Lineage tracking reveals dynamic relationships of T cells in colorectal cancer.

T cells are key elements of cancer immunotherapy1 but certain fundamental properties, such as the development and migration of T cells within tumours, remain unknown. The enormous T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, which is required for the recognition of foreign and self-antigens2, could serve as lineage tags to track these T cells in tumours3. Here we obtained transcriptomes of 11,138 single T cells from 12 patients with colorectal cancer, and developed single T cell analysis by RNA sequencing and TCR tracking (STARTRAC) indices to quantitatively analyse the dynamic relationships among 20 identified T cell subsets with distinct functions and clonalities. Although both CD8+ effector and 'exhausted' T cells exhibited high clonal expansion, they were independently connected with tumour-resident CD8+ effector memory cells, implicating a TCR-based fate decision. Of the CD4+ T cells, most tumour-infiltrating T regulatory (Treg) cells showed clonal exclusivity, whereas certain Treg cell clones were developmentally linked to several T helper (TH) cell clones. Notably, we identified two IFNG+ TH1-like cell clusters in tumours that were associated with distinct IFNγ-regulating transcription factors -the GZMK+ effector memory T cells, which were associated with EOMES and RUNX3, and CXCL13+BHLHE40+ TH1-like cell clusters, which were associated with BHLHE40. Only CXCL13+BHLHE40+ TH1-like cells were preferentially enriched in patients with microsatellite-instable tumours, and this might explain their favourable responses to immune-checkpoint blockade. Furthermore, IGFLR1 was highly expressed in both CXCL13+BHLHE40+ TH1-like cells and CD8+ exhausted T cells and possessed co-stimulatory functions. Our integrated STARTRAC analyses provide a powerful approach to dissect the T cell properties in colorectal cancer comprehensively, and could provide insights into the dynamic relationships of T cells in other cancers.

The exposure in ovo to glyphosate on the integrity of intestinal epithelial tight junctions of chicks.

Glyphosate is an ingredient widely used in various commercial formulations, including Roundup®. This study focused on tight junctions and the expression of inflammatory genes in the small intestine of chicks. On the sixth day of embryonic development, the eggs were randomly assigned to three groups: the control group (CON, n = 60), the glyphosate group (GLYP, n = 60), which received 10 mg of active glyphosate/kg egg mass, and the Roundup®-based glyphosate group also received 10 mg of glyphosate. The results indicated that the chicks exposed to glyphosate or Roundup® exhibited signs of oxidative stress. Additionally, histopathological alterations in the small intestine tissues included villi fusion, complete fusion of some intestinal villi, a reduced number of goblet cells, and necrosis of some submucosal epithelial cells in chicks. Genes related to the small intestine (ZO-1, ZO-2, Claudin-1, Claudin-3, JAM2, and Occludin), as well as the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFNγ, IL-1ß, and IL-6), exhibited significant changes in the groups exposed to glyphosate or Roundup® compared to the control group. In conclusion, the toxicity of pure glyphosate or Roundup® likely disrupts the small intestine of chicks by modulating the expression of genes associated with tight junctions in the small intestine.

In ovo injection of soy isoflavones on hatching performance and intestinal development of newly hatched chicks.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection of soy isoflavones (ISF) on hatchability, body weight, antioxidant status and intestinal development of newly hatched broiler chicks. One hundred and eighty fertile eggs were divided as follows: the control group, 3 mg/egg ISF (low dose) and 6 mg/egg ISF (high dose) on the 18th day of incubation. The results demonstrated that in ovo inclusion of 6 mg of ISF significantly increased hatchability and hatch weight. Both doses of ISF inclusion elevated the serum glutathione peroxidase and slightly decreased malondialdehyde compared to the control group. The high dose of ISF brings higher villus height and a higher villus/crypt ratio in chicks. Moreover, the mRNA levels of tumour necrosis factor- α and interferon-gamma in the spleen were significantly decreased. The ISF treatments showed an improvement in intestinal enzyme expression levels of sucrose isomaltase and mucin 2  as well as tight junction protein (TJ) mRNA expression of claudin-1 at high doses of ISF (p < 0.05) when compared with the other groups. Furthermore, the mRNA level of IGF-1 was increased in the high doses of ISF compared to the control. Overall, these findings indicate that in ovo administration of ISF on the 18th day of incubation enhances hatchability, antioxidant status and intestinal morphometrics in hatched chicks and modulates the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, TJs and insulin-like growth factor. In addition, the sustainability of antioxidants and other positive effects of ISF may increase chick viability and growth performance.

