Insight of endophytic fungi promoting the growth and development of woody plants.

Microorganisms play an important role in plant growth and development. In particular, endophytic fungi is one of the important kinds of microorganisms and has a mutually beneficial symbiotic relationship with host plants. Endophytic fungi have many substantial benefits to host plants, especially for woody plants, such as accelerating plant growth, enhancing stress resistance, promoting nutrient absorption, resisting pathogens and etc. However, the effects of endophytic fungi on the growth and development of woody plants have not been systematically summarized. In this review, the functions of endophytic fungi for the growth and development of woody plants have been mainly reviewed, including regulating plant growth (e.g., flowering, root elongation, etc.) by producing nutrients and plant hormones, and improving plant disease, insect resistance and heavy metal resistance by producing secondary metabolites. In addition, the diversity of endophytic fungi could improve the ability of woody plants to adapt to adverse environment. The components produced by endophytic fungi have excellent potential for the growth and development of woody plants. This review has systematically discussed the potential regulation mechanism of endophytic fungi regulating the growth and development of woody plants, it would be of great significance for the development and utilization of endophytic fungi resource from woody plants for the protection of forest resources.

Recent advances in pyroptosis, liver disease, and traditional Chinese medicine: A review.

In recent years, the incidence of liver disease has increased, becoming a major cause of death. Various liver diseases are intricately linked to pyroptosis, which is one of the most common forms of programmed cell death. As a powerful weapon in the fight against liver diseases, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can affect pyroptosis via a number of routes, including the classical, nucleotide oligomerization domain-like receptors protein 3/caspase-1/gasdermin D (GSDMD) pathway, the nonclassical lipopolysaccharide/caspase-11/GSDMD pathway, the ROS/caspase-3/gasdermin E pathway, the caspase-9/caspase-3/GSDMD pathway, and the Apaf-1/caspase-11/caspase-3 pathway. In this review, we provide an overview of pyroptosis, the interplay between pyroptosis and liver diseases, and the mechanisms through which TCM regulates pyroptosis in liver diseases. The information used in the text was collected and compiled from the databases of PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, and Wanfang Data up to June 2023. The search was not limited with regard to the language and country of the articles. Research and review articles were included, and papers with duplicate results or unrelated content were excluded. We examined the current understanding of the relationship between pyroptosis and liver diseases as well as the advances in TCM interventions to provide a resource for the identification of potential targets for TCM in the treatment of liver diseases.

Objective follow-up after transection of uterine round ligament during laparoscopic repair of inguinal hernias in women: assessment of safety and long-term outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Whether to preserve the uterine round ligament during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in women is controversial. In this study, we aimed to compare outcomes of uterine round ligament preservation versus transection during such surgery and to explore the impact and long-term outcomes of transecting the round ligament. METHODS: The study cohort comprised 419 women who had undergone laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in Beijing Chaoyang Hospital and Qilu Hospital from January 2013 to January 2020; 393 (93.8%) of whom were successfully followed up. Patient characteristics and technical details of the operative procedure were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Early and late postoperative follow-up data, complications, especially symptoms related to retroflexed uterus, and fertility outcomes, were collected by a single follow-up nurse who was blinded to the operative procedure. RESULTS: There were 218 women (239 sides) in the uterine round ligament preservation group and 175 (182 sides) in the transection group. The patients in the preservation group were younger (45.9 vs. 53.6 years, p = 0.000), and had lower American Society of Anesthesiologists scores (p = 0.000). The median follow-up times in the preservation and transection groups were 41.8 ± 24.2 and 42.7 ± 24.6 months, respectively (p = 0.692). Compared with the transection group, the preservation group had longer operative times for repair of both primary and recurrent hernias. Intraoperative bleeding, length of hospital stay, development of seromas, recurrence rate, incidence of postoperative pain at the first and third postoperative months, and time of last outpatient visit were similar in the two groups. There were more premenopausal patients in the preservation group; however, we found no evidence that transection of the round ligament affected subsequent pregnancy or childbirth. Moreover, we identified no differences in dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, or uterine prolapse. CONCLUSION: Transection of the round ligament during laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair in women does not increase the incidence of dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, or uterine prolapse, whereas it has the advantage of reducing the operation time.

Preperitoneal herniation as a complication of tansabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty: a report of two cases.

