Short communication: Effects of a physiologically relevant concentration of aflatoxin B1 with or without sequestering agents on in vitro rumen fermentation of a dairy cow diet

Aflatoxin is a potent carcinogen commonly found in animal feeds that can impair rumen fermentation at high concentrations; however, its effects at physiologically relevant concentrations are unknown. This study examined the effects of aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁), with or without bentonite clay (CL) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation product (SCFP)-based sequestering agents on in vitro rumen fermentation and digestibility of a dairy cow TMR. Corn silage-based TMR (0.5 g, 17.3% crude protein and 1.67 Mcal/kg of net energy for lactation) was incubated in a rumen fluid-buffer inoculum (1:2 ratio; 50 mL) with the following treatments: (1) no additives (control); (2) control + 0.75 µg/L AFB₁ (T); (3) T + 80 mg/L sodium bentonite clay (CL; Astra-Ben-20, Prince Agri Products Inc., Quincy, IL); or (4) CL + 14 mg/L SCFP (CL+SCFP; Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA). Ruminal fluid was collected 3 h after the morning feeding from 3 cannulated cows fed the same TMR, and rumen fluid from individual cows was used to prepare separate inocula. Each treatment was incubated in duplicate at 39°C for 0, 4, 8, 16, and 24 h in each of 3 runs. Adding T reduced total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration after 4 and 8 h and molar proportion of propionate after 4 and 24 h of incubation relative to control. Adding sequestering agents (CL and CL+SCFP) with T did not affect total VFA concentration after 4 or 8 h, but increased total VFA after 16 h and tended to increase molar proportion of propionate after 24 h compared with T. At 24 h, T had lower DM digestibility and higher NH₃-N concentration compared with the control. Thus, AFB₁, even at very low concentration (0.75 µg/L), had detrimental effects on rumen fermentation and subsequently DM digestibility of the TMR. Adding sequestering agents did not prevent negative effects of T on rumen fermentation within 8 h of incubation; however, sequestering agents were effective after 16 h of incubation.

Rare renal metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma: early clinical detection and treatment based on radioiodine

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the clinical characteristics of renal metastatic cancer, the methods for its detection by radioiodine (131)I, and the response to (131)I treatment in fourteen patients with renal metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC).

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

DTC patients (n = 2,955) that received treatment with (131)I were retrospectively analyzed. Scans ((131)I-WBS, (31)I-SPECT/CT and/or (18)F-FDG-PET/CT) were performed after an oral therapeutic dose of (131)I. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on changes in Tg and anatomical imaging changes at renal lesions.

RESULTS

Among these 14 patients, 11 had avidity for (131)I, but three patients did not accumulate (131)I after (131)I treatment. In the 11 (131)I-positive renal lesions, 10 cases were detected by (131)I-SPECT/CT combined with another imaging modality and one case by (131)I-WBS combined with ultrasonography (US). In the three (131)I-negative renal lesions, two cases were detected by 18F-FDG-PET/CT and one case by computed tomography (CT). In 11 patients with (131)I-avid renal metastases, Serum Tg levels in 81.82% (9/11) patients showed a gradual decline, and 18.18% (2/11) of the patients showed a significant elevation. There was no marked difference in serum Tg before the last (131)I treatment (Z = 0.157; p = 0.875). Only one patient presented partial response, eight patients exhibited stable disease, and renal metastases progressed in two patients showing progressive disease. No patients reached complete response.

CONCLUSION

(131)I-SPECT/CT, combined with another imaging modality after (131)I-WBS, can contribute to the early detection of renal metastases of DTC. (131)I therapy is a feasible and effective treatment for most DTC renal metastases with avidity for (131)I.

Comparative serum proteomic analysis identified afamin as a downregulated protein in papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with non-131I-avid lung metastases

BACKGROUND

The loss of 131I uptake ability in metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) is becoming a major obstacle in radioiodine treatment. However, there is no effective way to screen for 131I uptake ability in metastases. The identification of differentially expressed proteins by serum proteomics may contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the dedifferentiation of DTC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Serum samples were obtained from papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with non-131I-avid lung metastases and 131I-avid lung metastases. Differential protein analysis was performed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. Candidate protein spots showing differences in expression between the two groups were identified by means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry and were validated by western blotting.

RESULTS

We found that afamin is downregulated in the serum of papillary thyroid carcinoma patients with non-131I-avid lung metastases.

CONCLUSION

Afamin may be a potential serum biomarker for early screening of 131I uptake ability in DTC metastases and could therefore be of value in guiding radioiodine treatment decisions.

