DWI in Brains of Fetuses with Congenital Heart Disease: A Case-Control MR Imaging Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Abnormal ADC values are seen in ischemic brain lesions such as acute or chronic hypoxia. We aimed to assess whether ADC values in the developing brain measured by in utero DWI were different in fetuses with congenital heart disease compared with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In utero DWI was performed in 50 fetuses with congenital heart disease and 100 healthy controls at a similar gestational age. Pair-wise ADC values of the ROIs were manually delineated on each side of the frontal and periatrial WM and in the basal ganglia, thalamus, and cerebellar hemisphere, as well as a single measurement in the pons. RESULTS: Fetuses with congenital heart disease had significantly lower ADC values in frontal and periatrial WM and the pons than controls (all P < .05) in the early stages of pregnancy. However, ADC values in the thalamus were higher for fetuses with congenital heart disease than for controls (gestational age, ≥26 weeks). For ADC values in the cerebellar hemisphere, there was no obvious significance between cases and controls (P = .07) in the late stages of pregnancy. Basal ganglia ADC values were consistently not significantly different between the 2 groups during the early and late stages of pregnancy (P = .47; .21). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal brain diffusivity can be detected using in utero DWI in fetuses with congenital heart disease. Abnormal ADC values found at a mean gestational age of 26 weeks suggest structural changes, which may provide an early indicator of the impact of congenital heart disease on the developing brain.

Influence of dairy by-product waste milk on the microbiomes of different gastrointestinal tract components in pre-weaned dairy calves.

The community structure of colonised bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of pre-weaned calves is affected by extrinsic factors, such as the genetics and diet of the calves; however, the dietary impact is not fully understood and warrants further research. Our study revealed that a total of 6, 5, 2 and 10 bacterial genera showed biologically significant differences in the GITs of pre-weaned calves fed four waste-milk diets: acidified waste milk, pasteurised waste milk, untreated bulk milk, and untreated waste milk, respectively. Specifically, generic biomarkers were observed in the rumen (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, Fibrobacter, Clostridium, etc.), caecum (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Oxalobacter, Odoribacter, etc.) and colon (e.g., Megamonas, Comamonas, Stenotrophomonas, etc.) but not in the faeces. In addition, the predicted metabolic pathways showed that the expression of genes related to metabolic diseases was increased in the calves fed untreated waste milk, which indicated that untreated waste milk is not a suitable liquid diet for pre-weaned calves. This is the first study to demonstrate how different types of waste milk fed to pre-weaned calves affect the community structure of colonised bacteria, and the results may provide insights for the intentional adjustment of diets and gastrointestinal bacterial communities.

Survey of indoor sarcosaphagous insects.

Entomological evidence provides valuable information for estimating postmortem interval and location of death in criminal or legal investigations. The colonization of sarcosaphagous insects are commonly discovered in the decomposed corpses in most indoor cases. Therefore, by analyzing the growth patterns and behavioral rhythms of these insects, the application of indoor sarcosaphagous insects in actual cases can be investigated. This study classifies the common species of indoor sarcosaphagous insects and analyzes the characteristics of these insects (such as foraging, oviposition, and growth). It further discusses the effect of micro-environment on their behavior. In addition, the research status of the application of indoor sarcosaphagous insects in forensic investigations is summarized.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on dairy calves: Performance and health.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) on performance and health of calves during the first 63 d of age. Sixty Holstein calves (30 males and 30 females) at 2 d of age were blocked by sex and date of birth then randomly assigned within blocks to 1 of 3 treatments. A texturized calf starter was fed ad libitum containing 0 (control), 0.5, or 1% SCFP (Original XPC, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) of DM. In addition, the supplemented calves were fed 1 g/d SCFP (SmartCare, Diamond V) in milk until d 30. All calves were fed 4 L of colostrum within 1 h of birth and were subsequently fed milk twice daily until weaned at 56 d of age. Male calves were harvested on d 56. Performance and health of weaned female calves were monitored until 63 d of age to determine the effect of preweaning treatment of SCFP on weaning stress. Starter intake, fecal scores, and medical treatments were recorded daily. Body weight measures and blood samples were collected on d 2, 28, 56, and 63. Serum was analyzed for blood urea nitrogen, fatty acids, insulin-like growth factor-1, glucose, and total protein. Oxidative biomarkers and total antioxidant capacity were also evaluated in the serum. Body weight, DMI, blood parameters, and oxidative biomarkers did not differ among treatments. Supplementation of SCFP lowered fecal scores in the pre- and postweaning periods. Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products can be used to reduce the diarrhea in calves grown under normal commercial conditions.

