Search

The staining procedure is critical for investigating intra- and extra-cellular ultrastructure of microorganisms by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Here, we propose a new ultra-low lead staining (ULLS) technique for preparing the ultrathin sections for TEM analysis. Sections of Enterobacter sp. (bacteria), Aspergillus niger (filamentous fungi), Rhodotorula mucilaginosa (fungi), and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (microalgae) were tested. Compared with the sections prepared by the typical double-staining technique, ULLS-based sections showed evident advantages: (i) the staining process only required the addition of Pb(NO3)2; (ii) the Pb level during incubation was set as low as 1 mg/L, which had negligible toxicity to most microbial cells; (iii) the Pb cations were added during microbial culture, which avoided complicated sample preparation as in typical double staining. Taking C. reinhardtii as an example, the ULLS technique allowed fine investigation of microbial ultrastructure, e.g., starch granule, mitochondrion, Golgi apparatus, vacuole, and vesicle. Meanwhile, the physiological processes of the cells such as cell lysis and exocytosis were successfully captured, with relatively high contrast. This study hence shows a bright future on preparation of the high-quality ultrathin sections of microbial cells by the ULLS technique.

The effects of xanthan gum (0 % and 0.3 %) on the quality of low sodium (2.0 %, 2.4 %, 2.8 %, 3.2 %, 3.6 % and 4.0 %) salted beef and property of myofibril proteins (MP) extracted from salted beef were researched. Changes in the salting absorptivity, cooking loss, shear force, color and sensory analysis showed that xanthan gum had a positive effect on the quality of salted beef with low salinity (2.0 %, 2.4 % and 2.8 %). MP of salted beef treated with xanthan gum had higher solubility, lower hydrogen bond than that without it (P < 0.05). The decrease of surface hydrophobicity and intrinsic fluorescence intensity indicated that the chromophore of protein was brought into a hydrophobic environment in the presence of xanthan gum. The electrophoresis showed that xanthan gum could improve the concentration of myosin heavy chain, paramyosin and actin after tumble-salting. The data suggested that salted beef and its MP treated with xanthan gum and 2.8 % salt (XS3) had the best properties. Together, xanthan gum could be considered as a sodium salt substitute for the development of low sodium meat products.

Pancreatic cancer is associated with poor prognosis due to limited therapeutic options. Excision repair cross-complementing 3 (ERCC3) is an important member of nucleotide excision repair (NER) that is overexpressed in some cancers and may be regarded as a poor prognostic factor. Yet, its role in pancreatic cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression and functions of ERCC3 in pancreatic cancer patients and its relation with clinicopathological features. Our data suggested that the protein expression level of ERCC3 was higher in tumor tissues than in adjacent tissues. In addition, the expression of ERCC3 has shown to be associated with the tumor extent (p=0.035). Besides, analysis of the dataset in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) revealed that high expression of ERCC3 was associated with poor overall survival in pancreatic cancer patients (p=0.0136). In Cox regression analysis, ERCC3 was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival in pancreatic cancer (p

Dental caries is one of the most common disorders in dentistry. Typically, it is caused by the dissolution of the tooth mineral due to cariogenic organisms. Bioapatite is vulnerable to acid-etching ascribed to a variety of substitutions. This study applied Pb2+ cations to probe the dissolution of synthetic carbonated hydroxylapatite (CHAp) in the acidic environment induced by Enterobacter sp. It indicated a decreasing tendency of crystallite size (from ∼400 nm to 10-20 nm) during gradual incorporation of carbonate (from 2.5 to 13.8 wt %). Meanwhile, the shape of CHAp crystals was transformed from elongated to plate-like. Addition of Enterobacter sp. enhanced P release from CHAp (especially for the CHAp with ∼8 wt % CO3 ) around 10 times. Moreover, the bacterium provided a moderately acidic environment to cause more formation of stable pyromorphite over other Pb-minerals, for example, Pb3 (PO4 )2 , and PbCO3 . Then, transmission electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy mapping successfully confirmed the Pb labeling on the newly formed phosphate mineral as Pb (with high-atomic weight) has strong signal under electron microscopy. This study therefore elucidated that Pb labeling has a bright future to explore the degradation of tooth mineral by microorganisms, as well as to evaluate the resistance of calcium phosphate dental restorative materials.

Kidney fibrosis is the common consequence of chronic kidney diseases that inexorably progresses to end-stage kidney disease with organ failure treatable only with replacement therapy. Since transforming growth factor-β1 is the main player in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis, we posed the hypothesis that recombinant thrombomodulin can ameliorate transforming growth factor-β1-mediated progressive kidney fibrosis and failure. To interrogate our hypothesis, we generated a novel glomerulus-specific human transforming growth factor-β1 transgenic mouse to evaluate the therapeutic effect of recombinant thrombomodulin. This transgenic mouse developed progressive glomerular sclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis with kidney failure. Therapy with recombinant thrombomodulin for four weeks significantly inhibited kidney fibrosis and improved organ function compared to untreated transgenic mice. Treatment with recombinant thrombomodulin significantly inhibited apoptosis and mesenchymal differentiation of podocytes by interacting with the G-protein coupled receptor 15 to activate the Akt signaling pathway and to upregulate the expression of anti-apoptotic proteins including survivin. Thus, our study strongly suggests the potential therapeutic efficacy of recombinant thrombomodulin for the treatment of chronic kidney disease and subsequent organ failure.

Human gut microbiome is a promising target for managing type 2 diabetes (T2D). Measures altering gut microbiota like oral intake of probiotics or berberine (BBR), a bacteriostatic agent, merit metabolic homoeostasis. We hence conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with newly diagnosed T2D patients from 20 centres in China. Four-hundred-nine eligible participants were enroled, randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) and completed a 12-week treatment of either BBR-alone, probiotics+BBR, probiotics-alone, or placebo, after a one-week run-in of gentamycin pretreatment. The changes in glycated haemoglobin, as the primary outcome, in the probiotics+BBR (least-squares mean [95% CI], −1.04[−1.19, −0.89]%) and BBR-alone group (−0.99[−1.16, −0.83]%) were significantly greater than that in the placebo and probiotics-alone groups (−0.59[−0.75, −0.44]%, −0.53[−0.68, −0.37]%, P, The gut microbiome affects systemic metabolism and is a therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes. Here the authors demonstrate in a randomized controlled trial that effects of berberine, a plant alkaloid known to lower blood glucose, may be explained by the inhibition of Ruminococcus bromii mediated biotransformation of the bile acid deoxycholic acid.

p27Kip1, a member of the Cip/Kip family of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors, is now known as a multifunctional protein that plays crucial roles in cell architecture and migration by regulating rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules. The intracellular level of p27Kip1 is increased by anti-proliferative stimuli, such as mitogen deprivation and contact inhibition, which also induce formation of primary cilia, microtubule-based membranous organelles that protrude from the cell surface. However, it remains unknown whether p27Kip1 is associated with ciliogenesis. Here, we have generated p27Kip1-knockout hTERT-immortalized human retinal pigment epithelial cells, and found that ciliogenesis is almost completely disrupted in p27Kip1-knockout cells. The defect of ciliogenesis is rescued by the exogenous expression of wild-type p27Kip1 and, surprisingly, its 86-140 amino acid region, which is neither responsible for CDK inhibition nor remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and microtubules. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy and immunofluorescence analyses reveal that p27Kip1 abrogation impairs one of the earliest events of ciliogenesis, docking of the Ehd1-associated preciliary vesicles to the distal appendages of the basal body. Our findings identify a novel CDK-independent function of p27Kip1 in primary cilia formation.

