[Adrenal cortical carcinoma in children: a clinicopathological analysis of 25 cases]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of adrenal cortical carcinoma (ACC) in children. Methods: Twenty-five children with ACC diagnosed in the Department of Pathology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China from March 2014 to August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The related literature was reviewed. Results: A total of 25 children with ACC were collected, including 11 males and 14 females, with a male to female ratio of 1.0∶1.3. The patient ages ranged from 8 months to 14 years (median, 4 years). Eighteen cases with clinical data had functional tumors (18/22, 81.8%) presenting with virilization or precocious puberty (15/18), symptoms related to hypercortisolism (8/18) or endocrine symptoms mixed with both (5/18), while 3 cases (3/22, 13.6%) had unknown clinical data. The clinical manifestations of four patients with nonfunctional tumors were an abdominal mass and/or abdominal pain, walking instability and others. Grossly, the average maximum diameter of the tumor was 9.4 cm. Most of the tumors were nodular and partially encapsuled. The cut surfaces were gray or gray brown, soft with hemorrhage. Histologically, the tumor cells were diffusely distributed, separated by a vascular-rich network. The tumor cells were large, with distinct nucleoli, abundant eosinophilic or clear cytoplasm, and round or oval nuclei. The mitotic index was high, and atypical mitoses were common. Necrosis, calcification, capsule invasion or/and venous invasion were present. In some cases, the tumor invaded the surrounding soft tissues or kidneys. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were diffusely positive for syn and SF1 and focally positive for α-inhibin, Melan A and Calretinin, but negative for CgA. Ki-67 proliferation index ranged from 2%-90%. TP53 gene status was examined in 7 cases, in which mutations were detected in 4 cases. Follow-up data was obtained in 21 patients, among whom 18 received chemotherapy and 3 received radiotherapy. Distant metastasis occurred in 13 patients. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 11.2 months and median overall survival (OS) was 54.7 months. Patients aged less than 5 years had a better prognosis for OS (P<0.05) than the older ones (≥5 years), but a similar PFS (P>0.05). Male patients and Ki-67 proliferation index <15% had a better prognosis tendency for OS, but there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Conclusions: ACC in children is a rare, often functional tumor associated with Li-Fraumeni genetic syndrome and has a poor prognosis. Diagnosis and differential diagnosis require a combination of morphological, phenotypic and clinical analysis.

A Phase 1 Trial of the Safety, Tolerability, and Biological Effects of Intravenous Enadenotucirev (EnAd), a Novel Oncolytic Virus, in Combination with Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (CEDAR)

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S)

Novel treatment combinations are required to increase response rates in rectal cancer. EnAd is an intravenous, tumor selective, oncolytic adenovirus with high affinity for malignant colorectal epithelial cells. Pre-clinical evidence of synergy with radiation warranted further clinical evaluation and assessment of safety in combination with chemoradiation (CRT), 25 × 2Gy and concurrent capecitabine.

MATERIALS/METHODS

EnAd was escalated using 2 dose levels of viral particles (1 × 1012, 3 × 1012), given Monday, Wednesday, Friday over 3 schedules (pre-CRT, pre & post CRT). Toxicity and efficacy were used as dual end points in escalation decisions. A 2-parameter and 3-parameter logistic Time to Event Continual Reassessment Method (TiTE-CRM) were used estimate the dose-toxicity and dose-efficacy relationship, respectively. Results are shown as probability and 95% credible interval (Cr.I). The dose limiting toxicity (DLT) window was 13 weeks. Patients who had not completed their DLT window at the time of a dose decision were included in the safety analysis but down-weighted according to their follow-up time and amount of IMP received. Efficacy was assessed at 13 weeks using MRI Tumor Regression Grade (mrTRG), where mrTRG 1-2 equals response. The trial (NCT03916510) was conducted in 4 UK centers.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients were enrolled, 12 of whom were evaluable. Median age was 57 (range 31-84), and 10/13 were male. One patient had two G3 adverse events (AE); diarrhea, acute kidney injury. All other adverse events (AEs) were G1 or 2, with no G4/5 events. The most common AE by organ system was gastrointestinal (20.8%, G1). There were two observed DLTs on Dose schedule 3; leg swelling and acute kidney injury. Responses and toxicities increased with escalating schedules of EnAd (Table 1).

