Rectal microbiomes and serum metabolomics reveal the improved effect of Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharides on the lactation performance, antioxidant and immune responses of lactating donkeys.

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of dietary supplementation with Artemisia ordosica crude polysaccharides (AOCP) on lactation performance, antioxidant status, and immune status of lactating donkeys and analyzing rectal microbiomes and serum metabolomes. Fourteen lactating Dezhou donkeys with similar age (6.16 ± 0.67 years of BW ± SD), weight (250.06 ± 25.18 kg), days in milk (39.11 ± 7.42 d), and averaged parity of 3 were randomly allocated into 2 treatments: a control group (CON, basal diet) and an AOCP group (AOCP, basal diet with 1.0 g/kg DM AOCP). Ten weeks were allotted for the experiment, 2 weeks for adaptation, and 8 weeks for collecting data and samples. The results showed that supplementation of donkey diets with AOCP increased lactation performance, including dry matter intake, milking yield, estimated milk yield, solids-corrected milk, energy-corrected milk, milk fat yield, milk protein yield, milk lactose yield, milk total solids yield, and milk solid not fat yield. The digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, acid detergent fiber, and neutral detergent fiber was increased in the AOCP group compared with the CON group. The AOCP group increased the concentrations of immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M, the activities of the superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity in the serum. AOCP decreased the concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde in the serum. Compared with the CON group, AOCP increased propionate, butyrate, isovalerate, and total VFA concentrations in rectal feces (P < 0.05). The addition of AOCP to increased diversity (Shannon index) and altered structure of the rectal microflora. As a result of AOCP supplementation, there has been a significant improvement in the colonization of beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus, Unclassified_f_Prevotellacea, Ruminococcus, and Fibrobacter genera. In contrast, a decrease in the colonization of the Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 bacterial genus and other pathogenic bacteria was observed. Meanwhile, metabolomics analysis found that AOCP supplementation upregulated metabolites L-tyrosine content while downregulating 9(S)-HODE, choline, sucrose, LysoPC (18:0), LysoPC (18:1(9Z), and LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)) concentrations. These altered metabolites were involved in the PPAR signaling pathway, prolactin signaling pathway, glycerophospholipid metabolism, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and tyrosine metabolism pathways, which were mainly related to antioxidant capacity, immune responses, and protein metabolism in the lactating donkeys. As a consequence of feeding AOCP diets, beneficial bacteria were abundant, and antioxidant and protein metabolism-related pathways were enriched, which may enhance lactation performance in donkeys. Therefore, supplementing AOCP diets is a desirable dietary strategy to improve donkey health and lactation performance.

[Comparison of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring between patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

Objective: To compare the intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) results between patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) and adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) and to analyze the influence of congenital spinal deformity on IONM in AMC patients, thus to evaluate the efficiency of IONM in AMC patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study. The clinical data of 19 AMC patients underwent correction surgery from July 2013 to January 2022 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. There were 13 males and 6 females with a mean age of (15.2±5.6) years, and the average Cobb angle of main curve was 60.8°±27.7°. And 57 female AIS patients of similar age and curve type with the AMC patients during the same period were selected as the control group, with an average age of (14.6±4.4) years and a mean Cobb angle of 55.2°±14.2°. The latency and amplitude of samatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) and transcranial electric motor evoked potentials (TCeMEPs) were compared between the two groups. The difference in IONM data between AMC patients with and without congenital spinal deformity was also evaluated. Results: The success rates of SSEPs and TCeMEPs were 100% and 14/19 for AMC patients, 100% and 100% for AIS patients. The SSEPs-P40 latency, SSEPs-N50 latency, SSEPs-amplitude, TCeMEPs-latency, TCeMEPs-amplitude showed no significant difference between AMC patients and AIS patients (P>0.05 for all). The side-difference of TCeMEPs-amplitude showed an increasing trend in AMC patients when compared with that in AIS patients, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups [(147.0±185.6) µV vs (68.1±311.4) µV, P=0.198]. The SSEPs-amplitude value was (1.4±1.1) µV on concave side in AMC patients with congenital spinal deformity, and it was (2.6±1.2) µV on concave side in AMC patients without congenital spinal deformity (P=0.041). The SSEPs-amplitude value was (1.4±0.8) µV on convex side in AMC patients with congenital spinal deformity, and it was (2.6±1.3) µV on convex side in AMC patients without congenital spinal deformity (P=0.028). Conclusions: The values of SSEPs-P40 latency, SSEPs-N50 latency, SSEPs-amplitude, TCeMEPs-latency and TCeMEPs-amplitude are similar in AMC and AIS patients. The SSEPs-amplitude of AMC patients with congenital spinal deformity is lower than that of AMC patients without congenital spinal deformity.

