[Expression and clinical significance of plasma methylated SEPT 9 gene in patients with primary liver cancer].

Objective: To investigate the expression and clinical significance of plasma methylated SEPT9 (mSEPT9) gene in patients with primary liver cancer. Methods: 393 cases who visited our hospital from May 2016 to October 2018 were selected. Among them, 75 cases were in the primary liver cancer (PLC) group, 50 cases were in the liver cirrhosis (LC) group, and 268 cases were in the healthy control group (HC). The three groups' positive rates of mSEPT9 expression in the peripheral plasma were detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) fluorescent probe method. The correlational clinical features of liver cancer were analyzed. At the same time, the electrochemiluminescence detection method was used to compare the AFP positive rate. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests or continuity-corrected chi-square tests. Results: 367 cases actually had valid samples. There were 64, 42, and 64 cases in the liver cancer group, cirrhosis group, and healthy control group, respectively. Among them, 34 cases of liver cancer were verified from pathological tissues. The positive rate of plasma mSEPT9 was significantly higher in the liver cancer group than that in the liver cirrhosis and healthy control groups [76.6% (49/64), 35.7% (15/42), and 3.8% (10/261), respectively], and the differences were statistically significant (χ (2) = 176.017, P < 0.001). The sensitivity of plasma mSEPT9 detection (76.6%) was significantly better in liver cancer (76.6%) than that of AFP patients (54.7%), and the difference was statistically significant (χ (2) = 6.788, P < 0.01). Compared with the single detection, the sensitivity and specificity of plasma mSEPT9 combined with AFP were significantly improved (89.7% vs. 96.3%, respectively). Patients with liver cancer aged≥50 years, with clinical stage II or above, and those with pathological signs of moderate to low differentiation had higher levels of plasma mSEPT9 positive expression, and the differences were statistically significant (χ (2) = 6.41, 9.279, 6.332, P < 0.05). During the follow-up period, the survival time of liver cancer patients with positive plasma mSEPT9 expression was significantly shorter than that of those with negative expression (310 ± 26 days vs. 487 ± 59 days, respectively), with statistically significant differences (Log Rank P = 0.039). Conclusion: In China, the positive rate of plasma mSEPT9 detection in liver cancer patients is higher than that of AFP in relation to age, clinical stage, and degree of tissue differentiation; additionally, it has certain survival predictive values. As a result, detecting this gene has important clinical significance and potential clinical application value in the non-invasive diagnosis and prognosis assessment of patients with primary liver cancer.

[Association of organizational climate perception withwork-related acceptance actions and work engagement among nurses in emergency department].

Objective: To understand the current situation of emergency department nurses' work engagement, and analyze the relationship between emergency department nurses' organizational climate perception, work-related acceptance actions and work engagement. Methods: In May 2021, 273 emergency department nurses from 6 class Ⅲ class a general hospitals in Tianjin were selected as the research objects by using the convenient sampling method, and the general information questionnaire, work input scale, nurses' organizational climate perception scale and work-related acceptance action questionnaire were used for questionnaire survey. The correlation between job involvement and nurses' organizational climate perception and job-related acceptance action was analyzed by pearson correlation, and the influencing factors of job involvement were analyzed by multiple linear regression. Results: The average score of job involvement was (3.57±0.45) , the average score of nurses' organizational climate perception was (3.29±0.69) , and the score of work-related acceptance action was 35.00 (29.00, 47.00) . The results of correlation analysis showed that there was a positive correlation between nurses' organizational climate perception, job acceptance action and job involvement in emergency department (r=0.435, 0.518, P<0.05) . Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that job acceptance, nurses' perception of organizational climate, health status, specialist nurses, education and emergency work years were the influencing factors of emergency department nurses' job involvement (P<0.05) , accounting for 41.9% of the total variation. Conclusion: We should create a good organizational atmosphere, improve the acceptance of emergency department nurses to nursing work, and improve the level of nurses' work input.

Naringenin induces neuroprotection against homocysteine-induced PC12 cells via the upregulation of superoxide dismutase 1 expression by decreasing miR-224-3p expression.

