Dietary chitooligosaccharide supplementation alleviates intestinal barrier damage, and oxidative and immunological stress in lipopolysaccharide-challenged laying hens.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chitooligosaccharide (COS) on intestinal barrier, antioxidant capacity, and immunity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged laying hens. A total of 360 Hy-line Brown laying hens (80-wk-old) were randomly divided into 5 groups with 6 replicates of 12 birds. Hens were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet supplemented with different COS levels (0; 5; 10; 15; 20 mg/kg) for 8 wk. The results showed that 15 mg/kg COS administration elevated albumen height and Haugh unit (P < 0.05), and numerically optimized productive performance (P > 0.05), therefore, the dosage of 15 mg/kg was chosen for the subsequent experiment. Thereafter, 12 birds from non-supplemented group were randomly selected and assigned into 2 groups, and birds in each group were administered (1.5 mg/kg BW, i.p.) with saline (control group) or LPS (challenge group). Another 6 hens from 15 mg/kg COS-supplemented group were selected and injected with LPS in the same way. Compared with the control group, LPS-challenged birds exhibited elevated circulating diamine oxidase activity, and reduced jejunal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth, and these indices were reversed to control levels by COS (P < 0.05). Also, LPS increased malondialdehyde accumulation and reduced several antioxidant enzyme activities in the intestinal mucosa (P < 0.05). Additionally, LPS increased jejunal secretory IgA and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and ileal secretory IgA, IgM, and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) concentrations, whereas COS reduced jejunal IFN-γ and IL-1ß, and ileal IgM levels (P < 0.05). Moreover, LPS down-regulated mRNA abundance of jejunal occludin and claudin 2, and upregulated expression of jejunal nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2, superoxide dismutase 1, and IFN-γ as well as ileal IL-1ß (P < 0.05). Besides, COS increased jejunal occludin and ileal claudin 2, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2, and heme oxygenase-1 expression, and decreased jejunal IFN-γ and IL-1ß abundance (P < 0.05). These results suggested that COS could alleviate LPS-induced intestinal barrier impairment, and oxidative and immunological stress in laying hens.

Female mouse model of diabetes mellitus induced by streptozotocin and high-carbohydrate high-fat diet.

With the improvement of people's living standards and rapid economic development, the incidence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing in most parts of the world. DM presents an important potential threat to human health. In the present study, a model of diabetes in female mice was established, and fasting blood glucose was detected at week 4, after which the biochemical profiles were evaluated by histopathological analysis. The success rate of modeling in the normal control (NC) group and the low/ middle/high-dose streptozotocin (STZ) group were 0, 0, 25% and 60%, respectively. In the middle-dose and high-dose STZ groups, the liver index was increased significantly compared with the NC group (p⟨0.05). The blood biochemical indicators of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in three STZ injection groups were as follows: alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase in middle- and high-dose STZ groups, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and serum creatinine in the high-dose STZ group, and blood urea nitrogen in the middle-dose STZ group were significantly increased (p⟨0.05). The level of total triglycerides was lower, obviously, in the high-dose STZ group than in the NC group (p⟨0.05). The mice showed marked steatosis, green-dyed fiber tissue coloring in varying degrees, and the contour of the hepatic lobules basically disappeared in STZ injection groups. The results suggest that to establish a diabetes model for female ICR mice, the optimum dose of STZ is 100 mg/kg.

Age-related changes in liver metabolism and antioxidant capacity of laying hens.

