ABSTRACT This study investigated the effect of resveratrol on the immune and inflammatory responses and the mRNA levels of splenic toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signaling pathway-related genes of broilers under heat stress (HS). One hundred and sixty-two birds were allocated to three groups, each with 6 replicates, for 21 continuous days. The three treatments were as follows: the control group (22 ± 1 °C), the HS (33 ± 1 °C for 10 h d-1 and 22 ± 1 °C for the remaining time) group and the HS + resveratrol (400 mg kg-1) group. At the end of the trial, one bird per replicate close to the average body weight (BW) was selected, exsanguinated, and slaughtered. Compared with the control group, the HS treatment decreased (p<0.05) final BW, average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum immunoglobulin (Ig) Y, IgA and interleukin (IL)-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it increased (p<0.05) feed/gain, mRNA levels of splenic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TLR-4, nuclear factor-kappa-B (NF-κB), IL-1β, and IL-6. Compared to the HS group, the HS+resveratrol group exhibited increased (p<0.05) final BW, ADG, relative weight of bursa of Fabricius and spleen, serum IgY, IgA and IL-10 contents, and splenic IL-10 mRNA level, while it exhibited lower (p<0.05) TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 contents in serum, and splenic TLR4, TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB mRNA levels. In conclusion, resveratrol prevented a HS-impairment of the immune function of broilers by blocking the abnormal activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway.

Resumo A baixa estatura é um problema significativo de saúde pública em países de baixa e média renda. Este estudo avaliou a prevalência de nanismo e os fatores de risco associados de nanismo entre crianças em idade pré-escolar e em idade escolar em áreas afetadas por inundações do Paquistão. Foi realizado um estudo transversal visitando 656 domicílios por meio de amostragem em múltiplos estágios. As medidas antropométricas do entrevistado, informações sociodemográficas e instalações de saneamento foram exploradas. Um modelo de regressão logística foi usado para determinar os determinantes do nanismo, controlando todos os possíveis fatores de confusão. A prevalência geral de baixa estatura em crianças foi de 40,5%, entre as crianças 36,1% dos meninos e 46,3% das meninas com baixa estatura. A prevalência de baixa estatura em crianças menores de 5 anos foi de 50,7%. Crianças do sexo feminino (OR = 1,35, IC de 95%: 0,94-2,0), crianças de 13-24 meses (OR = 6,5, IC de 95%: 3,0-13,9), mães de 15-24 anos (OR = 4,4, IC de 95%: 2,6-7,2), família conjunta (OR = 2,1, IC 95%: 1,4-3,0) não tiveram acesso a água potável de qualidade (OR = 3,3, IC 95%: 1,9-5,9) e a banheiro (OR = 2,8, IC de 95%, 1,9-4,3), enquanto as crianças do distrito de Nowshera (OR = 1,7, IC de 95%: 0,9-3,2) foram significativamente (P < 0,05) associadas na análise univariada. O modelo de regressão revelou que a idade da criança, idade materna, tipo de família, qualidade da água e banheiro foram os fatores significativos (P < 0,05) que contribuíram para a baixa estatura infantil nas áreas afetadas pelas enchentes. A identificação de fatores-chave pode ser útil para os formuladores de políticas no planejamento de programas comunitários abrangentes para a redução da baixa estatura em áreas afetadas pelas enchentes. Em desastres como enchentes, as consequências prejudiciais do problema de baixa estatura podem ser ainda maiores para as crianças. Educação baseada em evidências e cuidados deve ser fornecida às famílias nas regiões afetadas pelas enchentes para reduzir o problema de nanismo. Os determinantes do retardo de crescimento devem ser almejados pela formulação de políticas abrangentes sobre nutrição adequada, meios de subsistência, água potável e instalações de saneamento nas regiões afetadas pelas enchentes.