CONCLUSION

CEDAR is the first trial to successfully combine an intravenous oncolytic adenovirus with radiation, demonstrating the feasibility and acceptability of this approach, and a new paradigm in radiosensitization in rectal cancer. Within this small Phase I study, EnAd demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with evidence of a higher-than-expected rate of response by mrTRG. Translation analysis of tissue, blood and microbiome for biological correlates of radiation synergy is underway.

FUNDING

PsiOxus, CRUK (A24474).

SPONSOR

University of Oxford.

Equity incentive contract characteristics and company operational performance-An empirical study of Chinese listed companies

Equity incentive, as an institutional arrangement for the coordination of the interests of shareholders and managers, has been widely implemented by public companies in developed capital markets throughout Europe and America. However, does it work and/or when might it be more effective in emerging market economies such as China? We aimed to understand the effects of equity incentive plans implemented by listed companies in China and the potential influence of the general characteristics of contracts on the effectiveness of equity incentive plans. Based on behavioral decision theory, this paper adopts a multivariate linear regression model to analyze the 1695 equity incentive plans implemented in Chinese listed companies between 2010 and 2018 with their two-year lagged performance data. The empirical results show that the operational performance of companies after implementing equity incentive plans shows a trend of polarization. In the 95% confidence interval, the effect of restrictive stock incentive and exercise-constrained variables is not significant, while the validity period has a significant positive correlation and incentive intensity has a significantly negative correlation with the company's operational performance. Furthermore, the negative effects mentioned above become more obvious with a longer plan implementation period. Based on these conclusions, we suggest that companies could adopt equity incentive plans with a relatively longer validity period and more reasonable incentive intensity. Additionally, it would be better for companies to select non-restricted stocks as incentive tools if there is no obvious preference.

[Analysis of efficacy of coblation assisted endoscope system for the treatment of parapharyngeal space tumors with transoral approach]

Objective:To summarize and analyze the feasibility, safety and efficacy of parapharyngeal space surgery assisted by coblation and endoscopic system with transoral approach. Methods:The data of 20 patients with parapharyngeal space tumors were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients underwent CT and/or MRI examination before surgery, and all underwent transoral approach assisted by coblation and endoscopic systems. The patients were followed up strictly after the operation, with a follow-up time of 8-56 months and the median follow-up time of 28 months. Results:Among the 20 patients, 18 （90%） were pathologically benign tumors and 2 （10%） were malignant tumors. The maximum tumor diameter was （4.4±1.6） cm, the operative time was （79.00±30.03） min, the intraoperative blood loss was （23.63±22.20） mL, and the postoperative pain VAS score was 2.8±1.4. There were 17 cases complete resection, and 3 cases of relapse, including 1 patient who died after distant metastasis of synovial sarcoma postoperative complications occurred in 2 cases, hoarseness in 1 case of neurofibroma and tongue extension deflection in 1 case of schwannoma. Conclusion:Coblation assisted endoscopic system for the treatment of parapharyngeal space tumors with transoral approach has no cervical scar, which is a satisfaction for the patients, less intraoperative bleeding, short operative time, mild postoperative reaction and quick recovery. However, external approach is still recommended for primary malignant lesions, extensive or highly vascularized lesions, tumors located on the lateral side of the internal carotid artery, less than 2 cm from the skull base, or lateral invasion of the deep lobe of the parotid gland, or a pleomorphic adenoma is considered or is found to be too large to be completely resected preoperatively or intraoperatively.

