High-Sensitivity Dry Rehydratable Film Method for Enumeration of Coliforms in Dairy Products: Collaborative Study

A dry-film coliform count plate that is inoculated with 5 mL sample was compared with the Violet Red Bile Agar plate method in a collaborative study by 18 laboratories. Products analyzed were 2% milk, chocolate milk, cream, vanilla ice cream, cottage cheese, and cheese. Collaborators tested blind duplicate uninoculated samples and samples inoculated at low, medium, and high level. Significantly (P< 0.05) higher numbers of coliforms were recovered by the dry-film method from 2% milk samples at the 3 inoculum levels, the chocolate milk at the low- and high-inoculum levels, and the cream at the high-inoculum level. Significantly higher counts were obtained by the agar method for cottage cheese samples at the low-inoculum level. The repeatability standard deviation for the dry-film method was significantly higher for the high-inoculum level chocolate milk sample and the medium-inoculum level cottage cheese. The same statistic was significantly higher for the agar method at all 3 inoculum levels in the 2% milk and the medium-inoculum level cream. The high-sensitivity dry rehydratable film method for enumeration of coliforms in dairy products has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

The use of a single ammonium acidic salt towards simple green co-precipitation synthesis for Mn4+-activated fluorides

Simply using acidic salt NH₄HF₂ contributes to the green co-precipitation synthesis of Mn⁴⁺-doped fluorides for W-LED applications.

Final results for the neutron -asymmetry parameter A0 from the UCNA experiment

The UCNA experiment was designed to measure the neutron β-asymmetry parameter A0 using polarized ultracold neutrons (UCN). UCN produced via downscattering in solid deuterium were polarized via transport through a 7 T magnetic field, and then directed to a 1 T solenoidal electron spectrometer, where the decay electrons were detected in electron detector packages located on the two ends of the spectrometer. A value for A0 was then extracted from the asymmetry in the numbers of counts in the two detector packages. We summarize all of the results from the UCNA experiment, obtained during run periods in 2007, 2008–2009, 2010, and 2011–2013, which ultimately culminated in a 0.67% precision result for A0.

Paternal exposure to arsenic resulted in oxidative stress, autophagy, and mitochondrial impairments in the HPG axis of pubertal male offspring

Despite the knowledge of AS-induced reprotoxicity, the literature concerning arsenic trioxide (As₂O₃)-induced oxidative stress and consequent intracellular events, like autophagy process, in the hypothalamic-pituitary- gonadal (HPG) axis of F1- pubertal male mice is sparse to date. Hence, we made an attempt to study the reproductive toxicities and the underlying mechanisms induced by As₂O₃ in the HPG axis of pubertal F1- male mice in correlation with oxidative stress-induced autophagy. Parental mice were challenged with As₂O₃ (0, 0.2, 2, and 20 ppm) from five weeks before mating, and continued till puberty age for the male pups. It was recorded that higher As₂O₃ doses (2 and 20 ppm) were a potent inducer of oxidative stress and autophagy in the HPG axis. Concomitant with a decrease on mean body weight, total antioxidant capacity, and stereology indices, an increase in the number of MDC-labeled autophagic vacuoles, and MDA/GSH ratio in HPG axis of pubertal F1- male mice which were exposed to higher As₂O₃ doses was observed. Meanwhile, concomitant with a dose-dependent increment in the gene expression of ATG3, ATG5, Beclin, as well as protein expression of P62, ATG12, and Beclin in HPG axis tissues; a dose-dependent decrease in PI3K and mTOR gene expression was recorded in the HPG tissues of pubertal F₁-males. Altogether, our observations suggest that higher doses of As₂O₃ have detrimental effects on the functionality of HPG axis in pubertal male mice offspring by increasing MDA/GSH ratio and autophagic cell death-related genes and proteins, as well as by reducing total antioxidant capacity.

