Volatile flavour components, microbiota and their correlations in different sufu, a Chinese fermented soybean food

AIM

To investigate the volatile flavour components (VFCs), microbiota and their correlations of three categories of sufu, a Chinese fermented soybean food.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The VFCs were analyzed by headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. A total of 141 VFCs were tentatively identified, in which 12 esters, eight aldehydes, five alcohols and nine miscellaneous compounds were recognized as the characteristic VFCs through the relative odour activity value. The complex microbial community was revealed by Illumina MiSeq sequencing. Among the total 202 bacteria and 125 fungi species identified, 16 bacteria and 7 fungi species were revealed as dominant community members. Furthermore, the VFC-microbiota correlation was characterized by Spearman's rank correlation coefficients (ρ). Based on the positive VFC-microbiota correlation, two bacterial species and three fungal species were selected as potential flavour-producing microbiota.

CONCLUSIONS

A variety of VFCs and complicated microbiota were observed in the three categories of sufu. Lactococcus lactis, Sphingobacterium sp., Pichia fermentans, Kodamaea ohmeri and Saccharomyces rouxii were the potential flavour-producing microbiota.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The preliminary results would be useful for designing starter cultures to produce sufu with desirable sensory properties, consistent flavour and shorter ripening time. Furthermore, these results will also provide a new insight to improve the flavour quality of traditional fermented soybean food.

Depth of field extension and objective space depth measurement based on wavefront imaging

When all the parts of the wavefront imaging system are kept static after wavefront measuring, the target's images are blurry, because the depth of field (DOF) of the system affects the imaging quality. In this paper, the method for extending the DOF of the wavefront imaging system through an integrated architecture of a liquid-crystal microlens array (LCMLA) powered by electricity and a common photosensitive array, is presented. The DOF can be extended remarkably only by stitching together several sub-images of the LCMLA. The problem that the wavefronts and imaging results are insensitive to the objective depth is also solved. Optimal driving voltage signals are found out according to Sobel mean gradient to efficiently calibrate the depth of objective space in order to quantitatively measure the depth. The approach indicates a viable way to effectively extend the DOF of imaging micro-systems and to measure the geometrical depth of targets at the same time.

Knowledge regarding hepatitis B mother-to-child transmission among healthcare workers in South China

To determine the knowledge regarding hepatitis B virus (HBV) mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) and its prevention and treatment among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Guangdong Province, China, an HBV endemic area. An HBV knowledge questionnaire was administered to 900 HCWs from the 3rd Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University and 2 rural hospitals in Guangdong Province. The 27 items in the questionnaire fell into 3 sections: HBV MTCT general knowledge, respondents' practices of preventing HBV MTCT and awareness of the resources of preventing HBV MTCT. The data collected were coded and analysed using SPSS software version 20. In total, 503 of 900 HCWs responded to the survey (response rate: 55.9%). Eighty-four individuals responded correctly to all of the knowledge questions: 58 were doctors, and 26 were nurses (P < .05). Doctors more often performed practices than nurses (t = 3.591, P < .01). Participants from the infectious disease department demonstrated a significantly higher proportion of correct answers and resource utilization than other specialties (χ²  = 14.052, 7.998, P < .01). In terms of the average knowledge score, t test or ANOVA showed that there were significant differences between the specialty groups (t = 3.110, P < .01), hospital level groups (t = 2.337, P < .05) and age groups (F = 3.020, P < .05). Respondents' initiative increased with hospital level and age (t = 2.993, 7.493, P < .01). A considerable percentage of HCWs has misconceptions about HBV MTCT. Healthcare workers, in particular nurses, those working in noninfectious disease departments or township hospitals and younger medical staff, lack systematic and comprehensive knowledge about HBV MTCT and are in urgent need of HBV-related training.

