Quantitative CT features on admission combined with laboratory biomarkers for predicting severe acute pancreatitis.

AIM: To assess the association of quantitative computed tomography (CT) features on admission with acute pancreatitis (AP) severity, and to explore the performance of combined CT and laboratory markers for predicting severe AP (SAP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from 208 AP patients were reviewed retrospectively. Pancreas volume, the area of extrapancreatic inflammation, extrapancreatic fluid collection volume, and number were calculated based on CT images on admission. Laboratory biomarkers within 24 h of admission were collected. Interobserver agreement for CT measurements was measured by calculating interclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The associations of quantitative CT features with AP severity were evaluated. Predictive models for SAP were constructed based on CT and laboratory markers. Performances of single marker and the models were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: Pancreas volume, area of extrapancreatic inflammation, extrapancreatic fluid collection volume, and number were significantly different between severe and non-severe AP groups. In predicting SAP, the AUCs of quantitative CT indicators ranged from 0.72 to 0.79; the AUCs of laboratory biomarkers were between 0.53 and 0.66. The combined model of area of extrapancreatic inflammation, serum calcium, and haematocrit yielded an AUC of 0.84, significantly higher than that of the laboratory model, single CT, or laboratory marker. Interobserver agreements for quantitative CT indicators were excellent, with ICC ranging from 0.91 to 0.98. CONCLUSION: Quantitative CT features on admission were significantly associated with AP severity; the combination of extrapancreatic inflammation area, serum calcium, and haematocrit could be taken as a new method for predicting SAP.

[Multidisciplinary regenerative treatment and mechanisms for rescuing a severe calciphylaxis patient with human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells].

Calciphylaxis is a rare disease with severe pain and high-mortality due to cutaneous ischemic necrosis and infection that currently lacks proved effective therapies. The occurrence of calciphylaxis in end stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients is known as calcific uremic arteriolopathy (CUA), which is characterized histologically by dermal microvessel calcification, intimal fibroplasia and microthrombosis. Here we innovatively treated a severe CUA patient with human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs). A 34-year-old uremic woman was presented with progressive, painful malodorous ulcers in buttocks and mummified lower limbs. Skin pathological features supported the diagnosis of calciphylaxis. The patient was refractory to conventional multidisciplinary symptomatic therapies. With the approval of our hospital ethics committee, she was treated with hAMSCs including intravenous and local intramuscular injection, and external application of hAMSC culture supernatant to the wound area. During 15-month follow-up, the patient had regeneration of skin and soft tissues, with improved blood biochemical, inflammatory, mineral and bone metabolic indices and immunoregulation effects. After 15-month hAMSC treatment, the score of pain visual analog scale (VAS) decreased from 10 to 0, Bates-Jensen wound assessment tool (BWAT) score decreased from 65 to 13, and wound-quality of life (Wound-QoL) questionnaire score decreased from 68 to 0. We propose that hAMSC treatment is promising for CUA patients. The therapy is potentially involved in the multiple beneficial effects of inhibiting vascular calcification, stimulating angiogenesis and myogenesis, modulating adverse inflammatory and immunologic responses, promoting re-epithelialization and restoring skin integrity.

[Comparison of efficacy between laparoscopic and open proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction for Siewert type â ¡ and â ¢ adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction].

