Responses of intestinal morphology, immunity, antioxidant status and cecal microbiota to the mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde in laying hens.

This study was to determine the effects of the mixture of glycerol monolaurate and cinnamaldehyde (GCM) supplementation on the intestinal morphology, immunity, antioxidant status and cecal microbiota of laying hens. A total of 1,120 healthy laying hens (Jingfen-1 strain) at the age of 14 wk were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 replicates of 28 layers in each and layers were fed diets containing 0 (control group), or 250, 500, and 1,000 mg/kg GCM for 12 wk. The results showed that dietary supplementation with GCM significantly increased intestinal villus height and villus height/crypt depth, duodenal villus area, total superoxide disumutase activities in the liver and jejunum, jejunal glutathione peroxidase activities while decreased duodenal and jejunal crypt depth, hydrogen peroxide content in the liver and jejunal malondialdehyde content of laying hens aging 28 wk (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, GCM addition significantly increased serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin M concentration of layers at the age of 20, 24, and 28 wk (P < 0.05). Moreover, it was observed in the 16S rRNA sequencing that the addition of GCM elevated the abundance and diversity of gut microbiota in laying hens. The predominant bacteria from each group were Bacteroidota and Firmicutes at the phylum level and Bacteroides and Lactobacillus were the dominant genera. The composition and structure of cecal microflora were changed by the addition of GCM to the diet of laying hens. In conclusion, the addition of GCM (500-1,000 mg/kg diet) can improve intestinal morphology, immune function, intestinal and liver antioxidant status and intestinal flora of laying hens, thereby improving intestinal digestion and absorption capacity. These findings provide a new way to further explore the mechanism of GCM improving intestinal health.

[Gastric hamartomatous inverted polyps: a clinicopathological analysis of five cases].

Objective: To investigate the endoscopic and histopathological features, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of gastric hamartomatous inverted polyp (GHIP). Methods: Five cases of GHIP were collected at the University Town Hospital of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China, from May 2021 to May 2023. The endoscopic, pathological and immunohistochemical features of the 5 GHIP cases were analyzed. The relevant literature was reviewed. Results: There were 3 males and 2 females, aged from 49 to 60 years, with a mean age of 56 years. The lesions were located in the fundus and body of the stomach, and presented as polyps or masses under endoscopy. Microscopically, the lesions were mainly in the submucosa and consisted of lobulated or clustered gastric glandular epithelium surrounded by hyperplastic smooth muscle. In some areas, there were differentiated glandular elements mimicking the normal gastric mucosa. The irregularly dilated glandular elements in the center were lined by hyperplastic foveolar epithelium, while the glands in the periphery were fundic or pyloric glands. In addition, in some areas, the glands showed cystic expansion, disordered arrangement and lack of differentiation. The hyperplastic glandular epithelium included foveolar epithelium, fundic gland and pyloric gland. There were scattered neuroendocrine cells and smooth muscle bundles in the stroma. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for MUC5AC, MUC6, Pepsinogen Ⅰ and H+/K+ ATPase ß, but negative for MUC2. The scattered neuroendocrine cells were positive for synaptophysin, and the desmin stain highlighted hyperplastic smooth muscle bundles. One case was classified as type 2 gastric inverted polyp, and 4 cases were classified as type 3. Conclusions: GHIP is a rare gastric polyp with unique histological features. It should be distinguished from inverted hyperplastic polyp, gastritis cystica profunda, adenomyoma, hyperplastic polyps and well-differentiated gastric tubular adenocarcinoma, etc. Improving the understanding of its pathogenesis and diagnostic features can help avoid misdiagnoses.

Lonicera flos and Cnicus japonicus extracts improved egg quality partly by modulating antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens.