Investigation of Streptococcus agalactiae using pcsB-based LAMP in milk, tilapia and vaginal swabs in Haikou, China

AIMS

To develop a pcsB-based Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method for the detection of Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) in milk, tilapia and vaginal swabs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The sensitivity of the LAMP method using real-time turbidity monitoring was 1 pg of template within 1 h at 64°C, 100-fold higher than conventional PCR. The sensitivity of visual detection dropped an order of magnitude using SYBR Green I or hydroxynaphthol blue. The validity of the visual LAMP assay was assessed by the detection of GBS in 180 vaginal swabs from one hospital, 14 brain tissues samples of diseased tilapias from two fishponds and fresh milk of 67 dairy cattle from one farm. In total, 17 samples (4 vaginal swabs, 13 tilapia brain tissues but no milk sample) tested positive for GBS. Subsequent bacterial identification confirmed the specificity and reliability of the LAMP method. Molecular serotyping and multilocus sequence typing demonstrated that all 13 tilapia GBS isolates were identical (serotype Ia, ST7), whereas the four human GBS isolates were more diverse and could be classified into two serotypes (Ia, III) and four sequence types (ST19, ST23, ST24, ST862). Virulence gene testing showed that only the bac, rib and lmb genes were not present in all isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility profiles of the isolates were basically consistent with their genotypes, except for sulphonamide and fluoroquinolone.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a reliable pcsB-based LAMP assay for GBS detection. Our results demonstrated that the prevalence of GBS was 92·9% among diseased tilapia, 2·2% among female patients and 0% on a dairy farm in Hainan.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

The pcsB-based LAMP method is suitable for GBS detection and contains great potential of application in dairy industry, aquiculture and clinical.

MiR-451a suppressed cell migration and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer through targeting ATF2

OBJECTIVE

To explore the role of miR-451a in the migration and invasion of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quantitative Real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were performed to detect the levels of miR-451a and activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2) in NSCLC. Transwell assay was employed to analyze the migratory and invasive abilities in NSCLC cells. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was applied to confirm the binding condition of miR-451 and its target gene in NSCLC cells.

RESULTS

MiR-451a was downregulated in NSCLC tissues and lung cancer cell lines A549 and NCI-H460, while ATF2 was upregulated. The mRNA level of miR-451a was negatively correlated to ATF2. Additionally, miR-451a regulated cell migration and invasion through targeting ATF2. Furthermore, ATF2 could reverse the inhibitory migration and invasion of A549 cells induced by miR-451a.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-451a inhibits the migratory and invasive abilities of NSCLC cells through ATF2 regulation. The newly identified miR-451a/ATF2 axis provides a novel insight into the pathogenesis ofNSCLC.

Inhibition of microRNA-218 promotes oral squamous cell carcinoma growth by targeting GLUT1 to affect glucose metabolism

OBJECTIVE

Glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) is a key player in glucose metabolism that has important roles in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), while microRNA-218 can target GLUT1 to achieve its biological roles. Therefore, we hypothesize that microRNA-218 may target GLUT1 to participate in OSCC.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Tumor tissues and adjacent healthy tissues were collected from OSCC patients, and blood samples were collected from both OSCC patients and healthy controls. Expression of microRNA-218 and GLUT1 in those tissues was detected by qRT-PCR. All patients were followed up for 5 years. Diagnostic and prognostic values of serum microRNA-218 for OSCC were investigated by ROC curve analysis and survival curve analysis, respectively. MicroRNA-218 knockdown OSCC cell lines were established. The effects on cell proliferation, glucose uptake as well as GLUT1 expression were detected by CCK-8 assay, glucose uptake assay and Western blot.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-218 expression level was decreased while GLUT1 expression level was increased in tumor tissues compared with adjacent healthy tissues. Serum level of microRNA-218 was lower, while serum level of GLUT1 was higher in cancer patients than that in healthy control. Serum microRNA-218 and GLUT1 can be used to accurately predict OSCC and its prognosis. MicroRNA-218 knockdown promoted tumor cell proliferation, increased glucose uptake and promoted GLUT1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhibition of microRNA-218 can promote oral cancer cell growth by targeting GLUT1 to affect glucose metabolism.