Objective: To compare the efficacy between laparoscopic and open proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction for Siewert type II and III adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Inclusion criteria: (1) 18 to 80 years old; (2) Siewert II and III AEG was confirmed by preoperative gastroscopy and biopsy, which could not be resected by endoscopy; patients undergoing radical proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction; (3) contrast-enhanced abdominal CT staging was cT1-2N0M0; (4) Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) physical status score <2 points, American Association of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade 1 to 2; (5) patients agreed to perform proximal gastrectomy and signed an informed consent. Those who had undergone neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy, suffered from serious mental diseases and had incomplete data were excluded. According to the above criteria, clinical data of 84 consecutive patients with Siewert II and III AEG undergoing surgery at General Surgery Department of The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2010 to December 2018 were collected and analyzed. Of 84 patients, 61 underwent open proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (OPG group), while 23 underwent laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction (LPG group). The perioperative complications and postoperative reflux esophagitis of two groups were compared. A P-value of <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Among 84 cases, 74 were male and 10 were female. There were 43 cases of Siewert type II and 41 cases of Siewert type III. There were no significant differences in age, gender, body mass index, comorbidities, Siewert type, and tumor staging between the two groups (all P>0.05). As compared to the OPG group, the LPG group had longer operation duration [(223±21) minutes vs. (161±14) minutes, t=15.352, P<0.001], less intraoperative blood loss [195 (150, 215) ml vs. 208 (192, 230) ml, Z=2.143, P=0.032], and shorter time to flatus [(2.8±0.7) days vs. (3.3±0.9) days, t=2.477, P=0.015]. There were no significant differences in the number of harvested lymph nodes, time to the first meal and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (all P>0.05). Postoperative complications developed in 2 cases (8.7%, 1 case each for anastomotic leakage and intestinal obstruction) in the LPG group and 5 cases (8.2%, 1 case each for anastomotic leakage, anastomotic bleeding, and anastomotic stenosis, 2 cases of incision infection) in the OPG group (χ(2)=5.603, P=0.231). The median follow-up was 41.2 (12.8-110.5) months. One patient (1.6%,1/61) had obvious reflux symptoms in the OPG group, compared with none in the LPG group (χ(2)=0.644, P=0.422). Esophagitis occurred in 1 case (4.8%, 1/21) in LPG group, compared with 4 patients (7.1%, 4/56) in the OPG group, without significant difference between the two groups (χ(2)=0.505, P=0.477). Conclusion: Laparoscopic proximal gastrectomy with double-tract reconstruction is safe and feasible without increasing the risk of postoperative complication and reflux esophagitis.

Terahertz radiation generation from metallic electronic structure manipulated by inhomogeneous DC-fields.

We propose a feasible, high-efficiency scheme of primary terahertz (THz) radiation source through manipulating electronic structure (ES) of a metallic film by targeted-designed DC-fields configuration. The DC magnetic field is designed to be of a spatially inhomogeneous strength profile, and its direction is designed to be normal to the film, and the direction of the DC electric field is parallel to the film. Strict quantum theory and numerical results indicate that the ES under such a field configuration will change from a 3D Fermi sphere into a highly-degenerate structure whose density-of-state curve has pseudogap near Fermi surface. Wavefunctions' shapes in this new ES are space-asymmetric, and the width of pseudogap near Fermi surface, as well as magnitudes of transition matrix element, can be handily controlled by adjusting parameter values of DC fields. Under available parameter values, the width of the pseudogap can be at milli-electron-volt level (corresponding to THz radiation frequency), and the magnitude of oscillating dipole can be at [Formula: see text]-level. In room-temperature environment, phonon in metal can pump the ES to achieve population inversion.

[Analysis on medical observation of 1 665 close contacts of COVID-19 cases].

Objective: To understand the identification and medical observation of close contacts of COVID-19 cases in a city and provide scientific basis for the adjustment of the epidemic prevention and control strategies. Methods: Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the general characteristics of all the close contacts of COVID-19 cases in a city. Throat swabs were collected from the close contacts for real-time fluorescent RT-PCR. The confirmed cases were diagnosed according to diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 (trial version 5). Results: Among the 1 665 close contacts of COVID-19 cases in a city, 10 were diagnosed as COVID-19 cases during the medical observation period, accounting for 30.30% of all the confirmed cases in a city, most of them were close relatives of the confirmed cases. The longest contact time with the confirmed cases was 8 days and the shortest was 0 days. Ten COVID-19 cases in close contacts constituted to six family clusters. Conclusions: In COVID-19 prevention and control in a city, the active tracking of the transmission chains of the confirmed cases and timely identification of the close contacts were conducted. The people who had close contacts with the confirmed COVID-19 cases within 14 days before onset were all placed under medical observation, which played a key role in the effective prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic in a city. Nearly one third of COVID-19 cases occurred during the medical observation period, so the infection sources were effectively controlled and transmission routes were effectively blocked, which greatly facilitated the prevention of the clusters of COVID-19 cases.