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Lonicera flos and Cnicus japonicus extracts (LCE) on the laying performance, egg quality, morphology, antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines, and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens. A total of 1,728 Roman Pink laying hens aged 73-wk-old were randomly assigned into 4 groups (18 replicates/group, 24 layers/replicate) fed basal diets supplemented with 0, 300, 500, and 1,000 mg of LCE per kg of diet, respectively. The trial lasted for 11 wk, including 2-wk adjustment period and 9-wk testing period. The results indicated that laying hens fed diets supplemented with LCE linearly increased egg weight, yolk color and shell thickness at wk 78 and albumen height, Haugh unit and shell thickness at wk 83 (P < 0.05). At wk 78, LCE groups linearly affected the hydrogen peroxide content in magnum (P < 0.05) and 300 mg/kg LCE groups had the highest catalase activity in isthmus (P < 0.05). At wk 83, LCE groups linearly reduced (P < 0.05) hydrogen peroxide content in the magnum and isthmus and malondialdehyde content in the uterus whereas increased catalase activity in isthmus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LCE levels quadratically affected glutathione peroxidase activity in isthmus at wk 83 (P < 0.05). At wk 78, the mRNA expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase and interferon-γ in isthmus and ovalbumin and ovocleidin-116 in uterus had linear effects in response to LCE levels (P < 0.05) and 1,000 mg/kg LCE group had the lowest mRNA expression of interleukin-6 in magnum (P < 0.05). At wk 83, LCE supplementation linearly decreased the mRNA expression of interleukin-1ß, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α in magnum and tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase in uterus (P < 0.05). It is concluded that LCE improved egg quality partly by modulating antioxidant status, inflammatory-related cytokines and shell matrix protein expression of oviduct in laying hens.

Effects of salpingitis simulation on the morphology and expression of inflammatory-related genes of oviduct in laying hens.

This study was conducted to simulate salpingitis of laying hens by observing the morphology and expression of inflammatory genes in the oviduct. A total of one hundred twenty 81-wk-old Roman Pink laying hens in good physical condition without the oviduct disease with an average egg production rate of 76% were fed a basal diet for 2 wks and then randomly allocated into 4 groups (6 replicates/group, 5 birds/replicate). The experimental treatments were as follows: 1) Control group (treated with PBS); 2) Organic chemical reagent (OCR) group; 3) Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group; 4) LPS + OCR group. First, the chickens were kept upside down to make ectropion and exposure of the apertura uterinae; then prepared reagents were poured into the uterine part of the fallopian tube by using the chicken vas deferens (1 mL/layer); finally, the chickens were kept in the inverted position for 5 to 10 min. The fallopian tube samples (the magnum, isthmus, and uterus) were collected after 48 h of treatment. Compared with the control, treatment with LPS+OCR decreased (P < 0.05) the secondary villus length and primary villus area in magnum and villus length in isthmus (P < 0.05). An increase (P < 0.05) of the intervillous space of uterus was observed in LPS + OCR group compared with the control. The expressions of interleukin-6 mRNA of magnum and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) of isthmus in the LPS and LPS+OCR treatments were higher (P < 0.05) than that in control. Compared with the control, treatment with LPS+OCR increased (P < 0.05) the expressions of IFN-γ mRNA of magnum and IFN-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α and inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA of uterus in laying hens. In conclusion, the results of morphological damage of fallopian tube tissue and increased expression of inflammatory factors in LPS + OCR treatment group suggested that LPS+OCR treatment can provide data basis to establish salpingitis model in laying hens for studying the pathogenesis of it.

[Outcomes at discharge of preterm infants born <34 weeks' gestation].