Microbial diversity of representative traditional fermented sausages in different regions of China

AIMS

The purpose of this experiment was to study the bacterial diversity of traditional fermented sausages from four typical regions of China (Chengdu, Shenzhen, Changsha and Harbin) and to further evaluate their microbiological safety.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The diversity of the microbiota of the sausages was studied using the Illumina HiSeq platform. The results showed that compared with the highest diversity of fermented bacteria in Guangdong, the bacterial diversity of fermented sausage was the lowest in Sichuan. The percentage of dominant phylum (Firmicutes, Cyanophyta, Proteobacter) were 78·39, 13·13 and 7·14% in SC, 35·47, 30·36 and 28·04% in GD, 54·81, 28·91 and 14·00% in HN, 20·20, 58·16 and 17·31% in HB respectively. The main genus distribution of fermented sausages in different regions is varied, but lactic acid bacteria and cyanobacteria are generally the main ones. Traditional fermented sausages using natural fermentation methods have poor microbiological safety, and pathogenic and spoilage micro-organisms such as Acinetobacter, Brochothrix and Pseudomonas have been detected in all four regions.

CONCLUSIONS

The results in this paper provide a microbiota profile of four typical fermented sausages in China. There is a big difference in the microbiota of sausages in different regions, and the good flavour of traditional Chinese fermented sausage is related closely with the abundant microbial resources, however, the natural fermentation method also expose to the product security threats, including spoilage, pathogenic micro-organisms and biogenic amines, etc. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results would offer guidance for industrial fermented sausage production with certain flavour and also improve the microbial resource utilization, and contribute to the control of harmful micro-organisms in traditional fermented sausage.

Trichostatin A exerts anti-inflammation functions in LPS-induced acute lung injury model through inhibiting TNF-α and upregulating micorRNA-146a expression

OBJECTIVE

Acute lung disease is characterized by inflammation. This research aimed to investigate effect of trichostatin A (TSA) on microRNA-146a (miR-146a) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced alveolar macrophage injury model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rat alveolar macrophage, NR8383, was cultured and induced using LPS to establish acute lung injury model in vitro level. Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to determine cell viability of NR8383 cells. TSA was administrated to LPS-induced NR8383 cells. Quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay was utilized to evaluate TNF-α and miR-146a mRNA expression in LPS and/or TSA treated NR8383 cells. Enzyme-link immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine TNF-α levels.

RESULTS

This study selected 1 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml TSA as the optimal concentrations for treating NR8383 cells. LPS-induced acute lung injury model was successfully established. TSA administration significantly enhanced accounts of LPS-stimulated NR8383 cells. LPS induction significantly increased miR-146a mRNA expression in NR8383 cells compared to NR8383 cells (p<0.05). TSA administration significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α in LPS-induced NR8383 cells compared to those in LPS-induced NR8383 cells (p<0.05). TSA administration significantly enhanced miR-146a expression in LPS-induced NR8383 cells compared to that in LPS-induced NR8383 cells (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

TSA administration exerted anti-inflammation functions in LPS-induced acute lung injury model in vitro, which might be triggered by inhibiting TNF-α molecule and upregulating miR-146a expression. The present data hint that TSA could be considered as a potential therapeutic agent for treating acute lung injury.

Combined propidium monoazide pretreatment with high-throughput sequencing evaluated the bacterial diversity in chicken skin after thermal treatment

AIMS

The purpose of this experiment was to study the bacterial diversity and predominance of spoilage bacteria in chicken skin at different thermal treatment temperatures (60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120°C).

METHOD AND RESULTS

Bacteria in chicken skin was collected, then propidium monoazide treatment to remove the DNA of dead cell, total DNA was extracted by Tiandz Bacterial DNA Kit, and investigated by high-throughput sequencing of the v3/v4 regions of the 16S rDNA gene. A total of 796 008 high-quality bacterial sequences were obtained for assessing the microbial diversity of chicken skin from seven thermal treatment group and control group. The results showed that the bacterial diversity in chicken skin at 90°C was lowest. And Acinetobacter (25·88%), Clostridium (20·70%), Bacteroides (13·93%) and Myroides (13·13%) were the main flora at 25°C; The Clostridium was dominant genus of the samples heat-treated by 60, 70, 80 and 90°C, the proportion of this genus were up to 64·86, 77·42, 52·22 and 87·30% respectively. The Bacillus was the main flora of the samples heat-treated by 100, 110 and 120°C, and the relative percentages were 39·44, 79·61 and 45·96% respectively. In addition, high-temperature-resistant Serratia was found in chicken skin.