Naringenin is a flavonoid compound with antioxidant effects. It is used to treat oxidative stress-related diseases, but its mechanism is unclear. In this experiment, we explored whether naringenin can increase the expression of superoxide dismutase 1(SOD1), reduce the oxidative stress of PC12 cells induced by homocysteine (Hcy), and decrease the apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by Hcy by inhibiting the expression of mir-224-3p. Different concentrations of Hcy (1, 3, 5, 8, and 10 mmol/L) was used to analyze effect of homocysteine on PC12 cells. A total of 5 mmol/L Hcy was used to induce the excitatory and neurotoxicity model of PC12 cells in vitro. The cells were divided into normal control, Hcy induction, Hcy + Naringenin (25 µM), Hcy + Naringenin (50 µM), Hcy + Naringenin (75 µM), Hcy + Naringenin (100 µM), and Hcy + Naringenin (150 µM) groups. The relative survival rate and activities of the PC12 cells were determined by the MTT method, and the apoptosis rate of the PC12 cells was determined by using flow cytometry. The Western blot method was used to determine the expressions of SOD1, Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, and Bcl-2 in the PC12 cells induced by Hcy. The expressions of SOD1 mRNA and miR-224-3p in the Hcy-induced PC12 cells were determined by RT-PCR. Results found that Hcy increased the expression of miR-224-3p in a dose-dependent manner but decreased that of SOD1 mRNA and protein. Hcy also increased oxidative stress in the PC12 cells and the proapoptotic proteins Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9. Furthermore, it decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and the activity and survival rate of the HT22 cells, but it increased the apoptosis of the PC12 cells. The treatment of Hcy-induced PC12 cells with different concentrations of naringenin for 24 h decreased the expression of miR-224-3p in a dose-dependent manner and increased the expressions of SOD1 mRNA and protein. The treatment also decreased the oxidative stress in the PC12 cells and the expressions of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9; increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl- 2; decreased the apoptosis of the PC12 cells; and increased the PC12 cells.The results suggest that Naringenin can decrease the apoptosis and oxidative stress of PC12 cells induced by Hcy and increase the activities and survival rates of PC12 cells. The mechanism may be related to naringenin decreasing the expression of miR-224-3p in PC12 cells induced by Hcy and increasing the expressions of SOD1 mRNA and protein.

Effects of absorbents on growth performance, blood profiles and liver gene expression in broilers fed diets naturally contaminated with aflatoxin.

OBJECTIVE: The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the absorbent (a mixture of activated carbon and hydrated sodium calcium aluminosilicate) on growth performance, blood profiles and hepatic genes expression in broilers fed diets naturally contaminated with aflatoxin. METHODS: A total of 1200 one-day-old male chicks were randomly assigned to 6 treatments with 10 replicate cages per treatment. The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) control (basal diets); (2) 50% contaminated corn; (3) 100% contaminated corn; (4) control + 1% adsorbent; (5) 50% contaminated corn + 1% absorbent; (6) 100% contaminated corn + 1% absorbent. RESULTS: During d 1 to 21, feeding contaminated diets reduced (p&lt;0.05) body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI), but increased (p&lt;0.05) feed-to-gain ratio (F/G). The absorbent supplementation increased (p&lt;0.05) BW, ADG and ADFI. There were interactions (p&lt;0.05) in BW, ADG and ADFI between contaminated corn and absorbent. Overall, birds fed 100% contaminated diets had lower (p&lt;0.05) final BW and ADG, but higher (p&lt;0.05) F/G compared to those fed control diets. The absorbent addition increased (p&lt;0.05) serum albumin concentration on d 14 and 28 and total protein (TP) level on d 28, decreased (p&lt;0.05) alanine transaminase activity on d 14 and activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase on d 28. Feeding contaminated diets reduced (p&lt;0.05) hepatic TP content on d 28 and 42. The contaminated diets upregulated (p&lt;0.05) expression of interleukin-6, catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), but downregulated (p&lt;0.05) glutathione S-transferase (GST) expression in liver. The absorbent supplementation increased (p&lt;0.05) interleukin-1ß, CAT, SOD, cytochrome P450 1A1 and GST expression in liver. There were interactions (p&lt;0.05) in the expression of hepatic CAT, SOD and GST between contaminated corn and absorbent. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the naturally aflatoxin-contaminated corn depressed growth performance, while the adsorbent could partially attenuate the adverse effects of aflatoxin on growth performance, blood profiles and hepatic genes expression in broilers.

