[Neoadjuvant strategy for locally advanced colorectal cancer based organ preservation]

Neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced colorectal cancer has made great progress in the past 20 years, but there are still limitations such as side effects, organ dysfunction and unsatisfactory control of metastasis. In recent years, with the improvement of surgical techniques and further development of molecular research, how to further improve local control, reduce distant metastasis, and even avoid surgery according to clinical remission to achieve organ preservation, is the current demand and research goal. With the advancement of molecular research, colorectal cancer has different treatment strategies based on microsatellite status. For patients with microsatellite instability locally advanced colorectal cancer, immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy significantly increased the pathologic complete response rate, reduced the incidence of adverse events and improved organ function compared with conventional chemoradiotherapy. For patients with microsatellite stable locally advanced colon cancer, neoadjuvant therapy is still in the exploratory stage. The standard of care is surgery combined with perioperative chemotherapy. For microsatellite stable locally advanced rectal cancer, the complete response rate is improved by enhancing neoadjuvant therapy, which helps to preserve organs. On the other hand, selective radiotherapy preserves organ function and improves quality of life. This article reviews the neoadjuvant treatment strategies for locally advanced colorectal cancer based on organ-sparing strategies.

[A successfully treated case of respiratory failure caused by eating Nassariidaes]

Food poisoning caused by Nassariidaes has occurred frequently in coastal areas of China, especially in summer and autumn. Nassariidaes poisoning can be manifested as lip and tongue paralysis, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting, arrhythmia and even respiratory failure. We admitted a case of respiratory failure caused by eating Nassariidaes. After timely respiratory support, hemoperfusion and other active treatment, the patient was recovered and was discharged. This paper summarized clinical characteristics and treatment of Nassariidaes poisoning, in order to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of similar cases.

Effects of rumen-encapsulated methionine and lysine supplementation and low dietary protein on nitrogen efficiency and lactation performance of dairy cows

Low crude protein (CP) diets might be fed to dairy cows without affecting productivity if the balance of absorbed AA were improved, which would decrease the environmental effect of dairy farms. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of supplementing ruminally protected Lys (RPL) and Met (RPM) at 2 levels of dietary CP on nutrient intake, milk production, milk composition, milk N efficiency (MNE), and plasma concentrations of AA in lactating Holstein cows and to evaluate these effects against the predictions of the new NASEM (2021) model. Fifteen multiparous cows were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with 21-d periods. The 3 treatments were (1) a high-protein (HP) basal diet containing 16.4% CP (metabolizable protein [MP] balance of -130 g/d; 95% of target values), (2) a medium-protein diet containing 15% CP plus RPL (60 g/cow per day) and RPM (25 g/cow per day; MPLM; MP balance of -314 g/d; 87% of target values), and (3) a low-protein diet containing 13.6% CP plus RPL (60 g/cow per day) and RPM (25 g/cow per day; LPLM; MP balance of -479 g/d; 80% of target values). Dry matter intake was less for cows fed MPLM and LPLM diets compared with those fed the HP diet. Compared with the HP diet, the intake of CP, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and organic matter, but not starch, was lower for cows fed MPLM and LPLM diets. Milk production and composition were not affected by MPLM or LPLM diets relative to the HP diet. Milk urea N concentrations were reduced for the MPLM and LPLM diets compared with the HP diet, indicating that providing a low-protein diet supplemented with rumen-protected AA led to greater N efficiency. There was no significant effect of treatment on plasma AA concentrations except for proline, which significantly increased for the MPLM treatment compared with the other 2 treatments. Overall, the results supported the concept that milk performance might be maintained when feeding lactating dairy cows with low CP diets if the absorbed AA balance is maintained through RPL and RPM feeding. Further investigations are needed to evaluate responses over a longer time period with consideration of all AA rather than on the more aggregated MP and the ratio between Lys and Met.

Hydroponic barley supplementation fed with high protein diets improves the production performance of lactating dairy cows

The study investigated the effects of dietary protein level and the inclusion of hydroponic barley sprouts (HB) on lactation performance, blood biochemistry and N use efficiency in mid-lactation dairy cows. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial design with 2 crude protein (CP) levels [16.8% and 15.5% of dry matter (DM)], with HB (4.8% of DM, replacing 4.3% of alfalfa hay and 0.5% of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS)) or without HB. Forty-eight multiparous Holstein dairy cows (146 ± 15 d in milk, 40 ± 5 kg/d of milk) were randomly allocated to 1 of 4 diets: high protein diet (16.8% CP, HP), HP with HB (HP+HB), low protein diet (15.5% CP, LP), or LP with HB (LP+HB). An interaction between CP × HB on dry matter intake (DMI) was detected, with DMI being unaffected by HB inclusion in cows fed the high CP diets, but was lower in cows fed HB when the low CP diet was fed. A CP × HB interaction was also observed on milk and milk protein yield, which was higher in cows fed HB with HP, but not LP. Inclusion of HB also tended to reduce milk fat content, and feeding HP resulted in a higher milk protein and milk urea N content, but lower milk lactose content. Feed efficiency was increased by feeding HP or HB diets, whereas N efficiency was higher for cows fed LP or HB diets. There was an interaction on the apparent total-tract digestibility of DM and CP, which was higher when HB was fed along with HP, but reduced when fed with LP, whereas the digestibility of ADF was increased by feeding low protein diets. In conclusion, feeding a low protein diet had no adverse effect on cow performance, while feeding HB improved milk and milk component yield, and N efficiency when fed with a high CP diet, but compromised cow performance with a low CP diet.

miR-181d-5p, which is upregulated in fetal growth restriction placentas, inhibits trophoblast fusion via CREBRF

PURPOSE

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a common complication characterized by impaired placental function and unfavorable pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to elucidate the expression pattern of miR-181d-5p in FGR placentas and explore its effects on trophoblast fusion.

METHODS

The expression pattern of miR-181d-5p in human FGR placentas were evaluated using qRT-PCR. Western blot, qRT-PCR, and Immunofluorescence analysis were performed in a Forskolin (FSK)-induced BeWo cell fusion model following the transfection of miR-181d-5p mimic or inhibitor. Potential target genes for miR-181d-5p were identified by screening miRNA databases. The interaction between miR-181d-5p and Luman/CREB3 Recruitment Factor (CREBRF) was determined through a luciferase assay. Moreover, the effect of CREBRF on BeWo cell fusion was examined under hypoxic conditions.

RESULTS

Aberrant up-regulation of miR-181d-5p and altered expression of trophoblast fusion makers, including glial cell missing 1 (GCM1), Syncytin1 (Syn1), and E-cadherin (ECAD), were found in human FGR placentas. A down-regulation of miR-181d-5p expression was observed in the FSK-induced BeWo cell fusion model. Transfection of the miR-181d-5p mimic resulted in the inhibition of BeWo cell fusion, characterized by a down-regulation of GCM1 and Syn1, accompanied by an up-regulation of ECAD. Conversely, the miR-181d-5p inhibitor promoted BeWo cell fusion. Furthermore, miR-181d-5p exhibited negative regulation of CREBRF, which was significantly down-regulated in the hypoxia-induced BeWo cell model. The overexpression of CREBRF was effectively ameliorated the impaired BeWo cell fusion induced by hypoxia.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrated that miR-181d-5p, which is elevated in FGR placenta, inhibited the BeWo cell fusion through negatively regulating the expression of CREBRF.

[Progress in clinical research on potential therapeutic drugs for acute-on-chronic liver failure]

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), has a high mortality rate and a poor prognosis. Currently, the only effective treatment for ACLF is liver transplantation. However, the number of patients who can successfully undergo liver transplantation is limited due to the rapid progression of ACLF, the occurrence of serious complications, and a dearth of liver donors. The available drug treatment indication expansion and pathogenesis exploration are expected to delay the progression of ACLF, reduce complications, and provide patients with opportunities for liver transplantation by improving portal vein pressure, inhibiting excessive inflammatory response, correcting energy metabolism disorders, reducing oxidative stress, resisting hepatic cell apoptosis, and promoting liver regeneration.

Spatial region-resolved proteome map reveals mechanism of COVID-19-associated heart injury

Direct myocardial and vascular injuries due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection-driven inflammation is the leading cause of acute cardiac injury associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, in-depth knowledge of the injury characteristics of the heart affected by inflammation is lacking. In this study, using a quantitative spatial proteomics strategy that combines comparative anatomy, laser-capture microdissection, and histological examination, we establish a region-resolved proteome map of the myocardia and microvessels with obvious inflammatory cells from hearts of patients with COVID-19. A series of molecular dysfunctions of myocardia and microvessels is observed in different cardiac regions. The myocardia and microvessels of the left atrial are the most susceptible to virus infection and inflammatory storm, suggesting more attention should be paid to the lesion and treatment of these two parts. These results can guide in improving clinical treatments for cardiovascular diseases associated with COVID-19.