[Effect of optimized preoperative dietary management in patients with consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at night]

Objective: To investigate the effect of optimized preoperative dietary management on enhanced recovery in patient with consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy(RARP) at night. Methods: Forty patients undergoing consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at night in the department of urology in our hospital from Jun 2018 to March 2019 were divided into two groups, 23 patients in the study group and 17 patients in the control group. The control group followed the traditional fasting program at 24∶00 p.m. the day before the surgery. In the study group, the preoperative fasting procedure was optimized. The fasting time, water deprivation time, intravenous infusion volume, scores of hunger and thirst, blood glucose level, length of postoperative hospital stay and adverse reactions were compared between two groups. The level of hunger and thirst were evaluated using the Likert score. Results: The preoperative fasting time and water deprivation time of the study group and the control group were (11.9±4.4 vs 19.3±4.8) h and (6.0±2.9 vs 19.3±4.8) h, respectively (P<0.01). The infusion volume of study group was (406.5±310.5) ml and that of control group (744.1±443.0) ml, the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). The hunger and thirst scores of the study group were lower than those of the control group before surgery, and the postoperative hospital stay was shorter than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The optimized preoperative dietary management shortens fasting and water deprivation time, reduces the intravenous infusion volume, relieves the hungry and thirsty in patients with consecutive operation of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at night.

Baicalein, an enteric microbial metabolite, suppresses gut inflammation and cancer progression in ApcMin/+ mice

OBJECTIVE

Chronic inflammation is recognized as a risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Baicalin (BI), a major constituent in an anti-inflammatory herb Scutellaria baicalensis, can be biotransformed into baicalein (BE) by the intestinal microbiota. We evaluated the anti-inflammation and anti-CRC effects of the metabolite BE.

METHODS

The in vitro biotransformation by human intestinal microbiota from BI into BE has been determined with HPLC. Using a gut-specific Apc^Min/+ mouse model, the effects of oral BE on the life span, organ index, and tumor multiplicity were evaluated. The expressions of inflammatory cytokines were determined using ELISA. To verify the in vivo data, the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects of BE were determined with an in vitro cell model.

RESULTS

HPLC analysis showed that BI was quickly transformed into BE by the intestinal microbiota. Oral BE (30 mg/kg/day) significantly increased the life span, from 125.2 to 218.4 days (P < 0.01%). BE treatment also decreased intestine index and increased spleen index. Compared with the model group, following BE treatment, tumor numbers were significantly reduced in the small intestine and colon (P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). In the gut tissues, BE treatment significantly reduced inflammatory cytokine levels such as IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, G-CSF, and GM-CSF. In vitro data supported our in vivo results that the anti-CRC effects of BE were via the inhibition of gut inflammation and induction of cancer cell death.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that the parent compound BI can be quickly converted into its microbial metabolite BE, which has stronger bioactive effects than BI. Baicalein is an active chemopreventive metabolite for inflammatory associated CRC.

LncRNA TUC338 promotes invasion of lung cancer by activating MAPK pathway

OBJECTIVE

Lung cancer is highly heterogeneous and the 5-year survival rate is less than 15%. It is currently difficult to determine the heterogeneity of lung cancer and the underlying pathogenetic of metastasis. We aimed to investigate the effect of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) TUC338 on the invasion of lung cancer by activating MAPK pathway and to understand the heterogeneity and metastasis mechanism of lung cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The expression of lncRNA TUC338 in 42 samples of lung cancer and paracancerous tissues were accessed by RT-qPCR. The relationship between the expression of lncRNA and clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. After overexpressing and interfering with lncRNA TUC338, effects of lncRNA TUC338 on cell proliferation and invasion were determined by cell counting kit-8 (CCK8) and transwell assay. The protein expression was evaluated by Western blot.

RESULTS

Higher expression of TUC338 in lung cancer was observed in comparison with that in paracancerous tissues. The survival time of TUC338 was correlated with the expression of TUC338. Clinical data analysis revealed that the expression of TUC338 was correlated with the overall survival, tumor size and lymph node metastasis in patients, but not with age and gender. After interfering and overexpressing TUC338, it was found that the activity of lung cancer cells was decreased, as well as the invasion ability after interference with TUC338. After overexpression of TUC338, we found that lung cancer cell activity increased, as well as the invasion ability. By Western blot, we found that TUC338 can promote the development of lung cancer through regulating MAPK pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

TUC338 was overexpressed in lung cancer, and its expression may have a relationship to the prognosis of lung cancer. MAPK pathway was involved in the invasion of lung cancer regulated by TUC338.