[Study on the current status of smoking, intention of tobacco concession and related risk factors among 18-65-year olds patients with chronic diseases in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the status, attitude and related risk factors on smoking among 18-65 years old patients with hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or asthma in Beijing. Methods: Data was gathered from the 2014 Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Surveillance Program. Multiple classified cluster sampling method was used and 19 815 participants aged 18-65 were sampled from 16 districts in Beijing. Results: Among all the 18 405 participants, male hypertensive patients showed a higher rate on current smoking than the other groups (χ(2)=17.695, P<0.001). Male patients with dyslipidemia had higher current smoking rate than the other groups (χ(2)=39.292, P<0.001). However, female patients with COPD or with asthma showed higher rate on current smoking than the other groups (χ(2)=6.276, P=0.012), (χ(2)=8.245, P=0.004). Among the smokers, hypertensive patients presented lower rate (χ(2)=20.487, P<0.001) on intention of smoking concession, than the other groups. Patients with COPD showed greater intention in quitting smoking (χ(2)=6.085, P=0.048), than the other groups. Male patients with diabetes (χ(2)=9.219, P=0.010) or dyslipidemia (χ(2)=13.513, P=0.001) who had stopped smoking tobacco appeared having higher rates in keeping the current status. Results from logistic regression analyses showed that smoking was the risk factor for hypertension (OR=1.17), dyslipidemia (OR=1.25), COPD (OR=1.78), and asthma (OR=1.57). Conclusions: Patients with certain kinds of chronic diseases showed higher rate of current smoking and lower rate of quitting. Cigarette consumption appeared an important risk factor for patients with hypertension, dyslipidemia, COPD, or asthma in Beijing.

[Prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and influence factors in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing]

Objective: To understand the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and related risk factors in residents aged 18-65 years in Beijing and provide scientific evidence for the prevention and control of hypercholesterolemia. Methods: The data were collected from Beijing Non-communicable and Chronic Disease Survey and stratified cluster sampling method was used to select study subjects, and questionnaire investigation, physical measurement and laboratory examination were conducted to collect information. Results: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and borderline hypercholesterolemia was 6.26% and 21.34% respectively in 17 662 residents surveyed, the average total cholesterol level was (4.69±0.95) mmol/L. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 6.33% in men and 6.20% in women, the difference was not significant (Z=1.64, P=0.10). The prevalence was higher inurban area than in suburb (6.73% vs. 5.59%; Z=-7.27, P<0.01). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia increased with age (trend χ(2)=308.85, P<0.01). The trend was observed in men (trend χ(2)=81.65, P<0.01), in women (trend χ(2)=318.04, P<0.01), in urban area (trend χ(2)=201.77, P<0.01) and in suburb (trend χ(2)=114.65, P<0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed age, being female (OR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.04-1.45), overweight (OR=1.56, 95%CI: 1.34-1.81), obesity (OR=1.82, 95%CI: 1.54-2.16), smoking (OR=1.24, 95%CI: 1.03-1.50), alcohol use (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.12-1.75), beef and mutton intake >1 time per week (OR=1.19, 95%CI: 1.02-1.39) were risk factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Beijing was lower than national level, and age, gender, location, BMI, smoking, alcohol use, beef and mutton intake were main influencing factors.

Modulation of hepatic perfusion did not improve recovery from hepatic outflow obstruction

Background

Focal hepatic venous outflow obstruction frequently occurs after extended liver resection and leads to a portal hypertension, arterial hypoperfusion and parenchymal necrosis.

In this study, we investigated the pharmacological modulation of liver perfusion and hepatic damage in a surgical model of hepatic outflow obstruction after extended liver resection by administration of 5 different drugs in comparison to an operative intervention, splenectomy.

Methods

Male inbred Lewis rats (Lew/Crl) were subjected to right median hepatic vein ligation + 70% partial hepatectomy. Treatment consisted of a splenectomy or the application of saline, carvedilol or isosorbide-5-mononitrate (ISMN) (5 mg · kg⁻¹ respectively 7,2 mg · kg⁻¹ per gavage 12 h⁻¹). The splenectomy was performed during operation. The effect of the treatments on hepatic hemodynamics were measured in non-operated animals, immediately after operation (n = 4/group) and 24 h after operation (n = 5/group). Assessment of hepatic damage (liver enzymes, histology) and liver cell proliferation (BrdU-immunohistochemistry) was performed 24 h after operation. Furthermore sildenafil (10 μg · kg⁻¹ i.p. 12h⁻¹), terlipressin (0.05 mg · kg⁻¹ i.v. 12 h⁻¹) and octreotide (10 μg · kg⁻¹ s.c. 12 h⁻¹) were investigated regarding their effect on hepatic hemodynamics and hepatic damage 24 h after operation (n = 4/group).

