[The efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy].

Objectives: To explore the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic radical gastrectomy after neoadjuvant chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy in patients with gastric cancer. Methods: A retrospective analysis of clinical and pathological data of 20 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer (clinical TNM stage T3-4aN+M0) admitted to the Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from July 2021 to July 2023. All patients received 3 cycles of SOX (Oxaliplatin+S-1) regimen combined with immunotherapy (Trastuzumab) and targeted therapy (Apatinib) as neoadjuvant treatment followed by laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Surgical outcomes, postoperative pathological response, and postoperative recovery were observed. Quantitative data, except for age and operation time, were expressed using Median (range). Results: Among the 20 patients, there were 18 males and 2 females, aged 41 to 73 years [(60.6±9.7) years]. All 20 patients underwent laparoscopic surgical treatment after neoadjuvant therapy, with one patient undergoing laparoscopic conversion to open total gastrectomy with partial transverse colon resection due to tumor invasion into the transverse mesocolon. Eight patients underwent totally laparoscopic radical gastrectomy, all with Billroth Ⅱ+Braun anastomosis at the distal stomach. Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic-assisted radical gastrectomy, among which total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis was performed in ten cases, and proximal gastrectomy with esophagogastrostomy overlap anastomosis was performed in one case. The mean operation time for the 20 patients was (165.0±34.1) minutes; intraoperative blood loss was 80 (20-100) ml; and the number of lymph nodes retrieved was 68 (21-89). Postoperative pathological TNM staging revealed stage T0N0M0 in six cases, stage Ⅰ in two cases, stage Ⅱ in three cases, and stage Ⅲ in nine cases. Six patients (30.0%) achieved pathological complete response, and nine patients (45.0%) achieved significant pathological response. The median postoperative time to flatus was 4 (1-5) days; oral intake resumed after 3 (2-5) days; and the median length of hospital stay was 13 (6-19) days. One patient developed colonic anastomotic leakage with intra-abdominal infection, and one patient developed duodenal stump leakage with intra-abdominal infection, both classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 3A complications, and improved after treatment and discharged. One patient developed gastric paresis, and two patients developed pleural effusion, classified as Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complications, and improved after treatment and discharged. There were no deaths within 30 days after discharge. Conclusions: Laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer after neoadjuvant treatment with the SOX regimen combined with immunotherapy and targeted therapy is safe and feasible, with satisfactory short-term efficacy. However, there is an increase in overall surgical risk and difficulty, and it is recommended to be performed in experienced gastric cancer centers.

[Pathological significance of plasma cell infiltration in diagnosing lymph node diseases].

Objective: To investigate the value of plasma cells for diagnosing lymph node diseases. Methods: Common lymphadenopathy (except plasma cell neoplasms) diagnosed from September 2012 to August 2022 were selected from the pathological records of Changhai Hospital, Shanghai, China. Morphological and immunohistochemical features were analyzed to examine the infiltration pattern, clonality, and IgG and IgG4 expression of plasma cells in these lymphadenopathies, and to summarize the differential diagnoses of plasma cell infiltration in common lymphadenopathies. Results: A total of 236 cases of lymphadenopathies with various degrees of plasma cell infiltration were included in the study. There were 58 cases of Castleman's disease, 55 cases of IgG4-related lymphadenopathy, 14 cases of syphilitic lymphadenitis, 2 cases of rheumatoid lymphadenitis, 18 cases of Rosai-Dorfman disease, 23 cases of Kimura's disease, 13 cases of dermal lymphadenitis and 53 cases of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). The main features of these lymphadenopathies were lymph node enlargement with various degrees of plasm cell infiltration. A panel of immunohistochemical antibodies were used to examine the distribution of plasma cells and the expression of IgG and IgG4. The presence of lymph node architecture could help determine benign and malignant lesions. The preliminary classification of these lymphadenopathies was based on the infiltration features of plasma cells. The evaluation of IgG and IgG4 as a routine means could exclude the lymph nodes involvement of IgG4-related dieases (IgG4-RD), and whether it was accompanied by autoimmune diseases or multiple-organ diseases, which were of critical evidence for the differential diagnosis. For common lesions of lymphadenopathies, such as Castleman's disease, Kimura's disease, Rosai-Dorfman's disease and dermal lymphadenitis, the expression ratio of IgG4/IgG (>40%) as detected using immunhistochemistry and serum IgG4 levels should be considered as a standard for the possibility of IgG4-RD. The differential diagnosis of multicentric Castleman's diseases and IgG4-RD should be also considered. Conclusions: Infiltration of plasma cells and IgG4-positive plasma cells may be detected in some types of lymphadenopathies and lymphomas in clinicopathological daily practice, but not all of them are related to IgG4-RD. It should be emphasized that the characteristics of plasma cell infiltration and the ratio of IgG4/IgG (>40%) should be considered for further differential diagnosis and avoiding misclassification of lymphadenopathies.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet / Três primeiros registros de insetos-pau atacando plantas (Inseect: Phasmida) no Tibet

Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Three first records of stick insects attacking plants (Inseect: Phasmida) in Tibet

Abstract Except for a few stick insects that are economically valuable, most species be considered to be forest pests, so it is extremely important to obtain plant host-use information of more stick insects. In this paper, the plant hosts of three species of stick insects were recorded for the first time. We also discovered these stick insects can feed upon the flowers or leaves of plants. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Hypericum choisianum Wall. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) attacked Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) and Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) attacked Debregeasia orientalis C. J. Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finally, we were lucky enough to also obtain photographs of them mating and feeding.

Resumo Exceto por alguns insetos-pau que são economicamente valiosos, a maioria das espécies pode ser considerada praga florestal, por isso é extremamente importante obter informações sobre o uso de hospedeiros de plantas de mais insetos-pau. Neste artigo, as plantas hospedeiras de três espécies de bicho-pau foram registradas pela primeira vez. Também descobrimos que esses bichos-pau podem se alimentar de flores ou folhas de plantas. Lopaphus unidentatus (Chen & He, 1995) (Phasmida: Lonchodidae) atacou a parede de Hypericum choisianum. ex N. Robson, 1973 (Hypericaceae), Leurophasma dolichocercum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Aschiphasmatidae) atacou Antenoron filiforme (Thunb.) Roberty & Vautier, 1964 (Polygonaceae) e Megalophasma granulatum Bi, 1995 (Phasmida: Lonchodidae orientaled) atacou Chen, 1991 (Urticaceae). Finalmente, tivemos a sorte de também obter fotos deles se acasalando e se alimentando.

Docosahexaenoic Acid Reverses Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Drug Resistance by Impairing the PI3K/AKT/ Nrf2/GPX4 Signalling Pathway in Docetaxel-Resistant PC3 Prostate Cancer Cells.

Drug resistance is a serious problem in cancer therapy. Growing evidence has shown that docosahexaenoic acid has anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive abilities. Studies have shown that autophagy inhibition and ferroptosis are promising therapeutic strategies for overcoming multidrug resistance. This study was aimed to examine whether docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) could reverse docetaxel resistance in prostate cancer cells. Cell survival was examined by MTT and colony formation. Protein expression was determined by Western blot. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by flow cytometry. DHA displayed anti-cancer effects on proliferation, colony formation, migration, apoptosis, autophagy and epithelial mesenchymal transition. Glutathione-S-transferase π is an enzyme that plays an important role in drug resistance. DHA inhibited GSTπ protein expression and induced cytoprotective autophagy by regulating the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway in PC3R cells. DHA combined with PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) enhanced apoptosis by alleviating the expression of LC3B, (pro-) caspase- 3 and (uncleaved) PARP. DHA induced ferroptosis by attenuating the expression of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). DHA-treated PC3R cells produced ROS. The ROS and cytotoxicity were reversed by treatment with ferrostatin-1. DHA combined with docetaxel inhibited EMT by regulating the expression of E-cadhein and N-cadherin. In summary, DHA reversed drug resistance and induced cytoprotective autophagy and ferroptosis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/Nrf2/GPX4 signalling pathway in PC3R cells. We propose that DHA could be developed as a chemosensitizer and that the PI3K/AKT /Nrf2/GPX4 signalling pathway might be a promising therapeutic target for overcoming cancer drug resistance.

