Preparation Process Optimization and Performance Characterization of Feed Plant Essential Oil Microcapsules.

The exploration of safe antibiotic substitutes is one of the research hotspots in animal husbandry. Adding suitable plant essential oils into feed could improve the growth performance and immune capacity of animals. In order to make plant essential oil play a better role in feed application, sodium alginate and chitosan were used as the wall materials, and blended plant essential oils (BEO) as the core material to prepare BEO microcapsules by the sharp-hole condensation method. On the basis of single-factor experiments, the optimal preparation conditions for BEO microcapsules were obtained by response surface experiments. The physicochemical properties were characterized and analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and field scanning electron microscope (FSEM). Meanwhile, the release mechanism was studied by simulating a gastrointestinal sustained-release experiment. The results showed that under the optimal preparation conditions, the encapsulation efficiency of BEO microcapsules could reach 80.33 ± 2.35%. FTIR and SEM analysis displayed that the microcapsules obtained had uniform color and size and a complete and compact structure. In vitro study indicated that the release amount of BEO microcapsules in the simulated intestinal fluid is higher than that in the simulated intestinal fluid, which was consistent with animal digestive and absorptive characteristics.

L-carnitine regulated Nrf2/Keap1 activation in vitro and in vivo and protected oxidized fish oil-induced inflammation response by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in Rhynchocypris lagowski Dybowski.

Nrf2/Keap1 pathway is associated with oxidative stress. l-carnitine is currently under preclinical evaluation as a antioxidant, but the use of l-carnitine in aquaculture has been poorly evaluated and so far no mechanism has been demonstrated. Here, we explored the effects of l-carnitine in vitro and in vivo and discussed the possible molecular mechanisms involved. Firstly, Nrf2-siRNA significantly knocked down the mRNA level of Nrf2 in FHM cells. Thus, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (T-SOD, CAT, GSH-PX) and the level of antioxidant substance (GSH) and the level of MDA showed that Nrf2-siRNA pretreatment weakened the protective effect of l-carnitine. Moreover, the mRNA levels of Keap1, Nrf2, Maf and HO-1 indicated that l-carnitine regulated Nrf2/Keap1 activation. Furthermore, oxidized fish oil remarkably suppressed growth in Rhynchocypris lagowski Dybowski, and the lower antioxidant capacity was also observed in liver. According to the results of immune related indexes (the levels of IL-1ß, TNF-α, LZM, AKP) in serum and the mRNA levels of immune related genes (NF-κB, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-8, IL-10 and TGF-ß) in liver, oxidized fish oil also induced inflammatory response in fish. Also, l-carnitine supplementation can relieve this bad condition. In conclusion, l-carnitine regulated Nrf2/Keap1 activation in vitro and in vivo and protected oxidized fish oil-induced inflammation response by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway in Rhynchocypris lagowski Dybowski.

Prevalence and extent of right-to-left shunt on contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler in Chinese patients with migraine in a multicentre case-control study.

Background The association between RLS and migraine is still debated. The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and grade of RLS in Chinese patients with migraine and to evaluate the relationship between RLS and migraine. Methods A multi-center case-control study of contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler was conducted in 931 consecutive patients with migraine (240 of 931 had migraine with aura and 691 of 931 were in the migraine without aura group) and 282 were healthy adults. Clinical trial no. NCT02425696. Results The prevalence of RLS was 63.8% and 39.9% in the migraine with aura group (MA+) and migraine without aura group (MA-), respectively, significantly higher than that of the healthy group (29.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The positive rate of large RLS in the MA+ group and MA- group was 32.1% and 16.5%, respectively, significantly higher than healthy group (6.4%, p < 0.001; p < 0.001). There was no difference among groups in terms of positive rate of permanent RLS ( p = 0.704). Conclusion This multi-centre case-control study suggested that there is an association between RLS and migraine with and without aura, especially when the shunt is large.

[Research on improving memory impairment of blue lavender volatile oil].