[Gene mutation pattern of Gilbert's syndrome combined with viral hepatitis and its relationship with the exploration of clinical data].

Objective: To study whether gene mutation pattern of Gilbert's syndrome (GS) is combined with viral hepatitis and its relationship with relevant clinical data. Methods: Clinical data of GS patients combined with viral hepatitis who was admitted to the Department of Infectious Diseases of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from August 2013 to December 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between gene mutation pattern, general data (age, gender, etc.) and liver biochemical indexes was analyzed. The differences of the above data in patients with or without combined viral hepatitis were analyzed. The measurement data were compared by t-test. The categorical data was compared by the χ (2) test. The median and interquartile range of non-normally distributed data was used to indicate the central and discrete tendency. Results: A total of 107 GS eligible cases data were collected. The male to female ratio was 4.94:1 (89:18). The average age of onset was (36.36 ± 12.51) years. Alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels were normal or slightly elevated, while aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase were all within the normal range. There were 49 cases in the combined viral hepatitis group (36 cases with HBV and 13 cases with HCV), and 58 cases in the GS alone group. Total bilirubin level in GS alone group was higher than the combined viral hepatitis group (z = 0.035, P < 0.05), and there were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma glutamyltransferase (P > 0.05). Uridine diphosphate glucuronide transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1), specifically encoded by GS was detected in all 107 cases. Mutations was mainly occurred in the upstream promoter PBREM-3263 (-3279) (86 cases) and TATA box TA insertion mutation (71 cases), and GGA-AGA Gly71Arg (57 cases) mutation in EXON1 of the coding region. All mutation forms had manifestations of homozygous and heterozygous abnormalities. The combined incidence of main mutation forms in the genetic testing data were sequenced as: A2 + B2 + C2 (17 cases, 25.23%), A1 + B1 (17 cases, 15.89%), A2 (11 cases, 10.28%), C2 (10 Cases, 9.34%), A2 + B2 (7 cases, 6.54%), A1 + B2 (7 cases, 6.54%), C1 (7 cases, 6.54%), and there was no statistically significant difference between different mutation combinations in patients with or without hepatitis (P > 0.05). The results of total data analysis showed that the total bilirubin level in the single-site mutation group was higher than the multi-site mutation group (Z=2.019, P = 0.043), and other biochemical indicators had no effect (P > 0.05) and the differences were not statistically significant. Further analysis showed that the total bilirubin level of the single-site mutation subgroup in the GS alone group was higher than the multi-site mutation subgroup (Z = 1.999, P = 0.046), and the statistical difference was similar to the combined viral hepatitis group (P > 0.05). Different mutation combinations had no effect on biochemical indexes, and had no relationship with combined viral hepatitis (P > 0.05). Conclusion: GS is common in patients with combined viral hepatitis, and there is no significant difference between the incidence of gene mutation, mutation forms, biochemical indexes, and non-hepatitis group. The increase in the number of GS mutation sites does not aggravate the deterioration of bilirubin levels due to the decrease in the content and activity of uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase, and the combination of different mutation sites does not affect the changes of various biochemical indexes, and at the same time it is not related to hepatitis.

The role of miR-99b in mediating hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and migration.

Since this article has been suspected of research misconduct and the corresponding authors did not respond to our request to prove originality of data and figures, "The role of miR-99b in mediating hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and migration, by C.-J. Liu, J.-H. Yang, F.-Z. Huang, J.-H. Yang, C.-P. Liu, X.-H. Mao, W.-M. Yi, X.-B. Shen, C. Peng, M.-F. Chen, B. Jiang, J.-S. Wu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2018; 22 (8): 2273-2281-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_201804_14815-PMID: 29762829" has been withdrawn. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. https://www.europeanreview.org/article/14815.

[Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy in diffuse lung disease: a pathological analysis of 173 cases].

