearance and peritoneal urea clearance, and which has the same safety compared with GLU.

The peritoneal dialysis efficacy of icodextrin-based solution:a Meta-analysis / 天津医药

Objective To compare the efficacy of icodextrin-based solution (ico) and glucose-based solution (GLU) in peritoneal dialysis patients. Methods Pubmed (1996-2016.12), MEDLINE (1996-2016.12), Embase (1974-2016.12) and Cochrane library were searched by two independent investigators who conducted quality assessment and data mining and performed Meta-analysis using RevMan 5.2. Results Ten randomized controlled trials with 825 participants were included in this study, and 661 patients completed the trials at last. The Meta-analysis showed that there were no significant differences in body weight (WMD=-1.88, 95%CI:-4.68-0.93, P=0.19), fasting plasma glucose (WMD=-0.76, 95%CI:-1.79-0.28, P=0.15), plasma triglycerides (WMD=-0.56, 95%CI:-1.18-0.06, P=0.08), plasma total cholesterol (WMD=-0.17, 95%CI:-0.63-0.29, P=0.47) and adverse events (RR=1.06, 95%CI:0.86-1.29, P=0.59) between ICO group and GLU group. The peritoneal creatinine clearance (WMD=0.48, 95%CI:0.27-0.68,P<0.001) and peritoneal urea clearance (WMD=0.44, 95%CI:0.23-0.66, P<0.001) were better in ICO group than those of GLU group. Conclusion ICO can provide a better peritoneal creatinine clearance and peritoneal urea clearance, and which has the same safety compared with GLU.

[Identification of Taenia solium Insulin Receptor TsIR-1316 and Expression of Its Ligand Binding Domain].

Objective: To characterize the structure of insulin receptor of Taenia solium（TsIR-1316） and express its ligand binding domain (LBD). Methods: Primers for TsIR-1316 were designed according to the genomic data of T. solium, and the TsIR-1316 gene was amplified by PCR. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of TsIR-1316 were aligned using BLASTN and BLASTP, and the putative signal peptide and structure domains were predicted. The LBD fragment of TsIR-1316 was cloned into the pET-30a（+） vector and expressed. The expressed proteins were purified, separated by SDS-PAGE and analyzed with Western blotting using cysticercus cellulosae-positive serum and TsIR-LBD-immunized rabbit serum. Results: The open reading frame of TsIR-1316 was 5 196 bp, encoded a protein of 1 732 amino acids which had a typical conserved domain of tyrosine kinase family, was 84% homologous with Echinococcus multilocularis, and had a "V"-shaped tertiary structure. As expected, SDS-PAGE showed that the expressed protein had a band at Mr 59 000. Western blotting showed that the recombinant protein had specific reactions with cysticercus cellulosae positive serum and TsIR-LBD immunized rabbit serum, resulting in a specific band at M(r) 59 000. Conclusion: The TsIR-1316 gene was successfully cloned and identified. The expressed protein of TsIR-1316 LBD can be recognized by cysticercus cellulosae positive serum, which suggests a good antigenicity of this protein.

[Identification, Expression and Antigenicity Analysis of Serpin B6 of Taenia solium].

Objective: To identify and express serpin B6 of Taenia solium (Tsserpin B6) and explore its possible use as a diagnostic antigen. Methods: Primers for Tsserpin B6 were designed according to T. solium genome and transcriptome data. The Tsserpin B6 gene was amplified from the total RNA of T. solium cysticercus and subsequently analyzed by bioinformatics. Multiple amino acid sequence alignments of Tsserpin B6 and other parasites serpins were created using the Clustal X1.83. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using the MEGA 6.0. The recombinant expression vector pET-30a-Tsserpin B6 was constructed and expressed in E. coli strain BL21 （DE3）. The expressed proteins were purified, isolated by SDS-PAGE, and analyzed by Western blotting using pig serum infected with T. solium cysticerci. Results: The complete reading frame of Tsserpin B6 was 1 131 bp and encoded a protein of 376 amino acids. The encoded protein had a conservative reactive center loop and distinctive domains of NEEGAE and FTVDHPFLF, and harbored 9 potential linear B cell epitopes. The expressed products of Tsserpin B6 mainly existed as an inclusion body, and reacted with pig serum infected with T. solium, resulting in a specific band at the Mr 53 000. Conclusion: The Tsserpin B6 gene was successfully cloned, and its expressed products can be recognized by pig serum infected with T. solium.