Odd- and branched-chain fatty acids in milk fat from Holstein dairy cows are influenced by physiological factors

Dairy products are the major source of odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFAs), a group of nutrients with emerging health benefits. The animal diet is known to influence milk fat OBCFAs of dairy cows; however, little is known about the effects of physiological factors. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of parity and lactation stage on OBCFAs in milk fat of dairy cows. Holstein dairy cows (n = 157) were selected according to parity (first, second, third, or greater) and days in milk (DIM) (≤21 DIM, 21 < DIM ≤ 100, 100 < DIM ≤ 200, >200 DIM). All cows were fed the same total mixed ration for three weeks. Milk samples were collected during the last three days of each lactation stage for fatty acid (FA) analyses via gas chromatography. Results showed that first- and second-parity cows displayed significantly higher proportions and yields of iso-14:0, iso-15:0, iso-16:0, total iso-FA, and total branched-chain FA (P < 0.05) compared with other parities. The proportions of C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 were also greater in first-parity cows (P < 0.05), while the yields of C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 were similar among different parities (P > 0.05). The proportions of total OBCFAs were greater in first- and second-parity cows (P < 0.05), whereas the highest yield was observed in second-parity cows. Lactation dairy cows in ≤ 21 DIM group displayed lower proportions of iso-13:0, anteiso-13:0, C13:0, iso-14:0, C15:0, iso-16:0, total iso-FA, and total OBCFAs compared with that of the other groups (P < 0.05), and also lower yields of iso-14:0 and iso-16:0 (P < 0.05). In contrast, C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 proportions and yields were higher in dairy cows with ≤ 21 DIM (P < 0.05). Iso-17:0 and anteiso-17:0 were not affected by lactation stage (P > 0.05). Taken together, our data showed that both parity and lactation stage have considerable effects on milk fat OBCFAs of dairy cows. In summary, first- and second-parity cows had higher milk OBCFAs compared with later parity cows, and OBCFAs with medium chain lengths were lower in dairy cows with ≤ 21 DIM, while C17:0 and C17:1 cis-9 were higher. These findings show that milk OBCFA contents are differentially modulated by physiological state. They will be useful in future studies that seek to alter OBCFA composition of Holstein dairy cow milk fats.

[Predictive value of impedance of leadless pacemaker during implantation on trend changes of pacing threshold]

Objective: To explore the predictive value of the impedance measured during leadless pacemaker Micra implantation on the trend of changes of pacing threshold post implantation. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Patients who received implantation of leadless pacemaker Micra at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from December 2019 to August 2020 were enrolled. The clinical data and the intraoperative electrical parameters during leadless pacemaker implantation were collected. The impedance and pacing threshold data were analyzed at three time points: immediate release, 5-10 min after release, and after traction test. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC) were used to analyze the value of the impedance at immediate release on predicting the trend of changes of pacing threshold post implantation. Results: A total of 21 patients (mean age: (72.2±12.5) years, 12 males) were included. The impedance of 21 patients was (798.1±35.3) Ω immediately after implantation, (800.9±35.6) Ω after 5-10 minutes of release, and (883.6±31.7) Ω after traction test. Impedance was similar between the three time points (P>0.05). The threshold was (0.97±0.11) V/0.24 ms immediately after implantation, (0.95±0.12) V/0.24 ms at 5-10 min after the release, and (0.59±0.06) V/0.24 ms after the traction test. The threshold was significantly lower after the traction test than that immediately after release (P=0.003) and than that at 5-10 minutes after release (P=0.008), suggesting a decreased tendency of the threshold over time. According to the analysis of the ROC curve, the immediate impedance after the release ≥680 Ω could predict the ideal pacing threshold after the traction test (AUC=0.989, 95%CI 0.702-0.964, P<0.001), the prediction sensitivity was 87%, and the specificity was 100%. The pacing threshold would be not ideal with the immediate impedance ≤ 520 Ω (95%CI 0.893-1.000, P<0.001), the sensitivity was 100%, and the specificity was 80%. Conclusions: The impedance immediately after the release has predictive value for the changing trend of threshold post leadless pacemaker Micra implantation. Impedance ≥680 Ω immediately after release is often related with ideal pacing threshold after the traction test. In contrast, the impedance ≤ 520 Ω pacing is often related with unsatisfactory threshold after the traction test, therefore, it is recommended to find a new pacing site to achieve the impedance ≥680 Ω immediately after release during leadless pacemaker Micra implantation.

[Survival outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with salvage surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy]

Objective: To investigate the survival outcomes and prognostic factors of patients with salvage surgery for hypopharyngeal carcinoma after radiotherapy. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed, including 26 patients treated in Ningbo Medical Center Lihuili Hospital between January 2010 and December 2015. All patients were males, aged 48-83 years, of whom 8 cases were local residual after radiotherapy alone, 8 cases were local recurrence after postoperative radiotherapy, 2 cases were residual of cervical lymph nodes after radiotherapy alone, 2 cases were recurrence of cervical lymph nodes after radiotherapy alone, 2 cases were recurrence of cervical lymph nodes after postoperative radiotherapy and 4 cases were recurrence of tracheal stoma. The salvage operations included: local resection, local resection with neck dissection, simple neck dissection, tumor resection of tracheostomy, and additional repair according to the defect. Chi square test was used for recurrence and metastasis analysis, Kaplan-Meier method for survival analysis, Log-rank test for univariate analysis, and Cox regression model for multivariate analysis. Results: The complication rate of salvage surgery was 23.1% (6/26). The recurrence rate was 65.4% (17/26) and the distant metastasis rate was 42.3% (11/26) in the 5-year follow-up after salvage surgery. Patient's age and tumor invasion extent were correlated with recurrence. Initial treatment, tumor persistence or recurrence after radiotherapy, recurrence location and tumor invasion extent were correlated with distant metastasis (all P<0.05). Overall, 3 year and 5 year survival rates were 42.3% and 23.1% respectively. Age, recurrence location, surgical margin and tumor invasion extent were related to prognosis (χ²=6.56, 10.68, 9.32, and 7.90 respectively, all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that surgical margin and tumor invasion extent were independent risk factors for prognosis (OR (95%CI) = 3.19 (1.03-9.84), 14.37 (2.46-84.08), both P<0.05). Conclusion: Salvage surgery is the first choice for patients with recurrence after radiotherapy for hypopharyngeal carcinoma. Safe surgical margin should be ensured, especially in tumors invading muscle, bone tissue or lymph node capsule.

Hydroxychloroquine administration exacerbates acute kidney injury complicated by lupus nephritis

Background

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) has been recommended as a basic treatment for lupus nephritis (LN) during this decade based on its ability to improve LN-related renal immune-mediated inflammatory lesions. As a classical lysosomal inhibitor, HCQ may inhibit lysosomal degradation and disrupt protective autophagy in proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs). Therefore, the final renal effects of HCQ on LN need to be clarified.

Method

HCQ was administered on spontaneous female MRL/lpr LN mice with severe proteinuria daily for 4 weeks. Moreover, the MRL/lpr mice with proteinuric LN were subjected to cisplatin-induced or unilateral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) after 2 weeks of HCQ preadministration.

Results

As expected, HCQ treatment increased the survival ratio and downregulated the levels of serum creatinine in the mice with LN, ameliorated renal lesions, and inhibited renal interstitial inflammation. Unexpectedly, HCQ preadministration significantly increased susceptibility to and delayed the recovery of AKI complicated by LN, as demonstrated by an increase in PTEC apoptosis and expression of the tubular injury marker KIM-1 as well as the retardation of PTEC replenishment. HCQ preadministration suppressed the proliferation of PTECs by arresting cells in G1/S phase and upregulated the expression of cell cycle inhibitors. Furthermore, HCQ preadministration disrupted the PTEC autophagy-lysosomal pathway and accelerated PTEC senescence.

Conclusion

HCQ treatment may increase susceptibility and delay the recovery of AKI complicated by LN despite its ability to improve LN-related renal immune-mediated inflammatory lesions. The probable mechanism involves accelerated apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of PTECs via autophagy-lysosomal pathway disruption and senescence promotion.

