[The impact of non-HDL-C level on major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and all-cause mortality after revascularization]

Objective: To investigate the impact of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) level on major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and all-cause mortality in the Kailuan Study cohort undergoing revascularization. Methods: This is a prospective cohort study, with participants from the Kailuan Study cohort who participated in physical examinations from 2006 to 2020 and received revascularization therapy for the first time. According to the level of non-HDL-C, the study subjects were divided into 3 groups:<2.6 mmol/L group, 2.6-<3.4 mmol/L group, and≥3.4 mmol/L group. Annual follow-up was performed, and the endpoint events were MACCE and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional regression model was implemented to estimate the impact on MACCE and all-cause mortality associated with the different non-HDL-C groups. The partial distributed risk model was used to analyze the impact of different non-HDL-C levels on MACCE event subtypes, and death was regarded as a competitive event. The restricted cubic spline regression model was used to explore the dose-response relationship between non-HDL-C level and all-cause mortality, MACCE and its subtypes. Results: A total of 2 252 subjects were enrolled in the study, including 2 019 males (89.65%), aged (62.8±8.3) years, the follow-up time was 5.72 (3.18, 8.46) years. There were 384 cases(17.05%) of MACCE and 157 cases(6.97%) of all-cause mortality. Compared with patients with non-HDL-C≥3.4 mmol/L, patients with non-HDL-C<2.6 mmol/L were associated with a 38% reduced risk of MACCE after revascularization [HR=0.62(95%CI: 0.48-0.80)]. Every 1 mmol/L decrease in non-HDL-C was associated with a 20% reduction in the risk of MACCE [HR=0.80(95%CI: 0.73-0.88)]. The results of restricted cubic spline also showed that non-HDL-C levels after revascularization therapy were positively correlated with MACCE events (overall association P<0.001, non-linear association P=0.808). For all-cause mortality, compared to the non-HDL-C≥3.4 mmol/L group, the HR for all-cause mortality after revascularization in non-HDL-C<2.6 mmol/L group was 0.67(95%CI: 0.46-1.01). Every 1 mmol/L decrease in non-HDL-C was associated with a 15% reduction in the risk of all-cause mortality [HR=0.85(95%CI: 0.73-0.99)]. The restricted cubic spline results showed a linear association between non-HDL-C levels after revascularization therapy and the risk of all-cause mortality (overall association P=0.039, non-linear association P=0.174). Conclusion: The decrease in non-HDL-C levels after revascularization were significantly associated with a reduced risk of MACCE and all-cause mortality.

[Analysis of the efficacy and safety of coblation and pulsed radiofrequency in the treatment of cervicogenic headache]

Objective: To explore the efficacy and safety of coblation and pulsed radiofrequency on cervicogenic headache (CEH). Methods: A total of 118 patients with CEH who underwent coblation or pulsed radiofrequency in the Department of Pain Management at Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University from August 2018 to June 2020 was retrospectively collected. Patients were divided into the coblation group (n=64) and the pulsed radiofrequency group (n=54) according to different surgical methods. In the coblation group, there were 14 males and 50 females, aged 29-65 (49.8±10.2) years, while in the pulse radiofrequency group, there were 24 males and 30 females, aged 18-65 (41.7±14.8) years. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, postoperative numbness in the affected areas and other complications were recorded and compared between the two groups at preoperative 3 d, and 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Results: The VAS score of the coblation group was (7.16±0.91), (3.67±1.13), (1.59±0.91), (1.66±0.84) and (1.56±0.90) before operation, and 3 days, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Likewise, the VAS score of the pulsed radiofrequency group was (7.01±0.78), (1.58±0.88), (1.57±0.94), (3.71±1.08) and (6.92±0.83) at the aforementioned time points. There were statistically significant differences of VAS scores between the coblation group and the pulsed radiofrequency group at 3 days, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively (all P<0.001). Intra-group comparison revealed that VAS scores in the coblation group were significantly lower than those before surgery at all time points after surgery (all P<0.001), while VAS scores in the pulsed radiofrequency group were significantly decreased at 3 days, 1 month and 3 months after surgery (P<0.001). The incidence of numbness was 72% (46/64), 61% (39/64), 6% (4/64) and 3% (2/62) in the coblation group and 7% (4/54), 7% (4/54), 2% (1/54) and 0 (0/54) in the pulsed radiofrequency group, respectively. At 3 days and 1 month after surgery, the incidence of numbness in the coblation group was higher than those in the pulsed radiofrequency group (both P<0.001). In the coblation group, one patient developed pharyngeal discomfort 3 days after surgery, which disappeared spontaneously 1 week after surgery without special treatment. One patient developed vertigo after getting up in the morning at 3 days postoperatively, and the possibility of transient cerebral ischemia was considered. In the pulsed radiofrequency group, one patient developed nausea and vomiting after operation, but spontaneous remission was observed after one hour without special treatment. Conclusions: Both coblation and pulsed radiofrequency are effective and safe in the treatment of CEH. But the VAS scores at 3 and 6 months after coblation is significantly lower than those of pulsed radiofrequency ablation group, and the efficacy is better in those undergoing coblation.