[Neurological complications after three-column osteotomy in spinal deformity patients with different magnetic resonance imaging -based classification of spinal cord shape].

Objective: To compare the incidences of neurological complications after three-column osteotomy based on the magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-based classification of spinal cord shape and cerebrospinal fluid in patients with severe thoracic kyphoscoliosis. Methods: A total of 112 patients (52 males, 60 females, age (M(Q1,Q3)) 13.5 years (9.0-38.5 years)) with thoracic kyphoscoliosis who underwent three-column osteotomy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital from August 2015 to August 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The radiographic parameters including spinal cord morphology at apex, Cobb angle of main curve, distance between C7 plumb line and center sacral vertical line (C7PL-CSVL), global kyphosis (GK) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured, retrospectively. The Frankel scoring system was used for the evaluation of neurological status at pre-operation, post-operation and the last follow-up. Results: The spinal cord morphologies at apex were classified into type Ⅰ in 8 (7.1%) patients, type Ⅱ in 58 (51.8%), and type Ⅲ in 46 (41.1%), respectively. The patients were followed-up for (28.5±3.4) months. Compared with pre-operation, the Cobb angle of main curve, C7PL-CSVL, GK and SVA showed significantly improvement at post-operation (all P<0.05) and with no significant correction loss at the last follow-up (all P>0.05). New neurological complications were detected in 3 patients with type Ⅱ spinal cord shape, of whom the neurological scores were Frankel D at post-operation. For patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape, new neurological complications were detected in 6 patients including 1 Frankel C and 5 Frankel D. In addition, deterioration of neurological status from Frankel D to Frankel C was found in 3 patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape. The incidence of new or deteriorating neurological complications in patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape was higher than that in type Ⅱ patients (19.6% vs 5.2%, P=0.037). Conclusions: The MRI-based classification is associated with post-operative neurological complications in patients with severe kyphoscoliosis undergoing three-column osteotomy. Patients with type Ⅲ spinal cord shape are at higher risk of post-operative neurological complications.

Artemisia ordosica Polysaccharide Alleviated Lipopolysaccharide-induced Oxidative Stress of Broilers via Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB Pathway.

Artemisia ordosica is one of the main shrubby perennials belonging to Artemisia species of Asteraceae and could be used in folk Chinese/Mongolian medicine to treat symptoms of various inflammatory ailments. The present study was conducted to investigate the protective effects of dietary Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced oxidative stress in broilers via Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway. A total of 192 1-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly allotted to four treatments with 6 replicates (n = 8): (1) CON group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (2) LPS group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet; (3) AOP group, non-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP; (4) LPS+AOP group, LPS-challenged broilers fed basal diet supplemented with 750 mg/kg AOP. The trial included starter phase (d 1-14), stress period Ⅰ (d 15-21), convalescence Ⅰ (d 22-28), stress period Ⅱ (d 29-35) and convalescence Ⅱ (d 36-42). During stress period Ⅰ (on d 15, 17, 19 and 21) and stress period Ⅱ (on d 29, 31, 33 and 35), broilers were injected intra-abdominally either with LPS solution or with an equal amount of sterile saline. The results showed that dietary AOP supplementation alleviated LPS-induced reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity and excessive production of ROS, 8-OHdG and PC in serum of broilers challenged with LPS. Moreover, dietary AOP supplementation alleviated the decrease of T-AOC and activities of SOD, CAT and GPx in liver of broilers challenged with LPS by increasing expression of Nrf2, and inhibiting over-expression of Keap1 both at gene and protein level. Additionally, dietary AOP supplementation decreased the over-production of IL-1ß and IL-6 in liver of broilers challenged by LPS through decreasing mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB P65, IL-1ß and IL-6, and alleviating the increase of protein expression of TLR4, IKKß, NF-κB P65, IL-1ß, IL-6, and the decrease of protein expression of IkBα. In conclusion, dietary AOP supplementation could alleviate LPS-induced oxidative stress through Nrf2/Keap1 and TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

[Comparison of clinical outcomes between type B and type C coronal pattern patients with degenerative scoliosis].