[Establishment of reference interval of vitamin A for Chinese children and adolescents based on expectation-maximization algorithm]

Objective: To establish the reference interval of vitamin A for Chinese children and adolescents by indirect approach. Method: The serum retinol samples from 28 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities in China between January 2016 and June 2019 were examined by high performance liquid chromatography in third-party clinical laboratory institutions. Using a cross-sectional study, descriptive statistics of serum vitamin A levels in children and adolescents aged 0-18 years were carried out in population, region and season. The distribution parameters of vitamin A levels were calculated iteratively by the expectation-maximization (EM) algorithm, and the reference interval was established. Results: A total of 1 096 597 cases were included in the analysis, including 631 017 males and 465 580 females, with a median age of 3(1, 6) years. Before the age of 4 years, the median serum vitamin A level increased with age [median level and its quartiles was 0.15 (0.11, 0.18) mg/L for neonates, 0.23 (0.18, 0.29) mg/L for infants aged below 1 year, and 0.27 (0.20, 0.34) mg/L for kids aged 1-<4 years]. The median serum vitamin A level was stable at the age of 4-8 years (median level ranged from 0.27 to 0.29 mg/L). Afterwards, the median serum vitamin A level reached 0.30 mg/L at the age of 9 years, and then an increasing trend with age was observed till 18 years. The median serum vitamin A level was higher in south area (male:0.33 mg/L; female:0.34 mg/L), compared with other areas (0.24-0.30 mg/L). The variation of the median serum vitamin A level among seasons was within 0.03 mg/L. Based on EM algorithm using indirect approach, the reference intervals of vitamin A for Chinese children and adolescents were as follows: newborn, 0.27-0.47 mg/L; infants aged below 1 year, 0.36-0.56 mg/L; children aged 1-<7 years, 0.35-0.54 mg/L; children aged 7-<16 years, 0.46-0.60 mg/L; and teenagers aged over 16 years, 0.38-0.59 mg/L. Conclusion: The EM algorithm can provide a basis for the establishment of vitamin A reference interval for Chinese children and adolescents, and the established reference interval needs to be further verified by direct method.

[Treatment report of three cases of multiple wasp stings]

From September to November 2019, three patients with Hornet stings were admitted to hospital with acute anaphylaxis and various degrees of organ dysfunction. After hemoperfusion combined with continuous hemodialysis and hormone pulse therapy, 1 patient was successfully treated and 2 patients were not cured. Bee Stings can cause systemic allergic reactions and toxic reactions. In severe cases, acute anaphylaxis, rhabdomyolysis, intravascular hemolysis, abnormal coagulation, and acute liver and kidney injury may occur, myocardial damage and other multi-organ function damage or even failure, is a clinical acute and critical illness, mortality is higher. Through the analysis of the diagnosis and treatment process of these 3 cases, the experience is summarized: the Bee sting should be treated as soon as possible, the early prevention and treatment of multiple organ dysfunction, the choice of accurate blood purification and comprehensive treatment, can effectively improve the prognosis, increase the success rate of treatment.

[Effects of stepwise acute pain management on acute pain and post-traumatic stress disorder in children with burns: a prospective randomized controlled study]

Objective: To explore the effects of stepwise acute pain management on acute pain and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children with burns. Methods: From November 2018 to December 2019, 196 children with burns who were admitted to West China Hospital of Sichuan University and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the prospective randomized controlled study. The children were divided into traditional pain management group (97 children, 51 males and 46 females, aged 1 to 6 years) and stepwise pain management group (96 children, 55 males and 41 females, aged 1 to 6 years) according to the random number table. Children in traditional pain management group were treated with traditional acute pain care, while the children in stepwise pain management group were treated with stepped acute pain management (moderate pain was treated with oral administration of acetaminophen sustained-release dry suspension at the dose of 10 to 15 mg/kg once every 4 to 6 hours, and severe pain was treated with morphine intravenous injection at the dose of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg once every 4 hours) on the basis of traditional acute pain care after admission. The COMFORT behavior scale was applied to compare the resting pain levels of children in the two groups within post injury day (PID) 3 (1, 9, and 17 o'clock each day). The adverse reactions of children in the stepwise pain management group during the treatment period were recorded. The occurrence of PTSD within one month after injury was evaluated in both groups by the revised PTSD scale. Data were statistically analyzed with independent sample t test, Bonferroni correction, analysis of variance for repeated measurement, chi-square test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and Fisher's exact probability test. Results: The pain scores of children in stepwise pain management group were significantly lower than traditional pain management group at 1, 9, and 17 o'clock on PID 1, 1, 9, and 17 o'clock on PID 2, and 1, 9, and 17 o'clock on PID 3 (t=2.71, 3.44, 4.05, 4.18, 4.08, 4.19, 4.25, 3.69, 3.71, P<0.05 or P<0.01). The pain scores of children in both groups showed a decreasing trend over time. Of the 96 children in stepwise pain management group, 84 children were treated with oral administration of acetaminophen sustained-release dry suspension, and 12 children were treated with morphine intravenous injection. No adverse reaction occurred during the treatment period. The incidence of PTSD of children in stepwise pain management group within 1 month after injury was 3.12% (3/96), which was significantly lower than 14.43% (14/97) in traditional pain management group, P<0.05. Conclusions: The stepped acute pain management can relieve the acute pain and reduce the incidence of PTSD in children with burns.

Combining NMR-Based Metabolic Profiling and Genome Mining for the Accelerated Discovery of Archangiumide, an Allenic Macrolide from the Myxobacterium Archangium violaceum SDU8

An unprecedented 19-membered allenic macrolide archangiumide (1) was discovered from the myxobacterium Archangium violaceum SDU8 by integrating NMR-based metabolic profiling and genome mining. Its biosynthesis pathway was proposed based on the architectural analysis of the encoding trans-AT PKS genes and validated by isotope labeling. The methodology of combing 2D NMR-based metabolic profiling and bioinformatics-aided structure prediction, as exemplified by this study, is anticipated to improve discovery efficiency of a broader range of microbial "dark matter".

[Investigation on seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among neonates in Fujian Province]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infections among neonates in Fujian Province, so as to provide insights into the development of interventions for the prevention and control of congenital toxoplasmosis.

METHODS

A total of 1 045 neonates delivered in Fujian Province from 2017 to 2018 were recruited, including 387 preterm infants and 658 full-term infants. Umbilical cord blood was sampled from all neonates, and the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was detected and compared between preterm and full-term infants. In addition, elbow venous blood samples were collected from neonates'mothers, and the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was detected and compared between preterm and full-term infants'mothers.

RESULTS

The overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 9.38% among the 1 045 neonates in Fujian Province. The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 18.35% in the 387 preterm infants, and there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody between male and female infants (17.69% vs. 18.75%, χ² = 0.07, P > 0.05). The seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 4.10% in the 658 full-term infants, and there was no significant difference in the seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody between male and female infants (4.14% vs. 4.08%, χ² = 0, P > 0.05). In addition, the overall seroprevalence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibody was 15.02% in all neonates' mothers, and the seroprevalence was significantly greater in preterm infants'mothers than in full-term infant's mothers (20.93% vs. 11.55%, χ² = 16.79, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The seroprevalence of T. gondii infections is significantly higher in preterm infants and their mothers than in full-term infants and their mothers. Prenatal detection of T. gondii infections and health education pertaining to toxoplasmosis prevention and control knowledge are required to be strengthened to effectively reduce the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis.

The effect of androgen on wool follicles and keratin production in Hetian sheep

To investigate the optimal androgen concentration for culturing Hetian sheep wool follicle and to detect effects of androgen concentration on wool follicle cell proliferation and apoptosis using immunofluorescence labeling and real-time quantitative fluorescence determinations of wool keratin-associated protein gene expression levels. Wool follicles were isolated by microdissection and wool follicles and skin pieces were cultured in various concentrations of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in culture medium. Next, daily lengthwise growth measurements of wool follicles were obtained using a microscopic micrometer. Cultured Hetian wool follicles were stained using the SACPIC method to reveal wool follicle structure, while sheep skin slices were used to observe cell proliferation by immunostaining and cell apoptosis using the TUNEL method. At the molecular biological level, keratin-associated protein (Kap) gene expression was studied using wool follicles cultured for various numbers of days in vitro. Effects of androgen concentrations on Hetian wool follicle growth and development were experimentally studied. EdU proliferation assays revealed that androgen promoted cell proliferation within wool follicle dermal papillae. TUNEL apoptosis detection demonstrated that androgen treatment could delay cell apoptosis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results demonstrated that gene expression level patterns of Hetian mountain sheep super-high sulfur protein. Kap1.1, KIF1.2, Kap2.12 and Kap4.2 gene expression level of the mountainous experimental group was significantly higher than plains Hetian sheep. An androgen concentration of 100 nM can promote the growth of Hetian wool follicle cells in vitro, resulting in overexpression of some genes of the Kap family.

[Spatial distribution and interspecific associations of regenerating saplings in karst secondary forests.]