CONCLUSIONS

The study revealed that the relationship between thermal treatment temperature and bacterial diversity and dominant spoilage bacteria in chicken skin, which had a strong guiding significance for the control and prediction of micro-organisms in foods.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The results of this paper could provide a theoretical basis for meat products containing chicken skin, including the safe use of chicken skin, determination of sterilization process parameters and selection of preservatives for compounding, which has strong practicality in China.

[Change of esophageal length measured on computed tomography after corrective osteotomy for cervicothoracic kyphosis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and its clinical significance]

Objective: To investigate the change of esophageal length measured on computed tomography after C(7) pedicle subtraction osteotomy (PSO) for cervicothoracic kyphosis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and its clinical significance. Methods: Eight male AS patients with cervicothoracic kyphosis, who underwent PSO at C(7) level from December 2014 to November 2018 at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. The mean age was (35±7) years (range, 26-49 years). The cervicothoracic kyphosis, C(2)-T(1) sagittal vertical axis (SVA) and angle of fusion levels (AFL) were measured on lateral cervical radiographs and chin-brow vertical angle (CBVA) was measured on clinical photographs preoperatively and postoperatively. Anterior height of the osteotomized vertebra (AHOV) and esophageal length from the lower endplate of C(6) to the inferior endplate of the lower instrumented vertebrae were measured on sagittal plane of reconstructed computed tomography preoperatively and postoperatively. Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) were collected to evaluate the clinical outcomes. Results: The average follow-up duration was (15±9) months (range, 3-51 months). The average correction of cervicothoracic kyphosis, C(2)-T(1)SVA, AFL and CBVA was 35.9°±7.3°, (44.7±11.6) mm, 32.0°±4.8° and 38.1°±11.5°, respectively. The average reduction of AHOV was (5.6±1.6) mm. ODI was improved from 17±14 preoperatively to 13±10 at the final follow-up. The NDI before operation and at the final follow-up was 18±15 and 10±6, respectively. The preoperative NRS was 4.8±2.4, and it decreased to 1.0±1.2 at the final follow-up. The change of esophageal length showed significant correlation with the improvement of cervicothoracic kyphosis, C(2)-T(1)SVA, AFL and CBVA(r=0.84, 0.83, 0.83, 0.73, all P<0.05). Conclusions: The operation of C(7)PSO increases esophageal length after cervicothoracic kyphosis in AS patients. The esophageal elongation is closely related with changes of parameters measured on radiographs and clinical photographs. Spine surgeons should be aware of the potential risk of esophagus-related complications caused by esophagus lengthening after C(7)PSO.

Downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and skin inflammation in psoriasis

BACKGROUND

The extensive involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pathogenesis of psoriasis is well documented. However, little is known about the contribution of specific miRNAs to the prevalence of this disease.

OBJECTIVES

To explore the role of miR-145-5p in psoriasis.

METHODS

miRNA microarray analysis was performed in four patients with psoriasis and four controls. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to identify the dysregulated miRNAs. Luciferase assays were performed to determine whether miR-145-5p targets mixed-lineage kinase (MLK)3. CCK-8 assay and Magnetic Luminex Assay were performed to measure cell proliferation and chemokine secretion. Western blot analysis was used to investigate the protein levels of MLK3 and its downstream effectors. Mouse models of psoriasis were established for in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

miR-145-5p was downregulated in psoriatic lesional skin. Luciferase assays showed that MLK3 is a direct target of miR-145-5p. Overexpression of miR-145-5p in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEKs) suppressed cell proliferation and secretion of chemokines. In contrast, silencing miR-145-5p promoted NHEK proliferation and increased chemokine secretion. Silencing MLK3 abrogated miR-145-5p inhibitor-induced promotion of cell proliferation and chemokine expression. miR-145-5p regulates nuclear factor-κB and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 by targeting MLK3. Delivery of agomiR-145-5p into the skin decreased epidermal hyperplasia and ameliorated psoriasis-like dermatitis. Delivery of antagomiR-145-5p led to the opposite effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that miR-145-5p negatively regulates proliferation and chemokine secretion of NHEKs by targeting MLK3, and downregulation of miR-145-5p contributes to skin inflammation in psoriasis lesions.