Graves' disease in an adolescent with dual congenital ectopia and no orthotopic thyroid gland identified by Tc-99m-pertechnetate SPET/CT imaging

This is the first case of Graves' disease in an adolescent with lingual and prelaryngeal dual congenital ectopia and no orthotopic thyroid gland identified by technetium-99m-pertechnetate (99mTcO-4) SPET/CT imaging in a 15 years old boy. After 8 weeks treatment with methimazole, Graves' disease subsided. Fine needle aspiration cytology of the mass revealed the normal colloid and normal follicular cells without an atypia or lymphoid elements, suggesting a benign ectopic thyroid gland. In conclusion, there is no report in the literature with DETT lingual and prelaryngeal absence of orthotopic thyroid tissue and Graves' disease as in our case. This case also highlights the potential ascendancy of 99mTcO-4 SPET/CT in diagnosing the DETT.

Iodine-131 SPET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT for the identification and localization of mediastinal lymph node metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Mediastinal lymph node metastases (MLNM) from differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) are considered difficult to diagnose. The aim of this study was to assess the value of iodine-131 (131I) single photon emission tomography/computed tomography (SPET/CT) and of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for the diagnosis of MLNM from DTC. Five hundred and eleven consecutive patients operated for DTC and treated with 131I for ablation of the remnant thyroid and/or for treatment of metastases were enrolled in the study and underwent an 131I whole body scan (131I-WBS). Thirty seven sites of increased 131I uptake, on the 131I-WBS that could be an indication for MLNM were re-evaluated by a 131I-SPET/CT scan. Thirty four other patients with negative 131I-WBS but having elevated serum thyroglobulin (Tg), were examined by 18F-FDG PET/CT to possibly diagnose MLNM. A total of 44 DTC patients with MLNM were identified, among the above 37 and 34 cases: 25/37 (67.6%) cases were examined and identified by 131I-SPET/CT and 19/34 (55.9%) cases by 18F-FDG PET/CT. A total of 25 and 19 cases were identified. The male-to-female ratio and the average age in patients with 18F-FDG-avid MLNM were significantly higher than in patients with 131I-avid MLNM. Among the above 44 patients, 40 patients had superior mediastinal nodal metastases, 9 had aortic nodal metastases and only 1 inferior mediastinal nodal metastases. A patient could have metastases in more than one site. In conclusion, our study suggests that in 511 operated DTC patients, treated for remnant ablation and/or for metastases and examined by 131I-WBS, there were 37 cases doubtful of having MLNM in the 131I-WBS and 34 cases doubtful, because of negative 131I-WBS and elevated Tg. The 131I-SPET/CT scan was sensitive for detecting MLNM in 25 of the 37 cases and the 18F-FDG PET/CT in 19 of the 34 cases. These hybrid imaging modalities, when applied as above, were suitable for detecting more MLNM and thus, better supporting treatment planning in these DTC patients.

Value of ¹³¹I SPECT/CT for the evaluation of differentiated thyroid cancer: a systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

In the present study, we performed a systematic review of the current literature to assess the incremental value of (131)I single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)/CT for the management of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC).

METHODS

The search of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases to identify studies and reference lists for articles was conducted using the terms "SPECT or SPECT/CT or SPECT-CT or single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography and thyroid carcinoma or thyroid cancer." Studies reporting the clinical value of (131)I SPECT/CT were selected. All studies included were assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 tool (QUADAS-2). Two independent reviewers selected the studies, summarized and tabulated the data, and pooled estimates were obtained. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed.

RESULTS

A total of 14 studies involving 1,066 patients met the inclusion criteria. Data obtained included the impact of (131)I SPECT/CT on staging or risk classification (three studies), diagnostic accuracy (six studies), and follow-up (five studies).

CONCLUSION

Integrated SPECT/CT is a useful tool for the diagnosis, staging, risk stratification, and follow-up of DTC. The impact of (131)I SPECT/CT on the management of patients with thyroid cancer was evaluated.