[Correlation of serum lipid profile and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease]

To analyze the correlation between lipid profile and disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).A total of 307 Crohn's disease (CD) patients, 232 ulcerative colitis (UC) patients and 165 healthy subjects from the same geographic region were included. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and lipoprotein(a)[Lp(a)] were retrieved from their medical records. Crohn disease activity index (CDAI) and Mayo scores were calculated as measurement of disease severity for CD and UC separately. Patients with CD and UC had lower TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C levels than those in control group (P<0.05). Additionally, CDAI was negatively associated with TC, HDL-C and LDL-C levels (r=-0.218, -0.210, -0.176, P<0.05), while TG level was not associated with CDAI. Mayo scores was not significantly associated with TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TG. Patients with CD had higher Lp(a) levels than those in UC and control group (P<0.05). Furthermore, patients with active CD had higher Lp (a) levels than those with inactive disease (P<0.05).The Lp(a) levels in CD patients were positively associated with CDAI (r=0.151, P<0.05), while Lp(a) level in UC group was nor assocriated with Mayo score. Patients with IBD have dyslipidemia and lipid profile is associated with disease activity in CD patients.

[Macular buckling for highly myopic traction maculopathy]

Objective: To observe the efficacy of macular buckling in the treatment of highly myopic traction maculopathy. Methods: Retrospective case series study. The patients with high myopia who underwent macular buckling at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2014 to June 2019 were enrolled, including 136 males and 212 females. The age was (56.68±11.59) years old. The outcomes measured included retinal reattachment rate, foveoschisis recovery rate, macular hole closure rate, postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length (AL), and complications. The measurements were recorded preoperatively and at 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years postoperatively. The data was statistically analyzed using paired t test. Results: A total of 378 eyes were included, including 216 eyes with foveoschisis and macular detachment and 162 eyes with macular holes and macular detachment. Among them, 296 eyes underwent macular buckling, and the other 82 eyes underwent macular buckling combined with pars plana vitrectomy. During the follow-up period, 373 eyes (98.68%) achieved retinal reattachment; in patients with foveoschisis, 204 eyes (94.44%) were recovered; in patients with macular holes, 89 eyes (54.09%) achieved closure. All the postoperative results of BCVA were better than the preoperative value (1.459±0.841). BCVA continued to increase from postoperative month 1, remained stable at 1 year, and reached 0.908±0.606 at 3 years (t=6.896, P<0.01). All the postoperative results of AL were shorter than the preoperative value. The AL shortened by (4.423±1.740)mm at one month (t=33.144, P<0.01), increased gradually thereafter, remained stable at 1 year, and shortened by (2.101±1.643) mm at three years (t=6.392, P<0.01). The common complications included transient high intraocular pressure in 98 eyes (25.92%), epiretinal hemorrhage in 67 eyes (17.72%), and vitreous hemorrhage in 9 eyes (2.38%), which all resolved spontaneously within 1 month. In the early postoperative period, all patients had a certain degree of eye movement limitation, and 39 eyes (10.31%) had diplopia which resolved within 6 months without treatment. The strabismus surgery was arranged to treat esotropia in 6 eyes (1.58%). The macular buckle was removed from 1 eye (0.26%) because of the inability to tolerate diplopia. There were 8 eyes (2.11%) requiring a second operation to adjust the position of the buckle. The macular buckle was also removed from 4 eyes (1.05%) due to the implant rejection. Conclusion: Macular buckling can effectively shorten the AL, resolve posterior scleral staphyloma, and improve vision in the treatment of highly myopic traction maculopathy. (Chin J Ophthalmol, 2021, 57: 433-439).