A 140 m×120 m plot was set in a secondary forest with more than 30 years natural reco-very after abandonment in Ziyun Miao and Buyi Autonomous County, a typical karst area in Guizhou Province. We investigated the spatial distribution and interspecific associations of regenerating sapling population using spatial point pattern analytical method. There were 1291 saplings with 39 tree species. Betula luminifera, Platycarya strobilacea, Liquidambar formosana, Pinus massoniana and Populus davidiana were the dominant populations of regenerating saplings, accounting for 83.7% of the saplings and 77.8% of the total importance value. The spatial distributions of B. luminifera, P. strobilacea and L. formosana were strongly aggregated at a spatial scale of 0-60 m, while the spatial distributions of P. massoniana and P. davidiana were aggregated at small scale and randomly distributed at large scale. The spatial associations among those dominant populations were mostly positively correlated, with positive correlations of P. massoniana with L. formosana and P. davidiana at small scale but no associations at large scale. In conclusion, the spatial distributions and interspecific associations differed among the dominant sapling populations, due to the different biological characteristics of different tree species, habitats and uses of spatial resources. Most of the stands investigated were dominated by pioneering species, with poor stand quality and unstable community structure. A mixed forest dominated by P. massoniana and B. luminifera would be the next stage of succession. We recommended that measures of forest management should be adopted to accelerate vegetation restoration.

[Epidemic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) and the lag effect of average daily temperature on the epidemic of HFMD in Beijing]

Objective: To analyze the epidemic characteristics of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in Beijing and explore the short-term lag effect of daily average temperature on HFMD. Methods: The incidence data and meteorological data of HFMD were collected from Xicheng District, Chaoyang District, and Changping District of Beijing between January 2009 and December 2018. The dose-response relationship and short-term lag effect of temperature and HFMD incidence were explored by the distributed lag non-linear model (DNLM). Results: From 2009 to 2018, a total of 97 210 cases of HFMD were confirmed in Xicheng District, Chaoyang District, and Changping District of Beijing. The incidence rate of HFMD in Xicheng district was 71.83/100 000, which was the lowest in three districts. The total annual average incidence was 146.89/100 000 in the three districts. The cases were concentrated from May to July, with a small peak in October to November. The ratio of male to female was 1.49∶1, and the median age of the patients was 3.08 (1.89, 4.39) years old, which showed a decreasing trend in children under 6 years old (Z=-30.11, P<0.01). The DNLM showed that the cumulative relative risk (RR) curve had a bimodal distribution, with RR of 1.36 (95%CI: 1.05-1.76) and 1.35 (95%CI: 1.10-1.66), and the peak values appeared at 4 ℃ and 26 ℃, respectively. Conclusions: The incidence rate of HFMD in Xicheng was the lowest in three districts of Beijing. In addition, the incidence of HFMD is seasonal, and the incidence is higher in spring and summer than that in autumn and winter. Daily average temperature had a lag effect on HFMD, which was different between high temperature and low temperature.

[Composition analysis,antioxidative and antibacterial activities comparison of agarwood oils extracted by supercritical and steam distillation]

Agarwood is a traditional and precious medicinal material and natural spice in China and other southeast Asian countries.As the head of all spices,agarwood has many pharmacological activities such as analgesia,antidiarrheal,anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Due to its high price and scarce resources,there were just a few previous studies on it,mainly focusing on the chemical compositions of the agarwood essential oil and solvent extract mixture. The components of agarwood oils obtained by supercritical extraction and steam distillation were analyzed by using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer( GC-MS),and then the agarwood oils compositions and contents were compared between the traditional extraction method and the recently emerging supercritical extraction method. Antioxidant experiments of scavenging DPPH,ABTS,hydroxyl radical,total reducing power and MIC experiments of five kinds of tester strains such as staphylococcus aureus were combined to illustrate the differences between these two kinds of agarwood oils in terms of antioxidant and bacteriostatic activities. The results showed that the main components of agarwood oil were sesquiterpenoids( 68. 68%) in steam distillation extraction method,but sesquiterpenoids( 23. 78%) and chromones( 29. 42%) in supercritical extraction method. Fourteen common components included benzyl acetone,α-santalol,γ-eudesmol,agarospirol and guaiol etc. The antioxidant activity and inhibitory MIC of agarwood oils in supercritical extraction method were better than those in steam distillation method,and the inhibitory effect of agarwood oil on the growth of bacillus subtilis was found for the first time.

Thyroid metastasis from chondrosarcoma

For chondrosarcoma, metastasis to the thyroid gland is extremely rare. The diagnosis and treatment of thyroid metastasis from chondrosarcoma are discussed here.We found a case of thyroid malignancy occurring after treatment of chondrosarcoma. We reviewed patient characteristics, histological presentations on initial chondrosarcoma and thyroid metastasis, treatments, times of recurrence and death. In addition, we searched Embase, PubMed, and ISI Web of Science databases (1996-2018) for articles published in the English language using the key words "chondrosarcoma" and "thyroid" and we reviewed almost all the reports about thyroid metastasis from chondrosarcoma.Only 5 cases of chondrosarcoma metastases in the thyroid gland have been reported in the literature. We found that most patients are adults, with compression signs or pain, most of whom have poor prognoses. The main examinations are ultrasound, CT and fine needle aspiration biopsy, and primary treatment is surgery.These rare cases of chondrosarcoma presenting as a metastasis in the thyroid gland highlight the importance of close communication between radiologists, histopathologists, and clinicians to ensure that such exceptional cases are not missed.

Identification of downstream target genes regulated by CX43 in hepatocellular carcinoma

The aim of study was to identify the downstream target genes of CX43 by Human Transcriptome Array. Therefore, a gene microarray was generated which consists of CX43-overexpressed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells transfected with the constructed plasmid and negative controls to identify candidate genes. Integrated bioinformatic analysis was used to clarify biological functions of the identified genes, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, protein-protein interaction network, and survival analysis. The candidate genes were further validated by qRT-PCR in liver cancer tissues and CX43-silenced HCC cells. We have found the mRNA and protein levels of CX43 significantly upregulated in HCC cells transfected with CX43 constructed plasmid. We identified 928 differentially expressed genes including 394 upregulated and 534 downregulated genes, enriched in the cancer related functions and pathways by GO and KEGG pathway analysis. The protein-protein interaction network revealed 9 hub genes in this study. Statistical analysis indicated that upregulation of RALA and SRC was associated with poor prognosis in liver cancer. The differential expression of 2 candidate genes were further validated in HCC cells and tissues. In conclusion, protein-coding genes RALA and SRC could be target genes of CX43 and therapeutic targets for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Plasma levels of receptor interacting protein kinase-3 correlated with coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Necroptosis plays an important role in human atherosclerosis and atheroma development. Since receptor interacting protein kinase-3 (RIP3) acts as a key mediator of necroptosis, this study aimed to explore its relationship between plasma RIP3 levels and coronary artery disease (CAD) and discover a potential new biomarker for screening CAD subtypes and severity.

METHODS

A total of 318 patients with CAD who had coronary angiography and 166 controls in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from September 2017 to January 2018 were enrolled in this study. Patients with CAD were divided into three subgroups: patients with stable coronary artery disease (SCAD), patients with unstable angina (UA), and patients with myocardial infarction (MI). The severity of atherosclerosis was determined by Gensini score (GSS). Logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between plasma RIP3 levels and CAD. The correlation between plasma RIP3 and GSS was calculated using multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

Overall, plasma RIP3 levels were significantly higher than serum RIP3 levels. Plasma RIP3 levels in patients with CAD were significantly higher than those in controls. Plasma RIP3 levels were strongly associated with CAD (odds ratio: 6.00, 95% confidence interval 3.04-11.81; P < 0.001). Plasma RIP3 levels increased linearly from controls to patients with SCAD, then patients with UA, and finally to patients with MI. We found a significantly positive correlation between proportion of cases of acute coronary syndrome in subjects and their plasma RIP3 level quartile. Plasma RIP3 levels were also associated with GSS (B 0.027; standard error 0.012; P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma RIP3 levels were independently associated with CAD. Plasma RIP3 levels could potentially supplement clinical assessment to screen CAD and determine CAD severity.

Adverse drug reactions of Yunnan Baiyao capsule: a multi-center intensive monitoring study in China

Background

Yunnan Baiyao capsule (YBC), a marketed herbal medicine in mainland China, is widely used to control bleeding. This study's aim was to determine the occurrence of YBC-related adverse drug reactions (ADRs) among users of the medicine.

Methods

This hospital-intensive monitoring study was conducted in 163 hospitals across China. Consumers who used YBC (Z53020799) between June 2015 and December 2016 were included. By face-to-face interview or telephone, the circumstances and experiences of their adverse events (AEs), during drug taking and 14 days after drug withdrawal, were recorded at follow-up and later encoded by International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) 1997. The Naranjo Adverse Reaction Probability Scale (APS) was used to determine the likelihood of ADRs.