This study aimed to investigate the age-related changes of hepatic metabolism and antioxidant capacity of laying hens at 3 different ages. A total of 192 Hy-line Brown laying hens were assigned into 3 groups: 1) 195-day-old (D195 group); 2) 340-day-old (D340 group); 3) 525-day-old (D525 group). Each group replicated 8 times with 8 hens at the same age. Higher activity of aspartate aminotransferase and lower contents of total protein and globulin were observed in the serum of 525-day-old hens in comparison with their 195-day-old counterparts (P < 0.05). The 525-day-old hens accumulated higher contents of total cholesterol and triglyceride in the liver than 195-day-old birds. Additionally, compared with hens from D195 or D340 group, 525-day-old birds exhibited a lower circulating estradiol level (P < 0.05). For antioxidant capacity, birds in the D525 group showed a higher malondialdehyde concentration in both serum and liver as compared with D195 or D340 group (P < 0.05). The 525-day-old hens also exhibited lower glutathione peroxidase activities in both serum and liver when compared with 195-day-old birds (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, there was a decline of hepatic superoxide dismutase activity in the D525 group in comparison with D195 group (P < 0.05). Compared with 195-day-old counterparts, 340-day-old birds upregulated the mRNA abundance of nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 and glutathione peroxidase 1 in the liver (P < 0.05). In contrast, hens from D525 group showed the downregulation of hepatic nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1, and superoxide dismutase 1 when compared with D340 group (P < 0.05). These results indicated that increasing age can adversely affect liver metabolism and function of laying hens.

Inhibiting p21-activated kinase (PAK7) enhances radiosensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: In light of the upregulation of p21-activated kinase (PAK7) in a variety of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we aimed to investigate the effect of PAK7 on the sensitivity of HCC cells to radiotherapy. METHODS: PAK7 expression was determined in normal adult liver epithelial THLE-2 and human HCC cell lines. The effect of ionizing radiation (IR) on the HCC cell viability was evaluated by Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay. HCC cell lines Mahlavu and Huh7 were chosen to assess the effect of PAK7 shRNAs on the viability, clone formation, apoptosis, cycle distribution and γ-H2AX expression after exposure to IR. RESULTS: As compared to THLE-2 cells, PAK7 was upregulated in poorly differentiated Mahlavu and SK-Hep-1 cells, but moderately or lowly expressed in well-differentiated Huh7 and HepG2 cells. HCC cells with moderate or low expression of PAK7 presented a decreased viability at 2 Gy IR, which had no significant effect on PAK7high HCC cells. Mahlavu and Huh7 cells transfected with PAK7 shRNAs showed increased inhibitory effect of IR on viability. In addition, PAK7 shRNAs reduced clone formation, facilitated the cell apoptosis, arrested cells at G2/M phase, and increased γ-H2AX expression. Moreover, changes above were more evident in the HCC cells co-treated with IR and PAK7 shRNAs. CONCLUSION: PAK7 downregulation could inhibit the viability, promote the apoptosis, arrest cells in G2/M phase, and induce the DNA damage in HCC cells, thereby enhancing the radiosensitivity in HCC.

A comparison of intestinal integrity, digestive function, and egg quality in laying hens with different ages.

Intestinal integrity, digestive enzyme activity, nutrient utilization, and egg quality of laying hens at different ages were evaluated and compared in this study. A total of 192 Hy-line Brown laying hens at 195-d-old (D195 group), 340-d-old (D340 group), and 525-d-old (D525 group) were allocated into one of 3 groups in accordance with their ages. Each group had 8 replicates of 8 birds each, and all birds were fed a maize-soybean meal basal diet for a 2-wk experiment. Compared with the D195 group, intestinal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth, as well as serum D-lactate content increased in the D525 group (P < 0.05). The sucrase and maltase activities in the jejunal mucosa, amylase activity in the pancreas, and trypsin activity in the jejunal chyme of 525-d-old hens were lower than their 195-d-old counterparts (P < 0.05). In addition, there was a decline of trypsin and lipase activities in the ileal chyme of hens from D525 group in comparison with D195 or D340 group (P < 0.05). Apparent retention of dry matter and crude protein of birds in D340 and D525 group decreased when compared with the D195 group (P < 0.05). Moreover, birds in the D525 group exhibited a lower level of ether extract retention, and higher contents of several excreted amino acids than those in the D195 group (P < 0.05). Compared with the D195 group, eggs harvested from D525 group exhibited lower albumen height, eggshell strength and thickness, and a higher egg weight (P < 0.05). In conclusion, increased intestinal permeability (higher serum D-lactate content), compromised digestive function (lower digestive enzyme activities and apparent nutrient retention, and higher concentrations of excreted amino acids), and poor egg quality (lower albumen height, eggshell strength, and thickness) were observed with increasing age in the laying hens.

