The role of myeloid differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells in pregnancy immunological tolerance: a systematic review.

The present research aimed to conduct a comprehensive critical analysis of existing literature, focusing on the differentiation of myeloid cells from hematopoietic stem cells within the context of immunological tolerance during pregnancy. A comprehensive systematic review was conducted by searching databases including PubMed, Scopus Biomedicine, EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The focus was on the role of myeloid differentiation from hematopoietic stem cells in modulating immune tolerance, particularly during pregnancy and in certain disease states where they act to suppress the immune response. The quality of the evidence gathered was assessed using the GRADE rating system. Our analysis maintains objectivity and independence from the outcomes presented. The current systematic review offers a synthesis of existing research on the transformation of hematopoietic stem cells into fibroblasts across different tissue types. A thorough search of databases such as PubMed, EBSCOhost, Embase, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was performed in conjunction with a specialist in medical information to identify original research on the derivation of fibroblasts following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This search yielded a total of 159 studies, of which 10 met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Reflecting on the constraints of this preliminary review, further in-depth and scientific investigations are warranted to comprehensively assess the impact of varied treatments, with a recommendation for clinicians to proceed with increased circumspection. The myeloid differentiation pathway of hematopoietic stem cells is pivotal in modulating the immune environment during pregnancy, supporting the sustenance of a healthy gestational period. Future research in this domain is expected to advance our understanding of the immunological processes occurring at the maternal-fetal boundary.

Cold-inducible PPA1 is critical for the adipocyte browning in mice.

Promoting the thermogenic capacity of brown/beige adipocytes is becoming a promising strategy to counteract obesity and related metabolic diseases. Inorganic pyrophosphatase 1 (PPA1) is an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of PPi to Pi, and its presence is required for anabolism to take place in cells. Our previous study demonstrated the importance of PPA1 in maintaining adipose tissue function and whole-body metabolic homeostasis. In this study, we found that the expression of PPA1 was positively associated with the thermogenic capacity of brown/beige adipocytes. PPA1+/- mice exhibited less browning capacity in subcutaneous white adipose tissue compared to wild-type mice and also showed apparent cold intolerance. We found that decreased PPA1 abundance may lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibited adipocyte browning both in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, our study also revealed that PPA1 worked as a new target gene of nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1), a major transcription regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. Together, our findings indicated an essential role of PPA1 in mitochondrial function and browning in adipocytes and suggested PPA1 as a new therapeutic target for increasing thermogenesis to combat obesity and metabolic diseases.

Urinary Bladder Matrix Improves Irradiated Wound Healing in a Murine Model.

ABSTRACT: Radiation skin damage is associated with chronic wounds and poor healing. Existing localized treatment modalities have limited benefit. Therefore, there has been increased interest in biologically based solutions. In this study, we aimed to determine the effect of topical urinary bladder matrix (UBM) on chronic irradiated skin wounds using an established murine model. Our findings demonstrated that topical urinary bladder matrix significantly accelerated the healing of irradiated wounds on day 7 (P = 0.0216), day 14 (P = 0.0140), and day 21 (P = 0.0393). Histologically, urinary bladder matrix treatment was associated with higher-quality reorganization and reepithelialization of wounds, an increased density of myofibroblasts (P = 0.0004), and increased collagen deposition (P < 0.0001). In addition, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction data demonstrated decreased expression of profibrotic mediators (P = 0.0049). We conclude that urinary bladder matrix may be a useful, noninvasive, adjunctive therapy for the treatment of chronic irradiated skin wounds.

Protein Expression Profile in Rat Silicosis Model Reveals Upregulation of PTPN2 and Its Inhibitory Effect on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Dephosphorylation of STAT3.

Silicosis is a chronic occupational lung disease caused by long-term inhalation ofcrystalline silica particulates. We created a rat model that closely approximates the exposure and development of silicosis in humans. Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technologies weused to identify proteins differentially expressed in activated rat lung tissue. We constructed three lentiviral knockdown vectorsand an overexpression vectorfor the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) geneto achieve stable long-term expression.A total of 471 proteins were differentially expressed in the silicosis group compared with controls. Twenty upregulated, and eight downregulated proteins exhibited a ≥ 1.5-fold change relative to controls. We next found that the PTPN2, Factor B, and VRK1 concentrations in silicotic rats silicosis and SiO2-stimulated MLE-12 cells were significantly higher than control groups.More importantly, we found that overexpression of PTPN2 simultaneously decreased the expression of phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) and Vimentin, while increasing E-cadherin expression. The opposite pattern was observed for PTPN2-gene silencing. We identified three proteins with substantially enhanced expression in silicosis. Our study also showed that PTPN2 can inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition by dephosphorylating STAT3 in silicosis fibrosis.