Effects of P-nitrophenol exposure on the testicular development and semen quality of roosters.

The widespread use of P-nitrophenol (PNP) as a raw material in pesticides, medicines and dyes has led to environmental pollution. PNP is a well-known endocrine disruptor in mammals and quails. This study investigated the effects of long-term PNP exposure on the testicular development and semen quality of roosters. Pubescent and postpubescent animals were given drinking water supplemented with (0 mg/L, 1 mg/L, 10 mg/L, or 100 mg/L) PNP for eight weeks or sixteen weeks. The relative testis weight, antioxidant index, serum hormone concentration, morphological changes, semen quality and expression of major steroidogenic genes were measured. The results showed that eight weeks of PNP exposure decreased CAT activity and increased H2O2 level in serum and testes in the 10 mg/L and 100 mg/L PNP-treated groups. Detached sperm cells were also found in the testicular tissues of the 100 mg/L PNP-treated group. After sixteen weeks of PNP exposure, daily weight gain, sperm motility, serum testosterone concentration and 3ß1-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3ß1) mRNA expression were decreased in the 100 mg/L PNP-treated group. Some vacuoles in the seminiferous epithelium in the testicular tissues were found in the 10 mg/L and 100 mg/L PNP-treated groups. In conclusion, as an endocrine disruptor, PNP exposure impaired antioxidant capacity, reduced testosterone synthesis, caused morphological changes in testes, and ultimately decreased semen quality in the roosters. The reproductive damage of PNP to roosters depended on the length of exposure time and the administered dose.

L-Arginine alleviates the testosterone reduction in heat-treated mice by upregulating LH secretion, the testicular antioxidant system and expression of steroidogenesis-related genes.

High temperature can reduce testes function, leading to decreased testosterone secretion. Dietary l-arginine (l-Arg) supplementation improves the semen quality and libido of boars. The present study investigated whether l-Arg could enhance the production of testosterone in mice exposed to high ambient temperature. Twenty-four 6-week-old male ICR mice were randomly divided into three groups: a control group, a heat-treated (HT) group and a group subjected to heat treatment plus 2mg kg-1 l-Arg (HT+Arg). l-Arg was administered to mice by oral gavage for 18 consecutive days, after which the HT and HT+Arg groups were placed into an incubator at 40°C for 30min every day for 5 days. Serum testosterone and LH concentrations were significantly increased in the HT+Arg compared with HT group, as was catalase, total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity and the expression of steroidogenesis-related genes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star), steroidogenic factor-1 (Sf1), 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 3 (Hsd17b3) and 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (Cyp17a1) in the testes. These results demonstrate that l-Arg can alleviate testosterone reductions in heat-treated mice by upregulating LH secretion, enhancing the antioxidant system and increasing the expression of testosterone synthesis-related genes.

Modified Bunnell suture repair versus bundle-to-bundle suture repair for acute Achilles tendon rupture: a prospective comparative study of patients aged <45 years.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare the operative outcome of percutaneous repair (modified Bunnell suture technique) versus open repair (bundle-to-bundle suture technique) of acute Achilles tendon rupture. METHODS: Seventy-two consecutive patients who underwent surgical treatment of Achilles tendon rupture were evaluated in this prospective study. Thirty-six patients were treated using the bundle-to-bundle suture technique (group A), and 36 patients were treated using the modified Bunnell suture technique (group B). All patients underwent functional examination comprising measurement of the calf muscle circumference and performance of the single-leg heel-rise test. The length and diameter of the Achilles tendon were compared between the injured and uninjured sides on magnetic resonance imaging. The number of single-leg heel rises (height > 5 cm) performed within 15 s was compared between the injured and uninjured sides. The ankle range of motion was also recorded. The Achilles tendon total rupture score (ATRS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale score, and visual analog scale (VAS) pain score were used to evaluate the clinical outcome at 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients were followed up. The mean follow-up duration did not significantly differ between group A (23.73 ± 2.81 months) and group B (22.61 ± 3.96 months). However, there were significant differences between groups in the heel-rise test (group A, 1.74 ± 0.96; group B, 2.37 ± 1.42) and length of the Achilles tendon (group A, 11.98 ± 1.64 cm; group B, 11.11 ± 1.74 cm). The calf circumference of the injured side was significantly larger in group A than in group B (p = 0.043). The cross-sectional diameter of the Achilles tendon was significantly smaller in group A than group B. At final follow-up, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the ATRS, AOFAS score, or VAS score. One patient in group A had delayed wound healing, which resolved in 40 days. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with open repair (bundle-to-bundle suture technique) achieved a better clinical outcome regarding the heel-rise test and calf circumference compared with those treated with percutaneous repair (modified Bunnell suture technique). TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2000035229 , 8/4/2020, Retrospectively registered.

