Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide alleviates thiacloprid-induced kidney injury in quails via activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Thiacloprid (THI) is a neonicotinoid insecticide, and its wide-ranging use has contributed to severe environmental and health problems. Dendrobium officinale polysaccharide (DOP) possesses multiple biological activities such as antioxidant and antiapoptosis effect. Although present research has shown that THI causes kidney injury, the exact molecular mechanism and treatment of THI-induced kidney injury remain unclear. The study aimed to investigate if DOP could alleviate THI-induced kidney injury and identify the potential molecular mechanism in quails. In this study, Japanese quails received DOP (200 mg/kg) daily with or without THI (4 mg/kg) exposure for 42 days. Our results showed that DOP improved hematological changes, biochemical indexes, and nephric histopathological changes induced by THI. Meanwhile, THI exposure caused oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, THI and DOP cotreatment significantly activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) pathway, restored antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced apoptosis and autophagy in quail kidneys. In summary, our study demonstrated that DOP mitigated THI-mediated kidney injury was associated with oxidative stress, apoptosis, and autophagy via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in quails.

luxS contributes to intramacrophage survival of Streptococcus agalactiae by positively affecting the expression of fruRKI operon.

The LuxS quorum sensing system is a widespread system employed by many bacteria for cell-to-cell communication. The luxS gene has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in intramacrophage survival of piscine Streptococcus agalactiae, but the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. In this study, transcriptome analysis, followed by the luxS gene deletion and subsequent functional studies, confirmed that impaired bacterial survival inside macrophages due to the inactivation of luxS was associated with reduced transcription of the fruRKI operon, encoding the fructose-specific phosphotransferase system. Further, luxS was determined not to enhance the transcription of fruRKI operon by binding its promoter, but to upregulate the expression of this operon via affecting the binding ability of catabolite control protein A (CcpA) to the catabolite responsive element (cre) in the promoter of fruRKI. Collectively, our study identifies a novel and previously unappreciated role for luxS in bacterial intracellular survival, which may give a more thorough understanding of the immune evasion mechanism in S. agalactiae.

Luteolin alleviates inorganic mercury-induced liver injury in quails by resisting oxidative stress and promoting mercury ion excretion.

BackgroundInorganic mercury is a well-known toxic substance that can cause oxidative stress and liver damage. Luteolin (Lut) is a kind of natural antioxidant, which is widely found in plants. Therefore, we focused on exploring the alleviative effect of Lut on liver injury induced by mercuric chloride (HgCl2), and the potential molecular mechanism of eliminating mercury ions in quails.Methods and resultsTwenty-one-day-old male quails were randomly split into four groups: control group, Lut group, HgCl2 group, and HgCl2 + Lut group. The test period was 12 weeks. The results showed that Lut could significantly ameliorate oxidative stress, the release of inflammatory factors, and liver damage caused by HgCl2, and reduce the accumulation of Hg2+ in quail liver. Furthermore, Lut evidently increased the levels of protein kinase C α (PKCα), nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and its downstream proteins, and inhibited nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) production in the liver of quails treated by HgCl2.ConclusionsTo sum up, our results suggest that Lut not only reduces the levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, but also promotes the excretion of Hg2+ by promoting the PKCα/Nrf2 signaling pathway to alleviate HgCl2-induced liver injury in quails.

Mechanism of blood-brain barrier disruption by an Escherichia coli from lambs with severe diarrhea and meningoencephalitis.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common conditional pathogen that is associated with a variety of infections in humans and animals. Although there are increasing reports regarding the infection of E. coli to domestic animals and poultry, the infection of E. coli in lambs is relatively less reported, especially on meningoencephalitis. Here, we reported the isolation of an E. coli strain designated as NMGCF-19 from lambs characterized with severe diarrhea and neurological disorder, and demonstrated that NMGCF-19 as the causative agent has the ability to disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to cause the meningoencephalitis using a mouse model. Investigation on the mechanism regarding the NMGCF-19-related meningoencephalitis revealed a significant decreased expression of ZO-1 and occludin in mouse brain tissue in comparison with the control mice. Moreover, infection of NMGCF-19 increased the expression of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß and IL-18, up-regulated HMGB1 level, and activated TLR2/TLR4/MyD88 and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. These findings indicated that NMGCF-19 likely invades the brain tissue by disrupting the tight junction (TJ) architecture and causes the meningoencephalitis via increasing inflammatory response and activating TLR2/TLR4/MyD88 and NLRP3 inflammasome pathways.

