High Dietary Folic Acid Supplementation Reduced the Composition of Fatty Acids and Amino Acids in Fortified Eggs.

AIMS: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary folic acid (FA) on the production performance of laying hens, egg quality, and the nutritional differences between eggs fortified with FA and ordinary eggs. METHODS: A total of 288 26-week-old Hy-Line Brown laying hens (initial body weights 1.65 ± 0.10 kg) with a similar weight and genetic background were used. A completely randomized design divided the birds into a control group and three treatment groups. Each group consisted of six replicates, with twelve chickens per replicate. Initially, all birds were fed a basal diet for 1 week. Subsequently, they were fed a basal diet supplemented with 0, 5, 10, or 15 mg/kg FA in a premix for a duration of 6 weeks. RESULTS: Supplementation of FA could significantly (p < 0.05) enhance the FA content in egg yolks, particularly when 10 mg/kg was used, as it had the most effective enrichment effect. Compared to the control group, the Glu content in the 10 and 15 mg/kg FA groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease. Additionally, the contents of Asp, Ile, Tyr, Phe, Cys, and Met in the 15 mg/kg FA group were significantly (p < 0.05) lower compared to the other groups. Adding FA did not have significant effects on the levels of vitamin A and vitamin E in egg yolk, but the vitamin D content in the 5 and 10 mg/kg FA groups showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase. Furthermore, the addition of FA did not have a significant effect on the levels of Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn in egg yolk. The dietary FA did not have a significant effect on the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content in egg yolk. However, the total monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) content in the 5 and 10 mg/kg groups significantly (p < 0.05) increased. These changes in nutritional content might be attributed to the increased very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) protein content. The significant decrease in solute carrier family 1 Member 1 (SLC1A1), solute carrier family 1 Member 2 (SLC1A2), and solute carrier family 1 Member 3 (SLC1A3) gene expression compared to the control group appeared to be the reason for the decrease in amino acid content in egg yolk within the dietary FA group. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the appropriate addition of FA can enhance the levels of MUFA and vitamin D in egg yolks, thereby improving their nutritional value. Excessive intake of FA can decrease the effectiveness of enriching FA in egg yolk and impact the enrichment of certain amino acids. The yolk of eggs produced by adding 10 mg/kg of FA to the feed contains the optimal amount of nutrients. This study informs consumers purchasing FA-fortified eggs.

Diagnostic accuracy of magnetically guided capsule endoscopy with a detachable string for detecting oesophagogastric varices in adults with cirrhosis: prospective multicentre study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of using magnetically guided capsule endoscopy with a detachable string (ds-MCE) for detecting and grading oesophagogastric varices in adults with cirrhosis. DESIGN: Prospective multicentre diagnostic accuracy study. SETTING: 14 medical centres in China. PARTICIPANTS: 607 adults (>18 years) with cirrhosis recruited between 7 January 2021 and 25 August 2022. Participants underwent ds-MCE (index test), followed by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD, reference test) within 48 hours. The participants were divided into development and validation cohorts in a ratio of 2:1. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcomes were the sensitivity and specificity of ds-MCE in detecting oesophagogastric varices compared with OGD. Secondary outcomes included the sensitivity and specificity of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophageal varices and the diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophagogastric varices, oesophageal varices, and gastric varices. RESULTS: ds-MCE and OGD examinations were completed in 582 (95.9%) of the 607 participants. Using OGD as the reference standard, ds-MCE had a sensitivity of 97.5% (95% confidence interval 95.5% to 98.7%) and specificity of 97.8% (94.4% to 99.1%) for detecting oesophagogastric varices (both P<0.001 compared with a prespecified 85% threshold). When using the optimal 18% threshold for luminal circumference of the oesophagus derived from the development cohort (n=393), the sensitivity and specificity of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophageal varices in the validation cohort (n=189) were 95.8% (89.7% to 98.4%) and 94.7% (88.2% to 97.7%), respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for detecting high risk oesophagogastric varices, oesophageal varices, and gastric varices was 96.3% (92.6% to 98.2%), 96.9% (95.2% to 98.0%), and 96.7% (95.0% to 97.9%), respectively. Two serious adverse events occurred with OGD but none with ds-MCE. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that ds-MCE is a highly accurate and safe diagnostic tool for detecting and grading oesophagogastric varices and is a promising alternative to OGD for screening and surveillance of oesophagogastric varices in patients with cirrhosis. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03748563.

