Technical note: The effect of carcass deboning technique on the meat quality of cattle

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the suspended carcass deboning technique on the meat attributes of electrically stimulated cattle ( = 10). A carcass deboning technique that removes the main bones without breakdown of the entire carcass was applied to suspended sides soon after slaughter. After 3 d of aging at 4°C, the shear force of the rectus femoris, longissimus lumborum, and supraspinatus muscles of the suspended carcass deboning technique was reduced by 27%, 29%, and 23% ( < 0.05), respectively. The carcass deboning technique increased the sarcomere length by 14%, 10%, and 16% ( < 0.05), and the myofibril fragmentation index was increased by 10%, 5%, and 13% ( < 0.05), respectively, for the same 3 muscles. There was no difference in the pH, color, or cooking loss between the treatment and the control ( > 0.05). The carcass deboning technique could be a viable approach to improve beef tenderness with a relatively short aging duration.

The role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery in management of the multiple ground-glass nodules

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the outcomes of patients with multiple ground-glass nodules (GGNs) to identify the role of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) in diagnosis and treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We included patients with multiple GGNs who were qualified for thoracoscopic surgery resection and analyzed the statistics.

RESULTS

Fifty-one GGNs were detected in 21 patients. There were 40 pure GGNs and 11 part-solid ones. Around 46 of the 51 lesions were resected via VATS. Four pure GGNs <10 mm and deep in the lung were proceeded with continuous follow-up. One pure GGN measuring 16 mm considered as subnodule and also deep in the lung underwent stereotactic ablative radiotherapy. Resection methods included lobectomy (1), segmentectomy (1), lobectomy + segmentectomy (6), lobectomy + wedge resection (10), and segmentectomy + wedge resection (3). Of the 46 resected lesions, 4 (8.7%) were atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH), 23 (50%) were adenocarcinoma in situ(AIS), 15 (32.7%) were minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), 2 (4.3%) were invasive adenocarcinoma, one was pulmonary sclerosing hemangioma, and one was nonspecific fibrosis. Intersegmental lymph node metastasis was found in one of the 21 patients. No postoperational complication occurred in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Multiple GGNs were generally independent primary lung cancers, mainly including AAH, AIS, MIA, rather than intrapulmonary metastasis. VATS was superior to thoracotomy for less invasive and shorter hospital stay.

The dehydroalanine effect in the fragmentation of ions derived from polypeptides

Tandem mass spectrometry is a powerful approach for the analysis of peptides and proteins due to the primary structural information inherent in the observed products. The fragmentation of peptides and proteins depends heavily on the sequence and ion type of the species of interest. In this perspective special feature article, Scott McLuckey and co-authors show that peptides and proteins containing dehydroalanine, a nonproteinogenic amino acid with an unsaturated side-chain, undergo enhanced cleavage of the N-Cα bond of the dehydroalanine residue to generate c- and z-ions. Since these fragment ion types are not commonly observed upon activation of positively charged even-electron species, they can be used to identify dehydroalanine residues and localize them within the peptide or protein chain. Scott McLuckey is Professor of Chemistry at Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN). His research interests are centered on gas-phase ion chemistry and instrumentation for organic and biological mass spectrometry.

Recipient C6 rs9200 genotype is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after orthotopic liver transplantation in a Han Chinese population

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence is one of the leading causes of death after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). The sixth complement component (C6) is a late-acting complement protein that participates in the assembly of the membrane attack complex, which has an indispensable role in innate and acquired immune responses, as well as cancer immune surveillance. However, studies assessing the association between C6 and HCC recurrence after OLT are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the association of donor and recipient C6 single-nucleotide polymorphisms with the risk for HCC recurrence after OLT. A total of 71 adult patients who underwent primary LT for HCC were enrolled. HCC recurrence was observed in 26 (36.6%) patients. Ten single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped and analyzed in both donor and recipient groups. Patients with the rs9200 heterozygous GA variant presented significantly higher HCC recurrence rates (54.17 vs 27.66%, P=0.028), and lower cumulative tumor-free survival and overall survival (P=0.006 and P=0.013, respectively) compared with those harboring the GG/AA genotype, in multivariate logistic regression and Cox regression analyses. The rs9200 heterozygous GA variant in C6 persisted as a statistically independent prognostic factor (P<0.05) for predicting HCC recurrence after OLT. In conclusion, recipient C6 rs9200 polymorphism is associated with HCC recurrence after OLT, and improves the predictive value of clinical models.

Mosquito salivary allergen Aed a 3: cloning, comprehensive molecular analysis, and clinical evaluation

BACKGROUND

Allergic reactions to mosquito bites are an increasing clinical concern. Due to the lack of availability of mosquito salivary allergens, they are underdiagnosed. Here, we reported a newly cloned mosquito Aedes (Ae.) aegypti salivary allergen.