Dietary squalene supplementation alleviates diquat-induced oxidative stress and liver damage of broiler chickens.

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of squalene supplementation on growth performance, oxidative status, and liver function of diquat-challenged broilers. One hundred forty-four 1-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated to 3 groups, and each group consisted of 6 replicates of 8 birds each. The three groups were as follows: 1) nonchallenged broilers fed with a basal diet (control group), 2) diquat-challenged broilers fed a basal diet, and 3) diquat-challenged broilers fed with a basal diet supplemented with 1.0 g/kg of squalene. Broilers were intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/mL of diquat solution at a dosage of 1 mL/kg of BW or an equivalent amount of saline at 20 d. Compared with the control group, weight gain and BW change rate during 24 h after injection were decreased by diquat challenge (P < 0.05), and the diquat-induced compromised growth performance was improved by squalene supplementation (P < 0.05). Diquat administration reduced plasma superoxide dismutase activity and increased malondialdehyde accumulation and glutathione peroxidase activity in both plasma and the liver (P < 0.05). In contrast, plasma glutathione peroxidase activity in diquat-challenged broilers was reduced by squalene supplementation (P < 0.05). The hepatic glutathione level was reduced by diquat administration (P < 0.05), whereas its level in plasma and the liver of diquat-challenged broilers was increased by squalene supplementation (P < 0.05). The relative liver weight of broilers was increased by diquat challenge (P < 0.05), with its value being intermediate in the squalene-supplemented group (P > 0.05). The plasma aminotransferase activities and total bilirubin concentration were increased by diquat challenge (P < 0.05), which were reduced by squalene supplementation (P < 0.05). The mRNA abundance of hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (P < 0.05) was upregulated by diquat treatment, regardless of squalene supplementation. The mRNA abundance of hepatic glutathione peroxidase 1 and B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 2-associated X protein was upregulated by diquat challenge (P < 0.05), which was reversed by squalene administration (P < 0.05). Squalene increased NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 mRNA abundance and decreased caspase 3 mRNA abundance in the liver of diquat-challenged broilers (P < 0.05). The results suggested that squalene can increase weight gain, improve oxidative status, and alleviate liver injury in diquat-challenged broilers.

[Molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium species in sheep and goats in Anhui Province and neighboring provinces].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence and molecular features of Cryptosporidium in sheep and goats from Anhui Province and neighboring provinces. METHODS: A total 832 and 781 fresh fecal samples were collected from seven large-scale sheep farms and ten large-scale goat farms in Anhui Province and neighboring provinces of Henan, Jiangsu and Shandong. The prevalence and species of Cryptosporidium were investigated in the fecal samples from the sheep and goats in the study areas using nested PCR assay based on the Cryptosporidium-specific SSU rDNA gene, and the subgenotypes of C. parvum and C. ubiquitum were characterized by amplification and sequencing of the 60 kDa glycoprotein (gp60) gene. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of Cryptosporidium was 5.8% (48/832) in sheep and 8.7% (68/781) in goats in Anhui Province and neighboring provinces, respectively. The SSU rDNA gene-based PCR assay identified C. xiaoi and C. ubiquitum in sheep and C. parvum in goats, and subtyping revealed that all C. ubiquitum subgenotypes belonged to XIIa subtype 2 and C. parvum subgenotypes belonged to IIdA19G1. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of zoonotic C. ubiquitum XIIa subtype 2 and C. parvum subtype IIdA19G1 suggests that sheep and goats may serve as a potential source for human Cryptosporidium infections.

[Surgery treatment of neurofibromatosis associated severe cervical kyphotic deformity: mid- and long-term follow-up and efficacy analysis].