Objective: To evaluate the value of transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBCB) in pathological diagnosis for diffuse lung disease. Methods: The clinicopathological data of 173 patients from the first affiliated hospital of Guangzhou medical university between Jaunary 2017 and June 2019 with transbronchial lung cryobiopsy of diffuse lung disease were retrospectively analyzed and summarized with review. Among 173 cases, TBCB and conventional transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) were performed in 54 patients. The size of biopsy samples and diagnostic yield were compared. Results: Among 173 cases, the diagnostic yield was 85.54% (148/173) , 160 (92.49%) cases provided definite diagnosis and valuable pathological results, according to age, sex, occupation, past history, contact history, smoking history, laboratory serology and imaging findings. Among 160 cases, there were 72 cases of known etiology (45.00%), 27 cases of idiopathic interstitial pneumonia (16.88%), 7 cases of granulomatous lesions (4.38%) and 54 cases of other types (33.75%). With TBCB and TBLB in 54 patients, the specimens sizes of TBCB and TBLB were (3.3±1.3) mm(2) and (1.0±0.3) mm(2) respectively (t'=12.67 P<0.01) . The diagnostic yields of TBCB and TBLB were 81.48% (44/54) and 42.59% (23/54) respectively (χ(2)=17.33, P<0.01) . The diagnostic yields of TBCB and TBLB for interstitial lung diseases were 48.15% (26/54) and 5.56% (3/54) respectively (χ(2)=24.94, P<0.01) . However, the diagnostic yields of TBCB and TBLB for the other diffuse lung disease except interstitial lung diseases were 33.33% (18/54) and 37.04% (20/54) respectively, with no significant difference (χ(2)=0.1624, P=0.687). Conclusion: Compared with TBLB, TBCB has obvious advantages and application value in the diagnosis of diffuse pulmonary diseases, especially interstitial pulmonary diseases.

The role of miR-99b in mediating hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and migration.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer in adults with a high rate of malignancy. The potent invasion and migration of HCC mainly impact the prognosis and recurrence of the disease. Our previous study found that miR-99b was highly expressed in HCC, and its expression was associated with vascular invasion. It was speculated that miR-99b may play a role in HCC invasion and migration, while the specific mechanism remains unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: qRT-PCR was applied to detect expressions of miR-99b and KAI1 genes in L02, HepG2, and MHCC97H cells. HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-99b inhibitor, miR-99b mimic, and NC. Flow cytometry was used to test cell cycle and apoptosis. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was adopted to validate the target gene of miR-99b. Wound healing assay was used to detect cell migration. Transwell assay was performed to detect cell invasion. Western blot was performed to detect KAI1, E-cadherin, and N-cadherin expressions. Immunofluorescence assay was adopted to test Vimentin expression. RESULTS: The level of miR-99b was reduced in L02 while up-regulated in MHCC97H. By contrast, the expression of KAI1 was increased in L02 but declined in MHCC97H. The transfection of miR-99b mimic inhibited HepG2 apoptosis and accelerated cell cycle. MiR-99b suppressed KAI gene expression through targeting its 3'-UTR. MiR-99b mimic or si-KAI1 transfection promoted cell invasion and migration, while their simultaneous action significantly enhanced cell invasion and migration. The overexpression of miR-99b or knockdown of KAI1 significantly weakened HepG2 cell adhesion, reduced E-cadherin expression, upregulated N-cadherin and Vimentin, and promoted cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). CONCLUSIONS: MiR-99b contributes to promoting function in HCC migration and invasion through inhibiting KAI1 expression.

[A real-world study of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C].

Objective: To recognize the efficacy and safety of paritaprevir/ritonavir-ombitasvir combined with dasabuvir (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) in the treatment of genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C who were admitted to the People's Hospital of Henan Province, Huashan Hospital of Shanghai and the Fifth Medical Center of the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army of China between November 2017 to August 2018 were enlisted. All patients received OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV antiviral therapy. HCV RNA levels were measured at baseline, weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, and 24, then 12 weeks, and 24 weeks after completion of treatment; patients' comorbidity, concomitant medications, and clinical adverse events were recorded. Results: 108 patients were enrolled in the study, with an average age of 49.1 years, 44 patients were male (40.8%), 96.3% (104/108) were newly diagnosed, and four patients had previous treatment history, of whom three were treated with IFN and one with IFN + DAA. Ninety-eight cases completed 12 weeks treatment and 89 cases were in follow up for 12 weeks, after discontinuation of the drug. Overall, 89 cases (100%) achieved SVR12.One patient treated with PR and DAA had HCV RNA level of 869175 IU/mL at 4 weeks of treatment, which was significantly higher than the baseline HCV RNA level (301776IU/ML), and was judged as failure of treatment; and follow-up was discontinued. Of all enrolled patients, 19 (17.6%) had underlying diseases and 15 (13.9%) had combined medications. During treatment, adverse events (AE) occurred in 11 patients (10.1%). The main adverse events were pruritus and elevated bilirubin. Conclusion: Combined antiviral therapy (OBV/PTV/RTV+DSV) of 12 weeks are highly effective with good safety profile in the treatment of Chinese patients with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C.