Endoscopic Ruler for varix size measurement: A multicenter pilot study.

BACKGROUND: We invented Endoscopic Ruler, a new endoscopic device to measure the size of varices in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. AIM: To assess the feasibility and safety of Endoscopic Ruler, and evaluate the agreement on identifying large oesophageal varices (OV) between Endoscopic Ruler and the endoscopists, as well as the interobserver agreement on diagnosing large OV using Endoscopic Ruler. METHODS: We prospectively and consecutively enrolled patients with cirrhosis from 11 hospitals, all of whom got esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with Endoscopic Ruler. The primary study outcome was a successful measurement of the size of varices using Endoscopic Ruler. The secondary outcomes included adverse events, operation time, the agreement of identifying large OV between the objective measurement of Endoscopic Ruler and the empirical reading of endoscopists, together with the interobserver agreement on diagnosing large OV by Endoscopic Ruler. RESULTS: From November 2020 to April 2022, a total of 120 eligible patients with cirrhosis were recruited and all of them underwent EGD examinations with Endoscopic Ruler successfully without any adverse event. The median operation time of Endoscopic Ruler was 3.00 min [interquartile range (IQR): 3.00 min]. The kappa value between Endoscopic Ruler and the endoscopists while detecting large OV was 0.52, demonstrating a moderate agreement. The kappa value for diagnosing large OV using Endoscopic Ruler among the six independent observers was 0.77, demonstrating a substantial agreement. CONCLUSION: The data demonstrates that Endoscopic Ruler is feasible and safe for measuring the size of varices in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Endoscopic Ruler is potential to promote the clinical practice of the two-grade classification system of OV.

α-Linolenic acid-regulated testosterone biosynthesis via activation of the JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway in primary rooster Leydig cells.

As a functional fatty acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA) is essential in promoting animal testosterone biosynthesis. This study investigated the effects of ALA on testosterone biosynthesis and the possible mechanism underlying the signaling pathway in primary Leydig cells of the rooster. METHODS: Primary rooster Leydig cells were treated with ALA (0, 20, 40, or 80 µmol/L) or pretreated with a p38 inhibitor (50 µmol/L), a c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor (20 µmol/L), or an extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor (20 µmol/L) before ALA treatment. Testosterone content in the conditioned culture medium was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of steroidogenic enzymes and JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway factors was detected using real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: Supplementation with ALA significantly increased testosterone secretion within culture media (P < 0.05), and the optimized dose was 40 µmol/L. Compared with the control group, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3ß-HSD) mRNA expression significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the 40 µmol/L ALA group; 17-hydroxylase/c17-20 lyase (P450c17) and p38 mRNA expressions were not significantly different in the 40 µmol/L ALA group; ERK and JNK mRNA expressions were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05) in 40 µmol/L ALA group. In the inhibitor group, testosterone levels were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). Compared with the 40 µmol/L ALA group, StAR, P450scc, and P450c17 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and 3ß-HSD mRNA expression in the p38 inhibitor group did not change; StAR, P450scc, and 3ß-HSD mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and P450c17 mRNA expression in ERK inhibitor group did not change; StAR, P450scc, 3ß-HSD, and P450c17 mRNA expressions were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in JNK inhibitor group. Additionally, the increased steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) gene expression levels induced by ALA were reversed when the cells were pre-incubated with JNK and ERK inhibitors. The levels in the JNK inhibitor group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ALA may promote testosterone biosynthesis by activating the JNK-SF-1 signaling pathway to upregulate StAR, P450scc, 3ß-HSD, and P450c17 expression in primary rooster Leydig cells.