In order to study the potential application value of lavender volatile oil (LVO), the chemical composition of the volatile oil of lavender was analyzed by GC-MS, and the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) was established. Additionally, the antioxidant enzymes activity of T-SOD, GSH-PX, CAT and MDA content were studied. Experimental results showed that 55 kinds of chemical constituents including terpene, terpene alcohol and ester compounds from LVO were identified, and the content of linalool and linalyl acetate was the highest, accounting for 49.71% of the total volatile oil. The ability of mouse platform memory was improved significantly. The levels of GSH-PX, CAT and T-SOD of mouse brain tissue in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the model group (P<0.05). The level of MDA reached the maximum value in the model group, while there was no notable difference between the levels of MDA in the drug group and the normal group. The result indicated the significant oxidative activity of LVO, the possibility of induced oxidative stress reduction in neurons, and the reversal effect of memory acquired disorder.

Allulose mitigates chronic enteritis by reducing mitochondria dysfunction via regulating cathepsin B production.

Metabolic changes have been linked to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes colitis. Allulose, an endogenous bioactive monosaccharide, is vital to the synthesis of numerous compounds and metabolic processes within living organisms. Nevertheless, the precise biochemical mechanism by which allulose inhibits colitis remains unknown. Allulose is an essential and intrinsic protector of the intestinal mucosal barrier, as it maintains the integrity of tight junctions in the intestines, according to the current research. It is also important to know that there is a link between the severity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colorectal cancer (CRC), chemically-induced colitis in rodents, and lower levels of allulose in the blood. Mice with colitis, either caused by dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) or naturally occurring colitis in IL-10-/- mice, had less damage to their intestinal mucosa after being given allulose. Giving allulose to a colitis model starts a chain of reactions because it stops cathepsin B from ejecting and helps lysosomes stick together. This system effectively stops the activity of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) when intestinal epithelial damage happens. This stops the breakdown of tight junction integrity and the start of mitochondrial dysfunction. To summarise, the study's findings have presented data that supports the advantageous impact of allulose in reducing the advancement of colitis. Its ability to stop the disruption of the intestinal barrier enables this. Therefore, allulose has potential as a medicinal supplement for treating colitis.

[Effects of artificial microRNA targeting glucosylceramide synthase on drug sensitivity of breast cancer cells].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effects on glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) expression and drug sensitivity in breast cancer cells by transfecting artificial microRNA targeting GCS. METHODS: Two microRNA expression vectors targeting GCS were constructed and transfected into MCF-7/ADR cells via Lipofectamine 2000. The levels of GCS mRNA and protein were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot respectively. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to assess the chemosensitivity of MCF-7/ADR cells to adriamycin (ADM) and vincristine. RESULTS: After transfection of two microRNA expression vectors, the expression of GCSmRNA in MCF-7/ADR cells was 0.098 ± 0.005 and 0.143 ± 0.007 respectively. Compared with the control cells (0.875 ± 0.008), the difference was significant (P < 0.01). The expression of GCS protein (0.127 ± 0.004, 0.165 ± 0.008) in MCF-7/ADR cells was lower than that in the control cells (0.765 ± 0.007; P < 0.01). Furthermore, in comparison with the control cells, the resistance factor to adriamycin significantly dropped to 4.06 and 6.06 while the drug resistance to vincristine decreased to 8.30 and 12.67 respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Artificial microRNA targeting GCS inhibits the GCS expression and restores significantly the sensitivity of breast cancer cells to anticancer drugs. These findings may provide a novel strategy of enhancing the chemotherapy sensitivity of breast cancer.

Combination of atezolizumab and chidamide to maintain long-term remission in refractory metastatic extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of refractory extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL) is poor. Recent data have indicated that immune checkpoint blockade with a programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) antibody in combination with administration of histone deacetylase inhibitors represents a potentially effective treatment strategy. Compared with PD-1 antibodies, programmed death-ligand 1 antibodies have fewer side effects. Here, we present a rare case of a patient with refractory metastatic ENKTL who achieved sustained remission of approximately 10 mo with minor adverse effects after combination therapy with atezolizumab, chidamide, and radiotherapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 56-year-old woman underwent resection of a tumour in her left nasal cavity and was diagnosed with ENKTL (nasal type). Medical examination revealed tumours observed in the bilateral nasal mucosa, the subcutaneous soft tissue of the inner side of the left eye, the soft tissue of the nasopharynx, the bilateral tonsils, and the left preauricular, right hilar, bilateral neck lymph nodes and bone marrow. However, tomography/computed tomography showed increased metabolism of the bilateral nasal mucosa and subcutaneous soft tissue of the inner side of the left eye and newly increased metabolism of the left cervical lymph node after chemotherapy. Therefore, combination therapy with chidamide, atezolizumab, and radiotherapy was performed. Fortunately, the patient achieved a complete response following 10 mo of combination therapy. CONCLUSION: The outcome in this case suggests that the combination of atezolizumab, chidamide, and radiotherapy is a promising regimen for treating refractory metastatic ENKTL following chemotherapy treatment failure.