Effects of stale maize on growth performance, immunity, intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity in broilers.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the effects of stale maize on growth performance, immunity, intestinal morphology, and antioxidant capacity in broilers. METHODS: A total of 800 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers (45.4±0.5 g) were blocked based on body weight, and then allocated randomly to 2 treatments with 20 cages per treatment and 20 broilers per cage in this 6-week experiment. Dietary treatments included a basal diet and diets with 100% of control maize replaced by stale maize. RESULTS: The content of fat acidity value was higher (p<0.05) while the starch, activities of catalase and peroxidase were lower (p<0.05) than the control maize. Feeding stale maize diets reduced (p<0.05) average daily feed intake (ADFI) throughout the experiment, feed conversion ratio (FCR) during d 0 to 21 and the whole experiment as well as relative weight of liver, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and thymus (p<0.05) on d 21. Feeding stale maize diets decreased jejunum villus height (VH) and VH/crypt depth (CD) (p<0.05) on d 21 and 42 as well as ileum VH/CD on d 42. The levels of immunoglobulin G, acid α-naphthylacetate esterase positive ratios and lymphocyte proliferation on d 21 and 42 as well as lysozyme activity and avian influenza antibody H5N1 titer on d 21 decreased (p<0.05) by the stale maize. Feeding stale maize diets reduced (p<0.05) serum interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-2 on d 21 and interleukin-6 on d 21 and 42. Broilers fed stale maize diets had lower levels of (p<0.05) total antioxidative capacity on d 42, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase on d 21 and 42, but higher (p<0.05) levels of malondialdehyde on d 21 and 42. CONCLUSION: Feeding 100% stale maize decreased ADFI and FCR, caused adverse effects on immunity and antioxidant function and altered intestinal morphology in broilers.

Ghrelin to obestatin ratio in maternal serum in pregnancies complicated by intrauterine growth restriction.

Ghrelin, an endogenous for the growth hormone secretagogue receptor, has been shown to participate in fetal growth. Obestatin, encoded by the same gene as ghrelin, is described as a physiological opponent of ghrelin. This study was designed to determine the changes of ghrelin/obestatin ratio in maternal serum in pregnancies with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). The authors found that the ghrelin levels in maternal serum were significent lower in IUGR group than in control group (236.34 ± 14.58 pg/ml vs. 321.49 ± 18.19 pg/ml, p = 0.003). However, the difference of obestatin levels in maternal serum in IUGR group than in control group was not significent (276.25, ±20.54 pg/ml vs. 256.34 ± 21.21 pg/ml, p = 0.308). The ratio of ghrelin to obestatin in maternal serum were significent lower in UGR group than in control group (1.05 ± 0.09 vs. 0.82 ± 0.08, p = 0.03). Meanwhile, the maternal serum growth hormone (GH) concentration in IUGR group was lower than that in control group (1.08 ± 0.08 pg/ml vs. 1.41 ± 0.09 pg/ml, p = 0.009), and the maternal serum pla- cental growth hormone (PGH) concentration in IUGR group was lower than that in control group (2.21 ± 1.24 pg/ml vs. 2.92 ± 0.27 pg/ml,p = 0.031). The ratio of ghrelin to obestatin in maternal serum were positively correlation with GH and PGH concentrations in IUGR group (r = 0.876, p = 0.52; r = 0.764, p = 0.64). The findings of this study suggest that the ratio of ghrelin to obestatin in maternal serum were low, and were positively correlated with GH and PGH concentration in IUGR group, which can been considered as evidencees of ghrelin/obestatin balance disorder role in pathogenesis of IUGR.

