Evaluating a dry vs. wet disinfection in boot baths on detection of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and porcine reproductive and respiratory virus RNA

Maintaining biosecurity between swine barns is challenging, and boot baths are an easily implementable option some utilize to limit pathogen spread. However, there are concerns regarding their efficacy, especially when comparing wet or dry disinfectants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of boot baths in reducing the quantity of detectable porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) genetic material using wet or dry disinfectants. Treatments included 1) control, 2) dry chlorine powder (Traffic C.O.P., PSP, LLC, Rainsville, AL), and 3) wet quaternary ammonium/glutaraldehyde liquid (1:256 Synergize, Neogen, Lexington, KY). Prior to disinfection, rubber boots were inoculated with 1 mL of a co-inoculants of PRRSV (1×10 5 TCID50/mL) and PEDV (1×10 5 TCID50/mL) and dried for 15 minutes. After the drying period, a researcher placed the boot on the right foot and stepped directly on a stainless steel coupon (control). Alternatively, the researcher stepped first into a boot bath containing either the wet or dry sanitizer, stood for 3 s, and then stepped onto a steel coupon. After one minute, an environmental swab was then collected and processed from each boot and steel coupon. The procedure was replicated 12 times per disinfectant treatment. Samples were analyzed using a duplex qPCR at the Kansas State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory. Cycle threshold values were analyzed using SAS GLIMMIX v 9.4 (SAS, Inc., Cary, NC). There was no evidence of a disinfectant × surface × virus interaction (P > 0.10). An interaction between disinfectant × surface impacted (P < 0.05) the quantity of detectable viral RNA. As expected, the quantity of the viruses on the coupon were greatest in the control, indicating that a contaminated boot has the ability to transfer viruses from a contaminated surface to a clean surface. Comparatively, the dry disinfectant treatment resulted in no detectable viral RNA on either the boot or subsequent coupon. The wet disinfectant treatment had statistically similar (P > 0.05) viral contamination to the control on the boot, but less viral contamination compared to the control on the metal coupon. In this experiment, a boot bath with dry powder was the most efficacious in reducing the detectable viral RNA on both boots and subsequent surfaces.

[Association between fasting plasma glucose and mild cognitive impairment in Chinese 55 and older population from four provinces]

Objective: To analyze the association of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in the Chinese middle-aged and elderly population from four provinces. Methods: Data were drawn from the baseline data of the Community-based Cohort Study on Nervous System Disease 2018-2019. We selected 3 272 subjects aged 55 and above with completed information on demographics, lifestyle, disease history, cognitive test, psychological assessment, and bio-chemistries measurement, and who were capable of performing basic activities of daily living but without Alzheimer's disease during recruitment. A multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the association between FPG and MCI. Results: Median level of FPG in the study population was 5.5 mmol/L. The prevalence of MCI was 24.8%, and those in groups of the FPG quintile were 19.4%, 22.2%, 29.2%, 26.6%, and 26.1%, respectively, which significantly increased the trend (P=0.002). After adjustment of confounders, multivariate logistic regression analysis found that the MCI risk of subjects in the Q₃,Q₄ and Q₅ groups was 1.641 (95%CI: 1.226-2.131), 1.373 (95%CI: 1.036-1.825), 1.402 (95%CI: 1.054-1.871) times as high as that in the Q₁ group, respectively. Conclusion: High FPG level might serve as a risk factor for MCI in the middle-aged and elderly population, suggesting the importance of monitoring and controlling plasma glucose even without diabetes.

[Analysis of 42 cases of childhood superior vena cava syndrome associated with mediastinal malignancy]

