Study on the mechanism of Mycoplasma gallisepticum infection on chicken tracheal mucosa injury.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTSMG infection causes a persistent inflammatory response by increasing the expression of immune response genes.The ERK-MLCK signalling pathway activated by MG infection regulates tight junction proteins in the tracheal mucosa.These data provide a basis for future prevention and treatment studies to control MG infection.

Establishment and verification of a nomogram to predict tumor-specific mortality risk in triple-negative breast cancer: a competing risk model based on the SEER cohort study.

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the subtype of breast cancer with the worst prognosis, and traditional survival analysis methods are biased when predicting mortality. To predict the risk of death in patients with triple-negative breast cancer more precisely, a competing risk model was developed. Methods: The clinicopathological data of the TNBC patients from 2010 to 2015 were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The data were assigned into a training set and testing set at a ratio of 7:3 in a randomized pattern. Univariate and multivariate competing risk models were applied to find the independent prognostic factors. A prediction nomogram for cancer-specific mortality (CSM) risk was constructed. The accuracy and discrimination of the nomogram were assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC), concordance index (C-index), and a calibration curve using the training and testing sets, respectively. Results: A total of 28,430 TNBC patients were randomly grouped into the training set (n=19,900) and the testing set (n=8,530). The median time for follow-up was 59 [1-107] months. A total of 7,014 (24.67%) patients died, among whom 4,801 (68.45%) died from breast cancer and 2,213 (31.55%) due to non-breast cancer events. The independent risk factors were primary site of tumor, grade, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, T stage, approach of surgery, chemotherapy, axillary lymph node metastases, brain metastases, and liver metastases. The prediction nomogram was constructed by using the aforementioned variables. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year AUC of CSM were predicted to be 0.856, 0.81, and 0.782, respectively, in the training set, and 0.856, 0.81, and 0.782 in the testing set, respectively. The C-index of the nomogram was 0.801 and 0.799 in the training and testing sets, respectively. As confirmed by the validation and training calibration curves, the nomogram was consistent with the results. Conclusions: We used competing risk models to identify risk factors for CSM and constructed a CSM risk prediction nomogram for TNBC patients, that may be utilized to predict CSM risk in TNBC patients clinically and assist in the creation of individualised clinical treatment options.

Dietary Supplemented Curcumin Improves Meat Quality and Antioxidant Status of Intrauterine Growth Retardation Growing Pigs via Nrf2 Signal Pathway.

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) exhibits programming consequences and may induce oxidative stress in growing animals and humans. This study was conducted to investigate the hypothesis that dietary curcumin may protect growing pigs from IUGR-induced oxidative stress via the Nrf2 pathway. Twelve normal birth weight (NBW) and 24 IUGR female piglets were selected and fed control diets supplemented 0 (NBW), 0 (IUGR) and 200 (IUGR + Cur) mg/kg curcumin from 26 to 115 days of age (n = 12). Growth performance, meat quality, redox status and its related Nrf2 pathway were determined. Results showed that IUGR pigs exhibited decreased body weight on 0 d, 26 d and 56 d (p < 0.01) but had no difference on 115 d among NBW, IUGR and IUGR + Cur groups (p > 0.05). Compared with NBW and IUGR groups, a significant decrease in drip loss (24 h and 48 h) was observed in the IUGR + Cur group (p < 0.01). IUGR pigs had higher concentrations of malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.01) and protein carbonyl (PC) (p = 0.03) and lower activities of glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.02), catalase (p < 0.01) and peroxidase (p = 0.02) in leg muscles than NBW pigs. Dietary-added 200 mg/kg curcumin decreased concentrations of MDA and PC and improved the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase as compared to the IUGR group (p < 0.05). Additionally, dietary curcumin enhanced protein (NQO1) and mRNA expression of genes (Nrf2, NQO1, gamma-glutamyltransferase 1 (GGT1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT)) as compared to the IUGR group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that dietary curcumin could serve as a potential additive to enhance redox status and improve meat quality of IUGR growing pigs via the Nrf2 signal pathway.