[Mortality and influencing factors on injecting drug users with HIV/AIDS in Guizhou province, 1996-2015]

Objective: To understand the mortality and influencing factors on injecting drug users (IDUs) with HIV/AIDS, in Guizhou province, 1996-2015. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on IDUs with HIV/AIDS that were reported through national comprehensive HIV/AIDS information system, in Guizhou province during 1996-2015. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors on the mortality of HIV/AIDS. Results: A total of 3 958 cases of IDUs with HIV/AIDS were recruited in this study, with all-cause mortality rate of 44.01% (1 742/3 958) and total mortality rate of 7.80/100 person-years, respectively. The median survival time between diagnosis and death was 8.08 years. Mortality rate was 3.57/100 person-years in the group receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). The mortality appeared to be 4.08/100 person-years in the group who were on methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Data from the multiple regression analysis indicated that factors of gender, ethnicity, age when HIV/AIDS diagnosis was made, CD(4)(+)T lymphocyte (CD(4)) count at the first testing, ART and MMT were significantly associated with deaths among these people. The risk of death in females was 0.82 times (95%CI: 0.69-0.98) higher than that in males. The risk of deaths among the ethnic minority subjects was 1.39 times (95%CI: 1.21-1.60) higher than that of the Hans. The risk of death appeared to be 2.44 times higher (95%CI: 1.07-5.56) in the over-50-year of age group than in the <20 year-old group, when HIV/AIDS was diagnosed for the first time. The risk of death in CD(4) ≥500/μl group in the first time was 0.27 times (95%CI: 0.22-0.32) more than CD(4) <200/μl group in the firs time. The risk of death in cases who were treated with ART or MMT was 2.83 times (95%CI: 2.45-3.26) and 1.35 times (95%CI: 1.15-1.59) higher than those who did not receive any treatment, respectively. Conclusion: Higher risks on death seemed to be related to the following factors: being male, older age at the time of diagnosis, lower CD(4) at diagnosis, not on ART or MMT among the IDUs with HIV/AIDS in Guizhou province, between 1996-2015.

Comparison of size-resolved hygroscopic growth factors of urban aerosol by different methods in Tianjin during a haze episode

Size-resolved hygroscopic growth factors of urban aerosol during a haze episode were measured using a Humidified Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA) (g_m(RH)). These factors were also derived from size-resolved particulate chemical composition combined with the κ-Köhler theory (g_κ(RH)) and the thermodynamic model ISORROPIA-II running in forward mode (g_iso-f(RH)) and reverse mode (g_iso-r(RH)), respectively. In terms of agreement among these hygroscopic growth factors, g_κ(RH) matched g_m(RH) best, followed by g_iso-r(RH). In contrast, g_iso-f(RH) demonstrated a poorer agreement with g_m(RH). The good consistency among g_m(RH), g_κ(RH), and g_iso-r(RH) was because they only focus on the physical hygroscopic process, whereas g_iso-f(RH) contains not only the direct influence of relative humidity (RH) on particle size but also the influence of gaseous precursor on the particle chemical composition, which indirectly affects the hygroscopicity of the particles. In this sense, size-resolved g_κ(RH) and g_iso-r(RH) in a wide size range are more adequate to investigate the impact of RH on light scattering and aerosol radiative forcing. At RH = 80%, g_κ(RH) for accumulation mode particles was 1.30-1.45 on polluted days and higher than that on clean days (1.2-1.3). Whereas on both polluted and clean days, g_κ(RH) of ultrafine and coarse mode particles were generally lower than 1.25. The strong hygroscopicity of accumulation mode particles observed on polluted days can deteriorate visibility due to their high extinction efficiency.

Experimental study on the laser-matter-plume interaction and its effects on ablation characteristics during nanosecond pulsed laser scanning ablation process

Nanosecond pulsed lasers have been widely applied to interact with and characterize many different materials. For the purpose of a broader application, the current challenge is to achieve a speedup of ablation process, which is commonly thought to be possible by raising the on-target laser intensity. But the use of high intensity lasers results in severe laser-matter-plume interaction, leading to unwanted effects (e.g. saturation, shielding and thermal damage), which further affect the ablation process and ablation quality. However, laser-matter-plume interaction and its effects on ablation characteristics during laser scanning ablation processes are not well understood. In this paper, shadowgraph images and optical images during a laser ablation process were taken with a pump-probe shadowgraph imaging setup and an ultrahigh-speed camera. The results demonstrate that, under a high incoming laser density, laser-matter-plume interaction presents a periodical process, and thus cause a major impact on ablation regimes and microstructure formations. Moreover, the characteristics of micromorphologies and ejected particles suggest that the laser-matter-plume interaction has a significant influence on the ablation process, which, in turn, provides a more comprehensive understanding of the influence of laser-matter-plume interaction on the scanning ablation process. Consequently, laser-matter-plume interaction and its influence on the ablation process were summarized and clarified.