Objective: To summarize the clinical features, management and outcome of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) associated with mediastinal malignancy in children. Methods: Clinical data of 42 children of SVSC associated with mediastinal malignancy in Shanghai Children's Medical Center from January 2015 to December 2021 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. The clinical manifestations, pathological diagnosis, disease diagnosis process, and prognosis were summarized. Results: Among 42 children of SVCS associated with mediastinal malignancy, there were 31 males and 11 females. The age at diagnosis was 8.5 (1.9, 14.9) years. Cough and wheezing (33 cases, 79%), orthopnea (19 cases, 45%) and facial edema (18 cases, 43%) occurred most commonly. T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LBL) was the most frequent pathological diagnosis (25 cases, 60%), followed by T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) (7 cases, 17%), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (4 cases, 10%) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (2 cases, 5%), peripheral T-lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Ewing's sarcoma and germ cell tumor (1 case each). Pathological diagnosis was confirmed by bone marrow aspiration or thoracentesis in 14 cases, peripheral lymph node biopsy in 6 cases, and mediastinal biopsy in 22 cases. Twenty-seven cases (64%) had local anesthesia. Respiratory complications due to mediastinal mass developed in 3 of 15 cases who received general anesthesia. Of the 42 cases, 27 cases had sustained remission, 1 case survived with second-line therapy after recurrence, and 14 cases died (2 cases died of perioperative complications and 12 cases died of recurrence or progression of primary disease). The follow-up time was 36.7 (1.2, 76.1) months for 27 cases in continuous complete remission. The 3-year overall survival (OS) and events free survival (EFS) rates of 42 children were 59% (95%CI 44%-79%) and 58% (95%CI 44%-77%) respectively. Conclusions: SVCS associated with mediastinal malignancy in children is a life-threatening tumor emergency with high mortality. The most common primary disease is T-LBL. The most common clinical symptoms and signs are cough, wheezing, orthopnea and facial edema. Clinical management should be based on the premise of stable critical condition and confirm the pathological diagnosis through minimal invasive operation.

miR319-Regulated TCP3 Modulates Silique Development Associated with Seed Shattering in Brassicaceae

Seed shattering is an undesirable trait that leads to crop yield loss. Improving silique resistance to shattering is critical for grain and oil crops. In this study, we found that miR319-targeted TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL NUCLEAR ANTIGEN BINDING FACTOR (TCPs) inhibited the process of post-fertilized fruits (silique) elongation and dehiscence via regulation of FRUITFULL (FUL) expression in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus. AtMIR319a activation resulted in a longer silique with thickened and lignified replum, whereas overexpression of an miR319a-resistant version of AtTCP3 (mTCP3) led to a short silique with narrow and less lignified replum. Further genetic and expressional analysis suggested that FUL acted downstream of TCP3 to negatively regulate silique development. Moreover, hyper-activation of BnTCP3.A8, a B. napus homolog of AtTCP3, in rapeseed resulted in an enhanced silique resistance to shattering due to attenuated replum development. Taken together, our findings advance our knowledge of TCP-regulated silique development and provide a potential target for genetic manipulation to reduce silique shattering in Brassica crops.

Neobavaisoflavone improves medial collateral ligament-induced osteoarthritis through repressing the nuclear factor -κB/hypoxia-inducible factor-2α axis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease. There have been some studies on the treatment of OA with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Neobavaisoflavone (NBIF) is an isoflavone isolated from TCM Psoralea corylifolia L (also called 'Buguzhi') and shows anti-inflammatory effects. This study aims to explore the potential role of NBIF in treating OA. The rat chondrocytes were dealt with interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) for inducing an in-vitro OA model and a rat OA model was established by medial collateral ligament resection. Followed by NBIF treatment, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate chondrocyte proliferation and apoptosis. The expression of inflammatory factors and oxidative stress factors in chondrocyte medium and rat serum was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Safranin O-Fast Green staining were carried out to examine the histopathological changes in knee joints. Caspase-3, nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), and hypoxia-inducible factor-2alpha (HIF-2α) expressions were monitored by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and/or immunohistochemistry. As indicated by the results, NBIF mitigated cartilage matrix degradation and chondrocyte apoptosis in the OA rat model. NBIF hampered IL-1β-mediated cell viability inhibition, apoptosis, inflammatory reactions, and oxidative stress of chondrocytes. Moreover, NBIF suppressed NF-κB phosphorylation and HIF-2α expression. HIF-2α overexpression induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in chondrocytes, while NBIF reversed HIF-2α overexpression-caused chondrocyte damage. Overall, NBIF had antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative stress effects in OA models by impeding NF-κB/HIF-2α axis, suggesting that NBIF has potential therapeutic effects in OA.

