Effects of crocin on frozen-thawed sperm apoptosis, protamine expression and membrane lipid oxidation in Yanbian yellow cattle

Glycerol is used as a bovine semen osmotic cryoprotectant that greatly improves the quality of frozen and thawed bovine sperm. However, high glycerol concentrations can have a toxic effect on frozen and thawed bovine sperm. Therefore, this experiment investigated the effect of replacing a portion of the glycerol in a cryoprotectant solution with crocin on the sperm apoptosis, protamine deficiency and membrane lipid oxidation of frozen and thawed Yanbian yellow cattle sperm. The experiment included a control group (6% glycerol) and four treatment groups: I (3% glycerol), II (3% glycerol +0.5 mM crocin), III (3% glycerol + 1 mM crocin) and IV (3% glycerol + 2 mM crocin). Computer assisted semen analysis was used to detect sperm motility, Hoechst 33,342, propidium iodide, and JC-1 staining were used to analyse sperm viability and mitochondrial membrane potential, chromomycin A3 staining was used to detect protamine deficiency and DNA damage, flow cytometry was used for sperm membrane lipid disorder detection and analysis, and real-time quantitative RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression levels of protamine-related genes (PRM2, PRM3), sperm acrosome-associated genes (SPACA3), oxidative stress-related genes (ROMO1) and apoptosis-related genes (BCL2, BAX). Compared to the control group, replacing a portion of glycerol with 1 mM crocin significantly improved sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, membrane lipid disorders (p < .05) and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, protamine deficiency (p < .01). The expression level of PRM2, PRM3, SPACA3 and BCL2 significantly increased (p < .05), while the expression levels of ROMO1 and BAX significantly decreased (p < .05). Accordingly, the BCL2/BAX ratio significantly increased (p < .05). In summary, the substitution of a portion of glycerol with crocin in cryoprotective solution improved the quality of Yanbian yellow cattle sperm after freezing and thawing.

Microbial and Host Factors That Affect Bacterial Invasion of the Gingiva

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammation of the periodontium caused by the loss of homeostasis between subgingival biofilms and susceptible hosts. Bacterial invasion into the gingival tissue and persistent infection are major events that lead to chronic inflammation. The intratissue bacterial communities are as complex as the subgingival biofilms and can also form biofilm-like structures, which will serve as a reservoir for local and systemic infections. The epithelium forms physical, chemical, and immunological barriers against invading microbes. Nevertheless, many bacterial species can invade the gingival epithelium through transcellular and paracellular pathways. In addition, both genetic and environmental factors of the hosts can affect epithelial barrier functions and thus bacterial invasion of the gingiva. In this review, current evidence for the bacterial invasion of the gingival tissue in periodontitis has been summarized, and the microbial and host factors that determine bacterial invasion of the gingiva have been reviewed.

Safety, feasibility, and effect of an enhanced nutritional support pathway including extended preoperative and home enteral nutrition in patients undergoing enhanced recovery after esophagectomy: a pilot randomized clinical trial

The aims of this pilot study are to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of conducting an enhanced nutritional support pathway including extended preoperative nutritional support and one month home enteral nutrition (HEN) for patients who underwent enhanced recovery after esophagectomy. We implemented extended preoperative nutritional support and one month HEN after discharge for patients randomized into an enhanced nutrition group and implemented standard nutritional support for patients randomized into a conventional nutrition group. Except the nutritional support program, both group patients underwent the same standardized enhanced recovery after surgery programs of esophagectomy based on published guidelines. Patients were assessed at preoperative day, postoperative day 7 (POD7), and POD30 for perioperative outcomes and nutritional status. To facilitate the determination of an effect size for subsequent appropriately powered randomized clinical trials and assess the effectiveness, the primary outcome we chose was the weight change before and after esophagectomy. Other outcomes including body mass index (BMI), lean body mass (LBM), appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), nutrition-related complications, and quality of life (QoL) were also analyzed. The intention-to-treat analysis of the 50 randomized patients showed that there was no significant difference in baseline characteristics. The weight (-2.03 ± 2.28 kg vs. -4.05 ± 3.13 kg, P = 0.012), BMI (-0.73 ± 0.79 kg/m2 vs. -1.48 ± 1.11 kg/m2, P = 0.008), and ASMI (-1.10 ± 0.37 kg/m2 vs. -1.60 ± 0.66 kg/m2, P = 0.010) loss of patients in the enhanced nutrition group were obviously decreased compared to the conventional nutrition group at POD30. In particular, LBM (48.90 ± 9.69 kg vs. 41.96 ± 9.37 kg, p = 0.031) and ASMI (7.56 ± 1.07 kg/m2 vs. 6.50 ± 0.97 kg/m2, P = 0.003) in the enhanced nutrition group were significantly higher compared to the conventional nutrition group at POD30, despite no significant change between pre- and postoperation. In addition, European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 scores revealed that enhanced nutritional support improved the QoL of patients in physical function (75.13 ± 9.72 vs. 68.33 ± 7.68, P = 0.009) and fatigue symptom (42.27 ± 9.93 vs. 49.07 ± 11.33, P = 0.028) compared to conventional nutritional support. This pilot study demonstrated that an enhanced nutritional support pathway including extended preoperative nutritional support and HEN was feasible, safe, and might be beneficial to patients who underwent enhanced recovery after esophagectomy. An appropriately powered trial is warranted to confirm the efficacy of this approach.

