Dietary supplementation with jasmine flower residue improves meat quality and flavor of goat.

Jasmine flower residue (JFR) is a by-product retained in the production process of jasmine tea and can be used as an unconventional feed due to its rich nutrient value. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of JFR to the diet of goats on their meat quality and flavor. Twenty-four castrated Nubian male goats were randomly divided into two groups and fed a mixed diet containing 10% JFR (JFR, n = 12) or a conventional diet (CON, n = 12) for 45 days. Meat quality and flavor were measured at the end of the treatment. The addition of JFR to the diet could reduce the shear force of the longissimus dorsi muscle, as well as, the cross-sectional area and diameter of muscle fibers, indicating that the addition of JFR improved meat quality. JFR also increased the content of glutamic acid and ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (C18:3n3 and C20:5N3) and reduced the content of C24:1 and saturated fatty acid (C20:0 and C22:0). In addition, the use of JFR increased the content of acetaldehyde and hexanal in the meat. Furthermore, JFR introduced new volatile components in the meat. The umami, saltiness, and richness of the meat also improved. In conclusion, the addition of jasmine flower residue to the diet can improve the meat quality and flavor of goat.

Genome-wide identification of drought-responsive microRNAs and their target genes in Chinese jujube by deep sequencing.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are about 21 snucleotide (nt) long, non-coding RNAs that play an important role in plant abiotic stress responses. Chinese jujube is a native fruit tree in China, which is also an admittedly drought-resistant plant. But the drought-related miRNAs have little been reported in jujube. OBJECTIVE: To identify possibly drought-responsive microRNAs and their target genes in Chinese Jujube. METHODS: Twelve small RNA libraries were constructed from two jujube genotypes both drought treated and control samples with three replicates to identify known and novel miRNAs in Chinese Jujube, DESeq2 was used to identify expression pattern of miRNAs between drought treatment and control samples, TargetFinder program was used to predict potential target genes of conserved and novel miRNAs, RT-qPCR were used to analysis the expression levels of drought-related miRNAs and their potential targets. The RNA ligase-mediated RLM-5' RACE experiments were performed to validate predicted target genes of drought-related miRNAs. RESULTS: 43 known miRNAs and 431 novel miRNAs were identified in Chinese jujube. Expression analysis showed that 28 miRNAs were differential expressed under drought stress in jujube variety "Dongzao", including 21 up-regulated miRNAs and 7 down-regulated miRNAs, 61 miRNAs were differential expressed under drought stress in Chinese jujube variety "Zanhuangdazao", including 23 up-regulated miRNAs and 37 down-regulated miRNAs. Depend on miRNAs target prediction, functional annotation and expression analysis, we identified 9 drought-related miRNAs, and 7 target genes of 6 miRNAs were confirmed using the modified 5'-RACE method. Also, RT-qPCR analyses revealed that relative expression of those miRNAs and their targets have negative tendency. CONCLUSION: We identified 6 drought-related miRNAs by high-throughout sequencing and target gene annotation from Chinese jujube, and targets of those miRNAs were confirmed by the modified 5'-RACE method. These findings provide molecular evidence for enhancing drought tolerance in Chinese jujube and other plants.

The Influence of Sports Dance on the Physical and Mental Development of Contemporary College Students Based on Health Detection.

The healthy growth of college students is related to the future development of the country and the prosperity of the nation. Under fierce social competition, college students are faced with academic pressure and employment pressure, resulting in the failure to improve their physical and mental health and their low self-acceptance level. Faced with such a situation, it is an important subject to solve the problem of the physical and mental health development of contemporary college students. As a sport that integrates sports and art, sports dance is worthy of in-depth discussion on the physical and mental development of college students. To analyze the impact of sports dance on the physical and mental development of contemporary college students, this paper uses an intelligent health monitoring system to monitor the health status of college students before and after physical dance exercise. It analyzes the influence of sports dance on the physical and mental development of college students from the aspects of cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular endurance, flexibility, and happiness. Finally, the results are obtained by conducting experiments with 10 college students. The experimental results show that the psychological well-being of college students who take physical dance exercise increases by 7.8%. Cardiorespiratory endurance and flexibility are both improved accordingly. Physical dance exercise promotes the physical and mental development of contemporary college students.