[Long-term observation of the effect of atlantoaxial fusion on the growth and development of children's cervical spine].

Objective: To explore the effect of atlantoaxial fusion on the growth and development of children's cervical spine. Methods: The clinical data of 12 children with atlantoaxial dislocation who underwent posterior atlantoaxial fusion at Department of Orthopaedics,the 909th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force of Chinese People's Liberation Army from June 2002 to September 2013 were retrospective analyzed. There were 7 males and 5 females,with age of (8.1±3.1)years (range:3 to 13 years).Nine cases were traumatic and 3 cases were congenital malformations,1 of the children had Down syndrome. All children underwent posterior atlantoaxial fusion. Furthermore,the information of the height and anteroposterior width of the cervical vertebral bodies and vertical growth rate of the fusion mass were collected from all patients immediately postoperatively and during the follow-up.The range of motion in cervical spine were collected preoperatively and during follow-up period. Data were compared using independent sample t test, paired sample t test and repeated-measurement. Results: All 12 children had regular follow-up within (122.4±25.3)months(range:65 to 163 months). The height and anteroposterior width of the cervical vertebral bodies were similar to these results with those in published reports of growth in normal children of the same age(all P<0.01). At the last follow-up,atlantoaxial fusion of 11 cases had substantial growth (vertical growth rate of the fusion mass:11 cases ≥10%, 1 case <10%);the range of motion in cervical spine was close to the normal level (flexion(55.2±5.0)°,extension (65.3±4.9)°,left bending (41.7±4.5)°,right bending (42.4±4.4)°,left rotation (66.4±5.6)°,right rotation (68.5±5.8)°). Conclusions: Atlantoaxial fusion surgery is satisfactory in the treatment of pediatric atlantoaxial dislocation.During the follow-up,the growth and development of the cervical spine is close to that of normal children of the same age.In long-term observation,it has been found that the operation has no negative effect on the growth and development of the children's cervical spine.

[Bioinformatics analysis of key genes and prognosis-related genes during the onset of hepatocellular carcinoma].

Objective: To screen and analyze the differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) in primary hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and adjacent tissues using bioinformatics methods to explore the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and prognosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods: GSE76427 data set was collected through GEO database, and DEGs were identified using GEO2R online analysis. Go and KEGG databases were used for enrichment and functional annotation of DEGs. Protein interaction network was built based on the STRING database and Cytoscape software to analyze the key genes of hepatocellular carcinoma, and the survival curve of these key genes were analyzed using the GEPIA database. Results: A total of 74 hepatocellular carcinoma DEGs were screened, of which 3 and 71 were up-and-down-regulated genes. The results of GO enrichment analysis showed that the down-regulated DEGs were mainly involved in cell response to cadmium and zinc ions, negative growth regulation, heterologous metabolic processes and hormone-mediated signaling pathways. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis results showed that the down-regulated DEGs pathway were mainly involved in retinol metabolism, chemical carcinogenesis, drug metabolism-cytochrome P450, cytochrome P450 metabolizing xenobiotics, tryptophan metabolism and caffeine metabolism. Protein interaction network had screened out 10 down-regulated core genes: MT1G, MT1F, MT1X, MT1E, MT1H, insulin-like growth factor 1, FOS, CXCL12, EGR1, and BGN. Among them, the insulin-like growth factor 1 was related to the prognosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: Bioinformatics analysis results of HCC chip data showed that 10 key genes may play a key role in the occurrence and development of HCC and the insulin like growth factor 1 is associated with the prognosis of primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Integrated analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of hepatocellular carcinoma to construct miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA regulatory network].