[Clinical study on preserving right gastroepiploic vein during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy]

Objective: The operative approach and steps of laparoscopic right hemicolon cancer radical resection have been standardlized and professional consensus has been reached. However, some detailed issues such as the handling of Henle's trunk and whether to preserve the right gastroepiploic vein (RGEV) still remain controversial. This study investigates the safety, feasibility, short- and long-term outcomes of preserving RGEV during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out. Clinical data of 92 patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy in Taizhou People's Hospital from March 2016 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All the patients were treated with complete mesocolon resection (CME) and had complete postoperative pathological data and follow-up data. Based on the tumor location, 49 patients preserved RGEV (preservation group) and 43 did not (non-preservation group). Pathological data, postoperative complications, short- and long-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in baseline data between the two groups (all P>0.05). No significant differences were found in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, unplanned reoperation, anastomotic leak, number of harvested lymph nodes, number of metastatic lymph node, and time to food intake after surgery between two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with non-preservation group, the preservation group had faster recovery of anal gas passage after operation [(3.1±1.0) days vs. (4.0±1.7) days, t=-2.787, P=0.007], shorter length of hospitalization [(11.5±1.5) days vs. (15.0±7.9) days, t=-2.823, P=0.007], and reduced the hospitalization expenses [(46 000±5000) yuan to (57 000±33 000) yuan, t=-2.076, P=0.044]. No postoperative gastroparesis (PGS) occurred in the preservation group, while 6 cases in the non-preservation group developed gastroparesis during perioperative period (P<0.05). The median time of follow-up time was 31.8 (5.2-43.7) months. The overall survival time of the preservation group and non-preservation group was (35.4±1.8) months and (37.6±1.7) months, respectively without significant difference (P=0.336); the disease-free survival was (32.0±2.2) months and (35.5±2.0) months, respectively without significant difference as well (P=0.201). Conclusions: Dissection of the Henle's truck and preservation of RGEV is safe and feasible during laparoscopic right hemicolectomy, which can significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative gastroparesis, shorten the recovery time of postoperative intestinal function and hospitalization, and decrease the cost of hospitalization. The efficacy of RGEV preservation is similar to non-preservation of RGEV.

Polydatin enhances glomerular podocyte autophagy homeostasis by improving Nrf2-dependent antioxidant capacity in fructose-fed rats

High fructose is considered a causative factor for oxidative stress and autophagy imbalance that cause kidney pathogenesis. Antioxidant polydatin isolated from Polygonum cuspidatum has been reported to protect against kidney injury. In this study, polydatin was found to ameliorate fructose-induced podocyte injury. It activated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and suppressed autophagy in glomeruli of fructose-fed rats and in fructose-exposed conditionally immortalized human podocytes (HPCs). Polydatin also enhanced nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent antioxidant capacity to suppress fructose-induced autophagy activation in vivo and in vitro, with the attenuation of fructose-induced up-regulation of cellular light chain 3 (LC3) II/I protein levels. This effect was abolished by Raptor siRNA in fructose-exposed HPCs. These results demonstrated that polydatin ameliorated fructose-induced autophagy imbalance in an mTORC1-dependent manner via improving Nrf2-dependent antioxidant capacity during podocyte injury. In conclusion, polydatin with anti-oxidation activity suppressed autophagy to protect against fructose-induced podocyte injury.

LINC00662 promotes glycolysis and cell survival by regulating miR- 375/HIF-1α axis in ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common gynecological malignancies, with the highest mortality rate in women worldwide. LINC00662, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), was shown to play a vital role in many malignancies, while little is known about its role in OC. Firstly, our study determined the expression of LINC00662 in OC tissues and cells. Upregulation or downregulation of LINC00662 were performed in OC cells to explore its effects on cell proliferation and glycolysis of OC. The interaction between LINC00662 and miR-375 was verified using luciferase assays and RNA immunoprecipitation. Results showed that LINC00662 was highly expressed in OC tissues and cells, and patients with increased expression of LINC00662 were associated with shorter overall survival. Furthermore, functional assays proved that LINC00662 was essential for OC cell proliferation and glycolysis. Subsequently, our study further revealed that LINC00662 acted as a competitive RNA and it could modulate the expression of HIF-1α through directly binding with miR- 375. Collectively, upregulation of LINC00662 in ovarian cancer tissues is closely correlated to poor survival. LINC00662 might regulate HIF-1α expression via miR-375. These findings suggested that LINC00662 has the potential to be explored as a diagnostic biomarker for OC.

[Characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound in alpha-fetoprotein-negative recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma]

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)-negative recurrent small hepatocellular carcinoma (rsHCC). Methods: The imaging characteristics of CEUS were retrospectively analyzed in 132 lesions from 116 patients with rsHCC, including 59 lesions from 51 AFP-negative patients and 73 lesions from 65 AFP-positive patients. The hemodynamic parameters such as contrast-enhanced onset time, time-to-peak, isoenhancement start time, low-enhancement start time, and perfusion mode were compared between two groups. Results: The time-to-peak, isoenhancement start time, low-enhancement start time of AFP-negative group were significantly increased than those in AFP-positive group (23.22±5.08)s vs. (20.30±3.41)s, (59.44±39.75)s vs. (40.75±16.16)s, (102.89±44.45)s vs. (87.08±25.27)s (all of P<0.05). Meanwhile, the proportion of isoenhancement during the portal and late phases in AFP-negative group was significantly higher than those in AFP-positive group (59.3% vs. 37.0%, 16.9% vs. 4.1%; all of P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the enhancement start time (14.87±6.00)s vs. (14.35±5.30)s (P>0.05) as well as isoenhancement proportion in the arterial phase (94.9% vs. 98.6%, P>0.05). Conclusions: The enhancement pattern of CEUS in AFP-negative rsHCC patients was "fast-in and slow-out" with a diverse and atypical trend. Recognizing its regular features will facilitate the early detection of AFP-negative rsHCC.

A rapid high-performance liquid chromatography separation of a new anthocyanin from Nitraria tangutorum

In this work, a rapid high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to efficiently purify anthocyanin from Nitraria tangutorum based on reversed-phase column. A new anthocyanin was purified from N. tangutorum and elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analysis, including one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, as well as high-resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS) data. The new anthocyanin was elucidated as cyanidin 3-[2″-(6‴-coumaroyl)-glucosyl]-glucoside.

[Clinical analysis of 7 cases with anti-Caspr2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis]

Objective: To investigate the clinical features, laboratory tests, imaging features, electroencephalogram (EEG) manifestations, treatment and prognosis of anti-CASPR2 antibody-associated autoimmune encephalitis with the purpose to improve the understanding of the disease. Methods: Seven patients diagnosed with CASPR2 antibody-associated encephalitis in the Fifth and first Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2017 to January 2019 were selected. The clinical manifestations, course of disease, imaging, treatment plan and prognosis of the patients were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Of the 7 patients, 4 were male and 3 were female. The median age of onset was 34 years old (range, 11-66 years). Seizures (6/7), memory decline(5/7), and neuropsychiatric disorders (4/7) were common clinical manifestations. CASPR2 antibody was detected in the CSF of 3 patients (3/7) and the serum of all patients (7/7). Notable imaging changes were observed in 5 patients (5/7). All patients received immunotherapy and were followed up for 1 month to 2 years. One patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer with a poor prognosis; all the others got a good prognosis. Conclusions: CASPR2 antibody-related encephalitis is a rare autoimmune disease. It is considered to present with seizures, memory loss, psychiatric symptoms, dizziness and sleep disorders as the main clinical manifestations. Early identification and treatment of the disease can help the patients achieve a good prognosis.

[Meta-analysis of comparison for efficacies between surgical plus radio(chemo)therapy and non-surgery chemoradiotherapy treatment strategies for advanced hypopharyngeal cancer]

Objective: Meta-analysis was used to compare the long-term efficacy and laryngeal function preservation rate of patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer treated with surgery plus radio(chemo)therapy (SRT) or non-surgery chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Methods: We searched publicly published articles on case-control studies of surgical and non-surgical comprehensive treatment of advanced hypopharyngeal cancer in PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, Chinese Journal Full-text Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database. The search language was limited to Chinese and English, and the period was from 1990 to 2018. These literatures were rigorously screened by inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data needed for this study were extracted and the Meta analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software. Results: A total of 13 literatures were included, and the overall quality of the literature was relatively high, and no significant publication bias was suggested. A total of 1 994 subjects, including 720 in the SRT group and 1 274 in the CRT group. The average 3-year overall survival rates were 42.9% in SRT group and 44.8% in CRT group,with no significant difference (OR=1.14, 95%CI: 0.62-2.06, P=0.68). The average 5-year overall survival rate (OR=1.42, 95%CI: 1.10-1.84, P<0.01), 5-year local recurrence-free survival rate (OR=1.68, 95%CI: 1.11-2.55, P=0.01) and 5-year local control rate (OR=2.17, 95%CI: 1.52-3.12, P<0.01) of SRT group were 46.4%, 47.4% and 71.2%, respectively, which were higher than those of non-surgical group (37.9%, 32.0%, and 52.2% respectively). The average laryngeal function preservation rate was 19.8%,being significantly lower than 80.6% of the non-surgical group(OR=0.03, 95%CI: 0.01-0.07, P<0.01). Conclusions: SRT has better long-term efficacy, while CRT has better preservation of laryngeal function.