[Mutational Spectrum and Prognosis Analysis of Young Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Based on Next-Generation Sequencing].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mutational spectrum in young patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) based on next generation sequencing (NGS), and to provide a basis for in-depth understanding of the molecular biological characteristics and accurate prognosis of young DLBCL. METHODS: From March 2009 to March 2021, 68 young DLBCL patients with complete initial diagnosis data from the Department of Hematology, The People's Hospital Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region were retrospectively analyzed, and their paraffin-embedded tissues were subjected to targeted sequencing analysis by NGS technology (including 475 Target genes), and the differences in gene mutation profiles and signaling pathways between high-risk patients with aaIPI ≥2 and low-intermediate risk patients with aaIPI <2 were compared. RESULTS: A total of 44 high-frequency mutation genes were detected in 68 young DLBCL patients. By comparing the high-frequency mutation genes in aaIPI high-risk group and low-intermediate risk group, it was found that CARD11 mutation in aaIPI high-risk group was significantly higher than that in low-intermediate risk group (P =0.002), while MGA mutation (P =0.037) only appeared in the aaIPI high-risk group, and SPEN mutation (P =0.004) only appeared in the aaIPI low-intermediate risk group. The high-frequency mutation genes and clinical indicators of the aaIPI high-risk group were included in the survival analysis, and the results showed that TP53 (P =0.009, P =0.027), POU2AF1 (P =0.003, P =0.006) and CCND3 (P =0.040, P =0.014) genes mutations were associated with worse PFS and OS, while B2M was associated with better PFS (P =0.014) and OS (P =0.013). Multivariate COX regression analysis showed that the TP53, POU2AF1 and CCND3 were independent risk factors for PFS（P ＝0.021，P =0.005，P =0.020） and OS（P ＝0.042，P =0.010，P =0.013）. CONCLUSION: The aaIPI staging combination with molecular biology markers is more conducive to accurately judging the prognosis of young DLBCL patients. TP53, POU2AF1 and CCND3 mutations predict worse survival in the patients with the aaIPI high-risk group.

Effects of dietary pretreated Chinese herbal medicine supplementation on production performance, egg quality, uterine histopathological changes, and antioxidant capacity in late-phase laying hens.

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of pretreated Chinese herbal medicine (PCHM) on egg quality, production performance, histopathological changes in the uterus, antiox idant capacity, and antioxidant gene expression in late-phase layers. Methods: Jinghong No.1 layers (n = 360, 68 weeks old) were assigned randomly to one of f our dietary interventions. Each treatment was replicated six times. Repeat 15 chickens per g roup. All birds were fed a diet composed of a corn-soybean meal-based diet supplemented with 0, 0.2, 0.4, or 0.8% PCHM for 6 weeks. Results: Dietary PCHM supplementation had no significant effects on laying rate, feed con sumption, yolk color, and shape index. With increasing PCHM level the Haugh unit linearly increased (P < 0.05). Supplementation of 0.8% PCHM increased egg weight, compared with the control (P < 0.05). PCHM can effectively alleviated the pathological changes caused by aging in the uterus including hemorrhage, and many inflammatory cell infiltrations. Supplementation of 0.4% PCHM increased glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) in liver, magnum, and plasm considerably, compared with the control (P < 0.05). Supplementation of PCHM decr ease in the liver, magnum, and uterus on malondialdehyde (MDA) content, compared with the control (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, mRNA expressions of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1), peroxidase 4 (GPX4), catalase (CAT), and nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the magnum, liver, and uterus were dramatically rose in the 0.4% PCHM supplementation group (P < 0.05). In summary, dietary supplementation after PCHM increased egg weight and quality in late-phase laying hens. Conclusion: Dietary PCHM increased the antioxidative capacity of late-phase laying hens, which could be associated with increased mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes and Nrf2. These findings provide potential for using PCHM to increase the production performance in late-phase laying hens.

