[Analysis of the incidence and burden of intraocular foreign bodies in China based on age-period-cohort model].

Objective: This study aims to analyze the incidence, disease burden, and trend of intraocular foreign bodies in China from 1990 to 2019, and to analyze the trend of changes in age, period, and cohort of Chinese men. Methods: The data related to the incidence rate and disease burden of intraocular foreign bodies in China from 1990 to 2019 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD database) on the website of the Institute for Health Indicators and Evaluation (IHME) of the University of Washington, United States, and the annual percentage rate change (AAPC) of intraocular foreign bodies in China was calculated using the Joinpoint software to describe the long-term trend of their incidence rate and disease burden over time. Using Stata17 software, an age period cohort model was constructed to analyze the age, period, and cohort factors affecting intraocular foreign bodies in men. Results: In 2019, the incidence rate of intraocular foreign bodies in China was 791.20/100 000, and the DALY rate was 10.32/100 000, with an average annual decline rate of 1.70% and 1.48% respectively. In 2019, the number of cases of intraocular foreign bodies in China was 11.253 6 million, and the DALY was 1 812.29 million person years. Among them, the incidence and disease burden of intraocular foreign bodies in men were more severe than those in women, and the incidence and disease burden risk of intraocular foreign bodies in men aged 30-35 and 45-50 were the highest. The incidence and disease burden risk of intraocular foreign bodies in elderly men gradually increased. Conclusions: As a common ophthalmic disease, the incidence of intraocular foreign bodies and the DALY rate are declining, but the disease burden is increasing. With the aging of the population, the incidence of intraocular foreign bodies in the elderly will further increase in the future, which should be considered by policy makers. The findings of this study can help governments and healthcare planners formulate practical and targeted policy responses.

[Analysis of spontaneous nystagmus and the frequency characteristics of affected semicircular canals in patients with vestibular neuritis].

Objective: To investigate the spontaneous nystagmus (SN) and the frequency characteristics of affected semicircular canals in patients with vestibular neuritis (VN). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. A total of 61 patients with VN admitted to the Department of Neurology of Shanxi Bethune Hospital from June 2020 to October 2021, 39 were male and 22 were female, with a mean age of (46±13) years old and male to female ratio of 1.77∶1. According to SN characteristics, 61 patients were divided into non-nystagmus group(nSN), horizontal nystagmus group(hSN) and horizontal-torsional nystagmus group (htSN). Clinical data were collected, and SN, unilateral weakness (UW), directional preponderance (DP), and video head impulse test (vHIT) gain were used as observation indicators. Statistical analysis by SPSS23.0 software. Normal distributed quantitative data (age, semicircular canal gain, SN intensity) were expressed by x¯±s, non-normal distributed quantitative data (disease course, UW, DP) were expressed by M(Q1,Q3), qualitative data were expressed by rate and composition ratio, difference analysis by one-way ANOVA, rank sum test, Chi-square test or Fisher's exact probability method, considered by P value<0.05. Results: (1)The disease course of nSN, hSN and htSN was 7.0 (4.0, 12.5), 6.0 (3.5, 11.5), and 3.0 (2.0, 6.5) days respectively, and there were statistical differences (χ2=7.31,P=0.026).(2)The horizontal nystagmus intensity of htSN was (16.8±8.6)°/s, which was significantly higher than that of (9.8±4.7)°/s in hSN (t=3.71, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in the positive rate of UW between the three groups (P=0.690), and there was a significant difference in the positive rate of DP in the three groups (χ2=12.23, P=0.002). The horizontal nystagmor intensity in the htSN was positively correlated with the vertical nystagmus intensity (r=0.59, P=0.001).(3)The gain of the affected horizontal canal of the three groups was statistically different (F=8.28, P=0.001), and the gain of the horizontal canal of hSN and htSN was significantly lower than that of nSN (t=2.74, P=0.008; t=4.05, P<0.001); The gain of the affected anterior canal in the three groups was statistically different (F=5.32, P=0.008). The gain of the anterior canal in both nSN and hSN was significantly higher than that in htSN (t=3.09, P=0.003; t=2.15, P=0.036). The horizontal canal gain of htSN is positively correlated with the anterior canal gain (r=0.74, P<0.001).(4)The affected semicircular canals in the two groups with no-vertical-component nystagmus (nSN and hSN) and the htSN were counted. The composition ratio of the affected semicircular canals in the two groups was different (χ2=8.34, P=0.015). Conclusion: The occurrence of SN in patients with VN is related to many factors, such as the disease course, low and high frequencies, and the severity of the condition in the affected semicircular canal.