Objective: To investigate the surgical strategy and mid-and long-term outcomes of neurofibromatosis associated cervical kyphotic deformity. Methods: Thirteen patients with neurofibromatosis associated cervical kyphotic deformity operated in Shanghai Changzheng Hospital from January 1998 to December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 7 males and 6 females in this group, aged from 12 to 61 years, with an average age of (28±15) years. Eight patients were treated with anterior surgery (Group A) and 5 patients were treated with combined anterior and posterior surgery (Group A+P). Cobb angle correction of cervical kyphosis and improvement of clinical symptoms were followed up. Clinical efficacy between the two groups was compared and analyzed. Chi-square test, Fisher exact test and independent sample t test were used for comparative analysis between the two groups. Results: All patients were operated successfully and finished follow up. The follow-up period was from 42 to 128 months ((80±22) months). After the surgery, neurological symptoms and pain were significantly improved in all patients. Compared with preoperative values, Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain at the last follow-up were significantly improved (t=7.63, -5.19, 8.63, -4.75, all P<0.01). Cervical kyphosis was significantly improved in all patients after surgery. In group A, the Cobb angle was improved from 64°±24° preoperatively to 12°±11° at the last follow-up, and the average correction rate of Cobb angle was 82.6%. In group A+P, the Cobb angle was improved from 55°±10° preoperatively to 7°±9° at the last follow-up, and the average correction rate of Cobb angle was 88.3%. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and length of stay in group A were all significantly lower than those in group A+P (t=-6.32, -11.92, -6.52, all P<0.01). At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference in Cobb angle, JOA score and VAS score between the two groups (t=0.89, 0.94, 1.02, all P>0.05). Conclusions: Mid-and long-term results of anterior and combined anterior and posterior surgery for neurofibromatosis associated severe cervical kyphosis are satisfactory. Moderate correction strategy for cervical kyphosis is safe and effective. The incidence of complications of nerve injury can be reduced.

[Discussion of correlation between histogram analysis of quantitative diffusion weighted imaging and Gleason score of prostate cancer].

Objective: To discuss the correlation between histogram analysis of quantitative mono-exponential, bi-exponential and diffusion kurtosis models in diffusion weighted imaging and the Gleason score of prostate cancer, and evaluate the application value and diagnostic efficiency in identifying low and high grade prostate cancer. Methods: A total of 50 patients with histologically confirmed as prostate cancer were examined from May 2015 to May 2016 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University using DWI performed at 3.0 T with an extended b-value range from 0 to 2 000 s/mm(2). Data were post-processed by whole tumor histogram analysis,the ROI was manually drown in DWI (b=1 000 s/mm(2)) step by step along the outline of cancer, and quantitative analysis were performed respectively by mono-exponential, bi-exponential and diffusion kurtosis models for quantification of apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs), diffusivity D, pseudo-diffusivity D(*), perfusion fraction f, diffusion coefficients by non-Gaussian distribution (D(k)) and kurtosis coefficient (K).Then the histogram analysis was performed to get the mean, median, 25th percentile, 75th percentile, skewness and kurtosis. The correlation between histogram analysis results of these quantitative parameters and Gleason score of prostate cancer were evaluated by Spearman correlation coefficient. The diagnostic performance of histogram analysis results of each quantitative parameters in identifying low (Gleason score≤6) and high (Gleason score>6) grade prostate cancer was performed by comparing the area under the ROC curve and the curve values. Results: The values of ADC, D and D(k) (mean, median, 25th, 75th) were negatively correlated with Gleason score of prostate cancer (r value was -0.388--0.624, P<0.05). The values of D (skewness and kurtosis) had a certain correlation with Gleason score of prostate cancer (r value were 0.413 and 0.402, P<0.05). The histogram analysis results of D(*) and f had no statistically significant correlation with Gleason score of prostate cancer (P>0.05). The values of K (mean, median, 25th, kurtosis) were positively correlated with Gleason score of prostate cancer (r value was 0.423-0.699,P<0.05). The diagnostic efficiency of histogram analysis results of these quantitative parameter values in identifying low and high grade prostate cancer showed that the ADC (median), D (25th), D(k) (mean) and K (25th) had a larger area under the curve, and were 0.844, 0.873, 0.815, and 0.919 respectively, the differences of area under the curve between any two of these parameters above were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions: The quantitative parameters of three diffusion models (ADC, D, D(k), K) in DWI are all related to the Gleason score of prostate cancer, but in the differential diagnosis of low and high grade prostate cancer, the diagnostic efficacy of mono-exponential model is sufficient. The more complex model such as bi-exponential and diffusion kurtosis may complement it in other ways.