[Association of low serum indirect bilirubin level with all-cause mortality in maintenance hemodialysis patients]

Objective: To investigate the association of low serum indirect bilirubin (IBIL) level with all-cause mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted in seven hemodialysis centers of Guizhou province. The adult outpatients who underwent hemodialysis for more than 3 months were included between June 2015 and June 2016. Demographics, baseline clinical and laboratory test results were collected. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to their baseline serum IBIL levels (interquartile range), and followed up until June 30, 2018. Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the survival rate of each group. Cox regression model was used to analyze the association of IBIL with all-cause mortality. Results: A total of 885 hemodialysis dialysis patients with baseline IBIL data were enrolled in this study, with age of (55.4±16.2) years old, among whom 57.9% (512/885) were male. Median IBIL was 4.8 μmol/L and interquartile range was 3.3-7.0 μmol/L. The comparison between IBIL quartile groups showed that the differences in proportion of diabetics, hemoglobin, serum albumin, platelet, serum calcium, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), uric acid and urea nitrogen were statistically significant (all P<0.05). After a median follow-up of 24 months, 210 patients died, and 96 cases became lost to follow-up. Kaplan-Meier curves showed higher all-cause mortality in patients with IBIL≤3.3 μmol/L (Q1 group) (65/219, P=0.015). After adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, and biochemical indicators, taking baseline IBIL Q2 level (IBIL 3.4~4.8 μmol/L) as a reference, the hazard ratio for all-cause death in patients with IBIL≤3.3 μmol/L was 1.661 (95%CI: 1.114-2.476, P=0.013). Kaplan-Meier survival curve showed that there was no significant difference in mortality between the quartile groups according to total bilirubin (TBIL) or direct bilirubin (DBIL) (P=0.167, 0.156). Conclusion: Baseline low serum IBIL in maintenance hemodialysis patients is associated with all-cause mortality.

[Different anthropometric indices and incident risk of hypertension in elderly population: a prospective cohort study]

Objective: To explore the relationship between anthropometric indices and the incident risk of hypertension, compare novel anthropometric indices with traditional indices in hypertension prediction and establish hypertension prediction models among elderly Chinese. Methods: A total of 27 009 retirees from the Dongfeng Motor Corporation were recruited at baseline in 2008 and the first follow-up was conducted in 2013. After the exclusion of participants less than 60 years old, participants with hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, cancer, and those with missing data, a total of 6 784 elderly participants were enrolled in this study. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between traditional anthropometric indices, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), novel anthropometric indices, visceral adiposity index (VAI), body shape index (ABSI), body roundness index (BRI), and the incident risk of hypertension. Meanwhile, a multivariate logistic regression model was used to establish hypertension prediction models. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to compare the prediction ability of different models. Results: A total of 1 787 incident cases of hypertension were identified, with the incidence of hypertension about 27.59%. Significant positive associations were detected between BMI, WC, WHtR, VAI, BRI and the incident risk of hypertension after adjusting for potential confounders (all P values<0.05). In men, the OR (95%CI) (upper tertile vs lower tertile) was 1.45 (1.22-1.73) for VAI, and 1.86 (1.55-2.23) for BRI. In women, the OR (95% CI) (upper tertile vs lower tertile) was 1.55 (1.22-1.96) for VAI, and 1.60 (1.27-2.01) for BRI. For ABSI, no significant association was observed in either men (OR (95%CI): 1.07 (0.90-1.28)) or women (OR (95%CI): 1.03 (0.82-1.29), both P values >0.05). The basic hypertension prediction model included age, drinking (only in men), education status (only in men), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and fasting blood glucose levels. Based on the basic prediction model, BMI (in men: AUC=0.697) and BRI (only in men: AUC=0.696) improved area under ROC curve (AUC) significantly (P<0.05). BMI was the strongest predictor in both men (AUC=0.697) and women (AUC=0.685) in the extended model. Conclusion: Significant positive associations were detected between BMI, WC, WHtR, VAI, BRI and the incident risk of hypertension among elderly Chinese. BMI was the strongest predictor in hypertension prediction model compared with other anthropometric indices.