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcomes of Hyperbilirubinemia in Adult Cardiac Patients Supported by Veno-Arterial ECMO.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of hyperbilirubinemia in cardiac patients with veno-arterial (VA) ECMO. Data on 89 adult patients with cardiac diseases who received VA ECMO implantation in our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were divided into the following three groups: 24 in normal group (N, total bilirubin [TBIL] ≤3 mg/dL), 30 in high bilirubin group (HB, 6 mg/dL ≥ TBIL > 3 mg/dL), and 35 in severe high bilirubin group (SHB, TBIL > 6 mg/dL). lg(variables + 1) was performed for nonnormally distributed variables. The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia (>3 mg/dL) was 73%. In a multiple linear regression analysis, lg(peak TBIL + 1) was significantly associated with lg(peak AST + 1) (b-coefficient 0.188, P = 0.001), lg(peak pFHb + 1) (b-coefficient 0.201, P = 0.003), and basic TBIL (b-coefficient 0.006, P = 0.009). Repeated measurement analysis of variance revealed that the main effect for three groups in pFHb and lg(AST + 1) was significant at first 3 days during ECMO. The patients in SHB had low platelets during ECMO and low in-hospital survival rate. Hyperbilirubinemia remains common in patients with VA ECMO and is associated with low platelets and high in-hospital mortality. Hemolysis and liver dysfunction during ECMO and basic high bilirubin levels are risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia.

Plasma Free Hemoglobin Is a Predictor of Acute Renal Failure During Adult Venous-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support.

OBJECTIVE: Hemolysis is a common and severe complication during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Increased plasma free hemoglobin (PFHb) is related to renal injury. The aim of this study was to investigate whether increased PFHb during adult venous-arterial ECMO was associated with acute renal failure (ARF). DESIGN: A retrospective, observational, single-center study. SETTING: Fuwai Hospital in Beijing, China. PARTICIPANTS: The study comprised 84 venous-arterial ECMO patients. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A total of 84 consecutive adult patients (≥18 years) with cardiac diseases requiring venous-arterial ECMO support were studied retrospectively. Demographics of patients, clinical and ECMO characteristics, and PFHb level were collected within the first 3 days after ECMO. ARF was defined as a≥300% rise in serum creatinine from baseline or application of dialysis. Repeated measurement analysis of variance revealed that the main effect for the non-ARF group and ARF group in PFHb (p = 0.002) was significant. A significant main effect for time points (p<0.001) and time×group interaction (p = 0.014) in PFHb was obtained. In a multiple logistic regression model, peak PFHb during ECMO (odds ratio 1.052, 95% confidence interval 1.016-1.089, p = 0.005) was a risk factor for ARF during ECMO and patients who underwent heart transplantation (odds ratio 0.240, 95% confidence interval 0.060-0.964, p = 0.044) experienced less ARF. There was a linear correlation between peak serum creatinine and peak PFHb (Spearman's r = 0.223, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: Increased PFHb is a predictor of ARF among adult patients on venous-arterial ECMO support.

Intraoperative Hypotension and Postoperative Stroke in Older Patients Who Had Brain Tumor Resections: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

BACKGROUND: At some level, intraoperative hypotension causes strokes. Elderly neurosurgical patients are presumably at especially high risk. We tested the primary hypothesis that intraoperative hypotension is associated with postoperative stroke in older patients undergoing brain tumor resection. METHODS: Patients >65 years old who had elective craniotomy for tumor resections were included. The primary exposure was the area under the threshold of intraoperative hypotension. The primary outcome was newly diagnosed ischemic stroke within 30 days, confirmed by scheduled brain imaging. RESULTS: Among 724 eligible patients, 98 (13.5%) had strokes within 30 days after surgery, 86% of which were clinically silent. Curves of lowest mean arterial pressure versus stroke incidence suggested a threshold at 75 mm Hg. Area under the threshold of mean arterial pressure below 75 mm Hg was therefore incorporated into multivariable modeling. There was no association of area below 75 mm Hg and stroke (adjusted odds ratio, 1.00; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.00). The adjusted odds ratio for area below 75 mm Hg between 1 and 148 mm Hg × minutes was 1.21 (95% confidence interval, 0.23-6.23). When the area below 75 mm Hg exceeded 1117 mm Hg × minutes, the association remained insignificant. In contrast, malignant tumor and history of previous stroke or myocardial ischemia were associated with strokes. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative strokes were common in older patients who underwent brain tumor resection, with about 14% having ischemic cerebrovascular events within 30 days, of which 86% were clinically silent. Malignant brain tumors and previous ischemic vascular events were associated with postoperative strokes, but area under 75 mm Hg was not.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis contributes to enhanced erythropoiesis during pregnancy via TGF-ß signaling.