Results

Carvedilol and ISMN significantly decreased the portal pressure in normal non-operated rats from 11,1 ± 1,1 mmHg (normal rats) to 8,4 ± 0,3 mmHg (carvedilol) respectively 7,4 ± 1,8 mmHg (ISMN). ISMN substantially reduced surgery-induced portal hypertension from 15,4 ± 4,4 mmHg to 9,6 ± 2,3 mmHg. Only splenectomy reduced the portal flow immediately after operation by approximately 25%. No treatment had an immediate effect on the hepatic arterial perfusion. In all treatment groups, portal flow increased by approximately 3-fold within 24 h after operation, whereas hepatic arterial flow decreased substantially. Neither treatment reduced hepatic damage as assessed 24 h after operation. The distribution of proliferating cells appeared very similar in all drug treated groups and the splenectomy group.

Conclusion

Transient relative reduction of portal pressure did not result in a reduction of hepatic damage. This might be explained by the development of portal hyperperfusion which was accompanied by arterial hypoperfusion.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40360-017-0155-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Nonlinear modulation of interacting between COMT and depression on brain function

BACKGROUND

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is related to dopamine degradation and has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, how this gene affects brain function properties in MDD is still unclear.

METHODS

Fifty patients with MDD and 35 cognitively normal participants underwent a resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scan. A voxelwise and data-drive global functional connectivity density (gFCD) analysis was used to investigate the main effects and the interactions of disease states and COMT rs4680 gene polymorphism on brain function.

RESULTS

We found significant group differences of the gFCD in bilateral fusiform area (FFA), post-central and pre-central cortex, left superior temporal gyrus (STG), rectal and superior temporal gyrus and right ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC); abnormal gFCDs in left STG were positively correlated with severity of depression in MDD group. Significant disease×COMT interaction effects were found in the bilateral calcarine gyrus, right vlPFC, hippocampus and thalamus, and left SFG and FFA. Further post-hoc tests showed a nonlinear modulation effect of COMT on gFCD in the development of MDD. Interestingly, an inverted U-shaped modulation was found in the prefrontal cortex (control system) but U-shaped modulations were found in the hippocampus, thalamus and occipital cortex (processing system).

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrated nonlinear modulation of the interaction between COMT and depression on brain function. These findings expand our understanding of the COMT effect underlying the pathophysiology of MDD.

Intrinsic functional connectivity of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuitry underlying psychomotor retardation in major depressive disorder

Introduction

Psychomotor retardation (PMR) in depression is analogous to the hypokinesia in Parkinson's disease, which is associated with the unbalanced direct and indirect pathways of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical (CBTC) circuitry. This study hypothesized PMR in major depressive disorder (MDD) should be associated with the hyperactivity of CBTC indirect pathways.

Objectives

To substantiate the hypothesis that the PMR symptom of MDD might attribute to the hyperactivity of the ortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical indirect pathway which could inhibit psychomotor performance.

Methods

We investigated the intrinsic stiato-subthalamic nucleus (STN)-thalamic functional connectivity (FC), three pivotal hubs of the indirect pathway, in 30 MDD patients with PMR (PMR group) and well matched 30 patients without PMR (NPMR group) at baseline, and 11 patients of each group at follow-up who remitted after antidepressant treatment.

Results

The results showed increased STN-striatum FC of PMR group at baseline and no more discrepancy at follow-up, and significant correlation between PMR severity and thalamo-STN FC.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested the increased STN- striatum FC should be considered as a state biomarker to distinguish MDD patients with PMR from patients without PMR at acute period, and thalamo-STN FC could be identified as the predictor of the PMR severity for MDD patients.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

[Study on intervention of bloodborne pathogen exposure in a general hospital]