[Association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis].

Objective: To investigate the association between serum sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 371 middle-aged and young obese patients who were hospitalized and underwent liver puncture in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from January 2016 to April 2021 were included. The population was divided into control group (n=43) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) group (n=328) based on the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. Subjects in NAFLD group were further divided into non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) (n=60), uncertain-NASH (n=172), and NASH (n=96). Serum SHBG was tested in patients with NAFLD who were divided into three subgroups according to tertiles. The liver pathological characteristics in different SHBG level subgroups were compared. The risk factors of NASH were analyzed by logistic regression. The prediction model of NASH noninvasive diagnosis was established by forward stepwise regression, and the diagnostic value of non-invasive model for NASH was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: The median age in patients were (32±10) years old with a body mass index of (39.16±6.58) kg/m², including 236 females (63.6%). Serum SHBG level [M (Q1, Q3)] in NAFLD group was significantly lower than that in control group [16.90 (11.43, 23.00) vs. (23.45 (15.40, 31.22) mmol/L, P<0.05], and progressively diminished in NAFL, uncertain-NASH and NASH subgroups [(22.24±10.47), (20.57±19.58), (15.80±8.74) mmol; P for trend<0.05]. Compared with the high-leveled SHBG subgroup, the steatosis score (2.09±0.80 vs. 1.51±0.72, P<0.01) and lobular inflammation score (1.10±0.68 vs. 0.85±0.68, P<0.05) were significantly higher in the low-leveled SHBG group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower serum SHBG level was an independent risk factor for NASH (OR=2.527, 95%CI: 1.296 to 4.928, P<0.05). The area under ROC curve of SHBG combined with aspartate aminotransferase in predicting NASH in NAFLD patients was 0.752 (95%CI: 0.696 to 0.809). Conclusion: Low serum SHBG level is associated with NASH.

Regenerating gene IA predicts radiosensitivity and survival in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignancy in Southern China and Southeast Asia. Radiotherapy is the main treatment option. However, radiotherapy does not benefit all patients because there is no known precise biomarker that can be used for screening radioresistant patients. Genetic predisposition is closely related to tumor development, therapeutic response, and prognosis. The relationship between regenerating gene IA (REGIA) and NPC is unclear. This study aimed to retrospectively analyze the association between REGIA expression and metastasis, radiosensitivity, and survival in patients with NPC as well as assess the effect of radiation on REGIA expression in vitro. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect REGIA. The relationship between REGIA expression in radioresistant NPC and the prognosis of CNE1 NPC cells were analyzed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. We found that increased doses of radiation in CNE1 cells significantly decreased REGIA expression (P<0.05). The overall rate of REGIA-positive expression was 47.15% in NPC tissues and 45.00% and 61.02% in radiosensitive and radioresistant cases, respectively, showing significant differences (P<0.05). A REGIA-positive protein expression rate had a negative correlation with radiosensitivity in NPC (r= -0.109, P=0.047). Both REGIA-positive and REGIA-negative expression strongly predicted the overall survival rate and progression-free survival of NPC patients (P<0.01). A multivariate analysis indicated that REGIA was an inverse prognostic factor in NPC patients (REGIA-positive expression: hazard ratio (HR)=2.139, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.56-2.94, P<0.001 and REGIA-negative expression: HR=1.958, 95% CI=1.42-2.69, P<0.001). In conclusion: Radiation can affect REGIA expression. The REGIA expression level correlated with radioresistance and a poor prognosis. In addition, REGIA expression might act as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic predictor in NPC patients.

Simulated global climate change benefits the nutritive value of oat grass.