Red blood cells are the predominant cellular component in human body, and their numbers increase significantly during pregnancy due to heightened erythropoiesis. CD71+ erythroid cells (CECs) are immature red blood cells, encompassing erythroblasts and reticulocytes, constitute a rare cell population primarily found in the bone marrow, although they are physiologically enriched in the neonatal mouse spleen and human cord blood. Presently, the mechanisms underlying the CECs expansion during pregnancy remain largely unexplored. Additionally, the mechanisms and roles associated with extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) of erythroid cells during pregnancy have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, our objective was to examine the underlying mechanisms of erythroid-biased hematopoiesis during pregnancy. Our findings revealed heightened erythropoiesis and elevated CECs in both human and mouse pregnancies. The increased presence of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß during pregnancy facilitated the differentiation of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) into CECs, without impacting HSPCs proliferation, ultimately leading to enhanced erythropoiesis. The observed increase in CECs during pregnancy was primarily attributed to EMH occurring in the spleen. During mouse pregnancy, splenic stromal cells were found to have a significant impact on splenic erythropoiesis through the activation of TGF-ß signaling. Conversely, splenic macrophages were observed to contribute to extramedullary erythropoiesis in a TGF-ß-independent manner. Our results suggest that splenic stromal cells play a crucial role in promoting extramedullary erythropoiesis and the production of CECs during pregnancy, primarily through TGF-ß-dependent mechanisms.

Dexmedetomidine after deep brain stimulation for prevention of delirium in elderly patients with Parkinson's disease: protocol for a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in China.

INTRODUCTION: Parkinson's disease is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) can improve motor symptoms in patients with middle and late Parkinson's disease, reduce the use of levodopa, and thus reduce drug-related side effects. Postoperative delirium can significantly reduce the short-term and long-term quality of life in elderly patients, which can be alleviated by dexmedetomidine (DEX). However, whether prophylactic DEX could reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium in patients with Parkinson's disease was still unknown. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a single-centre, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled group trial. A total of 292 patients aged 60 years and above elected for DBS will be stratified according to DBS procedure, subthalamic nucleus or globus pallidus interna, then randomly allocated to the DEX group or the placebo control group with a 1:1 ratio, respectively. In the DEX group, patients will be injected with the DEX continuously with an electronic pump at a rate of 0.1 µg/kg/hour for 48 hours at the beginning of general anaesthesia induction. In the control group, normal saline will be administered at the same rate for patients as in the DEX group. The primary endpoint is the incidence of postoperative delirium within 5 days after surgery. Postoperative delirium is assessed by the combination of the Richmond Anxiety Scale and the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) for the intensive care unit or the 3-minute diagnostic interview for CAM as applicable. The secondary endpoints include the incidence of adverse events and non-delirium complications, the length of stay in the intensive care unit and hospital and all-cause 30-day mortality after the operation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University (KY2022-003-03). The results of this study will be disseminated through presentation at scientific conferences and publication in scientific journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05197439.

Natural killer cells in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia: a double-edged sword.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between natural killer (NK) cells, extravillous trophoblast cells (EVTs) and vessel remodeling in early human pregnancy, and the association between NK cells and preeclampsia (PE) in late human pregnancy. METHODS: Human decidual tissues from women with normal pregnancies were collected and examined for the relationship of NK cells with uterine vessel remodeling using immunohistochemistry. Percentages of peripheral blood NK (pNK) and decidual NK (dNK) cells and the levels of intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ, perforin and granzyme B in normal pregnancies, late-onset and early-onset PE were analyzed using flow cytometry. Cytolytic functions of dNK cells from normal and PE pregnancies were examined. Effects of conditioned medium (CM) of dNK cells from normal and PE pregnancies on first trimester trophoblast invasion and migration were tested. RESULTS: In early pregnancy samples (9-13 weeks of gestation), we noted moderate vessel remodeling with abundant perivascular NK cells but a limited number of surrounding EVTs. The numbers of both human pNK cells and dNK cells and intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ, perforin and granzyme B production were significantly higher in PE compared with normal pregnancies at the time of delivery for both early- and late-onset disease. dNK cells from PE pregnancies not only killed first trimester trophoblasts but also inhibited their invasion and migration when compared to normal controls. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that NK cells, in conjunction with EVTs, may play an important role in controlling uterine SA remodeling at the early stages of vessel remodeling, but they contribute to the pathogenesis of PE in late pregnancy.