Circ_0000284 Promoted Acute Pancreatitis Progression through the Regulation of miR-10a-5p/Wnt/ß-Catenin Pathway.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been found to be involved in the progression of acute pancreatitis (AP). The objective of our study was to investigate the effects of circ_0000284 on caerulein-induced AR42J cell injury. To mimic AP in vitro, rat pancreatic acinar AR42J cells were treated with caerulein. The expression of circ_0000284 and miR-10a-5p was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to determine the content of inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-6, IL-8 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). Western blotting was applied to analyze the levels of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway-related and apoptosis-related proteins. Cell viability and apoptosis were monitored by Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The target connection between circ_0000284 and miR-10a-5p was verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. AP induced inflammation in patients, and caerulein treatment increased apoptosis and inflammation in AR42J cells. Circ_0000284 was upregulated in serum of AP patients and caerulein-induced AR42J cells, while Wnt/ß-catenin pathway was inactivated. Knockdown of circ_0000284 could decrease apoptosis and inflammation in caerulein-induced AR42J cells, which was attenuated by miR-10a-5p inhibition or Wnt signaling pathway antagonist Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1). MiR-10a-5p was sponged by circ_000028 and was downregulated in caerulein-induced AR42J cells. Circ_0000284 depletion could protect caerulein-induced AR42J cells from apoptosis and inflammation by upregulating miR-10a-5p expression and activating Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, underscoring a potential target for AP therapy.

Relationship between unbalanced core strengthening and injuries in dancesport athletes / Relação entre o fortalecimento desbalanceado do core e as lesões nos atletas de dança esportiva / Relación entre el fortalecimiento desequilibrado del core y las lesiones en los atletas de baile deportivo

ABSTRACT Introduction: The set of muscles in the lumbo-pelvic-hip complex is called the core. The core is located in the body's center of gravity. Dancesport require aligned trunk movements and permanent stabilization between the spine and pelvis. Despite few studies, the relationship between unbalanced core strengthening and injuries in dancesport is investigated. Objective: Study the relationship between unbalanced core strengthening and muscle strength in dancesport athletes. Methods: An experiment was conducted with 60 students from dance schools. They were randomly divided between an experimental group and a control group, with 30 people each. Each group included 15 males and 15 females. The experimental group used unilateral core stability training. The control group used traditional core stability training. Results: The results showed that the quality of action improved significantly after core strength training (P <0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Core strengthening can improve balance ability in athletes. There was no statistical difference between the training, with similar positive balance ability and explosion strength effects in the athletes. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment results.

RESUMO Introdução: O conjunto de músculos no complexo quadril-pélvico-lombar é chamado de core. O core está localizado no centro de gravidade corporal. A dança esportiva exige movimentos de tronco alinhados, além da permanente estabilização entre coluna e pélvis. Apesar de haverem estudos escassos, é possível existir alguma relação entre o fortalecimento desequilibrado do core com as lesões na dança esportiva. Objetivo: o objetivo foi estudar a relação entre o fortalecimento desequilibrado do core com a força muscular nos atletas de dança esportiva. Métodos: Foi realizado um experimento com 60 alunos de escolas de dança. Eles foram divididos aleatoriamente entre um grupo experimental e um grupo controle, com 30 pessoas cada. Cada grupo incluiu 15 homens e 15 mulheres. O grupo experimental utilizou o treinamento de estabilidade do core unilateral. O grupo de controle usou o treinamento de estabilidade do core tradicional. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que a qualidade da ação melhorou significativamente após o treinamento de força central (P <0,05), mas não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos. Conclusões: O fortalecimento do core pode melhorar a capacidade de equilíbrio nos atletas. Não houve diferença estatística entre os treinamentos, com efeitos positivos de capacidade de equilíbrio e força de explosão semelhantes nos atletas. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