Survey of indoor sarcosaphagous insects

Entomological evidence provides valuable information for estimating postmortem interval and location of death in criminal or legal investigations. The colonization of sarcosaphagous insects are commonly discovered in the decomposed corpses in most indoor cases. Therefore, by analyzing the growth patterns and behavioral rhythms of these insects, the application of indoor sarcosaphagous insects in actual cases can be investigated. This study classifies the common species of indoor sarcosaphagous insects and analyzes the characteristics of these insects (such as foraging, oviposition, and growth). It further discusses the effect of micro-environment on their behavior. In addition, the research status of the application of indoor sarcosaphagous insects in forensic investigations is summarized.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on dairy calves: Ruminal fermentation, gastrointestinal morphology, and microbial community.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) in the calf starter and milk on ruminal fermentation, gastrointestinal morphology, and microbial community in the first 56 d of life. Thirty Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a texturized calf starter containing 0 (CON), 0.5, or 1% SCFP (XPC, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) of dry matter from d 4 to 56. In addition, the XPC-supplemented calves were fed with 1 g/d SCFP (SmartCare, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) in milk from d 2 to 30. All calves were fed 4 L of colostrum within 1 h of birth and were subsequently fed milk twice daily until weaned on d 56. Rumen fluid was collected by an esophageal tube 4 h after the morning feeding on d 28 and 56 to determine ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and volatile fatty acids concentrations. On d 56, 15 (5 per treatment) calves were harvested and slaughter weight, gastrointestinal morphology parameters, and bacteria community were recorded. Papilla length, width, and surface area were measured from 5 locations within the rumen. Villus height, width, surface area, crypt depth, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio were measured in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to test the microbial community of the rumen and duodenum samples on d 28 and 56. Data were analyzed by MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with contrast statements to declare CON versus all SCFP and 0.5 versus 1% SCFP in starter grains. Ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and total volatile fatty acids were not altered by SCFP. However, the supplemented groups exhibited higher ruminal butyrate concentrations coinciding with higher Butyrivibrio and lower Prevotella richness than CON group. Supplementation of SCFP increased papilla length in the rumen. In the small intestine, SCFP reduced crypt depth of jejunum, and increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in all segments of the small intestine, especially when supplemented at a higher dosage in the starter. In conclusion, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products improved gastrointestinal morphology, possibly due to increased Butyrivibrio and decreased Prevotella richness of the rumen fluid, which resulted in an increase in butyrate production, and the effect was slightly greater with the higher dosage of SCFP in the starter.

[Study on the expression of T, B lymphocyte antigen and platelet antibodies in patients with platelet transfusion refractoriness].

OBJECTIVE: To explore whether T lymphocytes subgroup, B lymphocytes, platelet antigen CD41a, CD61 or platelet antibodies are involved in the platelet transfusion refractoriness. METHODS: Forty-seven patients diagnosed as platelet transfusion refractoriness and 32 patients that achieved effective platelet therapy were ennolled in this study. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the proportion of cytotoxic T cell (CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(+)), helper T cell (CD3(+)CD4(+)CD8(-)) and B lymphocytes (CD19 (+) ), and the expression of platelet glycoproteins, including CD41a and CD61, while platelet antibodies were also measured by solid-phase agglutination. RESULTS: The significant lower level of helper T cell (36.60% vs 48.53%), higher level of cytotoxic T cell (53.26% vs 44.02%) and lower cytotoxic/helper T cell ratio (0.85 vs 1.31) were observed in platelet refractoriness group when compared with effective platelet therapy group (P<0.05). However, the significant difference was not observed in B lymphocytes between the two group (3.02% vs 2.85%, P>0.05). Platelet glycoproteins CD41a and CD61 and antibodies were both expressed at high levels in platelet refractoriness group (88.10% vs 51.69%, 88.36% vs 51.83%, 85.37% vs 14.82%, respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Activation of cytotoxic T cells, suppression of helper T cells, higher expression level of platelet glycoproteins CD41a and CD61 as well as the development of anti-platelet antibodies are involved in the immunologic mechanism of platelet refractoriness.

[The role of Sabin inactivated poliovirus vaccine in the final phase of global polio eradication].