Tumor-associated macrophages regulate gastric cancer cell invasion and metastasis through TGFß2/NF-κB/Kindlin-2 axis.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have shown that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in cancer invasion and metastasis. Our previous studies have reported that TAMs promote the invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer (GC) cells through the Kindlin-2 pathway. However, the mechanism needs to be clarified. METHODS: THP-1 monocytes were induced by PMA/interleukin (IL)-4/IL-13 to establish an efficient TAM model in vitro and M2 macrophages were isolated via flow cytometry. A dual luciferase reporter system and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay were used to investigate the mechanism of transforming growth factor ß2 (TGFß2) regulating Kindlin-2 expression. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the relationships among TAM infiltration in human GC tissues, Kindlin-2 protein expression, clinicopathological parameters and prognosis in human GC tissues. A nude mouse oncogenesis model was used to verify the invasion and metastasis mechanisms in vivo. RESULTS: We found that Kindlin-2 expression was upregulated at both mRNA and protein levels in GC cells cocultured with TAMs, associated with higher invasion rate. Kindlin-2 knockdown reduced the invasion rate of GC cells under coculture condition. TGFß2 secreted by TAMs regulated the expression of Kindlin-2 through the transcription factor NF-кB. TAMs thus participated in the progression of GC through the TGFß2/NF-κB/Kindlin-2 axis. Kindlin-2 expression and TAM infiltration were significantly positively correlated with TNM stage, and patients with high Kindlin-2 expression had significantly poorer overall survival than patients with low Kindlin-2 expression. Furthermore, Kindlin-2 promoted the invasion of GC cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: This study elucidates the mechanism of TAMs participating in GC cell invasion and metastasis through the TGFß2/NF-κB/Kindlin-2 axis, providing a possibility for new treatment options and approaches.

Mitochondrial OXPHOS is involved in the protective effects of L-arginine against heat-induced low sperm motility of boar.

The present study aimed to analyze the time- and temperature-responses of boar sperm and clarify the mechanism underlying the protective effects of L-arginine on heat-induced low sperm motility. Mature boar sperm was used to evaluate the effects of temperature, exposure time, L-arginine level and their interactions on sperm motility, respectively. Results showed increasing exposure time resulted in the decreased total motility and rate of rapid progressive sperm, and the increased rates of the immotile sperm and the sperm shaking in place at 38 and 39 °C, respectively (P < 0.05). L-arginine supplementation at the dose of 1.0 mM increased total motility and decreased rate of immotile sperm (P < 0.05). Heat at 39 °C decreased total motile and rate of rapid progressive sperm (P < 0.05), increased the level of sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P < 0.05), reduced mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP content and the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes (MRCC) ΙΙΙ and V (P < 0.05), which were attenuated by L-arginine supplementation. There were significant increases in the relative mRNA expression of nuclear respiratory factor 1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha in heat-exposed group without L-arginine supplementation. In conclusion, the rising temperatures impacted boar sperm motility in a time-dependent manner. In vitro addition of L-arginine to boar semen had a dose-dependent effect on sperm motility and sperm incubated with 1.0 mM L-arginine showed elevated motility. L-arginine supplementation can ameliorate heat-induced increase in ROS level and decreases in MRCC activities, which further maintain mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation function, ATP synthesis and boar sperm motility.