Comparative analysis of human milk and infant formula derived peptides following in vitro digestion.

It has long been recognised that there are differences between human milk and infant formulas which lead to differences in health and nutrition for the neonate. In this study we examine and compare the peptide profile of human milk and an exemplar infant formula. The study identifies both similarities and differences in the endogenous and postdigestion peptide profiles of human milk and infant formula. This includes differences in the protein source of these peptides but also with the region within the protein producing the dominant proteins. Clustering of similar peptides around regions of high sequence identity and known bioactivity was also observed. Together the data may explain some of the functional differences between human milk and infant formula, while identifying some aspects of conserved function between bovine and human milks which contribute to the effectiveness of modern infant formula as a substitute for human milk.

Effect of Selenium Against Lead-Induced Damage on the Gene Expression of Heat Shock Proteins and Inflammatory Cytokines in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Chickens.

The possible beneficial role of selenium (Se) in heat shock proteins (HSPs) and inflammation damage induced by lead (Pb) in chickens is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Se against Pb on the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of HSPs (HSP 27, 40, 60, 70, and 90); heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1); and the inflammatory cytokines nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of chickens. A total of 360 1-day-old broiler chickens were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 90/group). The control group was fed a basic diet containing 0.2 mg/kg Se and 0.5 mg/kg Pb; the Se supplementation group (+Se group) was fed a Se-adequate (sodium selenite) diet containing 1 mg/kg Se and 0.5 mg/kg Pb; the Pb-supplemented group (+Pb group) was fed a Pb acetate diet containing 0.2 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb; and the Se and Pb compound group (Se + Pb group) was fed a diet containing 1 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb. The blood was collected and examined for the mRNA levels of HSP and inflammatory cytokine genes at 30 and 60 days old. The results showed that Pb poisoning induced the mRNA expression of HSPs and inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood lymphocytes of chickens. In addition, Se alleviated the Pb-induced increase in HSP and inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels in chicken peripheral blood lymphocytes. In conclusion, Se can antagonize the toxic effects of Pb on chickens and protect the chickens' peripheral blood lymphocytes in normal physiological function.

Effects of Dietary Selenium Against Lead Toxicity on mRNA Levels of 25 Selenoprotein Genes in the Cartilage Tissue of Broiler Chicken.

The interactions between the essential element selenium (Se) and the toxic element lead (Pb) have been reported extensively; however, little is known about the effect of Se on Pb toxicity and the expression pattern of selenoproteins in the cartilage of chicken. To investigate the effects of Se on Pb toxicity and the messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions of selenoproteins in cartilage tissue, an in vitro study was performed on 1-day-old broiler chickens (randomly allocated into four groups) with diet of different concentration of Se and Pb. After 90 days, the meniscus cartilage and sword cartilage tissue were examined for the mRNA levels of 25 selenoprotein genes. The results showed that Se and Pb influenced the expression of selenoprotein genes in the chicken cartilage tissue. In detail, Se could alleviate the downtrend of the expression of Gpx1, Gpx2, Gpx4, Txnrd2, Txnrd3, Dio1, Dio2, Seli, Selu, Sepx1, Selk, Selw, Selo, Selm, Sep15, Sepnn1, Sels, and Selt induced by Pb exposure in the meniscus cartilage. In the sword cartilage, Se alleviated the downtrend of the expression of Gpx2, Gpx3, Gpx4, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Dio2, Dio3, Seli, Selh, SPS2, Sepx1, Selk, Selw, Selo, Selm, Sep15, Selpb, Sepn1, and Selt induced by Pb exposure. The present study provided some compensated data about the roles of Se against Pb toxicity in the regulation of selenoprotein expression.