Abstract Stunting is a significant public health problem in low- and middle-income countries. This study assessed the prevalence of stunting and associated risk factors of stunting among preschool and school-going children in flood-affected areas of Pakistan. A cross-sectional study was conducted by visiting 656 households through multi-stage sampling. Respondent’s anthropometric measurements, socio-demographic information and sanitation facilities were explored. A logistic regression model was used to determine determinants of stunting, controlling for all possible confounders. The overall prevalence of stunting in children was 40.5%, among children 36.1% boys and 46.3% of girls were stunted. The prevalence of stunting in under-five children was 50.7%. Female children (OR=1.35, 95% CI:0.94-2.0), children aged 13-24 months (OR=6.5, 95% CI: 3.0-13.9), mothers aged 15-24 years (OR=4.4, 95% CI: 2.6-7.2), joint family (OR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.4-3.0) did not have access to improved drinking water (OR=3.3, 95% CI: 1.9-5.9), and the toilet facility (OR=2.8, 95% CI, 1.9-4.3), while the children from district Nowshera (OR=1.7, 95% CI: 0.9-3.2) were significantly (P<0.05) associated in univariate analysis. The regression model revealed that child age, maternal age, family type, quality of water, and toilet facility, were the significant (P<0.05) factors contributing to child stunting in the flood-hit areas. Identification of key factors might be helpful for policymakers in designing comprehensive community-based programs for the reduction of stunting in flood-affected areas. In disasters such as flood, the detrimental consequences of the stunting problem could be even more on children. Evidence-based education and care must be provided to the families in the flood-affected regions to reduce the stunting problem. The determinants of stunting should be targeted by making comprehensive policies regarding proper nutrition, livelihood, clean water, and sanitation facilities in flood-hit regions.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate effects of vitamin A (VA) and vitamin K3 (VK3) on immune function and intestinal antioxidant capacity of aged laying hens. In a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, the diets of 1080 Roman Pink laying hens (87 weeks old) was formulated with deficient, adequate and excess VA and VK3, including 0, 7000 and 14000 IU/kg VA and 0, 2.0 and 4.0 mg/kg VK3 for 8 weeks. Interactive effects between VA and VK3 were observed that VA and VK3 decreased the splenetic mRNA expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), but increased the plasma immunoglobulin G (IgG) content and jejunal mRNA expression of nuclear factor-like 2 (Nrf2). Hens fed adequate or excess VA had higher spleen index, mRNA expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in spleen, sIgA content, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase and total dismutase (T-SOD) activity, and mRNA expression of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in jejunum and lower mRNA expression of IL-1β in jejunum and iNOS, TNF-α in spleen. Furthermore, adequate or excess VK3 significantly increased plasma IgG content, the CAT, T-SOD and total antioxidant capacity activities, up-regulated the mRNA expression of pIgR, Nrf2, SOD1 and CAT in jejunum and down-regulated the mRNA expression of iNOS and TNF-α in spleen. In conclusion, dietary addition of adequate VA (7000 IU/kg) and VK3 (2.0 mg/kg) improved the immune function and intestine antioxidant capacity of aged laying hens and excess levels did not exhibit superior effects.

The study investigated the effects of various levels of isoflavone aglycone-enriched fermented soybean meal (FSBM) on the redox status, serum hormones and milk quality of ewes from late pregnancy to early lactation. Twenty Chongming White ewes were chosen and divided into four treatment groups (n = 5): basal diet without FSBM (CON); basal diet with 2% (FSBM2); 4% (FSBM4); and 6% FSBM (FSBM6) replacing equal amounts of soybean meal (SBM). At parturition, maternal serum, the placenta and colostrum were collected. At day 21 of lactation, maternal serum and milk were collected. Results showed that, compared with CON, feeding ewes with FSBM6 reduced the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) concentration in the placenta. At parturition and day 21 of lactation, the serum SOD activity and T-AOC concentration in FSBM4 and FSBM6 were higher than those in CON. Furthermore, the concentration of serum 8-iso prostaglandin (8-ISO-PGF2a) was markedly lower in FSBM6 than in CON. Serum prolactin (PRL), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) concentrations were increased in FSBM4 and FSBM6 compared with CON. PRL concentration was increased in FSBM2. FSBM4 increased the levels of fat, protein, lactose, IgA, IgG and IgM in colostrum and milk. In conclusion, feeding ewes with FSBM from late pregnancy to early lactation seemed to increase maternal and placental anti-oxidative capacity, and improve serum hormones and milk quality. Considered overall, the level of 4% supplementation is recommended.

This study was aimed at investigating the effects of weaning on jejunal redox status, morphology and expression of cell cycle regulators in piglets. A total of 120 new-born piglets from 12 litters were divided into two groups: the control (suckled normally) and weaning group (weaned at day 21). Six piglets from each group were slaughtered at day 22, day 25 and day 28. Results showed that weaning increased the serum hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA), decreased inhibitory hydroxyl radical (IHR) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities at day 25. Furthermore, the jejunal nitric oxide (NO) level was increased at days 22 and 28, while H2O2 concentrationwas increased at days 22, 25 and 28. Results of jejunum morphology showed weaning decreased villous height and width, and increased crypt depth at day 25. Relative mRNA and protein expression showed that Smad4 was decreased at day 25 and then increased at day 28. The expression of p21 and p27 were significantly increased by weaning at days 25 and 28, but cyclin D and cyclin E showed no significant differences compared with control group. In conclusion, weaning increased the serum and jejunal reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, inhibited jejunum development and cell cycle progression through down-regulation of Smad4 and up-regulation of p21 and p27 of piglets, which further explained weaning-induced stress syndrome.