Pregnancy of cryopreserved ovine embryos at different developmental stages

BACKGROUND

Developmental stage and cryopreservation method have significant impact on the pregnancy rate after transfer of embryos produced in vivo.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the pregnancy outcomes from ovine embryos cryopreserved at different developmental stages.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Embryos at different developmental stages were obtained from donor ewes through simultaneous estrus treatment and laparoscopic artificial insemination. Embryos, either cryopreserved via vitrification or slow freezing method, were implanted into recipient ewes. The pregnancy rate was determined 35 days after transfer.

RESULTS

The pregnancy rate of developing embryos increases after transfer from the morula stage, early blastocyst to expanded blastocyst stages (64.9%, 73.9% and 81.3%, respectively). However, cryopreservation significantly decreases the pregnancy rate of embryos at all three developmental stages, and there is no significant difference among developmental stages (43.9%, 43.7%, 52.9%, respectively). There is also no significant difference in the pregnancy rate between slowly-frozen embryos and vitrified embryos.

CONCLUSION

The pregnancy outcomes of embryo transfer is better at the expanded blastocyst stage than at earlier stages. However, no difference is observed in the pregnancy rate of embryos at different developmental stage after cryopreservation, either by slow freezing and vitrification. Cryopreservation methods for ovine embryos, both slow freezing and vitrification, need further improvement. doi.org/10.54680/fr22510110512.

Markedly decreased growth rate and biofilm formation ability of Acinetobacter schindleri after a long-duration (64 days) spaceflight

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of long-duration space flight on the biological characteristics of Acinetobacter schindleri (A. schindleri).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, an A. schindleri strain was collected from condensate water of the Shenzhou-10 spacecraft and then was sent into space again to the Tiangong-2 space lab for a long-duration spaceflight (64 days). Later, the impacts of the long-duration spaceflight on phenotype, genome and transcriptome of A. schindleri were analyzed.

RESULTS

It was found that the long-duration spaceflight markedly decreased the growth rate and biofilm formation ability of A. schindleri. Furthermore, comparative genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the decreased growth rate might be associated with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in transmembrane transport, energy production and conversion, and biofilm was reduced due to downregulation of the pil and algR genes.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings are of major importance for predicting bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms and possible spacecraft contamination during long-duration spaceflights in the future.

[Evaluation of the level of carotid bifurcation and the morphology of extracranial internal carotid artery in patients with carotid stenosis by color doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography]

Objective: To evaluate the value of color Doppler ultrasound and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in evaluating the level of carotid bifurcation and the morphology of extracranial internal carotid artery in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis. Methods: The carotid artery examination data of 186 patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis who underwent carotid DSA and color Doppler ultrasound in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from July 2017 to June 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 154 males and 32 females, with ages ranging from 36 to 84 (66±8) years old. The correlation between the position of carotid bifurcation and the level of cervical spine, the distance from the position of carotid bifurcation to mandibular angle, the correlation of the level of bifurcation with the length of neck, and the incidence of carotid distortion were analyzed. Results: DSA showed that the most common position of carotid bifurcation was at C3 level on the left [37.3% (56/150)], and at C3-C4 level on the right [33.6% (42/125)], and the highest position was at C2 level on the left, and at C2-C3 levels on the right, while the lowest level on both sides was at C5 level. The incidence of high bifurcation of left carotid artery (C3 and above) was 46% (69/150), which was higher than that of right carotid artery [21.6% (27/125), P<0.001]. The incidence of high carotid bifurcation in men and women was 33.2% (76/229) and 43.5% (20/46), respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.182). Carotid ultrasound showed that the distance between the left carotid bifurcation and the mandibular angle was (3.0±1.3) cm, which was shorter than that on the right [(3.4±1.2) cm] (P<0.001). The distance between carotid bifurcation and mandibular angle in men and women was (3.2±1.2) cm and (3.3±1.0) cm, respectively, with no significant difference (P = 0.093). There was no significant correlation between carotid bifurcation level and carotid length (right: r = 0.02, P = 0.091; left: r = 0.01, P = 0.927). The incidence of carotid artery distortion was 28.1% (9/32) in women and 15.6% (24/154) in men, with no significant difference (P = 0.091). The incidence of right carotid artery distortion in high bifurcation group was 59.3% (16/27), which was higher than that in non-high bifurcation group [3.1% (3/98)] (P<0.001). Likewise, the incidence of left carotid artery distortion in high bifurcation group was 30.4% (21/69), which was higher than that in non-high bifurcation group [2.5% (2/81)] (P<0.001). Conclusions: The bifurcation position of left carotid artery in patients with atherosclerotic carotid stenosis is higher than that of the right. Patients with high bifurcation of carotid artery are more likely to be complicated with carotid distortion. Preoperative color doppler ultrasound combined with DSA can evaluate the distortion of extracranial carotid artery, thereby providing reference for the selection of surgical methods.