BACKGROUND: Preperitoneal herniation is a rare complication after transabdominal preperitoneal patch plasty (TAPP) and may be caused by inadequate peritoneal closure. We herein report two cases of postoperative small bowel obstruction due to preperitoneal herniation through a disrupted peritoneum. CASE PRESENTATION: Two men in their 70s were admitted to our center because of small bowel obstruction after TAPP. After examinations and unsuccessful conservative treatment, emergency laparoscopic exploration was performed. Preperitoneal herniation through the disrupted peritoneum was found. The herniated small bowel was reduced and the peritoneum was properly reclosed. The patients recovered and were discharged with normal bowel function. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate peritoneal closure may cause preperitoneal herniation and lead to postoperative small bowel obstruction and even death. Hernia surgeons can avoid this complication by improving their suture technique and paying attention to the procedure details.

The application of DNA molecular markers in the study of Codonopsis species genetic variation, a review.

Codonopsis genus is comprised of species that are perennial plants primarily distributed across all east, southeast, and Central Asia. The most famous species of Codonopsis are C. tangshen, C. lanceolate, and C. pilosula. The records showed that they have a long story usage as traditional Chinese medicines, as they were alleged to be able to intensify the spleen and the lung as well as enriching blood and engendering liquid. Certain species have a culinary value in southern China and Southeast Asia, where they are considered as tea, wine, soup, plaster, and porridge. Codonopsis species were shown to be of great importance in medicine, due to their broad biological activity. Therefore, a clear understanding of their genetic diversity is needed.  Adequate distinctions and descriptions of those species are necessary to preserve plant reservoir, investigations of genes associated with desirable traits, and understanding of evolutionary relationships. Subsequently, various molecular marker techniques such as Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP), Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR), and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR), Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP), internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and Sequence-Characterized Amplified Region (SCAR) have been improved to provide  detailed informations about genomes, that historically were  not possible to obtain based on only phenotypic methods. This review represents the usage of DNA molecular markers for molecular diversity analysis of medically important species belonging to the genus Codonopsis.

Research Progress in Liver-Regenerating Microenvironment and DNA Methylation in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Role of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The development, progression, recurrence, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are closely associated with an abnormal liver-regenerating microenvironment (LRM). Therefore, preventing and reversing an abnormal LRM is a potential therapeutic strategy against HCC. Studies are increasingly focusing on the impact of regeneration, fibrosis, angiogenesis, inflammation, immunomodulation, and hepatic stem cells on HCC development and progression. As a key epigenetic mechanism, DNA methylation is extensively involved in regulating physiological and pathological pathways. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the role of DNA methylation in the fibrotic, angiogenic, inflammatory/immune, and stem cell microenvironments of HCC, and discuss new advances in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on influencing the abnormal LRM, so as to gain new insights into alleviating the abnormal LRM via regulating DNA methylation by TCM.

Analysis of operation procedure and effect for emergency surgery in general hospital during novel coronavirus pneumonia period.

BACKGROUND: Novel coronavirus pneumonia (NCP) outbreak in Wuhan, China in early 2020, resulted in over 80 thousand infections in China. At present, NCP has an explosive growth in the world. Surgeons could refuse selective operation during the outbreak, but they must face the emergency operation. We hope to avoid the spread of NCP while ensuring efficient treatment of emergency cases. METHODS: The data of patients with incarcerated hernia admitted to Beijing Chaoyang Hospital during NCP epidemic were analyzed and compared with those in 2019. All cases were divided into NCP group and 2019 group. The operation data and inpatient protection process of emergency cases were analyzed. Result During the NCP epidemic, 17 cases with incarcerated hernia were treated in our department. A Total of 263 cases of the same disease were admitted in 2019. There was no significant difference in age, gender, BMI and hernia type between two groups. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in operation method and hospital stay. The waiting time for emergency operation of NCP group was significantly longer than that of 2019 group (P = 0.002). A buffer ward was set up by administrator of hospital during NCP outbreak. Hospitals were divided into "Red area, Yellow area and Green area" artificially, and strict screening consultation system was implemented. There was no case of SARS-nCoV-2 infection in medical staff. CONCLUSION: It was safe and effective to carry out emergency operation on the premise of screening, protection and isolation during the NCP epidemic. The increased waiting time for operation due to NCP screening did not threaten medical safety of emergency incarcerated hernia patients.