Factors associated with artificial airway retention after skull base chordoma resection: A retrospective cohort study.

Background: Chordoma is a malignant bone and soft tissue tumor derived from embryonic notochord remnants, and skull base chordoma accounts for ~1/3 of all chordoma cases. Skull base chordoma is closely related to the brainstem and cranial nerves and has a high recurrence rate. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the timing of tracheal extubation on perioperative pulmonary complications. We also aimed to explore predictors of postoperative artificial airway (AA) retention in patients with skull base chordoma. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study. The study population included all skull base chordoma patients undergoing surgical treatment between January 2019 and December 2021 at Beijing Tiantan Hospital. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications. Several patient characteristics were evaluated for potential associations with AA retention. Results: A total of 310 patients with skull base chordoma were enrolled. The frequency of AA retention after surgery for skull base chordoma was 30.97%. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications was much lower in those without AA retention (3.74 vs. 39.58%, P < 0.001). Factors with the highest point estimates for the odds of AA retention included body mass index, cranial nerve involvement, maximum tumor diameter, operative method, hemorrhage volume, operative duration and intraoperative mechanical ventilation duration. Conclusions: In this retrospective cohort study, most of the factors associated with postoperative airway retention were closely related to the patient's tumor characteristics. These data demonstrate that respiratory management in patients with skull base chordoma remains an ongoing concern.

First identification and molecular subtyping of Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in southwestern China.

BACKGROUND: Blastocystis sp. is an anaerobic protozoan that parasitizes many animal hosts and the human gastrointestinal tract, and its pathogenicity is controversial. Captive wildlife may be potential reservoirs for human infection with Blastocystis sp. The present study was performed to investigate the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. in zoo animals in Sichuan Province, southwestern China. METHODS: A total of 420 fresh fecal samples were collected from 54 captive wildlife species in four zoos in southwestern China between June 2017 and September 2019. The prevalence and subtype (ST) genetic characteristics of Blastocystis sp. were determined by PCR amplification of the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: Overall, 15.7% (66/420) of the animal samples and 20.7% (14/54) of the species tested were shown to be infected with Blastocystis sp. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis sp. was found in Panzhihua Zoo (24.3%), which was significantly higher than that in Chengdu Zoo (6.9%), and Xichang Zoo (2.9%) (P < 0.05). There are also significant differences in the prevalence of Blastocystis sp. among different species (P < 0.05), and the highest of Blastocystis sp. prevalence was observed in white-cheeked gibbon, black great squirrel, and red giant flying squirrel (100%). Subtype analysis of Blastocystis sp. revealed nine subtypes, including six zoonotic STs (ST1-5, and ST8) and three animal-specific STs (ST10, ST14, and ST17), with ST17 as the predominant subtype (26/66) in Blastocystis sp.-positive isolates. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis sp. among captive wildlife in zoos in southwestern China. This study highlights that these animals may serve as reservoirs for human Blastocystis sp. infections.

Prevalence and Molecular Characterization of Cryptosporidium serpentis in Captive Snakes in China.

Cryptosporidium species are the causative agent of cryptosporidiosis and common intracellular parasites that can infect a wide range of vertebrates, including snakes. In previous studies, Cryptosporidium species infections have been reported in snakes in Asia, Europe, and North America. However, limited information is available about the prevalence and molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium in captive snakes in China. Fecal specimens from 609 captive snakes were collected from Beijing (n = 227), Chengdu (n = 12), Dazhou (n = 359), and Ziyang (n = 11). The partial small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene was amplified by nested polymerase chain reaction to determine the prevalence of Cryptosporidium, and a phylogenetic tree was constructed to assess evolutionary relationships and genetic characteristics. The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 1.97% (12/609). BLAST and phylogenetic analysis of the small subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) gene showed that the parasites belonged to Cryptosporidium serpentis. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the prevalence of Cryptosporidium in snakes of southwestern and northern China and provides preliminary data for the control and prevention of cryptosporidiosis in the investigated areas.