Intestinal microbiota could transfer host Gut characteristics from pigs to mice.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to compare the differences in gut microbiota composition and gut-phenotypes among pig breeds, and determine whether these differences would transmit to mice colonized with fecal microbiota of different pig breeds. A total of 24 1-day-old germ-free BALB/C mice were divided into 3 groups (TFM, YFM and RFM), which were transplanted with intact fecal microbiota of Tibetan pig (TP), Yorkshire pig (YP) and Rongchang pig (RP), respectively. RESULTS: Results showed that different pig breeds exhibited distinct gut microbiota profile based on high-throughput pyrosequencing. YP exhibited a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and apparent genera differences compared with RP and TP, and higher levels of bacteria from Spirochaetes were observed in TP compared with RP and YP (P < 0.05). Transplanted porcine microbiota into GF mice replicated the phenotypes of pig donors. Moreover, the three groups of donor pigs and their mice recipients exhibited different intestinal index and morphology. TP and RP had higher intestinal weight and relative CDX2 mRNA expression in ileum than YP, and longer intestine, higher villus height of duodenum and jejunum were observed in TP compared with YP and RP (P < 0.05). TP exhibited higher GLP-2 mRNA expression in duodenum and jejunum than RP (P < 0.05). Similarly, YFM had lower intestine weight and CDX2 mRNA expression in ileum than TFM and RFM (P < 0.05). The intestine length in TFM was longer than that in RFM, and TFM had higher villus height in duodenum and jejunum and GLP-2 mRNA expression in ileum than the other two groups (P < 0.05). Besides, the digestive and absorptive ability was different among the three groups in donor pigs and mice recipients. YP had higher jejunal lactase and maltase activities than TP and RP, while TP had higher activities of jejunal ATPase, γ-GT, and relative SGLT1 mRNA expression in duodenum and jejunum than YP and RP (P < 0.05). Likewise, YFM had higher jejunal sucrase and maltase activities than TFM and RFM, whereas higher jejunal γ-GT activity and relative SGLT1 mRNA expression in duodenum and ileum were observed in TFM compared with YFM and RFM (P < 0.05). In addition, Tibetan pigs-derived microbiota improved gut barrier in mice recipients. The concentration of MDA in YP was higher than that in TP and RP (P = 0.078), and the relative ZO-1 mRNA expression in ileum in TP was higher than that in YP (P < 0.05). Likely, compared with TFM and RFM, YFM exhibited increasing MDA concentration in jejunum (P = 0.098), and the relative ZO-1 mRNA expression in duodenum and ileum in TFM were higher than that in YFM (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were huge differences in gut microbiota composition and gut characteristics among pig breeds, and gut microbiota could partially convey host gut characteristics from pigs to mice.

[Feasibility of targeted magnetic resonance imaging on visualizing tenascin-C expression in atherosclerosis plaque in high-fat diet fed ApoE(-/-) mice].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility of targeted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)on visualizing tenascin-C (TN-C) expression in atherosclerotic plaque in high-fat diet fed ApoE(-/-) mice. METHODS: Aorta artery atherosclerosis was induced in high fat diet fed ApoE(-/-) mice. The atherosclerotic plaques were observed by 7.0T micro-MRI after 14 weeks. Specimens of the samples were obtained randomly and stained with HE and oil red O to observe the pathological changes. The plaques were stained with anti-TN-C antibody to detecting the TN-C. Targeted probe (anti-TN-C-USPIO) was synthesized through chemical coupling methods. The experimental group was injected with targeted probe through tail vein (10 mgFe/kg), and USPIO was used as controls. MRI was performed 8 hours thereafter, intima signal changing in abdominal aorta was observed; specimens of abdominal aorta were taken after scanning, and were stained by Perl's Prussian blue, the deposition of iron particles was observed. RESULTS: Compared with baseline level, MRI evidenced thickened aorta wall; signal was enhanced on T1WI and PDWI, but weakened on T2WI after 14 weeks. HE stained tissue samples demonstrated thicker intima. The plaque was confirmed by the oil red O staining. Immunohistochemistry staining showed significantly upregulated TN-C expression in the plaque. Compared to pre-injection status, MRI signal was lost on T2WI in the atherosclerotic lesions at 8 hours after anti-TNC-USPIO injection (ΔOD =4.78±1.41, t=9.59, P<0.05), while T2WI remained unchanged in control group (ΔOD =1.45±1.01, t=1.93, P>0.05) and matched Perl's Prussian stained section showed enriched blue particles deposition within the plaque while there were only scarce blue particles deposition in the control group. CONCLUSION: Our results show that targeted MRI is feasible to detect TN-C expression in the plaque in vivo, this method might be used to detect in vivo atherosclerotic plaque in large animals or in humans in the future.

Efficacy and safety of dupilumab in the treatment of kimura's disease.

BACKGROUND: Kimura's disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory condition characterized by nodules and lymphadenopathy in the head and neck region, exhibiting type II inflammation. Dupilumab is commonly used against type II inflammation. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dupilumab in KD patients. DESIGN: The real-world study was conducted in a hospital in China. METHODS: Six male patients with a mean age of 24.50 ± 15.47 years were treated with dupilumab following the same protocol as that for atopic dermatitis (AD). Clinical and laboratory indicators, such as maximum nodule diameter, blood eosinophil count, eosinophil percentage, and total serum IgE levels were assessed at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Adverse events were documented. Paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The results showed significant reductions in the longest nodule diameter at week 12 (P = 0.008) and week 24 (P = 0.001) compared to baseline. Blood eosinophil count decreased by 57.95% (P = 0.024) at week 12 and 90.59% (P = 0.030) at week 24. Eosinophil percentage decreased by 58.44% (P = 0.026) at week 12 and 89.37% (P = 0.013) at week 24. Total serum IgE levels decreased by 78.02% (P = 0.040) at week 12 and 89.55% (P = 0.031) at week 24. The presence of AD did not affect the results. One patient experienced temporary facial erythema after 32 weeks of treatment, which resolved with topical treatment. No other adverse events were reported. CONCLUSION: Dupilumab demonstrated effectiveness in treating KD without severe adverse events.