Molecular mechanism of di-n-butyl phthalate promotion of bladder cancer development.

PURPOSE: To determine whether di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) promotes the occurrence of bladder cancer (BCa) and explore the action of DBP acts on BCa cells at the cellular and molecular levels. METHODS: MTT and Transwell assays were used to investigate the tumorigenic actions of DBP on BCa cells. Second-generation sequencing was used to identify differences in gene expression before and after DBP treatment. Differential gene expression was verified by q-PCR and analyzed using bioinformatics. Cells were transfected to overexpress genes of interest and proliferation and migration were measured using MTT and Transwell assays, respectively. RESULTS: DBP treatment stimulated both proliferation and invasion in BCa cells. Second-generation sequencing identified differences in the expression of FOSB, JUND, ATP6V1C2, and RHOQ before and after DBP treatment. FOSB expression was confirmed by q-PCR and bioinformatic analyses. FOSB overexpression increased both proliferation and invasion in BCa cells. CONCLUSION: DBP promoted BCa tumorigenesis by inducing changes in gene expression.

Cardiac-specific Trim44 knockout in rat attenuates isoproterenol-induced cardiac remodeling via inhibition of AKT/mTOR pathway.

When pathological hypertrophy progresses to heart failure (HF), the prognosis is often very poor. Therefore, it is crucial to find new and effective intervention targets. Here, myocardium-specific Trim44 knockout rats were generated using CRISPR-Cas9 technology. Cardiac phenotypic observations revealed that Trim44 knockout affected cardiac morphology at baseline. Rats with Trim44 deficiency exhibited resistance to cardiac pathological changes in response to stimulation via isoproterenol (ISO) treatment, including improvement of cardiac remodeling and dysfunction by morphological and functional observations, reduced myocardial fibrosis and reduced expression of molecular markers of cardiac stress. Furthermore, signal transduction validation associated with growth and hypertrophy development in vivo and in vitro demonstrated that Trim44 deficiency inhibited the activation of signaling pathways involved in myocardial hypertrophy, especially response to pathological stress. In conclusion, the present study indicates that Trim44 knockout attenuates ISO-induced pathological cardiac remodeling through blocking the AKT/mTOR/GSK3ß/P70S6K signaling pathway. This is the first study to demonstrate the function and importance of Trim44 in the heart at baseline and under pathological stress. Trim44 could be a novel therapeutic target for prevention of cardiac hypertrophy and HF.

Chemical and nutritional characteristics, and microbial degradation of rapeseed meal recalcitrant carbohydrates: A review.

Approximately 35% of rapeseed meal (RSM) dry matter (DM) are carbohydrates, half of which are water-soluble carbohydrates. The cell wall of rapeseed meal contains arabinan, galactomannan, homogalacturonan, rhamnogalacturonan I, type II arabinogalactan, glucuronoxylan, XXGG-type and XXXG-type xyloglucan, and cellulose. Glycoside hydrolases including in the degradation of RSM carbohydrates are α-L-Arabinofuranosidases (EC 3.2.1.55), endo-α-1,5-L-arabinanases (EC 3.2.1.99), Endo-1,4-ß-mannanase (EC 3.2.1.78), ß-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.25), α-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.22), reducing-end-disaccharide-lyase (pectate disaccharide-lyase) (EC 4.2.2.9), (1 → 4)-6-O-methyl-α-D-galacturonan lyase (pectin lyase) (EC 4.2.2.10), (1 → 4)-α-D-galacturonan reducing-end-trisaccharide-lyase (pectate trisaccharide-lyase) (EC 4.2.2.22), α-1,4-D-galacturonan lyase (pectate lyase) (EC 4.2.2.2), (1 → 4)-α-D-galacturonan glycanohydrolase (endo-polygalacturonase) (EC 3.2.1.15), Rhamnogalacturonan hydrolase, Rhamnogalacturonan lyase (EC 4.2.2.23), Exo-ß-1,3-galactanase (EC 3.2.1.145), endo-ß-1,6-galactanase (EC 3.2.1.164), Endo-ß-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), α-xylosidase (EC 3.2.1.177), ß-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21) endo-ß-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.4), exo-ß-1,4-glucanase (EC 3.2.1.91), and ß-glucosidase (EC 3.2.1.21). In conclusion, this review summarizes the chemical and nutritional compositions of RSM, and the microbial degradation of RSM cell wall carbohydrates which are important to allow to develop strategies to improve recalcitrant RSM carbohydrate degradation by the gut microbiota, and eventually to improve animal feed digestibility, feed efficiency, and animal performance.