In vitro free radical scavenging capacity of dimethylglycine sodium salt and its protective ability against oleic acid hydroperoxide-induced oxidative damage in IPEC-J2 cells.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro free radical scavenging capacity of dimethylglycine sodium (DMG­Na) and its protective ability against oleic acid hydroperoxide (OAHPx)­induced oxidative damage in IPEC­J2 cells. Initially, the free radical scavenging activities of water­soluble pigments (DMG­Na, betalain, capsanthin and cyanidin­3­rutinoside) were measured and compared with those of Trolox. Subsequently, freshly collected swine blood was mixed with heparin and centrifuged to obtain erythrocytes. In order to induce the free radical chain oxidation in erythrocytes, the aqueous peroxyl radicals were generated by thermal decomposition of 2,2'­azobis(2­amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) in oxygen. A 2% suspension of porcine erythrocytes in PBS buffer were pre­incubated for 30 min at 37˚C with DMG­Na (32 µM), followed by incubation with or without AAPH (75 mM) for 5 h with gentle shaking. Additionally, IPEC­J2 cells were randomly assigned to four groups (n=6 per group): Cells treated with phosphate buffered saline (PBS); cells treated with DMG­Na (32 µM); cells treated with oleic acid hydroperoxides (OAHPx, 20 µM; TO group); cells treated with DMG­Na (32 µM) followed by OAHPx (20 µM; DTO group). The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium, Ham's F­12 mixture, 1.5 mM HEPES, 5% (v/v) fetal bovine serum, 1% (v/v) insulin­transferrin­selenium mixture, 1% (v/v) penicillin­streptomycin mixture and 2.5 µg/ml fungizone (37˚C, 5% CO2). The results showed that DMG­Na exerted the strongest free radical scavenging capacity at 0.32 M from 0.08­0.64 M, and that it could prevent AAPH­induced porcine erythrocyte hemolysis by increasing its antioxidant capacity (P<0.05). The results also demonstrated that antioxidant capacity and antioxidant­associated gene expression increased in the DTO group relative to the TO group (P<0.05), indicating that DMG­Na prevented the OAHPx­induced oxidative damage in IPEC­J2 cells by improving the antioxidant capacity and antioxidant­associated gene expression.

Dietary effects of Bacillus subtilis fmbj on growth performance, small intestinal morphology, and its antioxidant capacity of broilers.

This paper aimed to study the dietary effects of Bacillus subtilis fmbj (BS fmbj) on growth performance, small intestinal histomorphology, and its antioxidant capacity of broilers at 21 d of raising. A total of 300 1-d old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly assigned to 5 groups: broilers fed the basal diets with 0 g/kg BS fmbj (CON), 0.2 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-1), 0.3 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-2), 0.4 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-3), and 0.5 g/kg BS fmbj (BS-4). The results showed that there were no differences in the growth performance among treatments during the trail. Dietary BS fmbj in broiler diets increased (P < 0.05) the serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration, and enhanced the secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) level of small intestine (jejunum and ileum) compared with those in the CON group. The BS groups could improve (P < 0.05) the values of villus length, villus width, crypt depth, and villus area of small intestine compared with that in the CON group. Compared with the CON group, the BS group increased (P < 0.05) small intestinal antioxidant capacity and its mitochondrial antioxidant capacity, and also improved the antioxidant related-gene expression. The BS group exerted a lower (P < 0.05) level of oxidative damages in small intestine than that of the CON group. In conclusion, dietary BS fmbj in broiler diets was potential to improve the small intestinal histomorphology, small intestinal antioxidant capacity, and its mitochondrial antioxidant capacity. Thus this BS fmbj might be considered to be an important additive for the poultry industry.

Effects of Dietary Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles on Growth, Diarrhea, Mineral Deposition, Intestinal Morphology, and Barrier of Weaned Piglets.