Inhibition of miR-155-5p Exerts Anti-Fibrotic Effects in Silicotic Mice by Regulating Meprin α.

Silicosis is a fatal profession-related disease linked to long-term inhalation of silica. The present study aimed to determine whether meprin α, a master regulator of anti-fibrotic peptide N-acetyl-seryl-aspartyl-lysyl-proline (Ac-SDKP), is diminished by miR-155-5p in silicotic and control lung macrophages and fibroblasts upon activation. NR8383 macrophages, primary lung fibroblasts, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts were used to evaluate the expression and function of meprin α and miR-155-5p. In vitro meprin α manipulation was performed by recombinant mouse meprin α protein, actinonin (its inhibitor), and small interfering RNA knockdown. Macrophage and fibroblast activation was assessed by western blotting, real-time PCR, matrix deposition, and immunohistochemical staining. The roles of meprin α and miR-155-5p were also investigated in mice exposed to silica. We found that the meprin α level was stably repressed in silicotic rats. In vitro, silica decreased meprin α, and exogenous meprin α reduced activation of macrophages and fibroblasts induced by profibrotic factors. miR-155-5p negatively regulated Mep1a by binding to the 3' untranslated region. Treatment with anti-miR-155-5p elevated meprin α, ameliorated macrophage and fibroblast activation, and attenuated lung fibrosis in mice induced by silica. The sustained repression of meprin α and beneficial effects of its rescue by inhibition of miR-155-5p during silicosis indicate that miR-155-5p/meprin α are two of the major regulators of silicosis.

Occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in pet red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris) in China.

Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi are two well-known protist pathogens which can result in diarrhea in humans and animals. To examine the occurrence and genetic characteristics of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in pet red squirrels (Sciurus vulgaris), 314 fecal specimens were collected from red squirrels from four pet shops and owners in Sichuan province, China. Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi were examined by nested PCR targeting the partial small subunit rRNA (SSU rRNA) gene and the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene respectively. The infection rates were 8.6% (27/314) for Cryptosporidium spp. and 19.4% (61/314) for E. bieneusi. Five Cryptosporidium species/genotypes were identified by DNA sequence analysis: Cryptosporidium rat genotype II (n = 8), Cryptosporidium ferret genotype (n = 8), Cryptosporidium chipmunk genotype III (n = 5), Cryptosporidium rat genotype I (n = 4), and Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 2). Additionally, a total of five E. bieneusi genotypes were revealed, including three known genotypes (D, SCC-2, and SCC-3) and two novel genotypes (RS01 and RS02). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that genotype D fell into group 1, whereas the remaining genotypes clustered into group 10. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi in pet red squirrels in China. Moreover, C. parvum and genotype D of E. bieneusi, previously identified in humans, were also found in red squirrels, suggesting that red squirrels may give rise to cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis in humans through zoonotic transmissions. These results provide preliminary reference data for monitoring Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi infections in pet red squirrels and humans.

First subtyping of Blastocystis sp. from pet rodents in southwestern China.

Blastocystis sp. is a common eukaryotic parasite, which infects humans as well as various other animals. To date, epidemiological data regarding the detection rate and distribution of Blastocystis sp. subtypes in pet rodents are lacking in China; the present study aims to fill this gap. A total of 503 fecal samples collected from pets in different locations in southwestern China were screened for the presence of Blastocystis sp. using a nested PCR amplification of SSU rRNA method. Forty-two samples (8.35%) tested positive for Blastocystis sp. colonization. Two subtypes of Blastocystis sp. were identified based on nucleotide sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis: Blastocystis ST4 was present in 41 samples, and Blastocystis ST17 was found in 1 sample. Our results revealed robust host preference of Blastocystis ST4 and confirmed that Blastocystis ST17 can also parasitize rodents.

First detection of Cryptosporidium spp. in red-bellied tree squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in China.

Cryptosporidium spp. are opportunistic pathogens that cause diarrhea in a variety of animal hosts. Although they have been reported in many animals, no information has been published on the occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in red-bellied tree squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus). A total of 287 fecal specimens were collected from Sichuan province in China; the prevalence of Cryptosporidium spp., measured by nested-PCR amplification of the partial small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene, was 1.4% (4/287). Three different Cryptosporidium species or genotypes were identified: Cryptosporidium parvum (n = 1), Cryptosporidium wrairi (n = 1), and Cryptosporidium rat genotype II (n = 2). The present study is the first report of Cryptosporidium infection in red-bellied tree squirrels in China. Although there is a relatively low occurrence of Cryptosporidium, the presence of C. parvum and C. wrairi, which were previously reported in humans, indicates that red-bellied tree squirrels may be a source of zoonotic cryptosporidiosis in China.