Natural Astaxanthin Improves Testosterone Synthesis and Sperm Mitochondrial Function in Aging Roosters.

Spermatogenesis, sperm motility, and apoptosis are dependent on the regulation of glandular hormones and mitochondria. Natural astaxanthin (ASTA) has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The present study evaluates the effects of ASTA on testosterone synthesis and mitochondrial function in aging roosters. Jinghong No. 1 layer breeder roosters (n = 96, 53-week old) were fed a corn−soybean meal basal diet containing 0, 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg ASTA for 6 weeks. The levels of plasma reproductive hormones and the mRNA and protein levels of molecules related to testosterone synthesis were significantly improved (p < 0.05) in the testes of the ASTA group roosters. In addition, antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging abilities in roosters of the ASTA groups were higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05). Mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes activities and mitochondrial membrane potential in sperm increased linearly with dietary ASTA supplementation (p < 0.05). The levels of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis factors decreased in roosters of the ASTA groups (p < 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that dietary ASTA may improve testosterone levels and reduce sperm apoptosis, which may be related to the upregulation of the testosterone synthesis pathway and the enhancement of mitochondrial function in aging roosters.

Dietary supplementation with selenomethionine enhances antioxidant capacity and selenoprotein gene expression in layer breeder roosters.

This study's objective was to investigate the effects of dietary Se (in the form of selenomethionine) on the antioxidant activity and selenoprotein gene expressions in layer breeder roosters. One hundred and eighty, 36-wk-old Jingfen layer breeder roosters were randomly allocated to one of 5 dietary treatments (0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg Se) for 6 wk on a corn-soybean meal-based diet. Antioxidant parameters and selenoprotein gene expressions were assessed at the end of the experiment. The results showed that Se supplementation significantly increased the activity of T-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and superoxide anion scavenging ability in plasma (P ≤ 0.05), and activities of T-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, superoxide anion scavenging ability, and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability in the liver, kidney, and testis (P < 0.05). Moreover, MDA levels were significantly reduced in plasma, liver, kidney, and testis (P < 0.01), compared to the control group. Furthermore, the dietary administration of Se significantly increased TrxR2 and GPx4 mRNA levels in kidney and testis, and ID1 mRNA levels in liver and kidney. Most of the antioxidant parameters and selenoprotein-related gene expressions significantly increased, and MDA significantly decreased at dietary supplementation with 0.5 mg/kg Se. Whereas a higher dose of Se level (1 or 2 mg/kg) inhibited the activities of some of the antioxidant enzymes and selenoprotein-related gene expressions in selected tissues. In conclusion, dietary Se supplementation with 0.5 mg/kg significantly improved roosters' antioxidant status and selenoprotein-related gene expression in liver, kidney, and testis, while higher doses led to inhibit these; dietary Se might increase reproductive performance by enhancing their antioxidant status in roosters.

New pathogenic variants of ALMS1 gene in two Chinese families with Alström Syndrome.