Uncommon metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) usually behaves in an indolent manner with low metastatic potential. The major sites of distant metastases are the lung and bone. Metastases to the brain, eye, breast, liver, kidney, muscle and skin are rare or relatively rare. These metastases have almost always appeared in patients with advanced disease and are often associated with poor prognosis but overlooked in clinical practice. Recognizing them has a significant impact on clinical decision-making and prognosis of the patients. Treatment in these patients should be individualized and an alternative therapeutic approach should be considered. Care should be taken to determine whether a (131)I uptake focus found at an unexpected site of (131)I- whole body scan (WBS) is a DTC metastasis or a false-positive (131)I uptake. Imaging with (131)I-SPET/CT is of incremental value in the finding of rare metastases from DTC. In conclusion, DTC can have unusual metastatic presentations and patterns. Post-therapy (131)I-WBS and (131)I-SPET/CT play an important role in the management of patients with DTC.

Uncommon metastases from differentiated thyroid carcinoma

Differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) usually behaves in an indolent manner with low metastatic potential. The major sites of distant metastases are the lung and bone. Metastases to the brain, eye, breast, liver, kidney, muscle and skin are rare or relatively rare. These metastases have almost always appeared in patients with advanced disease and are often associated with poor prognosis but overlooked in clinical practice. Recognizing them has a significant impact on clinical decision-making and prognosis of the patients. Treatment in these patients should be individualized and an alternative therapeutic approach should be considered. Care should be taken to determine whether a (131)I uptake focus found at an unexpected site of (131)I- whole body scan (WBS) is a DTC metastasis or a false-positive (131)I uptake. Imaging with (131)I-SPET/CT is of incremental value in the finding of rare metastases from DTC. In conclusion, DTC can have unusual metastatic presentations and patterns. Post-therapy (131)I-WBS and (131)I-SPET/CT play an important role in the management of patients with DTC.

Rare metastases of differentiated thyroid carcinoma: pictorial review

Differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) is usually indolent with good prognosis and long-term survival. However, DTC distant metastasis is often a grave event and accounts for most of its disease-specific mortality. The major sites of distant metastases are the lung and bone. Metastases to the brain, breast, liver, kidney, muscle, and skin are rare or relatively rare. Nevertheless, recognizing rare metastases from DTC has a significant impact on the clinical decision making and prognosis of patients. (131)I single photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography ((131)I-SPECT/CT) can provide both metabolic and anatomic information about a lesion; therefore, it can better localize and define the (131)I-WBS findings in DTC patients. In this pictorial review, the imaging features of a range of rare metastases from DTC are demonstrated, with a particular emphasis on the (131)I-SPECT/CT diagnostic aspect.

Highly Efficient Near-IR Photoluminescence of Er Immobilized in Mesoporous SBA-15

SiO(2) mesoporous molecular sieve SBA-15 with the incorporation of erbium ions is studied as a novel type of nanoscopic composite photoluminescent material in this paper. To enhance the photoluminescence efficiency, two schemes have been used for the incorporation of Er(3+) where (1) Er(3+) is ligated with bis-(perfluoromethylsulfonyl)-aminate (PMS) forming Er(PMS)(x)-SBA-15 and (2) Yb(3+) is codoped with Er(3+) forming Yb-Er-SBA-15. As high as 11.17 × 10(-21)cm(2) of fluorescent cross section at 1534 nm and 88 nm of "effective bandwidth" have been gained. It is a 29.3% boost in fluorescent cross section compared to what has been obtained in conventional silica. The upconversion coefficient in Yb-Er-SBA-15 is relatively small compared to that in other ordinary glass hosts. The increased fluorescent cross section and lowered upconversion coefficient could benefit for the high-gain optical amplifier. Finally, the Judd-Ofelt theory has also been used for the analyses of the optical spectra of Er(PMS)(x)-SBA-15.

TECA hybrid artificial liver support system in treatment of acute liver failure

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of TECA type hybr id artificial liver support system (TECA-HALSS) in providing liver function of detoxification, metabolism and physiology by treating the patients with acute liv er failure (ALF).

METHODS: The porcine liver cells (1-2) × 10¹⁰ were separated from the Chinese small swine and cultured in the bioreactor of TECA-BALSS at 37.0 °C and circulated through the outer space of the hollow fiber tubes in BALSS. The six liver failure patients with various degree of hepatic coma were treated by TECA-HALSS and with conventional medicines. The venous plasma of the patients was separated by a plasma separator and treated by charcoal adsorbent or plasma exchange. The plasma circulated through the inner space of the hollow fiber tubes of BALSS and mixed with the patients’ blood cells and flew back to their blood circulation. Some small molecular weight substances were exchanged between the plasma and porcine liver cells. Each treatment lasted 6.0-7.0 h. Physiological and biochemical parameters were measured before, during and after the treatment.