[Correlation between prognosis and laboratory parameters of complete deafness in patients with sudden deafness]

Objective: To study the correlation between the prognosis of sudden deafness and laboratory indicators, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical evaluation of prognosis and selection of appropriate interventions.Method: A retrospective analysis of 123 cases of total deafness was conducted(all frequencies decreased with 250-8 000 Hz average hearing threshold ≥ 81 dB HL). All patients admitted to the hospital received laboratory test within 24 hours and underwent a unified treatment: alprostadil + mecobalamin + citicoline sodium phosphate + Ginkgo biloba extract + batroxobin + methylprednisolone (patients with hypertension or diabetes were given retro-auricular injection). After 2 weeks of comprehensive treatment, the pure tone audiometry was reviewed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. According to the prognosis, the patients were divided into the healing group, the marked effective group, the effective group and the ineffective group. The laboratory indicators included: white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio(NHR), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood lipid, red blood cell count, hemoglobin(Hb), plasma fibrinogen content(FIB). Result: There were no significant differences in white blood cell count, neutrophil percentage, NHR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, blood lipid index and red blood cell count between different prognosis groups(all P>0.05). The differences of FIB and Hb were statistically significant(P<0.05). The overall prognosis was negatively correlated with FIB and positively correlated with Hb. Patients with vertigo had a worse prognosis and a higher plasma FIB level than those without vertigo(P<0.05), but there was no significant difference of Hb between patients with and without vertigo(P>0.05). Conclusion: FIB and Hb can be used as correlative indexes to evaluate the prognosis of patients with sudden deafness, and the effects of vertigo and other associated symptoms on the prognosis should be comprehensively analyzed. .

Bacillus licheniformis Zhengchangsheng® attenuates DSS-induced colitis and modulates the gut microbiota in mice

Human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and experimental colitis models in mice are associated with shifts in gut microbiota composition, and several probiotics are widely used to improve gastrointestinal health. Here, we investigated whether the probiotic Bacillus licheniformis Zhengchangsheng® (BL) ameliorates dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis through alteration of the gut microbiota. Experimental colitis was induced in BALB/C mice by dissolving 3% DSS in their drinking water for 7 days, which were gavaged with 0.2 ml phosphate-buffered saline or BL (3×107 cfu/ml) once a day. Administration of BL attenuated several effects of DSS-induced colitis, including weight loss, increased disease activity index, and disrupted intestinal barrier integrity. In addition, BL mitigated the reduction in faecal microbiota richness in DSS treated mice. Interestingly, BL was found to reduce the elevated circulating endotoxin level in mice with colitis by modulating the microbial composition of the microbiota, and this was highly associated with a proportional decrease in gut Bacteroidetes. Our results demonstrate that BL can attenuate DSS-induced colitis and provide valuable insight into microbiota interactions during IBD.

Reutilization of a reflected laser beam as an effective approach for machining metallic materials with low laser absorptivity

Laser micromachining technology is a method of precision manufacturing that is experiencing growth with wide applications. Due to the increasingly tense energy situation, it is an appropriate time to consider the efficiency and economic issues of growth in precision manufacturing. The reutilization of a reflected laser beam (RRLB) for modifying metallic materials with low laser absorption is proposed in this article to reduce the energy and time consumption of the laser micromachining process. The novel laser machining approach, using an RRLB, which combined a nanosecond laser with an RRLB optical system of fiber laser, was applied on 6061 aluminum to validate its superior characteristics. The characteristics of the RRLB were clarified by the experiment on 6061 aluminum. Compared with normal laser machining (NLM), the processing efficiency of the RRLB can be greatly improved. Owing to the reutilization of the reflected laser beam energy without a thermal relaxation time, a higher-intensity laser-metal interaction can be realized for the RRLB; thus, the incoming energy can be utilized more effectively by ablating more material instead of diffusing it into the sample. Moreover, practical examples by using the RRLB, such as surface darkening on 6061 aluminum, surface polishing on additive manufactured Al alloy, and surface colorization on titanium and stainless steel, also demonstrated the excellent versatility and superiority of the RRLB approach.