[Clinical study of the effect of free gingival graft and apically repositioned flap surgery on peri-implant keratinized gingival augmentation]

Objective: To compare and analyze the clinical outcomes of apically repositioned flap surgery and free gingival graft on keratinized gingival augmentation. Methods: Totally 30 partially edentulous patients treated with submerged implant surgery in mandibular molar area were recruited and divided into three groups: group 1(mean age: 41 years) and group 2 (mean age: 25 years) received free gingival graft 1 month after submerged implant surgery and second stage implant surgery3 months after submerged implant surgery; group 3(mean age: 44 years) received apically repositioned flap and second stage implant surgery 3 months after submerged implant surgery. The widths of keratinized gingiva were measured respectively at the time before the apically repositioned flap surgery/free gingival graft and 1 month, 6 months after the surgery. The thickness of keratinized gingiva was measured during the operation. Results: The widths of peri-implant keratinized gingiva of group 1 and group 2 were (3.1±1.2) mm and (3.5±1.0) mm 1 month after the free gingival graft surgery, (3.0±1.3) mm and (3.5±1.0) mm 6 months after the free gingival graft surgery, respectively. The widths of peri-implant keratinized gingiva in group 1 and group 2 demonstrated no statistically significant differences(P>0.05). The widths of peri-implant keratinized gingiva of group 3 was (2.6±0.5) mm 1 month after the apically repositioned flap surgery, (1.9±0.3) mm 6 months after the apically repositioned flap surgery, respectively. The widths of peri-implant keratinized gingiva(1 month and 6 months after the apically repositioned flap surgery) in group 3 showed statistically significant differences when compared with group 1 and group 2(P=0.008, P=0.000). Conclusions: The implant area treated with free gingival graft or apically repositioned flap exhibited increased width of the keratinized gingiva. The implants treated with free gingival graft exhibited more increased width of the keratinized gingiva compared with those treated with apically repositioned flap. Age showed little impact on keratinized gingival augmentation.

Inhibition of Duck Hepatitis B Virus Replication in vivo by the Nucleoside Analogue Ganciclovir (9-[2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl) ethoxymethyl] Guanine)

Treatment of ducks congenitally infected with the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) using the guanosine analogue ganciclovir resulted in prompt and profound inhibition of viral DNA replication in serum and liver. By the end of the treatment period all the replicative intermediates, except the supercoiled DNA form, could not be detected. Within 2 weeks of cessation of treatment viral replication returned and, in some cases, rebound occurred. Sequential treatment with prednisolone followed by ganciclovir also resulted in inhibition of viral replication and, even though relapse was observed after therapy was discontinued, the rebound phenomenon was reduced. Ganciclovir significantly and selectively inhibited DHBV DNA replication but may be more efficacious if used in combination with compounds targeted to the viral supercoiled DNA form.

Promoting inflammatory lymphangiogenesis by vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) aggravated intestinal inflammation in mice with experimental acute colitis

Angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis are thought to play a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). However, it is not understood if inflammatory lymphangiogenesis is a pathological consequence or a productive attempt to resolve the inflammation. This study investigated the effect of lymphangiogenesis on intestinal inflammation by overexpressing a lymphangiogenesis factor, vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C), in a mouse model of acute colitis. Forty eight-week-old female C57BL/6 mice were treated with recombinant adenovirus overexpressing VEGF-C or with recombinant VEGF-C156S protein. Acute colitis was then established by exposing the mice to 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) for 7 days. Mice were evaluated for disease activity index (DAI), colonic inflammatory changes, colon edema, microvessel density, lymphatic vessel density (LVD), and VEGFR-3mRNA expression in colon tissue. When acute colitis was induced in mice overexpressing VEGF-C, there was a significant increase in colonic epithelial damage, inflammatory edema, microvessel density, and neutrophil infiltration compared to control mice. These mice also exhibited increased lymphatic vessel density (73.0±3.9 vs 38.2±1.9, P<0.001) and lymphatic vessel size (1974.6±104.3 vs 1639.0±91.5, P<0.001) compared to control mice. Additionally, the expression of VEGFR-3 mRNA was significantly upregulated in VEGF-C156S mice compared to DSS-treated mice after induction of colitis (42.0±1.4 vs 3.5±0.4, P<0.001). Stimulation of lymphangiogenesis by VEGF-C during acute colitis promoted inflammatory lymphangiogenesis in the colon and aggravated intestinal inflammation. Inflammatory lymphangiogenesis may have pleiotropic effects at different stages of IBD.