Aims/Introduction Pancreatic islets are heterogenous. To clarify the relationship between islet heterogeneity and incretin action in the islets, we studied gene expression and metabolic profiles of non‐large and enlarged islets of the Zucker fatty diabetes mellitus rat, an obese diabetes model, as well as incretin‐induced insulin secretion (IIIS) in these islets. Materials and Methods Pancreatic islets of control (fa/+) and fatty (fa/fa) rats at 8 and 12 weeks‐of‐age were isolated. The islets of fa/fa rats at 12 weeks‐of‐age were separated into non‐large islets (≤200 μm in diameter) and enlarged islets (>300 μm in diameter). Morphological analyses, insulin secretion experiments, transcriptome analysis, metabolome analysis and oxygen consumption analysis were carried out on these islets. Results The number of enlarged islets was increased with age in fatty rats, and IIIS was significantly reduced in the enlarged islets. Markers for β‐cell differentiation were markedly decreased in the enlarged islets, but those for cell proliferation were increased. Glycolysis was enhanced in the enlarged islets, whereas the tricarboxylic acid cycle was suppressed. The oxygen consumption rate under glucose stimulation was reduced in the enlarged islets. Production of glutamate, a key signal for IIIS, was decreased in the enlarged islets. Conclusions The enlarged islets of Zucker fatty diabetes mellitus rats, which are defective for IIIS, show tumor cell‐like metabolic features, including a dedifferentiated state, accelerated aerobic glycolysis and impaired mitochondrial function. The age‐dependent increase in such islets could contribute to the pathophysiology of obese diabetes., The enlarged islets of Zucker fatty diabetes mellitus rats, which are defective for incretin‐induced insulin secretion, show tumor cell‐like metabolic features, including a dedifferentiated state, accelerated aerobic glycolysis and impaired mitochondrial function. The age‐dependent increase in such islets could contribute to the pathophysiology of obese diabetes.

Background Surgery is usually the treatment of choice for patients with cervical compressive myelopathy (CCM). Motor evoked potential (MEP) has proved to be helpful tool in evaluating intraoperative cervical spinal cord function change of those patients. This study aims to describe and evaluate different MEP baseline phenotypes for predicting MEP changes during CCM surgery. Methods A total of 105 consecutive CCM patients underwent posterior cervical spine decompression were prospectively collected between December 2012 and November 2016. All intraoperative MEP baselines recorded before spinal cord decompression were classified into 5 types (I to V) that were carefully designed according to the different MEP parameters. The postoperative neurologic status of each patient was assessed immediately after surgery. Results The mean intraoperative MEP changes range were 10.2% ± 5.8, 14.7% ± 9.2, 54.8% ± 31.9, 74.1% ± 24.3, and 110% ± 40 in Type I, II, III, IV, and V, respectively. There was a significant correlation of the intraoperative MEP change rate with different MEP baseline phenotypes (r = 0.84, P Conclusions The MEP baselines categories for predicting intraoperative cervical cord function change is proposed through this work. The more serious the MEP baseline abnormality, the higher the probability of intraoperative MEP changes, which is beneficial to early warning for the cervical cord injury.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and fatal disease of unknown etiology; however, apoptosis of lung alveolar epithelial cells plays a role in disease progression. This intractable disease is associated with increased abundance of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus in the lungs, yet their roles in disease pathogenesis remain elusive. Here, we report that Staphylococcus nepalensis releases corisin, a peptide conserved in diverse staphylococci, to induce apoptosis of lung epithelial cells. The disease in mice exhibits acute exacerbation after intrapulmonary instillation of corisin or after lung infection with corisin-harboring S. nepalensis compared to untreated mice or mice infected with bacteria lacking corisin. Correspondingly, the lung corisin levels are significantly increased in human IPF patients with acute exacerbation compared to patients without disease exacerbation. Our results suggest that bacteria shedding corisin are involved in acute exacerbation of IPF, yielding insights to the molecular basis for the elevation of staphylococci in pulmonary fibrosis., Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is associated with increased abundance of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus in the lungs. Here, the authors identify a Staphylococcus nepalensis-derived peptide, named corisin, to induce apoptosis of lung epithelial cells and exacerbation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice.

Neurofeedback targets self-regularized brain activity to normalized brain function based on brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. Although BCI software or platforms have continued to mature in other fields, little effort has been expended on neurofeedback applications. Hence, we present BrainKilter, a real-time electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis platform based on a “4-tier layered model”. The purposes of BrainKilter are to improve portability and accessibility, allowing different users to choose various options to perform EEG processing, target stimulation-induction through a pipeline, and analyze data online, essentially, to design a protocol paradigm and applicable BCI technology for neurofeedback experiments. The data processing effectiveness and application value of BrainKilter were tested using multiple-parameter neurofeedback training, in which BrainKilter regulated the amplitude of mismatch negative (MMN) signals for healthy individuals. The proposed platform consists of a set of software modules for online protocol design and signal decoding that can be conveniently and efficiently integrated for neurofeedback design and training. The BrainKilter platform provides a truly easy-to-use environment for customizing the experimental paradigm and for optimizing the parameters of neurofeedback experiments for research and clinical neurofeedback applications using BCI technology.

Background:The prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) of pancreatic head remains poor, even after potentially curative R0 resection. The aim of this study was to develop an accurate model to predict patients’ prognosis for PDAC of pancreatic head following pancreaticoduodenectomy.Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 112 patients with PDAC of pancreatic head after pancreaticoduodenectomy in Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between 2014 and 2018.Results:Five prognostic factors were identified using univariate Cox regression analysis, including age, histologic grade, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Stage 8th, total bilirubin (TBIL), CA19-9. Using all subset analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis, we developed a nomogram consisted of age, AJCC Stage 8th, perineural invasion, TBIL, and CA19-9, which had higher C-indexes for OS (0.73) and RFS (0.69) compared with AJCC Stage 8th alone (OS: 0.66; RFS: 0.67). The area under the curve (AUC) values of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the nomogram for OS and RFS were significantly higher than other single parameter, which are AJCC Stage 8th, age, perineural invasion, TBIL, and CA19-9. Importantly, our nomogram displayed higher C-index for OS than previous reported models, indicating a better predictive value of our model.Conclusions:A simple and practical nomogram for patient prognosis in PDAC of pancreatic head following pancreaticoduodenectomy was established, which shows satisfactory predictive efficacy and deserves further evaluation in the future.