Treatment Experience of Severe Abdominal Infection after Orthotopic Liver Transplantation.

This study aims to investigate the causes and treatment experience of severe abdominal infection after orthotopic liver transplantation. Clinical data were retrospectively analysed in perioperative severe abdominal infection of 186 orthotopic liver transplantation cases from March 2004 to November 2011. Among the 186 patients, 16 cases had severe abdominal infection: five cases had bile duct anastomotic leakage-inducing massive hydrops and infection under liver interstice, 10 cases had extensive bleeding of surgical wound leading to massive haematocele and infection around the liver, and one case had postoperative lower oesophageal fistula leakage causing massive hydrops and infection under the left diaphragm. After definite diagnosis, 12 cases underwent surgery within three days, with no death. Among the four cases that underwent surgery three days after diagnosis, one case died of multiple-organ failure five days after abdominal cavity exploration, which was performed 21 days after liver transplantation. Severe abdominal infections after liver transplantation were the most common causes of death in perioperative liver transplantation. Comprehensive treatment with efficacious antibiotics, multiple-organ support, controlled surgical removal of the lesion, and adequate drainage establishment was the key to the entire treatment.

The role of heat shock proteins in oxidative stress damage induced by Se deficiency in chicken livers.

Selenium (Se) is an essential dietary trace element, which acts as an antioxidant. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) are a family of intracellular proteins whose synthesis is greatly increased upon exposure of cells to environmental stressors including oxidative metabolites, heavy metals, amino acid analogues and so on. However, little is known about the role of HSPs in oxidative stress damage induced by Se deficiency in the chicken liver. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Se deficiency on the expression levels of HSPs (Hsps27, 40, 60, 70, and 90) and oxidative indexes in the chicken liver. A total of 300 1-day-old sea blue white laying hens were divided into two groups (n = 150/group), and each of those groups was randomly divided into groups so that the trials were conducted in triplicate. The Se-deficient group (-Se) was fed a Se-deficient corn-soy basal diet (the Se content was 0.02 mg/kg); the Se-adequate group as control (+Se) was fed the same basal diet supplemented with Se at 0.2 mg/kg (sodium selenite). The liver tissue was collected and examined for pathological observations, oxidative indexes, mRNA and protein levels of HSPs genes at 15, 25, 35, 45, 55 and 65 days old. The histopathological analysis showed that liver tissues were injured seriously in the Se-deficient group. The oxidative indexes data showed that the malondialdehyde (MDA) level increased and the activity of L-glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in the chicken liver decreased in Se-deficient group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the mRNA levels of HSPs (27, 40, 60, 70, and 90) increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Se-deficient group compare to the corresponding control group. Meanwhile, the protein expression of HSPs (60, 70, and 90) also increased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Se-deficient group. These results suggested that oxidative stress and the levels of HSPs expression levels in chicken liver can be influenced by dietary Se deficiency. And HSPs played an important role in the protection of the liver after oxidative stress due to Se deficiency.

Effects of dietary selenium deficiency on mRNA levels of twenty-one selenoprotein genes in the liver of layer chicken.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element in many life forms due to its occurrence as selenocysteine (Sec) residue in selenoproteins. However, little is known about the expression pattern of selenoproteins in the liver of layer chicken. To investigate the effects of Se deficiency on the mRNA expressions of selenoproteins in the liver tissue of layer chickens, 1-day-old layer chickens were randomly allocated into two groups (n=120/group). The Se-deficient group (-Se) was fed a Se-deficient corn-soy basal diet; the Se-adequate group as control (+Se) was fed the same basal diet supplemented with Se at 0.15 mg/kg (sodium selenite). The liver tissue was collected and examined for mRNA levels of 21 selenoprotein genes at 15, 25, 35, 45, 55, and 65 days old. The data indicated that the mRNA expressions of Gpx1, Gpx2, Gpx3, Gpx4, Sepn1, Sepp1, Selo, Sepx1, Selu, Txnrd1, Txnrd2, Txnrd3, Dio1, Dio2, SPS2, Selm, SelPb, Sep15, and Sels were decreased (p<0.05), but not the levels of Dio3 and Seli (p>0.05). The results showed that the mRNA levels of 19 selenoprotein (except Seli and Dio3) genes in the layer chicken liver were regulated by diet Se level. The present study provided some compensated data about the roles of Se in the regulation of selenoproteins.