Determination of Aconitum Alkaloids in Dietary Supplements and Raw Botanical Materials by Liquid Chromatography/UV Detection with Confirmation by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Collaborative Study

An interlaboratory study was conducted to evaluate a method for the determination of 3 Aconitum alkaloids, viz., aconitine, mesaconitine, and hypaconitine, in raw botanical material and dietary supplements. The alkaloids were extracted with diethyl ether in the presence of ammonia. After cleanup by solid-phase extraction to remove matrix interferences, the alkaloids were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC)/UV detection at 235 nm with confirmation by LC/tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). A total of 14 blind duplicates were successfully analyzed by 12 collaborators. For repeatability, the relative standard deviation (RSDr) values ranged from 1.9 to 16.7, and for reproducibility, the RSDR values ranged from 6.5 to 33. The HorRat values were all &lt;2 with only one exception at 2.3. All collaborating laboratories had calibration curves with correlation coefficients of &gt;0.998. In addition, 6 collaborators performed the confirmation and were able to verify the identities of the alkaloids by using LC/MS/MS.

Platelet distribution width, platelet count, and plateletcrit in diabetic retinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of PRISMA guidelines

BACKGROUND

Screening and diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy (DR) mainly depends on fundus examination, which is not an intuitive and simple screening or diagnostic method. Recently, the relationship between platelet parameters and DR has become a hot topic. Whether platelet parameters have clinical value in DR is controversial.

METHODS

Literature was retrieved by formal search of electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, Scopus, and CNKI) and by hand searching of reference lists of related articles from the beginning of building database to December 2017. Review manager 5.3 was utilized to deal with statistical data. This study was registered at International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (number: CRD42018093773).

RESULTS

This study included 1720 DR patients, 1477 type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM) without DR patients and 1456 health controls in 21 eligible studies. We found there was significant increase of platelet distribution width (PDW) level in the comparison of DR versus Control group (standard mean difference [SMD] [95% confidence interval [CI]] = 1.04 [0.68, 1.40]) and DR versus T2DM without DR group (SMD [95% CI] = 0.68 [0.40, 0.95]). For platelet count (PLT), it showed obvious decrease in the comparison of DR versus T2DM without DR group (SMD [95% CI] = -0.26 [-0.49, -0.03]) and no difference in comparison of DR versus Control (SMD [95% CI] = -0.26 [-0.51, -0.00]). Subgroup analysis showed that significant result of PDW level appeared in China and Turkey in all comparisons, while similar results of PLT only in China. In addition, PDW level was different in various DR-subtypes, obvious high level in proliferation DR.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that the guiding significance of PDW and PLT in diagnosis and monitor of DR, and especially, application of PDW to PDR management may have potential sense.