Removal of soil biota alters soil feedback effects on plant growth and defense chemistry.

We examined how the removal of soil biota affects plant-soil feedback (PSF) and defense chemistry of Jacobaea vulgaris, an outbreak plant species in Europe containing the defense compounds pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Macrofauna and mesofauna, as well as fungi and bacteria, were removed size selectively from unplanted soil or soil planted with J. vulgaris exposed or not to above- or belowground insect herbivores. Wet-sieved fractions, using 1000-, 20-, 5- and 0.2-µm mesh sizes, were added to sterilized soil and new plants were grown. Sieving treatments were verified by molecular analysis of the inocula. In the feedback phase, plant biomass was lowest in soils with 1000- and 20-µm inocula, and soils conditioned with plants gave more negative feedback than without plants. Remarkably, part of this negative PSF effect remained present in the 0.2-µm inoculum where no bacteria were present. PA concentration and composition of plants with 1000- or 20-µm inocula differed from those with 5- or 0.2-µm inocula, but only if soils had been conditioned by undamaged plants or plants damaged by aboveground herbivores. These effects correlated with leaf hyperspectral reflectance. We conclude that size-selective removal of soil biota altered PSFs, but that these PSFs were also influenced by herbivory during the conditioning phase.

The safe and risk assessment of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapy in inguinal hernia repair, a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of consensus on the continuation or cessation of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies in inguinal hernia repair, therefore, the local hospital protocols dealing with these agents vary. The aim of this study is to investigate the risk and safety of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulation therapies in patients undergoing elective inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: The major databases (PubMed, Embase, Springer, and Cochrane Library) were searched, and all studies published through January 2019 were identified, using the keywords Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Warfarin, antiplatelet, anticoagulation, inguinal hernia repair, bleeding, hematoma, complications. All relevant articles and reference lists in these original studies were also obtained from the above databases. RESULTS: Thirteen articles were identified, ten studies reported the results of perioperative application of antiplatelet therapy during inguinal hernia repair, nine trials reported the outcomes perioperative use of anticoagulation therapy in inguinal hernia repair, and six articles reported the results of both agents. One study did not indicate the perioperative cessation or continuation of the corresponding agents. Cessation of antiplatelets was reported in three studies and continuation of antiplatelets was used in six studies, they all demonstrated similar incidence of the bleeding complications, as compared with controls. Continued perioperative anticoagulation with Warfarin was reported in six studies and Warfarin discontinuation 3 days prior to operation was examined in two studies, both reported similar postoperative bleeding-related complication rates providing international normalized ratio (INR) < 3, and the postoperative hematoma incidence increased in the condition of INR > 3. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated that, for both open and laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair, there is no need to stop the antiplatelet therapy (Aspirin or Clopidogrel), and due to the limited evidence and the complexity of each patient' condition, the continuation or cessation of anticoagulation with Warfarin should be tailored on a case-by-case basis.

Establishment of a Rabbit Model of Giant Abdominal Wall Hernia.

PURPOSE: Animal models play an important role in abdominal wall hernia research. However, there is still no standard animal models for abdominal wall hernia. This study aimed to introduce a novel rabbit model of giant abdominal wall hernia. METHODS: Sixteen 1-year-old New Zealand rabbits weighing 3 to 5 kg were used. After general anesthesia, a 5-cm longitudinal incision was made 2 cm lateral to the ventral midline, and a full-thickness laparotomy incision was made en bloc including the peritoneum (except skin). A full-thickness defect of the abdominal wall with a diameter of 3 cm was created. To increase the intraabdominal pressure, constipation was induced by deprivation of water perioperatively. The development of giant abdominal wall hernia was recorded. The bulge area of these rabbits was redissected to assess the hernia 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Of the 16 rabbits, 13 (81.25%) rabbits had grade I healing and 3 (18.75%) rabbits had grade III healing. Reversible abdominal bulge at the incisional site was observed in all rabbits 3 to 18 days postoperatively. The average maximum diameter of the bulge was 8.73 ± 1.00 cm. Redissection of the bulge area showed successful establishment of giant abdominal wall hernia. CONCLUSION: We successfully established a rabbit model of giant abdominal wall hernia, which may provide an easy-to-use tool for the research of abdominal wall hernia.