What Are the Patient-reported Outcomes, Complications, and Radiographic Results of Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Spondylolisthesis in Patients Younger Than 50 Years?

BACKGROUND: The number of young patients with degenerative lumbar spondylosis is expected to increase, and with it, the number of younger patients seeking surgical treatment is likely to rise. The goals of young patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis may differ from those of older patients, but little is known about the levels of pain and function, complication rates, or radiographic union that young patients achieve after interbody fusion. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) How likely were patients younger than 50 years to achieve a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in improvement on any of several validated patient-reported outcomes scores after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis at a minimum of 2 years after surgery? (2) What proportion developed complications or underwent reoperations? (3) What proportion achieved radiographic fusion or developed adjacent-segment degeneration? METHODS: Longitudinally maintained institutional registry data of patients undergoing primary, single-level, transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spondylolisthesis at a single institution from 2006 to 2013 were studied in this retrospective case series. Of the 96 patients who met inclusion criteria, 14% (13 of 96) were missing follow-up data, leaving 83 patients younger than 50 years with complete clinical and radiological data at a minimum of 2 years (97%, 93 of 96 had sufficient data to assess complications and radiographic fusion). The mean age of the cohort was 44 ± 7 years. Radiological parameters for each patient with spondylolisthesis were recorded. Clinical outcomes such as the numeric rating scale for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and SF-36 were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 1, 3, 6 months and 2 years. The proportion of patients who had an improvement greater than the MCID of each outcome instrument was then calculated. The occurrence of any medical, surgical or wound complications, and reoperations for any reason were recorded. Radiographic fusion using Bridwell grading and adjacent-segment degeneration were assessed by an independent observer not involved in clinical care. The mean follow-up was 5 ± 3 years. RESULTS: The proportions of patients younger than 50 years who achieved the MCID for the various patient-reported outcomes were 82% (68 of 83) for leg pain, 75% (62 of 83) for back pain, 87% (72 of 83) for ODI and 71% (59 of 83) for SF-36 physical component summary at 2 years. Two perioperative complications occurred, and two reoperations were performed for implant-related complications. A total of 85% (79 of 93) of young patients achieved stable fusion, 8% (seven of 93) had radiologic adjacent-segment degeneration, and one patient underwent a revision procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Young patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis commonly, but do not always, experience clinically meaningful gains in pain relief, function, and quality of life after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. A low risk of complications, reoperations, nonunion and adjacent-segment degeneration were also noted in this population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, therapeutic study.

Sodium acetate inhibits Staphylococcus aureus internalization into bovine mammary epithelial cells by inhibiting NF-κB activation.

Bovine mastitis is one of the most costly and prevalent disease affecting dairy cows worldwide. It was reported that Staphylococcus aureus could internalize into bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) and induce mastitis. Some short chain fatty acids (SCFA) have shown to suppress S. aureus invasion into bMEC and regulate antimicrobial peptides expression. But it has not been evaluated that sodium acetate has the similar effect. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of sodium acetate on the invasion of bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) by S. aureus. Gentamicin protection assay showed that the invasion of S. aureus into bMEC was inhibited by sodium acetate in a dose-dependent manner. Sodium acetate (0.25-5 mM) did not affect S. aureus growth and bMEC viability. The TAP gene level was decreased, while the BNBD5 mRNA level was enhanced in sodium acetate treated bMEC. In sodium acetate treated and S. aureus challenged bMEC, the TAP gene expression was increased and BNBD5 gene expression was not modified at low concentrations, but decreased at high concentrations. The Nitric oxide (NO) production of bMEC after S. aureus stimulation was decreased by sodium acetate treatment. Furthermore, sodium acetate treatment suppressed S. aureus-induced NF-κB activation in bMEC in a dose manner. In conclusion, our results suggested that sodium acetate exerts an inhibitory property on S. aureus internalization and modulates antimicrobial peptides gene expression.