Results

A total of 31,556 participants were included (follow-up rate 99.40%). AEs occurred in 742 participants, of which 561 were reported as "not related with drug use" by their physician-in-charge. Based on the remaining 181 cases, the overall ADR incidence was 1.17% (intention to treat) and 0.58% (per protocol), with abnormal findings mainly concentrated in the digestive system, skin and respiratory system. The top 5 frequently reported reactions were nausea and vomiting (0.1785%, 56 cases of 31,367 participants), functional diarrhea (0.1180%, 37 of 31,367 participants), stomach discomfort (0.0893%, 28 of 31,367 participants), rash (0.0574%, 18 of 31,367 participants) and gastro-esophageal reflux (0.0383%, 12 of 31,367 participants). Among them, functional diarrhea and stomach discomfort were judged as definite ADRs of YBC.

Conclusions

In this large study, treatment of YBC was found to be associated with ADRs with an incidence of 1.17%, although most were relatively mild and not considered to be life-threatening.

[A prognostic scoring scale for adult patients with supratentorial primary anaplastic gliomas]

Objective: This study explored the prognostic factors of patients with supratentorial anaplastic gliomas and tried to propose a prognostic scoring scale with aim to provide theoretical reference for clinical treatment. Methods: The clinical data of 198 patients surgically treated for primary anaplastic glioma in Henan Provincial People's Hospital between Jan 2009 and Jan 2018 were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify prognostic factors with methods of Kaplan-Meier plot and Cox proportional hazard model, respectively. Based on the prognostic factors, a scoring scale was thereby proposed. Results: Univariate analysis results showed age, tumor location, tumor diameter, preoperative KPS, extent of resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, pathology with oligodendroglial components, 1p/19q, IDH, MGMT were significantly correlated with survival (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis results showed age ≥45 years old, tumor diameter ≥6 cm, preoperative KPS<70, without radiotherapy, 1p/19q intact, MGMT promoter unmethylation were independent prognostic risk factors (P<0.05). Patients were scored with 0-6 points based on the formulation that each independent prognostic risk factor was assigned with 1 point. Then patients were further grouped according to the score. Those with less than 2 points were low-risk group, equal to 2 points were medium-risk group, equal to 3 points were high-risk group, more than or equal to 4 points were extremely high-risk group. There were significant differences in survival between the different groups (P<0.000 1). Conclusions: The higher score, the shorter survival time. This prognostic scoring scale can provide a theoretical basis for the prognosis estimation of patients with anaplastic glioma and help to carry out personalized clinical treatment.

Effects of antibiotic residues in milk on growth, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community of preweaning dairy calves

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antibiotic residues in milk on growth, ruminal fermentation, and microbial community of dairy calves in their first 35 d of age. Twenty newborn Holstein bull calves were assigned to 1 of 2 treatments equally: milk replacer without antibiotics (control) and milk replacer plus 4 antibiotics: 0.024 mg/L of penicillin, 0.025 mg/L of streptomycin, 0.1 mg/L of tetracycline, and 0.33 mg/L of ceftiofur (ANT). Starter intake and fecal consistency scores of each calf were recorded on a daily basis. Body weight, withers height, body length, and heart girth were measured on d 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 before feeding in the morning. Rumen fluid was collected on d 15, 25, and 35 to determine ruminal pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA), and NH₃-N concentrations. A total of 10 (5 per treatment) samples of rumen fluid taken on d 35 were analyzed for microbial community. Rumen tissues from the cranial ventral sac and cranial dorsal sac were collected from 8 calves of each group for morphology analysis on d 35 after being harvested. The results showed that calves in 2 treatments had similar starter intake, body weight, withers height, body length, heart girth, and average daily gain. The ANT group showed a lower diarrhea frequency in wk 4, and no differences were found for other weeks. Calves in the ANT group exhibited a greater concentration of acetic acid in the rumen and no differences for other VFA, total VFA, rumen pH, or NH₃-N. As for rumen morphology, the length of papillae from cranial ventral sac of the ANT group was longer than that of the control group. The results of ruminal microbial community showed that antibiotic residues had minor effects on bacteria phyla and bacteria diversity. At the genus level, calves in the ANT group showed lower richness of Prevotella and higher richness of Acetitomaculum. In conclusion, antibiotic residues stimulated the development of ruminal papillae and increased the production of acetic acid in rumen, which might be caused by the influence of antibiotics on the ruminal microbial community.

[The clinical application of ventriculovesical shunts]

Objective: To report a clinical protocol for the application of ventriculovesical shunts (VV shunts) in patient who may be unable to maintain or receive ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunts. Methods: 25 patients underwent placement of VV shunts as an alternative to VP shunt therapy from March 2010 through March 2016. They all have malfunction of the VP shunt for the following reasons: peritoneal fluid inclusion(11 cases), failure of the peritoneum to absorb cerebrospinal fluid(7 cases), intra-abdominal infection(5 cases), peritoneal irritation pain(2 cases). The patients ranged in age from 5 years to 68 years old. All the patients underwent preoperative examine including urine routines, renal function electrolyte examination, imaging of the urinary bladder by ultrasonography. Results: Two patients died from other diseases, one patient's shunts were removed due to proximal catheter occlusion 2 years after the operation, the penis pain was occurred in one patient. The rest patients had functional VV shunts. Conclusions: Ventriculovesical shunts may be considered for the treatment of hydrocephalus when the peritoneal cavity cannot be used as a distal terminus.

A novel multiplex fluorescent competitive PCR for copy number variation detection

The copy number variation (CNV) is an important genetic marker in cancer and other diseases. To detect CNVs of specific genetic loci, the multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) is an appropriate approach, but the experimental optimization and probe synthesis are still great challenges. The multiplex competitive PCR is an alternative method for CNV detection. However, the construction of internal competitive template and establishment of a stable multiplex PCR system are the main limiting factors for this method. Here, we introduce a novel multiplex fluorescent competitive PCR (NMFC-PCR) for detecting CNVs. In this method, the blunt hairpin primers are used to rapidly establish a stable multiplex PCR system due to the reduction of non-specific amplification, and limited cycles' amplification is used to obtain the internal competitive template instead of artificial synthesis. With this method, we tested 21 clinical samples with potential LIM homeobox 1 (LHX1) or T-box 6 (TBX6) deletion. Every three segments located on the LHX1 and TBX6 were selected as the target regions, while two segments located on X-chromosome and five segments located on autosome were selected as the reference regions for detecting CNVs. The results showed that the gender information of 21 samples can be accurately inferred by the copy number ratio (CNR) of X-chromosomal reference region to autosomal reference region (X/A), and 2 samples had one copy of LHX1 and 9 samples had one copy of TBX6. To evaluate the accuracy of NMFC-PCR, 5 random samples with CNV were also detected by array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), and the results of aCGH were consistent with the NMFC-PCR results. To further assess the performance of NMFC-PCR, 60 normal samples were simultaneously tested. The results showed that the gender results were exactly the same as known information, and CNVs of LHX1 or TBX6 were not found. In conclusion, the method is a cheap, efficient, accurate, and convenient competitive PCR method for CNV detection.

Evaluation of Prestress Loss Distribution during Pre-Tensioning and Post-Tensioning Using Long-Gauge Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors

Prestress loss evaluation in prestressed strands is essential for prestressed structures. However, the sensors installed outside the duct can only measure the total prestress loss. The sensors attached on strands inside the duct also have several problems, such as inadequate durability in an aggressive environment and vulnerability to damage during tensioning. This paper proposes a new installation method for long-gauge fiber Bragg grating (LFBG) sensors to prevent accidental damage. Then the itemized prestress losses were determined in each stage of the pre-tensioning and post-tensioning according to the LFBG measurements. We verified the applicability of the LFBG sensors for prestress monitoring and the accuracy of the proposed prestress loss calculation method during pre-tensioning and post-tensioning. In the pre-tensioning case, the calculated prestress losses had less deviation from the true losses than those obtained from foil-strain gauges, and the durability of the LFBG sensors was better than foil-strain gauges, whereas in post-tensioning case, the calculated prestress losses were close to those derived from theoretical predictions. Finally, we monitored prestress variation in the strand for 90 days. The itemized prestress losses at each stages of post-tensioning were obtained by the proposed calculation method to show the prospect of the LFBG sensors in practical evaluation.

Clinical efficacy of intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy for patients with gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis: Impact on immune function and prognosis

AIM

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy for patients with gastric cancer (GC) peritoneal metastasis and its impact on immune function and prognosis.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed of 113 patients with GC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between June 2010 and March 2013. The patients were randomly divided into an observation group (54 cases) and a control group (59 cases). Patients in the control group were treated with conventional intravenous chemotherapy, and patients in the observation group were treated with intraperitoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy. The clinical efficacy, related indicators of recurrence and metastasis, tumor markers, T-lymphocyte subsets, quality of life, and occurrence of adverse reactions after chemotherapy was compared between the two groups of patients.