Objective: This study analyzes the expression level of miR-1180-3p and constructs the regulatory network of relevant ceRNA by integrating the DNA methylation and gene expression profile of hepatocellular carcinoma from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Methods: Firstly, the expression level of miR-1180-3p in hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissues was analyzed by TCGA database, and the differential expression of lncrna and mRNA was screened. Secondly, the LncBase database and the TargetScan database were used to predict the relationship between miR-1180-3p and lncRNA and mRNA, and the DNA methylation-mediated lncRNA was screened by the DNA methylation profile of lncRNA. Finally, Cytoscape software was used to construct miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA network, and WebGestalt website was used to perform GO and KEGG analysis of related mRNA in ceRNA. Results: Compared with patients with low expression of miR-1180-3p (mean overall survival duration, 5.69 ± 0.35 years), patients with high expression of miR-1180-3p had shorter overall survival time (mean overall survival duration, 3.99 ± 0.47 years), indicating that the high expression of miR-1180-3p was hepatocellular carcinoma risk factor affecting the prognosis (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.1 ~ 1.5, P < 0.01). A miR-1180-3p related ceRNA regulatory network was constructed in this study, which contained 2 lncRNAs (F11-AS1 and LINC01511) and 37 mRNAs. Conclusion: This study has successfully constructed miR-1180-3p relevant ceRNA regulatory network, and DNA methylation-mediated F11-AS1 and F11-AS1/miR-1180-3p/C11of54 ceRNA regulatory axis has played an important role in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Overexpression of the long noncoding RNA NEAT1 protects against As2O3-induced injury of cardiomyocyte by inhibiting the miR-124/NF-κB signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) an evident effect in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia and other malignant tumors in recent years. However, more and more studies have found that the cardiac toxicity of As2O3 was increased, limiting its wide clinical application. This study aims to explore the molecule mechanisms of As2O3 on cardiomyocyte injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cardiomyocyte injury under As2O3 was detected by MTT assay. The levels of NEAT1 and miR-124 were examined by RT-PCR. The functions of NEAT1 and miR-124 at H9c2 cell injury under As2O3 were detected by cell transfection of the overexpression or repression. The expression levels of inflammation factors, apoptosis genes and NF-κB signals were measured by Western blot in H9c2 cell lines under As2O3. The luciferase assay detected the direct interaction between NEAT1 and miR-124. RESULTS: The overexpression of NEAT1 decreased the H9c2 cells injury under As2O3. The levels of IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α were upregulated after NEAT1 overexpression. Moreover, the luciferase assay results showed NEAT1 was directly interacting with miR-124. Silencing of miR-124 significantly increased the H9c2 cell survival under As2O3 by repressing NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, the overexpression of NEAT1 markedly increased H9c2 cells survival under As2O3, while the miR-124 could reverse the effects. Finally, NEAT1 regulated the H9c2 cells As2O3 injury by repressing the miR-124, NF-kappa B expressions and inflammatory response. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, we found that long non-coding RNA NEAT1 regulated the expression of inflammatory factors to protect cardiomyocytes from As2O3 damage by inhibiting miR-124/NF-kappa B signaling pathway. It provides a novel potential treatment strategy for As2O3 cardiomyocytes injury.

[Bibliometric analysis on research hotspots on HIV post-exposure prophylaxis related articles in the world, 2000-2017].

Objective: To analyze and reveal the distribution, research hotspots and study trend of worldwide published articles correlated with HIV/AIDS post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and provide information for related studies in China. Methods: CiteSpace software 5.1 was used to visualize all related papers in the web of science database published during 2000-2017. Results: The average growth rate of international PEP-related papers was 10.78%,and number of published papers in 2016 was highest (n=34), relevant research hotspots have shifted from the prevention of occupational HIV exposure to the prevention of non-occupational HIV exposure in group at high risk, such as MSM, in recent years. Clustering analysis classified research hotspots into three categories, including risk reduction through enhanced intervention, current status of global HIV PEP and German-Austrian Recommendation. Conclusions: Non-occupational HIV PEP in groups at high-risk, especially MSM, has received increasing attention in recent years, the research of PEP mainly focus on improving the awareness and use of PEP in MSM and compliance in the course of medication. In the context of severe HIV epidemic in MSM without effective control in China, PEP should be strengthened to assess and explore the risk of HIV infection in MSM to provide reference for medical personnel and related departments to implement HIV non-occupation exposure blockade and formulate PEP medication.