Polygonum cuspidatum extract attenuates fructose-induced liver lipid accumulation through inhibiting Keap1 and activating Nrf2 antioxidant pathway

BACKGROUND

Polygonum cuspidatum has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver disorders associated with oxidative stress, inflammation and lipid accumulation for centuries in patients.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to examine whether P. cuspidatum extract (PCE) prevented against fructose-induced liver lipid accumulation via regulating Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway.

METHOD

PCE was administered orally to male Sprague-Dawley rats given 10% fructose drinking water for 6 weeks at 80 and 160 mg/kg once daily for 11 weeks.

RESULTS

PCE significantly alleviated liver lipid accumulation in fructose-fed rats with metabolic syndrome. It also inhibited Keap1, activated Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, resulting in the suppression of oxidative stress, evidenced by reducing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroxy radical (OH^•) levels, and increasing glutathione (GSH)/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio as well as superoxidase dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity in the liver of fructose-fed rats. Additionally, PCE up-regulated peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), and down-regulated sterol regulatory element binging protein 1 (SREBP-1), fatty acid synthetase (FAS) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) in this animal model, being consistent with its reduction of triglyceride (TG) levels.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that PCE reduces oxidative stress, and prevent lipid accumulation in the liver of fructose-fed rats possibly by targeting the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. PCE may be a promising therapeutic strategy for fructose-associated liver lipid accumulation.

[Improve the effect of nurses on the occupational protection of cytotoxic drugs]

Objective: Evaluation of improving the occupational protective effect of nurses in cytotoxic drugs. Methods: The occupational hazards of cytotoxic drugs in Qingdao Central hospital were taken as samples. Compare the occupational hazards of cytotoxic drugs before and after improvement. Results: From Sept.2017 to Aug.2018, the number of occupational hazards of cytotoxic drugs decreased by 90.38%; Sharp injuries, drug spillovers, distribution errors and excessive air diffusivity were decreased by 70%~100%. Conclusion: Targeted occupational protection can significantly reduce the hazards of cytotoxic drugs and ensure the health of the medicinal staff.

Pterostilbene prevents hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition in fructose-induced liver fibrosis through suppressing miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 and TGF-β1/Smads signalling

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Excessive fructose consumption is a risk factor for liver fibrosis. Pterostilbene protects against liver fibrosis. Here, we investigated the potential role and the mechanisms underlying the hepatocyte epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in fructose-induced liver fibrosis and protection by pterostilbene.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Characteristic features of liver fibrosis in 10% fructose-fed rats and EMT in 5 mM fructose-exposed BRL-3A cells with or without pterostilbene and the change of miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signalling were examined. MiR-34a inhibitor, miR-34a minic, or p53 siRNA were used to explore the role of miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling in fructose-induced EMT and the action of pterostilbene.

KEY RESULTS

Pterostilbene prevented fructose-induced liver injury with fibrosis in rats. Fructose caused hepatocyte undergoing EMT, gaining fibroblast-specific protein 1 and vimentin, and losing E-cadherin, effects attenuated by pterostilbene. Moreover, fructose induced miR-34a overexpression in hepatocytes with down-regulated Sirt1, increased p53 and ac-p53, and activated TGF-β1/Smads signalling, whereas these disturbances were suppressed by miR-34a inhibitor. Additionally, miR-34a inhibitor and p53 siRNA prevented TGF-β1-driven hepatocyte EMT under fructose exposure. Pterostilbene down-regulated miR-34a, up-regulated Sirt1, and suppressed p53 activation and TGF-β1/Smads signalling in fructose-stimulated animals and cells but showed no additional effects with miR-34a inhibitor on miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling in fructose-exposed hepatocytes.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

These results strongly suggest that activation of miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling is required for fructose-induced hepatocyte EMT mediated by TGF-β1/Smads signalling, contributing to liver fibrosis in rats. Pterostilbene exhibits a protective effect against liver fibrosis at least partly through inhibiting miR-34a/Sirt1/p53 signalling activation.