Effects of organic zinc on tibia quality, mineral deposit, and metallothionein expression level of aged hens

The study aimed to determine the effects of methionine hydroxy analog chelate zinc on the tibia quality, mineral deposit, apparent retention of nutrients, and liver metallothionein (MT) expression level of aged laying hens. A total of 960 layers (Hy-Line Grey, 57 wk old) were randomly assigned into 4 groups, and each group had 8 replicates of 30 hens. During the first 2 wk, groups were fed a basal diet without extra zinc (Zn: 35.08 mg/kg). During the ensuing 14 wk, 4 levels of Zn (inorganic Zn: 80 mg/kg; organic Zn: 20, 40, 80 mg/kg) were added to the diet. The results indicated that both the Zn source and level did influence tibia strength and calcium (Ca) and Zn concentrations of tibia (P < 0.05), whereas there were no differences in the copper (Cu) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of the tibia and the tibia length (P > 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with 40 or 80 mg/kg of organic Zn showed higher Zn and Ca concentrations in the tibia and higher tibia strength. The Cu concentration in the liver showed no difference among the 4 treatments, whereas the Zn concentration in the liver increased with the increasing Zn level. The apparent retention of P, iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) was not affected by the Zn level or source (P > 0.05). However, the organic Zn group increased the apparent retention of Cu, Zn, Ca, crude protein (CP), and energy, and the group supplemented with 40 or 80 mg/kg of organic Zn obtained significant effects (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with 40 or 80 mg/kg organic Zn increased the MT mRNA expression of the liver at week 72, whereas 20 mg/kg of organic Zn decreased it (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study suggested that an optimum dietary (40 mg/kg) organic Zn level plays a key role in promoting the apparent retention of minerals and nutrients, trace element deposit, and MT mRNA expression.

Relationship between platelet parameters and sudden sensorineural hearing loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Recent years, the discussion about whether platelets participant in the development of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) continues and many studies on the relationship between them have come to our attention. Some studies believe that platelet parameters have significantly changed in patients with SSHL, while some not, controversially. Therefore, to investigate the association between platelet parameters, including mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet count (PLT), and SSHL, expecting to resolve controversy and provide clinical evidence for diagnosis and monitoring of SSHL. Basic methods: Literature was retrieved searching electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, and Scopus) and searching references of related articles by hand. A total of 18 case-control studies involving 1837/1734 subjects (SSHL/control) were included. Meta-analysis showed there was no difference between the patients who suffered SSHL and healthy controls in MPV level [standard mean difference (SMD) (95% confidence interval (CI)) = 0.16 (-0.07, 0.40), I2 = 80%, P<0.00001] and PLT [SMD (95% CI) = -0.03(-0.18, 0.12), I2 = 73%, P<0.00001]. While PDW exhibited significant difference [SMD (95% CI) = 0.85 (0.20, 1.49), I2 = 93%, P<0.00001]. Subgroup analysis about geographical area suggested PLT have obvious evidence for SSHL in Eastern country [SMD (95% CI) = 0.23 (0.14, 0.33), I2 = 0%, P=0.81]. Our study did not support a correlation between MPV and SSHL, while PLT may have clinical significance for SSHL in Eastern country. With insufficient data to explore the resource of heterogeneity for PDW, there is no decisive conclusion reached.

T2 mapping in dermatomyositis/polymyositis and correlation with clinical parameters

AIM

To explore the T2-mapping signal characteristics of the thigh muscles in patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) and to investigate the correlation between thigh muscle T2 values, clinical parameters, and serum creatinine kinase (CK).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-two patients with DM/PM proven by diagnostic criteria were enrolled in the study along with 13 healthy control subjects. Both T2-mapping and conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images were obtained in the thigh musculature of all subjects. The T2 values of thigh muscles were compared between the DM/PM patients and control groups. Thirty-one DM/PM patients were evaluated with manual muscle testing (MMT) and serum CK levels. A Spearman correlation coefficient model was used to correlate the mean T2 values and clinical assessments. The Kruskal-Wallis test and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were also utilised. p-Values <0.05 reflected statistical significance.

RESULTS

The T2 value of all oedematous muscles was greater on average than that of the unaffected muscles of the DM/PM patients (p<0.05) and the muscles of healthy volunteers (p<0.05). The T2 value of unaffected muscles in DM/PM patients was also greater than that of the normal muscles in healthy volunteers (p<0.05). The area under the curves (AUCs) for T2 relaxation time values was 0.72 with respective sensitivity and specificity of 72.6% and 65.4%. The mean T2 relaxation time of the 31 patients group and the MMTs (p<0.05) was correlated without serum CK levels (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

T2 mapping is not only quantitatively used for subclinical muscle involvement in DM/PM, but also be used to demonstrate severity of damaged muscles in DM/PM.