[Hedgehog pathway antagonist-induced oromandibular limb hypogenesis in mouse].

Objective: To analysis teratogenic effect of GDC-0449 to fetus and set up the animal model of GDC-0449 induced oromandibular limb hypogenesis in mouse for further research of its pathogenesis. Methods: Twenty-seven pregnant Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were randomly divided into: control group, embryonic day 8.5 (E8.5) exposed groups, E9.5 exposed groups, E10.5 exposed groups, E11.5 exposed groups, E12.5 exposed groups, E13.5 exposed groups, E14.5 exposed groups and E15.5 exposed groups. Each group had 3 mice. Exposed groups were treated with the Hedgehog pathway antagonist GDC-0449 at a single dose 150 mg/kg by oral gavage from E8.5 to E15.5. At E16.5, embryonic phenotypes were analyzed in detail by stereo microscope and histology. After establish an optimal dysmorphogenic concentration, 6 pregnant ICR mice were randomly divided into control group and the optimal group, embryonic phenotypes were analyzed by whole-mount skeletal staining and micro-computed tomography at E18.5. Results: The mice were exposed to GDC-0449 on E11.5 and E12.5 had a high incidence of cleft palate. GDC-0449 exposed between E9.5 and E10.5 caused craniofacial and limb dysmorphology, including micrognathia, microglossia, ectrodactylia, partial anodontia and cleft palate. Most interestingly, these are extremely similar to oromandibular limb hypogenesis syndrome. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that GDC-0449 can be used to induce micrognathia, microglossia, ectrodactylia, partial anodontia and cleft palate. This work established a novel mouse model for oromandibular limb hypogenesis.

The influence of palatable high-energy diet in diet-induced obesity pregnant rats on offspring oxidative stress in liver.

OBJECTIVE: We established an animal model of diet-induced obesity pregnant rats and their offsprings, and explored the effect of high-energy feeding on oxidative stress in filial rat liver, as well as the underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into two groups: control group and palatable high-energy diet (PHED) group. Liver tissues were obtained 12 days after offspring rats were born for further study. The expressions of malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidative enzyme activities were measured, and pathological change of liver tissues was examined by HE staining. In addition, the expressions of inflammatory factors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1ß, and mRNA level of Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), were examined by ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively. Furthermore, COX-2 and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expressions were also examined by Western Blot. RESULTS: Offspring rats of PHED group displayed a significantly higher level of MDA than the control group, and significantly lower level of GSH. Significant reductions in the activities of a number of antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), were found in the PHED group offspring rats compared to the control group offspring rats. HE staining showed the liver cells in the control group offspring rats showed normal histopathological appearance, such as well-aligned cell patterning and unchanged cellular structure, but in the PHED group offspring rats showed slight structure deformation and misalignment. HO-1 mRNA in PHED group offspring rats is significantly higher than that in the control group offspring rats. Also, the expression of COX-2 and p-NF-κB-p65 in PHED group offspring rat liver is 72% and 38% higher than in the control group offspring rat liver, respectively. Expression of NF-κB-p65 in PHED group offspring rats is also significantly higher than that in the control group offspring rats. CONCLUSIONS: Palatable high-energy intake of obesity pregnant rats could lead to reduced antioxidant function in offspring rat liver, even increase the chance of chronical liver disease in the early ages of offsprings. The underlying mechanism is associated with the activity of NF-κB protein.

Effects of arsenic supplementation in feed on laying performance, arsenic retention of eggs and organs, biochemical indices and endocrine hormones.