Background The Chinese Chenghua pig (CHP) is a typical Chinese domestic fatty pig breed with superior meat quality characteristics, while the Yorkshire pig (YP) has the characteristics of fast growth and a high rate of lean meat. Long term natural selection and artificial selection resulted in great phenotypic differences between the two breeds, including growth, development, production performance, meat quality, and coat color. However, genome-wide DNA methylation differences between CHP and YP remain unclear. Results DNA methylation data were generated for muscle tissues of CHP and YP using reduced representation bisulfite sequencing (RRBS). In this study, a total of 2,416,211 CpG sites were identified. Besides, the genome-wide DNA methylation analysis revealed 722 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and 466 differentially methylated genes (DMGs) in pairwise CHP vs. YP comparison. Six key genomic regions (Sus scrofa chromosome (SSC)1:253.47–274.23 Mb, SSC6:148.71–169.49 Mb, SSC7:0.25–9.86 Mb, SSC12:43.06–61.49 Mb, SSC14:126.43–140.95 Mb, and SSC18:49.17–54.54 Mb) containing multiple DMRs were identified, and differences of methylation patterns in these regions may be related to phenotypic differences between CHP and YP. Based on the functional analysis of DMGs, 8 DMGs (ADCY1, AGBL4, EXOC2, FUBP3, PAPPA2, PIK3R1, MGMT and MYH8) were considered as important candidate genes associated with muscle development and meat quality traits in pigs. Conclusions This study explored the difference in meat quality between CHP and YP from the epigenetic point of view, which has important reference significance for the local pork industry and pork food processing.

INTRODUCTION An increased bleeding tendency has been shown in female haemophilia carriers compared to healthy females. Bleeding assessment tools (BATs) have mainly been performed in western cultures. It is unclear how they perform in populations with different healthcare, health/wellness concepts and awareness, as well as family planning practices. AIM To (a) describe and compare the bleeding symptoms in carriers with healthy females, particularly for bleeding after surgical abortion and intrauterine device (IUD) placement which are performed frequently for family planning in China; (b) quantify scores of International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Bleeding Assessment Tool (ISTH-BAT) and Chinese-BAT (C-BAT) developed to include surgical abortion and IUD placement as separate categories in Chinese haemophilia carriers; (c) correlate bleeding scores (BS) with factor levels. METHODS We conducted a multicentre, cross-sectional study on obligate haemophilia carriers and healthy controls using ISTH-BAT and C-BAT. RESULTS We enrolled 125 haemophilia carriers and 106 controls. Carriers, compared to controls, had significantly higher median BS (3 vs 1 by both ISTH-BAT and C-BAT) and lower factor level (63.5 vs 101.8 IU/dL). Bleeding after surgical abortion and IUD placement was significantly associated with carrier status. Bleeding scores from neither ISTH-BAT nor C-BAT showed significant correlation with factor levels. CONCLUSION Haemophilia carriers in China experienced abnormal bleeding. Unique to the Chinese carriers is significant bleeding after surgical abortion (3rd highest incidence of bleeding symptom) and IUD placement (4th highest). However, both ISTH-BAT and C-BAT exhibited no correlation between BS and factor levels in this population and neither could identify carriers with low factor level (of

Ectopic protein with proper steric structure was efficiently loaded onto the envelope of the F gene-defective BC-PIV vector derived from human parainfluenza virus type 2 (hPIV2) by a reverse genetics method of recombinant virus production. Further, ectopic antigenic peptide was successfully loaded either outside, inside, or at both sides of the envelope of the vector. The BC-PIV vector harboring the Ebola virus GP gene was able to elicit neutralizing antibodies in mice. In addition, BC-PIV with antigenic epitopes of both melanoma gp100 and WT1 tumor antigen induced a CD8+ T-cell-mediated response in tumor-transplanted syngeneic mice. Considering the low pathogenicity and recurrent infections of parental hPIV2, BC-PIV can be used as a versatile vector with high safety for recombinant vaccine development, addressing unmet medical needs.

Background Multiple incompatibility (Inc) groups of plasmids have been identified in Enterobacteriaceae species, but there are still quite a few sequenced plasmids that could not be assigned to any known Inc groups. Methods One IncFIIpKF727591β plasmid p205880-qnrS and two IncpKPHS1 plasmids p11219-CTXM and p205880-NR1 were fully sequenced in this work. Detailed genomic comparison was applied to all available sequenced plasmids of IncFIIpKF727591 or IncpKPHS1 group. Results p205880-qnrS carried a novel transposon Tn6396, which was an ISKpn19-compsite transposon and represented a prototype transposable element carrying a minimum core qnrS1 module. p11219-CTXM harbored a novel transposon Tn6559, which was generated from integration of a truncated IS903D-bla CTX-M-14 -ISEcp1 unit into the Tn3-family cryptic unit transposon Tn1722. Two Inc groups, IncFIIpKF727591 and IncpKPHS1, of plasmids from Enterobacteriaceae species were proposed, and IncFIIpKF727591 was further grouped into two subgroups IncFIIpKF727591α and IncFIIpKF727591β. Each of the 11 IncFIIpKF727591 plasmids carried multiple accessory modules including at least one resistance module, and the relatively small IncFIIpKF727591 backbones could acquire a wealth of foreign genetic contents. The modular structures of plasmid backbones were conserved within each of IncFIIpKF727591α and IncFIIpKF727591β subgroups but dramatically different, although with similar gene organizations, between these two subgroups. The IncpKPHS1 backbones were conserved with respect to modular structures, and only four of the 14 IncpKPHS1 plasmids carried accessory modules, two of which contained resistance genes. Conclusion A genomic comparison of sequenced IncpKPHS1 or IncFIIpKF727591 plasmids provides insights into modular differences and genetic diversification of these plasmids, some of which carries antimicrobial resistance genes.

Bone volumes and quality are related to their hormone levels in laying hens. In this study, we investigated letrozole (LZ) induced effects on the physicochemical properties of cortical bone in laying hens. After 9-wk LZ treatment, we observed that LZ could decrease estrogen level in laying hens. As a result, both the plasma tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase and bone Gla protein activities were suppressed significantly. In addition, carbonate substitution was inhibited significantly in humerus and femur confirmed by Raman spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the mineral density and yield load capacities of humerus and femur were improved. This study demonstrated that the high crystallinity and low carbonate substitution were tightly correlated with the relatively enhanced mechanical properties. Moreover, it elucidated biochemical mechanisms of estrogen in regulating mineralogical and mechanical properties of bones in laying hens.

Objective Kasabach-Merritt syndrome is a rare disease that mainly occurs in infants and adolescents. It usually manifests as disseminated intravascular coagulation and severe bleeding, and is associated with high mortality. However, its low incidence and clinical rarity in adults mean that there is currently no well-verified treatment regimen for this disease. We report on an effective novel therapeutic regimen in a patient with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome. Methods A woman with Kasabach-Merritt syndrome presented with a recurrent subcutaneous mass and disseminated intravascular coagulation, and was treated with prednisone, vincristine and thalidomide. Results This treatment regimen successfully resolved the patient’s symptoms, with tumor regression. The patient remained disease-free after 6 years of follow-up. Conclusions Prednisone combined with vincristine and thalidomide may be an effective treatment for Kasabach-Merritt syndrome, but further studies are needed to verify the use of this regimen.