Numerous data demonstrate that global climate change affects crop yield and quality. However, the effect of climate change on the nutritive value of forage crops remains unclear. Oat grass (Avena sativa L.) was used as a representative forage crop to understand changes in yield and chemical composition. The growth of oat grass under elevated temperature and CO2 conditions was simulated in a 51-day growth experiment inside OTCs. The oat grass was harvested during the heading period and yield, nutrient content, macro- and micro-mineral content and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) determined. The fresh and dry yield, mineral P and Fe content and IVDMD of oat grass increased under increased CO2 concentrations (P < 0.05). As temperature increased, dry matter yield and soluble sugar content decreased and the content of Na, Mg, P, S, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn increased (P < 0.05), while IVDMD was not significantly affected. Under the interaction of increasing CO2 and temperature, the content of Mg, P, S, Ca, Mn and IVDMD of oat grass increased (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant effect on yield. Climate change may result in oat grass containing more digestible nutrients and minerals for ruminants.

Association of Loss of Occlusal Pairs of Teeth with Sarcopenia in a Chinese Population of Community-Dwelling Elderly.

OBJECTIVES: Tooth loss, which usually leads to malnutrition, is common in the elderly. However, limited information is available regarding its association with sarcopenia. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between loss of occlusal pairs of tooth and sarcopenia. DESIGN: A cross-sectional retrospective study was performed. SETTING: The elderly who participated in the National Basic Public Health Project in the Maigaoqiao Community Medical Center in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 2850 individuals aged ≥60 years were enrolled. MEASUREMENTS: Sarcopenia was defined according to the criteria proposed by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. A trained dentist assessed oral health status and counted the number of present teeth. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the loss of occlusal pairs and sarcopenia. RESULTS: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 7.1% (201/2850). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that loss of occlusal pairs was associated with sarcopenia [anterior occlusal pairs (AOPs): odd ratio (OR) = 1.292, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.158-1.442; posterior occlusal pairs (POPs): OR = 1.147, 95% CI = 1.018-1.221]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that loss of POPs was still an independent risk for sarcopenia (OR = 1.108, 95% CI = 1.007-1.220) after adjustment for traditional confounders. Subgroup analysis showed that loss of POPs was more significantly linked to sarcopenia in those with advanced age (≥80years) (OR = 1.307, 95% CI = 1.116-1.532) and in females (OR = 1.165, 95%CI = 1.038-1.308). Compared to individuals with ≥5 occluding pairs of POPs, those with <5 occluding pairs of POPs had a higher incidence of sarcopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of POPs is associated with an increased risk of sarcopenia in the elderly in a Chinese population. Further research on the mechanism of the observed causal relationship is needed.

Garlic skin induces shifts in the rumen microbiome and metabolome of fattening lambs.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) and its constituents have been shown to modify rumen fermentation and improve growth performance. Garlic skin, a by-product of garlic processing, contains similar bioactive components as garlic bulb. This study aimed to investigate the effects of garlic skin supplementation on growth performance, ruminal microbes, and metabolites in ruminants. Twelve Hu lambs were randomly assigned to receive a basal diet (CON) or a basal diet supplemented with 80 g/kg DM of garlic skin (GAS). The experiment lasted for 10 weeks, with the first 2 weeks serving as the adaptation period. The results revealed that the average daily gain and volatile fatty acid concentration were higher (P < 0.05) in lambs fed GAS than those in the CON group. Garlic skin supplementation did not significantly (P > 0.10) affect the α-diversity indices, including the Chao1 index, the abundance-based coverage estimator value, and the Shannon and Simpson indices. At the genus level, garlic skin supplementation altered the ruminal bacterial composition by increasing (P < 0.05) the relative abundances of Prevotella, Bulleidia, Howardella, and Methanosphaera and decreasing (P < 0.05) the abundance of Fretibacterium. Concentrations of 139 metabolites significantly differed (P < 0.05) between the GAS and the CON groups. Among them, substrates for rumen microbial protein synthesis were enriched in the GAS group. The pathways of pyrimidine metabolism, purine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism were influenced (P < 0.05) by garlic skin supplementation. Integrated correlation analysis also provided a link between the significantly altered rumen microbiota and metabolites. Thus, supplementation of garlic skin improved the growth performance of lambs by modifying rumen fermentation through shifts in the rumen microbiome and metabolome.