Objective: To improve the awareness of bloodborne pathogen exposure protection knowledge, reduce the contact incidence (including sharp injuries, contacting with the broken skin and mucous mem-brane contact) , and increase the self-report incidence of bloodborne pathogen exposure in the healthcare work-ers of the investigated hospital after the intervention. To summarize effective prevention and intervention mea-sures of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogen. Methods: The project was on the basis of previous inves-tigations in a general hospital, after comparing the personnel structure and departments distribution of 727 HC-Ws before the intervention and 614 HCWs after the intervention, we selected several departments in which the healthcare workers with a higher risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens. We promoted the hospi-tal to set up occupational health prevention and control system, improved related files, supplemented by knowl-edge training, discussion and field guidance, such a comprehensive intervention in the hospital. After the inter-vention, we conducted an cross-sectional investigation, and compared the rate of protection knowledge aware-ness, self-reporting rate after exposure, occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens (including sharp inju-ries, contacting with the broken skin and mucous membrane contact) incidence before and after the intervention. Results: Before and after the intervention, the total score of the investigated population of 14 knowledge points that we focused on in training showed a significant difference (P<0.05) , total contact incidence of bloodborne pathogen exposure reduced from 81.57 persons/100 persons per year to 43.81 persons/100 persons per year, the RR of bloodborne pathogen exposure in the former investigation was 1.86 times of that in the latter investigation, the self-reported incidence increased form 2.06 persons/100persons per year to 9.45 persons/100 persons per year, self-reporting rate after exposure increased form 0.47% to 9.65%. Conclusion: The interventions signifi-cantly improved the awareness of bloodborne pathogen exposure protection knowledge, effectively reduced the contact incidence of bloodborne pathogen exposure, and increased the self-reported incidence in the healthcare workers of the investigated hospital.

Joint Association of Obesity and Hypertension with Disability in the Elderly-- A Community-Based Study of Residents in Shanghai, China

BACKGROUND

Although both obesity and hypertension are known risk factors for disability, the joint association of obesity and hypertension with risk of disability is unknown. This paper is aim to examine the joint association of obesity and hypertension with risk of disability.

METHODS

Cross-sectional study with 8060 elderly community-dwelling individuals participating in the survey initiated by Shanghai Health and Family Planning Commission from March to September 2013. Obesity was measured using the body mass index (BMI) in World Health Organization (WHO) Asia criteria. Hypertension, based on the doctor's diagnosis, was obtained through face-to-face interview. Disability was measured using the self-reported physical self-maintenance scale (PSMS) and the instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) scale developed by Lawton and Brody.

RESULTS

A total of 8.97% of participants reported ADL disability, and 15.18% for IADL disability. After adjusting social demographics and chronic conditions, the risk of ADL disability was progressively greater in obese persons with hypertension (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.05-1.89), underweight persons without hypertension (OR=2.05, 95% CI=1.29-3.25), and underweight persons with hypertension (OR=2.14, 95% CI=1.36-3.36). For IADL disability, only underweight persons with hypertension were significantly associated (OR=1.65, 95% CI=1.23-2.21).

CONCLUSIONS

Low or extremely high BMI, independent of its metabolic consequences, is a risk factor for disability among the elderly. Simple hypertension wasn't significantly associated with disability. In addition, having hypertension significantly increased the risk of ADL disability in obese individuals and IADL disability in underweight individuals.

[Current smoking status and awareness of tobacco hazard in adults in Beijing, 2014]

Objective: To understand the status of current smoking and awareness of hazard in adults in Beijing, 2014. Methods: A total of 19 815 subjects were randomly selected with stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from 180 communities of 36 townships of 16 districts in Beijing. Each subject received a standardized questionnaire interview. Results: The current smoking rate of the adults was 26.6% (5 253/19 738), which was higher in men (52.2%) than in women (3.6%) and higher in suburb area (28.9%) than in urban area (25.0%). The adults aged 50-59 had higher rate of current smoking. The daily smoking rate was 23.7% (4 677/19 738). The average age when smoking started was 19.2 years. On average, one smoker consumed 15.2 cigarettes per day. The average score for smoking hazard awareness was 5.8, which was higher in smokers than in non-smokers (5.5 vs. 6.0) (t=-9.854, P=0.000). In the smokers, 5.7% (298/5 213) intended to give up smoking within one month. Doctors gave advice to stop smoking for 66.0% of current smokers. The current smoking rate of patients with chronic disease was 31.8% (3 703/11 628), and 5.5% (202/3 686) of them intended to stop smoking within one month. Conclusions: The smoking rate was still high in men in Beijing. The age of starting smoking every day decreased among younger people. The levels of awareness of tobacco hazard and passive smoking were still low. The willingness of smoking cessation was low. The rate of doctor giving smoking cessation advice was low.