Objective: To investigate the differences of the radiographic and clinical outcomes after posterior correction surgeries between degenerative scoliosis (DS) patients with type B and type C coronal pattern. Methods: From March 2010 to August 2017, the clinical data of 38 patients (type B: 24; type C: 14) who were treated with posterior correction surgeries for DS were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters including Cobb angle of main curve, coronal imbalance (CI), lumbar lordosis (LL), global kyphosis (GK) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were measured on standing anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the whole spine before and after surgery. Patient-reported outcomes were evaluated by using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and SF-36 questionnaire. The independent t-test was applied to compare the difference for statistical analysis. Results: There was no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, follow-up duration, preoperative curve magnitude, severity of CI, sagittal malalignment and surgical strategies (all P>0.05). In patients with type B coronal pattern, the main curve was corrected from 44°±19° before surgery to 19°±7° immediately after surgery (t=8.496, P<0.001) and to 19°±6° at the last follow-up (t=-0.657, P=0.518). In patients with type C coronal pattern, the main curve was corrected from 43°±9° before surgery to 21°±4° immediately after surgery (t=13.537, P<0.001) and to 21°±5° at the last follow-up (t=-0.186, P=0.856). No significant difference of Cobb angle of main curve was found between the two groups either before the operation or immediately post operation (all P>0.05). In addition, significant improvement of CI was observed after surgery in both groups and the correction was maintained well at the last follow-up. However, patients with type C coronal pattern had greater CI than that in those with type B coronal pattern immediately post operation (t=-2.401, P=0.022) and at the last follow-up (t=-2.659, P=0.012). At the last follow-up the scores of SF-36 questionnaire, ODI and VAS showed significant improvement in both groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion: Posterior correction surgery could provide remarkable radiographic and clinical outcomes in DS patients with type B and type C coronal pattern, and DS patients with type B coronal pattern could achieve a more satisfied coronal balance after surgery.

[Contrastive study of thumb ossification composite index and Risser sign in evaluating the growth potential of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

Objective: To compare and analyze the correlations between thumb ossification composite index (TOCI), Risser sign and digital skeletal age (DSA) scores and to verify the possibility of TOCI as a supplementary to Risser sign in the evaluation of growth potential of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients. Methods: Forty-nine AIS patients undergoing bracing treatment between May 2006 and May 2014 were selected from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. The follow-up interval was 4-6 months. The following data at each visit were routinely collected, including TOCI and DSA scores, as well as chronologic age and standing height. The height velocity (HV) at each visit was calculated based on the above data. All results were analyzed by Spearman correlation with TOCI and Risser sign. Results: There were strong correlations between TOCI and Risser sign and DSA scores (r=0.962, 0.813, both P<0.01). In AIS patients whose Risser sign were 0-1, the correlation between TOCI and DSA scores was more pronounced, compared with the correlation between Risser sign and DSA scores (0.918 vs 0.792, P<0.01). The HV averaged (7.1±2.1) cm/year in TOCI 5, significantly larger than these in other TOCI scores (all P<0.01). Conclusions: The TOCI 5 can be a sign of high height velocity and high growth potential in AIS patients. TOCI is a valid indicator of skeletal maturity evaluation and can be used as a helpful supplementary to Risser sign, whose predictive ability may be better than Risser sign.

Optimization extraction and characterization of Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide and its beneficial effects on antioxidant function and gut microbiota in rats.