1. The primary objective of this experiment was to estimate the toxic effects of arsenic (As) supplementation in feed on laying performance, As retention by eggs and organs, serum biochemical indices and endocrine hormones in laying hens. 2. A total of 320 "Jinghong Number 1" hens, 56-week-old, were randomly allocated into four treatments of four replicates with 20 layers in each. Graded arsenical was added to the basal diet in the experimental diets at As levels of 0, 17, 34 and 51 mg/kg, respectively. The trial lasted for 9 weeks including 1 week for acclimatisation. 3. Supplementation of dietary As for eight weeks had no effect on laying performance. As retention in albumen, yolk, egg, liver and kidney increased as As levels increased The level of serum phosphorus (P) was minimised at the 17 mg As/kg group. The activity of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) increased linearly. No differences were observed for levels of serum calcium (Ca), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT). Concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PG) declined at 34 and 51 mg/kg As levels compared with the control group. As supplementation exerted no influence on levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and the ratio between T3 and T4. 4. In conclusion, dietary As supplementation accelerated retention in tissues and eggs, and affected the laying rate by diminishing hormone levels of E2 and PG at 51 mg/kg.

Tea polyphenols inactivate Cronobacter sakazakii isolated from powdered infant formula.

This study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of tea polyphenols (TP) against 4 Cronobacter sakazakii strains with different sequence types (ST) isolated from powdered infant formula (PIF). The results showed that in normal saline, 5mg/mL of TP (pH 3.44) could eliminate approximately 7.0 log cfu/mL of C. sakazakii within 1 h; in rehydrated PIF, after acidification with HCl (pH 3.55), TP showed a stronger antibacterial activity compared with the controls (malic acid, ascorbic acid, and citric acid). Further, some differences were obvious in tolerance to TP between C. sakazakii strains with different ST. The tolerance of C. sakazakii CE1 (ST4) to TP was found to be greater than that of the other 3 C. sakazakii strains (ST1, ST8, and ST64). The results of recovered test and transmission electron microscope analysis revealed that the action of TP against C. sakazakii was an irreversible bactericidal process caused by leakage of cytoplasm. Taken together, these results indicated that TP had an effective bactericidal effect against C. sakazakii, and provided a new idea for preventing and inactivating C. sakazakii in PIF.

Expression of erythropoietin and its receptor in kidneys from normal and cyclosporine-treated rats.

Long-term treatment with cyclosporine A (CsA) is associated with various types of complications; however, CsA-induced anemia has not been reported. The present study examined the impact of CsA on hematopoietic parameters and intrarenal expression of erythropoietin (EPO) and the EPO receptor (EPOR) in a rat model of chronic CsA nephrotoxicity. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a low-salt diet (0.05% sodium) and were treated daily for 4 weeks with vehicle (olive oil 1 mL/kg subcutaneously) or CsA (15 mg/kg subcutaneously). The expression of EPO and EPOR was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, and hematopoietic parameters were assessed by measuring blood hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, and these variables were compared between treatment groups. Renal function, oxidative stress, histopathology (tubulointerstitial fibrosis), apoptotic cell death, and expression of transforming growth factor ß-inducible gene-h3 (ßig-h3) were also compared between treatment groups. In kidneys from vehicle-treated rats, endogenous EPO and EPOR protein were expressed constitutively in the outer stripe of the outer medulla and the cortex. EPO protein expression decreased significantly in kidneys from CsA-treated rats. By contrast, EPOR expression was higher in kidneys from CsA-treated rats than in vehicle-treated rats. These changes were accompanied by decreases in serum hemoglobin and hematocrit levels and correlated with the number of cells positive for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (r = -0.769, P = .003) and ßig-h3 protein expression (r = -0.910, P < .001). Long-term treatment with CsA suppresses renal endogenous EPO expression, resulting in anemia. Increases in apoptotic cell death and ßig-h3 expression are closely associated with inhibition of EPO expression in chronic CsA nephrotoxicity.