RESULTS

The total effective rate and disease control rate in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The levels of serum carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199), CA724, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), osteopontin (OPN), soluble apoptotic factor (sFas), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). CD3⁺ T cells, CD4⁺ T cells, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio, and B cells in the peripheral blood were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group, while CD8⁺ T cells and NK cells were significantly lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The improvement of KPS score after treatment, the recurrence rate at 2 years, the 3-year survival rate, and the 5-year survival rate were significantly better in the observation group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions after chemotherapy was not statistically different between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Peritoneal hyperthermic perfusion chemotherapy can improve clinical efficacy, tumor markers and related indicators of recurrence and metastasis, as well as the patient's immune function and quality of life of patients with GC peritoneal metastasis, without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.

[Interventional treatment of symptomatic intracranial in-stent restenosis]

Objective: To assess the feasibility and safety of interventional treatment of symptomatic intracranial in-stent restenosis (SISR). Methods: Clinical data of 21 patients with SISR who underwent interventional treatment in the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force from January 2012 to May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Perioperative complications, angiographic and clinical follow-up results were recorded. Results: The success rate of treatment was 100%, including 21 lesions of SISR (7 at the V4 segment of the vertebral artery, 7 at the basilar artery, 5 at the M1 segment of middle cerebral artery, 2 at the internal carotid artery). The residual stenosis rate was preoperative 84±7, postoperative 30±14 respectively. Balloon angioplasty and stent implantation were performed in 10 patients (48.6%) and 11 patients (52.4%), respectively. After treatment, 1 patient experienced perforating event without neurological sequelae. Of the 11 patients (52.4%) completed angiography follow-up, 3 (3/11, 27.3%) ocurred restenosis and 1 was retreated. During clinical follow-up, 1 patients received intravenous thrombolysis for the symptom of acute cerebral infarction in territory of stenting artery, in-stent restenosis or occlusion was not demonstrated by emergency cerebral angiography. Conclusion: Interventional treatment of SISR is feasible and safe, however, further studies need to warrant the long-term effects.

Accelerated Glomerular Cell Senescence in Experimental Lupus Nephritis

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to determine whether senescence in renal glomeruli is involved in lupus nephritis (LN); the expression of senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) and its association with glomerular lesions were investigated in a mouse model of LN. MATERIAL AND METHODS Eighteen MRL/lpr mice with severe proteinuria were randomly divided into 2 equal groups and intraperitoneally injected with dexamethasone (DEX) or saline; 4 age-matched mice with mild proteinuria served as controls. Serum creatinine and urinary protein levels were analyzed, and kidney histological changes were observed by periodic acid-Schiff and Sirius Red staining. SA-β-Gal was detected via histochemistry. Glomerular expression of collagen IV, α-SMA, and nephrin was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, and glomerular complement C3 deposition was tested by immunofluorescence. The relationships between SA-β-Gal expression and renal function or glomerular lesion markers were determined by Spearman's correlation analysis. RESULTS Mice with severe proteinuria exhibited glomerular segmental sclerosis and endothelial cell proliferation. DEX administration suppressed these lesions but had no significant effect on 24-hour urinary protein levels. The elevated glomerular expression of SA-β-Gal in proteinuric mice was attenuated by DEX treatment. In addition, DEX treatment markedly downregulated glomerular C3 deposition and collagen IV and α-SMA expression, while significantly increasing nephrin expression. Furthermore, SA-β-Gal expression was positively correlated with urinary protein levels and expression of α-SMA. CONCLUSIONS Accelerated senescence of glomerular cells may contribute to glomerular injury in LN.

Lumbar Scoliosis Induction in Juvenile Dogs by Three-dimensional Modulation of Spinal Growth Using Nickel-Titanium Coil Springs

Background:

Current treatments for scoliosis have some defects and complications. To study spinal deformities and test novel scoliosis treatments, many animal models of scoliosis have been developed. These models applied a single load to the spine and could not precisely modulate the spinal growth in different dimensions. In this study, we applied posterior tethering in various directions with the application of nickel-titanium (NT) coil springs in dog's spine to modulate spinal growth in the coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes and create a scoliosis model possess curves that mimic adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) three dimensionally.

Methods:

Scoliosis was surgically induced in eight 8-week-old female dogs (weight: 1.95–2.30 kg) using bone screws and NT coil springs. The deformity was induced through the placement of posterior NT coil springs that tethered the spine by bone screw fixation. All dogs were monitored with serial radiographs to document changes in deformities.

Results:

All experimental animals developed scoliotic curves convex to the left in the lumbar segment. The mean coronal Cobb angle was 18.0° immediately postoperatively and 54.5° at 22 weeks. The mean lordosis increased from 6.2° postoperatively to 35.0° at final follow-up. Apical axial rotation increased from 4.5° postoperatively to 31.2° at 22 weeks.

Conclusions:

With the application of NT springs in dogs that allowed posterior tethering in various directions, lumbar spinal deformity was achieved in three planes: coronal, sagittal, and transverse planes. Notably, the lumbar spine in surgically treated dogs developed lordoscoliosis with obvious rotation and the curves mimic AIS three dimensionally well. This method allows lumbar scoliosis to develop without deep dissection of muscle and maintains the essential anatomical elements along the spinal curve. Moreover, the spinal growth modulation technique could yield information that would provide a basis for developing novel early-stage treatments for children with scoliosis.

Recent Advances in Technique and Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery in Adult Scoliosis

Objective:

Conventional open spinal surgery of adult scoliosis can be performed from anterior, posterior, or combined approach. Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) was developed for the purpose of reducing the undesirable effects and complications. This review aimed to make a brief summary of recent studies of the approach and clinical outcomes of MISS in adult scoliosis.

Data Sources:

We conducted a systematic search from PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, and other literature databases to collect reports of surgical methods and clinical outcomes of MISS in treatment of adult scoliosis. Those reports were published up to March 2017 with the following key terms: “minimally invasive,” “spine,” “surgery,” and “scoliosis.”

Study Selection:

The inclusion criteria of the articles were as followings: diagnosed with adult degenerative scoliosis (DS) or adult idiopathic scoliosis; underwent MISS or open surgery; with follow-up data. The articles involving patients with congenital scoliosis or unknown type were excluded and those without any follow-up data were also excluded from the study. The initial search yielded 233 articles. After title and abstract extraction, 29 English articles were selected for full-text review. Of those, 20 studies with 831 patients diagnosed with adult DS or adult idiopathic scoliosis were reviewed. Seventeen were retrospective studies, and three were prospective studies.

Results:

The surgical technique reported in these articles was direct or extreme lateral interbody fusion, axial lumbar interbody fusion, and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion. Among the clinical outcomes of these studies, the operated levels was 3–7, operative time was 2.3–8.5 h. Both the Cobb angle of coronal major curve and evaluation of Oswestry Disability Index and Visual Analog Scale decreased after surgery. There were 323 complications reported in the 831 (38.9%) patients, including 150 (18.1%) motor or sensory deficits, and 111 (13.4%) implant-related complications.

Conclusions:

MISS can provide good radiological and self-evaluation improvement in treatment of adult scoliosis. More prospective studies will be needed before it is widely used.

Tuning the electrical and optical anisotropy of a monolayer black phosphorus magnetic superlattice

We investigate theoretically the effects of modulated periodic perpendicular magnetic fields on the electronic states and optical absorption spectrum in monolayer black phosphorus (phosphorene). We demonstrate that different phosphorene magnetic superlattice (PMS) orientations can give rise to distinct energy spectra, i.e. tuning the intrinsic electronic anisotropy. Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC) develops a spin-splitting energy dispersion in this phosphorene magnetic superlattice. Anisotropic momentum-dependent carrier distributions along/perpendicular to the magnetic strips are demonstrated. The manipulations of these exotic electronic properties by tuning superlattice geometry, magnetic field and the RSOC term are addressed systematically. Accordingly, we find bright-to-dark transitions in the ground-state electron-hole pair transition rate spectrum and the PMS orientation-dependent anisotropic optical absorption spectrum. This feature offers us a practical way of modulating the electronic anisotropy in phosphorene by magnetic superlattice configurations and detecting this modulation capability by using an optical technique.