[The clinical study of IgA nephropathy with severe chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the clinical characteristics of IgA nephropathy (IgAN) with severe chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis.

METHODS

A total of 436 hospitalized patients who underwent renal needle biopsy in the department of nephrology of China-Japan Friendship Hospital from November 2013 to December 2014 were recruited in the study and blindly had periodontal examination. The patients were divided into IgAN group and non-IgAN group according to the renal pathology. The patients with IgAN were further categorized as non-periodontitis, chronic periodontitis and aggressive peridontitis group by Haas classification. The chronic periodontitis group was continually divided into mild, moderate and severe periodontitis group. The levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in gingival crevicular fluid were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

The prevalence of periodontitis in the study was 88.3% (385/436). The prevalence of chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis were higher in patients with IgAN than those with non-IgAN (P<0.05). Degree of chronic periodontitis was correlated with pathologic grading of IgAN (r=0.48, P<0.001). Compared with IgAN patients with other types of periodontitis, those with severe chronic and aggressive periodontitis had more severe pathology, more frequent recurrent gross hematuria, higher levels of 24 h proteinuria, serum triglyceride and uric acid, higher periodontal probing depth and clinical attatchment level, as well as higer levels of IL-1β and IL-6, but had lower creatinine clearance rate (all P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of severe chronic and aggressive periodontitis was higher in patients with IgAN. Chronic periodontitis is correlated with the onset and development of IgAN. Patients with IgAN have worse condition with the aggravation of periodontitis.

A Mouse Model of Targeted Musashi1 Expression in Whole Intestinal Epithelium Suggests Regulatory Roles in Cell Cycle and Stemness

The intestinal epithelium is very peculiar for its continuous cell renewal, fuelled by multipotent stem cells localized within the crypts of Lieberkühn. Several lines of evidence have established the evolutionary conserved RNA-binding protein Musashi1 as a marker of adult stem cells, including those of the intestinal epithelium, and revealed its roles in stem cell self-renewal and cell fate determination. Previous studies from our laboratories have shown that Musashi1 controls stem cell-like features in medulloblastoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer cells, and has pro-proliferative and pro-tumorigenic properties in intestinal epithelial progenitor cells in vitro. To undertake a detailed study of Musashi1's function in the intestinal epithelium in vivo, we have generated a mouse model, referred to as v-Msi, overexpressing Musashi1 specifically in the entire intestinal epithelium. Compared with wild type litters, v-Msi1 mice exhibited increased intestinal crypt size accompanied by enhanced proliferation. Comparative transcriptomics by RNA-seq revealed Musashi1's association with gut stem cell signature, cell cycle, DNA replication, and drug metabolism. Finally, we identified and validated three novel mRNA targets that are stabilized by Musashi1, Ccnd1 (Cyclin D1), Cdk6, and Sox4. In conclusion, the targeted expression of Musashi1 in the intestinal epithelium in vivo increases the cell proliferation rate and strongly suggests its action on stem cells activity. This is due to the modulation of a complex network of gene functions and pathways including drug metabolism, cell cycle, and DNA synthesis and repair.

