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Occurrences of introduced and invasive pollinators are increasing worldwide. To predict the potential impacts of exotic bees on native ecosystems we need to understand their ecological interactions. Life history traits are fundamental for understanding ecological interactions and often help to explain the spread of exotic species. We conducted home-and-away comparisons of life history traits of the first invasive bee in Europe, the sculptured resin bee Megachile sculpturalis Smith 1853. We compiled information on nest architecture, offspring, natural enemies, body size and phenology using published literature, museum specimen, data from citizen science initiatives, field observations and reared specimen. Megachile sculpturalis uses a broad variety of nesting materials for brood cell construction, including even plastic at the exotic range. Body size at warm temperate climate was similar in the native and exotic ranges, but phenology shifted forward by about one month (28.9 ± 3.3 SE days) in the exotic ranges. The abundance of natural enemies was similar between native and exotic ranges but specialist enemies were missing in the exotic ranges. These trait shifts may be explained by founder effects or ecological filtering. The comparison of life history traits in native and exotic ranges sheds light on the ecological-evolutionary process of this quickly spreading species and provides a better understanding of invasion processes in solitary bees.

Abstract Objectives There are increasing numbers of studies of pleural tags (PTs). The purpose of this case series was to classify the PTs in patients with peripheral pulmonary adenocarcinoma based on radiologic-pathologic comparison and to study the prognosis. Methods The clinical, imaging, pathological and prognostic data of 161 patients with peripheral pulmonary adenocarcinoma in three hospitals were analyzed retrospectively. We classified PTs using computed tomography (CT) for pathologic comparison. Results According to the relationship between tumors and pleural on CT images, PTs were classified into four types: type 1, one or more linear pleural tag; type 2, one or more linear pleural tag with soft tissue component at the pleural end; type 3, one soft tissue cord-like pleural tag; type 4, directly abutting the visceral pleura, pulling or pushing the visceral pleura. In these PTs, the incidence of visceral pleural invasion (VPI) was high in type 2 (46.88%) and type 3 (56.41%) of PTs. Our prognostic analysis showed that micropapillary or solid histological subtype (HR = 5.766, 95% CI: 1.435–23.159, P = 0.014) and type 3 of PTs (HR = 11.058, 95% CI: 1.349–90.623, P = 0.025) were two independent risk factors for tumor progression. Conclusions PT is a risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with peripheral pulmonary adenocarcinoma, the presence of which on CT images can remind us to provide patients with a more reasonable treatment.

Anorectal malformations (ARMs) are one of the commonest anomalies in neonates. Both laparoscopically assisted anorectal pull-through (LAARP) and posterior sagittal anorectoplasty (PSARP) can be used for the treatment of ARMs. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to compare these two approaches in terms of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes.MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were searched from 2000 to August 2016. Both randomized and non-randomized studies, assessing LAARP and PSARP in pediatric patients with high/intermediate ARMs, were included. The primary outcome measures were operative time, length of hospital stay and total postoperative complications. The second outcome measures were rectal prolapse, anal stenosis, wound infection/dehiscence, anorectal manometry, Kelly's clinical score, and Krickenbeck classification. The quality of the randomized and non-randomized studies was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool and Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) respectively. The quality of evidence was assessed by GRADEpro.From 332 retrieved articles, 1, 1, and 8 of randomized control, prospective and retrospective studies, respectively, met the inclusion criteria. The randomized clinical trial was judged to be of low risk of bias, and the nine cohort studies were of moderate to high quality. 191 and 169 pediatric participants had undergone LAARP and PSARP, respectively. Shorter hospital stays, less wound infection/dehiscence, higher anal canal resting pressure, and a lower incidence of grade 2 or 3 constipation were obtained after LAARP compared with PSARP group values. Besides, the LAARP group had marginally less total postoperative complications. However, the result of operative time was inconclusive; meanwhile, there was no significant difference in rectal prolapse, anal stenosis, anorectal manometry, Kelly's clinical score and Krickenbeck classification.For pediatric patients with high/intermediate anorectal malformations, LAARP is a better option compared with PSARP. However, the quality of evidence was very low to moderate.

Background: Propionic acid is a three-carbon short chain fatty acid (SCFA) that has various effects on colonic functions. Although several studies have shown the effects of propionic acid on intestinal mucosal barrier function, studies of the promotion effect during pre-weaning are rare in the literature as far as we know. Methods: Pre-weaning male Sprague-Dawley rats 7 days after birth were given an oral 0.2 mL/10 g of 200 mM propionic acid solution in the propionic acid group or normal saline solution in the control group by gavage twice a day for ten days. The proximal colonic contents were used for extraction and determination of propionic acid by gas chromatographic analysis; the transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) of colonic tissue was detected by an Ussing chamber; the alterations of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Claudin-8 and Occludin proteins were analyzed by Western blot and immunohistochemistry; and The activity of ERK and p38 MAPK was determined by the phosphorylation status of ERK1/2 and p38 with Western blot. Results: Our results suggested a higher concentration (23.5 ± 1.9 mmol/kg) of propionic acid compared to the physiological concentration (18.1 ± 0.9 mmol/kg) in colonic contents after oral administration increased the value of TER and the expression of ZO-1, Claudin-1, Claudin-8 and Occludin compared to the control group. Furthermore, the expression levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK were increased in propionic acid group. Conclusions: We concluded that continuous oral administration of propionic acid during lactation may increase its concentration in the proximal colon and promote epithelial barrier function of proximal colon by enhancing the expression of ZO-1, Claudin-8, Claudin-1 and Occludin via increases in the expression of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]