First report of Blastocystis in giant pandas, red pandas, and various bird species in Sichuan province, southwestern China.

Blastocystis is a common enteric protist that colonizes humans and a wide range of animals. Although some studies have reported incidences of Blastocystis in humans and animals in China, there is no information available on the prevalence of Blastocystis in giant pandas, red pandas, or bird species. The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence, subtype distribution, and genetic characterizations of Blastocystis in these animals in a captive situation in southwestern China, as well as assess the zoonotic potential of Blastocystis isolates. A total of 168 fecal specimens, including 81 from giant pandas, 23 from red pandas, 38 from black swans, 11 from ruddy shelducks, and 15 from green peafowl were collected at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan province. The overall minimum prevalence of Blastocystis was 11.3% (19/168) based on PCR amplification of the barcode region of the SSU rRNA gene. The highest prevalence of Blastocystis was observed in ruddy shelduck (18.2%) and the lowest was found in green peafowl (6.7%). The prevalence of Blastocystis in giant pandas >5.5 years of age was higher than that in younger giant pandas. Two potentially zoonotic subtypes (ST1 and ST8) were identified, and ST1 (n = 12) was found to be more prevalent than ST8 (n = 7). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the prevalence and subtypes of Blastocystis in giant pandas, red pandas, and bird species in China. The findings of this study will improve our understanding of the genetic diversity and public health potential of Blastocystis.

High-efficient production of fructo-oligosaccharides from inulin by a two-stage bioprocess using an engineered Yarrowia lipolytica strain.

A convenient and efficient two-stage bioprocess was established for fructo-oligosaccharides (FOSs) production, during which the endo-inulinase was first produced and subsequently the inulin supplemented was directly hydrolyzed by the produced endo-inulinase, in the meantime the generated non-prebiotic saccharides was assimilated by the yeast cells. This process was implemented by an engineered Yarrowia lipolytica strain Enop56, in which an optimized endo-inulinase gene from Aspergillus niger was overexpressed. When the strain Enop56 was fermented with an inulin concentration of 600g/L in a 10-L bioreactor, the inulinase activity, FOSs titer, yield and productivity reached to 551.6U/mL, 546.6g/L, 0.91gFOS/gInulin, and 15.18g/L/h, respectively. Besides, the hydrolysis products were mainly FOSs with polymerization degrees of 3-5 and the total amount of non-prebiotic mono- and disaccharides was only 4.97% in the final fermentation broth. This study demonstrated that the two-stage bioprocess using the strain Enop56 was a promising strategy to produce FOSs on an industrial scale.

Protective effects of dexmedetomidine on intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) has been hypothesized to possess anti-oxidative properties that may mitigate the damage caused by ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of DEX on intestinal contractile activity, inflammation and apoptosis following intestinal IR injury. Intestinal IR injury was induced in rats by complete occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery for 60 min, followed by a 60-min reperfusion period. Rats received an intraperitoneal injection of 25 µg/kg DEX at 30 min prior to the mesenteric IR injury. Following reperfusion, segments of the terminal ileum were rapidly extracted and transferred into an isolated organ bath. The contractile responses to receptor-mediated acetylcholine (Ach) and non-receptor-mediated potassium chloride (KCl) were subsequently examined. Nitric oxide (NO) levels were determined and the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, Bax and Bcl-2 were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of telomerase and caspase-3 were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The results indicated that DEX treatment produced a significant reduction in the IR-induced contractile response to Ach and KCl in the intestinal tissue. Furthermore, DEX appeared to significantly ameliorate intestinal IR injury, in addition to reducing the production of NO. Similar reductions were observed in the intestinal expression levels of TNF-α and IL-6. In addition, DEX treatment resulted in a reduction in the expression levels of Bax in the intestinal tissues, while increasing those of Bcl-2, in addition to significantly increasing the mRNA levels of telomerase and caspase-3. Therefore, the present study indicated that NO, TNF-α and IL-6 may partially contribute to the pathogenesis of intestinal IR injury in addition to the increased expression levels of Bax, Bcl-2, telomerase and caspase-3. These findings suggest that DEX possesses beneficial anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects in intestinal tissue following bowel injury.