Pre-driven longwall recovery roadways are commonly adopted for rapid extraction in the high-production mines of Shendong coalfield in China. A special roadway, the adapting roadway, is utilized to adapt the longwall roof and floor to match the recovery roadway. However, severe accidents such as roof falls and support failures frequently occurred where this recovery roadways layout was applied to relatively deep coal seams. This posed a serious threat to safe production, and effective recovery and relocation of the longwalls. By analysing different cases and mining conditions, theoretical investigation and numerical simulation were conducted based on the mechanisms of such incidents, and a systematic control approach was proposed. The controls involve a method to determine the applicability of the adapting roadway, the evaluation of incident potential, the means to reduce the likelihood of incidents, and an optimized method to determine the location of mesh installation. The findings were applied to multiple longwall faces in the Shendong coalfield and resulted in substantial benefits. The study findings and the proposed control approach can also be applied to other mines with similar problems.

ABSTRACT Purpose: Grades III and IV haemorrhoids have been preferentially treated with surgery for years. The decision to pursue surgical therapy for haemorrhoids is based on the severity of symptoms and the traditional classification of haemorrhoid prolapse. In this study, an alternative technique known as hand-sewn haemorrhoidopexy (HHP) was conducted using a modified anoscope. Methods: A total of 51 patients requiring surgical treatment for grades III and IV prolapsing haemorrhoids were treated by HHP. Hospitalstay duration, costs, time of work-off, operative time, wound healing-time, complications and outcomes were recorded after the operation. Results: Shorter wound healing-time and lower complication rates were observed after the patients were subjected to HHP. These patients also exhibited better tolerance for the operation and incurred significantly lower costs than patients who were treated with other therapies. Conclusions: Hand-sewn haemorrhoidopexy using is a safe, effective and painless surgical procedure to treat patients with grades III and IV or mixed haemorrhoids.

RESUMEN Propósito: Las hemorroides de grados III y IV han sido preferentemente tratadas mediante cirugía durante muchos años. La decisión de continuar la terapia quirúrgica para las hemorroides se basa en la severidad de los síntomas y la clasificación tradicional del prolapso hemorroidal. En este estudio, se llevó a cabo una técnica alternativa conocida como hemorroidopexia por sutura manual(HPM) mediante un anoscopio modificado. Métodos: Un totalde 51 pacientes que requerían tratamiento quirúrgico de hemorroides prolapsadas de grados III y IV fueron tratados por HPM. Tras la operación se registraron la duración de la estancia hospitalaria, los costos, el tiempo de trabajo, el tiempo de operación, el tiempo de curación de las heridas, las complicaciones, y los resultados. Resultados: En los pacientes fueron operados con HPM, se observó un menor tiempo de curación de las heridas, y tasas de complicaciones más bajas. Estos pacientes mostraron también una mejor tolerancia de la operación y tuvieron costos significativamente más bajos que los pacientes que fueron tratados con otras terapias. Conclusiones: Hemorroidopexia manuales un procedimiento quirúrgico seguro, eficaz e indoloro con el cual tratar a los pacientes con hemorroides de grados III y IV, o hemorroides mixtas.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in drug resistance and modulate the efficiency of chemotherapy. A recent study indicated that miR-340 functions as a tumor suppressor in various types of cancer. However, the role of miR-340 in chemotherapy has not been reported yet. In this study, we found that miR-340 enhanced cisplatin (CDDP)-induced cell death. Induction of miR-340-5p expression decreased the IC50 of CDDP and increased the apoptosis of CDDP-resistant MG-63 and Saos-2 cells. Moreover, miR-340-5p decreased the accumulation of MRP1 and MDR1. We further explored the mechanism underlying the promoting effects of miR-340-5p on CDDP-induced cell death. We identified a potential target of miR-340 in the 3′ untranslated region of lysophosphatidic acid acyltransferase (LPAATβ) using the online program Targetscan (http://www.microrna.org). Luciferase reporter assays showed that miR-340 binds to the 3′UTR of LPAATβ. Enforced expression of miR-340-5p decreased the accumulation of LPAATβ in both MG-63 and Saos-2 cells. Silencing LPAATβ decreased the IC50 of CDDP and increased the apoptosis of CDDP-resistant MG-63 and Saos-2 cells, which is consistent with the effect of miR-340-5p on CDDP-induced cell death. Moreover, induced expression of LPAATβ compromised the effects of miR-340-5p on CDDP-induced cell death and accumulation of MRP1 and MDR1. Taken together, our data indicated that miR-340-5p enhanced the sensitivity to CDDP by targeting LPAATβ.