Objective: To investigate the incidence and trend of short-term outcomes among preterm infants born <34 weeks' gestation. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from the standardized database established by a multicenter cluster-randomized controlled study "reduction of infection in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) using the evidence-based practice for improving quality (REIN-EPIQ) study". This study was conducted in 25 tertiary NICU. A total of 27 192 infants with gestational age <34 weeks at birth and admitted to NICU within the first 7 days of life from May 2015 to April 2018 were enrolled. Infants with severe congenital malformation were excluded. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the mortality and major morbidities of preterm infants by gestational age groups and different admission year groups. Cochran-Armitage test and Jonckheere-Terpstra test were used to analyze the trend of incidences of mortality and morbidities in 3 study-years. Multiple Logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the differences of outcomes in 3 study-years adjusting for confounders. Results: A total of 27 192 preterm infants were enrolled with gestational age of (31.3±2.0) weeks at birth and weight of (1 617±415) g at birth. Overall, 9.5% (2 594/27 192) of infants were discharged against medical advice, and the overall mortality rate was 10.7% (2 907/27 192). Mortality for infants who received complete care was 4.7% (1 147/24 598), and mortality or any major morbidity was 26.2% (6 452/24 598). The incidences of moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, proven necrotizing enterocolitis, and severe retinopathy of prematurity were 16.0% (4 342/27 192), 11.9% (3 225/27 192), 6.8% (1 641/24 206), 3.6% (939/25 762) and 1.5% (214/13 868), respectively. There was a decreasing of the overall mortality (P<0.001) during the 3 years. Also, the incidences for sepsis and severe retinopathy of prematurity both decreased (both P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the major morbidity in preterm infants who received complete care during the 3-year study period (P=0.230). After adjusting for confounders, infants admitted during the third study year showed significantly lower risk of overall mortality (adjust OR=0.62, 95%CI 0.55-0.69, P<0.001), mortality or major morbidity, moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis and severe retinopathy of prematurity, compared to those admitted in the first study year (all P<0.05). Conclusions: From 2015 to 2018, the mortality and major morbidities among preterm infants in Chinese NICU decreased, but there is still space for further efforts. Further targeted quality improvement is needed to improve the overall outcome of preterm infants.

[Neurofibromatosis type 1 initially presented with glaucoma in the Department of Ophthalmology: a case report].

An eleven-year-old boy visited the Department of Ophthalmology due to visual acuity loss accompanied by high intraocular tension in the left eye for one year. Besides glaucoma, the typical ocular manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 such as bilateral Lisch nodules of the iris, multiple patchy choroidal nodules and retinal microvascular abnormalities were identified, and Cafe-au-lait macules appeared on the body skin. Based on the medical history, clinical presentation and auxiliary examination results, the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 with secondary glaucoma in the left eye was confirmed.

[Analysis of fundus examination results in 8 808 pediatric patients in Northwest China].

Objective: To explore the incidence and age distribution of fundus abnormalities in pediatric patients aged 0-3 years in northwest China. Methods: A retrospective study of the clinical data of 8808 pediatric patients aged 0-3 years who underwent fundus examination with a wide-filed digital retinal imaging system and an indirect ophthalmoscope in our hospital from January 2008 to December 2019 were performed. There were 5092 males and 3716 females, with a median age of 1 month (range, 3 days to 3 years), a mean gestational age of 34.32 (SD 2.92) weeks (range, 24 to 42 weeks) and a mean birth weight of 2006.92 (SD 709.23) g (range, 490 to 5500 g), from Shaanxi Province (7415 cases, 84.18%), Gansu Province (770 cases, 8.74%), Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (94 cases, 1.07%), Qinghai Province (53 cases, 0.60%), Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (14 cases, 0.16%) and other neighboring areas (462 cases, 5.25%). The fundus condition of the enrolled pediatric patients was documented to calculate the annual detection rate. The joinpoint regression model was drawn to estimate the annual percent change and average annual percent change. The constituent ratios and age distribution of different types of fundus abnormalities were finally analyzed. Results: Fundus abnormalities were detected in 2 531 cases (28.74%). During the 12 years, the number of pediatric patients undergoing fundus examination each year in our center increased rapidly in the first 7 years, and then kept almost stable, while the number of fundus abnormality cases increased year by year. The positive detection rate showed an overall upward trend with an average annual percent change of +7.2%, and it was +30.09% from 2016 to 2019. Among all the pediatric patients with fundus abnormalities, there were 1 678 cases with developmental diseases (66.30%), 232 cases with hereditary diseases (9.16%), 140 cases with ocular tumor (5.53%), 64 cases with ophthalmic manifestations of systemic diseases (2.53%), 31 cases with ocular trauma (1.23%), 12 cases with infectious diseases or inflammation (0.48%) and 438 cases with other ocular abnormalities (17.31%). The top 5 abnormalities were retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; 1477 cases, 58.36%), gray patchy retinopathy (225 cases, 8.89%), retinal hemorrhage (157 cases, 6.20%), retinoblastoma (137 cases, 5.41%) and familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (77 cases, 3.04%). Fundus abnormalities varied with age. ROP, developmental diseases other than ROP, hereditary diseases, ocular trauma and infectious diseases were mostly detected in pediatric patients at 0-6 months old, while tumors were mostly detected after 1 year old. Conclusions: The detection rate of fundus abnormalities in the Department of Ophthalmology of Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University, a tertiary referral center in northwest China, increased notably year by year. The abnormalities were mainly developmental and hereditary lesions as well as of certain age distribution. They occurred with the highest frequency between birth and 6 months of age, in which ROP was in the ascendancy. Meanwhile, the detection rate of other developmental, hereditary and neoplastic disorders increased with age. Therefore, a comprehensive and objective understanding of the fundus disease in infants is essential. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 777-783).