The medial habenula (MHb) receives septal inputs and sends efferents to the interpeduncular nucleus and is implicated in stress, depression, memory, and nicotine withdrawal syndrome. We previously showed by immunofluorescence microscopy that the cell adhesion molecule nectin-2α is expressed in the cholinergic neurons in the developing and adult mouse MHbs and localized at the boundary between the adjacent somata of clustered cholinergic neurons where the voltage-gated A-type K+ channel Kv4.2 is localized. We further showed by immunoelectron microscopy that Kv4.2 is localized at the membrane specializations (MSs) whereas nectin-2α is localized mostly outside of these MSs. In addition, we showed that genetic ablation of nectin-2 delays the localization of Kv4.2 at the MSs in the developing MHb. We investigated here how nectin-2α regulates this localization of Kv4.2 at the MSs. In vitro biochemical analysis revealed that nectin-2α interacted with the auxiliary protein of Kv4.2 dipeptidyl aminopeptidase-like protein 6 (DPP6), but not with Kv4.2 or another auxiliary protein Kv channel-interacting protein 1 (KChIP1). Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis showed that DPP6 was colocalized with nectin-2α at the boundary between the adjacent somata of the clustered cholinergic neurons in the developing and adult MHbs. Immunoelectron microscopy analysis on this boundary revealed that DPP6 was localized both at the inside and the outside of the MSs. Genetic ablation of nectin-2 did not affect the localization of DPP6 at the boundary between the adjacent somata of the clustered cholinergic neurons in the developing and adult MHbs. These results indicate that nectin-2α interacts with DPP6 but regulates the localization of Kv4.2 at the MSs in a DPP6-independent manner.

Large‐volume central lymph node metastasis (large-volume CLNM) is associated with high recurrence rate in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients. However, sensitivity in investigating large-volume CLNM on preoperative ultrasonography (US) is not high. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical factors associated with large-volume CLNM in clinical N0 PTC patients. We reviewed 976 PTC patients undergoing total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection during 2017 to 2019. The rate of large-volume LNM was 4.1% (40 of 967 patients). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender and young age (age2cm) was associated with large-volume CLNM, with OR (95% CI) 3.757 (1.061–13.310), by multivariate analysis. In ROC curve analysis on the diameter of the CPTC tumor, the Area Under Curve (AUC) =0.682(p=0.013), the best cut-off point was selected as 2.0cm. In conclusion, male gender and young age were predictors for large-volume CLNM of cN0 PTC. cN0 PTMC patient with capsule invasion and cN0 CPTC patient with tumor diameter >2cm were correlated with large-volume CLNM. Total thyroidectomy with central lymph node dissection may be a favorable primary treatment option for those patients.

Elevating levels of environmental lead (Pb) results in serious hazards to health of animals and human beings. In this study, daily diet with three different levels of Pb (Pb nitrate at doses of 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg body weight) were fed to ISA Brown layers. It showed that the kidney and liver have the relatively high Pb concentration (2.34 and 0.51 ppm) after culture, while the meat has the Pb concentration as low as 0.07 ppm (lower than the standard of Codex Alimentarius). It was also confirmed that egg laying worked as a potential pathway for hens to excrete Pb as Pb concentrations in eggshell and yolk increased from 0.10 to 3.11 ppm. However, the Pb concentration in egg white remains at a safe level (

Fat-related diseases and chemical hazards produced during the frying process pose a major threat to human health. Coatings have been used as a practical method to reduce the amount of oil and chemical hazards associated with fried foods. Methyl cellulose (MC) and soy protein isolate were used as coating materials to pretreat Chinese fried dough cake (CFDC) before frying. The 1.5% MC concentration was the best choice for coating to simultaneously lower oil and chemical hazards in CFDC. The CFDC prepared using 1.5% MC had 11.3% oil, 73.70 μg/kg acrylamide, 0.15 mg KOH/100 kg acid, 8.54 mmol/kg peroxide, p-anisidine value of 6.36, 0.36 μg/g malondialdehyde, 0.13 μg/g 4-hydroxy-2-(E)-hexenal (HHE), 0.51 μg/g 4-hydroxy-2-(E)-nonenal (HNE), and 4,272 μg/kg glycidyl ester. In contrast, the uncoated CFDC had 19.2% oil, 117.55 μg/kg acrylamide, 0.25 mg KOH/100 kg acid, 14.40 mmol/kg peroxide, p-anisidine value of 9.76, 0.63 μg/g malondialdehyde, 0.23 μg/g HHE, 0.86 μg/g HNE, and 5,758 μg/kg glycidyl ester. MC and soy protein isolate enhanced the oil barrier of the coating film, which effectively reduced the heat transfer coefficients, oil transfer, oil oxidation, and chemical hazards in the CFDC. Our work on this edible coating contributes to methods for control of oil and chemical hazards in fried foods. HIGHLIGHTS

Green prickly ash (Zanthoxylum armatum) and red prickly ash (Zanthoxylum bungeanum) fruit have unique flavor and aroma characteristics that affect consumers' purchasing preferences. However, differences in aroma components and relevant biosynthesis genes have not been systematically investigated in green and red prickly ash. Here, through the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), differentially abundant metabolites, and terpenoid biosynthetic pathways, we characterize the different aroma components of green and red prickly ash fruits and identify key genes in the terpenoid biosynthetic pathway. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify 41 terpenoids from green prickly ash and 61 terpenoids from red prickly ash. Piperitone was the most abundant terpenoid in green prickly ash fruit, whereas limonene was most abundant in red prickly ash. Intergroup correlation analysis and redundancy analysis showed that HDS2, MVK2, and MVD are key genes for terpenoid synthesis in green prickly ash, whereas FDPS2 and FDPS3 play an important role in the terpenoid synthesis of red prickly ash. In summary, differences in the composition and content of terpenoids are the main factors that cause differences in the aromas of green and red prickly ash, and these differences reflect contrasting expression patterns of terpenoid synthesis genes.

Canine adenovirus (CAdV) has a high prevalence in canine populations. High affinity neutralizing antibodies against conserved epitopes can provide protective immunity against CAdV and protect against future outbreaks. In this study, we identified two CAdV-2-specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), 2C1 and 7D7, which recognized two linear-dependent epitopes. MAb 2C1 potently neutralized CAdV-2 with a 50% neutralization titer (NT50) of 4096, and mAb 7D7 partially neutralized CAdV-2 with a 50% NT50 of 64. Immunoprecipitation, Western blot and protein spectral analysis indicated that both neutralizing mAbs recognized the hexon protein (Hex) of CAdV-2. Through a 12-mer random peptide phage display and synthetic peptides analysis, we finely mapped the neutralizing epitopes to two 10-amino acid (aa) peptides within the CAdV Hex: 634RIKQRETPAL643 located on the surface region, and 736PESYKDRMYS745 located in the inner region of the expected 3D structure of trimeric Hex. Importantly, the two epitopes are highly conserved among all CAdV isolates by sequence alignment analysis. Thus, these results provide insights into the interaction between virus and mAbs at the aa level and may have potential applications in the development of novel therapeutic or epitope-based vaccines, antibody therapeutics and a diagnostic method suitable for the rapid detection of all CAdVs.

The clinical outcome of porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) infection is still controversial. Herein, a novel PCV3 isolate (PCV3-China/DB-1/2017) with the molecular characterization of 24A and 27K in the Cap protein was used to inoculate three-week-old cesarean-derived, colostrum-deprived piglets. The nine PCV3 DB-1 inoculated piglets exhibited no obvious clinical symptoms or macroscopic lesions. PCV3 displayed a broad histotropism, including the heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney, brain, lymph nodes, and tonsil, and the lungs and lymph nodes contained a higher quantity of viral genomes compared to that of the other organs. From 7 days after PCV3 DB-1 inoculation, the piglets showed obvious IgG antibody responses against PCV3 rCap-VLPs. The cumulative results demonstrated that PCV3 trend to low pathogenicity.