RESUMEN Introducción: El conjunto de músculos del complejo lumbopélvico se denomina core. El core se encuentra en el centro de gravedad del cuerpo. La danza deportiva exige movimientos alineados del tronco, además de la estabilización permanente entre columna y pelvis. Aunque hay pocos estudios, es posible que exista alguna relación entre el fortalecimiento desequilibrado del core y las lesiones en los deportes de danza. Objetivo: El objetivo fue estudiar la relación entre el fortalecimiento desequilibrado del core y la fuerza muscular en atletas de danza deportiva. Métodos: Se realizó un experimento con 60 alumnos de escuelas de danza. Se dividieron al azar entre un grupo experimental y un grupo de control, con 30 personas cada uno. Cada grupo incluía 15 hombres y 15 mujeres. El grupo experimental utilizó un entrenamiento de estabilidad del core unilateral. El grupo de control utilizó el entrenamiento tradicional de estabilidad del core. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron que la calidad de la acción mejoró significativamente después del entrenamiento de fuerza central (P <0,05), pero no hubo diferencias significativas entre los grupos. Conclusiones: El entrenamiento de la fuerza del core puede mejorar la capacidad de equilibrio en los atletas. No hubo diferencias estadísticas entre los entrenamientos, con efectos positivos similares de la capacidad de equilibrio y la fuerza explosiva en los atletas. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Comprehensive Analysis Identified ASF1B as an Independent Prognostic Factor for HBV-Infected Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose: Hepatitis B (HBV)-infected hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers, and it has high incidence and mortality rates worldwide. The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma has been increasing in recent years, and existing treatment modalities do not significantly improve prognosis. Therefore, it is important to find a biomarker that can accurately predict prognosis. Methods: This study was analyzed using the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and validated by the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. The STRING database was used to construct a gene co-expression network and visualize its functional clustering using Cytoscape. A prognostic signature model was constructed to observe high and low risk with prognosis, and independent prognostic factors for HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma were identified by Cox regression analysis. The independent prognostic factors were then analyzed for expression and survival, and their pathway enrichment was analyzed using gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results: 805 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by differential analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) showed that DEGs were mostly clustered in functional modules, such as cellular matrix response, cell differentiation, and tissue development. Prognostic characterization models showed that the high-risk group was associated with poor prognosis, while Cox regression analysis identified ASF1B as the only independent prognostic factor. As verified by expression and prognosis, ASF1B was highly expressed in HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma and led to a poor prognosis. GSEA showed that high ASF1B expression was involved in cell cycle-related signaling pathways. Conclusion: Bioinformatic analysis identified ASF1B as an independent prognostic factor in HBV-infected hepatocellular carcinoma, and its high expression led to a poor prognosis. Furthermore, it may promote hepatocellular carcinoma progression by affecting cell cycle-related signaling pathways.

THBS2 is Closely Related to the Poor Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration of Gastric Cancer.

Background: The potential functions of Thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) in the progression and immune infiltration of gastric cancer (GC) remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of THBS2 in GC prognosis and the relationship between THBS2 and GC immune cell infiltration. Material and Methods: The differential expression levels of THBS2 in the GC and cancer-adjacent tissues were identified using the TCGA databases and verified using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemical staining and two datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). THBS2 related differential expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and used for further functional enrichment analysis and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). Furthermore, a THBS2-related immune infiltration analysis was also performed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were utilized to illustrate the effects of THBS2 on the prognosis and clinical variables of GC. Finally, a nomogram was constructed to predict the survival probability of patients with GC. Results: The THBS2 expression in GC was significantly higher than that in cancer-adjacent tissues (p < 0.001), which was verified using real-time PCR, immunohistochemical staining and datasets from GEO. The 599 identified DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways related to tumorigenesis and tumor progression, including the focal adhesion pathway, signaling by vascular endothelial growth factor, and Wnt signaling. THBS2 expression was positively correlated with the enrichment of the macrophages (r = 0.590, p < 0.001), which was also confirmed by immunohistochemistry; however, negatively correlated with the enrichment of Th17 cells (r = 0.260, p < 0.001). The high expression of THBS2 was significantly correlated with the pathological grade (p < 0.01), histological grade (p < 0.05), histological type (p < 0.05), T stage (p < 0.001), and poor overall survival (OS) (P = 0.003) of GC. The constructed nomogram can well predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-years OS probability of patients with GC (C-index [95% confidence interval] = 0.725 [0.701-0.750]). Conclusion: THBS2 is closely related to the poor prognosis and immune infiltration of gastric cancer.