[Clinical analysis of 14 cases of head and neck carcinosarcoma].

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and prognosis of head and neck carcinosarcoma. Methods: The clinical data of 14 patients with head and neck carcinosarcoma treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2010 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 11 males and 3 females, with age range from 30 to 72 years old. Clinicopathological characteristics, treatments and follow-up results of patients were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate the cumulative survival rate. Results: Histopathological examination showed the co-existence of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components in all cases. Immunohistochemical staining of 13 cases showed cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigens were positively expressed in the epithelial areas, whereas vimentin was positive in the malignant mesenchymal tissue area. Among 14 cases, 5 cases were treated with surgery, 3 cases with surgery and radiotherapy, and 6 cases with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The follow-up time was 2-81 months, with a median follow-up time of 22.5 months. Except for one patient who was lost to follow-up in 21 months after treatment, among the remaining 13 patients, 4 patients had recurrence, 8 patients died, and 5 patients had a tumor-free survival. The Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the 1, 3, and 5-year cumulative survival rates of 14 patients with head and neck carcinosarcoma were 64.3%, 57.1%, and 42.9%, respectively. Conclusions: Carcinosarcoma of the head and neck is rare in clinic, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations are important basis for diagnosis, and surgery is a preferred treatment. Carcinosarcoma of the head and neck has a poor prognosis, and patients should be followed up for a long time.

Inverse association between bone mineral density and fibrinogen in menopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory diseases are risk factors for osteoporosis. We aimed to explore whether fibrinogen, which is linked to chronic inflammation, is associated with bone mineral density (BMD) in menopausal women. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed 339 menopausal women from Zhejiang Province between January 2016 and October 2019. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between fibrinogen and BMD. RESULTS: Significant inverse association was observed between the serum fibrinogen level and BMD in menopausal women. The mean BMD in each quartile of fibrinogen level was 0.901, 0.897, 0.892, and 0.855 g/cm2, respectively (p = 0.027). After adjusting for age, body mass index, metabolic profiles, blood inflammatory factors, and serum levels of estradiol, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase, fibrinogen levels remained significantly associated with BMD (regression coefficients for quartiles 1-3 vs. quartile 4 were 0.046, 0.027, and 0.036, respectively; p for trend <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher fibrinogen levels were associated with lower BMD in menopausal women, which was independent of age, body mass index, estradiol, and other factors. Therefore, serum fibrinogen can be used as a new predictor of reduced BMD in menopausal women.