Background Glycidyl esters (GEs) have attracted worldwide attention for their potential harm to human health. The GEs in edible oils mainly form during the deodorization of the oil refining processes. We used sesamol and sesamolin to inhibit the formation of GEs in model corn oil (MCO), model palm oil (MPO) and model rice bran oil (MRO) during a deodorization process. Results The results showed that, in the three model oils, the total GE content was in the following order from highest to lowest: MRO (1437.98 μg kg-1 ) > MPO (388.64 μg kg-1 ) > MCO (314.81 μg kg-1 ). The inhibitory effect of the three antioxidants on the formation of GEs in the MCO was in the following order from strongest to weakest: tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) > sesamol > sesamolin. Conclusion When the mass percentage of sesamol was 0.05%, its inhibition percentage on GEs was close to the inhibition percentage of 0.02% added TBHQ. The present study provides a foundation for understanding how to inhibit the formation of GEs in oils by adding sesamol during the deodorization process.

BACKGROUND: Lymph node metastasis (LNM) has been a significant predictor for local recurrence and distant metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, the clinical predictors for conventional papillary thyroid carcinoma (CPTC) with lateral lymph node metastasis (LLNM) have yet to be established. Our work aimed to effectively identify the risk factors of LLNM in CPTC, helping surgeons to devise better individualized therapy strategies. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 652 patients who were diagnosed with CPTC in the Department of General Surgery at Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital between October 2015 and June 2019. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the correlation between clinicopathological characteristics and the LLNM of CPTC. RESULTS: The incidence of LLNM in CPTC was 29.75% (194 of 652 patients). Univariate analysis found that LLNM was significantly associated with gender, age, number of central lymph nodes (CLNs), primary tumor location, multifocality, maximum tumor diameter, and BRAF V600E mutation. Independent risk factors for LLNM were multifocality (P=0.017, OR =4.325, 95% CI: 1.298–14.408), maximum tumor diameter (P2 cm, and BRAF V600E mutation-negative, which should be considered when examining patients with suspected metastasis in the lateral compartment.

Mismatch negativity (MMN) is suitable for studies of preattentive auditory discriminability and the auditory memory trace. Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is an ideal target for early therapeutic intervention because SCD occurs at preclinical stages many years before the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). According to a novel lifespan-based model of dementia risk, hearing loss is considered the greatest potentially modifiable risk factor of dementia among nine health and lifestyle factors, and hearing impairment is associated with cognitive decline. Therefore, we propose a neurofeedback training based on MMN, which is an objective index of auditory discriminability, to regulate sensory ability and memory as a non-pharmacological intervention (NPI) in SCD patients. Seventeen subjects meeting the standardized clinical evaluations for SCD received neurofeedback training. The auditory frequency discrimination test, the visual digital N-back (1-, 2-, and 3-back), auditory digital N-back (1-, 2-, and 3-back), and auditory tone N-back (1-, 2-, and 3-back) tasks were used pre- and post-training in all SCD patients. The intervention schedule comprised five 60-min training sessions over 2 weeks. The results indicate that the subjects who received neurofeedback training had successfully improved the amplitude of MMN at the parietal electrode (Pz). A slight decrease in the threshold of auditory frequency discrimination was observed after neurofeedback training. Notably, after neurofeedback training, the working memory (WM) performance was significantly enhanced in the auditory tone 3-back test. Moreover, improvements in the accuracy of all WM tests relative to the baseline were observed, although the changes were not significant. To the best of our knowledge, our preliminary study is the first to investigate the effects of MMN neurofeedback training on WM in SCD patients, and our results suggest that MMN neurofeedback may represent an effective treatment for intervention in SCD patients and the elderly with aging memory decline.

Aurora kinase A (AURKA) is a cell cycle regulatory serine/threonine kinase that promotes cell cycle progression. It plays an important role in regulating the transition from G2 to M phase during mitosis. The association between the AURKA rs2273535 T>A polymorphism and cancer risk has been investigated, but the results remain inconsistent. To get a more accurate conclusion, we conducted a comprehensive meta-analysis of 36 case-control studies, involving 22,884 cancer cases and 30,497 healthy controls. Crude odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to determine the association of interest. Pooled analysis indicated that the AURKA rs2273535 T>A polymorphism increased the overall risk of cancer (homozygous: OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.04-1.33; recessive: OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.05-1.25; allele: OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.02-1.13). Stratification analysis by cancer type further showed that this polymorphism was associated with an increased breast cancer risk. This meta-analysis indicated that the AURKA rs2273535 T>A polymorphism was associated with an overall increased cancer risk, especially breast cancer. Further validation experiments are needed to strengthen our conclusion.

Apomixis is a reproductive model that bypasses sexual reproduction, so it does not require the combination of paternal and maternal gametes but instead results in the production of offspring directly from maternal tissues. This reproductive mode results in the same genetic material in the mother and the offspring and has significant applications in agricultural breeding. Molecular and cytological methods were used to identify the reproductive type ofZanthoxylum bungeanum(ZB). Fluorescence detection of the amplified products of 12 pairs of polymorphic SSR primers showed consistent fluorescence signals for mother and offspring, indicating that no trait separation occurred during reproduction. In addition, the cytological observation results showed differentiation of ZB embryos (2n) from nucellar cells (2n) to form indefinite embryonic primordia and then form adventitious embryos (2n), indicating that the apomictic type of ZB is sporophytic apomixis. The MADS-box transcription factorZbAGL11was highly expressed during the critical period of nucellar embryo development in ZB. UnpollinatedZbAGL11-OEArabidopsisproduced fertile offspring and exhibited an apomictic phenotype. The overexpression ofZbAGL11increased the callus induction rate of ZB tissue. In addition, the results of the yeast two-hybrid experiment showed that ZbAGL11 could interact with the ZbCYP450 and ZbCAD11 proteins. Our results demonstrate thatZbAGL11can cause developmental disorders ofArabidopsisflower organs and result in apomixis-like phenotypes.

Background To our knowledge, the exposed nerve roots in thoracic spine are usually sacrificed to facilitate osteotomy during posterior vertebral column resection (PVCR) for severe spinal deformity. Currently we report a case with severe spine deformity in which intraoperative neurological monitoring (IOM) loss after interrupting T8 nerve root finally led to spinal cord injury during PVCR surgery. Case presentation The patient was a 14-year-old female with severe congenital kyphoscoliosis (CKS) without preoperative neurologic deficits. The IOM events (MEP loss and SSEP latency prolong) were showed when T8 nerve root at concave side was interrupted. And then we reduce the scope of osteotomy to control bleeding, raised blood pressure (MAP, 65–80) to increase blood supply for spinal cord, placed the bilateral rod to stabilized the spinal cord, used the methylprednisolone, explored the presence or absence of spinal cord compression, and prepared to change the surgical plan from PVCR to PSO. After that the IOM signals partial recovered from the lowest point. Postoperatively the patients showed transient motor function deficits of left lower limbs weak without somatosensory deficits, and come back to preoperative status 6 months later. Conclusions Interrupting the thoracic spine nerve root is danger to trigger the spinal cord injury during PVCR procedure of severe CKS. That probably because the increasing tension of contralateral anterior horn area of spinal cord via the nerve root pulling.