Effect of the valine-to-lysine ratio on the performance of sows and piglets in a hot, humid environment.

To determine the effect of the valine-to-lysine (Val: Lys) ratio on the performance of sows and piglets in a hot, humid environment, eleven Large White × Landrace sows (parity 2 or 3) were selected and randomly assigned to 3 groups. The diets contained total dietary Val: Lys ratios of 0.72, 0.87, or 1.01:1. Sows were fed from d 29 prepartum to d 21 postpartum in a hot, humid environment (temperature: 22-31 ℃, relative humidity: 69-96%). The results showed that dietary valine improved the average daily feed intake (ADFI) of the sows in wk3 of the lactation and the average daily gain (ADG) of the piglets from day 7-14 after farrowing. Dietary valine increased the concentrations of lactose in colostrum and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in piglet serum. Additionally, dietary valine affected metabolite and metabolic hormone concentrations. The increase in the ratio of dietary Val: Lys decreased the blood urea nitrogen and increased serum glucose in the sows and increased serum albumin in the piglets. In addition, increasing dietary Val: Lys increased the serum concentration of estradiol-17ß in the sows. In conclusion, in a hot, humid environment, dietary valine could improve the performance of sows and piglets by increasing colostrum lactose and serum immunoglobulin concentration in piglets and by influencing serum glucose in sows.

Effect of in ovo glyphosate injection on embryonic development, serum biochemistry, antioxidant status and histopathological changes in newly hatched chicks.

This study aimed to investigate the potential toxic effects of pure glyphosate or Roundup® on hatchability, serum biochemistry and histopathological observation of the liver and kidney of newly hatched chicks. On day six, a total of 225 fertile eggs were obtained from Huafeng breeder hens. The eggs were randomly divided into three treatments: (a) the control group injected with deionized water, (b) the glyphosate group injected 10 mg pure glyphosate/Kg egg mass and (c) the Roundup group injected 10 mg the active ingredient glyphosate in Roundup® /Kg egg. The results showed a decrease of hatchability rate in chicks treated with Roundup® (66%). In addition, no significant change was observed in body weights, yolk sac weight and relative weight organs except the liver and kidney were significantly increased with groups treated with glyphosate and Roundup® compared to the control group. The results showed that serum protein profiles were linearly significantly increased of serum phosphor, uric acid, aspirate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase in groups treated with Roundup® , as well as the serum concentrations of triglyceride altered after treatment with glyphosate. Furthermore, oxidative stress was observed in the treated chicks, the glyphosate and Roundup® induced changes of the content of malondialdehyde in both the liver and kidney, moreover decrease of glutathione peroxidase, total superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the kidney tissue and serum. Additionally, changes also happened in the histomorphology of the liver and kidney tissue of the treated chicks. It can be concluded that Roundup® as a probable decrease of hatchability. Exposure to glyphosate alone or Roundup® caused liver and kidney histopathological alterations, serum parameters imbalances and oxidative stress, also induced a variety of liver and kidney biochemical alterations that might impair normal organ functioning in newly hatched chicks.

Pathological outcomes of transanal versus laparoscopic total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Since 2010, comparative studies on transanal and laparoscopic total mesorectal excision (TME) have been published and it remains unclear about the oncological benefit from transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME). METHODS: We have searched English databases to identify all taTME studies published between January 2010 and August 2017. Pathological outcomes included circumferential resection margin (CRM), positive CRM (< 1 M), length of distal resection margin (DRM), positive DRM, quality of mesorectum (complete mesorectum), harvested lymph node, and length of the specimen. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated for dichotomous outcomes and weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes. RESULTS: We have included ten studies comprising of 762 patients. Compared with laparoscopic TME, taTME had a longer CRM (WMD, 0.833; 95% CI 0.366-1.299; P < 0.001), a lower positive rate of CRM (OR, 0.505; 95% CI 0.258-0.991; P = 0.047), and a longer DRM (WMD, 6.261; 95% CI 1.049-11.472; P = 0.019). There were no significant differences in other pathological outcomes. Both cumulative meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis were unable to detect potential sources of the heterogeneity in DRM. There was no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis revealed that taTME had more advantages on positive CRM, CRM, and DRM compared with laparoscopic TME. Compared with laparoscopic TME, more benefits of taTME on pathological outcomes remained undetected. The current findings are all based on observational studies, RCTs with adequate power are required.