Costunolide protects lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury in mice by inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND: Costunolide, a well-known sesquiterpene lactone, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects. METHODS: In this study, we aim to investigate the protective effects and mechanism of costunolide on lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine (LPS/D-Gal)-induced acute liver injury. Acute liver injury animal model was induced by intraperitoneal injection with D-Gal and LPS. Costunolide (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1 h before or after LPS/D-Gal treatment. RESULTS: The results showed that costunolide significantly attenuated liver pathologic changes, as well as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in serum. Meanwhile, costunolide inhibited the expressions of interleukin (IL-1ß) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) in liver tissues in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, costunolide dose dependently inhibited LPS/D-Gal-induced NF-κB activation. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, this study suggested that costunolide could attenuate LPS/D-Gal-induced liver injury and might be a potential therapeutic reagent for liver injury.

A novel subgenotype 3a hepatitis E virus isolated from pigs in China.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an emerging disease with zoonotic transmission that represents a serious public health concern, especially in developing countries. Here we characterize a novel HEV strain CCST-517, which possesses a complete genome sequence of 7284 bp with typical HEV genome organization including 5' and 3' non-coding regions and three open reading frames. The sequence identities of CCST-517 with known HEV genotype 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 73.4-73.7, 73.2, 80.4-90.4, and 75.1-75.7%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis clustered CCST-517 to the clade of HEV genotype 3a, together with the Japanese human HEV isolate (HE-JA10) and United States human HEV isolate (HEV-US2). Similarity plot analysis indicated that the fragment extending from 4500 to 5500 nt included evidence of one intra-genotype recombination event in the genome sequence of the CCST-517 strain. To our knowledge, this is the first report of HEV genotype 3a with its complete genome sequence revealed in China. Our findings revealed a close phylogenetic relationship of CCST-517 to human HEV-US2 and HE-JA10, implying cross-species transmission of HEV between pigs and humans.

Morin suppresses inflammatory cytokine expression by downregulation of nuclear factor-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated primary bovine mammary epithelial cells.

Morin, a flavonoid isolated from Chinese herbs of the Moraceae family, has been reported to possess antiinflammatory activity. However, the effects of morin on mastitis have not been investigated. The present study was conducted to elucidate the antiinflammatory properties of morin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated primary bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC). The viability of bMEC was analyzed by MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium] assay. Subsequently, bMEC were stimulated with LPS in the presence or absence of morin. Gene expression of proinflammatory cytokines was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), inhibitory kappa B (IκBα) protein, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were detected by Western blotting. The results showed that cell viability was not affected by morin. Moreover, morin inhibited the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-1ß in LPS-stimulated bMEC in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot analysis showed that morin suppressed the phosphorylation of IκBα, NF-κB unit p65, ERK, p38, and JNK in LPS-stimulated bMEC. In conclusion, the protective effects of morin on LPS-induced inflammatory response in bMEC may be due to its ability to suppress NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. These findings suggest that morin may be used as antiinflammatory drug for mastitis.

Two novel functions of hyaluronidase from Streptococcus agalactiae are enhanced intracellular survival and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokine expression.