[Multicenter evaluation of the diagnostic efficacy of jaundice color card for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia].

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and practicality of the Jaundice color card (JCard) as a screening tool for neonatal jaundice. Methods: Following the standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy studies (STARD) statement, a multicenter prospective study was conducted in 9 hospitals in China from October 2019 to September 2021. A total of 845 newborns who were admitted to the hospital or outpatient department for liver function testing due to their own diseases. The inclusion criteria were a gestational age of ≥35 weeks, a birth weight of ≥2 000 g, and an age of ≤28 days. The neonate's parents used the JCard to measure jaundice at the neonate's cheek. Within 2 hours of the JCard measurement, transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) was measured with a JH20-1B device and total serum bilirubin (TSB) was detected. The Pearson's correlation analysis, Bland-Altman plots and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used for statistic analysis. Results: Out of the 854 newborns, 445 were male and 409 were female; 46 were born at 35-36 weeks of gestational age and 808 were born at ≥37 weeks of gestational age. Additionally, 432 cases were aged 0-3 days, 236 cases were aged 4-7 days, and 186 cases were aged 8-28 days. The TSB level was (227.4±89.6) µmol/L, with a range of 23.7-717.0 µmol/L. The JCard level was (221.4±77.0) µmol/L and the TcB level was (252.5±76.0) µmol/L. Both the JCard and TcB values showed good correlation (r=0.77 and 0.80, respectively) and agreements (96.0% (820/854) and 95.2% (813/854) of samples fell within the 95% limits of agreement, respectively) with TSB. The JCard value of 12 had a sensitivity of 0.93 and specificity of 0.75 for identifying a TSB ≥205.2 µmol/L, and a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.35 for identifying a TSB ≥342.0 µmol/L. The TcB value of 205.2 µmol/L had a sensitivity of 0.97 and specificity of 0.60 for identifying TSB levels of 205.2 µmol/L, and a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.26 for identifying TSB levels of 342.0 µmol/L. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) of JCard for identifying TSB levels of 153.9, 205.2, 256.5, and 342.0 µmol/L were 0.96, 0.92, 0.83, and 0.83, respectively. The AUC of TcB were 0.94, 0.91, 0.86, and 0.87, respectively. There were both no significant differences between the AUC of JCard and TcB in identifying TSB levels of 153.9 and 205.2 µmol/L (both P>0.05). However, the AUC of JCard were both lower than those of TcB in identifying TSB levels of 256.5 and 342.0 µmol/L (both P<0.05). Conclusions: JCard can be used to classify different levels of bilirubin, but its diagnostic efficacy decreases with increasing bilirubin levels. When TSB level are ≤205.2 µmol/L, its diagnostic efficacy is equivalent to that of the JH20-1B. To prevent the misdiagnosis of severe jaundice, it is recommended that parents use a low JCard score, such as 12, to identify severe hyperbilirubinemia (TSB ≥342.0 µmol/L).

Effects of Early Transplantation of the Faecal Microbiota from Tibetan Pigs on the Gut Development of DSS-Challenged Piglets.

The present study was conducted to investigate the effects of early transplantation of the faecal microbiota from Tibetan pigs on the gut development of dextran sulphate sodium- (DSS-) challenged piglets. In total, 24 3-day-old DLY piglets were divided into four groups (n = 6 per group); a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement was used, which included faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) (from Tibetan pigs) and DSS challenge. The whole trial lasted for 55 days. DSS infusion increased the intestinal density, serum diamine oxidase (DAO) activity, and colonic Escherichia coli count (P < 0.05), and decreased the Lactobacillus spp. count and mRNA abundances of epidermal growth factor (EGF), glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), occludin, mucin 2 (MUC2), regeneration protein IIIγ (RegIIIγ), and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the colon (P < 0.05). FMT increased the Lactobacillus spp. count and mRNA abundances of GLP-2, RegIIIγ, and IL-10 in the colon (P < 0.05), and decreased the intestinal density, serum DAO activity, and colonic E. coli number (P < 0.05). In addition, in DSS-challenged piglets, FMT decreased the disease activity index (P < 0.05) and attenuated the effect of DSS challenge on the intestinal density, serum DAO activity, and colonic E. coli number (P < 0.05). These data indicated that the faecal microbiota from Tibetan pigs could attenuate the negative effect of DSS challenge on the gut development of piglets.