This study was conducted to investigate effects of dietary zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnOs) on growth, diarrhea rate, mineral deposition (Zn, Fe, and Mn), intestinal morphology, and barrier of weaned piglets. A total of 384 weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) in 4 groups were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 400, and 800 mg/kg nano-ZnOs or 3000 mg/kg ZnO for 14 days. Compared with the control group, 800 mg/kg nano-ZnOs and 3000 mg/kg ZnO significantly increased average daily gain and decreased diarrhea rate of weaned piglets. There was no significant difference among ZnO and nano-ZnO groups. ZnO and nano-ZnOs did not affect serum activities of glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase. However, ZnO and 800 mg/kg nano-ZnOs significantly increased zinc concentrations in plasma, liver, pancreas, and tibia, without affecting Fe and Mn concentrations. Compared with the control group, 800 mg/kg nano-ZnOs significantly reduced plasma diamine oxidase activity, decreased total aerobic bacterial population in mesenteric lymph node, enhanced mRNA expressions of occludin, ZO-1, IL-1ß, IL-10, TNF-α, and ki67 in ileal mucosa, and increased villous height, width, crypt depth, and surface area. Compared to ZnO group, 800 mg/kg nano-ZnOs significantly decreased aerobic bacterial population, enhanced mRNA expressions of occludin, IL-1ß, IL-10, and TNF-α, and reduced fecal zinc concentration. These results indicated that 800 mg/kg nano-ZnOs might be a potential substitute for 3000 mg/kg ZnO in diets of weaned piglets.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles as a substitute for zinc oxide or colistin sulfate: Effects on growth, serum enzymes, zinc deposition, intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier in weaned piglets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano-ZnOs) as a substitute for colistin sulfate (CS) and/or zinc oxide (ZnO) on growth performance, serum enzymes, zinc deposition, intestinal morphology and epithelial barrier in weaned piglets. A total of 216 crossbred Duroc×(Landrace×Yorkshire) piglets weaned at 23 days were randomly assigned into 3 groups, which were fed with basal diets supplemented with 20 mg/kg CS (CS group), 20mg/kg CS+3000 mg/kg ZnO (CS+ZnO group), and 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (nano-ZnO group) for 14 days. Results indicated that compared to CS group, supplementation of 1200 mg/kg nano-ZnOs (about 30 nm) significantly increased final body weight and average daily gain, and 3000 mg/kg ZnO plus colistin sulfate significantly increased average daily gain and decreased diarrhea rate in weaned piglets. There was no significant difference in growth performance and diarrhea rate between nano-ZnO and CS+ZnO groups. Supplementation of nano-ZnOs did not affect serum enzymes (glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, and lactate dehydrogenase), but significantly increased plasma and tissue zinc concentrations (liver, tibia), improved intestinal morphology (increased duodenal and ileal villus length, crypt depth, and villus surface), enhanced mRNA expression of ZO-1 in ileal mucosa, and significantly decreased diamine oxidase activity in plasma, total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS group. Effects of nano-ZnOs on serum enzymes, intestinal morphology, and mRNA expressions of tight junction were similar to those of high dietary ZnO plus colistin sulfate, while nano-ZnOs significantly reduced zinc concentrations of liver, tibia, and feces, and decreased total aerobic bacterial population in MLN as compared to CS+ZnO group. These results suggested that nano-ZnOs (1200 mg/kg) might be used as a substitute for colistin sulfate and high dietary ZnO in weaned piglets.

Factors relating to curve progression in female patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis treated with a brace.

PURPOSE: One single factor cannot by itself predict curve progression accurately. The aim of this study is to determine multiple related factors in predicting the progression of scoliosis in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) treated with bracing. METHODS: Eighty-nine female patients with AIS treated with a brace were reviewed. A series of parameters were consecutively measured and documented during the period of follow-up. Curve behavior between the first visit and final follow-up was analyzed. Several different parameters which may contribute to progression of curve were selected by a logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Mean age of patients at the first visit was 13.6 (10-16) years. The patients were followed for 12-72 months (mean 24.8 months). At the last visit, 21 patients (23.60 %) had curve progression more than 5°. After performing a logistic regression analysis, Risser sign less than two, the magnitude of the major curve at pre-brace greater than 35°, apical vertebral rotation beyond grade III, and the spinal length increasing larger than 20 mm in 1 year were found to be factors which predict the progression of more than 5°. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Risser sign, the magnitude of the major curve at pre-brace, apical vertebral rotation, and the spinal length increasing velocity are important factors to predict progression in the girls with AIS. Risser sign cannot predict the progression of scoliosis accurately unless combined with other related parameters.