Primary cardiac sarcoma complicated with cerebral infarction and brain metastasis: A case report and literature review.

In large autopsy series, the estimated frequency of primary tumors of the heart ranges from 0.0017% to 0.33%. Approximately 25% of primary cardiac tumors are malignant, and nearly 20% of these are sarcomas. To date, a completely feasible surgical resection remains the major treatment measure of cardiac sarcoma, especially for recurrent focal cardiac sarcoma and the recurrence of a restrictive metastasis. Although characteristically medical treatments are recommended, there is no consistent opinion for adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy following an operation. Since these tumors usually undergo extensive spread by the time that the diagnosis is established, the prognosis of cardiac sarcoma remains poor. In this report, we described a case who underwent initial cardiac tumor resection, and was confirmed to be a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma based on pathological findings. However, the patient complicated with cerebral infarction and subsequent brain metastasis sarcoma after the initial surgery, which was confirmed by brain tissue pathology. During the course of therapy, the patient underwent three surgical operations and refused to accept any chemotherapy and radiotherapy intervention. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report describing a primary cardiac sarcoma complicated with cerebral infarction and brain metastasis. The management of primary cardiac sarcoma is also discussed.

Effectiveness and Safety of Transcatheter Patent Foramen Ovale Closure for Migraine (EASTFORM) Trial.

We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure for the treatment of migraine in a Chinese population. This non-randomized clinical trial enrolled 258 consecutive substantial or severe migraineurs with a right-to-left shunt (RLS) (grade II-IV) and grouped subjects according to their election or refusal of PFO closure. Migraine was diagnosed according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders III-beta and evaluated using the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). In total, 241 participants (125 in the transcatheter closure group and 116 in the control group) were included in the study. In general, the PFO closure procedure was found to be safe. At 1 month after closure, 76.1% of patients returned for c-TCD evaluation; of these, 85.7% were downgraded to negative status or a grade-I shunt. Residual shunts and placebo effects were thought to resolve by 12 months post-procedure, when migraine impact was reported to decrease by 73.6%. Transcatheter PFO closure was demonstrated to be effective for the treatment of migraine by comparing HIT-6 scores between the transcatheter closure and control groups (p < 0.001). Our results suggest that transcatheter PFO closure is a safe and effective approach for the treatment of migraine in the Chinese population, especially in females with constant RLS. Clinical trial no. NCT02127294 (registered on April 29, 2014).

Comparison of Vertebral Artery and Middle Cerebral Artery Monitoring for Right-to-left Shunt Detection by Contrast-enhanced Transcranial Doppler.

Contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) is a reliable and reproducible method for right-to-left shunt (RLS) detection, with high sensitivity. Monitoring the middle cerebral artery (MCA) is an optimal choice, yet for patients with insufficient temporal bone windows or severe stenosis of carotid arteries, an alternative should be established. The aim of the present study was to further establish whether c-TCD with vertebral artery (VA) monitoring is as effective as MCA monitoring for RLS detection. We evaluated 194 subjects for RLS detection with VA and MCA monitoring simultaneously. There was no significant difference between the positive rates of VA and MCA monitoring for RLS detection. c-TCD with VA monitoring could be an alternative for RLS detection, with high sensitivity and specificity both at rest and during the Valsalva manoeuvre.

Comparison of Different Methods of Valsalva Maneuver for Right-to-left Shunt Detection by Contrast-Enhanced Transcranial Doppler.