In this study, a novel polysaccharide was isolated from Artemisia ordosica by water-extraction-ethanol-precipitation method. The optimal extraction conditions of Artemisia ordosica polysaccharide (AOP) were determined by single factor investigation and response surface methodology optimization, and were shown as follows: a liquid-solid ratio of 15.4 : 1 mL g-1, extraction time of 4.3 h, extraction temperature of 60 °C. Under the optimal conditions, the extraction yield and the sugar content of the AOP were 5.56% and 52.65%. Gel permeation chromatography coupled to multi-angle laser light scattering, a refractive index detection system and ion-exchange chromatography were used to determine the characterization of AOP. These results indicated that AOP, with a molecular weight of 2.1 kDa (62.6%) and 1.5 kDa (37.4%), had narrow polydispersity and rod conformations, and was composed of arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid and glucuronic acid with molar ratio of 6.87 : 10.67 : 54.13 : 2.49 : 18.37 : 4.83 : 2.64 : 2.64. In addition, AOP exerted antioxidant ability in vitro and in vivo (rats). Moreover, AOP significantly modulated the composition of cecal microbiota population. Therefore, AOP is expected to be a functional ingredient for health improvement through improving antioxidant ability and modulating gut health.

[Efficacy of sequential correction based on satellite rod techniquein degenerative scoliosis with B-type coronal imbalance].

Objective: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes of sequential correction based on satellite rod technique in degenerative scoliosis (DS) with B-type coronal imbalance, and to investigate the efficacy of sequential correction in this cohort. Methods: Twenty-one DS patients with B-type coronal imbalance applying sequential correction from December 2015 to July 2017 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. There were 4 males and 17 females in this group, the average age was (63±8) years. The coronal parameters including Cobb angle of main curve and distance between C(7) plumb line and center sacral vertical line (C(7)PL-CSVL), as well as sagittal parameters including global kyphosis (GK) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) were assessed pre-operatively, post-operatively and at the last follow-up. The Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire was fulfilled before the operation and at each follow-up to evaluate the quality of life. Paired t test was performed for statistical analysis. Results: The patients were followed-up for (20±8) months. The post-operative Cobb angle of main curve was significantly improved from 52°±12° to 19°±7° (t=13.886, P<0.01), and it was 19°±8° at the last follow-up and no significant correction loss was attained (t=1.101, P=0.284). The values of C(7)PL-CSVL before the operation, after the operation and at the final follow-up were (46±11) mm, (12±7) mm and (12±7) mm, respectively; significant post-operative improvement achieved (t=19.718, P<0.01) while there was no correction loss at last follow-up (t=-1.393, P=0.179). After sequential correction, 20 patients (95.2%) improved to A-type coronal imbalance while 1 patient (4.8%) remained with B-type coronal imbalance. Significant post-operative improvements were found in terms of GK and SVA and no significant correction loss was found during follow-up. The scores of pain and self-image showed significant improvement at the last follow-up (t=8.706, 3.104, both P<0.01). In addition, there was no implant failure during follow-up. Conclusion: The sequential correction based on satellite rod technique in DS patients with B-type coronal imbalance corrects the deformity, relieves the clinical symptoms, improves the quality of life, and decreases the rates of post-operative coronal imbalance as well as implant-related complications.

[Efficiency of preoperative Halo-gravity traction in severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis type â ].

Objective: To evaluate the efficiency of preoperative Halo-gravity traction (HGT) in the treatment of severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to neurofibromatosis type Ⅰ (NF1). Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on patients with severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to NF1 at Department of Spinal Surgery, Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University between July 2007 and May 2016. A total of 29 patients including 17 males and 12 females were finally enrolled and the age was (13.7±2.9) years. The Cobb angle of major coronal curve and global kyphosis were measured before and after HGT. The forced vital capacity (FVC)and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)) before and after traction were also recorded. The paired t test was used for comparison analysis. Results: The average maximum traction weight of HGT was (12.2±2.8) kg and the traction duration was (10.2±6.6) weeks. The coronal Cobb angle before HGT was (87.5±36.5)°, which improved to (68.4±25.9)° after HGT with a correction rate of (21.9±12.1)% (t=9.14, P<0.001); the average global kyphosis before HGT was (79.1±27.1)°, which improved to (59.9±19.4)° after HGT and the correction rate was (20.2±14.1)% (t=8.55, P<0.001). One patient had transient brachial plexus palsy which resolved completely after reducing the traction weight. After HGT treatment, FVC increased from (0.83±0.16) L to (0.89±0.19) L (t=1.48, P=0.12) and FEV(1) increased from (0.72±0.16) L to (0.78±0.20) L (t=0.49,P=0.63). FVC predicted and FEV(1) predicted improved from (42.9±20.1)% and (40.6±19.6)% to (46.9±20.5)% (t=0.98,P=0.33) and (43.6±25.8)% (t=1.24,P=0.22), respectively. Conclusion: Preoperative HGT in the treatment of severe kyphoscoliosis secondary to NF1 can improve spinal deformity and pulmonary function to some extent, which can further benefit the patients by improving their surgical tolerance.