[Preliminary applicability evaluation of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 diagnostic score in 3.0T multi-parameters magnetic resonance imaging combined with prostate specific antigen density for prostate cancer].

Objective: To investigate the preliminary applicability of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADS v2) score in the condition of 3.0T multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (Mp-MRI) combined with clinical classic indicators for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa). Methods: The clinical and MRI materials of 247 patients of suspicious prostate disease treated in Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from June 2015 to November 2016 were analyzed retrospectively, including 110 cases with PCa and 137 cases without cancer.All cases underwent the high-resolution axial T(2)-weighted imaging (T(2)WI), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhancement-magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and were confirmed pathologically by puncture biopsies.The Mp-MRI materials of all cases were scored according to PI-RADS v2.The prostate volume and prostate specific antigen (PSA) density (PSAD) value were calculated according to the formulas.The univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for the observed indicators (age, prostate volume, PSA, PSAD and PI-RADS v2 score) to determine the independent predictors for PCa.Then, a Logistic regression model (combined prediction model) was established by the independent predictors for combined diagnosis of PCa.The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) curve analysis was performed to get the sensitivity and specificity of each independent predictor and the model to diagnose PCa.The differences of AUC values of each independent predictor and the model were compared with each other to evaluate the diagnostic performance for PCa. Results: The differences in the age, prostate volume, PSA, PSAD and the PI-RADS v2 score between patients with PCa and non-cancer group were all statistically significant (t=2.870, Z=-4.230, -7.787, -9.477, -10.826, all P<0.05). The PSAD and PI-RADS v2 score were independent predictors for PCa (OR=3.331, 10.546, both P<0.05). The Logistic regression combined prediction model by PI-RADS v2 score and PSAD to forecast PCa was Logit(P)=-5.097+ 2.309×PSAD+ 1.214×PI-RADS v2 score.The area under the curve (AUC) of ROC in the combined model (0.911) was higher than that in the PI-RADS v2 score (0.886) and PSAD (0.851) and the differences were all statistically significant (Z=2.416, 2.716, both P<0.05); but the difference in the AUC value between PI-RADS v2 score and PSAD was not statistically significant (Z=1.191, P=0.234). The diagnostic sensitivity of PSAD, PI-RADS v2 score and the model were: 0.891, 0.782 and 0.855, respectively; the specificity were 0.449, 0.912 and 0.847, respectively on their positive thresholds (0.15 µg·L(-1)·ml(-1,) 4 and -0.82). Conclusion: PI-RADS v2 score combined with PSAD in diagnosing PCa is superior to the single application of them and it can lead to high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity for PCa.

Effects of sacral nerve stimulation with acupuncture on gut transit time and c-kit expression in colon of rats with slow transit constipation.