[The effects of β-elemene on rabbit VX2 laryngeal carcinoma and factors associated with tumor growth and metastasis]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the inhibition effect of β-elemene on the growth and metastasis of laryngeal carcinoma and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Sixty-six rabbits were vaccinated with suspension of VX2 cancer tissues to establish a rabbit laryngeal carcinoma model and then they were randomly treated with the injection of 0.9% sodium chloride solution (as a control), cisplatin, or β-elemene from the seventh day after vaccination. The rabbits were sacrificed three weeks after vaccination. The laryngeal tumor was dissected. and the volume of tumor and the inhibitory rate of tumor growth were measured. The expressions of PCNA (proliferation cell nuclear antigen), Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) and VEGF-D (vascular endothelial growth factor D) in tumor were semiquantitatively examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The inhibition rates of tumor growth in β-elemene-treated group and the cisplatin-treated group were 48.5% and 51.4%, respectively. The expressions of Bcl-2 in β-elemene-treated group and cisplatin-treated group were significantly lower than the control (P<0.05), but with no significant difference between β-elemene-treated group and cisplatin-treated group. The expression of PCNA in β-elemene-treated group was significantly decreased compared to control group (P<0.05). The expression of VEGF-D in β-elemene-treated group was lower than that in control group or the cisplatin-treated group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

β-elemene can inhibit the growth of rabbit VX2 laryngeal tumor, which may be associated with the inhibition of factors related to tumor growth and metastasis.

TMEM2 inhibits hepatitis B virus infection in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells by activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway

We have previously observed the downregulation of TMEM2 in the liver tissue of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and in HepG2.2.15 cells with HBV genomic DNA. In the present study, we investigated the role and mechanism of TMEM2 in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 during HBV infection HepG2 and HepG2.2.15. HepG2 shTMEM2 cells with stable TMEM2 knockdown and HepG2 TMEM2 and HepG2.2.15 TMEM2 cells with stable TMEM2 overexpression were established using lentivirus vectors. We observed reduced expression of TMEM2 in HBV-infected liver tissues and HepG2.2.15 cells. HBsAg, HBcAg, HBV DNA, and HBV cccDNA levels were significantly increased in HepG2 shTMEM2 cells but decreased in HepG2 TMEM2 and HepG2.2.15 TMEM2 cells compared with naive HepG2 cells. On the basis of the western blotting results, the JAK-STAT signaling pathway was inhibited in HepG2 shTMEM2 cells but activated in HepG2 TMEM2 and HepG2.2.15 TMEM2 cells. In addition, reduced and increased expression of the antiviral proteins MxA and OAS1 was observed in TMEM2-silenced cells (HepG2 shTMEM2 cells) and TMEM2-overexpressing cells (HepG2 TMEM2 and HepG2.2.15 TMEM2 cells), respectively. The expression of Interferon regulatory factor 9 (IRF9) was not affected by TMEM2. However, we found that overexpression and knockdown of TMEM2, respectively, promoted and inhibited importation of IRF9 into nuclei. The luciferase reporter assay showed that IRF9 nuclear translocation affected interferon-stimulated response element activities. In addition, the inhibitory effects of TMEM2 on HBV infection in HepG2 shTMEM2 cells was significantly enhanced by pre-treatment with interferon but significantly inhibited in HepG2.2.15 TMEM2 cells by pre-treatment with JAK1 inhibitor. TMEM2 inhibits HBV infection in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 by activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway.

Guttiferone K impedes cell cycle re-entry of quiescent prostate cancer cells via stabilization of FBXW7 and subsequent c-MYC degradation

Cell cycle re-entry by quiescent cancer cells is an important mechanism for cancer progression. While high levels of c-MYC expression are sufficient for cell cycle re-entry, the modality to block c-MYC expression, and subsequent cell cycle re-entry, is limited. Using reversible quiescence rendered by serum withdrawal or contact inhibition in PTEN(null)/p53(WT) (LNCaP) or PTEN(null)/p53(mut) (PC-3) prostate cancer cells, we have identified a compound that is able to impede cell cycle re-entry through c-MYC. Guttiferone K (GUTK) blocked resumption of DNA synthesis and preserved the cell cycle phase characteristics of quiescent cells after release from the quiescence. In vehicle-treated cells, there was a rapid increase in c-MYC protein levels upon release from the quiescence. However, this increase was inhibited in the presence of GUTK with an associated acceleration in c-MYC protein degradation. The inhibitory effect of GUTK on cell cycle re-entry was significantly reduced in cells overexpressing c-MYC. The protein level of FBXW7, a subunit of E3 ubiquitin ligase responsible for degradation of c-MYC, was reduced upon the release from the quiescence. In contrast, GUTK stabilized FBXW7 protein levels during release from the quiescence. The critical role of FBXW7 was confirmed using siRNA knockdown, which impaired the inhibitory effect of GUTK on c-MYC protein levels and cell cycle re-entry. Administration of GUTK, either in vitro prior to transplantation or in vivo, suppressed the growth of quiescent prostate cancer cell xenografts. Furthermore, elevation of FBXW7 protein levels and reduction of c-MYC protein levels were found in the xenografts of GUTK-treated compared with vehicle-treated mice. Hence, we have identified a compound that is capable of impeding cell cycle re-entry by quiescent PTEN(null)/p53(WT) and PTEN(null)/p53(mut) prostate cancer cells likely by promoting c-MYC protein degradation through stabilization of FBXW7. Its usage as a clinical modality to prevent prostate cancer progression should be further evaluated.