Streptococcus agalactiae is the causative agent of septicemia and meningitis in fish. Previous studies have shown that hyaluronidase (Hyl) is an important virulence factor in many Gram-positive bacteria. To investigate the role of S. agalactiae Hyl during interaction with macrophages, we inactivated the gene encoding extracellular hyaluronidase, hylB, in a clinical Hyl(+) isolate. The isogenic hylb mutant (Δhylb) displayed reduced survival in macrophages compared to the wild type and stimulated a significantly higher release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), than the wild type in macrophages as well as in mice. Furthermore, only Hyl(+) strains could grow utilizing hyaluronic acid (HA) as the sole carbon source, suggesting that Hyl permits the organism to utilize host HA as an energy source. Fifty percent lethal dose (LD50) determinations in zebrafish demonstrated that the hylb mutant was highly attenuated relative to the wild-type strain. Experimental infection of BALB/c mice revealed that bacterial loads in the blood, spleen, and brain at 16 h postinfection were significantly reduced in the ΔhylB mutant compared to those in wild-type-infected mice. In conclusion, hyaluronidase has a strong influence on the intracellular survival of S. agalactiae and proinflammatory cytokine expression, suggesting that it plays a key role in S. agalactiae pathogenicity.

Thymol inhibits Staphylococcus aureus internalization into bovine mammary epithelial cells by inhibiting NF-κB activation.

Bovine mastitis is one of the most costly and prevalent diseases in the dairy industry and is characterised by inflammatory and infectious processes. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), a Gram-positive organism, is a frequent cause of subclinical, chronic mastitis. Thymol, a monocyclic monoterpene compound isolated from Thymus vulgaris, has been reported to have antibacterial properties. However, the effect of thymol on S. aureus internalization into bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMEC) has not been investigated. In this study, we evaluated the effect of thymol on S. aureus internalization into bMEC, the expression of tracheal antimicrobial peptide (TAP) and ß-defensin (BNBD5), and the inhibition of NF-κB activation in bMEC infected with S. aureus. Our results showed that thymol (16-64 µg/ml) could reduce the internalization of S. aureus into bMEC and down-regulate the mRNA expression of TAP and BNBD5 in bMEC infected with S. aureus. In addition, thymol was found to inhibit S. aureus-induced nitric oxide (NO) production in bMEC and suppress S. aureus-induced NF-κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, these results indicated that thymol inhibits S. aureus internalization into bMEC by inhibiting NF-κB activation.

Chronic arsenic exposure-provoked biotoxicity involved in liver-microbiota-gut axis disruption in chickens based on multi-omics technologies.

INTRODUCTION: Arsenic has been ranked as the most hazardous substance by the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Environmental arsenic exposure-evoked health risks have become a vital public health concern worldwide owing to the widespread existence of arsenic. Multi-omics is a revolutionary technique to data analysis providing an integrated view of bioinformation for comprehensively and systematically understanding the elaborate mechanism of diseases. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at uncovering the potential contribution of liver-microbiota-gut axis in chronic inorganic arsenic exposure-triggered biotoxicity in chickens based on multi-omics technologies. METHODS: Forty Hy-Line W-80 laying hens were chronically exposed to sodium arsenite with a dose-dependent manner (administered with drinking water containing 10, 20, or 30 mg/L arsenic, respectively) for 42 d, followed by transcriptomics, serum non-targeted metabolome, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing accordingly. RESULTS: Arsenic intervention induced a serious of chicken liver dysfunction, especially severe liver fibrosis, simultaneously altered ileal microbiota populations, impaired chicken intestinal barrier, further drove enterogenous lipopolysaccharides translocation via portal vein circulation aggravating liver damage. Furtherly, the injured liver disturbed bile acids (BAs) homoeostasis through strongly up-regulating the BAs synthesis key rate-limiting enzyme CYP7A1, inducing excessive serum total BAs accumulation, accompanied by the massive synthesis of primary BA-chenodeoxycholic acid. Moreover, the concentrations of secondary BAs-ursodeoxycholic acid and lithocholic acid were markedly repressed, which might involve in the repressed dehydroxylation of Ruminococcaceae and Lachnospiraceae families. Abnormal BAs metabolism in turn promoted intestinal injury, ultimately perpetuating pernicious circle in chickens. Notably, obvious depletion in the abundance of four profitable microbiota, Christensenellaceae, Ruminococcaceae, Muribaculaceae, and Faecalibacterium, were correlated tightly with this hepato-intestinal circulation process in chickens exposed to arsenic. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that chronic inorganic arsenic exposure evokes liver-microbiota-gut axis disruption in chickens and establishes a scientific basis for evaluating health risk induced by environmental pollutant arsenic.