PURPOSE: Alström Syndrome (AS) is an autosomal recessive hereditary disease with the characteristics of multiorgan dysfunction. Due to the heterogeneity of clinical manifestations of AS, genetic testing is crucial for the diagnosis of AS. Herein, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to determine the genetic causes and characterize the clinical features of three affected patients in two Chinese families with Alström Syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three affected patients (initially diagnosed as achromatopsia). and five asymptomatic members were recruited for both genetic and clinical tests. The complete ophthalmic examinations and systemic examinations were performed on all participants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed for mutation detection. The silico analysis was also applied to predict the pathogenesis of identified pathogenic variants. RESULTS: In family 1, the proband showed low vision, hyperopia, photophobia, nystagmus, and total color blindness. DNA analysis revealed that she carried a compound heterozygote with two novel pathogenic variants in the ALMS1 gene NM_015120.4:c.10379del (NP_055935.4:p.(Asp2252Tyr)) and NM_015120.4:c.11641_11642del (NP_055935.4:p.(Val3881ThrfsTer11)). Further systemic examinations showed short stature, acanthosis nigricans, and sensorineural hearing loss. In family 2, two affected siblings presented the low vision, hyperopia, photophobia, nystagmus, and total color blindness. DNA analysis revealed that they carried a same compound heterozygote with two novel pathogenic variants in the ALMS1 gene NM_015120.4:c.10379del (NP_055935.4:p.(Asn3460IlefsTer49)), NM_015120.4:c.10819C > T (NP_055935.4:p.(Arg3607Trp)). Further systemic examinations showed obesity and mild abnormalities of lipid metabolism. According to the genetic testing results and further systemic analysis, the three affected patients were finally diagnosed as Alström Syndrome (AS). CONCLUSIONS: We found two new compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of the ALMS1 gene and determined the diagnosis as Alström Syndrome in three patients of two Chinese families. Our study extends the genotypic and phenotypic spectrums for ALMS1 -AS and emphasizes the importance of gene testing in assisting the clinical diagnosis for cases with phenotypic diversities, which would help the AS patients with early diagnosis and treatment to reduce future systemic damage.

RhoA improves cryopreservation of rooster sperm through the Rho/RhoA-associated kinase/cofilin pathway.

Cryopreservation of rooster sperm leads to relatively low semen quality due to cytoskeletal damage during the freeze-thawing process. This study aimed to explore how the addition of RhoA recombinant protein affected the viability and subcellular structure of rooster sperm after freeze-thawing and elucidated the molecular mechanisms of sperm cryopreservation. Semen quality and acrosome integrity testing revealed that the addition of 0.5 µg/mL RhoA recombinant protein to the cryoprotectant fluid significantly increased sperm motility, survival rate, linearity, straight-line velocity, and acrosome integrity after freeze-thawing (P < 0.05). Ultrastructure analysis of cryopreserved sperm showed structural damage to the sperm plasma membrane, nuclear membrane, and tail. However, compared to the control, these structural changes were reduced upon the addition of RhoA recombinant protein to the cryoprotective fluid (P < 0.05). Western blotting revealed that the expression of Rho/RhoA-associated kinase and p-cofilin was increased, and cofilin expression was decreased after sperm cryopreservation with recombinant RhoA protein. Treatment with Y-27632, a ROCK antagonist, suppressed ROCK and p-cofilin expression and decreased semen quality, acrosome integrity, and ultrastructure integrity. In summary, we have demonstrated a cryoprotective effect in spermatozoa involving the Rho/ROCK pathway during freeze-thawing. Furthermore, the addition of 0.5 µg/mL RhoA recombinant protein to the cryoprotective fluid improved rooster semen quality and subcellular structural homeostasis after freeze-thawing via the Rho/ROCK pathway. This pathway may regulate the dynamic reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton by regulating the cofilin phosphorylation.

Clinical practice of transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma: consensus statement from an international expert panel of International Society of Multidisciplinary Interventional Oncology (ISMIO).