We evaluated 298 patients for right-to-left shunt (RLS) detection by contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler at rest state (RS), during the conventional Valsalva maneuver (CM), and during the modified Valsalva maneuver (BM: blowing into the connecting tube of a sphygmomanometer at 40 mm Hg for 10 s) in random order, and the degree of RLS along the time of the first microbubble occurrence was recorded. The positive rates were 21.8%, 36.9% and 47.3% for RS, CM and BM, respectively (p < 0.001). BM resulted in a significantly higher positive rate (p = 0.010), and there was a significant difference between the two different methods of VM in terms of the degree of RLS detection (p < 0.001). Further, the first microbubble occurred later during BM than CM (10.22 ± 3.77 s vs. 9.44 ± 4.36 s, p < 0.05). This modified maneuver is an alternative to the conventional one, especially for those who cannot perform the conventional maneuver adequately, but are highly suspected of having RLS.

Urachal adenocarcinoma that metastasized to breast was misinterpreted as primary breast mucinous carcinoma: A rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: The urachus is a vestigial tubular structure that connects the urinary bladder to the allantois during early embryonic development. Urachal carcinoma develops in the urachus, which is an embryological remnant of the urogenital sinus and allantois. The estimated annual incidence of urachal carcinoma in the general population is 0.01% of all cancers in adults. Moreover, urachal carcinoma accounts for 0.34% to 0.7% of all bladder carcinoma cases. And breast metastasis is extremely rarer. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 42-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a palpable mass in the outer upper quadrant of the right breast, which was misinterpreted as a carcinoma that originated from the breast. Subsequently, she underwent surgery without any further meticulous examination. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed positivity for CK20, Villin, and CDX-2 and negativity for CK7. After further inspection, a mass was found in the bladder dome using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography and computed tomography. The mass was surgically removed. CONCLUSION: Pathologic and immunohistochemical examination confirmed that the mass was urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma and mucinous adenocarcinoma to the right breast. The patient has been followed up without recurrence for 8 months.

Effects of Eu3+ on the metabolism of amino acid and protein in xerophytic Lathyrus sativus L.

The contents of amino acids and proteins and the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase were determined in roots, stems, and leaves of Eu3+-treated Lathyrus sativus L. The results showed that the treatment of Eu3+ made the contents of amino acid and protein and the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase change. The first possible mechanism was that Eu3+ directly made the electric potential of -NH2 or -COOH of amino acid change. The second possible mechanism was that Eu3+ played a role in metallic-activated factors of certain enzymes, which catalyze the catabolism and anabolism of protein. Then, the contents of amino acids and proteins were relatively changed. The third possible mechanism was that Eu3+ regulated the activity of ATPase through changing the Na+/K+ ratio. The energy released by ATPase was the driving force for the translocation of amino acids and proteins in the plant cell. Because of the changeability of its valence, Eu3+ played an important role in regulating certain physiological reactions to increase the adaptability of L. sativus in arid environment.

[Clinical analysis on hepatic hydatid disease in Yili river valley].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical diagnosis and treatment of hepatic hydatid disease and its epidemiological characteristics in Yili river valley. METHODS: Retrospective investigation was carried out on 2049 cases collected in 1993-2003. Clinical diagnosis was made by ways of intradermal test, serological test, ultrasound, X-ray, CT and/or MRI, majority of them received surgical operation. RESULTS: Among the 2049 cases, cystic hydatidosis occupied 96% (1965/2049), while 4% (84/2049) were alveolar hydatidosis. 99% (2034/2049) accepted surgery including hepatolobectomy, endocystomy and hydatidostomy in 302 cases (14.7%) without relapses. 754 cases (36.7%) received chemotherapy (praziquantel, albendazole) after surgical operation. The disease distributed in agri-pastoral areas along the valley. Local residents from different minorities had a close contact with dogs, 54% of the cases were females and 48% of the cases were in the group of 25-49 years old. The incidence tends to decline in the years. CONCLUSION: Hydatidosis is still an important health problem in the region. Further practices for improving treatment especially surgical intervention and for epidemiological investigation are needed.