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 antioxidant response element pathways protect bovine mammary epithelial cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage in vitro

The experiment was conducted to determine the role of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like factor 2 (NFE2L2, formerly Nrf2) antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway in protecting bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMEC) against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress injury. An NFE2L2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) interference or a pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 plasmid fragment was transfected to independently downregulate or upregulate expression of NFE2L2. Isolated BMEC in triplicate were exposed to H₂O₂ (600 μM) for 6 h to induce oxidative stress before transient transfection with scrambled siRNA, NFE2L2-siRNA, pCMV6-XL5, and pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and necrosis rates, antioxidant enzyme activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) production, protein and mRNA expression of NFE2L2 and downstream target genes, and fluorescence activity of ARE were measured. The results revealed that compared with the control, BMEC transfected with NFE2L2-siRNA3 had proliferation rates that were 9 or 65% lower without or with H₂O₂, respectively. These cells also had apoptosis and necrosis rates that were 27 and 3.5 times greater with H₂O₂ compared with the control group, respectively. In contrast, transfected pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 had proliferation rates that were 64.3% greater or 17% lower without or with H₂O₂ compared with the control group, respectively. Apoptosis rates were 1.8 times lower with H₂O₂ compared with the control. In addition, compared with the control, production of ROS and MDA and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) increased markedly in cells transfected with pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 and without H₂O₂. However, compared with the control, production of ROS and MDA and activity of CAT and GSH-Px increased markedly, whereas activities of SOD and GST decreased in cells transfected with pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 and incubated with H₂O₂. Compared with the control, cells transfected with NFE2L2-siRNA3 with or without H₂O₂ had lower production of ROS and MDA and activity of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GST. Cells transfected with pCMV6-XL5-NFE2L2 with or without H₂O₂ had markedly higher protein and mRNA expression of NFE2L2, heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX-1), NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit, and glutamyl cystine ligase modulatory subunit compared with the control incubations. Cells transfected with NFE2L2-siRNA3 without or with H₂O₂ had markedly lower protein and mRNA expression of NFE2L2, HMOX-1, NADH quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutamyl cystine ligase modulatory subunit, and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit compared with the control incubations. In addition, expression of HMOX-1 was 5.3-fold greater with H₂O₂ compared with the control. Overall, results indicate that NFE2L2 plays an important role in the NFE2L2-ARE pathway via the control of HMOX-1. The relevant mechanisms in vivo merit further study.

Chloroquine Autophagic Inhibition Rebalances Th17/Treg-Mediated Immunity and Ameliorates Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

BACKGROUND

Imbalanced cellular immunity is critical to the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, autophagy has emerged as a key homeostatic mechanism in T lymphocytes. This study was conducted to explore the impact of autophagy on the Th17/ regulatory T (Treg) immune imbalance in SLE.

METHODS

Peripheral Th17 and Treg cells from newly diagnosed patients with SLE and healthy controls were detected by flow cytometry. Additionally, the effects of chloroquine (CQ) autophagic inhibition on the Th17/Treg immune response were investigated in vitro. In addition, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment of the Th17/Treg immune response and the disease progression of lupus MRL/lpr mice were studied in vivo.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, both peripheral Th17 and Treg cells of patients with SLE exhibited activated autophagy, resulting in a heightened Th17 proinflammatory response and diminished Treg immunosuppression. Furthermore, in vitro experiments indicated that CQ autophagic inhibition effectively rebalanced the Th17/Treg immune responses in patients with SLE. In vivo studies of MRL/lpr mice similarly confirmed that HCQ treatment decisively inhibited the autophagy of Th17/Treg cellular subsets, restoring the immune balance, lowering the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and autoantibodies, and improving renal histopathology.

CONCLUSION

Activated autophagy contributed to the Th17/Treg immune imbalance in SLE, and chloroquine autophagic inhibition rebalanced Th17/ Treg-mediated immunity and ameliorated SLE.

Parotid metastases from thyroid carcinomas

Parotid metastases (PMs) that originate from thyroid carcinomas (TCs) are extremely rare, and many questions about their diagnosis and management remain unanswered. Of the 15,780 patients with TC that we had prospectively recorded in our institutional databases between 1996 and 2015, we retrospectively retrieved only three patients (0.019%) with PM. Patient characteristics, histological findings on initial thyroidectomy and parotidectomy specimens, treatments, and times of recurrence and death were reviewed. In addition, we searched PubMed, Embase, and ISI Web of Science databases (1996-2015) for articles published in the English language using the key words "parotid" and "thyroid", and reviewed almost all reports that described PM that were derived from TC. These rare cases of thyroid carcinoma presenting as metastasis in the parotid gland highlight the importance of maintaining close communication between clinicians, radiologists, and histopathologists to ensure that such rare cases are not missed.

[Molecular epidemiologic study on Mycobacterium tuberculosis from drug resistance monitoring sites of Guangdong Province, 2015]

Objective: To understand the characteristics of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) in epidemiology and distribution from Guangdong Province, and to explore the risk factors associated with drug resistance. Methods: A total of 225 clinical strains of MTB collected from 5 drug resistance monitoring sites of Guangdong Province in 2015 were tested by Regions of Difference 105 (RD105) deletion test and 15 loci mycobacterial interspersed repetitive units (MIRU) were used for genotyping. Gene clustering was analyzed using BioNumerics7.6. Drug susceptibility test was tested by proportion method. The statistical analysis used chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression. Results: There were 158 (70.2%) Beijing family strains from the 225 cases. Hunter-gaston index of MIRU loci varied from each other. The MTBs from Guangdong Province were categorized into 2 gene clusters by clustering analysis in which the rate of cluster of complexⅠwas significantly higher than complexⅡ(χ(2) values were 9.331, P values were 0.020). It was found by multivariate logistic regression that Qub11b was associated with resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid (P values were 0.013, 0.012 respectively.), ETR F with resistance to isoniazid, streptomycin, ethambutol and ofloxacin (P values were 0.039, 0.040, 0.023 and 0.003 respectively), Mtub21 with resistance to capreomycin (P values were 0.040), and QUB26 with resistance to ethionamide (P values were 0.047). Conclusions: The genes of MTB from Guangdong Province were of polymorphisms and the distribution of strains were stable. QUB11b, ETR F, Mtub21 and QUB26 could be related to biomarkers for predicting drug resistance.

Identification and expression analysis of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase in humphead snapper Lutjanus sanguineus

A tdt gene was identified successfully from humphead snapper Lutjanus sanguineus, which contained 1710 bp encoding a protein of 463 amino acids. Results of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) indicated that tdt mainly expressed in thymus and head kidney and the transcripts of tdt in these tissues were up-regulated significantly at 36 and 48 h after Vibrio harveyi infection. Meanwhile Tdt-producing cells were found in thymus and head kidney.

Effect of Xianling Gubao capsules on bone mineral density in osteoporosis patients

This paper aimed to analyze the clinical effects of Xianling Gubao capsules on the bone mineral density (BMD) of 94 patients with osteoporosis. After reviewing and analyzing the clinical information in our hospital from January 2015 to January 2016, the patients were divided into a control group and a treatment group with 47 cases in each group. Patients in the control group were treated with routine Western medicine, while the treatment group received Xianling Gubao capsules. Both groups were treated continuously for 3 courses (30 days each course) and had their BMD analyzed and compared. The effective rates of the treatment group and control group were 91.48% and 70.21%, respectively, with statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Compared with the same group before the treatment, the bone metabolic indexes (blood calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphate) and the BMD of the femoral neck and lumbar vertebrae (L1-2, L3-4, L2-4) of both groups were all improved with statistical significance (P less than 0.05) after the treatment. The above indexes of the treatment group were all significantly higher than those of the control group, with statistical significance (P less than 0.05). Compared with the same group before treatment (P less than 0.05), the osteocalcin (OC) levels of both groups were increased, and the Cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen (CTX-1) levels were decreased after the treatment. The OC level in the treatment group was higher when compared with the control group, while the CTX-1 level was lower compared to the control group (P less than 0.05). Moreover, no significant side-effects or adverse events were observed during the treatment and observation period. The Xianling Gubao Capsule possesses a therapeutic effect for BMD in osteoporosis patients, which can effectively increase their BMD, improve their bone metabolism, and control the loss of bone mass, therefore, can be used in clinical promotion and application.

Influence of dairy by-product waste milk on the microbiomes of different gastrointestinal tract components in pre-weaned dairy calves

The community structure of colonised bacteria in the gastrointestinal tracts (GITs) of pre-weaned calves is affected by extrinsic factors, such as the genetics and diet of the calves; however, the dietary impact is not fully understood and warrants further research. Our study revealed that a total of 6, 5, 2 and 10 bacterial genera showed biologically significant differences in the GITs of pre-weaned calves fed four waste-milk diets: acidified waste milk, pasteurised waste milk, untreated bulk milk, and untreated waste milk, respectively. Specifically, generic biomarkers were observed in the rumen (e.g., Bifidobacterium, Parabacteroides, Fibrobacter, Clostridium, etc.), caecum (e.g., Faecalibacterium, Oxalobacter, Odoribacter, etc.) and colon (e.g., Megamonas, Comamonas, Stenotrophomonas, etc.) but not in the faeces. In addition, the predicted metabolic pathways showed that the expression of genes related to metabolic diseases was increased in the calves fed untreated waste milk, which indicated that untreated waste milk is not a suitable liquid diet for pre-weaned calves. This is the first study to demonstrate how different types of waste milk fed to pre-weaned calves affect the community structure of colonised bacteria, and the results may provide insights for the intentional adjustment of diets and gastrointestinal bacterial communities.

Isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins as potential fluorescence-suppressed spin probes

A series of isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins were synthesized by the reaction of 5-phenyldipyrromethane and 5-(4'-carboethoxy-methyleneoxyphenyl)dipyrromethane with 5-formyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethylisoindolin-2-yloxyl (FTMIO) using the Lindsey method. The corresponding water-soluble spin-labeled porphyrins were also prepared. Subsequently, these compounds were characterized and their in vitro properties were evaluated. The electrochemical assay demonstrated that these isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins had similar electrochemical and redox properties to 5-carboxy-1,1,3,3-tetramethylisoindolin-2-yloxyl (CTMIO). The electron paramagnetic resonance test showed that these porphyrins exhibited hyperfine splittings and characteristic spectra of CTMIO with typical nitroxide g-values and nitrogen isotropic hyperfine coupling constants. The in vitro cytotoxicity assay indicated that these porphyrins possessed low cytotoxicity to human renal tubular epithelial 293T cells (normal cells) and human hepatoma HepG2 cells (tumor cells). Fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that free base isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins exhibited fluorescence suppression characteristic of nitroxide-fluorophore systems. In vitro fluorescene imaging demonstrated that the reduced isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins eliminated fluorescence suppression and displayed strong red fluorescence imaging in HepG2 cells. Thus these isoindoline nitroxide-labeled porphyrins may be considered potentially as biological spin probes for fluorescence imaging and EPR spectroscopy.

Effect of Resveratrol on Preventing Steroid-induced Osteonecrosis in a Rabbit Model

Background:

Prevention of osteonecrosis (ON) has seldom been addressed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of resveratrol on preventing steroid-induced ON in rabbits.

Methods:

Seventy-two rabbits were divided into four groups: (1) NEC (ON) group: thirty rabbits were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) once, then with methylprednisolone (MPS) daily for 3 days; (2) PRE (prevention) group: thirty rabbits were given one dose of LPS, then MPS daily for 3 days, and resveratrol on day 0 and daily for 2 weeks; (3) RES (resveratrol) group: six rabbits were given resveratrol for 2 weeks but without LPS/MPS; (4) CON (control) group: six rabbits were given alcohol for 2 weeks but without LPS/MPS. Levels of plasma tissue-type plasminogen activator (t-PA), plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), thrombomodulin (TM), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), maximum enhancement (ME) by magnetic resonance imaging, and ON incidence were evaluated.

Results:

The PRE group had a lower ON incidence than the NEC group, but with no significant differences at 2 weeks and 12 weeks. The RES and CON groups did not develop ON. TM and VEGF were significantly higher in the NEC group compared with the PRE group at weeks 1, 2, and 4 (TM: 1 week, P = 0.029; 2 weeks, P = 0.005; and 4 weeks, P = 0.047; VEGF: 1 week, P = 0.039; 2 weeks, P = 0.021; 4 weeks, P = 0.014), but the difference disappeared at 12 weeks. The levels of t-PA and PAI-1 were not significantly different between the NEC and PRE groups. The TM, t-PA, PAI-1, and VEGF concentrations in the RES and CON groups did not change over time. Compared to the baseline, ME in the NEC group decreased significantly (P = 0.025) at week 1, increased significantly (P = 0.021) at week 2, and was decreased at week 12. The variance was insignificant in the PRE group.

Conclusions:

Resveratrol may improve blood supply to bone in a rabbit model of ON of the femoral head via anti-inflammatory effects to protect the vascular endothelium and reduce thrombosis.

Five known tagging DLL3 SNPs are not associated with congenital scoliosis: A case-control association study in a Chinese Han population

Genetic etiology hypothesis is widely accepted in the development of congenital scoliosis (CS). The delta-like 3 (DLL3) gene, a member of the Notch signaling pathway, was implicated to contribute to human CS. In this study, a case-control association study was conducted to determine the association of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the DLL3 gene with CS in a Chinese Han Population. Five known tagging SNPs of the DLL3 gene were genotyped among 270 Chinese Han subjects (128 nonsyndromic CS patients and 142 matched controls). CS patients were divided into 3 types: type I-failure of formation (29 cases), type II-failure of segmentation (50 cases), and type III-mixed defects (49 cases). The 5 SNPs were analyzed by the allelic and genotypic association analysis, genotype-phenotype association analysis, and haplotype analysis. Allele frequencies of 5 tagging SNPs (SNP1: rs1110627, SNP2: rs3212276, SNP3: rs2304223, SNP4: rs2304222, and SNP5: rs2304214) in CS cases and controls were comparable and there were no available inheritance models. The SNPs were not associated with clinical phenotypes. Moreover, the 5 makers in the DLL3 gene were found to be in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD). Both global haplotype and individual haplotype analyses showed that the haplotypes of SNP1/SNP2/SNP3/SNP4/SNP5 did not correlate with the disease (P >0.05). Together, these data suggest that genetic variants of the DLL3 gene are not associated with CS in the Chinese Han population.

Characterization and identification of streptococci from golden pompano in China

Streptococcal infections cause significant mortality and high economic losses in the fish farm industry worldwide, including in the culture of golden pompano Trachinotus ovatus L., a species gaining popularity in China. A total of 9 streptococcal strains were isolated from cage-cultured diseased golden pompano in Beihai, Zhanjing, and Shenzhen, China, between 2012 and 2014. Conventional and rapid identification systems were used to determine that the isolates were Streptococcus agalactiae, S. iniae, and S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae. All isolates were gram-positive cocci cells in pairs or short-chain, non-motile, catalase negative, α or β hemolytic cocci. The results of multiplex PCR assays and 16S rRNA BLAST analysis also showed that the β hemolytic strains were S. agalactiae and S. iniae and the α hemolytic strain was S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, respectively. Pathogenicity assays revealed that S. agalactiae (lethal dose [LD50]: 6.38 × 10(4) CFU ml(-1)) was more virulent for golden pompano than S. iniae (LD50: 1.47 × 10(7) CFU ml(-1)) and S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae (LD50: 2.57 × 10(6) CFU ml(-1)) when they were challenged by intraperiotoneal (i.p.) injection. The results of antibiotic susceptibility showed that all strains were extremely susceptible to cefradine, erythromycin, and cefotaxime but resistant to gentamicin, penicillin G, novobiocin, neomycin, ciprofloxacin, roxithromycin, furazolidone, enrofloxacin, norfloxacin, kanamycin, ampicillin, tetracycline, and vancomycin This is the first report of a phenomenon of golden pompano coinfection with S. agalactiae and S. iniae, which will contribute to the diagnosis and prevention of streptococcicosis.

Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products on dairy calves: Ruminal fermentation, gastrointestinal morphology, and microbial community

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products (SCFP) in the calf starter and milk on ruminal fermentation, gastrointestinal morphology, and microbial community in the first 56 d of life. Thirty Holstein bull calves were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups: a texturized calf starter containing 0 (CON), 0.5, or 1% SCFP (XPC, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) of dry matter from d 4 to 56. In addition, the XPC-supplemented calves were fed with 1 g/d SCFP (SmartCare, Diamond V, Cedar Rapids, IA) in milk from d 2 to 30. All calves were fed 4 L of colostrum within 1 h of birth and were subsequently fed milk twice daily until weaned on d 56. Rumen fluid was collected by an esophageal tube 4 h after the morning feeding on d 28 and 56 to determine ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and volatile fatty acids concentrations. On d 56, 15 (5 per treatment) calves were harvested and slaughter weight, gastrointestinal morphology parameters, and bacteria community were recorded. Papilla length, width, and surface area were measured from 5 locations within the rumen. Villus height, width, surface area, crypt depth, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio were measured in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Next-generation sequencing technology was used to test the microbial community of the rumen and duodenum samples on d 28 and 56. Data were analyzed by MIXED procedure in SAS (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC) with contrast statements to declare CON versus all SCFP and 0.5 versus 1% SCFP in starter grains. Ruminal pH, ammonia-N, and total volatile fatty acids were not altered by SCFP. However, the supplemented groups exhibited higher ruminal butyrate concentrations coinciding with higher Butyrivibrio and lower Prevotella richness than CON group. Supplementation of SCFP increased papilla length in the rumen. In the small intestine, SCFP reduced crypt depth of jejunum, and increased villus height-to-crypt depth ratio in all segments of the small intestine, especially when supplemented at a higher dosage in the starter. In conclusion, Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation products improved gastrointestinal morphology, possibly due to increased Butyrivibrio and decreased Prevotella richness of the rumen fluid, which resulted in an increase in butyrate production, and the effect was slightly greater with the higher dosage of SCFP in the starter.