Sodium MRI at 7T for Early Response Evaluation of Intracranial Tumors following Stereotactic Radiotherapy Using the CyberKnife

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Conventionally, early treatment response to stereotactic radiotherapy in intracranial tumors is often determined by structural MR imaging. Tissue sodium concentration is altered by cellular integrity and energy status in cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the feasibility of sodium MR imaging at 7T for the preliminary evaluation of radiotherapeutic efficacy for intracranial tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data were collected from 16 patients (12 men and 4 women, 24-75 years of age) with 22 intracranial tumors who were treated with stereotactic radiation therapy using CyberKnife at our institution between December 1, 2016, and August 15, 2019. Sodium MR imaging was performed at 7T before and 48 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after CyberKnife radiation therapy. Tissue sodium concentration (TSC) was calculated and analyzed based on manually labeled regions of tumors.

RESULTS

Ultra-high-field sodium MR imaging clearly showed the intratumoral signal, which is significantly higher than that of normal tissue (t = 5.250, P <.001)., but the edema zone has some influence. The average TSC ratios of tumor to CSF in the 22 tumors, contralateral normal tissues, edema zones, frontal cortex, and frontal white matter were 0.66 (range, 0.23-1.5), 0.30 (range, 0.15-0.43), 0.58 (range, 0.25-1.21), 0.25 (range, 0.17-0.42), and 0.30 (range, 0.19-0.49), respectively. A total of 12 tumors in 8 patients were scanned at 48 hours, 1 week, and 1 month after treatment. The average TSC at 48 hours after treatment was 0.06 higher than that before treatment and began to decrease at 1 week. The TSC ratios of 10 continued to decline and 2 tumors increased at 1 month, respectively. Tumor volume decreased by 2.4%-99% after 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in the TSC can be quantified by sodium MR imaging at 7T and used to detect radiobiologic alterations in intracranial tumors at early time points after CyberKnife radiation therapy.

[Management of hepatolenticular degeneration during pregnancy]

Hepatolenticular degeneration (Wilson's disease, WD) is a kind of autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by disorders of copper metabolism. It is caused by mutations in the ATP7B gene, resulting in impaired excretion of copper into the bile, and then pathological deposition in the liver, brain, and other organs. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve the prognosis of patients with WD. However, there is still no clear consensus on the treatment and management of WD during pregnancy. Herein, the clinical management of WD during pregnancy is summarized for clinicians' reference.

[MiR-671-5p negatively regulates SMAD3 to inhibit migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of miR-671-5p in regulating the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in osteosarcoma were screened in the NCBI online database, and the target proteins of these miRNAs were predicted and their functions were analyzed. Osteosarcoma cells were transfected with a plasmid overexpressing miR-671-5p, and the transfection efficiency was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The changes in the migration and invasion of the transfected cells were examined with Transwell assay, and the expressions of proteins related with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were detected using Western blotting. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to determine whether the 3'UTR of SMAD3 contained a targeted binding site of miR-671-5p.