Vitamin B6 catabolism and lung cancer risk: results from the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium (LC3)

BACKGROUND

Increased vitamin B6 catabolism related to inflammation, as measured by the PAr index (the ratio of 4-pyridoxic acid over the sum of pyridoxal and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate), has been positively associated with lung cancer risk in two prospective European studies. However, the extent to which this association translates to more diverse populations is not known.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For this study, we included 5323 incident lung cancer cases and 5323 controls individually matched by age, sex, and smoking status within each of 20 prospective cohorts from the Lung Cancer Cohort Consortium. Cohort-specific odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between PAr and lung cancer risk were calculated using conditional logistic regression and pooled using random-effects models.

RESULTS

PAr was positively associated with lung cancer risk in a dose-response fashion. Comparing the fourth versus first quartiles of PAr resulted in an OR of 1.38 (95% CI: 1.19-1.59) for overall lung cancer risk. The association between PAr and lung cancer risk was most prominent in former smokers (OR: 1.69, 95% CI: 1.36-2.10), men (OR: 1.60, 95% CI: 1.28-2.00), and for cancers diagnosed within 3 years of blood draw (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.34-2.23).

CONCLUSION

Based on pre-diagnostic data from 20 cohorts across 4 continents, this study confirms that increased vitamin B6 catabolism related to inflammation and immune activation is associated with a higher risk of developing lung cancer. Moreover, PAr may be a pre-diagnostic marker of lung cancer rather than a causal factor.

Abstract P6-20-06: Withdrawn

This abstract was withdrawn by the authors.

Citation Format: Dann S, Chionis J, Eisele K, Zhang Q, Liu C, Yuan J, Miller N, Murray B, Xu M, Solowiej J, Wei P, Weinrich S, Sutton S, Behenna D, Ninkovic S, Hoffman R, Freeman-Cook K, Jessen B, Huser N, Zhang C, Visswanathan R, Boras B, VanArsdale T, White MA. Withdrawn [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2018 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2018 Dec 4-8; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P6-20-06.

[Suture under tension across cartilage in the application of the crooked nose surgery]

Objective:Observing the effect of maintain tension across suture between cartilages to fix new nasal structure on balance the asymmetric strength of the two sides of the cartilage and the recurrence of the postoperative crooked nose.Method:A L-shaped struct made of the nasal septum cartilage were fixed to maintain tension across structure between cartilage during rhinoplasty in 39 patients with crooked nasal deformity. Of 21 cases were type I deviation, of 12 cases were C-shaped deviation,and of 6 cases were S-shaped deviation.Result:A 1-5 years follow-up were performed. The effects were divided into three degrees: 30 cases excellent (76.92%), 6 cases good (15.38%) and 3 cases acceptable (7.69%).The rate of excellent and good was 92.31%(36/39). The type I improvement rate was 80.3%,the rate of type C was 83.6% and the improvement rate of type S was 84.1%,the overall improvement rate was about 81.9%.Conclusion:Suture under tension across cartilage can fix reconstruction of nasal structure effectively,improve the postoperative effect, reduce recurrence of crooked nose. The operation is simple and is an essential part of the nasal deformity correction technique.

PM2.5 stimulated the release of cytokines from BEAS-2B cells through activation of IKK/NF-κB pathway

Previous studies indicated that exposure to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) was related to pulmonary inflammatory diseases through activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway to trigger cytokine secretions in human lung carcinoma cells. To investigate the potential mechanisms underlying expression of cytokines via activated NF-κB by PM_2.5, human bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B cells) were treated with PM_2.5 extracts at different concentrations (6, 13, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 µg mL^-1) for 6 and 24 h. We found that 100 µg mL^-1 PM_2.5 increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 expression at 24 h (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). Moreover, 100 µg mL^-1 PM_2.5 upregulated phosphorylated IκB kinase (IKK), p65, and IκBα at 6 h, which could be reversed by the IKK inhibitor Bay11-7082 (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01). The p65 subunit of NF-κB was translocated into the nucleus of the cells treated with 100 µg mL^-1 PM_2.5 at 6 and 24 h. Bay11-7082 partly inhibited PM_2.5-induced increases of IL-6 and IL-8 secretion. The results indicated that PM_2.5 extract increased IL-6 and IL-8 levels in BEAS-2B cells through activation of IKK/NF-κB pathway. Our study will contribute to better understanding of the mechanism of PM_2.5-induced pulmonary inflammatory diseases.