Species identification and molecular characterization of Cronobacter spp. isolated from food imported over nine years into Beijing, China

Cronobacter spp. are associated with serious infections in neonates with the clinical presentations of necrotizing enterocolitis, bacteraemia and meningitis. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) was used to identify 203 Cronobacter isolates from imported food during 2006-2015 with an optimized in-house database. The isolates were predominantly C. sakazakii (88.18%), followed by C. malonaticus (8.37%), C. muytjensii (1.48%), C. turicensis (0.99%) and C. dublinensis (0.99%). The result was totally consistent with that of fusA allele sequencing. 12.32% (25/203) of isolates gave inconsistent spectra following separate protein extractions. Sixty C. sakazakii isolates and 24 isolates from the other four species were chosen for multi-locus sequence type analyses (MLST) and PCR-serotyping. Thirty-one sequence types were identified. The common sequence types were ST1 (19/60) and ST4 (13/60) for C. sakazakii and ST7 (12/17) for C. malonaticus. The primary serotypes were Csak O:1 (30/60), Csak O:2 (25/60) and Cmal O:2 (16/17) for C. sakazakii and C. malonaticus isolates, respectively. In conclusion, appropriate in-house database could make MALDI-TOF MS method identifying Cronobacter spp. isolates to the species level. But the spectra data were not sufficiently consistent for subtyping, unlike MLST. The Cronobacter spp. isolates have a high diversity including recognized pathovars.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG modulates gastrointestinal absorption, excretion patterns, and toxicity in Holstein calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B1

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG; ATCC 53013) on growth performance and hepatotoxicity in calves fed a single dose of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) and to investigate the absorption, distribution, and elimination of AFB₁ and the hydroxylated metabolite aflatoxin M₁ (AFM₁) in rumen fluid, blood, and excretions. Twenty-four male Holstein calves were blocked for body weight and age and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups: (1) untreated control, (2) treated with 4.80 mg of AFB₁ (AFB₁ only), or (3) treated with 1 × 10¹⁰ cfu of LGG suspension and 4.80 mg of AFB₁ (AFB₁ plus LGG). The calves received LGG suspension in 50 mL of phosphate-buffered saline daily via oral administration for 14 d before and on the day they received a single oral dose of AFB₁. Body weight was recorded at the beginning of the study (before LGG administration), at the day of AFB₁ administration, and at the end of the trial. Rumen fluid, blood, urine, and feces samples were collected continuously for 96 h after AFB₁ administration. Average daily gain (ADG) and plasma biochemical parameters were analyzed, and concentrations of AFB₁ and AFM₁ in the samples were determined for monitoring excretion pattern and toxicokinetics. The results showed that ADG was lower in AFB₁-treated animals; LGG administration partially mitigated the decrease in ADG (0.85 ± 0.08 vs. 0.76 ± 0.18 kg of gain/d). The AFB₁ treatment increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Administration of LGG alleviated the AFB₁-induced increase in plasma enzymes activity. The excretion patterns of AFB₁ and AFM₁ were surprisingly regular; toxins were rapidly detected in all samples after a single oral dose of AFB₁, and the peak of toxins concentrations was sequentially reached in rumen fluid, plasma, urine, and feces (except AFM₁ in rumen fluid), followed by an exponential decrease. The excretion curves showed that AFB₁ and AFM₁ concentrations were the highest in feces and urine, respectively. Administration of LGG decreased the concentrations of free AFB₁ and AFM₁ in rumen fluid and reduced the release of toxins into plasma and urine. Toxicokinetic parameters (except for the time of maximum concentration and the terminal half-life) were reduced by LGG administration. In conclusion, the absorption, distribution, and excretion of AFB₁ and AFM₁ were rapid in calves fed a single dose of AFB₁. Urine was the main route for the excretion of AFM₁, and the clearance pattern from the peak of concentration was well fitted by exponential decreasing function. Administration of LGG reduced the absorption of AFB₁ in the gastrointestinal tract by increasing the excretion via the feces, thus alleviating the hepatotoxic effect of AFB₁.