BGN May be a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and Associated With Immune Cell Enrichment of Gastric Cancer.

Background: Biglycan (BGN) plays a role in the occurrence and progression of several malignant tumors, though its role in gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate BGN expression, its role in GC prognosis, and immune infiltration. Material and Methods: Gene expression data and corresponding clinical information were downloaded from TCGA and GTEx, respectively. We compared the expression of BGN in GC and normal tissues and verified the differential expression via Real-Time PCR and immunohistochemistry. BGN-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Additionally, the relationships between BGN gene expression and clinicopathological variables and survival in patients with GC were also investigated through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Finally, we established a predictive model that could well predict the probability of 1-, 3-, and 5-years survival in GC. Results: We found a significantly higher expression of BGN in GC than that in normal tissues (p < 0.001), which was verified by Real-Time PCR (p < 0.01) and immunohistochemistry (p < 0.001). The 492 identified DEGs were primarily enriched in pathways related to tumor genesis and metastasis, including extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction, focal adhesion pathway, Wnt signaling, and signaling by VEGF. BGN expression was positively correlated with the enrichment of the NK cells (r = 0.620, p < 0.001) and macrophages (r = 0.550, p < 0.001), but negatively correlated with the enrichment of Th17 cells (r = 0.250, p < 0.001). BGN expression was also significantly correlated with histologic grade (GI&G2 vs. G3, p < 0.001), histologic type (Diffuse type vs. Tubular type, p < 0.001), histologic stage (stage I vs. stage II and stage I vs. stage III, p < 0.001), T stage (T1 vs. T2, T1 vs. T3, and T1 vs. T4, p < 0.001) and Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection (yes vs. no, p < 0.05) in GC. High BGN expression showed significant association with poor overall survival (OS) in GC patients (HR = 1.53 (1.09-2.14), p = 0.013). The constructed nomogram can well predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-years overall survival probability of GC patients (C-index = 0.728). Conclusion: BGN plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of GC and is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of GC.

Drug-Related Problems among Hospitalized Surgical Elderly Patients in China.

There is a lack of data on drug-related problems (DRPs) among elderly patients from surgical departments. The current study is aimed at identifying and categorizing types of DRPs and assessing the severities of the DRPs. Medication orders for hospitalized patients aged ≥65 years from six surgery departments were reviewed to determine DRPs over 6 months in a tertiary teaching hospital of Chongqing, China. DRPs were classified based on the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe classification V8.02. The severity ratings of the DRPs were assessed using the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention classification. A total of 53,231 medication orders from 1,707 elderly patients were reviewed, and 1,061 DRPs were identified. Treatment safety (44.9%) was the most common DRP type. Drug selection (43.1%) and dose selection (43.1%) were the major causes of DRPs. A total of 75.1% of the DRPs were classified into severity categories B to D (causing no or potential harm), and 24.9% were classified as categories E to H (causing actual harm). DRPs are common in hospitalized elderly surgical patients. Pharmacists should provide medication order reviews in this vulnerable patient population.

Protective effects of citrulline supplementation in ulcerative colitis rats.