LINC01116 promotes proliferation, invasion and migration of osteosarcoma cells by silencing p53 and EZH2.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to elucidate the expression pattern and potential function of LINC01116 in regulating the progression of osteosarcoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Expression levels of LINC01116 in osteosarcoma tissues (n=52) and adjacent normal tissues (n=52) were detected by quantitative Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Survival analysis and univariate analysis were performed in osteosarcoma patients based on the relative expression levels of LINC01116 and clinical data. Overexpression or silence of LINC01116 in osteosarcoma cells was achieved by transfection of plasmid complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (pcDNA)-LINC01116 or si-LINC01116, respectively. Subsequently, the regulatory effects of LINC01116 on cellular behaviors of osteosarcoma cells were examined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), transwell and flow cytometry. Meanwhile, the potential mechanism of LINC01116 in regulating the progression of osteosarcoma was explored by RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Western blot. Potential target genes in osteosarcoma were searched, and their functions were clarified through a series of rescue experiments. RESULTS: LINC01116 expression in osteosarcoma tissues was significantly higher than adjacent normal tissues. The expression of LINC01116 was negatively correlated with overall survival, whereas positively correlated with tumor size and clinical grade of osteosarcoma patients. Transfection of pcDNA-LINC01116 significantly enhanced proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities of U2OS cells, shortened G0/G1 phase period, and inhibited cell apoptosis. However, transfection of si-LINC01116 in MG63 cells obtained the opposite trends in the above-mentioned cellular behaviors. Furthermore, RIP assay confirmed the binding of enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) to LINC01116. Knockdown of LINC01116 significantly up-regulated the expressions of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and p53. Moreover, EZH2 knockdown could reverse the inhibitory effect of LINC01116 on carcinogenesis of osteosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS: LINC01116 is highly expressed in osteosarcoma. Up-regulated LINC01116 can promote cell proliferation, invasion and cell cycle progression, while inhibiting the apoptosis of osteosarcoma cells. Furthermore, LINC01116 is involved in the development of osteosarcoma by binding to EZH2 to regulate expressions of PTEN and p53.

PLZF regulates apoptosis of leukemia cells by regulating AKT/Foxo3a pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regulatory role of PLZF in the malignant phenotype of non-APL acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The expression level of PLZF in AML cell lines KG-1a, HL-60, OCI-AML3, THP-1 and K562 was detected by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) and Western blot, respectively. Subsequently, THP-1 cells were divided into mock group (no treatment), scramble group (transfection with scramble shRNA) and shPLZF group (transfection with shPLZF). THP-1 cell line stably expressing shPLZF was constructed, followed by determination of its transfection efficiency by qPCR and Western blot, respectively. The proliferation and colony formation of THP-1 cells were accessed using CCK-8 (cell counting kit-8) assay and colony formation assay, respectively. The apoptotic rate in THP-1 cells was determined using flow cytometry. Protein levels of apoptosis-related genes in THP-1 cells were detected by Western blot. Finally, protein levels of AKT, Foxo3a, pAKT and pFoxo3a were detected by Western blot as well. RESULTS: Both mRNA and protein levels of PLZF were relatively high in THP-1 cells, and were selected for the following experiments. After construction of THP-1 cell line stably expressing shPLZF, proliferative rate and colony formation abilities increased in the shPLZF group compared with the mock group and the scramble group. We found a decreased apoptotic rate, downregulated Bax and upregulated Bcl-2 in the shPLZF group than those of the mock group and scramble group. Phosphorylation levels of AKT and Foxo3a increased after interference with PLZF, whereas no significant changes in total levels of AKT and Foxo3a were observed. CONCLUSIONS: PLZF inhibits the malignant phenotype of AML by regulating the AKT/Foxo3a pathway.