IMPORTANCE: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has been associated with a wide range of practice variations for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between the East and the West. This considerable ambiguity may lead to the heterogeneous quality in treatment and have a negative impact on the role of TACE in the overall multidisciplinary HCC treatment system. OBJECTIVE: It may be a good start to establish a guideline worldwide to have this consensus from experts who represent east and west, although it does not cover all aspects of TACE. EVIDENCE REVIEW: An international expert panel on TACE is convened to cluster the expert's opinions and summary a standard consensus. This panel committee consist of leading physicians in TACE on HCC from USA, France, Japan, Singapore, Korea, China, and so on. The first-round face-to-face consensus meeting was held during in Nanjing, China in October 2019. The second-round conference for revision of the consensus was held during the Annual Meeting of Chinese College of Interventionalists in August 2020 by a hybrid format of a Webinar and roundtable meeting. After several on-line revisions, the final manuscript was approved by all members of the panel in June 2021. FINDINGS: The consensus statements were organized into the following categories: patients' selection, performing the procedure, TACE outcomes, repeat TACE, TACE failure/refractory, and TACE-based combination treatments. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE FOR REVIEWS: More and more evidences have showed the better outcomes with strategy of combined TACE with other local therapies such as ablations. The most-recently developing strategy of combined TACE with PD-1/PD-L1 plus tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) agents has shined a light to the HCC patients, especially to those with high risk of tumor recurrence after treatment or TACE failure/refractory.

Cavernous lymphangioma of the urinary bladder in an adult woman: an additional case report of a rare lesion and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Urinary bladder lymphangioma is a rare and benign lesion that is often causes symptoms related to irritation and urinary tract obstruction. Because a lymphangioma may resemble a true neoplasm of the urinary bladder clinically, the lesion must be removed for accurate histologic diagnosis and to rule out malignancy. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 40-year-old female who was evaluated for painless gross hematuria. Clinical and diagnostic work up revealed a sharply defined mass involving the wall and bulging into the cavity on the dome of the bladder. Partial cystectomy was performed and histologic findings were compatible with cavernous lymphangioma. The symptom of hematuria relieved after the procedure and the patient was in good status without evidence of recurrence by cystoscopy at follow-up 6 months later. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphangioma of the urinary bladder is treated with surgical excision and seems to have no recurrence once completely resected, but long-time follow-up may be needed.

Comparative transcriptome analysis digs out genes related to antifreeze between fresh and frozen-thawed rooster sperm.

The objective of this study was to investigate differences in mRNA expression between fresh and frozen-thawed sperm in roosters. In trial 1, gene expression profiles were measured using microarray with Affymetrix GeneChip Chicken Genome Arrays. The results showed that 2,115 genes were differentially expressed between the 2 groups. Among these genes, 2,086 were significantly downregulated and 29 were significantly upregulated in the frozen-thawed sperm group. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that more than 1,000 differentially expressed genes (DEG) of all significantly regulated genes were involved in GO terms including biological processes, molecular function, and cellular component. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis showed that DEG were significantly (P < 0.05) enriched on ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, proteasome, cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, and spliceosome pathways. In trial 2, ejaculated semen was collected from 18 roosters and divided into 5 recombinant HSP90 protein-supplemented groups (0.01, 0.1, 0.5, 1, or 2 µg/mL) and one control group with no recombinant HSP90 protein supplementation to evaluate the effect of recombinant HSP90 protein in the extender on post-thaw quality of rooster semen. The results showed that post-thaw sperm viability and motility was significantly improved (P < 0.05) in the extender containing 0.5 and 1 µg/mL of recombinant HSP90 protein compared with the control. Our preliminary results will provide a valuable basis for understanding the potential molecular mechanisms of cryodamage in frozen-thawed sperm and theoretical guidance to improve the fertility of frozen-thawed chicken sperm.

Sodium rutin ameliorates Alzheimer's disease-like pathology by enhancing microglial amyloid-ß clearance.