A dynamic relationship between mucosal T helper type 17 and regulatory T-cell populations in nasopharynx evolves with age and associates with the clearance of pneumococcal carriage in humans

Pneumococcal carriage is common in young children, which may account for the high incidence of disease in this age group. Host factors determining the clearance of carriage in humans remain unclear. We aimed to study the relationships between T helper type 17 (Th17) and Foxp3(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells in nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and carriage in children and adults. Frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells in NALT were analysed by flow cytometry in association with age and pneumococcal carriage status. Cytokine responses following pneumococcal stimulation were analysed by cytometric beads array. The frequencies of Th17 and Treg cells in NALT were inversely correlated (R -0.60). Whereas Treg cell frequency decreased with age (R -0.63), both Th17 and the Th17: Treg ratio increased with age (R 0.62 and R 0.64, respectively). Also, the Th17: Treg ratio was higher in carriage-negative than in carriage-positive children (p <0.01). Pneumococcal stimulation of tonsillar cells increased both Th17 and Treg cell numbers, but the Th17: Treg ratio and pattern of cytokine responses differed between carriage-negative and carriage-positive children. The former showed markedly higher Th17: Treg and interleukin-17A: interleukin-10 ratios than in the latter (p <0.01). Pneumococcal stimulation also induces Th17, although the capacity of this Th17 differentiation from naive T cells of young children was low, but increased with age. We demonstrated a dynamic relationship between Th17 and Treg cells in human nasopharynx that evolves with age. The balance between Th17 and Treg cells in NALT appears to be a major host factor closely associated with the clearance of Streptococcus pneumoniae from the nasopharynx.

Monocyte cell membrane-derived nanoghosts for targeted cancer therapy

Core-shell type 'nanoghosts' were synthesized with a drug-loaded biodegradable PLGA core and a monocyte cell membrane-derived shell. The nanoghosts were monodisperse with an average size <200 nm, and showed good serum stability for 120 h. Doxorubicin-loaded nanoghosts showed greater cellular uptake and cytotoxicity compared to non-coated nanoparticle controls in metastatic MCF-7 breast cancer cell lines.

Angiotensin II promotes an osteoblast-like phenotype in porcine aortic valve myofibroblasts

OBJECTIVES

The mechanisms for pathogenesis of cardiac valve calcification were explored by studying the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway during the transformation from cardiac valvular myofibroblasts to osteoblast-like phenotype.

METHODS

Studies were carried on primary cultured porcine aortic valvular myofibroblasts. The cells were randomly divided into four groups and treated with angiotensin II (Ang II) according to the following: Ang II (10(-6) mol/l), Valsartan (Val) (10(-5) mol/l), Ang II plus Val (Ang II 10(-6) mol/l + Val 10(-5) mol/l) or mock treated as the control. Protein expression of Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and Wnt pathway components, Wnt3a and β-catenin, was investigated to assess the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway and determine whether cells undergo the transformation to osteoblast-like phenotype.

RESULT

Ang II treatment of myofibroblasts led to significant up-regulation of α-SMA expression and activation of the cells. Neither the BMP2 or ALP proteins, nor the mRNA was detectable in the control group or the Val-treated group; however, there was a significant increase in Ang II-treated group (P < 0.01). The Wnt/β-catenin signaling ligand, Wnt3a, was not expressed in the control or Val-treated groups, whereas in Ang II-treated cells, both Wnt3a and β-catenin gene expression were enhanced (P < 0.01).The effect of Ang II can be inhibited by the addition of Val (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ang II might act on the Ang II receptor on valvular interstitial cells (VICs) and lead to activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and hence cause the activation, differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts, and finally, osteoblast-like phenotype transformation, leading to calcification of heart valves.