Background Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disease puzzling both children and adults, however outcome of adult patients is unfavorable. This prospective interventional trial aims to test the efficacy and safety of the combination of methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside in adult LCH patients. Method A total of 36 patients enrolled diagnosed with LCH and treated in our center from 1st Jan, 2014 to 30th Jun, 2016. Result Nineteen patients underwent the detection of BRAF mutation, with a positive rate of 21.1%. The overall response rate was 100%, only 16.7% achieved complete response. The overall regression rate of osseous lesions was 100%. Regression of central nervous system involvement was also favorable. After a median follow-up of 44 months, the estimated event-free survival was 48.9 months, the overall survival rate was 97.2%. The risk organ involvement showed strong prognostic value, EFS was 34.1 or 54.6 months (p = 0.001) in groups with/without risk organ involvement respectively. Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were the most common adverse effects. Conclusion The regimen of methotrexate and cytosine arabinoside (MA) is effective and safe in treating adult LCH patients, and timely preventions may be considered for the high incidence of hematological adverse effects. Trial registration Trial No. NCT02389400 on Clinicaltrials.gov, registered on 10th Mar. 2015.

Obesity and diabetes mellitus have become major health problems worldwide. In recent years, genistein has been found to be capable of inhibiting obesity and alleviating insulin resistance. However, the molecular mechanism of genistein against obesity is still not fully understood. In this study, we used 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and obese mice as models to explore the molecular mechanism of genistein against obesity. We found that genistein can inhibit obesity and downregulate the expression of miR-222 in mouse adipose tissue. In 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, treatment with miR-222 inhibitor or genistein reduced the expression of miR-222 and promoted lipid decomposition, while miR-222 treatment increased the expression of miR-222 and inhibited lipolysis. Moreover, the dual-luciferase reporter assay system confirmed that BTG2 and adipor1 are the target genes of miR-222. Experiments conducted in vitro and in vivo suggest that genistein may regulate lipid metabolism in the adipose tissue of obese mice by regulating the expression of miR-222 and its target genes, BTG2 and adipor1. Our findings provide a new epigenetic mechanism underpinning the ability of genistein to resist obesity. These results may provide a reference point for the dietary treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

The fate and activity of β-arrestin2, a key player in the regulation of desensitization and endocytosis of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), are regulated by mouse double minute 2 homolog (Mdm2)-mediated ubiquitination. However, details of the molecular mechanisms of β-arrestin2 ubiquitination remain unclear. Studies on β-arrestin2 and Mdm2 mutants with modified nucleocytoplasmic shuttling properties have revealed that β-arrestin2 ubiquitination occurs in the nucleus in a Gβγ- and clathrin-dependent manner. The nuclear entry of both β-arrestin2 and Mdm2 commonly relies on the presence of importin complex but can occur independently of each other. Gβγ and clathrin regulated the nuclear entry of β-arrestin2 by mediating the interaction between β-arrestin2 and importin β1. In contrast, Akt-mediated phosphorylation of two serine residues of Mdm2 partly regulated the nuclear entry of Mdm2. Ubiquitinated β-arrestin2 along with Mdm2 translocated to the cytoplasm where they play various functional roles including receptor endocytosis and ubiquitination of other cytoplasmic proteins. The nuclear export of Mdm2 required nuclear entry and interaction of β-arrestin2 with Mdm2. Ubiquitination was required for the translocation of β-arrestin2 toward activated receptors on the plasma membrane and for its endocytic activity. The current study revealed the cellular components and processes involved in the ubiquitination of β-arrestin2, and these findings could be quintessential for providing directions and detailed strategies for the manipulation of GPCR functions and development of GPCR-related therapeutics.

Incretins, including glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), secreted from enteroendocrine cells after food ingestion, are currently recognized to regulate glucose metabolism through insulin secretion. We previously demonstrated that platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB) induces the migration of osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1 cells through mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, including p38 MAP kinase. In the present study, we investigated whether or not incretins affect the osteoblast migration. The PDGF-BB-induced cell migration was significantly reinforced by GLP-1, GIP or cAMP analogues in MC3T3-E1 cells and normal human osteoblasts. The upregulated migration by GLP-1 or cAMP analogues was suppressed by H89, an inhibitor of protein kinase A. The amplification by GLP-1 of migration induced by PDGF-BB was almost completely reduced by SB203580, a p38 MAP kinase inhibitor in MC3T3-E1 cells and normal human osteoblasts. In addition, GIP markedly strengthened the PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAP kinase. Exendin-4, a GLP-1 analogue, induced Rho A expression and its translocation from cytoplasm to plasma membranes in osteoblasts at the epiphyseal lines of developing mouse femurs in vivo. These results strongly suggest that incretins accelerates the PDGF-BB-induced migration of osteoblasts via protein kinase A, and the up-regulation of p38 MAP kinase is involved in this acceleration. Our findings may highlight the novel potential of incretins to bone physiology and therapeutic strategy against bone repair.

The incidence and clinical implications of autoimmune diseases (ADs) in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma(NHL) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of ADs in NHL and define the clinical characteristics and prognosis of AD-associated NHL patients. Patients diagnosed with NHL in our institute between 1995 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed to assess the incidence of ADs. Of 4880 patients with NHL, 140 (2.9%) presented with autoimmunity, with a total of 24 ADs. The most common AD was Sjögren syndrome, followed by autoimmune cytopenia, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. Psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis were significantly associated with pre-existing ADs, whereas autoimmune cytopenia was significantly associated with secondary AD. Sjögren syndrome was significantly associated with B-cell lymphoma, and systemic vasculitis was significantly associated with T-cell lymphoma. Patients with AD-associated NHL had a high frequency of extranodal involvement(87%), with significant associations between specific extranodal sites of lymphoma and subtypes of ADs. Among patients with available data on pre-treatment peripheral blood Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA(n = 68), elevated EBV-DNA load was observed in a variety of NHL subtypes, including 20% of marginal zone lymphoma and 14.3% of follicular lymphoma patients. In a matched-pair analysis, survival did not differ significantly between NHL patients with and without ADs. However, for NHL patients with pre-existing ADs, a prior history of systemic corticosteroids therapy was significantly associated with worse survival (HR = 7.33, P = 0.006). Taken together, our data suggest that a broad spectrum of ADs is associated with NHL, and AD-associated NHL has distinct features with regard to clinical manifestations and prognosis.

Although canine adenovirus (CAdV) is highly prevalent in dogs, there is currently a lack of a quick diagnostic method. In this study, we developed a rapid immunochromatographic strip (ICS) assay using colloidal gold coupled to CAdV-2-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). BALB/c mice were immunized with a purified CAdV-2 suspension, and four mAbs (belonging to two different epitopes) were generated and designated as 2C1, 7D7, 10D1, and 4G1. Western blot and protein spectral analysis indicated that the hexon protein of CAdV-2 recognized all four mAbs. The colloidal gold-coupled 7D7 and 2C1 mAbs were chosen for inclusion in the rapid ICS assay. The optimal concentrations of the coating antibody (2C1), the capture antibody (7D7), and the goat anti-mouse antibody were 1.0 mg/ml, 10 μg/ml, and 2.0 mg/ml, respectively. The limit of detection was approximately 2.0 × 102 tissue culture infective dose (TCID50)/ml. Other common canine viruses were tested to evaluate the specificity of the ICS, and positive results were observed for only CAdV-1 and CAdV-2. The ICS test was conducted on 360 samples to detect CAdV, and the results were compared with those of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. The ICS test was found to be a sufficiently sensitive and specific detection method for the convenient and rapid detection of CAdV.