Breed-specific transcriptome response of spleen from six to eight week old piglet after infection with Streptococcus suis type 2

Different pig breeds have shown differential susceptibility to the pathogen infection; however, molecular mechanisms of the infection susceptibility are not fully understood. Streptococcus suis type 2 (SS2) is an important zoonotic pathogen. To identify the genes responsible for infection susceptibility, pigs from two different breeds (Enshi black and Landrace) were inoculated with SS2 and their spleen transcriptome profiles were investigated in the present study. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed from infected versus control pigs in each breed, and then compared between both pig breeds. Enshi black pig showed more DEGs than Landrace (830 vs. 611) and most of these were due to down-regulated genes (543 vs. 387). However some DEGs were uniquely expressed in one breed, some were expressed in opposite direction in both breeds. A number of candidate genes and pathways are identified which might be involved in susceptibility to SS2, for example, MMP9 and Resistin were only significantly expressed in Landrace. NPG3 and PMAP23 were up-regulated in Landrace whereas down-regulated in Enshi black. LENG8 in control Landrace have inherently higher expression than control Enshi black. IGKV6 is down-regulated in Landrace but up-regulated in Enshi black. Overall, the transcriptome profiles are consistent with the clinical signs, i.e. the Enshi black is more susceptible to SS2 infection than Landrace. This is the first study to identify differential gene expression between indigenous and modern commercial pigs after in vivo SS2 infection using RNA-seq. The significant DEGs in splenic profiles between two pig breeds suggested considerable involvement of genetic background in susceptibility to the SS2 infection in pigs.

The effects of early life lead exposure on the expression of interleukin (IL) 1β, IL-6, and glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus of mouse pups

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of maternal lead (Pb) exposure on the expression of interleukin (IL) 1β, IL 6, and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in hippocampus of mice offspring. Pb exposure initiated from the beginning of gestation to weaning. Lead acetate (PbAc) administered in drinking solutions was dissolved in distilled deionized water at the concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1% groups ,respectively. On the postnatal day 21, the Pb levels in their blood and hippocampus were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The expression of IL 1β, IL 6, and GFAP in hippocampus was measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The Pb levels in blood and hippocampus of all Pb-exposed groups were significantly higher than that of the control group ( p < 0.05). The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and GFAP was increased in Pb-exposed groups in comparison with the control group ( p < 0.05). The high expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and GFAP in the hippocampus of pups may contribute to the neurotoxicity associated with maternal Pb exposure.

Vitamin B-12 supplementation improves arterial function in vegetarians with subnormal vitamin B-12 status

OBJECTIVE

Vegetarians are more vascular-healthy but those with subnormal vitamin B-12 status have impaired arterial endothelial function and increased intima-media thickness. We aimed to study the impact of vitamin B-12 supplementation on these markers, in the vegetarians.

DESIGN

Double-blind, placebo controlled, randomised crossover study.

SETTING

Community dwelling vegetarians.

PARTICIPANTS

Fifty healthy vegetarians (vegetarian diet for at least 6 years) were recruited.

INTERVENTION

Vitamin B-12 (500 µg/day) or identical placebo were given for 12 weeks with 10 weeks of placebo-washout before crossover (n=43), and then open label vitamin B-12 for additional 24 weeks (n=41).

MEASUREMENT

Flow-mediated dilation of brachial artery (FMD) and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery were measured by ultrasound.

RESULTS

The mean age of the subjects was 45±9 years and 22 (44%) were male. Thirty-five subjects (70%) had serum B-12 levels <150 pmol/l. Vitamin B-12 supplementation significantly increased serum vitamin B-12 levels (p<0.0001) and lowered plasma homocysteine (p<0.05). After vitamin B-12 supplementation but not placebo, significant improvement of brachial FMD (6.3±1.8% to 6.9±1.9%; p<0.0001) and in carotid IMT (0.69±0.09 mm to 0.67±0.09 mm, p<0.05) were found, with further improvement in FMD (to 7.4±1.7%; p<0.0001) and IMT (to 0.65±0.09 mm; p<0.001) after 24 weeks open label vitamin B-12. There were no significant changes in blood pressures or lipid profiles. On multivariate analysis, changes in B-12 (β=0.25; p=0.02) but not homocysteine were related to changes in FMD, (R=0.32; F value=3.19; p=0.028).

CONCLUSIONS

Vitamin B-12 supplementation improved arterial function in vegetarians with subnormal vitamin B-12 levels, proposing a novel strategy for atherosclerosis prevention.