Regulatory T-cell depletion in the gut caused by integrin β7 deficiency exacerbates DSS colitis by evoking aberrant innate immunity

Integrin α4β7 controls lymphocyte trafficking into the gut and has essential roles in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The α4β7-blocking antibody vedolizumab is approved for IBD treatment; however, high dose of vedolizumab aggravates colitis in a small percentage of patients. Herein, we show that integrin β7 deficiency results in colonic regulatory T (Treg) cell depletion and exacerbates dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis by evoking aberrant innate immunity. In DSS-treated β7-deficient mice, the loss of colonic Treg cells induces excessive macrophage infiltration in the colon via upregulation of colonic epithelial intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and increases proinflammatory cytokine expression, thereby exacerbating DSS-induced colitis. Moreover, reconstitution of the colonic Treg cell population in β7-deficient mice suppresses aberrant innate immune response in the colon and attenuates DSS colitis. Thus, integrin α4β7 is essential for suppression of DSS colitis as it regulates the colonic Treg cell population and innate immunity.

Effects of Water-misting Sprays with Forced Ventilation after Transport during Summer on Meat Quality, Stress Parameters, Glycolytic Potential and Microstructures of Muscle in Broilers

Effects of water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport during summer on meat quality, stress parameters, glycolytic potential and microstructures of muscle in broilers were investigated. A total of 105 mixed-sex Arbor Acres broilers were divided into three treatment groups: i) 45-min transport without rest (T group), ii) 45-min transport with 1-h rest (TR group), iii) 45-min transport with 15-min water-misting sprays with forced ventilation and 45-min rest (TWFR group). The results showed the TWFR group significantly increased (p<0.05) initial muscle pH (pHi) and ultimate pH (pHu) and significantly reduced L* (p<0.05), drip loss, cook loss, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase activity, plasma glucose content, lactate and glycolytic potential when compared with other groups. Microstructure of the muscle from TWFR group broilers under light microscopy showed smaller intercellular spaces among muscle fibers and bundles compared with T group. In conclusion this study indicated water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport could relieve the stress caused by transport under high temperature, which was favorable for the broilers' welfare. Furthermore, water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport slowed down the postmortem glycolysis rate and inhibited the occurrence of PSE-like meat in broilers. Although rest after transport could also improve the meat quality, the effect was not as significant as water-misting sprays with forced ventilation after transport.

Increased spontaneous neuronal activity in structurally damaged cortex is correlated with early motor recovery in patients with subcortical infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Secondary cortical thinning and volumetric atrophy in the motor-related cortex can inhibit early functional recovery after subcortical infarction. However, the relationship between the spontaneous neuronal activity in these cortices and motor recovery in patients with focal cerebral infarct remains unknown.

METHODS

Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and resting-state functional MRI were conducted 1, 4 and 12 weeks after onset in 22 patients with an acute subcortical infarct and in 22 normal subjects. Group differences in cortical thickness and in the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) in motor-related areas were evaluated, and the relationships between ALFF, cortical thickness changes and changes in the Fugl-Meyer scores of physical performance were further analyzed.

RESULTS

In patients with subcortical infarction, progressively decreasing cortical thickness was found over the observation period ipsilesionally in the primary motor cortex (PMC), supplementary motor cortex (SMC) and precuneus (all P < 0.05). Contralesionally, progressive increases in cortical thickness were detected in SMC and insula (all P < 0.05). Increases in ALFF were observed only in PMC (bilaterally) and only at 12 weeks after stroke (all P < 0.05). The cortical thickness changes in the contralesional SMC (rs = 0.483, P = 0.023) and the ALFF changes in bilateral PMC (ipsilesional, rs = 0.51, P = 0.015; contralesional, rs = 0.463, P = 0.03) were positively correlated with changes in the Fugl-Meyer scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that increased spontaneous neuronal activity of the PMC, a region structurally damaged secondarily to ischaemic lesion, may contribute to early motor recovery in patients with subcortical infarction.