METHODS

A cDNA encoding a 30-kDa Ae. aegypti salivary protein, designated Aed a 3, was isolated from an expression library. The full-length cDNA was cloned into a baculovirus expression vector, and recombinant Aed a 3 (rAed a 3) was expressed, purified, and characterized. Skin prick tests with purified rAed a 3 and Ae. aegypti bite tests were performed in 43 volunteers. Serum rAed a 3-specific IgE levels were measured in 28 volunteers.

RESULTS

The primary nucleotide sequence, deduced amino acid sequence, and IgE-binding sites of Aed a 3 were identified. rAed a 3-selected antibodies recognized a 30-kDa Ae. aegypti saliva protein. rAed a 3 bound IgE in mosquito-allergic volunteers and the binding could be inhibited by the addition of natural mosquito extract dose dependently. Immediate skin test reactions to rAed a 3 correlated significantly with mosquito bite-induced reactions. Of the bite test-positive volunteers, 32% had a positive rAed a 3 skin test and 46% had specific IgE. No bite test-negative volunteers reacted to rAed a 3 in either the skin tests or the IgE assays, confirming the specificity of the assay.

CONCLUSIONS

Aed a 3 that corresponds to the Aegyptin protein is a major mosquito salivary allergen. Its recombinant form has biological activity and is suitable for use in skin tests and specific IgE assays in mosquito-allergic individuals.

Wnt5a is involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lichen planus

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous lichen planus (CLP) is a chronic inflammatory and immune-mediated disease. Wnt5a is one of the most extensively studied Wnt proteins, and has important functions in stimulating inflammation, cell proliferation, cell fate determination and cell differentiation. Wnt5a expression in CLP has not been comprehensively studied to date.

AIM

To determine the expression and distribution of Wnt5a in CLP.

METHODS

Skin samples were obtained from patients with CLP and healthy controls (HCs). The WNT5A gene was detected by real-time quantitative PCR, and Wnt5a protein by immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting.

RESULTS

WNT5A mRNA was upregulated in CLP samples compared with the HC skin samples (P < 0.001). Wnt5a protein was overexpressed in all layers of the epidermis and dermis in CLP lesions compared with HC skin (all P < 0.001). These results were confirmed by western blotting.

CONCLUSIONS

The data presented in this study suggest that Wnt5a pathway may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CLP.

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 is a predictor of survival and plays a tumor suppressive role in colorectal cancer

Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIP3) is a member of the RIP Ser/Thr kinase family, plays an important role in regulating cell survival, cell apoptosis and cell necrosis. However, the role of RIP3 in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer is still poorly understood.We used quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis to examine RIP3 expression in primary colorectal cancer and paired normal colorectal mucosa. RIP3 clinicopathological significance was assessed by immunohistochemical staining in 112 cases of primary colorectal cancer paired with noncancerous tissues. The biological function of RIP3 overexpression was measured by CCK8 assay and plate colony formation assay. Dual staining with fluorescent Annexin V and propidium iodide (PI) was used to discriminate apoptotic or necrotic cell death.RIP3 expression was significantly lower in colorectal cancer and associated with T stage, M stage and AJCC stage. Cox proportional hazard models showed that RIP3 expression was an independent prognostic factor for overall survival and disease-free survival in patients with colorectal cancer. Overexpression of RIP3 significantly suppressed the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells in vitro.Our results suggest that RIP3 may function as a novel prognostic indicator after surgery and play a suppressive role in the colorectal carcinogenesis.

Clinical severity of human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus, China, 2013/14

Assessing the severity of emerging infections is challenging because of potential biases in case ascertainment. The first human case of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus was identified in China in March 2013; since then, the virus has caused two epidemic waves in the country. There were 134 laboratory-confirmed cases detected in the first epidemic wave from January to September 2013. In the second epidemic wave of human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in China from October 2013 to October 2014, we estimated that the risk of death among hospitalised cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus was 48% (95% credibility interval: 42-54%), slightly higher than the corresponding risk in the first wave. Age-specific risks of death among hospitalised cases were also significantly higher in the second wave. Using data on symptomatic cases identified through national sentinel influenza-like illness surveillance, we estimated that the risk of death among symptomatic cases of infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus was 0.10% (95% credibility interval: 0.029-3.6%), which was similar to previous estimates for the first epidemic wave of human infections with influenza A(H7N9) virus in 2013. An increase in the risk of death among hospitalised cases in the second wave could be real because of changes in the virus, because of seasonal changes in host susceptibility to severe infection, or because of variation in treatment practices between hospitals, while the increase could be artefactual because of changes in ascertainment of cases in different areas at different times.