Sacral nerve stimulation (SNS) is an alternative surgical approach to alleviate fecal incontinence and constipation. This study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of SNS with acupuncture on gut transit time and colon c-kit protein expression in rats with slow transit constipation (STC). Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups: blank control, SNS, Mosapride, sham SNS, and STC model control group. The STC model was established by subcutaneous injection of morphine. Each group was treated over a 15-day period. Gut transit time was measured 1 day before the treatment started and after 5, 10, and 15 days of treatment. After the 15-day treatment, animals were sacrificed and colonic tissues were collected for analysis of c-kit protein expression, using western blot analysis. We found significant differences in gut transit time in the SNS group compared with the Mosapride group after 5 (P = 0.001) and 10 (P = 0.004) days of treatment. After 15 days of treatment, there were no differences in gut transit time among the SNS, Mosapride, and blank control groups. However, significant differences were observed when comparing the SNS and Mosapride groups with the STC model and sham SNS groups. A decreased c-kit protein expression was observed in the STC model control, sham SNS, and Mosapride groups, compared with the SNS group (P = 0.001). Our data indicate that SNS can decrease gut transit time and increase the expression of c-kit protein in rats with STC to improve colon transit function.

Primary presacral adenocarcinoma: a case report and review of the literature.

Primary presacral adenocarcinoma is a rare presacral lesion. We report a 36-year-old male patient with -primary presacral adenocarcinoma. The patient presented with a six-month history of sacrococcygeal pain. MRI demonstrated a 4×3 cm2, well-defined presacral mass. He underwent a parasacrococcygeal procedure with complete resection of the -tumor, which subsequent histology showed adenocarcinoma. At 15 months follow-up, he remains disease free.

Cleavage pattern predicts developmental potential of day 3 human embryos produced by IVF.

Time-lapse technique provides opportunities to observe the dynamic process of human early development. Previous studies have suggested several abnormal division patterns were associated with decreased developmental potential, but no systematic results are currently available. In this study, seven abnormal division patterns were observed during early cleavage, and these had different effects on the further development potential of daughter blastomeres. According to the severity and occurrence of abnormal division patterns during the initial three cleavages, an embryo hierarchical classification model was developed and day 3 embryos were classified into six grades (from A to F). The good-quality blastocyst formation rate for these grades decreased from 70.8-3.8% (P < 0.001). In a prospective observational study, 139 IVF cycles were recruited to assess the efficiency of this classification model. In the embryos that had confirmed implantation results, the implantation rate decreased from 67.0% (Grade A) to 0% (Grade D;P < 0.001). These results indicated that cleavage patterns can predict the developmental potential of day 3 human embryos.

Molecular characterization and expression of cyp19a gene in Carassius auratus.

A cyp19a gene that contains nine exons and eight introns was identified from Carassius auratus and was mainly expressed in the ovary. The cyp19a mRNA level after hatching was initially low, but began to increase from 25 days after hatching. A number of cis-acting elements, such as the oestrogen receptor, steroidogenic factor 1 and SOX-5 recognition sites, were found in the promoter of the cyp19 gene, which possesses a promoter function confirmed by a recombination green fluorescent protein checking system in vitro.

Creep mechanisms of a new Ni-Co-base disc superalloy at an intermediate temperature.

The microstructures of a new Ni-Co-base disc superalloy, TMW-4M3, before and after the creep test at 725 °C/630 MPa have been systematically investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The crept microstructures were marked as three different deformation stages (I, II and III) corresponding to the gradually increased strain. At stage I, stacking fault (SF) shearing was the main deformation mechanism. The SF was extrinsic and lay on {111} plane. However, deformation microtwinning became the dominant mode at stage II and III. The average spacing of deformation twins decreased from 109 ± 15 nm at stage II to 76 ± 12 nm at stage III, whereas the twin thickness did not change significantly. The influence of stacking fault energy (SFE) of γ matrix on the deformation mechanism is discussed. It is suggested that lower SFE in TMW-4M3 is partly responsible for the enhanced creep resistance.

Perianal necrotizing fasciitis treated with a loose-seton technique.