The accumulation of aggregated amyloid-ß (Aß) in the brain is the first critical step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), which also includes synaptic impairment, neuroinflammation, neuronal loss, and eventual cognitive defects. Emerging evidence suggests that impairment of Aß phagocytosis and clearance is a common phenotype in late-onset AD. Rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside) has long been investigated as a natural flavonoid with different biological functions in some pathological circumstances. Sodium rutin (NaR), could promote Aß clearance by increasing microglial by increasing the expression levels of phagocytosis-related receptors in microglia. Moreover, NaR promotes a metabolic switch from anaerobic glycolysis to mitochondrial OXPHOS (oxidative phosphorylation), which could provide microglia with sufficient energy (ATP) for Aß clearance. Thus, NaR administration could attenuate neuroinflammation and enhance mitochondrial OXPHOS and microglia-mediated Aß clearance, ameliorating synaptic plasticity impairment and eventually reversing spatial learning and memory deficits. Our findings suggest that NaR is a potential therapeutic agent for AD.

Identification and Functional Characterization of Long Non-coding RNA MIR22HG as a Tumor Suppressor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have recently been identified as critical regulators in tumor initiation and development. However, the function of lncRNAs in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains largely unknown. Our study was designed to explore the biological function and clinical implication of lncRNA MIR22HG in HCC. Methods: We evaluated MIR22HG expression in 52-patient, 145-patient, TCGA, and GSE14520 HCC cohorts. The effects of MIR22HG on HCC were analyzed in terms of proliferation, invasion, and metastasis, both in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism of MIR22HG action was explored through bioinformatics, luciferase reporter, and RNA immunoprecipitation analyses. Results:MIR22HG expression was significantly down-regulated in 4 independent HCC cohorts compared to that in controls. Its low expression was associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis of patients with HCC. Forced expression of MIR22HG in HCC cells significantly suppressed proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, MIR22HG derived miR-22-3p to target high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), thereby inactivating HMGB1 downstream pathways. Additionally, MIR22HG directly interacted with HuR and regulated its subcellular localization. MIR22HG competitively bound to human antigen R (HuR), resulting in weakened expression of HuR-stabilized oncogenes, such as ß-catenin. Furthermore, miR-22-3p suppression, HuR or HMGB1 overexpression rescued the inhibitory effects caused by MIR22HG overexpression. Conclusion: Our findings revealed that MIR22HG plays a key role in tumor progression by suppressing the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of tumor cells, suggesting its potential role as a tumor suppressor and prognostic biomarker in HCC.

Trans10, cis12-conjugated linoleic acid exhibits a stronger antioxidant capacity than cis9, trans11-conjugated linoleic acid in primary cultures of laying hen hepatocytes.

The objective of this study consisting of 2 trials was to investigate the antioxidant role of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers (c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA) and the underlying mechanism by which they act in modulating redox status in a primary laying hen hepatocyte culture. In trial 1, the cytotoxicity of CLA isomers or linoleic acid (LA) (0, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, 800 µmol/L) was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The concentration of CLA isomers or LA (25, 50, 100 µmol/L) for proper antioxidant activity was evaluated by measuring the antioxidant enzyme activity. In trial 2, there were 5 groups: control group, cells were untreated; H2O2 group, cells were exposed to 4 mmol/L H2O2 for 2 h; c9, t11 or t10, c12 or LA group, cells were treated with c9, t11-CLA or t10, c12-CLA or LA for 24 h and then exposed to 4 mmol/L H2O2 for 2 h. Trial 1 showed that the non-toxic dose range for CLA isomers was 0 to 200 µmol/L. The optimum concentration of c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA for trial 2 was 100 µmol/L. In trial 2, pretreatment with t10, c12-CLA but not c9, t11-CLA attenuated the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) group (P < 0.05). t10, c12-CLA elevated the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities compared with the H2O2 group (P < 0.05). In addition, t10, c12-CLA up-regulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) as well as its target genes, Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) and CAT (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with t10, c12-CLA but not c9, t11-CLA decreased Nrf2 protein expression in the cytoplasm and increased Nrf2 protein expression in the nucleus compared with the H2O2 group (P < 0.05). The results indicate that t10, c12-CLA exhibits a stronger antioxidant capacity than c9, t11-CLA in primary cultured laying hen hepatocytes. t10, c12-CLA increases the activity and mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes via facilitating nuclear translocation of Nrf2.