It has been reported that supplementing certain amino acids has therapeutic effects on ulcerative colitis (UC). We intend to explore whether citrulline (Cit) supplementation has protective effects on UC. Fifteen male Wistar rats were divided into normal control group (NC group), UC group and UC+Cit group, with five rats in each group. The UC model was established by TNBS/ethanol method. Rats in UC+Cit group were intragastrically administered with Cit for 7 consecutive days after modeling. All rats were sacrificed after 7 days. Blood samples were collected to detect the number of monocytes. Colon tissues were taken for HE staining. Immunohistochemistry staining for CD68 and p-STAT3 were performed to detect the infiltration of monocytes and the phosphorylation of STAT3 in colon tissues. The concentrations of MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-17A and the protein expression of p-STAT3 in colon tissues were measured by ELISA and western blot methods, respectively. The body weight of UC group rats decreased significantly after 7 days (p<0.05). However, the weight loss of UC+Cit group rats was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The number of peripheral blood monocytes in UC+Cit group was significantly lower than that in UC group (p<0.05), and the infiltration of CD68-positive monocytes in the colon tissue of UC+Cit group was significantly reduced than that in UC group. The concentrations of MCP-1, IL-6 and IL-17A and the expression of p-STAT3 in colon tissues of UC+Cit group rats were significantly lower than those in UC group (both p<0.05). Our study suggests that Cit supplementation may be a potential therapy for UC.

An improved method for the isolation and culture of rat pancreatic ductal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND: This aim of this study was to explore a novel method that can be used to isolate and culture rat pancreatic ductal epithelial cells. METHODS: Retrograde injection of indigo carmine solution into the bile duct of rats revealed the main pancreatic duct, which was isolated using the naked eye (without using a stereomicroscope). The main pancreatic duct was sequentially digested with three enzymes, and the digested cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium containing 10-15% fetal bovine serum. After 72 h, the primary pancreatic ductal epithelial cells started to adhere to the wall. The cells reached 70-80% confluence after approximately 7 days and were subsequently digested with 0.25% trypsin and subcultured. Cells of the second and fourth passages were harvested. Cytokeratin (CK)-7 and CK-19 protein expressions in the cells and pancreatic tissue were detected by Western blot analysis. q-PCR was employed to examine CK-7, CK-19, somatostatin, amylase, insulin, and glucagon mRNA expression in the cells and pancreatic tissue after the main pancreatic duct was removed. RESULTS: The rats had one or two main pancreatic ducts meeting the bile ducts at a right or an acute angle. Rat pancreatic ductal epithelial cells isolated by this method grew well and showed a cobblestone-like appearance via microscopy. Western blot analysis showed that both the second and fourth passages of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells expressed CK-7 and CK-19 protein. The q-PCR results showed the expression of CK-7 and CK-19 genes in the second and fourth passages of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells, while the somatostatin, amylase, insulin, and glucagon genes were not expressed. The pancreatic tissue harvested after the removal of the main pancreatic duct did not express CK-7 or CK-19, while the somatostatin, amylase, insulin, and glucagon genes were expressed. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results show that this method can be applied to successfully isolate and culture rat pancreatic ductal epithelial cells.

The relationship between serum triglyceride levels and acute pancreatitis in an animal model and a 14-year retrospective clinical study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the current study was to evaluate influence of serum triglyceride levels on the course of acute pancreatitis (AP). METHODS: Rats models of hypertriglyceridemic were used in animal experiments. Following induction of acute pancreatitis, amylase, and pancreas histological scores were all compared. In addition, in a clinical study, clinical data were collected from 1681 AP patients admitted from 2003 to 2016 who were divided into 4 groups based on their serum triglyceride (TG) levels. The clinical features among these 4 groups were compared, and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was also performed on TG values to estimate their relationship with severity. RESULTS: In animal experiments, the hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) group had markedly higher serum amylase, and histological scores relative to the other animal groups. In the clinical study, we identified significant differences in gender, age, body mass index (BMI), cost, and incidence of partial complications among the 4 TG-based groups. Importantly, the TG levels on day 3-4 after admission could be used to accurately predict disease severity. CONCLUSIONS: Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) can aggravate pancreatic injury, and hypertriglyceridemia patients are more likely to suffer from severe pancreatic injury with a higher possibility of complications. In addition, triglyceride levels are correlated with the severity of AP positively.