Global polio eradication has entered its final phase, but still faces enormous challenges. The Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan (2013-2018) set the target for making the world polio-free by 2018. Meanwhile, the World Heath Organization Global Action Plan (GAP Ⅲ) recommended that polioviruses be stored under strict conditions after eradication of the wild poliovirus. At least one dose of inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV) would be required for each newborn baby in the world to ensure successful completion of the final strategy and GAP Ⅲ. The Sabin IPV has a high production safety and low production cost, compared with the wild-virus IPV and, therefore, can play an important role in the final stage of global polio eradication.

Molecular cloning and developmental expression of the vitellogenin gene in the endoparasitoid, Pteromalus puparum.

A cDNA of the vitellogenin (Vg) protein gene was isolated from the endoparasitoid Pteromalus puparum and characterized. The putative coding sequence was found to be 5634 bp long, encoding 1803 amino acids in a single open reading frame. The chemically determined N-terminal amino acid sequence of vitellin completely matched the deduced amino acid sequence that follows a putative signal peptide of 17 amino acid residues. The Vg mRNA was detected in the fat body of late female pupae, whereas the ovary and male fat body lacked the Vg transcript. The Vg mRNA level in the fat body depended significantly on the developmental stage, reaching the highest level 0 h after eclosion. The haemolymph Vg titre appeared 24 h after the appearance of Vg transcript. A positive correlation between the titre and transcript level of Vg in individual female wasps was found.

Protein encoded by HSV-1 stimulation-related gene 1 (HSRG1) interacts with and inhibits SV40 large T antigen.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1 stimulation-related gene 1 (HSRG1) protein expression is induced in HSV-1 infected cells. We found that HSRG1 interacts with SV40 large T antigen (LT) in yeast two-hybrid assay and bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) assay. This interaction alters LT's regulation of the SV40 promoter and its ability to influence the cell cycle. Choramphenicol acetyl-transferase (CAT) assays revealed that initiation of gene transcription by LT is changed by HSRG1 expression. HSRG1 inhibits the ability of LT to activate SV40 late gene transcription. Further data indicate that the ability of LT protein to stimulate S-phase entry is also inhibited by the expression of HSRG1. The results of a colony-forming assay suggested that expression of HSRG1 in cells transfected by LT gene decreased the rate of colony formation. Yeast two-hybrid beta-galactosidase assay revealed that amino acid residues 132-450 in LT bind HSRG1.

Induction of reparative dentin formation in dogs with combined recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 and fibrin sealant.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reparative dentin formation induced by the complex of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP2) and fibrin sealant (FS) in dogs. METHODS: Freshly exposed pulp of molars, premolars, and canines were treated, respectively, with the complex of rhBMP2-FS, rhBMP2, and Ca(OH)2 paste, which served as control. RESULT: Wound healing of exposed pulp treated with the complex of rhBMP2 and FS seemed better than that with rhBMP2 alone. Dentin bridge formation was observed at 1 week when pulp was treated with the complex and at 4 weeks with rhBMP2 and Ca(OH)2. At 9 weeks after operation, more amount of tubular dentin bridge formation was found in pulp treated with the complex than with rhBMP2. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that synergistic effects of fibrin and rhBMP2 existed and that rh-BMP2 with FS carrier can be used as bioactive pulp capping agent. Together, these agents can induce a large amount of dentin and enhance healing of exposed pulp.

[A study of hygienic standard for titanium in the source of drinking water].

The smell and taste thresholds of titanium in water were tested. The results indicated that the concentration of smell and taste thresholds for Titanium were 4.329mg/L and 3.332mg/L respectively. The threshold below value of autopurification was 0.1mg/L. The toxicity assessment showed that the acute toxicity of titanium by oral route was of low order according to the toxicity classification. There was no obvious cumulative effect, nor was there mutagenesis demonstrable. Chronic toxicity test of titanium in rats showed that the maximum non-effective concentration was 1.08mg/L. It is suggested that the maximum allowable concentration of titanium in drinking water may be 0.1 mg/L.

[A quantitative morphologic study on age changes in the histologic structures of the human submandibular gland].

One hundred and nine samples of human submandibular glands were studied by quantitative morphometric methods. All of the samples in this study were removed during operations. According to the age distribution of patients, 109 samples were divided into the young (less than 25 years), the adult (25-44 years), the elderly (45-59 years) and the aged (greater than or equal to 60 years). The results had shown that the amount of the proportional volume of parenchymal cells, comparing with that of the young, decreased 23 percent in the aged, the proportional volume of acini tissue decreased 31.2%, the proportional volume of the fat and fibrous tissues increased 2.0 and 0.8 times, respectively. The relationship between aging and changes of the proportional volume of parenchymal cells, duct cells, fat and fibrous tissues in human submandibular glands were discussed.