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of perinatal exposure to nonylphenol (NP) on delivery outcome of pregnant rats and subsequent inflammatory hepatic injury in newborn rats. The pregnant rats were divided into 2 groups: control group (corn oil) and NP exposure group. Thirty-four pregnant rats were administered NP or corn oil by gavage from the sixth day of pregnancy to 21 days postpartum, with blood samples collected at 12 and 21 days of pregnancy and 60 days after delivery. The NP concentration was measured by HPLC, with chemiluminescence used for detection of estrogen and progesterone levels. Maternal delivery parameters were also observed. Liver and blood of the newborn rats were collected and subjected to automatic biochemical detection of liver function and blood lipid analyzer (immunoturbidimetry), and ultrastructural observation of the hepatic microstructure, with the TNF-α and IL-1β hepatic tissue levels evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, the pregnant and postpartum serum NP and estradiol levels of the mother rats in the NP group were significantly increased, together with lowered progesterone level, increased number of threatened abortion and dystocia, and fewer newborn rats and lower litter weight. Serum and hepatic NP levels of the newborn rats measured 60 days after birth were significantly higher than those of the control group, as well as lower testosterone levels and increased estradiol levels. When observed under electron microscope, the hepatocyte nuclei of the control group were large and round, with evenly distributed chromatin. The chromatin of hepatocytes in the NP group presented deep staining of the nuclei, significant lipid decrease in the cytoplasm, and the majority of cells bonded with lysate. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that there was almost no TNF-α or IL-1β expression in the hepatocytes of the control group, while the number of TNF-α-, PCNA-, and IL-1β-positive cells in the NP group was increased, with higher integral optical density than the control group. Compared to the control group, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein in the newborn rats of the NP group were significantly increased. There was no significant difference in the serum level of high-density lipoprotein or cholesterol between the groups. Perinatal exposure to NP can interfere with the in vivo estrogen and progesterone levels of pregnant rats, resulting in threatened abortion, dystocia and other adverse delivery outcomes. High liver and serum NP levels of the newborn rats led to alteration of liver tissue structure and function. The NP-induced hepatotoxicity is probably mediated by inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1α.

Based on Glycine gracilis growth and ion homeostasis testing, neutral salt (NS)and alkaline salt (AS) stress were characterized and the responses of G. gracilis were investigated.The injurious effects of AS on G. gracilis were obviously stronger than those of NS.The effects of both stresses on the Na+ content and Na+/K+ ratio were similar at low concentrations, but as the stress increased, the effects of a greater Na+ content and Na+/K+ratio increased slowly under NS conditions, but sharply under AS. The roots of G. gracilis accumulated NO3−and H2PO4−, while the stems and leaves accumulated C2O4(2−) and H2PO4−to maintain thein tracellular ion balance. The dominant intracellular anions in the stipes were NO3- and C2O4(2-) under control conditions, and NO3- and H2PO4- under salt stress. With the increasing AS, the Cl−, NO3− and H2PO4− concentrations decreased, and G.gracilis might have increased SO4(2−) and C2O4(2−)levels to compensate for the shortage of inorganic anions. Under NS, the NO3− and C2O4(2−) concentrations decreased, and G. gracilis might have increased Cl−, H2PO4− and SO4(2−)levels to compensate for the shortage of inorganic anions. G. gracilis seedling showed a special nutritional metabolism and some growth adaptability under salt stress.

ABSTRACT Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the influence of repeated recruitment manoeuvres (RRMs) on lung injury in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods: Forty-one ventilated patients with severe ARDS were selected for this study. Recruitment manoeuvres (RMs) were conducted with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; 30 cm H2O for 40 seconds). Recruitment manoeuvres were repeated every two hours for all three groups. Changes in haemodynamics, pulmonary compliance, gas exchange and extravascular lung water index (EVLWI) were monitored before RM (pre-RM), 10 minutes after each RM, and four hours after RM3 (4 hours post-RRM). Pulmonary inflammatory factors (tumour necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α] and interleukin [IL]-6 and −10) were also analysed. Results: Compared with those in pre-RM, pulmonary compliance, oxygenation index (ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen [PaO2/FiO2]) and EVLWI remarkably improved in RM1, RM2, RM3 and 4 hours post-RRM (p < 0.05). The PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased significantly in RM1 and RM3 (p < 0.05). Extravascular lung water index decreased significantly in RM1 compared with that in RM3 and 4 hours post-RRM (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in cytokines. Conclusion: Repeated recruitment manoeuvres during lung-protected ventilation can improve pulmonary compliance and oxygenation and significantly decrease extravascular lung water in ARDS patients. Lung injury was not worsened by RRMs in patients with severe ARDS.