Proliferation PET image to characterize pathological spatial features in patients with non-small cell lung cancer: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: (18)F-FLT-PET imaging was proposed as a tool for measuring in vivo tumor cell proliferation and detecting sub-volumes to propose escalation in radiotherapy. The aim of this study was to validate whether high FLT uptake areas in (18)F-FLT PET/CT are coincident with tumor cell proliferation distribution indicated by Ki-67 staining in non-small cell lung cancer, thus provide theoretical support for the application of dose painting guided by (18)F-FLT PET/CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve treatment naive patients with biopsy proven NSCLC underwent (18)F-FLT PET/CT scans followed by lobectomy were enrolled. The surgical specimen was dissected into 4-7 µm sections at approximately 4-mm intervals. The best slice was sort out to complete Ki-67 staining. Maximum Ki-67 labelling Index and SUVmax of the corresponding PET image was calculated. The correlation between Ki-67 Labelling Index and SUVmax of FLT was determined using Spearman Correlation analysis. High uptake areas and high proliferating areas were delineated on the two images, respectively, and their location was compared. RESULTS: The maximal SUV was 3.26 ± 0.97 (1.96-5.05), maximal Ki-67 labeling index was 49% ± 27.56% (5%-90%). Statistical analysis didn't reveal a significant correlation between them (r = -0.157, P = 0.627, > 0.05). 9 patients can contour high proliferating area on Ki-67 staining slice, and eight can contour the high uptake areas. In 4 patients, we can observe a generally close distribution of high uptake areas and high proliferating areas, in one patient, both the uptake level and proliferation status was low, while the others didn't not find a significant co-localization. CONCLUSION: Noninvasive (18)F-FLT PET assessing the proliferative status may be a valuable aid to guide dose painting in NSCLC, but it needs to be confirmed further.

Postoperative recurrence solitary fibrous tumor of the pelvic with malignant transformation.

A 48-year-old man with a solitary fibrous tumor of the pelvic underwent resection, but recurrent tumor was found 4 years later. Recurrent solitary fibrous tumor of the pelvic with malignant progression is rare. Solitary fibrous tumor of the pelvic often has an indolent clinical course, so postoperative surveillance may necessitate long-term follow-up because of the potential adverse biological behavior of this tumor, which may lead to repeated recurrences and/or malignant transformation.

Effects of patient position on right-to-left shunt detection by contrast transcranial Doppler.

Contrast-enhanced transcranial Doppler (c-TCD) was performed on 117 patients to detect a right-to-left shunt (RLS). Each patient was examined during normal breathing and after performing the Valsalva maneuver (VM) in three randomly ordered positions: supine, left lateral decubitus and sitting upright. When breathing normally, RLS-positive rates were 15.4%, 23.1% and 28.2% for supine, left lateral decubitus and upright sitting positions, respectively. After VM, the positive rates were 25.6%, 28.2% and 36.8%, respectively. For each position, the RLS-positive rates were higher after VM than normal breathing and higher for the left lateral decubitus and upright sitting positions compared with the supine position, irrespective of breathing. There were no significant differences between findings for the left lateral decubitus and upright sitting positions. No significant differences in shunt grades were found across all groups. The choice of position for patients undergoing c-TCD can improve its sensitivity for the diagnosis of RLS.

Effects of europium ions (Eu3+) on the distribution and related biological activities of elements in Lathyrus sativus L roots.

Scanning electron microscopic and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses were used to study the distributions of different types of elements in the epidermis, exodermis, endodermis, and vascular cylinder of the fracture face in the Lathyrus sativus L. roots in the presence or absence of Eu3+. Some index of the biological activity related to the elements binding with protein were determined also. The results showed that the tissular distributions of elements in the fracture face are different in the presence and absence of Eu3+. The atomic percentages of P, S, Ca, and Mn were influenced more than those of other elements. Eu3+ promoted the biological activities of various kinds of element. The one possible mechanism changing the biological activities was that the reaction of Eu3+ +e--> Eu2+ would influence the electron capture or transport in elements of binding protein. Another mechanism was that CaM-Ca2+ becoming CaM-Eu3+ through Eu3+ instead of Ca2+ would affect the biological activity of elements by regulating the Ca2+ level in the plant cell.