Prognostic value of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in heart failure patients

BACKGROUND

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been indicated to be an independent predictor for all-cause mortality or adverse events in a variety of diseases. However, no consistent conclusions regarding it's relevance to patients with heart failure have been made. This meta-analysis was conducted to assess the significance of NLR in patients with heart failure.

METHODS

Pubmed and Embase databases were searched for eligible studies that reported the association between NLR and heart failure through September 2017. The overall hazard ratio (HR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to assess the associations.

RESULTS

Ten studies met the eligibility criteria and a total of 5979 heart failure patients were included in the meta-analysis. The overall hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 1.28 (95% CI 1.14-1.43) and the HR of renal dysfunction was 1.23 (95% CI 1.07-1.41) comparing the highest with the lowest category of NLR. However, the total pooled adjusted HR for in-hospital mortality (HR = 1.18, 95% CI 0.88-1.59) and rehospitalization (HR = 2.19, 95% CI 0.94-5.09) were not statistically significant. A subgroup analysis showed that sample size with moderate heterogeneity may be the origin of heterogeneity in all-cause mortality. Sensitivity analysis proved the stability of results of our meta-analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The meta-analysis demonstrates that NLR is a predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with heart failure. Because the quality of the included studies varies, further well-designed studies are needed to confirm this association.

Routes of transmission of influenza A H1N1, SARS CoV, and norovirus in air cabin: Comparative analyses

Identifying the exact transmission route(s) of infectious diseases in indoor environments is a crucial step in developing effective intervention strategies. In this study, we proposed a comparative analysis approach and built a model to simulate outbreaks of 3 different in-flight infections in a similar cabin environment, that is, influenza A H1N1, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus (CoV), and norovirus. The simulation results seemed to suggest that the close contact route was probably the most significant route (contributes 70%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 67%-72%) in the in-flight transmission of influenza A H1N1 transmission; as a result, passengers within 2 rows of the index case had a significantly higher infection risk than others in the outbreak (relative risk [RR]: 13.4, 95% CI: 1.5-121.2, P = .019). For SARS CoV, the airborne, close contact, and fomite routes contributed 21% (95% CI: 19%-23%), 29% (95% CI: 27%-31%), and 50% (95% CI: 48%-53%), respectively. For norovirus, the simulation results suggested that the fomite route played the dominant role (contributes 85%, 95% CI: 83%-87%) in most cases; as a result, passengers in aisle seats had a significantly higher infection risk than others (RR: 9.5, 95% CI: 1.2-77.4, P = .022). This work highlighted a method for using observed outbreak data to analyze the roles of different infection transmission routes.

Complex Intratissue Microbiota Forms Biofilms in Periodontal Lesions

Periodontitis is caused by dysbiotic subgingival bacterial communities that may lead to increased bacterial invasion into gingival tissues. Although shifts in community structures associated with transition from health to periodontitis have been well characterized, the nature of bacteria present within the gingival tissue of periodontal lesions is not known. To characterize microbiota within tissues of periodontal lesions and compare them with plaque microbiota, gingival tissues and subgingival plaques were obtained from 7 patients with chronic periodontitis. A sequencing analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed that species richness and diversity were not significantly different between the 2 groups. However, intersubject variability of intratissue communities was smaller than that of plaque communities. In addition, when compared with the plaque communities, intratissue communities were characterized by decreased abundance of Firmicutes and increased abundance of Fusobacteria and Chloroflexi. In particular, Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gingivalis were highly enriched within the tissue, composing 15% to 40% of the total bacteria. Furthermore, biofilms, as visualized by alcian blue staining and atomic force microscopy, were observed within the tissue where the degradation of connective tissue fibers was prominent. In conclusion, very complex bacterial communities exist in the form of biofilms within the gingival tissue of periodontal lesions, which potentially serve as a reservoir for persistent infection. This novel finding may prompt new research on therapeutic strategies to treat periodontitis.