In the present study, peony seed oil was encapsulated using a combination of whey protein isolate, corn syrup and soy lecithin (0.75%) as wall materials by spray drying. This formulation exhibited highest encapsulation efficiency and oxidative stability and least loss of bioactive compounds. The microstructure showed the peony seed oil microcapsules formed a complete core-shell structure with smooth surface and no apparent cracks or fissures. In-vitro digestion behavior showed more than 80% of the encapsulated oil was released from microcapsules after simulated gastrointestinal digestion.

Background Intraoperative neurologic monitoring (IONM) has become an essential component for decreasing the incidence of spinal cord injury during spine surgeries. Many high-risk surgical maneuvers that result in significant IONM alerts have not been reported systematically. Our objective was to thoroughly summarize some common high-risk surgical points associated with IONM alerts in various spine surgeries. Methods Between November 2010 and April 2017, 62 patients with true-positive IONM alerts from 3139 spine surgeries were enrolled. Transcranial motor evoked potentials, somatosensory evoked potentials, and free-run electromyography were used for IONM. All 62 patients were identified as true-positive IONM cases. Results Of 3139 patients, 101 demonstrated significant IONM changes—62 true-positive cases, 14 false-positive cases, and 25 indeterminate IONM results. IONM alerts most often occurred in thoracic screw placement (n = 10, 16.1%), osteotomy (n = 22, 35.5%), correction (n = 19, 30.6%), and spinal cord decompression (n = 11, 17.8%). Appropriate timely measures are indicated in response to IONM alerts during high-risk surgical maneuvers. Ten (10/62, 16.1%) patients showed permanent postoperative neurologic deficits. Conclusions IONM alerts are often associated with some specific high-risk surgical maneuvers. Careful and timely observation is crucial.

The medial habenula (MHb), implicated in stress, depression, memory, and nicotine withdrawal syndromes, receives septal inputs and sends efferents to the interpeduncular nucleus. We previously showed that the immunoglobulin‐like cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) nectin‐2α and nectin‐2δ are expressed in astrocytes in the brain, but their expression in neurons remains unknown. We showed here by immunofluorescence microscopy that nectin‐2α, but not nectin‐2δ, was prominently expressed in the cholinergic neurons in the developing and adult MHbs and localized at the boundary between the adjacent somata of the clustered cholinergic neurons where the voltage‐gated A‐type K+ channel Kv4.2 was localized. Analysis by immunoelectron microscopy on this boundary revealed that Kv4.2 was localized at the membrane specializations (MSs) with plasma membrane darkening in an asymmetrical manner, whereas nectin‐2α was localized on the apposed plasma membranes mostly at the outside of these MSs, but occasionally localized at their edges and insides. Nectin‐2α at this boundary was not colocalized with the nectin‐2α‐binding protein afadin, other CAMs, or their interacting peripheral membrane proteins, suggesting that nectin‐2α forms a cell adhesion apparatus different from the Kv4.2‐associated MSs. Genetic ablation of nectin‐2 delayed the localization of Kv4.2 at the boundary between the adjacent somata of the clustered cholinergic neurons in the developing MHb. These results revealed the unique localization of nectin‐2α and its regulatory role in the localization of Kv4.2 at the MSs in the MHb.

Objective The aim of this study was to explore the characteristics of and preventive management strategies for suicidal inpatients in a general hospital. Methods A total of 54 suicide victims were drawn from a patient safety adverse event network reporting system during hospitalization in a general hospital from November 2008 to January 2017. Results Subjects who committed suicide in the general hospital were women and those who suffered from malignant neoplasms during general hospital treatment. Furthermore, most of the patients who committed suicide used more violent suicide methods. The most common and lethal means was jumping from heights at the windowsill. Conclusions It is concluded that management strategies for suicide prevention can be provided from the aspects of patients, medical staff and the hospital environment. It is not only urgent but also feasible to reduce the suicide rate of inpatients and further improve hospital safety management.

The effects of soy lecithin concentration on the physical properties of whey protein isolate (WPI) stabilized emulsion and the corresponding microcapsules obtained by spray drying were investigated. Results showed that the addition of lecithin reduced the droplet size and interfacial viscoelastic properties of the emulsion. The ζ-potential of the oil/water emulsion initially decreased and then increased with increasing soy lecithin concentration. The emulsion stability depended on the interaction between lecithin and whey protein isolate (WPI) on the interface, which formed a compact adsorption to response external deformations and thus enhanced the stability of emulsion. Microcapsules, obtained by spray drying of emulsion, exhibited good redispersibility in water. Scanning electron micrographs showed that the particles prepared by addition of lecithin showed compact surface. High encapsulation efficiency was observed at intermediate soy lecithin concentration (0.50–1.00%) because of the synergistic effect of lecithin and WPI in this region.

The objective is to compare the intraoperative monitoring (IOM) outcomes between degenerative cervical and thoracic spine decompression surgery. A total of 97 patients with cervical compression myelopathy (CCM) and 75 patients with thoracic compression myelopathy (TCM) were prospectively collected between December 2012 and June 2015 in our spine center. Somatosensory-evoked potentials (SSEP) and motor-evoked potentials (MEP) were used for IOM. The postoperative neurologic status of each patient was assessed immediately after surgery. And the IOM and neurological outcomes were mainly analyzed in this study. Under the same alarm criteria, the IOM changes present significant difference between the cervical and thoracic surgery. During the patients with monitoring alerts, the MEPs usually manifest as sudden loss in TCM whereas the gradual loss in CCM. And there were three permanent neurologic injuries in the thoracic cases, but none in cervical cases. The IOM loss between CCM and TCM patients present obvious difference and the sudden MEPs loss associated with spinal decompression need to be taken seriously especially in TCM.

Mineralogical changes and solubility of bioapatite in mice cortical bones (2- and 5 months old) were investigated by Raman spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma spectrometry in this study. The Raman analyses show that the full width at half maximum values of the 960 cm−1 peak exhibit a slight increase during mouse pregnancy, which suggests slightly decreasing crystallinity. Additionally, aging significantly increases the solubility of bone bioapatite. The 1070 cm−1 peak indicates the enriched carbonate incorporation during aging from 2 to 5 months. The elevated solubility of bioapatite and low bone density are consistent with the low crystallinity of bioapatite.