The feasibility of laparoscopic management of incarcerated obturator hernia.

BACKGROUND: Obturator hernia (OH), a rare cause of acute small bowel obstruction, requires immediate surgical intervention to prevent serious complications and mortality. We assessed the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic surgery in patients with incarcerated OH presenting with acute abdomen in an emergency setting. METHODS: Data pertaining to patients diagnosed with incarcerated OH between 2011 and April 2015 at our hospital were reviewed. Patients' characteristics, operation details and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All ten patients diagnosed with incarcerated obturator hernia during the reference period were females (average age 72.1 ± 11.8 years; average weight 44.1 ± 6.9 kg; average body mass index 17.8 ± 2.1 kg/m2; average operating time 63 ± 15 min; average hospital stay 6.2 ± 6.6 days). Twelve occult hernias, including six contralateral OHs, two ipsilateral femoral hernias and two bilateral femoral hernias were detected in six patients (60 %), which were simultaneously repaired after laparoscopic exploration. Nine patients (90 %) were successfully treated with synthetic mesh by laparoscopic technique. Only one case required intraoperative conversion to open surgery due to strangulated intestine with perforation. Wound infection was reported in one patient who had undergone bowel resection, but with an eventual complete recovery. Postoperative period was uneventful in the other nine patients. No recurrence or complications were reported on follow-up (mean duration of follow-up: 6-54 months). CONCLUSION: In this study, laparoscopic technique was associated with a reduced duration of hospital stay and fewer complications. In addition to being a safe and minimally invasive strategy, it allowed for simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of occult hernias during the same procedure. The approach may be a better option for the treatment of incarcerated OH and occult hernias in selected patients.

Subchronic toxicity of herbal compound "Jiedu Huayu" granules in rats.

BACKGROUND: "Jiedu Huayu" (JDHY) granules are traditional Chinese herbal compounds that have been used to treat severe liver injury for many years. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the safety of JDHY granules. METHODS: Subchronic toxicity was tested in male and female rats that were orally administered three different doses (80, 100, and 130 g/kg/d) of JDHY for 13 weeks. Clinical signs, bodyweight, food consumption, hematological and biochemical parameters, organ coefficients, and histological changes were observed during the study. RESULTS: There were no significant changes in toxicity observed in either sex at any dose of JDHY granules treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that repeated oral administration of JDHY granules at dosage levels of ≤130 g/kg/d can be considered safe.

[Icaritin promotes maturation and mineralization of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells through CXCR4/SDF-1 signal pathway].

Objective: To investigate the effect of icaritin on maturation and mineralization of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells and its mechanism. Methods: The cultured MC3T3-E1 cells were divided into blank control group, CXC chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) inhibitor (AMD3100) group, icaritin group, and icaritin plus AMD3100 group. The expression of CXCR4, stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) and osteogenesis-related genes and proteins were detected by real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting after drug treatment for 24 h. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined with ALP kit on d3 and d6; calcium nodules were detected by alizarin red staining after drug treatment for 14 d. Results: Real time RT-PCR showed that compared with the blank control group, relative expressions of CXCR4, SDF-1 and osteogenesis-related genes in icaritin group were significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); After AMD3100 treatment, the relative expression of CXCR4 gene was decreased (P<0.05). Western blot showed that compared with the blank control group, relative expressions of CXCR4, SDF-1 and osteogenesis-related proteins in the icaritin group were significantly increased (all P<0.01), but were decreased after AMD3100 was added (all P<0.01). The ALP activity of icaritin group was significantly higher than that of blank control group (all P<0.01) on d3 and d6 after drug treatment, while the activity of ALP was significantly decreased after AMD3100 treatment (all P<0.01). At d14 after drug treatment, compared with the blank control group, the area of alizarin red staining was increased in the icaritin group, while it was significantly reduced after the addition of AMD3100. Conclusion: Icaritin may promote maturation and mineralization of mouse osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells through CXCR4/SDF-1 signaling pathway.

[3D Collagen Hydrogel Culture of Rat Calvarial Osteoblasts].