Autophagy involved in the activation of the Nrf2-antioxidant system in testes of heat-exposed mice.

Hyperthermia causes oxidative stress in testes, which triggers antioxidant signals including autophagy and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). However, their relationship in testes under oxidative stress is unclear. In this study, we conducted testes injection for autophagy alteration and heat exposure to reveal the interaction between autophagy and the Nrf2-antioxidant system. Male mice were injected once with normal saline as control (Cont group), autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA group) or autophagy inducer rapamycin (Rapa group). Then, each group was divided into two parts: one received a 2-h 42°C heat treatment for eight days (HT groups), and the other was kept thermal neutral (NT groups). Heat-exposed mice showed significantly increased rectal, scrotal surface and body surface temperatures. Histology of the testes revealed many vacuoles inserted in the seminiferous tubules in the HT Cont group and two 3-MA groups. Ultrastructural changes in germ cells revealed autophagosomes in two 3-MA groups. Immunohistochemical detection of Nrf2 and p62/SQSTM1 proteins showed prominent expression in Leydig cells. Heat exposure increased Nrf2 protein and mRNA levels. 3-MA and Rapa testes injection also resulted in Nrf2 cytoplasm accumulation. Massive conversion of LC3 (microtubule-associated protein light chain 3)Ⅰ to LC3Ⅱ was detected in two 3-MA groups, accompanied by decreased ATG5 (autophagy related gene 5) mRNA levels in the HT 3-MA group. These results indicated autophagy alteration triggered the Nrf2 signaling pathway with consequences such that the autophagy inducer protected the testes and the autophagy inhibitor enhanced the detrimental effects caused by heat exposure.

Deep surgical site infection after ankle fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation in adults: A retrospective case-control study.

Information on ankle fractures is limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors for deep surgical site infection (DSSI) after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Adult patients who underwent ORIF for an ankle fractures at 3 level-I centres between January 2013 and June 2017 were included. Data on demographic, injury-related, and surgery-related variables and biochemical indexes from the laboratory were collected from patients' electronic medical records. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis model were used to perform the data analysis through SPSS 19.0. Within 1-year postoperatively, 2.83% (74/2617) of cases developed DSSI, with the earliest occurring at the 4th and latest at 147th day. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus were the top 3 bacteria, causing 73% (37/51) of all the cases. Age (45-64 and ≥65 years), current smoking status, chronic heart disease, lower preoperative albumin level, open injury, and prolonged surgical duration were identified to be independently associated with DSSI occurrence. Preoperative active supplementation of nutrition, immediate smoking cessation, and optimisation of an operative plan for the reduction of surgical duration were feasible measures for DSSI prevention following ORIF of ankle fractures.

Evaluation of Radiation Response in CoCrFeCuNi High-Entropy Alloys.

CoCrFeCuNi high-entropy alloys (HEAs) prepared by arc melting were irradiated with a 100 keV He+ ion beam. Volume swelling and hardening induced by irradiation were evaluated. When the dose reached 5.0 × 1017 ions/cm2, the Cu-rich phases exhibited more severe volume swelling compared with the matrix phases. This result indicated that the Cu-rich phases were favorable sites for the nucleation and gathering of He bubbles. X-ray diffraction indicated that all diffraction peak intensities decreased regularly. This reduction suggested loosening of the irradiated layer, thereby reducing crystallinity, under He+ ion irradiation. The Nix-Gao model was used to fit the measured hardness in order to obtain a hardness value H0 that excludes the indentation size effect. At ion doses of 2.5 × 1017 ions/cm2 and 5.0 × 1017 ions/cm2, the HEAs showed obvious hardening, which could be attributed to the formation of large amounts of irradiation defects. At the ion dose of 1.0 × 1018 ions/cm2, hardening was reduced, owing to the exfoliation of the original irradiation layer, combined with recovery induced by long-term thermal spike. This study is important to explore the potential uses of HEAs under extreme irradiation conditions.

4-Nitrophenol exposure alters the AhR signaling pathway and related gene expression in the rat liver.