RESUMEN Objetivo: El estudio tuvo por objeto evaluar la influencia de las maniobras de reclutamiento repetidas (MRR) en la lesión pulmonar en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria agudo (SDRA). Métodos: Para este estudio se seleccionaron cuarenta y un pacientes ventilados, con SDRA severo. Se realizaron maniobras de reclutamiento (MR) con presión positiva continua de las vías respiratorias (CPAP; 30 cm H2O durante 40 segundos). Las maniobras de reclutamiento se repitieron cada dos horas para los tres grupos. Los cambios de hemodinámica, distensibilidad pulmonar, intercambio gaseoso e índice de agua pulmonar extravascular (EVLWI) fueron monitoreados antes de MR (pre-MR), diez minutos después de cada MR y cuatro horas después de MR3 (4 horas post-MRR). También se analizaron los factores de inflamación pulmonar: factor de necrosis tumoral alfa, e interleucina-6 y-10 (TNF-α, IL-6 e IL-10). Resultados: En comparación con los de pre-MR, la distensibilidad pulmonar, el índice de oxigenación, la proporción de la presión parcial de oxígeno arterial con respecto a la fracción de oxígeno inspirado (PaO2/FiO2) y EVLWI mejoraron notablemente en MR1, MR2, MR3, y cuatro horas post-MRR (p < 0.05). La razón PaO2/FiO2 aumentó significativamente en MR1 y MR3 (p < 0.05). El índice de agua pulmonar extravascular disminuyó significativamente en MR1, en comparación con la de MR3 y cuatro horas de post-MRR (p < 0.05). No hubo diferencias significativas en las citocinas. Conclusión: Las maniobras de reclutamiento repetidas durante la ventilación de protección pulmonar puede mejorar la oxigenación y la distensibilidad pulmonar, y disminuir considerablemente el agua pulmonar extravascular en pacientes con SDRA. La lesión pulmonar no fue empeorada por MRR en pacientes con SDRA grave.

Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon berries and calli were irradiated with ultraviolet C (UV-C) to investigate the effects on the biosynthesis of stilbene. The stilbene content in the berry skins was enhanced significantly after 10 min of UV-C irradiation over the 24 h time course, and the results varied depending on the development stage of the fruit. The maximum production of total stilbene in the berry skins occurred at 12 h after treatment, with a content of 848.45 ± 23.53 pg/g fresh weight (FW) at the beginning of véraison, 591.77 ± 26.90 pg/g FW at the end of véraison, and 170.71 ± 6.85 pg/g FW at the ripening stage. Different UV-C dosages, from 5 to 30 min, induced stilbene accumulation considerably in the calli over the 120 h experimental period, and 20 min was the most efficient. The maximum of total stilbene accumulation in the calli was 125.07 ± 3.01 pg/g FW at 96 h after 20 min irradiation. Total phenolics and total flavonoid content increased after UV-C irradiation in both the berry skins and calli. The relative expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in the branching point of stilbene and flavonoid biosynthesis was up-regulated by UV-C irradiation. The results show that UV-C irradiation significantly promotes stilbene and flavonoid biosynthesis in grape berry skins and calli, and the induction effects depend on fruit development stage and UV-C dosage.

Acute cerebral hemorrhage (ACH) is an important clinical problem that is often monitored and studied with expensive devices such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. These devices are not readily available in economically underdeveloped regions of the world, emergency departments, and emergency zones. We have developed a less expensive tool for non-contact monitoring of ACH. The system measures the magnetic induction phase shift (MIPS) between the electromagnetic signals on two coils. ACH was induced in 6 experimental rabbits and edema was induced in 4 control rabbits by stereotactic methods, and their intracranial pressure and heart rate were monitored for 1 h. Signals were continuously monitored for up to 1 h at an exciting frequency of 10.7 MHz. Autologous blood was administered to the experimental group, and saline to the control group (1 to 3 mL) by injection of 1-mL every 5 min. The results showed a significant increase in MIPS as a function of the injection volume, but the heart rate was stable. In the experimental (ACH) group, there was a statistically significant positive correlation of the intracranial pressure and MIPS. The change of MIPS was greater in the ACH group than in the control group. This high-sensitivity system could detect a 1-mL change in blood volume. The MIPS was significantly related to the intracranial pressure. This observation suggests that the method could be valuable for detecting early warning signs in emergency medicine and critical care units.