Optimal timing of contrast-enhanced computed tomography in an evaluation of severe acute pancreatitis-associated complications.

Dynamic contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) has been used previously to evaluate severe acute pancreatitis (SAP)-associated complications. However, optimal time points of CECT have not yet been established. The present study aimed to determine optimal timings for CECT to be undertaken for patients with SAP. The results of CECT from 309 patients with SAP, who were classified into either infected or non-infected SAP groups, were retrospectively analyzed. The severity and alterations in the periods within 72 h to >4 weeks of SAP onset were also assessed. In the analysis of the disease severity and changes, acute peripancreatic fluid collection was detected, where the number of areas increased within 1 week of SAP onset but decreased within 4 weeks and longer. However, no significant differences were observed between the infected and non-infected groups. The acute necrotic collection (ANC) areas were ≤30% of the area of the pancreas, with significantly more ANC areas and pancreatic necrosis in the infected SAP group compared with the non-infected SAP group at a time interval of >4 weeks. The exudation of pleural effusion (PE) was elevated within 1 week, but decreased within 2 weeks and longer. The difference in the alteration of the exudation of PE was not statistically different between the two groups. In conclusion, the results suggest that the period between 72 h and 1 week of SAP onset is optimal timing of CECT to assess SAP-associated complications, particularly for infected SAP patients.

Assessing fluoroquinolone-associated aortic aneurysm and dissection: Data mining of the public version of the FDA adverse event reporting system.

AIMS: A recent large epidemiological study found fluoroquinolone use is associated with an increased risk of aortic aneurysm or dissection. We aimed to examine fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin) associated aortic aneurysm or dissection through data mining of the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). METHODS: Reports to the FAERS from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2016 were analysed. Pharmacovigilance tools were used for quantitative detection of signals that is, drug-associated adverse events, including reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, information component given by a Bayesian confidence propagation neural network and empirical Bayes geometric mean. Sensitivity analyses that limited the data by gender and adverse event date also showed similar trends. RESULTS: Based on 3721 adverse event reports, all three fluoroquinolones are associated with aortic aneurysm, and levofloxacin is associated with aortic dissection. The risk of aortic aneurysm is higher than the aortic dissection. Oral administration of fluoroquinolones is more likely to produce these adverse events. CONCLUSION: The results obtained herein are consistent with clinical observations, suggesting the necessity for further clinical research on aortic aneurysm and dissection associated with fluoroquinolones.

Role of Wnt/ß-catenin pathway agonist SKL2001 in Caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis.

The goal of this study was to clarify the protective role of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway agonist SKL2001 in a rat model of Caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. AR42J cells and rats were divided into 4 groups: control, Caerulein, SKL2001 + Caerulein, and SKL2001 + control. Cell apoptosis was examined using flow cytometry. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe pathological changes in pancreatic and small intestinal tissues. Inflammatory cytokines were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while genes related to the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR. In vitro results showed that Caerulein promoted cell necrosis, inhibited the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway, and increased the level of inflammatory cytokines. However, SKL2001 reduced cell necrosis and inflammatory cytokines and activated the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway. Additionally, in vivo results demonstrated the accumulation of fluid (i.e., edema), hemorrhage, inflammation and necrosis of the pancreatic acini occurred 6 h after the final Caerulein induction, with the damage reaching a maximal level 12 h after the final Caerulein induction; meanwhile, the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway was evidently inhibited with an enhanced level of inflammatory cytokines. The aforementioned damage was further aggravated 12 h later. Nevertheless, the pancreatic and small intestinal tissue damages were alleviated in Caerulein-induced rats treated with SKL2001. In conclusion, activation of the Wnt/ß-catenin pathway could inhibit Caerulein-induced cell apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine release, thus improving pancreatic and intestinal damage in rats with acute pancreatitis.