[Correlation between syrinx resolution after posterior fossa decompression and cervical sagittal profile change in adolescents with Chiari malformation and syringomyelia].

Objective: To evaluate the long term change of the cervical sagittal profile in adolescent Chiari malformation type Ⅰ (CMI)/syringomyelia undergoing posterior fossa decompression (PFD) and to further evaluate the correlation between the syrinx resolution and cervical sagittal profile. Methods: A retrospective radiographic study was performed in 32 adolescents undergoing PFD for CMI/syringomyelia from October 2011 to August 2015 with a minimum 2-year follow-up. There were 23 males and 9 females, with a mean age of (13.7±2.8) years (range, 10-16 years). The following parameters including upper cervical angle (C(0)-C(2)), lower cervical angle (C(2)-C(7)), sagittal balance (C(2)-C(7)SVA), cervical curvature index (CCI), syrinx size and length were compared preoperatively and at the last follow-up. The correlation of syrinx resolution and cervical sagittal parameters were further analyzed with Pearson correlation analysis. Results: All patients received a followed-up for 2.0-6.5 years [mean (3.9±1.1) years]. The lower cervical angle and CCI were-29.8°±11.4° and 29.1%±7.1% at the last follow-up, respectively, which were significantly higher than those before surgery (-15.2°±8.8°, 13.4%±4.2%)(t=2.917, 2.902, both P<0.05). The syrinx size and length were also obviously decreased at the last follow-up. No significant difference was found in the upper cervical angle and C(2)-C(7)SVA before operation and at the last follow-up (t=0.302, 0.871, both P>0.05). There were significantly positive correlations between the differences of syrinx width and the lower cervical angle, and the CCI before and after surgery (r=0.611, 0.652, both P<0.05). Significantly positive correlations were also observed between the differences of syrinx length and the lower cervical angle, and the CCI before and after surgery (r=0.504, 0.514, both P<0.05). Conclusions: The cervical lordosis can be restored after PFD in adolescents with CMI/syringomyelia. The resolution of syrinx may play an important role in restoring the cervical sagittal alignment.

[Reliability and repeatability analysis of simplified skeletal maturity scoring and thumb ossification composite index in the assessment of skeletal maturity inadolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

Objective: To compare the reliability and repeatability of simplified skeletal maturity scoring (SSMS) and thumb ossification composite index (TOCI) in the assessment of skeletal maturity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) and their clinical utilization. Methods: A review was conducted on 500 AIS patients treated between October 2006 and August 2013 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital and one follow-up of each patient was randomly selected for this study.Based on SSMS and TOCI, the radiographs of the left palm were assessed by three observers independently with an interval of 2 weeks.The inter-observer reliability and intra-observer repeatability of two methods were analyzed by using Kappa value. Results: A total of 3 000 measurements were performed by the 3 surgeons for each method.For SSMS, 50 cases were described as stage 1 258 cases as stage 2 962 cases as stage 3 340 cases as stage 4 315 cases as stage 5 304 cases as stage 6 589 cases as stage 7 and 182 cases as stage 8.The inter-observer and intra-observer agreements was 76.8%-82.0% (Kappa value 0.716-0.778) and 75.8%-82.4% (Kappa value 0.705-0.782), respectively.For TOCI, 27 cases were described as stage 1 183 cases as stage 2 167 cases as stage 3 171 cases as stage 4 745 cases as stage 5 536 cases as stage 6 410 cases as stage 7 and 761 cases as stage 8.The inter-observer and intra-observer agreements was 91.6%-92.4% (Kappa value 0.897-0.907) and 90.4%-92.0%(Kappa value 0.882-0.902), respectively. Conclusions: The two methods of SSMS and TOCI have substantial inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility for the assessment of skeletal maturity in AIS.TOCI has relatively higher reliability and repeatability when compared with SSMS.