Accumulation of heavy metals in leaf vegetables from agricultural soils and associated potential health risks in the Pearl River Delta, South China.

This study investigated the extent of heavy metal accumulation in leaf vegetables and associated potential health risks in agricultural areas of the Pearl River Delta (PRD), South China. Total concentrations of mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) were determined in 92 pairs of soil and leaf vegetable (flowering Chinese cabbage, lettuce, pakchoi, Chinese cabbage, loose-leaf lettuce, and Chinese leaf mustard) samples collected from seven agricultural areas (cities). The bioconcentration factors (BCF) of heavy metals from soil to vegetables were estimated, and the potential health risks of heavy metal exposure to the PRD residents through consumption of local leaf vegetables were assessed. Results showed that among the six leaf vegetables, pakchoi had the lowest capacity for heavy metal enrichment, whereas among the five heavy metals, Cd had the highest capacity for transferring from soil into vegetables, with BCF values 30-fold those of Hg and 50-fold those of Cr, Pb and As. Sewage irrigation and fertilization were likely the main sources of heavy metals accumulated in leaf vegetables grown in agricultural areas of the PRD region. Different from previous findings, soil pH had no clear effect on metal accumulation in leaf vegetables. Despite a certain degree of metal enrichment from soil to leaf vegetables, the PRD residents were not exposed to significant health risks associated with consumption of local leaf vegetables. Nevertheless, more attention should be paid to children due to their sensitivity to metal pollutants.

NO-releasing xanthine KMUP-1 bonded by simvastatin attenuates bleomycin-induced lung inflammation and delayed fibrosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a progressing lung injury initiated by pulmonary inflammation (PI). Bleomycin (BLM) is the most common pathogenesis of PF through early PI and extensive extracellular matrix deposition. This study is aimed to determine whether NO-releasing KMUP-1 inhibits PI and PF, and if so, the benefits of KMUP-1S resulted from simvastatin (SIM)-bonding to KMUP-1. EXPERIMENT APPROACH: C57BL/6 male mice were intra-tracheally administered BLM (4 U/kg) at day 0. KMUP-1 (1-5 mg/kg), KMUP-1S (2.5 mg/kg), SIM (5 mg/kg), Plus (KMUP-1 2.5 mg/kg + SIM 2.5 mg/kg), and clarithromycin (CAM, 10 mg/kg) were orally and daily administered for 7 and 28 days, respectively, to mice, sacrificed at day-7 and day-28 to isolate the lung tissues, for examining the inflammatory and fibrotic signaling and measuring the cell population and MMP-2/MMP-9 activity in broncholaveolar lavage fluid (BAL). KEY RESULTS: KMUP-1 and KUP-1S significantly decreased neutrophil counts in BAL fluid. Fibroblastic foci were histologically assessed by H&E and Masson's trichrome stain and treated with KMUP-1 and references. Lung tissues were determined the contents of collagen and the expressions of TGF-ß, α-SMA, HMGB1, CTGF, eNOS, p-eNOS, RhoA, Smad3, p-Smad3, MMP-2 and MMP-9 by Western blotting analyses, respectively. These changes areregulated by NO/cGMP and inhibited by various treatments. KMUP-1 and KMUP-1S predominantly prevented HMGB1/MMP-2 expression at day-7 and reduced TGF-ß/phosphorylated Smad3 and CTGF at day-28. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: KMUP-1 and KMUP-S restore eNOS, inhibit iNOS/ROCKII/MMP-2/MMP-9, attenuate histologic collagen disposition and reduce BALF inflammatory cells, potentially useful for the treatment of BLM-lung PF.