4-Nitrophenol (PNP) is well known as an environmental endocrine disruptor. The aim of this study was to clarify the mechanism of PNP-induced liver damage and determine the regulatory involvement of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) signaling pathway and associated gene expression. Immature male Wistar-Imamichi rats (28 days old) were randomly divided into control and PNP groups, which consisted of 1- and 3-day exposure (1 DE and 3 DE, respectively) and 3-day exposure followed by 3-day recovery (3 DE + 3 DR), groups. Each group was administered the vehicle or PNP (200 mg kg-1 body weight). The body and liver weight were significantly decreased in the 3 DE group. The mRNA expression levels of estrogen receptor-α (ERα), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and AhR exhibited a significant increase in the 1 DE group whereas, in contrast, that of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 decreased significantly in the 3 DE +3 DR group. AhR and CYP1A1 proteins were detected in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes of the 1 DE and 3 DE +3 DR groups whereas the ERα protein was found in the hepatocyte nuclei of the 1 DE and 3 DE groups. The present study demonstrates that PNP activated the AhR signaling pathway and regulated related CYP1A1 and GST gene expression in the liver. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Albumin and surgical site infection risk in orthopaedics: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUD: Surigical site infection has been a challenge for surgeons for many years, the prevalence of serum albumin <3.5g/dL has been reported to be associated with increased orthopaedic complications. However, the prognostic implications and significance of serum albumin <3.5g/dL after orthopaedic surgeries remain ambiguity. In this study, we performed a meta-analysis to access the predictive value of serum albumin level on SSI. METHODS: A basic data search was performed in PubMed and Web of Science, in addition, references were manually searched. All of the observational studies contained preoperative albumin, outcomes of SSI or valuable data that could be abstracted and analysed for meta-analysis in orthopaedics. All of the studies were assessed using the classic Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS). They conformed to critical quality evaluation standards, and the final data analysis was performed with RevMan 5.2 software. RESULTS: A total of 112,183 patients included in 13 studies were involved. The pooled MD of albumin between the infection group and the non-infection group was MD = -2.28 (95 % CI -3.97-0.58), which was statistically significant (z = 2.63, P = 0.008). The pooled RR of infection when comparing albumin <3.5 with albumin >3.5 was 2.39 (95 % CI 1.57 3.64), which was statistically significant (z = 4.06, P < 0.0001). Heterogeneity were found in the pooled MD of albumin and in the pooled RR for infection (P = 0.05, I2 = 61 % and P = 0.003, I2 = 68 %). No publication bias occurred based on two basically symmetrical funnel plots. CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that an albumin level <3.5 g/dL had an almost 2.5 fold increased risk of SSI in orthopaedics, although this conclusion requires well-designed prospective cohort studies to be confirmed further.

Preventive effects of supplemental dietary zinc on heat-induced damage in the epididymis of boars.

Hyperthermia in boars reduces growth performance and sperm production. Zinc is an essential trace element in animal nutrition. Here we investigate the effects of dietary zinc on epididymal structure and function in Bama miniature pigs treated with heat exposure and investigate approaches to improve the reproductive performance in summer. Male Bama miniature pigs (n=18; aged 6 months; bodyweight=10.79±0.06kg) were randomly allocated to 3 groups: control group (Control), heat treatment group (HT), and the diet-supplemented and heat treatment group (H+Zn). The Control and HT groups were fed with basal diet and the H+Zn group were fed with basal diet plus 1500mg/kg zinc daily. After being fed with these 2 different diets for 30 days, pigs in the HT and H+Zn groups were exposed to 5h of 40°C heat treatment for 8 days. Rectal temperature and jugular venous blood were collected 3h after onset of heat exposure on days 1, 4 and 8. Pigs were sacrificed after the termination of heat exposure. Heat treatment increased serum testosterone concentration on day 1 and 4 (P<0.01). In addition, the HT group displayed an increase in the clear cell count and a decrease in epithelium thickness in the caput epithelium (P<0.01, P<0.05), and dietary zinc protected the boars from these impairments (P<0.01, P=0.29). Evaluation of oxidative states showed that heat exposure increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) in the epididymis (P<0.01, P<0.05), while dietary zinc reduced this elevation (P<0.01, P<0.01). Heat exposure enhanced the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression in the nuclei of principal and basal cells (P<0.01, P<0.01) while dietary zinc attenuated the GR immunoreactivity intensity (P<0.01, P<0.01). These results demonstrate that dietary zinc protects the epididymis from high temperature-induced impairment, alleviates oxidative stress, restores the integrity of the caput epithelium and decreases the stress response.