Polydatin prevents fructose-induced liver inflammation and lipid deposition through increasing miR-200a to regulate Keap1/Nrf2 pathway

Oxidative stress is a critical factor in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease pathogenesis. MicroRNA-200a (miR-200a) is reported to target Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), which regulates nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) anti-oxidant pathway. Polydatin (3,4',5-trihydroxy-stilbene-3-β-D-glucoside), a polyphenol found in the rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum, have anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-hyperlipidemic effects. However, whether miR-200a controls Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in fructose-induced liver inflammation and lipid deposition and the blockade of polydatin are still not clear. Here, we detected miR-200a down-regulation, Keap1 up-regulation, Nrf2 antioxidant pathway inactivation, ROS-driven thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) over-expression, NOD-like receptor (NLR) family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and dysregulation of peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT-1), sterol regulatory element binging protein 1 (SREBP-1) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) in rat livers, BRL-3A and HepG2 cells under high fructose induction. Furthermore, the data from the treatment or transfection of miR-200a minic, Keap1 and TXNIP siRNA, Nrf2 activator and ROS inhibitor demonstrated that fructose-induced miR-200a low-expression increased Keap1 to block Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, and then enhanced ROS-driven TXNIP to activate NLRP3 inflammasome and disturb lipid metabolism-related proteins, causing inflammation and lipid deposition in BRL-3A cells. We also found that polydatin up-regulated miR-200a to inhibit Keap1 and activate Nrf2 antioxidant pathway, resulting in attenuation of these disturbances in these animal and cell models. These findings provide a novel pathological mechanism of fructose-induced redox status imbalance and suggest that the enhancement of miR-200a to control Keap1/Nrf2 pathway by polydatin is a therapeutic strategy for fructose-associated liver inflammation and lipid deposition.

Dataset on assessment of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate injection for dairy diet and body weight in fructose-induced metabolic syndrome of rats

The data presented herein are related to the research article entitled “Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate blocks fructose-induced hepatic NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome activation and lipid metabolism disorder” (Zhao et al., 2017) [1]. This article describes the effects of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate on 24-h food or water intake in fructose-fed rats at 15-week. In addition, this article expands the effect of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate on the animal body weight change during 1–17 week. The field dataset is made publicly available to enable critical or extended analyzes.

[Estimating the burden of influenza-associated hospitalization for cases of severe acute respiratory infection, Beijing, 2015]

Objective: To estimate the influenza infection rate among severe acute respiratory infection(SARI) cases and the hospitalization rates of SARI attributable to influenza, based on two sentinel hospital surveillance databases in Beijing, 2015. Methods: Surveillance was conducted at two sentinel hospitals in Beijing in 2015. A total of 1 842 patients who admitted to the sentinel hospitals and met the definition of SARI were enrolled in the study. The respiratory tract specimens of SARI cases were collected, and sent to laboratories within 48 hours for influenza RNA detection. The catchment area of sentinel hospitals was defined by reviewing the home address of inpatients; A total of 1 491 patients were sampled and tested for influenza. The population size of catchment areas was obtained from demographic year book. We investigated the number of pneumonia patients admitted to the sentinel hospitals and other hospitals in catchment areas in 2015, and calculated the proportions of pneumonia patients that were admitted to sentinel hospitals in catchment areas. The catchment population size was calculated using the number of total population of catchment areas multiply by the proportions of pneumonia patients that were admitted at sentinel hospitals. Results: Among 1 491 patients, 13.7% (205 cases) was test positive for influenza viruses, 2 (0.9%) cases positive for influenza A (H1N1), 91 (44.6%) cases influenza A (H3N2), 1 (0.5%) case influenza B/Victoria, 111 (54.0%) cases influenza B/Yamagata. Influenza was associated with an estimated 30 (95%CI:9-51) SARI hospitalizations per 100 000 during 2015. The hospitalization rate was 243 (95%CI: 232-255), 86 (95%CI: 59-112),1(95%CI: 0-5), 8 (95%CI: 0-23) and 92 (95%CI: 16-168) SARI hospitalizations per 100 000 population for<5 years children, 5-14 years children, 15-24 years adult, 25-59 years adult and ≥60 years population, respectively. The hospitalization rate of SARI attributed to influenza A and B was 14 (95%CI:4-17) and 16 (95%CI:0-23) per 100 000 population, respectively. Conclusion: The influenza positive rate among SARI cases was relatively high. The hospitalization burden of SARI attributed to influenza was the greatest in children under 5 year-old.