High expression of VEGFA in MSCs promotes tendon-bone healing of rotator cuff tear via microRNA-205-5p.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the role of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tendon-bone healing of rotator cuff tear (RCT) and to investigate its possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were transfected with pcDNA-VEGFA. The viability of MSCs was detected by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Expression levels of type I and type II collagen in MSCs were detected by quantitative Real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). RCT was constructed in rats. Meanwhile, all rats were divided into MSCs group and MSCs-pcDNA-VEGFA group, respectively. Biomechanical test was performed to detect ultimate load of failure and stiffness in RCT rats. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was conducted to analyze the binding condition between microRNA-205-5p and VEGFA, which was further verified by Western blot and qRT-PCR. RESULTS: VEGFA overexpression significantly promoted viability and proliferation of MSCs. Expression levels of type I and type II collagen were significantly upregulated after VEGFA overexpression in MSCs. Biomechanical test showed that VEGFA overexpression in RCT rats remarkably elevated ultimate load of failure and stiffness. Dual-luciferase reporter gene assay elucidated that VEGFA was the target gene of microRNA-205-5p. Furthermore, VEGFA negatively regulated microRNA-205-5p expression. CONCLUSIONS: VEGFA promotes tendon-bone healing of RCT via inhibiting microRNA-205-5p expression.

Genetic effects of vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor 2 on feather maturity in three chicken breeds.

1. The goal of the current study was to evaluate the genetic effects of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor (VEGFR-2) on feather maturity in the Qingyuan partridge chicken, Guangxi sanhuang chicken and Princess chicken. 2. Both SSCP-PCR and qPCR were employed to detect the polymorphism and gene expression of the VEGF and VEGFR-2 genes. 3. Four SNPs were identified in the VEGFR-2 gene. Exon10-A69G was associated with feather maturity (P < 0.01). Princess chickens with the genotype EF had higher feather maturity scores (P < 0.01). Higher expression levels of VEGF and VEGFR-2 were detected in the immature feather group of Qingyuan partridge chickens, especially in the skin. 4. The VEGF and VEGFR-2 genes play critical roles in feather maturity. In addition, exon10-A69G and genotype EF in the Princess chicken could potentially be utilised as genetic markers to improve efficiency in breeding.

MicroRNA-1294 targets HOXA9 and has a tumor suppressive role in osteosarcoma.

OBJECTIVE: MicroRNA-1294 (miR-1294) was reported to act as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. However, the biological function of miR-1294 in osteosarcoma (OS) has not been investigated. We, therefore, investigated the clinical significance and underlying mechanisms of miR-1294 in OS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Quantitative Real-Time-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to detect the levels of miR-1294. Targets of miR-1294 were validated by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. In vitro functional assays were performed to investigate the effects of miR-217 on cell proliferation and invasion. RESULTS: We found miR-1294 was downregulated in OS tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of miR-1294 has a significant negative impact on the overall survival of OS patients. Overexpression of miR-1294 suppresses OS cell proliferation and invasion in vitro. Then, luciferase reporter assay validated Homeobox A9 (HOXA9) was a downstream target of miR-1294. Expression patterns of miR-1294 were inversely correlated with HOXA9 in OS tissues, strengthening the findings from the luciferase reporter assay. Further functional assays revealed that overexpression of HOXA9 could reverse the inhibition effects of miR-1294 on cell proliferation and invasion. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested miR-1294 functions as a tumor suppressor in OS progression by targeting HOXA9.

Serotonin induces parathyroid hormone-related protein in goat mammary gland.