RESULTS: The average of porcine liver cells was (1.0-3.0) × 10¹⁰ obtained from each swine liver using our modified enzymatic digestion method. The survival rate of the cells was 85%-93% by trypan blue stain and AO/PI fluorescent stain. After cultured in TECA-BALSS bioreactor for 6 h, the survival rate of cells still remained 70%-85%. At the end of TECA-HALSS treatment, the levels of plasma NH₃, ALT, TB and DB were significantly decreased. The patients who were in the state of drowsiness or coma before the treatment improved their appetite significantly and regained consciousness, some patients resumed light physical work on a short period after the treatment. One to two days after the treatment, the ratio of PTA increased warkedly. During the treatment, the heart rates, blood pressure, respiration condition and serum electrolytes (K⁺, Na⁺ and Cl^-) were stable without thrombosis and bleeding in all the six patients.

CONCLUSION: TECA-HALSS treatment could be a rapid, safe and efficacious method to provide temporary liver support for patients with ALF.

Experimental research on TECA-I bioartificial liver support system to treat canines with acute liver failure

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the TECA-I bioartificial liver support system (BALSS) in treating canines with acute liver failure (ALF).

METHODS: Ten canines with ALF induced by 80% liver resection received BALSS treatment (BALSS group). Blood was perfused through a hollow fiber tube containing 1 × 10¹⁰ porcine hepatocytes. Four canines with ALF were treated with BALSS without porcine hepatocytes (control group), and five canines with ALF received drug treatment (drug group). Each treatment lasted 6 h.

RESULTS: BALSS treatment yielded beneficial effects for partial liver resection-induced ALF canines with survival and decreased plasma ammonia, ALT, AST and BIL. There was an obvious decrease in PT level and increase in PA level, and there were no changes in the count of lymphocytes, immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) and complement (C3 and C4) levels after BALSS treatment. In contrast, for the canines with ALF in non-hepatocyte BALSS group (control group) and drug group, there were no significant changes in ammonia, ALT, AST, BIL, PT and PA levels. ALF canines in BALSS group, control group and drug group lived respectively an average time of 108.0 h ± 12.0 h, 24.0 h ± 6.0 h and 20.4 h ± 6.4 h, and three canines with ALF survived in BALSS group.

CONCLUSION: TECA-I BALSS is efficacious and safe for ALF canines induced by parcial liver resection.

[Study of the growth and secretion of microencapsulated pancreatic B cell line in vitro]

AIM

To study the growth and secretion of pancreatic B cell line BTC6-F7 in the alginate polylysine-alginate (APA) microcapsules and explore the possibility of utilizing it as bioartificial islets.

METHODS

Microencapsulated BTC6-F7 cells prepared with electric droplet generator were cultured in vitro, and the growth and insulin secretion of them were measured periodically.

RESULTS

Over the 90-day observation period, BTC6-F7 cells were able to grow and survive as cell clusters in the microcapsules and finally fulfill the capsules. But the microcapsules remained well after the long-time culture. The average total cell number per capsule were increasing with time, but the cell viability was decreasing. The changes of insulin secretion and average live cell number per capsule were in a same manner: for the first two weeks they increased rapidly and then maintained in a relatively constant levels for the rest time.

CONCLUSION

The microencapsulated pancreatic B cells prepared by us could survive, grow and secretion for a long time. This has made a basis for further development of bioartificial islets, and also can be used to study the mechanism and therapy of diabetes mellitus.

Xenotransplantation of microencapsulated bovine chromaffin cells into hemiparkinsonian monkeys

This study examines the effects of xenografts of microencapsulated bovine chromaffin cells (BCCs) on the rotational behavior of hemiparkinsonian monkey recipients. In addition, it determines the content of monoamine neurotransmitters and their major metabolites in the neostriatum in hemiparkinsonian monkeys. The hemiparkinsonian model in monkeys was induced by a unilateral intracarotid injection of methyl-phenyl-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Unencapsulated BCCs, BCCs microencapsulated in alginate-polylysine-alginate (ALA) membranes as well as empty microencapsules were grafted into the neostriatum of the hemiparkinsonian monkeys. Following the transplantation the hemiparkinsonian symptoms subsided and the number of rotations induced by apomorphine decreased for up to nine months in the group of recipients grafted with microencapsulated BCCs, while only a temporary improvement (one month) was detected in the recipients of the unencapsulated BCCs. No change was observed in the recipients of empty microencapsules. Dopamine and its metabolites were found considerably depleted in the MPTP-lesioned side versus the unlesioned side of the neostriatum in the hemiparkinsonian monkeys(P<0.05).