Deficient primary cilia in obese adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells: obesity, a secondary ciliopathy?

Obesity alters the composition, structure and function of adipose tissue, characterized by chronic inflammation, insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are responsible for cell renewal, spontaneous repair and immunomodulation in adipose tissue. Increasing evidence highlights that ASCs are deficient in obesity, and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. We have recently shown that obese ASCs have defective primary cilia, which are shortened and unable to properly respond to stimuli. Impaired cilia compromise ASC functions. This work suggests an intertwined connection of obesity, defective cilia and dysfunctional ASCs. We have here discussed the current data regarding defective cilia in various cell types in obesity. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that obesity, a systemic chronic metainflammation, could impair cilia in diverse ciliated cells, like pancreatic islet cells, stem cells and hypothalamic neurons, making these critical cells dysfunctional by shutting down their signal sensors and transducers. In this context, obesity may represent a secondary form of ciliopathy induced by obesity-related inflammation and metabolic dysfunction. Reactivation of ciliated cells might be an alternative strategy to combat obesity and its associated diseases.

[Reconstruction of nasal defects of multiple subunits with lateral nasal artery pedicled nasolabial flap]

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of the lateral nasal artery pedicled nasolabial flap for reconstruction of nasal defects of multiple subunits. Method:From September 2014 to April 2016, 30 cases of nasal defects in multiple subunits repaired with the lateral nasal artery pedicled nasolabial flap were retrospectively analysed. Result:All flaps survived. Incision at donor and accepted sites healed by first intention. Two patients had mild venous stasis 24 hours after operation and can alleviated spontaneously. Flap revision was performed in 25 cases after 3-6 months. Twentythree cases were followed up 3-12 months. All patients achieved satisfactory results in nasal appearance. Conclusion:The lateral nasal artery pedicled nasolabial flap can reconstruct the nasal defects of multiple subunits, and the texture, color or thickness are similar to the surrounding skin.It is one of the effective methods to repair multiple subunits of nasal defects.

Insight into the development of obesity: functional alterations of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Obesity is associated with a variety of disorders including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus and cancer. Obesity changes the composition and structure of adipose tissue, linked to pro-inflammatory environment, endocrine/metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance and oxidative stress. Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) have multiple functions like cell renewal, spontaneous repair and homeostasis in adipose tissue. In this review article, we have summarized the recent data highlighting that ASCs in obesity are defective in various functionalities and properties including differentiation, angiogenesis, motility, multipotent state, metabolism and immunomodulation. Inflammatory milieu, hypoxia and abnormal metabolites in obese tissue are crucial for impairing the functions of ASCs. Further work is required to explore the precise molecular mechanisms underlying its alterations and impairments. Based on these data, we suggest that deregulated ASCs, possibly also other mesenchymal stem cells, are important in promoting the development of obesity. Restoration of ASCs/mesenchymal stem cells might be an additional strategy to combat obesity and its associated diseases.

Environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, kitchen ventilation, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and risk of diabetes among Chinese females

Diabetes is related to exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), inflammation in the body, and housing characters. However, associations of urinary monohydroxy-PAHs (OH-PAHs) or fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) with diabetes risk in relation to housing characters are unclear. In this study, 2645 individuals were drawn from the baseline survey of the Wuhan-Zhuhai Cohort Study. Associations of diabetes with urinary OH-PAHs or FeNO among cooking participants were estimated using logistic regression models. Among women with self-cooking meals, urinary OH-PAH levels were positively associated with diabetes risk (P < .05); the cooking women with high FeNO (≥25 ppb) had a 59% increase in the risk of diabetes (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.38), compared with those with low FeNO (<25 ppb). The cooking women with use of kitchen exhaust fans/hoods had a 52% decrease in the risk of diabetes (OR: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.84), compared with those with nonuse of kitchen exhaust fans/hoods. The results indicated that the cooking women had an elevated risk of diabetes, which may be partly explained by an increase in the PAH body burden and higher inflammatory responses. Use of kitchen exhaust fan/hood can be associated with a lower risk of diabetes.