[Value of thumb ossification composite index for predicting peripubertal growth potential in girls with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

Objective: To evaluate the predictive value of thumb ossification composite index (TOCI) for growth potential in female adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) patients and to analyze its correlation with several other indicators of growth potential. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 45 girls with AIS who underwent standard bracing treatment between October 2006 and August 2013 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. All patients were regularly followed up with an interval of 3-6 months until brace weaning. At each visit, the following data were collected and recorded: chronologic age, stage of menses, standing height, Cobb angle of main curve, TOCI score, digital skeletal age (DSA) score and radius, ulna and small bones (RUS) score. The height velocity (HV) at each visit were calculated. The correlations analysis between TOCI and other indicators including DSA scores and RUS scores were studied. Results: The average age at initial visit was (10.9±1.3) years. The mean age of menarche was (12.6±1.3) years. The mean peak height velocity (PHV) was (7.5±1.5) cm/year and the mean age of PHV was (12.0±0.9) years. A total of 71.8% AIS girls attained their PHV at TOCI 5. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that TOCI was highly correlated with the DSA and RUS scores (r=0.95 and 0.96, both P<0.001). Chi-square test showed that TOCI 5 accurately predicted the occurrence of PHV (Cramer V=0.531, P=0.007). Conclusion: The TOCI 5 indicates high HV and high growth potential in AIS patients with bracing treatment. TOCI can thus serve as a good indicator for growth potential in braced AIS girls.

[Effects of Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab grade â £ osteotomy for post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy in the treatment of post-traumatic thoracolumbar kyphosis (PTK). Methods: From October 2012 to January 2015, a total of 31 patients [12 males, 19 females, mean age (43±10) years] with symptomatic PTK undergoing SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were retrospectively reviewed.Radiographic changes were evaluated with preoperative, postoperative and follow-up X-ray.The measurements included thoracic kyphosis (TK), lumbar lordosis (LL), thoracolumbar kyphosis (TLK), focal kyphosis (FK), pelvic incidence (PI), pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA). Clinical outcome was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI) and Frankel neurological grade before surgery and during follow-up.The preoperative, postoperative and follow-up data were compared with paired t test. Results: All patients were followed-up for 28±5 months (24-38 months). The TK and LL improved significantly postoperatively from 15.6°±7.8° and 67.3°±12.2° to 28.1°±6.2° and 48.1°±9.3°(t=-6.985, 6.968, both P<0.05), and maintained at 27.3°±6.9° and 49.4°±7.9° at last follow-up, respectively.The TLK and FK improved significantly postoperatively from 29.4°±12.2° and 36.4°±9.5° to 7.7°±5.3° and 5.6°±4.2°(t=9.083, 16.510, both P<0.05), with a correction loss of 2.4°±2.0° and 2.3°±2.2° at final follow-up, respectively.No significant difference was observed in the PI, PT, SS and SVA among preoperative, post-operative and the last follow-up data.In addition, the VAS and ODI improved significantly at the final follow-up.Four cases with Frankel D experienced complete neurological recovery at the final follow-up.Radiographic evaluation showed solid bony fusion.No instrument-related complication was observed during the follow up. Conclusions: The SRS-Schwab grade Ⅳ osteotomy brings satisfactory sagittal alignment and good clinical outcomes in patients with PTK.

Vitamin A pretreatment protects NO-induced bovine mammary epithelial cells from oxidative stress by modulating Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

It is known that physiological overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) contributes to oxidative stress and inflammation. Our published studies indicated that vitamin A (VA) reduces NO-induced oxidative stress in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities. However, the precise mechanism is unclear. The present study was conducted to examine the protective effects of VA on NO-induced damage to BMECs in vitro using diethylenetriamine nitric oxide (DETA-NO) as the NO donor and to explore the intracellular signaling mechanisms of VA that involve nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB). Subconfluent BMECs were divided into 10 treatment groups with 6 replicates per treatment and were cultured with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, vehicle negative control) or 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 4 µg/mL of VA for 24 h and then incubated in the absence or presence of DETA-NO (1,000 µmol/liter) and VA for an additional 6 h. The results showed that exposure to DETA alone decreased cell proliferation compared with the negative control. Pretreatment with VA promoted the proliferation of BMECs, increased the activities of antioxidative enzymes including selenoprotein glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) and their gene and protein expression but decreased NO and interleukin 1 (IL-1) contents in a quadratic manner (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of mRNA and protein of factors that are related to NF-κB or Nrf2 signaling pathways in BMECs were regulated by VA in a quadratic dose-dependent manner; VA at a concentration of 1 µg/mL exhibited the strongest effect. Together, these results suggest that VA promotes antioxidant functions of BMECs by regulating the synthesis of selenoproteins including GPx and TrxR and by reducing concentrations of IL-1 and NO in vitro by modulating Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Pre-protective effects of dietary chitosan supplementation against oxidative stress induced by diquat in weaned piglets.