[Surgical methods and techniques of lipomyelomeningocele in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the methods and techniques of surgical treatment of lipomyelomeningocele in children. METHODS: From January 2004 to March 2007, twenty-five children aged from 2 months to 6 years with lipomyelomeningocele were operated on. Magnetic resonance imaging and electromyogram had been conducted to all the patients. The operation was composed of subtotal excision of lipomas, suture of spinal pia mater and resection of terminal filum. The results of treatment were evaluated by Hoffman's functional grading scheme for lipomyelomeningocele. RESULTS: After operation, all the patients recovered and were released from hospital. No complications, including cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection occurred. During the follow-up of 1 - 4 years, 18 asymptomatic patients' neurological function were normal and there was no deterioration, 7 symptomatic patients improved. Among the 7 patients, 4 patients had higher function grades compared with their preoperative assessments, and the other stayed in the same grades but with symptoms improved. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no tethered cord in all the patients postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: For lipomyelomeningocele, early operation should be performed to prevent the development of neurological defect. It is safe and effective to adopt subtotal excision of lipomas, suture of spinal pia mater, and resection of terminal filum.

Surgical treatment for lipomyelomeningocele in children.

BACKGROUND: Lipomyelomeningocele (LMM) is a common and severe closed neural tube defect in children. Because of the complex anatomy of LMM and the difficulty in assessing the value of surgery, the management of patients with LMM is controversial. This study was undertaken to evaluate effective techniques and procedures in surgical treatment of LMM and to assess the value of early neurosurgical intervention. METHODS: Twenty-five children with LMM aged from 2 months to 6 years underwent surgery between January 2004 and December 2006. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the spine and electromyography (EMG) of the lower limbs was conducted in all patients preoperatively. Urodynamic studies were appropriate even in asymptomatic patients. Hoffman's functional grading was used to assess the pre and postoperative status of the patients. The operation was composed of subtotal excision of lipoma, suturing of the spinal pia mater, and section of the filum terminale. Suturing of the spinal pia mater was performed in a wide process of reconstruction of meningeal layers including the dura. Follow-up lasted 1-4 years (mean 2.1 years), in which all children underwent neurological examination, EMG and MRI. RESULTS: After surgery a temporary neurological deterioration was found in two patients including slight weakness of a leg in one patient and urinary retention in the other, but it recovered completely a few days later. No postoperative complications were encountered. During the follow-up, 20 asymptomatic patients remained symptom-free. Symptoms disappeared totally in 2 of the 5 patients with neurological deficits, improved in one patient and stabilized in the remaining 2. MRI showed no tethered cord in all patients who underwent surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Early operation for LMM patients, even asymptomatic ones, should be performed to prevent the development of neurological deficits. Subtotal excision of lipoma, suturing of the spinal pia mater, and section of the filum terminale are recommended in the surgical treatment of LMM. The longitudinal cut of the filum terminale, a technique we have established in our surgical practice, is a simple and practical way to identify the filum terminale by visual inspection. And suturing the spinal pia mater is of extreme importance in preventing postoperative tethering.

Characteristics and surgery of cervical myelomeningocele.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical myelomeningocele (CMMC) is a rare entity in neurosurgical practice, which presents different clinical characteristics compared with other more common lumbosacral variant. Since not much about this lesion has been reported in the literature, this study, herein, demonstrates by cases the clinical characteristics, methods, and techniques of surgical treatment of CMMC in children. METHODS: A total of 10 children (six boys and four girls) with CMMC were recruited in this study. Their ages ranged from 9 days to 8 years with a median age of 3 months. All patients underwent neurological and radiological examinations. One was found to have had a mild unilateral arm weakness, and others were neurologically intact. Of these 10 patients, five had other associated neurological or orthopedic anomalies, including mild ventriculomegaly in two, cervical diastematomyelia in one, Chiari II malformation and hydrocephalus in one, and sacral spina bifida occulta in one. Surgical excision of the lesion with intradural exploration of the sac to release any potential adhesion bands was performed for all. RESULTS: No complications, such as cerebrospinal fluid leakage and infection, had been found after operation. During the follow-up of 1-7 years (mean of 3.9 years), all cases did not suffer from aggravation of nervous symptoms. None of the patients deteriorated postoperatively, and the one with left arm weakness improved following surgery. In the two children with mild ventriculomegaly, cerebral ventricle returned to be normal after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The management strategies of CMMC are early surgical treatment with standard microneurosurgical techniques to prevent the development of neurological defects. It is safe and effective to adopt surgery excision of the lesions with intradural exploration of the sac to release any potential adhesion bands.