RESULTS

MiR-671-5p was significantly down-regulated in both osteosarcoma tissues and osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05). The osteosarcoma cells overexpressing miR-671-5p showed significantly reduced migration and invasion abilities (P < 0.05) with obviously lowered expressions of EMT-related proteins (P < 0.05). SMAD3 was highly expressed in osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05), and dual-luciferase reporter assay confirmed the presence of a targeted binding site between miR-671-5p and the 3'UTR of SMAD3 (P < 0.05). In osteosarcoma cells transfected with a SMAD3-overexpressing plasmid (P < 0.05), the high expression of SMAD3 significantly inhibited by miR-671-5p overexpression (P < 0.05). Transwell assay demonstrated that SMAD3 overexpression significantly promoted the migration and invasion of osteosarcoma cells (P < 0.05), and while miR-671-5p overexpression obviously reversed this effect (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

MiR-671-5p can inhibit the invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells by negatively regulating SMAD3.

[Inherited metabolic liver disease-associated infection]

Inherited metabolic liver disease is a wide-range of diseases that cause abnormal metabolism, resulting from genetic defects. Notably, some inherited metabolic liver diseases are closely associated to infection on account of specific substances abnormal metabolism or key enzyme activities deficiency. Therefore, understanding the inherited metabolic liver disease-associated infection would be helpful to clinical practice and improve patient prognosis.

[The value of serum cystatin C for the evaluation of renal function damage in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy]

Objective: To investigate the value of serum cystatin C for the evaluation of renal function damage in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: The clinical data of PDR patients treated in ophthalmic wards of Beijing Tongren Hospital from July 2019 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated by the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation. Based on the eGFR level, the patients were divided into no obvious renal function damage group [≥ 60 ml·min⁻¹·(1.73 m²)⁻¹] and renal inadequacy group [<60 ml·min⁻¹·(1.73 m²)⁻¹]. The clinical characteristics between the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the relevant factors of renal inadequacy. The value of cystatin C to predict the renal inadequacy was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Results: A total of 1 009 patients [593 males and 416 females; mean age: (52±12) years] were finally included in the study, with 192 cases (19.0%) and 817 cases (81.0%) in renal inadequacy group and no obvious renal function damage group, respectively. There were no significant statistically differences in gender, age, diastolic blood pressure, body mass index, fasting blood glucose and low-density lipoprotein between the two groups (all P>0.05). The systolic blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, triglyceride, cholesterol and cystatin C were higher in the renal inadequacy group than those of no obvious renal function damage group (all P<0.05). However, the glycosylated hemoglobin, albumin and high-density lipoprotein were lower in the renal inadequacy group (all P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum creatinine (OR=1.189, 95%CI: 1.101-1.284, P<0.001) and cystatin C (OR=3.175, 95%CI: 1.272-7.923, P=0.013) were independent risk factors for renal inadequacy in PDR patients. The ROC curve showed that cystatin C had a predictive value for renal inadequacy, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.966 (95%CI: 0.952-0.979). Meanwhile, the cutoff value was 1.315 mg/L, and the Youden index was 0.826, with the sensitivity of 94.3% and specificity of 88.4%. Conclusion: Serum cystatin C can be used as an important laboratory indicator to evaluate the renal impairment in PDR patients.

[The new classification and treatment of neck hemorrhage]

Neck is an important and complex region of the human body. Once injury occurs, it often leads to a high mortality rate and complication rate, among which vascular injury and massive hemorrhage are the main causes. However, due to the particularity of neck structure, there is a lack of effective control methods for cervical vascular hemorrhage, and there is still no consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of cervical vascular hemorrhage. Combined with the newest researches, this paper tries to explore and summarize the experience of the new classification and management principle of vascular massive hemorrhage.

[Analysis of types and treatment methods of cervical massive hemorrhage]