Novel findings from arsenic­lead combined exposure in mouse testicular TM4 Sertoli cells based on transcriptomics.

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) exist widespread in daily life, and they are common harmful substances in the environment. As and Pb pollute the environment more often in combination than in isolation. The TM4 Sertoli cell line is one of the most common normal mouse testicular Sertoli cell lines. In vitro, we found that the type of combined action of As and Pb on TM4 Sertoli cells was additive action by using the isobologram analysis. To further investigate the combined toxicity of As and Pb, we performed mRNA and miRNA sequencing on TM4 Sertoli cells exposed to As alone (4 µM NaAsO2) and AsPb combined (4 µM NaAsO2 and 150 µM PbAc), respectively. Compared with the control group, 1391 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 6 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) were identified in the As group. Compared with the control group, 2384 DEGs and 44 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Compared with the As group, 387 DEGs and 4 DEMs were identified in the AsPb group. Through data analysis, we discovered for the first time that As caused the dysfunction of cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, and disrupted cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling pathway and wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling pathway in TM4 Sertoli cells. In addition to affecting cholesterol synthesis and energy metabolism, AsPb combined exposure also up-regulated the antioxidant reaction level of TM4 Sertoli cells. Meanwhile, the Wnt signaling pathway of TM4 Sertoli cells was relatively normal when exposed to AsPb. In conclusion, at the transcription level, the combined action of AsPb is not merely additive effect, but involves synergistic and antagonistic effects. The new discovery of the joint toxic mechanism of As and Pb breaks the stereotype of the combined action and provides a good theoretical basis and research clue for future study of the combined-exposure of harmful materials.

Comparative analysis of antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype of Riemerella anatipestifer.

Riemerella anatipestifer is one of the important bacterial pathogens that threaten the waterfowl farming industry. In this study, 157 suspected R. anatipestifer strains were isolated from diseased ducks and geese from seven regions of China during 2019-2020, and identified using multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and whole-genome sequence (WGS) analysis were then performed for comparative analysis of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes. The results showed that these strains were susceptible to florfenicol, ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, sulfafurazole and cefepime, but resistant to kanamycin, amikacin, gentamicin, and streptomycin, exhibiting multiple antimicrobial resistance phenotypes. WGS analysis revealed a wide distribution of genotypes among the 157 strains with no apparent regional pattern. Through next-generation sequencing analysis of antimicrobial resistance genes, a total of 88 resistance genes were identified. Of them, 19 tetracycline resistance genes were most commonly found, followed by 15 efflux pump resistance genes, 11 glycopeptide resistance genes and seven macrolide resistance genes. The 157 R. anatipestifer strains contained 42-55 resistance genes each, with the strains carrying 47 different resistance genes being the most abundant. By comparing the antimicrobial resistance phenotype and genotype, it was observed that a high correlation between them for most antimicrobial resistance properties was detected, except for a difference in aminoglycoside resistance phenotype and genotype. In conclusion, 157 R. anatipestifer strains exhibited severe multiple antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genotypes, emphasizing the need for improved antimicrobial usage guidelines. The wide distribution and diverse types of resistance genes among these strains provide a foundation for studying novel mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance.

From animal to cell model: Pyroptosis targeted-fibrosis is a novel mechanism of lead-induced testicular toxicity.