Bama miniature pigs' liver possess great heat tolerance through upregulation of Nrf2-mediated antioxidative enzymes.

The liver is one of the most crucial organs affected by high ambient temperature. Bama miniature pig show a heat tolerance in hot summer months. However, the physiological condition of liver under high ambient temperature has not been well elucidated in Bama miniature pig. Here we performed an experiment to investigate the effects of high ambient temperature on liver function, redox status and Nrf2 antioxidant pathway in Bama miniature pigs. Twelve pigs were randomly divided into two groups and separately exposed to the neutral temperature (NT, 25°C) and high temperature (HT, 40°C) for 8 days. The hepatic damage marker, such as total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), γ-glutamyl transpeptidas (γ-GT), alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartase transminase (AST), didn't reach statistical significance between NT and HT group. Moreover, abnormal observation of hepatic histology and hepatocyte ultrastructure were not detected in HT group. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) as well as glutathione (GSH) content, were dramatically increased after heat exposure. Heat treatment didn't increase hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations. The expression of Nrf2-regulated genes, such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), were significantly increased in HT group. Nrf2 protein was accumulated in HT group through immunohistochemical analysis. The current data provide clear evidence that Bama miniature pigs' liver possess great capacity of heat tolerance, which related to activation of Nrf2 antioxidant pathway.

Declining semen quality and steadying seminal plasma ions in heat-stressed boar model.

Purpose: There are increasing concerns about infertility of male exposure to high environmental temperatures. Nevertheless, the relationship between heat and accessory sex gland secretion underlying the high ambient temperature-induced poor semen quality has not yet been addressed. Methods: In the present study, five boars were used as an animal model to evaluate semen quality and the secretory function of accessory sex glands. After the boars received 3 days of heat exposure, semen collection was standardized to 18 continual times with a 3-day interval to determine the semen variables of semen volume, semen concentration, abnormal spermatozoa, seminal plasma composition, and testosterone level in the seminal plasma and serum. Results: The total sperm count was lowest by the end of week 2. The higher abnormal spermatozoa percentage were observed by the end of week 2 and persisted until week 6 after heat exposure. Additionally, there was no significant change in semen volume, testosterone level, and concentrations of ions and total protein in the seminal plasma before and after heat exposure. Conclusions: A single 3-day heat exposure caused poor semen quality, but did not disturb accessory sex gland secretion in boars. Declining semen quality might be mainly due to the damaged germ cells, which were sensitive to elevated temperature in hot summer months.

Tert-butylhydroquinone attenuates scrotal heat-induced damage by regulating Nrf2-antioxidant system in the mouse testis.

Tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), a widely used nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activator, was always employed to investigate the potential protective role of Nrf2 activation. In this study, to elucidate the effect of tBHQ on scrotal heat-induced damage and Nrf2-antioxidant system in mouse testes, eight-week-old mice were administrated with or without dietary tBHQ (1%w/w) for 1week and afterward subjected to a single scrotal heat treatment (42°C for 25min). Trunk blood and testes were collected 3h or 1, 2, or 7days later. Mice displayed less germ cell loss in testes, higher relative testis weight and lower testosterone concentration on day 2 in tBHQ treatment group. Before heat treatment, there were significant increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in tBHQ treatment group. After heat treatment, mice in tBHQ treatment group showed lower MDA concentration than those in non-tBHQ treatment group. In addition, both tBHQ pretreatment and scrotal heat treatment induced markedly increased Nrf2 protein expression in cytoplasm and nuclei of interstitial cells, accompanying with elevated mRNA expression of Nrf2 and Nrf2-regulated genes in mice testes. Our data indicated that pretreatment to tBHQ induced a mild oxidative stress, and further enhanced the cellular antioxidative ability to protect testicular cells against scrotal heat-induced damage via a mechanism that might involve the Nrf2-antioxidant system in mice testes.