The protective effects of chitosan (CS) supplementations on oxidative stress induced by diquat in weaned piglets were investigated. A total of 36 crossbreed piglets with an average live body weight (BW) of 8.80 ± 0.53 kg were weaned at 28 ± 2 days and randomly divided into six dietary treatments (n = 6): control (basal diet), negative control (10 mg diquat/kg BW injected to piglets fed with basal diet), and basal diet treatments containing either 250, 500, 1000, or 2000 mg/kg of CS administered to piglets injected with 10 mg diquat/kg BW. The experiment conducted for 21 days which consisted of pre-starter period (14 days) and starter period (7 days). BW, feed intake, and fecal consistency were monitored. Blood samples were collected to determine antioxidative and immune parameters. CS supplementation improved the growth performance and decreased fecal score of piglets from days 1 to 14. Diquat also induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses by decreasing the activities of antioxidant and regulating cytokines. But dietary CS alleviated these negative effects induced by diquat that showed decreasing serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines but increasing activities of antioxidant enzymes and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Results indicated that CS attenuated the oxidative stress of piglets caused by diquat injection.

[Factors correlated with height gain after posterior spinal correction surgery in lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis].

Objective: To investigate the correlated factors of height gain (ΔSH) after posterior spinal correction surgery in Lenke 1 adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and to propose the predictive model of ΔSH. Methods: From 2013 to 2015, a total of 150 Lenke 1 AIS patients undergoing posterior spinal correction surgery were included in the study, with the age of (14.3±2.9) years. The Cobb angle of major curve, thoracic kyphosis (TK) and lumbar lordosis (LL) were measured on both pre-op and post-op standing whole spine x-rays. The change in Cobb angle, TK and LL were calculated. The difference between pre-operation and post-operation was compared and the linear regression analysis was used for the predictive model of ΔSH. Results: The pre-op and post-op values were (41.6±3.0)cm and (43.9±2.7)cm for spinal height (SH)[ΔSH=(2.4±0.8)cm, P=0.000]; (50.5±10.4)° and (14.6±6.4)° for Cobb angle (P=0.000). The Pearson correlation analysis showed that ΔSH was significantly correlated with pre-op SH (P=0.000), pre-op Cobb angle (P=0.000), pre-op TK (P=0.000), post-op SH (P=0.020), post-op Cobb angle (P=0.000), change in Cobb angle (P=0.000) and change in TK (P=0.000). The linear regression model 1 revealed that ΔSH was linearly correlated with change in Cobb angle (P=0.000) as well as change in TK (P=0.000); the linear regression model 2 showed that the pre-op Cobb angle (P=0.000) and pre-op TK (P=0.020) could be used for the pre-op prediction of ΔSH. Conclusions: The positively correlated factors of ΔSH include pre-op and post-op Cobb angle, TK, change in Cobb angle and change in TK. High pre-op Cobb angle and TK indicates high height gain in Lenke 1 AIS patients.

Relieving effect of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract on immune stress in broilers.