Correlation between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease before and after Metabolic Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence has revealed that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the impact of OSA on NAFLD among obese patients undergoing metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), especially during follow-up period, remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the correlation based on preoperative characteristics and postoperative conditions among bariatric patients with comorbid OSA and NAFLD. METHODS: Clinical data of patients who underwent MBS in our institution between January 2016 and June 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. Correlation analysis and linear regressions were used to identify how OSA links with NAFLD before and after treatment of MBS. RESULTS: Of 308 patients, 181 were diagnosed with OSA and enrolled in the present study, and 127 completed follow-up visits at 6 months. The proportion of NAFLD in the mild-moderate OSA and severe OSA groups was 75.0% and 96.0%, respectively. MBS was effective at improving sleep apnea and nocturnal hypoxia, as well as liver steatosis and fibrosis (P < 0.05). And we also found that there were significant correlations not only between OSA- and NAFLD-related characteristics at baseline but also between their improvements after surgery, eventually leading to similar prognosis of NAFLD for both groups (P < 0.05), no matter what presurgical differences existed. In addition, the results of the univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses supported preoperative liver/spleen Hounsfield units ratio (LSR) by computerized tomography (CT) as an independent predictor of the effect of MBS on liver steatosis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, MBS plays a pivotal role in the control of medical conditions in obese patients with OSA and NAFLD. Given the correlation between OSA and NAFLD in the present study, in the case of both the severity at baseline as well as the improvement after surgery, OSA may pose an impact on the prognosis of NAFLD in bariatric patients.

[The association between carotid atherosclerosis and ischemic stroke in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation].

Objective: To investigate the relationship between indicators of carotid atherosclerosis and onset of ischemic stroke in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). Methods: This is a case-control study, a total of 397 NVAF patients with newly diagnosed ischemic stroke (case group) and 3 038 NVAF patients without ischemic stroke (control group) from January 2015 to December 2017 were included in the study. Differences in general clinical features and carotid atherosclerosis indexes between the two groups were compared. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the correlation between carotid atherosclerosis indexes and ischemic stroke. Results: Proportions of patients with carotid intima thickening, carotid plaque, stable plaque, unstable plaque, and moderate to severe stenosis were higher in the ischemic stroke group than those in the control group (82.1% vs. 64.4%, 69.3% vs. 50.3%, 43.6% vs. 30.6%, 25.7% vs. 19.7%, and 7.3% vs. 4.0%, respectively, all P <0.05). After adjustment of age, gender, heart failure, hypertension, low density lipoprotein -cholesterol and drug use, multivariate analyses showed that subjects with carotid intima thickening, carotid plaque, stable plaque, unstable plaque, moderate to severe stenosis had 1.766, 2.111, 1.892, 2.256 and 1.824 times the risk for the development of ischemic stroke compared with the subjects without any carotid atherosclerosis indicators. Conclusion: Carotid atherosclerosis, especially with unstable carotid plaque, is associated with ischemic stroke in patients with NVAF.

Valsartan improves cardiac function in mice with diabetes mellitus by CaMKII/AngII.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether valsartan exerts its effect on cardiac function in mice with diabetes mellitus (DM) via Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII). MATERIALS AND METHODS: C57bl6/J mice were used as study subjects and randomly divided into three groups: 1) control group, 2) DM group and 3) valsartan group. After the model was successfully established, the diastolic function in each group of mice was detected via echocardiography, including the ratio of peak velocity blood flow in early diastole to peak velocity blood flow in late diastole (E/A ratio) of mitral valves, isovolumic relaxation time (IVRT) and mitral deceleration time. Ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (ES), heart rate (HR) and cardiac output (CO) were determined to evaluate the systolic function of the mouse heart. The frozen heart was stained by dihydroethidium (DHE) and analyzed for the oxidative stress and inflammation levels. The expression levels of phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (P-CaMKII), oxidized CaMKII (O-CaMKII), ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2), P-phospholamban (P-PLN) and PLN in tissues were detected via Western blotting. RESULTS: Valsartan improves myocardial diastolic and systolic function in DM mice by improving phosphorylation and oxidation levels of CaMKII in myocardial cells, and reducing oxidative stress in diabetic cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Valsartan could improve CaMKII in myocardial cells to enhance oxidative stress of DM mice, thus improving the cardiac function.

[Characteristics and prognosis of interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation].