Pharmacokinetics of spinosad and milbemycin oxime administered in combination and separately per os to dogs

Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies were conducted to determine the potential PK interactions when spinosad and milbemycin oxime (MBO) are administered simultaneously. Investigations used commercial MBO tablets (C-MBO; Interceptor(®) Flavor Tabs, active ingredient MBO, Novartis Animal Health, Greensboro, NC, USA), novel-source (Elanco) MBO (E-MBO) in a gelatin capsule, spinosad API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient using registered manufacturing process) in a gelatin capsule, spinosad tablets (Comfortis(®) chewable beef flavored tablets, active ingredient spinosad, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA), and the recently registered spinosad + E-MBO combination tablets (Trifexis™ chewable beef flavored tablets, active ingredients E-MBO and spinosad, Elanco Animal Health, Greenfield, IN, USA). Regardless of the source of MBO, in the presence of spinosad, greater systemic exposure of MBO was obtained as compared to MBO administered alone. Target animal safety studies conducted with dose multiples of spinosad and MBO indicate the increased exposure of MBO does not have implications on adverse clinical reactions. Further research is required to determine whether the higher levels of MBO have any implications for improved effectiveness as compared to C-MBO. Effectiveness studies conducted with 0.5 mg/kg of E-MBO in combination tablets demonstrated noninterference against C-MBO with both products achieving >99% effectiveness against the dose-limiting nematode, Ancylostoma caninum. No statistical differences were detected in the PK of MBO when comparing animals receiving E-MBO (without spinosad) and C-MBO. Also, the PK of spinosad was unaltered when co-administered with MBO.

[Detection of EBV-LMP1 antibodies in sera and clinical significance in the patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma]

OBJECTIVE

To detect the levels of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latent membrane protein 1 Antibodies (LMP1-Ab) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)sera and discuss the clinical significance of this test in diagnosis, prognosis, and immune-targeted therapy of NPC.

METHOD

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot method were used to detect the LMP1-Ab levels in 61 NPC sera, 30 nasopharyngitis sera, and 55 normal sera. The relationship between the LMP1-Ab level and clinical and pathological features of NPC was analyzed.

RESULT

ELISA test showed that LMP1 antibodies level was significantly higher in nasopharyngeal carcinoma group than those in nasopharyngitis group and in healthy group and there were statistical significances (all P<0.05). In SNPC group, the LMP1-Ab level was not related to the pathological grade and cervical lymph node metastases (P>0.05). Western blot test revealed that the expression of LMP1 antibodies was higher in NPC sera than in nasopharyngitis sera and in normal sera.

CONCLUSION

LMP1-Ab level was higher in nasopharyngeal carcinoma group than in nasopharyngitis group and in normal group. Therefore, LMP1 may be considered as a tumor correlated antigen to help the diagnosis and immune-targeted therapy of NPC.

Diagnosis of Acute Q Fever by PCR on Sera during a Recent Outbreak in Rural South Australia

Diagnosis of Q fever has largely been dependent upon serology, which may lead to delayed diagnosis as seroconversion can take weeks to develop. During a recent Q fever outbreak (27 patients) in rural South Australia, we compared the diagnostic rate of serology with two separate real-time PCRs, the 27kDa outer membrane protein and the insertion sequence. PCR was positive (on either or both PCR assays) in sera of 67% of the patients. Median time required for making serological diagnosis was 17 days, compared with 4 days by PCR. Q fever PCR is an effective tool in the diagnosis of acute Q fever infection.

[Endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma microsurgery]

OBJECTIVE

To introduce the approach and technique of endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma microsurgery.

METHOD

Endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma microsurgery were performed in 23 patients.

RESULT

Tumors were total resected in all of the patients. The mean volume of bleeding was 50 ml and there were not any severe complications.

CONCLUSION

Compared with transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma microsurgery and endoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma surgery, endoscopic transseptal transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma microsurgery could combine the benefits of the two approaches. The approach has the benefit of microtrauma, convenience and could resect the tumor thoroughly. We could do best in treating suitable patients with good endoscopic technique.