This experiment aimed to investigate the relieving action of Artemisia argyi aqueous extract (AAE) on immune stress in broiler chickens. A 2 × 2 factorial design was used to test the effect of 2 dietary treatments (adding 0 or 1000 mg/kg AAE) and 2 immune stress treatments (injecting saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS)). A total of 96 one-day-old Arbor Acres (AA) broilers were randomly divided into four treatment groups with six replicates, four birds in each replicate. Broilers in Treatment groups 1 and 2 were fed with the basal diet, and those in Treatment groups 3 and 4 were fed with the experimental diet supplemented with 1000 mg/kg AAE. On days 14, 16, 18 and 20, broilers in both Treatments 1 and 3 were injected intra-abdominally with LPS solution at the dose of 500 µg LPS per kg BW with the LPS dissolved in sterile saline at a concentration of 100 µg/ml, and those in Treatments 2 and 4 were injected intra-abdominally with equal amount of sterile 0.9% saline. Blood samples were collected on days 21 and 28. The results showed that dietary supplementation of AAE prevented reductions in average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of broilers caused by LPS on d 15-21. On day 21, the injection of LPS increased serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT); meanwhile, feeding AAE reduced the rise of CORT caused by LPS. Immune parameters such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) were also improved by LPS, but the content of IL-2 and IgG in broilers fed with AAE diet was significantly lower than that of broilers fed with control diet. All the data suggested that diets supplemented with AAE could relieve the immune stress response of broilers.

Effects of beta-glucan obtained from the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus and lipopolysaccharide challenge on performance, immunological, adrenal, and somatotropic responses of weanling pigs.

A total of 108 crossbred piglets (7.75 +/- 0.24 kg of BW) weaned at 28 d was used to study the interactive effects of beta-glucan obtained from the Chinese herb Astragalus membranaceus (AM) and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge on performance, immunological, adrenal, and somatotropic responses of weaned pigs. The treatments were in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement; main effects were level of Astragalus membranaceus glucan (AMG; 0, 500, or 1,000 mg/kg; as-fed basis) and presence of immunological challenge (with or without LPS). The experiment included six replicate pens per treatment and three pigs per pen. Lipopolysaccharide challenges were conducted on d 7 and 21 of the trial. Blood samples were obtained from the vena cava from one pig per pen at 3 h after LPS challenge to determine plasma responses. Weight gain and feed:gain ratio were unaffected by glucan. However, there was a quadratic effect on feed intake (P < 0.05): pigs fed 500 mg of glucan/kg had the highest feed intake. Immunological challenge with LPS decreased weight gain (P = 0.02). An interaction (P = 0.01 to 0.09) between AMG and LPS was observed for glucose, IL-1beta, PGE2, and cortisol. Astragalus membranaceus glucan had a quadratic effect on the plasma concentrations of glucose, IL-1beta, PGE2, and cortisol (P < 0.05) after both LPS challenges. Plasma concentrations of glucose, IL-1beta, PGE2, and cortisol (P < 0.05) were all increased in LPS-challenged pigs compared with the control pigs after both LPS challenges. The IGF-I concentrations were less for LPS-challenged pigs than for unchallenged pigs. The lymphocyte proliferation response of peripheral blood induced by 5 microg of concanavalin A/mL (P < 0.01) and IL-2 bioactivity (P < 0.05) increased linearly with increasing addition of glucan. Pigs challenged with LPS had greater T-lymphocyte proliferation (P = 0.06) and IL-2 bioactivity (P = 0.07) than unchallenged pigs after the first immunological challenge but not after the second. In conclusion, although glucan did not improve pig performance under the conditions of the present experiment, when included at 500 mg/kg, it decreased the release of inflammatory cytokine and corticosteroid and improved the lymphocyte proliferation response of weanling piglets via enhanced IL-2 bioactivity.

Effects of chitosan on growth performance and energy and protein utilisation in broiler chickens.

1. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan on growth performance, energy availability and protein retention in broilers. 2. Experiment 1 was a 42-d growth assay, in which 294 1-d-old male broilers were given one of 7 dietary treatments. A control feed was supplemented with 5 levels of chitosan (0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 3.0 and 5.0 g/kg) or 50 mg/kg chlortetracycline (CTC). 3. Increasing chitosan inclusion gave a nonlinear increase (P< 0.001) in feed conversion efficiency (FCE). Optimal growth and feed conversion were obtained with 0.5-1.0 g/kg chitosan. 4. In experiment 2, 42 1-d-old male broilers (6/treatment) were individually housed but fed on the same diets as in experiment 1. Excreta were collected from d 19-21 and d 40-42. 5. The addition of 0.5-1.0 g/kg chitosan increased nitrogen retention compared with the control group (P< 0.01), while apparent metabolisable energy in the diets was not altered.