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the cause of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which encompasses several distinct symptoms in pigs. PCV2 infection and clinical incidence of PMWS have increased in recent years, possibly due to shifts in viral populations and mutations. In this study, we identified PVC2 strains currently afflicting pig populations in mainland China, because this is a prerequisite for developing a specific vaccine to control the spread of PMWS. We collected 235 tissue samples from 16 provinces between 2014 and 2016. Of these, 152 samples were positive for PCV2. We compared the sequences we obtained for the PVC2 capsid gene, ORF2, to those of the Chinese PCV2 sequences deposited in GenBank between 2002 and 2016 (n = 648). Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the PCV2d genotype was the most prevalent strain in the sample population included in GenBank and among the positive samples from this study. We also found one PCV2c strain among the GenBank sequences. Furthermore, PCV2a-2F was the predominant genotype in the PCV2a cluster. Amino acid sequence comparisons demonstrated 70.8-100% identity within PCV ORF2 and several consistent mutations in ORF2. More interestingly, six isolates were classified as recombinant strains. Cumulatively, this study represents the first comprehensive description of PCV2 strains distribution, including recent samples, in Chinese porcine populations. We demonstrate the existence of high genetic variability among PVC2 strains and the ability of this virus to rapidly evolve.

Background Context Transcranial motor evoked potential (MEP) monitoring has been widely adopted in spine surgery, but so far the useful monitoring data for the Patients with preoperative spinal deficits (PPSDs) are limited. Originally we thought that they seemed technically more difficult and less reliable in performing the MEP monitoring to PPSDs. Purpose Our objective was to study (1) the feasibility of MEP monitoring in PPSDs and the (2) the significance of rapid MEP loss. Study Design/Setting A retrospective case notes study from a prospective patient register was used as the study design. Patient Sample A total of 332 PPSDs who underwent posterior spine surgery with a reliable MEP monitoring were collected between September 2010 and December 2014. Outcome Measures Relevant MEP loss was identified as rapid amplitude reduction (more than 80% MEP) associated with high-risk surgical maneuvers or high-risk diagnoses. Method The muscles with higher strength were used to record the optimal MEP signal. MEP monitoring of these patients was considered to be feasible if reproducible signals had been obtained; moreover, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value were computed. The significance of the patients with rapid MEP loss was analyzed. Results From a total of 332 PPSDs, 27 cases showed significant MEP loss (23 true positive, 4 false positive), and 21 showed new spinal deficits. Invalid MEP baselines were found in 11 paralysis and 6 severely incomplete paraplegia patients, and success rate of reliable MEP was 95.1% in PPSDs. The congenital kyphoscoliosis, tuberculous kyphoscoliosis, and thoracic spinal stenosis are considered high-risk diagnoses to result in MEP loss. The sensitivity of intraoperative MEP monitoring was 100%, the specificity 98.7%, the positive predictive value 85.2%, and the negative predictive value 100%. Conclusions Intraoperative MEP monitoring is feasible for most of the PPSDs. The rapid MEP loss during high-risk diagnoses and complicated surgical procedures may indicate new spinal deficits.

A hippocampal mossy fiber synapse, which is implicated in learning and memory, has a complex structure in which mossy fiber boutons attach to the dendritic shaft by puncta adherentia junctions (PAJs) and wrap around a multiply-branched spine, forming synaptic junctions. Here, we electron microscopically analyzed the ultrastructure of this synapse in afadin-deficient mice. Transmission electron microscopy analysis revealed that typical PAJs with prominent symmetrical plasma membrane darkening undercoated with the thick filamentous cytoskeleton were observed in the control synapse, whereas in the afadin-deficient synapse, atypical PAJs with the symmetrical plasma membrane darkening, which was much less in thickness and darkness than those of the control typical PAJs, were observed. Immunoelectron microscopy analysis revealed that nectin-1, nectin-3, and N-cadherin were localized at the control typical PAJs, whereas nectin-1 and nectin-3 were localized at the afadin-deficient atypical PAJs to extents lower than those in the control synapse and N-cadherin was localized at their non-junctional flanking regions. These results indicate that the atypical PAJs are formed by nectin-1 and nectin-3 independently of afadin and N-cadherin and that the typical PAJs are formed by afadin and N-cadherin cooperatively with nectin-1 and nectin-3. Serial block face-scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that the complexity of postsynaptic spines and mossy fiber boutons, the number of spine heads, the area of postsynaptic densities, and the density of synaptic vesicles docked to active zones were decreased in the afadin-deficient synapse. These results indicate that afadin plays multiple roles in the complex ultrastructural morphogenesis of hippocampal mossy fiber synapses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

In this study to screen for stable, high Taxol-producing cell lines (CL5, CL12, and CL21) of Taxus cuspidata, stem tissues were used to induce calli, which were then subcultured nine times to establish suspension cell cultures. From 97 cell lines obtained from conditioned cultures, 10 cell lines with high Taxol content were selected. Stability analyses on solid and liquid B5 media were then used to obtain lines that stably produced high levels of Taxol. Fresh biomass and Taxol production of the ninth generation became stable. Taxol content of selected CL5, CL12, and CL21 samples was 0.0448, 0.0477, and 0.0428% of dry mass (DW), respectively. Proliferation of CL5, CL12 and CL21 was 346.3, 382.5, and 409.2%, respectively. From work over about 2 years, the three cell lines appear suitable for mass production of Taxol, promoting the industrialisation and commercial-scale production of Taxol using cell culture.

The hippocampal formation with tightly packed neurons, mainly at the dentate gyrus, CA3, CA2, and CA1 regions, constitutes a one-way neural circuit, which is associated with learning and memory. We previously showed that the cell adhesion molecules nectins and its binding protein afadin play roles in the formation of the mossy fiber synapses which are formed between the mossy fibers of the dentate gyrus granule cells and the dendrites of the CA3 pyramidal cells. We showed here that in the afadin-deficient hippocampal formation, the dentate gyrus granules cells and the CA3, CA2, and CA1 pyramidal cells were abnormally located; the mossy fiber trajectory was abnormally elongated; the CA3 pyramidal cells were abnormally differentiated; and the densities of the presynaptic boutons on the mossy fibers and the apical dendrites of the CA3 pyramidal cells were decreased. These results indicate that afadin plays roles not only in the formation of the mossy fiber synapses but also in the formation of the cellular architecture of the hippocampus and the dentate gyrus.

Background Context Intraoperative monitoring (IOM) is an essential method for preventing postoperative spinal deficits during posterior vertebral column resection (VCR) surgery for treatment of severe spine deformities, but the IOM features directing at VCR procedures are rarely reported and need to be further clarified. Purpose To evaluate an important surgical point that will lead to the IOM loss frequently, and then remind the surgeons to pay close attention to impending monitoring changes during posterior VCR surgery. Study Design/Setting Retrospective study. Patient Sample A total of 77 patients with severe spine deformities who underwent posterior VCR and deformity correction surgeries from January 2012 to May 2015 are retrospectively analyzed in our spine center. Outcome Measures IOM (motor-evoked potentials [MEP] and somatosensory-evoked potentials) was used for intraoperative spinal function assessment. Methods Patients were divided into 2 groups according to their preoperative spinal function, including 27 patients with preoperative spinal deficits and 50 patients with spinal normal. And the IOM data during surgery, especially among VCR procedures, were mainly analyzed in the present study. Results With the VCR procedure almost complete, most patients showed varying degrees of IOM loss that included 37 cases showing obvious IOM degenerations and 21 cases showing significant IOM loss with alerts immediately. Moreover, the patients with preoperative spinal deficits have more significant decreasing percentage in MEP amplitude (81% vs. 68%, p Conclusions With the VCR procedure almost complete, surgeons must pay closely attention to the IOM signals and should be ready to take corresponding surgical measures to deal with the impeding monitoring loss.