OBJECTIVE: To establish a collagen hydrogel three-dimensional culture model with rat calvarial osteoblasts (ROBs). METHODS: ROBs were obtained through enzyme digestion of segregated neonatal SD rat skull. The collagen hydrogel three-dimensional culture model was established by mixing ROBs with different concentrations of type I rat tail collagen (collagen concentration of 1, 2, 3 mg/mL), DMEM medium and NaOH under adjusted PH and a temperature of 37 degrees C. Cell viability and activity were detected by FDA/PI staining and CCK-8 3 d after cell culture. The optimal culture method of 3D collagen hydrogel was identified. Cell distribution was observed using scanning electron microscopy and HE staining. RESULTS: ROBs collagen was formed firmly at 2 mg/mL, which had significantly higher levels of cell viability and activity than those at 1 mg/mL and 3 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy and HE staining showed that cells under the 2 mg/mL collagen culture system adhered with collagen tightly and distributed homogeneously. CONCLUSION: A collagen hydrogel 3D culture model was established successfully by mixing ROBs with collagen at 2 mg/mL.

Effects of the Timing of Herbivory on Plant Defense Induction and Insect Performance in Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.) Depend on Plant Mycorrhizal Status.

Plants often are exposed to antagonistic and symbiotic organisms both aboveground and belowground. Interactions between above- and belowground organisms may occur either simultaneously or sequentially, and jointly can determine plant responses to future enemies. However, little is known about time-dependency of such aboveground-belowground interactions. We examined how the timing of a 24 h period of aboveground herbivory by Spodoptera exigua (1-8 d prior to later arriving conspecifics) influenced the response of Plantago lanceolata and the performance of later arriving conspecifics. We also examined whether these induced responses were modulated by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Funneliformis mosseae. The amount of leaf area consumed by later arriving herbivores decreased with time after induction by early herbivores. Mycorrhizal infection reduced the relative growth rate (RGR) of later arriving herbivores, associated with a reduction in efficiency of conversion of ingested food rather than a reduction in relative consumption rates. In non-mycorrhizal plants, leaf concentrations of the defense compound catalpol showed a linear two-fold increase during the eight days following early herbivory. By contrast, mycorrhizal plants already had elevated levels of leaf catalpol prior to their exposure to early herbivory and did not show any further increase following herbivory. These results indicate that AMF resulted in a systemic induction, rather than priming of these defenses. AMF infection significantly reduced shoot biomass of Plantago lanceolata. We conclude that plant responses to future herbivores are not only influenced by exposure to prior aboveground and belowground organisms, but also by when these prior organisms arrive and interact.

[Icariin enhances differentiation and maturation of rat calvarial osteoblasts in collagen hydrogel three-dimensional culture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of icariin on the differentiation and maturation of rat calvarial osteoblasts(ROB) in collagen hydrogel three-dimensional culture. METHODS: ROB were obtained by enzyme digestion from the segregated neonatal SD rats skull and were embedded in 2 mg/mL rat tail collagen for three-dimensional culture. The growth state of ROB was observed by FDA/PI staining, HE staining and scanning electron microscopy. ROB were treated with icariin at the concentration of 1 × 10⁻4, 1 × 10⁻5, 1 × 10⁻6 and 1 × 10⁻7 mol/L respectively. The activity of alkaline phosphatase(ALP) was detected after 3, 6, 9 d of icariin treatment. Three-dimensional cultured ROB were treated with optimal concentration icariin for 12, 24, 36, 48 h and total RNA was extracted and the mRNA expressions of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX-2) and Osterix were detected by real time RT-PCR. The protein expression of BMP-2, RUNX-2 and Osterix were examined by Western-blotting. RESULTS: ROB were cultured in collagen hydrogel successfully. FDA/PI staining, HE staining, and scanning electron microscopy showed that ROB adhered with collagen tightly and distributed homogeneously. Icariin at final concentration of 1 × 10⁻5, 1 × 10⁻6 and 1×10⁻7 mol/L all enhanced the activity of ALP of collagen hydrogel three-dimensional cultured ROB, and 1 × 10⁻6 mol/L was the optimal concentration. Besides, icariin (1 × 10⁻6 mol/L) increased mRNA and protein expression of BMP-2、RUNX-2 and Osterix compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Icariin can enhance the expression of osteogenic markers of ROB in collagen hydrogel three-dimensional culture significantly.