Objective: To summarize the classification and clinical treatment experience of cervical massive hemorrhage in multiple centers. Methods: From April 2012 to October 2020, clinical data of 42 patients with cervical massive hemorrhage were retrospectively analyzed, including 27 cases from Shanghai Changzheng Hospital, 7 cases from Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, 4 cases from Longkou People's Hospital and 4 cases from Laizhou People's Hospital. According to bleeding position (P), bleeding vessel (V), cerebral blood supply (C), and the presence or absence of associated injury (A), 42 patients were classified as "PVCA", and summarize the methods of pre-hospital emergency and in-hospital treatment based on the "ABC" treatment principles: airway rebuild (A), effective arterial hemostasis and bleeding stop (B), and cerebral blood flow reconstruction within the time window (C). Results: Within the 42 cases of cervical massive hemorrhage, there were 3 cases of type P1 (below cricoid cartilage), 28 cases of type P2 (cricoid cartilage-mandibular angle), 11 cases of type P3 (mandibular angle-skull base); 22 cases of type V1 (arterial hemorrhage), 11 cases of type V2 (main venous hemorrhage), 7 cases of type V3 (simple superficial vein or small artery hemorrhage), 2 cases of type V4 (mixed arteriovenous hemorrhage); 5 cases of type C0 (no symptoms of cerebral ischemia and neurological dysfunction), 33 cases of type C1 (transient cerebral ischemia without sensory disturbance), 4 cases of type C2 (symptoms of cerebral ischemia and neurological dysfunction); 39 cases of type A0 (no other system damage was involved) and 3 cases of type A1 (combined with other system damage). All 42 patients received operations, 25 patients received open surgery of vascular reconstruction+hematoma/foreign body removal (7 cases of vascular ligation, 14 cases of direct suture repair, 4 cases of vascular interposition), 17 patients received hybrid surgery (carotid angiography+covered stent repair+hematoma/foreign body removal). The surgical technique success rate the was 100%. All the hemorrhagic shock was corrected, hematoma compression was relieved, and the symptoms of cephalic ischemia were improved. There were 4 cases of local cranial nerve injury, 1 case of incision hematoma and 6 cases of postoperative hyper perfusion. During the average 14.3 months follow-up, there was no operation related myocardial infarction, stroke or death, no re-rupture or re-dissection, and 50% asymptomatic restenosis was found in 1 case one year after received covered stent endovascular repair. Conclusion: Based on the "PVCA" classification and "ABC" treatment principle, it is safe and effective to rescue cervical massive hemorrhage.

[Preparation of doxorubicin-loaded metallic organic nanoparticles and their effect for enhancing efficacy of high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy in tumor-bearing mice]

OBJECTIVE

To prepare metallic organic nanoparticles that produce synergistic effect in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy of tumors.

OBJECTIVE

Glucose oxidase (GOD), MnO₂, ferric iron (Fe³⁺) and doxorubicin (DOX) were self-assembled by physical adsorption with previously prepared manganese dioxide (MnO₂) nanoparticles to obtain GOD-MnO₂-Fe³⁺-DOX nanoparticles (GMFD NPs). HepG2 tumor-bearing nude mouse models were given intravenous injections of normal saline or GMFD NPs followed 4 h later by HIFU at the acoustic power of 90 W with a total treatment time of 3 s. The changes of tumor gray value before and after HIFU irradiation were observed and 24 h after HIFU irradiation, coagulation necrosis in the tumor tissues was examined; the histological changes of the tumor tissues were observed with HE staining.

OBJECTIVE

We successfully prepared GMFD NPs, which had an average particle size of 131.23±0.84 nm with a surface potential of 21.87±1.72 mV. GMFD NPs, with a drug loading rate of 40.18%, was capable of releasing more than 77.2% of the loaded DOX within 4 h in acidic environment. In the tumor-bearing mouse models, HIFU irradiation following GMFD NP injection, as compared with saline injection, resulted in significantly enhanced gray value of the tumor (25.5±4.5 vs 18.7±3.9, P=0.04) and greater volume of coagulation necrosis (105.80 ± 1.21 mm³ vs 38.02 ± 0.34 mm³). The energy efficiency factor (EEF) was significantly lower in GMFD NPs group than in saline group (1.79 vs 4.97, P < 0.001).

OBJECTIVE

GMFD NPs prepared in this study can enhance tumor ablation efficacy of HIFU and release DOX for further treatment of the residual tumor tissue in mice.