Lead (Pb) exists widely in soil and seriously threatens agricultural soil and food crops. Pb can cause serious damage to organs. In this study, the animal model of Pb-induced rat testicular injury and the cell model of Pb-induced TM4 Sertoli cell injury were established to verify whether the testicular toxicity of Pb was related to pyroptosis-mediated fibrosis. The results of experiment in vivo showed that Pb could cause oxidative stress and up-regulated the expression levels of inflammation, pyroptosis, and fibrosis-related proteins in the testis of rats. The results of experiments in vitro showed that Pb induced the cell damage, enhanced the reactive oxygen species level in the TM4 Sertoli cells. After using nuclear factor-kappa B inhibitor and Caspase-1 inhibitor, the elevation of TM4 Sertoli cell inflammation, pyroptosis, and fibrosis-related proteins induced by Pb exposure was significantly decreased. Taken together, Pb can cause pyroptosis-targeted fibrosis and ultimately issues in testicular damage.

Shoulder Balance Following Correction Surgery for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: When Is It Achieved and Does the Type of Construct Matter?

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine (1) when shoulder rebalancing occurs after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction surgery and (2) whether shoulder asymmetry was influenced by the use of pedicle screws or hooks. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Postoperative shoulder imbalance is an important outcome of AIS correction surgery as it may influence a patient's appearance and satisfaction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy AIS patients undergoing AIS correction surgery at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters were measured from anteroposterior x-rays at preoperative, immediate postoperative, 6 months postsurgery, and 12 months postsurgery. Shoulder parameters measured were: radiographic shoulder height (RSH), clavicle angle, coracoid height difference (CHD), and T1 tilt. The Cobb angle of the proximal thoracic curve, major thoracic curve, and thoracolumbar/lumbar curve. The percentage of correction was also calculated. RESULTS: Lateral shoulder asymmetry (RSH and CHD) changed significantly from preoperative to up to 6 months postsurgery. T1 tilt, a measure of medial shoulder asymmetry, did not change significantly. Postoperatively, the hook group attained significantly better shoulder balance than the screw group in terms of RSH and CHD up to 12 months postsurgery. However, the percentage correction of the major thoracic curve was significantly greater in the screw group than the hook group (hook: 62.2±18.4% vs. screw: 76.0±16.0%, P=0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Lateral shoulder rebalancing occurs up to 6 months after surgery. While thoracic pedicle screws offer greater correction of major AIS curves, hook constructs offer better postoperative shoulder symmetry. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Risk Factors of Postoperative Shoulder Imbalance in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: The Role of Sagittal Spinopelvic Parameters and Upper Instrumented Vertebrae Selection.

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the independent risk factors of postoperative shoulder imbalance (PSI) after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) correction surgery; and (2) whether the level of upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) affects postoperative shoulder balance. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: PSI is an important outcome of AIS correction surgery as it influences a patient's appearance and satisfaction. However, risk factors for PSI remain controversial and there are currently no studies evaluating the effect of sagittal spinopelvic parameters on PSI. Previous studies on the relationship between the level of UIV and PSI have also reported conflicting results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine AIS patients undergoing correction surgery at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographic parameters were measured on anteroposterior and lateral x-rays preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and 12 months postoperatively. At 1 year follow-up, patients were divided into 2 groups based on their radiographic shoulder height (RSH): (1) PSI group (RSH ≥20 mm) and (2) non-PSI group (RSH <20 mm). RESULTS: On multivariate regression analysis, a lower postoperative main thoracic curve (MTC) [odds ratio (OR): 0.702, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.519-0.949, P=0.022], greater percentage correction of MTC (OR: 1.526, 95% CI: 1.049-2.220, P=0.027) and higher postoperative sacral slope (OR: 1.364, 95% CI: 1.014-1.834, P=0.040) were identified as independent risk factors of PSI. When preoperative, postoperative, and absolute change in shoulder parameters were compared across the level of UIV, no significant differences were found regardless of the radiographic shoulder parameter analyzed. CONCLUSIONS: Lower postoperative MTC, greater percentage correction of MTC and higher postoperative sacral slope were independent risk factors of PSI. Shoulder balance and symmetry were not affected by the level of UIV selected. Relative curve correction is a more important consideration than UIV to avoid PSI after AIS correction surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Identification of a novel broad-spectrum endolysin, Ply0643, with high antibacterial activity in mouse models of streptococcal bacteriaemia and mastitis.