During lactation, large amounts of calcium are exported from the mammary gland into milk to ensure skeletal growth of the offspring. Recent studies revealed that serotonin (5-HT) is essential to stimulate skeletal calcium resorption for milk synthesis. Our objective was to explore the correlation between circulating 5-HT and serum calcium and parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) concentrations around parturition in dairy goats. We also investigated the effect of 5-HT on PTHrP expression in cultured primary goat mammary epithelial cells (GMEC). Blood samples of multiparous Guanzhong dairy goats were collected on day -5 to 3 postpartum for analysis of serum concentrations of calcium, 5-HT, and PTHrP. Results revealed that from day -3 to 0 postpartum serum calcium and 5-HT concentrations decreased progressively, but serum PTHrP concentration only had a sharp drop in the postpartum period sampled. Correlation analysis of circulating 5-HT and serum calcium and PTHrP concentrations on day 1 and 2 postpartum revealed that low serum 5-HT concentration was positively correlated with serum total calcium or PTHrP concentration. By knocking down tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1) or adding 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) to decrease or increase the levels of 5-HT in GMEC, we observed that 5-HTP increased PTHrP expression in a dose-dependent manner and siTPH1 decreased PTHrP protein expression. Furthermore, 5-HT increased mRNA abundance of calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) in a dose-dependent manner and decreased the expression of plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPase-1 (PMCA1). Taken together, 5-HT seems to induce PTHrP expression in goat mammary cells during and after parturition. These findings suggest that increasing 5-HT biosynthesis could be a potential therapeutic target for prevention of hypocalcemia in dairy goats.

[Clinical effects of microsurgery in spinal cord anaplastic astrocytoma].

Objective: To investigate the surgical outcomes and prognosis of spinal cord anaplastic astrocytoma (AA). Methods: A total of 27 consecutive patients diagnosed as spinal cord AA between January 2008 and May 2015 in Department of Neurosurgery of Beijing Tiantan Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. There were 18 males and 9 females, the mean age was (30.7±13.0) years (ranging from 5 to 52 years). The lesions were located at cervical level in 8 patients, at thoracic level in 9 patients, at cervicothoracic level in 3 patients, and at thoracolumbar level in 7 patients, the average number of vertebral was 3.3±1.3.The median time from onset of symptom to surgery was 4 months, ranging from 3 days to 48 months. The clinical presentations were weakness (23 cases), paresthesia (22 cases), pain (20 cases), sphincter disorder (15 cases) and paralysis (7 cases). The preoperative modified McCormick scale was as follows: grade Ⅱ for 6 cases, grade Ⅲ for 7 cases, grade Ⅳ for 7 cases, grade Ⅴ for 7 cases. The tumors were surgically removed via posterior median approach with the monitoring of the somatosensory-evoked potentials to minimize the neurological injury. All of the patients were recommonded to receive adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy postoperatively after pothological verified and followed up by clinic interview or telephone postoperatively. Log-rank test was used to calculate the survival rate. Results: Gross total resection and subtotal resection were achieved in 18 patients and partial resection in 9. Twenty patients received adjuvant chemotherapy and (or) radiotherapy, 7 patients did not received chemoradiation postoperatively. Nineteen patients died and 8 were alive at the last follow-up. The median survival time was 23 months with 1 and 2-year survival rates of 85.2% and 50.0%.There was no statistical significance between subtotal resection group and partial resection group(χ(2)=0.089, P=0.880), the survival rates of patients in chemotherapy group and radiotherapy group were increased significantly(χ(2)=6.687, P=0.001; χ(2)=14.887, P=0.002). Conclusions: Spinal cord AA is a rare spinal high-grade astrocytoma with aggressive nature, the prognosis remains poor even after comprehensive treatments. Microsurgery followed by adjuvant chemoradiation is recommended for the treatment.