Sequential effects of root and foliar herbivory on aboveground and belowground induced plant defense responses and insect performance.

Plants are often simultaneously or sequentially attacked by multiple herbivores and changes in host plants induced by one herbivore can influence the performance of other herbivores. We examined how sequential feeding on the plant Plantago lanceolata by the aboveground herbivore Spodoptera exigua and the belowground herbivore Agriotes lineatus influences plant defense and the performance of both insects. Belowground herbivory caused a reduction in the food consumption by the aboveground herbivore independent of whether it was initiated before, at the same time, or after that of the aboveground herbivore. By contrast, aboveground herbivory did not significantly affect belowground herbivore performance, but significantly reduced the performance of later arriving aboveground conspecifics. Interestingly, belowground herbivores negated negative effects of aboveground herbivores on consumption efficiency of their later arriving conspecifics, but only if the belowground herbivores were introduced simultaneously with the early arriving aboveground herbivores. Aboveground-belowground interactions could only partly be explained by induced changes in an important class of defense compounds, iridoid glycosides (IGs). Belowground herbivory caused a reduction in IGs in roots without affecting shoot levels, while aboveground herbivory increased IG levels in roots in the short term (4 days) but only in the shoots in the longer term (17 days). We conclude that the sequence of aboveground and belowground herbivory is important in interactions between aboveground and belowground herbivores and that knowledge on the timing of exposure is essential to predict outcomes of aboveground-belowground interactions.

Lichtenstein repair of indirect inguinal hernias with acellular tissue matrix grafts in adolescent patients: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of Lichtenstein hernioplasty using acellular tissue matrix (ACTM) grafts in adolescent patients. METHODS: One hundred patients, 13-18 years old, with primary unilateral indirect inguinal hernias, were randomly assigned to receive Lichtenstein hernioplasty using ACTM or traditional high ligation of the hernia sac (control group).The outcome measures were the length of the operation, postoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, length of hospitalization, postoperative complications and recurrence rate. RESULTS: The length of hospitalization and VAS score were not different between the groups, and the minimum follow-up was 30 months. No postoperative wound infections, chronic postoperative pain or local foreign body sensation occurred in either group. Six patients (14.3 %) in the experimental group and five (11.6 %) in the control group developed scrotal hydroceles (P > 0.05); all resolved with conservative management. There were no recurrences in the experimental group, while there were three (6 %) in the control group (P > 0.05) and all occurred in patients with Gilbert type 3 hernias. CONCLUSIONS: Lichtenstein hernioplasty using ACTM grafts has comparable safety and efficacy to traditional high ligation of the indirect hernia sac in adolescent patients. ACTM can reduce the incidence of recurrence in adolescents with Gilbert type 3 hernias.

Higher Bioavailability of Organic Bound Zinc from High Zinc-Enriched Fungi.

The organic forms of trace elements are considered more bioavailable than the inorganic forms. Although yeast can enrich metal elements and convert inorganic zinc to organic species, its tolerability and transforming capacity are limited. It would therefore be very interesting to look for higher conversion and accumulation in zinc fungi to obtain organic bound zinc from the natural environment. In this paper, potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium containing 800 µg/mL zinc was used for initial screening, with twenty-two fungal strains that tolerated high zinc isolated from the natural environment, and one strain (No.LZ-1108) growing well at a zinc (II) concentration of 10,000 µg/mL. According to morphological analysis, 18S rDNA sequence analysis, and biophysical and biochemical characteristics, No.LZ-1108 was tentatively identified as Fusarium oxysporum. Using atomic absorption spectrometry, the zinc content in the No.LZ-1108 cells was found to be 6.7 mg/g dry cell. After oral administration to rats at a dose of 10 mg Zn (II)/kg body weight, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) and the maximum zinc blood concentration (Cmax) of No.LZ-1108 and zinc gluconate were 8.10 g/L.min and 4.28 g/L.min, 23.72 µg/mL and 6.23 µg/mL, respectively. The AUC of No.LZ-1108 was significantly higher than those of zinc gluconate (P<0.05), and the mean relative bioavailability of AUC(test)/AUC(zinc gluconate) was 190 %, which showed that the bound zinc in No.LZ-1108 was more bioavailable than zinc gluconate. The present study reports an interesting alternative to developing zinc-based supplements from a natural source of zinc.