Exhaustive exercise-induced cardiac conduction system injury and changes of cTnT and Cx43

Up to now, studies of exercise-induced cardiac arrhythmia have focused primarily on the working myocardium, with few studies examining to the cardiac conduction system where the rhythmic and synchronized contraction of the heart is initiated. To explore whether the cardiac conduction system is involved in the exercise-induced cardiac injury, we performed histological analysis of sinoatrial node, atrioventricular node and Purkinje fibers and tested the level of structural protein cardiac troponin T and Connexin 43 in Sprague Dawley rats following repeated exhaustive exercise. We found increased collagen deposition, hyperplasia interstitialis, and enhanced activity of lactate dehydrongenase and acid phosphatase in the cardiac conduction system following repeated exhaustive exercise. Mitochondrial alterations, enlarged area of intercalated disc and disappearance of gap junctions were additionally observed through electron transmission microscopy. In addition, significant decreases in cardiac troponin T and Connexin 43 were present in the cardiac conduction system in response to repeated exhaustive exercise. All of these findings demonstrate that repeated exhaustive exercise induces ischemic alterations, damage to cytoskeleton and gap junctions, and tissue fibrosis in the cardiac conduction system in rats. These data may shed a new light on the mechanism of exercised-induced cardiac injury and arrhythmia.

Isolation and characterization of 16 polymorphic microsatellite loci for Euchiloglanis kishinouyei

A total of 16 novel polymorphic microsatellite marker loci were isolated from a genomic library of Euchiloglanis kishinouyei and further characterized using a sample from a wild population consisting of 40 individuals. The number of alleles among loci ranged from three to 17 and the observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0·030 to 0·950 and 0·163 to 0·980, respectively. The average polymorphic information content (PIC) of all loci was 0·450.

Comparison of performances of five capillary blood collection tubes

INTRODUCTION

The research demonstrated the way to compare performances of five capillary blood collection tubes for capillary blood collections among patients with pediatrics utilizing the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) document EP9-A2.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey was distributed to evaluate the accessibility and reliability of capillary blood collection tubes from different sources. Visual examination, microscopic examination of blood smears, and instrumental analysis were performed to evaluate the blood sample quality in different tubes. The background test, comparison test, and reliability test were used to analyze the engineering quality and the performance of additives in the tubes, and to determine the reliability of the tubes in routine blood tests.

RESULTS

The tubes of brand A were found to be easy to access, with a shorter blood collection time and greater acceptability by users, and the quality of blood samples in those tubes was superior, with no coagulation and less blood cell disruption.

CONCLUSION

Commercially available capillary blood collection tubes were superior to 'in-house' tubes. In clinical practice, 'in-house' capillary blood collection tubes are not recommended. The guideline of 'method comparison and bias estimation using patient samples' from CLSI could also be used in comparing the performances of capillary blood collections.

Effects of the selective estrogen receptor modulator ospemifene on bone in rats

Ospemifene is a non-estrogen agent that exerts tissue-specific estrogen agonistic and weak antagonistic effects (i. e., is a selective estrogen receptor modulator [SERM]). The effects of various once-daily oral doses of ospemifene on bone are examined across 3 studies for 4 or 52 weeks after surgery in the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model of postmenopausal bone loss. Ospemifene treatment reduced the loss of bone mineral content and density observed in untreated OVX rats, significantly increased distal femur bone mineral content at 51 weeks at 25 mg/kg dose compared with untreated OVX rats (p<0.01), and significantly increased trabecular bone mineral density of the distal femur and proximal tibia with 1, 5, or 25 mg/kg doses after 52 weeks. Ospemifene 5 and 25 mg/kg preserved distal femur trabecular structure; trabecular number was significantly increased, whereas trabecular separation and eroded surface values were significantly decreased (all p<0.01). Structural changes associated with ospemifene were accompanied by increased mechanical strength of femurs and 4th lumbar vertebra compared with untreated OVX rats. Ospemifene 10 mg/kg prevented OVX-induced bone loss; trabecular bone volume of distal femurs was increased after 4 weeks. Further, histomorphometric measures revealed decreased bone resorption after 4 weeks of ospemifene treatment, with effects similar to other SERMs (raloxifene and droloxifene). Ospemifene 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly inhibited OVX-induced increases in osteoclast number, and doses ≥0.3 mg/kg dose-dependently reversed the OVX-induced increase in the double-labeled volume:bone volume ratio. These results demonstrate antiresorptive, selective agonist effects of ospemifene on bone that appear similar to raloxifene in this in vivo animal model of estrogen deficiency.