Effects of methylsulfonylmethane on growth performance, immunity, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in Pekin ducks.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on growth performance, immune function, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality in Pekin ducks. A total of 960 female 1-day-old Pekin ducklings (53.3 ± 0.4 g) were randomly allotted to 3 treatments with 8 replicates of 40 birds, based on their body weight (BW). The experiment lasted 6 wks, and dietary treatments included a corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0%, 0.15%, and 0.3% MSM, that is, CON, MSM1, and MSM2, respectively. Growth performance, serum profiles, and meat quality were determined. During the period of days 22-42, BW gain (BWG) in MSM2 treatment was higher (P < 0.05) and feed-to-gain ratio (F/G) was lower (P < 0.05) than those of CON and MSM1 treatments. BW gain and final BW in MSM2 treatment were increased (P < 0.05) compared with CON and MSM1 treatments during the period of days 1-42. Serum activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidative capacity, and concentrations of interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 were higher (P < 0.05) in MSM2 than in CON treatment. Ducks in the MSM2 treatment group had lower (P < 0.05) serum malondialdehyde, interferon gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-α levels than those in the CON treatment group. The supplementation of MSM increased (P < 0.05) water-holding capacity and redness (a*) and decreased (P < 0.05) values for 2-thiobarbituric acid and drip loss on day 5. Ducks in the MSM2 treatment group had higher (P < 0.05) pH24h than those in the CON treatment group. Taken together, the inclusion of MSM (0.3%) increased final BW and BWG during periods of days 22-42 and days 1-42, reduced feed-to-gain ratio during the period of days 22-42, and resulted in positive effects on immunity, antioxidant capacity, and meat quality.

[Comprehensive application of various screening strategies of Lynch syndrome].

Lynch syndrome (LS), which is the most common hereditary colorectal cancer, accounts for about 3% of all colorectal cancers. However, due to its various clinical manifestations, it is difficult to be diagnosed. The diagnosis of LS requires comprehensive application of various screening criteria (such as the Amsterdam criteria, Bethesda criteria), predictive models, risk factors, immunohistochemistry test of mismatch repair (MMR) protein, microsatellite instability (MSI) detection, MLH1 methylation detection, BRAF gene mutation detection, germline gene mutation detection, and so on. LS can be diagnosed only after the identification of pathogenic germline mutation of MMR gene. The first-degree and second-degree relatives of LS patients are recommended to be tested for the identified mutant gene. For LS patients and gene mutation carriers, LS associated cancer can be detected early or even prevented by monitoring and preventive surgery. Reproductive techniques can be used to prevent this disease from being passed down to the next generation.

MicroRNA-145 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of HepG2 cells by targeting ROCK1 through the ROCK1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant cancer with a high fatality rate, and the expression of microRNA-145 (miR-145) is significantly low in HCC tissue. Therefore, the effect of miR-145 on HCC was explored. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Primary hepatocellular carcinoma samples and corresponding normal samples, and HepG2 cells were analyzed using flow cytometry, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, and dual-luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS: miR-145 expression was significantly downregulated in HCC tissue and HepG2 cells as compared to normal liver tissue. After HepG2 cells were transfected with miR-145 mimics, miR-145 expression was recovered, accompanied by a significantly lower cell number, inhibition of the G1/S phase transition, and promotion of the apoptosis of HepG2 cells, as well as changes in levels of G1/S-specific cyclin-E1 (CCNE1) and activated caspase-3. Furthermore, the rho-associated protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) levels were opposite the levels of miR-145 expression in vivo and in vitro, and additional experiments with co-transfection of miR-145 mimics and pEGFP-N3-3'UTR provided the direct evidence that the ROCK1 gene is a target of miR-145. Moreover, a significant decrease or increase in the expression of ROCK1 was associated with nuclear factor-kB (NF-κB)(p65) activity, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) significantly increased NF-κB(p65) activity, accompanied by recovery of the reduction in the number of HepG2 cells for miR-145 mimics. The NF-κB activity and cell number were significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) increased in response to the overexpression of the ROCK1 gene in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that miR-145 can target and downregulate ROCK1 expression, and it controls HCC by inhibiting the cell cycle and activating apoptosis via the ROCK1/NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings will provide a new perspective for the therapy of HCC.