Streptococcal infections are very common in humans and animals, and they are usually treated with antibiotics. Multidrug-resistant Streptococcus strains have continuously emerged in recent years, prompting the search for alternatives to antibiotics. The use of endolysins encoded by phages has presented a promising alternative approach to treatment. In this study, a novel prophage endolysin, Ply0643, was identified from the prophage S. a 04. At an optimal concentration (30 µg/mL), rPly0643 exhibited broad and strong lysosomal enzyme activity against 66 Streptococcus strains from different sources while also maintaining high lytic activity over a wide pH range (pH 6-10) and a broad range of temperatures (28 °C-45 °C). Two in vivo treatments of rPly0643 (total 0.8 mg/mouse) significantly protected mice (80%) from lethal bacteriaemia with Streptococcus suis, and single treatments of rPly0643 (0.1 mg/gland) significantly reduced Streptococcus agalactiae concentrations and inflammation in murine mammary glands. These findings collectively demonstrate that Ply0643 exhibits good bactericidal activity both in vitro and in vivo, and therefore represents a useful antibacterial agent for combatting streptococcal infections.

Smoking Is Associated With Lower Satisfaction in Nondiabetic Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Single-level Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion.

STUDY DESIGN: This was a retrospective review of prospectively collected registry data. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of smoking on 2 years postoperative functional outcomes, satisfaction, and radiologic fusion in nondiabetic patients undergoing minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) for degenerative spine conditions. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is conflicting data on the effect of smoking on long-term functional outcomes following lumbar fusion. Moreover, there remains a paucity of literature on the influence of smoking within the field of minimally invasive spine surgery. METHODS: Prospectively collected registry data of nondiabetic patients who underwent primary single-level minimally invasive TLIF in a single institution was reviewed. Patients were stratified based on smoking history. All patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale for back pain and leg pain, Oswestry Disability Index, Short-Form 36 Physical and Mental Component Scores. Satisfaction was assessed using the North American Spine Society questionnaire. Radiographic fusion rates were compared. RESULTS: In total, 187 patients were included, of which 162 were nonsmokers, and 25 had a positive smoking history. In our multivariate analysis, smoking history was insignificant in predicting for minimal clinically important difference attainment rates in Physical Component Score and fusion grading outcomes. However, in terms of satisfaction score, positive smoking history remained a significant predictor (odds ratio=4.7, 95% confidence interval: 1.10-20.09, P=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: Nondiabetic patients with a positive smoking history had lower satisfaction scores but comparable functional outcomes and radiologic fusion 2 years after single-level TLIF. Thorough preoperative counseling and smoking cessation advice may help to improve patient satisfaction following minimally invasive spine surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III-nonrandomized cohort study.

Rapid and Visual Detection of Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus by Real-Time Fluorescence-Based Reverse Transcription Recombinase-Aided Amplification.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is one of the most important diseases that has brought significant economic losses to the swine industry worldwide. Rapid and accurate PRRS virus (PRRSV) detection is one of the key factors for PRRS prevention and control. This study developed a real-time fluorescence-based reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RF-RT-RAA) method for type 2 PRRSV (PRRSV-2) detection. The RF-RT-RAA assay could be performed at 42 °C for 20 min with the optimal primers and a probe. RF-RT-RAA results could be monitored using real-time fluorescence read-out or visually observed with the naked eye using a portable blue light transilluminator. The method had a strong specificity; no cross-reaction was identified with the detected common swine viruses. Moreover, the technique yielded high sensitivity with the lowest detection limit of 101 copies/µL and exhibited good repeatability and reproductively with the coefficients of variation (CV) less than 10%. Eighty-seven clinical samples were tested using RF-RT-RAA and a commercial PRRSV-2 RT-qPCR detection kit. The coincidence rate was 100% between RF-RT-RAA (real-time fluorescence read-out) and RT-qPCR, and 97.7% between RF-RT-RAA (visually observed) and RT-qPCR. The RF-RT-RAA assay provides a new method for rapid and visual detection of PRRSV-2.