Tea consumption and its interactions with tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking on oral cancer in southeast China.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Epidemiological results on the association between tea consumption and oral cancer remain controversial. We aimed to evaluate the exact relationship between tea consumption and oral cancer in Chinese population. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A large-scale case-control study was conducted on 586 oral cancer patients and 1024 controls frequency-matched by age and gender. Epidemiological data were collected through face-to-face interviews with a structure questionnaire. Unconditional logistic regression model was used to assess the effect of tea consumption on oral cancer stratified by smoking, alcohol drinking and demographics. Quantity of tea consumed (ml/day) was categorized into five subgroups based on quartiles and then its interactions was evaluated with tobacco smoking and alcohol drinking at each subgroup. RESULTS: Tea consumption showed an inverse association with oral cancer for non-smokers or non-alcohol drinkers (the odds ratios (ORs) were 0.610 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.425-0.876) and 0.686 (95% CI: 0.503-0.934), respectively). For smokers or alcohol drinkers, decreased risk was only observed in those who consumed >800 ml/day. Furthermore, oolong tea consumption was associated with decreased risk of oral cancer in smokers or alcohol drinkers but not in non-smokers or non-alcohol drinkers. Tea consumption combined with smoking or/and alcohol drinking had a greater risk than tea consumption alone, but the risk was roughly reduced from zero to Q4 (>800 ml/day). Additionally, when stratified by demographics, the protective effect of tea was especially evident in females, urban residents, normal body mass index population (18.5-23.9), farmers, office workers and those aged <60 years. CONCLUSIONS: Tea consumption protects against oral cancer in non-smokers or non-alcohol drinkers, but this effect may be obscured in smokers or alcohol drinkers. Additionally, demographics may modify the association between tea consumption and oral cancer.

[Different states of otitis media were retrospectively analyzed of myringoplasty].

Objective:Through analysis of the tympanic membrane perforation rate and hearing improvement rate with chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) by myringoplasty,to observe the effect of different preoperative conditions such as middle ear lesion,eustachian tube (ET) function and infection status on the postoperative curative effect.Method:Retrospective analysis of EENT Hospital of Fudan University from January 2012 to November 2016 during the 203 cases (203 ears) with clinical data of myringoplasty: according to intraoperative exploration of the presence of purulent secretions in the tympanic cavity,divided into infection active group and infection quiescence group; according to the preoperative results of the function of ET with acoustic impedance test divided into dysfunction or good group; according to the preoperative temporal bone HRCT suggested that the middle ear (mastoid cells,tympanic antrum and tympanic cavity) with or without soft tissue density,divided into the group with no focal lesion and the group with focal lesion. Review endoscopy and pure tone audiometry after 3 to 6 months. Using SPSS 19.0 statistical software to compare the differences among them of tympanic membrane perforation rate and hearing improvement rate.Result:Single factor analysis: ①The infection quiescence group of tympanic membrane perforation rate was 11.93%(13/109),higher than the infection active group ［8.51%(8/94)］; the infection quiescence group of hearing improvement rate was 75.23%(82/109),below the infection active group ［79.79%(75/94)］,no statistically significant differences of them (P>0.05).②The group with dysfunction of ET of tympanic membrane perforation rate was 14.06%(9/64),significantly higher than the group［4.04%(4/99)］with good function ET,with statistical difference of them (P<0.05); the group with dysfunction of ET of hearing improvement rate was 76.56% (49/64),lower than the group［81.82%(81/99)］with good function of ET,no significant difference of them (P>0.05).③The group with no obvious lesion of tympanic membrane perforation rate was 9.09% (10/110),lower than the group ［11.83%(11/93)］with focal lesion; the group with no obvious lesion of hearing improvement rate was 78.18% (86/110),higher than the group with focal lesion ［76.34%(71/93)］,no significant difference of them (P>0.05).Multivariate analysis: ①There was a significant correlation of postop-erative tympanic membrane perforation rate with preoperative ET functi-on (P<0.05).There was no significant correlation of the postoperative tympanic membrane perforation rate with the infection status and the temporal bone HRCT images in the middle ear lesions (P>0.05).②There was no significant correlation of the postoperative hearing improvement rate with the infection status,the ET function and the temporal bone HRCT images in the middle ear lesions (P>0.05).Conclusion:Dysfunction of ET and localized lesions of the ear were more common in infection active;the accumulation of purulent exudate on the surface of the tympanic mucosa and localized lesions of the middle ear did not affect the healing rate of the tympanic membrane and the hearing improvement rate; ET function is one of the most important factors that affect the healing rate of tympanic membrane after operation,the patients with ET dysfunction are more likely to affect tympanic membrane perforation,but does not affect the hearing improvement rate.