AIM: The study evaluated the effect of a loose-seton technique for perianal necrotizing fasciitis. METHOD: The medical records of seven patients with perianal necrotizing fasciitis treated by the loose-seton technique between December 2005 and June 2010 were reviewed. Age, gender, status of diabetes mellitus, duration of symptoms, the length of hospital stay and number of debridements were investigated. RESULTS: Five of the patients were men. The mean age was 53 years and the range was 43-79 years. All seven patients had a past history of acute perianal abscess. Six (85.7%) patients had diabetes mellitus. The mean time for removal of the seton was 24 (14-32) days and the mean hospitalization time was 31 (23-45) days. All patients had primary wound healing. There was no mortality. At a median follow-up 18 (6-60) months one patient required inpatient treatment with cutting-seton for complex anal fistula after 11 months. All patients had normal faecal continence and none of them required a reconstructive procedure during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The loose-seton technique is an effective treatment for perianal necrotizing fasciitis. The advantages include inhibiting the spread of inflammation, reducing the frequency of debridements, decreasing the area of the wound and limiting extensive scar formation.

Cloning and expression pattern of alkaline phosphatase during the development of Paralichthys olivaceus.

Alkaline phosphatases are ubiquitous enzymes involved in many important biological processes. Mammalian tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase has long been thought to feature in embryonic development and bone formation. In this study, an alkaline phosphatase (ALP) gene from Paralichthys olivaceus was identified by rapid amplification of cDNA ends and genome-walking PCR. The ALP gene extends 10,141 bp and contains 11 exons and 10 introns. The open reading frame of the ALP transcript consists of 1,431 bp, which encodes 476 amino acids products named as POALP. An analysis of its secondary and tertiary structure revealed that the POALP was conserved in different species, but one disulfide linkage made it possible to adapt to low-temperature environment. The ALP activity was found to be first detectable in the embryo before hatching. The POALP was distributed ubiquitously in the body of P. olivaceus and was particularly high in the digestive tract. These findings suggest the potential role of POALP in nutrient absorption and transportation. During the pre-metamorphosis (F stage), ALP gene expression is 2.5-folds of that in the pro-metamorphosis (E stage); but in the post-metamorphosis (I stage), it was 1.8-folds of that of pro-metamorphosis. Exogenetic thyroxine (T4) and thiourea (TU) influenced the ALP gene expression significantly during the metamorphosis. Bioinformatics analysis showed that Japanese flounder ALP promoter region contained promoter sequence and putative recognition site for several transcriptional factors, including SREBP-1, SYR, and CdxA. In vitro promoter assays employing EGFP reporter system demonstrated that the promoter of ALP was active.

Microstructure of a newly developed gamma' strengthened Co-base superalloy.

The microstructure of a newly developed Co-base superalloy with enhanced high-temperature strength has been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and three-dimensional atom probe (3DAP) techniques. It mainly consists of a typical gamma/gamma' (FCC/L1(2)) structure and a plate-shaped AB3-type (Ni,Co,Cr)3(Ti,Al) intermetallic compound with hexagonal structure (a approximately 5.1A and c approximately 12.5A). gamma' is formed with a bimodal distribution and fine gamma' has a cuboidal morphology. Cr and Co are enriched in the gamma phase, while Ti, Al and Ni are enriched in the gamma' phase. W and Mo are more or less uniformly distributed in both gamma and gamma'. Chemical composition analysis by 3DAP suggests that the plate-shaped phase has a higher Ti and lower Al content compared to that of gamma' phase, and the concentration of Ti, Co and Ni has a periodic variation along c-axis with a period of 12.5A in the plate-shaped phase.

[The MRI of the occult cervical metastasis with malignant tumor of the head and neck].

OBJECTIVE: To detect the occult cervical metastasis with MRI so as to find out its diagnostic accurate rate. METHODS: 41 lateral necks(negative by clinical palpation) with malignant tumor of head and neck were examined by MRI before operation and correlated with postoperative pathologic finding. RESULTS: With MRI evaluation occult cervical metastasis has higher accurate rate(75%), nine of 12 lateral metastatic positive necks were detected on MRI, other three false negative necks were not found, owing to no change of the shape of the metastatic nodes. CONCLUSION: At present, MRI is one of the effective methods evaluating occult cervical metastasis with malignant tumor of head and neck, but it has still a certain limitation.