PSVI-4 Efficacy of Medium Chain Fatty Acids and Fatty Acid-based Feed Additives as a Mitigation Strategy Against Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus

Recent research has demonstrated that swine viruses can be transmitted via feed. Chemical feed additives have been suggested for the mitigation of these viruses in complete feed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available formaldehyde-based feed additive, medium chain fatty acid blend (MCFA), and commercially available fatty acid-based products for mitigation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) in a feed matrix. Treatments consisted of: 1) non-treated positive control, 2) 0.33% commercial formaldehyde-based product (Sal Curb; Kemin Industries, Inc.; Des Moines, IA), 3) 0.5% MCFA blend (1:1:1 ratio of C6:0, C8:0, and C10:0, Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO), 4) 0.25%, 5) 0.5%, or 6) 1% of commercial dry mono and diglyceride-based product (Furst Strike; Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL), 7) 0.25%, 8) 0.5%, or 9) 1% of commercial dry mono and diglyceride-based product (Furst Protect; Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL), 10) 0.25%, 11) 0.5%, or 12) 1% dry mono and diglyceride-based experimental product (Furst-McNess Company, Freeport, IL) with 3 replications/treatment. Treatments were applied to complete swine feed before inoculation with 106 TCID50/g of feed with PEDV or PRRSV. Post inoculation feed was held at ambient temperature for 24 h before being analyzed via qRT-PCR. The analyzed values represent the cycle threshold. Formaldehyde and MCFA decreased (P &lt; 0.05) the detectable RNA of PEDV and PRRSV compared to all other treatments. Furst Strike, Furst Protect, and the experimental product did not significantly impact detectability of PEDV or PRRSV RNA. In conclusion, MCFA and formaldehyde treatments are effective at reducing detection of RNA from PEDV and PRRSV in feed.

PSVI-7 Evaluation of Feed Mitigant Efficacy for Control of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus When Inoculated Either Alone or Together

Research has demonstrated that swine feed can be a fomite for viral transmission and certain feed additives can effectively reduce viral contamination. However, additional information is needed to evaluate the efficacy of additives when feed is inoculated with more than one virus. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of two feed additives for mitigation of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) when inoculated individually or together. Feed additives included: 1) no treatment, 2) 0.33% commercial formaldehyde-based product (Sal Curb, Kemin Industries, Des Moines, IA), and 3) 0.50% medium chain fatty acids blend (MCFA; 1:1:1 ratio of C6:C8:C10, Sigma Aldrich, St. Louis, MO). Samples were inoculated with PEDV and PRRSV alone or together at an inoculation concentration of 106 TCID50/g for all viruses. Once inoculated, feed was stored at ambient temperature for 24-h before analyzed via qRT-PCR. For samples inoculated with PEDV or PRRSV alone, a qRT-PCR assay was used which was designed to detect PEDV or PRRSV nucleic acid. For co-inoculated samples, an assay was designed to independently detect both PEDV and PRRSV within a single reaction. For PEDV alone, there was marginally significant evidence that feed additives resulted in differences in cycle threshold (Ct) value (P = 0.052), but no evidence was observed for pairwise differences. For PRRSV alone, formaldehyde increased Ct compared to the untreated control and MCFA treatment (P &lt; 0.05). For co-infection of PRRSV and PEDV, MCFA and formaldehyde increased Ct (P &lt; 0.05) in comparison to non-treated feed. In summary, formaldehyde increased Ct values in feed when contaminated with PRRSV while both mitigants increased Ct value in feed when co-inoculated with PRRSV and PEDV.

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[Study on baicalin on liver and kidney toxicity in male rats]

Objective: To observe the toxic effects of different doses of baicalin on liver and kidney of rats after different time administration, and provide experimental reference for the safety of clinical medication. Methods: In April 2019, 42 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into a control group (0.9% sodium chloride solution) and baicalin administration groups (100, 200 mg/kg) , 14 rats in each group, and one was given by oral gavage. 7 times/d, 6 times/week, 7 rats in each group were sacrificed 28 and 56 days after the administration. The wet weights of liver and kidney were weighed and the organ coefficients were calculated. The hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the histomorphological changes. And the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) , aspartate aminotransferase (AST) , alkaline phosphatase (ALP) , blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) were detected. Results: After 56 days of administration in baicalin 200 mg/kg rats, the body weight and kidney coefficient were lower than those of the control group. Histopathology showed that glomerular atrophy became smaller, renal tubules were significantly atrophied, and epithelial cell necrosis occurred. No obvious abnormalities in liver was observed. After 56 days of administration in baicalin 200 mg/kg rats, the levels of BUN and CRE in the serum were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05) . There were no obvious abnormalities in the baicalin 100 mg/kg group and the 28 d of administration in baicalin 200 mg/kg group. Conclusion: Under the conditions of this test, baicalin has certain renal toxicity in male rats.