Symbiosis-Based Alternative Learning Multi-Swarm Particle Swarm Optimization.

Inspired by the ideas from the mutual cooperation of symbiosis in natural ecosystem, this paper proposes a new variant of PSO, named Symbiosis-based Alternative Learning Multi-swarm Particle Swarm Optimization (SALMPSO). A learning probability to select one exemplar out of the center positions, the local best position, and the historical best position including the experience of internal and external multiple swarms, is used to keep the diversity of the population. Two different levels of social interaction within and between multiple swarms are proposed. In the search process, particles not only exchange social experience with others that are from their own sub-swarms, but also are influenced by the experience of particles from other fellow sub-swarms. According to the different exemplars and learning strategy, this model is instantiated as four variants of SALMPSO and a set of 15 test functions are conducted to compare with some variants of PSO including 10, 30 and 50 dimensions, respectively. Experimental results demonstrate that the alternative learning strategy in each SALMPSO version can exhibit better performance in terms of the convergence speed and optimal values on most multimodal functions in our simulation.

Diagnosis of Genus Helicobacter through a hemi-nested PCR assay of 16S rRNA.

The present study aimed to establish a genus-specific PCR-based assay to detect helicobacters using 16S rRNA gene as the target template. We designed the hemi-nested primers based on sequences of 16S rRNA gene of 34 types of Helicobacter species. The inclusivity, sensitivity, and specificity of the PCR assay using these primers were examined in three different models, comprising feces simulated samples, BLAB/c mice infection model and clinic patients samples. The detection sensitivity of Helicobacter pylori, Helicobacter hepaticus and Helicobacter bilis strains from feces simulated samples was all 102 CFU/ml. We successfully detected H. hepaticus and H. bilis in the liver, cecum and feces of experimentally infected mice. H. pylori was successfully detected in the feces samples from 3 patients infected with H. pylori while not in the feces samples from 3 healthy human. However, the C97/C05-C97/C98 PCR assay detected H. pylori in the 2 positive samples. Due to the PCR assay's excellent inclusivity, high sensitivity and specificity it may be used to detect the presence of Helicobacters.

Evaluation of four endogenous reference genes and their real-time PCR assays for common wheat quantification in GMOs detection.

Proper selection of endogenous reference genes and their real-time PCR assays is quite important in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) detection. To find a suitable endogenous reference gene and its real-time PCR assay for common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) DNA content or copy number quantification, four previously reported wheat endogenous reference genes and their real-time PCR assays were comprehensively evaluated for the target gene sequence variation and their real-time PCR performance among 37 common wheat lines. Three SNPs were observed in the PKABA1 and ALMT1 genes, and these SNPs significantly decreased the efficiency of real-time PCR amplification. GeNorm analysis of the real-time PCR performance of each gene among common wheat lines showed that the Waxy-D1 assay had the lowest M values with the best stability among all tested lines. All results indicated that the Waxy-D1 gene and its real-time PCR assay were most suitable to be used as an endogenous reference gene for common wheat DNA content quantification. The validated Waxy-D1 gene assay will be useful in establishing accurate and creditable qualitative and quantitative PCR analysis of GM wheat.

Parasite threat to panda conservation.

The giant panda is a global symbol of wildlife conservation that is threatened by historic and current habitat loss. Despite a great deal of research on the physiology, reproductive biology, and diet of pandas in the wild and in captivity, there is little information on wild panda mortality. Here we integrate previously unavailable data on the mortality of wild pandas. We report on three recent phases of panda mortality: deaths due to bamboo flowering in the 1970s and 1980s, surprisingly extensive poaching in the 1980s and 1990s, and a parasitic infection over the past few years. Our analyses suggest that the current most significant threat to wild panda survival is disease due to extraintestinal migration (visceral larval migrans) by an ascarid nematode. We demonstrate that the probability of death of wild pandas being caused by this disease increased significantly between 1971 and 2005 and discuss the possible factors leading to the emergence of this disease.