Comparison of the health-related quality of life in patients with narrow gastric tube and whole stomach reconstruction after oncologic esophagectomy: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To compare the health-related quality of life in patients with narrow gastric tube and whole stomach reconstructions after oncologic esophagectomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a prospective randomized single-center study from 2007 to 2008, 104 patients underwent esophagectomy for cancer. To assess health-related quality of life, the questionnaire (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 and the Oesophagus-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire 18) was administered at 3 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years after surgery. RESULTS: The perioperative complication rate was 26.9% in narrow gastric tube group and 48.1% in whole stomach group (P = 0.31). At the time of 3 weeks after surgery, the reflux and dyspnea scores were higher in whole stomach group than in narrow gastric tube group, which meant that the patients in whole stomach group suffered more severe problem. At the time of 6 months and 1 year after surgery, the reflux scores were lower in narrow gastric tube group than in whole stomach group, which revealed that there were less problems of reflux in the patients of narrow gastric tube group; meanwhile, the score of physical function scale in narrow gastric tube group was higher conversely, which suggested that the patients gain a better status in physical function. Nausea and vomiting is the only notable symptom that was worse in whole stomach group at the time of 2 years after surgery, which suggested that patients in whole stomach group suffered more severe nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSIONS: Narrow gastric tube reconstruction may be a good alternative choice for patients undergoing oncologic esophagectomy in view of better health-related quality of life after the surgery.

The regulatory role of NF-κB in autophagy-like cell death after focal cerebral ischemia in mice.

Autophagy may contribute to ischemia-induced cell death in the brain, but the regulation of autophagic cell death is largely unknown. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is a regulator of apoptosis in cerebral ischemia. We examined the hypothesis that autophagy-like cell death could contribute to ischemia-induced brain damage and the process was regulated by NF-κB. In adult wild-type (WT) and NF-κB p50 knockout (p50(-/-)) mice, focal ischemia in the barrel cortex was induced by ligation of distal branches of the middle cerebral artery. Twelve to 24h later, autophagic activity increased as indicated by enhanced expression of Beclin-1 and LC3 in the ischemic core and/or penumbra regions. This increased autophagy contributed to cell injury, evidenced by terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) co-staining and a protective effect achieved by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. The number of Beclin-1/TUNEL-positive cells was significantly more in p50(-/-) mice than in WT mice. Neuronal and vascular cell death, as determined by TUNEL-positive cells co-staining with NeuN or Collagen IV, was more abundant in p50(-/-) mice. Immunostaining of the endothelial cell tight junction marker occludin revealed more damage to the blood-brain barrier in p50(-/-) mice. Western blotting of the peri-infarct tissue showed a reduction of Akt-the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling in p50(-/-) mice after ischemia. These findings provide the first evidence that cerebral ischemia induced autophagy-like injury is regulated by the NF-κB pathway, which may suggest potential treatments for ischemic stroke.

Transient attenuated Foxp3 expression on CD4⁺ T cells treated with 7D4 mAb contributes to the control of parasite burden in DBA / 2 mice infected with lethal Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS.

CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells expressing Foxp3(+) play a critical role in maintaining immune homoeostasis and controlling excessive immune responses. However, controversy about the immunoregulatory role of Treg cells exists in malaria studies. Given the role of maintenance of Foxp3 expression in Treg cells' activities, we investigated whether anti-CD25 mAb (7D4 clone) treatment affects Foxp3 expression in CD4(+) T cells in DBA/2 mice infected with Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS (P. c. chabaudi AS). We found that DBA/2 mice succumbed to P. c. chabaudi AS infection, which was accompanied by increased expression of Foxp3 in CD4(+) T cells at the peak parasitemia. In contrast, Foxp3 expression was impaired in CD25-depleted mice with 7D4 mAb treatment, leading to delayed parasitemia and extended survival of infected mice. Production of IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-6, as well as NO was significantly enhanced in CD25-depleted mice. The majority of CD4(+) CTLA-4(+) cells expressed high levels of Foxp3 (Foxp3(hi) cells) in control mice with P. c. chabaudi AS infection. However, the number of CD4(+) Foxp3(hi) CTLA-4(+) cells was reduced in CD25-depleted mice. Together, these data suggest that CD4(+) Foxp3(hi) CTLA-4(+) cells may be involved in regulating the intensity of pro-inflammatory responses via CTLA-4.