[Analysis of clinical features of cervical precancerous lesions in postmenopausal women]

Objective: To analyze the characteristics of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) diagnosed by cervical tissue sampling in postmenopausal women. Methods: A retrospective study was performed on 2 013 patients with HSIL diagnosed by cervical tissue sampling under colposcopy and treated by cervical conization at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2017 to November 2018, to compare the difference of patients' clinical features, HPV test, liquid-based thin-layer cytology (TCT), performance of colposcopy and biopsy pathology, pathology after cervical conization between 439 postmenopausal patients and 1 574 pre-menopausal patients. Results: (1) Clinical features: the proportion of contact bleeding showed no significant difference between postmenopausal patients and pre-menopausal patients [4.3% (19/439) vs 6.4% (101/1 574); χ²=2.672, P=0.102]. Among the patients with contact bleeding, the proportion of cervical cancer after cervical cone resection was significantly higher in postmenopausal patients compared with pre-menopausal patients [10/19 vs 22.8% (23/101); χ²=7.157, P=0.007]. Among the patients found by routine screening, the proportion of cervical cancer after cervical cone resection was significantly higher in postmenopausal patients compared with pre-menopausal patients [9.0% (38/420) vs 4.3% (63/1 473); χ²=14.726, P<0.01]. The proportion of smooth cervix was higher in postmenopausal patients compared with pre-menopausal patients [63.6% (279/439) vs 35.5% (558/1 574); χ²=111.601, P<0.01]. (2) High-risk HPV infection: there was no significant difference in the high-risk HPV positive rate between the postmenopausal group and the pre-menopausal group [92.0% (404/439) vs 94.4% (1 486/1 574); χ²=3.394, P=0.065]; the HPV 16 infection was the most common type, but there was no significant difference in the HPV 16 infection rate between the two groups [65.8% (289/439) vs 68.0% (1 070/1 574); χ²=0.722, P=0.395]. (3) TCT test: TCT test results included negative for intraepithelial lesion and malignancy (NILM), atypical squamous cell of undetermined signification (ASCUS), atypical squamous cells cannot exclude high-grade lesion (ASC-H), low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL), HSIL, compared with the different results of TCT examination, there were not statistically significant difference between postmenopausal and pre-menopausal patients (all P>0.05). (4) The performance of colposcopy: the proportion of insufficient colposcopy and the proportion of cervical type Ⅲ conversion area were higher in postmenopausal patients compared with pre-menopausal patients [87.5% (384/439) vs 32.5% (511/1 574), P<0.01; 80.0% (351/439) vs 21.9% (344/1 574), P<0.01]. The proportion and positive rate of endocervical curettage (ECC) in postmenopausal patients were higher than those in pre-menopausal patients [35.3% (155/439) vs 20.4% (322/1 574), P<0.01; 67.7% (105/155) vs 53.1% (171/322), P=0.003]. The proportion of lesions involving the vaginal wall was higher in postmenopausal patients compared with pre-menopausal patients [5.9% (26/439) vs 1.0% (16/1 574); χ²=40.443, P<0.01]. There was a positive correlation between vaginal wall lesions and cervical lesions in postmenopausal patients (r=0.660, P<0.01). (5) Postoperative pathology: the positive rate of margin and the proportion of pathological escalation after cervical conization were significantly higher in postmenopausal patients compared with pre-menopausal patients [14.6% (64/439) vs 4.8% (75/1 574), 10.9% (48/439) vs 5.5% (86/1 574); P<0.01]. Conclusions: Colposcopy in postmenopausal women is often inadequate, and the cervix is mostly type Ⅲ transformation zone. The lesion in postmenopausal women is more likely to involve the cervical canal and vaginal wall. Clinical attention should be paid to cervical tube curettage and comprehensive examination of the vaginal wall. The high rate of positive margins and a high proportion of pathological upgrading after cervical conization in postmenopausal patients requires further active intervention.