Objective: To explore the clinical characteristics of interrupted of the inferior vena cava with azygous continuation and the prognosis. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 21 fetuses diagnosed with interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation among 28 567 pregnant women who underwent routine ultrasound scan. The clinical data, ultrasonographic features, genetic information and prognosis were collected. Results: Interrupted of the inferior vena cava with azygous continuation occurred in 21(0.07%, 21/28 567) of 28 567 patients. Three fetuses (14%, 3/21) complicated with heart and extracardiac malformations, including endocardiac cushion defect, single atrium and single ventricle, double superior vena cava, dextrocardia, asplenia syndrome, visceral heterotaxy, duodenal atresia; six fetuses (29%, 6/21) were associated with cardiac anomalies, such as hypoplastic left heart syndrome, double outlet right ventricle, pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, persistent left superior vena cava, endocardiac cushion defect and transposition of the great arteries; six cases (29%, 6/21) were only combined with extracardiac malformations, includingasplenia syndrome, visceral heterotaxy, duodenal atresia. Three fetuses (14%, 3/21) were nonorganic abnormalities included thickening of the right ventricle wall, fetal bradycardia, pericardial effusion, hydrops abdominis, increased peak systolic velocity/end diastolic velocity and single umbilical artery. Three fetuses (14%, 3/21) were isolated interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation, but without other anomalies and 2 of them had normal fetal karyotype. Five cases (24%, 5/21) were successfully vaginal delivery, 1 case (5%, 1/21) had cesarean section. After 12-40 months follow-up, we didn't obeserve obviously abnormality, nor any chromosomal abnormality. Ten patients (48%, 10/21) opted for termination of the pregnancy and the autopsies were not done. Five cases (24%, 5/21) were lost to follow up. Conclusions: Interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation are associated with cardiovascular and extracardiac anomalies, cardiac malformation and visceral heterotaxy are the most common anomalies. Visceral heterotaxy should be considered and fetal karyotype should be suggested. In the cases of isolated interrupted inferior vena cava with azygous continuation and normal karyotype, the outcome is favorable.

Effect of sodium aescinate treatment on PCOS rat model with insulin resistance.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicated that insulin resistance may contribute to the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however, the specific mechanism is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of sodium aescinate (SA) on PCOS-IR rat models. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into the five groups: un-treated rats (n = 12), PCOS-IR group (n = 12), PCOS-IR group plus 50 mg/kg SA (n = 12), PCOS-IR group plus 10 mg/kg SA (n = 12), PCOS-IR group plus 150 mg/kg metformin (n = 12). On day 21, rats were sacrificed, and H(and)E staining was performed for histopathologic examination of the ovaries; moreover, the serum level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and luteotropic hormone (LH) were measured, and the expression as well as phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt and Gsk-3ß were examined using western blot assay. RESULTS: High dosage of SA treatment improved the morphological features of the ovaries in PCOS rats, and also induced significant decrease in serum expression of testosterone and LH/FSH ratio and significant decrease in the expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt and p-Gsk-3ß. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that SA treatment could alleviate the symptom of PCOS in rat model through regulating the PI3K/Akt/GSK3-ß pathway (Fig. 4, Ref. 22).

Effects of dietary supplementation with green tea polyphenols on digestion and meat quality in lambs infected with Haemonchus contortus.

Ujumqin sheep are susceptible to infection by the gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus, which reduces productivity and total meat yield in sheep. Thus, the effects of green tea polyphenol (GTP) supplements (0, 2, 4, or 6g of GTP/kg feed) on dietary nutrient digestibility and meat quality in lambs infected with H. contortus were examined; control lambs were not infected. H. contortus infections did not affect digestion but the apparent digestibilities of nutrients were decreased by dietary 2g of GTP/kg feed supplementation. There was an interaction between treatment and sampling time on plasma total protein, urea nitrogen, and amino acid concentrations. The antioxidant activity and meat color of INFGTP0 lambs decreased. In conclusion, H. contortus infections in lambs decreased meat quality, but appropriate levels of dietary GTP supplementation diminished these negative effects though lower dose of GTP supplement showed negative effects on digestion.

Meat quality, fatty acid composition of tissue and gastrointestinal content, and antioxidant status of lamb fed seed of a halophyte (Suaeda glauca).

Twenty-four Merino lambs were randomly assigned to four treatments: control diet (CT) consisting of 300g concentrates with ad libitum Leymus chinensis hay; C with 150g (T150), 300g (T300) and 450g (T450) Suaeda glauca seed, respectively. Meat quality, fatty acid composition of meat and lipid tissue and antioxidant status of lamb were evaluated. Inclusion of S. glauca seeds significantly increased selenium (Se) concentrations of muscle. The proportions of C18:1 trans-11 in muscle, C18:2 n-6, PUFA, n-6 series fatty acids, and the ratios of P:S in rumen contents, as well as the ratios of n-6:n-3 in adipose tissue, rumen and duodenum content have been significantly (P<0.05) improved with supplementation of S. glauca seeds to lamb diets. No significant effect was found on antioxidant status. The results suggest that S. glauca seed supplementation in lamb diets may change fatty acid composition in tissues and content of digestive tract.

Effects of tannic acid on Haemonchus contortus larvae viability and immune responses of sheep white blood cells in vitro.

Direct inhibitory effects of tannic acid on Haemonchus contortus viability were studied in vitro using the larval migration inhibition (LMI) assay. Sheep white blood cells (WBC) were preincubated with 5 and 50 lg/mL tannic acid or not followed by whole H. contortus antigen (WHA). Cells were harvested at 24 h post-incubation to test host immune responses. Concentrations of 50, 100, 500, 1000, 3000 and 5000 lg/mL tannic acid inhibited larvae migration by 19.8, 42.4, 46.3, 92.0, 93.7 and 100%, respectively, within 96 h post-incubation (P < 0.001). The relative mRNA levels of interferon (IFN)-c, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were increased by WHA stimulation without tannic acid. However, the increased effects on IFN-c and IL-2 were inhibited by tannic acid preincubation (P < 0.001), while the increases in IL-4 and IL-10 were greatly enhanced by tannic acid preincubation (P < 0.001). Changes in protein levels of all cytokines essentially paralleled the changes in their corresponding mRNA levels. In conclusion, tannic acid is directly harmful to larvae in a dose- and time-dependent manner and modulates immune responses of sheep WBC stimulated by H. contortus antigen by inhibiting Th1 cytokines and increasing Th2 cytokine expression in vitro.

Bisphosphonate treatment and risk of esophageal cancer: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

UNLABELLED: The use of bisphosphonates and the risk of esophageal cancer have recently received increasing concern and related studies have yielded controversial results. The present meta-analysis of observational studies shows that no clear association between bisphosphonate treatment and risk of esophageal cancer was observed. INTRODUCTION: Epidemiological evidence suggests that bisphosphonate treatment can increase the risk of esophageal cancer. However, data on this issue are unstable and controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis to provide a quantitative assessment of the association between use of bisphosphonates and risk of esophageal cancer. METHODS: We searched the Medline and Embase databases up to May 2012 to identify studies related to bisphosphonates and esophageal cancer. Summary effect estimates with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) were derived using a fixed or random effects model, depending on the heterogeneity of the included studies. RESULTS: Seven epidemiologic studies that consisted of four cohort studies and three case-control studies were included in this meta-analysis. In our primary analysis, bisphosphonate treatment was not associated with risk of esophageal cancer in both cohort studies [pooled relative risk (RR) 1.23, 95 % CI 0.79-1.92] and case-control studies [pooled odds ratio (OR) 1.24, 95 % CI 0.98-1.57]. Evidence for the presence of significant heterogeneity was found in cohort studies (p = 0.009, I (2) = 74 %) but not in case-control studies (p = 0.338, I (2) = 7.8 %). In our secondary analysis, no significant increased risk of esophageal cancer was found in alendronate users (pooled RR 1.08, 95 % CI 0.67-1.75 in cohort studies; pooled OR 1.16, 95 % CI 0.82-1.63 in case-control studies). CONCLUSIONS: Based on current evidences, bisphosphonate treatment was not significantly associated with excess risk of esophageal cancer.

Effects of lairage time after road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different lairage time after 8 h road transport on some blood indicators of welfare and meat quality traits in sheep. A total of 84 Ujimqin male sheep (average body weight 27.5 kg, 6 months old) were randomly allotted to one of seven groups: one control group (untransported) and six lairage groups (8 h road transport with 0, 2, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h lairage times respectively). No significant lairage time effects were observed on weight loss. Sheep in 48 h group showed lower hot carcass weight, dressing percentage and higher pH(24 h) than that in other groups. The total haem pigment contents in sheep meat rose and were higher in 24 and 48 h groups than that in the control group. After transport, sheep in 0, 2, 24 and 48 h groups showed higher serum creatine kinase activities, cortisol and glucose concentrations than that in control group. Sheep in lairage groups had higher serum triiodothyronine and thyroxine levels compared with the control sheep. Sheep in 48 h group showed significant higher packed cell volume, total protein and blood urea nitrogen than that in other groups. Compared with the control group, the white blood cell counts were higher in 0 and 48 h groups. The neutrophil counts in 24 or 48 h groups were higher than that in the control group. The opposite was true for lymphocyte counts. A 6-12 h lairage is recommended in terms of the present transported pattern.

The effects of road transportation on physiological responses and meat quality in sheep differing in age.

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of 8 h of road transportation on physiological responses and meat quality traits of sheep at 6, 12, and 24 mo of age. Seventy-two male sheep were equally divided into transported (TRANS) and nontransported (CON) treatments (n = 36), and each treatment was subdivided into 3 groups by age (n = 12). Sheep in CON groups were weighed, blood sampled, and slaughtered, whereas sheep in TRANS groups were weighed, transported, blood sampled, and slaughtered to collect meat samples. The BW of sheep in TRANS groups was reduced significantly (P < 0.001) compared with CON sheep, and older sheep lost more BW than younger animals. However, dressing percentages of TRANS sheep were significantly (P < 0.001) greater than those of CON sheep. Some meat quality variables were affected by transportation, and responses of different ages of sheep varied. Total pigment content and lipid oxidation of LM and gluteus medius of TRANS sheep increased significantly (P < 0.001) compared with CON sheep. Cooking loss of LM and gluteus medius was influenced significantly (P < 0.01) by interaction effect between transportation and age, and the values for 6-mo-old TRANS sheep were less than those of CON sheep. Serum total protein (P = 0.036), globulin (P = 0.026), triglyceride (P < 0.001), and total cholesterol concentrations (P = 0.028) of TRANS sheep decreased compared with CON sheep. Serum NEFA concentration of TRANS sheep increased in relation to CON sheep with a significant interaction (P < 0.001) between transportation and age effect. Numbers of white blood cells were influenced (P = 0.002) by an interaction effect between transportation and age, and values for 6-mo-old sheep were not influenced by transportation. Numbers of platelets were influenced (P = 0.014) by age; they decreased more in 6-mo-old sheep than in older sheep. Transportation and age had no significant effects (P > 0.05) on packed cell volume and lymphocyte number. Serum creatine kinase activities in TRANS sheep were affected (P = 0.01) by an interaction effect between transportation and age. The 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in serum of TRANS sheep increased (P = 0.009) with the greatest change for 6-mo-old compared with older sheep. In conclusion, 8 h of road transportation resulted in greater heme pigment concentrations but improved meat tenderness and induced physiological responses of sheep. However, different ages of sheep showed different responses to the present transportation pattern.

Phenotypic blood glutathione concentration and selenium supplementation interactions on meat colour stability and fatty acid concentrations in Merino lambs.

The interaction between blood glutathione (GSH) and supplementation of selenium (Se, 2.5 mg/kg diet) on meat colour and fatty acids concentrations was studied. Forty eight Merino lambs selected for high blood GSH (HGSH) or low GSH (LGSH) concentration were used. They were fed individually with or without Se supplement for 8 weeks. There were interactions (P<0.05) between GSH and Se on the colour stability (as w630 nm/w580 nm ratio) of m. longissimus (LD), m. semimembranosus (SM) and m. semitendinosus. Without Se supplementation the ratio was higher in HGSH than LGSH group. However, the difference was reduced with Se supplement. Polyunsaturated and n-3 fatty acids in SM and LD were higher in HGSH than in LGSH group (P<0.05), and did not change with Se supplement. Se supplementation increased Se content in LD (P<0.001) and the lungs (P<0.05), but had no influence in the heart.