Gelsolin (GSN) can sever actin filaments associated with autophagy. This study investigated how GSN-regulated actin filaments control autophagy in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs) in acute pancreatitis (AP). AP was produced in a rat model and PDECs using caerulein (CAE). Rat pancreatic duct tissue and HPDE6-C7 cells were extracted at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after CAE treatment. HPDE6-C7 cells in the presence of CAE were treated with cytochalasin B (CB) or silenced for GSN for 24 h. Pancreatic histopathology and serum amylase levels were analyzed. Cellular ultrastructure and autophagy in PDECs were observed by transmission electron microscopy after 24 h of CAE treatment. The expression of GSN and autophagy markers LC3, P62, and LAMP2 was evaluated in PDECs by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. Actin filaments were observed microscopically. Amylase levels were highest at 6 h of AP, and pancreatic tissue damage increased over time. Mitochondrial vacuolization and autophagy were observed in PDECs. CAE increased GSN expression in these cells over time, increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression at 24 and 6 h of treatment, respectively, and decreased P62 expression at all time points. CB treatment for 24 h decreased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression, increased P62 levels, but had no impact on GSN expression in CAE-treated PDECs. CAE induced actin depolymerization, and CB potentiated this effect. GSN silencing increased the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio and LAMP2 expression and reduced actin depolymerization in CAE-treated PDECs. GSN may inhibit autophagosome biogenesis and autophagosome-lysosome fusion by increasing actin depolymerization in PDECs in AP.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effect of Suanzaoren decoction on stress response of horses in transportation. A total of six male Ili horses were equally divided into Suanzaoren decoction treatment group (n = 3; basal diet supplemented with Suanzaoren decoction, three times/day) and control group (n = 3; basal diet, three times/day). After feeding for five days, all horses were transported for 8 h to simulate stress. Blood and serum samples were obtained before transport (BT), during transport (T), and after transport (AT). Results showed that there was significant interaction between road transport and dietary Suanzaoren decoction supplementation for the white blood cells (WBC), intermediate cell ratio (MID%), granulocyte ratio (GRAN%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose (GLU), aspartate transaminase (AST), creatine (CK), cortisol (COR), human growth hormone (HGH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and arginine vasopressin content, insulin (INS), and thyronine 4 (T4) in blood and serum. The highest WBC was found in T group. The highest GRAN%, ALT, GLU, AST, CK, T4, ACTH, and INS contents were observed in serum from AT groups, which was decreased by treatment. In conclusion, dietary Suanzaoren decoction supplementation did relieve horse transportation stress. This study provides a useful clinical therapy for relieving transportation stress of horses.

A series of metal ion (M = Sn2+, Fe3+, Ni2+, Co2+, Ag+, Cu2+) exchanged tungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40; TPA) catalysts with tunable Brønsted/Lewis acidity were synthesized and exploited for the oxidation of benzyl alcohol (BzOH) to benzaldehyde (BzH) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as oxidant. The structure of these M-TPA composite salts was also characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and solid-state 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) probe molecule method. Among these M-TPAs, the Sn1/2H2PW12O40 catalyst, which presented strong Brønsted acidity, the synergistic effect of Brønsted/Lewis and pseudo-liquid characteristic property, exhibited excellent catalytic activity and durability with 98.2% of BzH selectivity and 95.1% of BzH yield. The optimal conditions for the oxidation of BzOH optimized by response surface methodology (RSM) were as follows: n(BzOH)/n(H2O2) = 1:1.25, catalyst amount of 5.5 wt.% to BzOH, water amount of 17 mL, 3.3 h of reaction time, and temperature 393 K. Moreover, further kinetic study confirmed that the reaction order was 2.64 and the activation energy was 21.75 kJ mol-1.

RESUMO Objetivo: Nosso objetivo foi determinar o efeito de diferentes intervenções na faixa de baixa temperatura em diferentes pontos do tempo em um modelo de lesão por pressão (IP) de rato produzida por lesão de isquemia/reperfusão (I/R). Métodos: Ratos Sprague-Dawley foram aleatoriamente designados para grupos de controle em branco, controle de lesão e intervenção por temperatura. Ratos nos grupos de controle de lesão e intervenção de temperatura (envolvendo exposição a diferentes faixas de temperatura em diferentes momentos) foram submetidos a três ciclos de lesão de I/R com isquemia de 2 h e reperfusão de 0,5 h para induzir IP. Resultados: Os tecidos musculares exibiram alterações degenerativas após a compressão. A intervenção em baixa temperatura de 16–18°C no período de isquemia resultou no menor grau de dano ao tecido e diminuiu significativamente os níveis de proteína X associada a Bcl-2 (Bax), caspase-9 e caspase-3. Além disso, resultou no nível de expressão mais alto de linfoma de células B 2 (Bcl-2) e níveis de expressão mais baixos de Bax, caspase-9 e caspase-3 em tecidos musculares entre todos os grupos de intervenção. Conclusão: A intervenção em baixa temperatura de 16–18°C durante o período de isquemia mostrou efeitos ótimos nas expressões de fatores apoptóticos durante o desenvolvimento de IP com dano tecidual induzido por I/R.

ABSTRACT Objective: We aimed to determine the effect of different low-temperature range interventions at different time-points in a rat model of pressure injury (PI) produced by Ischemia/Reperfusion (I/R) injury. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to blank control, injury control, and temperature intervention groups. Rats in the injury control and temperature intervention groups (involving exposure to different temperature range at different time-points) were subjected to three cycles of I/R injury with 2-h ischemia and 0.5-h reperfusion to induce PI. Results: The muscle tissues exhibited degenerative changes after compression. Low temperature intervention of 16–18°C in the ischemia period resulted in the lowest degree of tissue damage and significantly decreased levels of Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-9, and caspase-3. Moreover, it resulted in the highest expression level of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and lowest expression levels of Bax, caspase-9, and caspase-3 in muscle tissues among all intervention groups. Conclusion: Low-temperature intervention at 16–18°C during the ischemia period showed optimal effects on the expressions of apoptotic factors during the development of PI with I/R-induced tissue damage.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo fue determinar el efecto de diferentes intervenciones de rango de temperatura baja en diferentes puntos de tiempo en un modelo de rata de lesión por presión (IP) producida por lesión por isquemia/reperfusión (I/R). Métodos: Se asignaron aleatoriamente ratas Sprague-Dawley a grupos de control en blanco, control de lesiones e intervención de temperatura. Las ratas en los grupos de control de lesiones e intervención de temperatura (que implican exposición a diferentes rangos de temperatura en diferentes puntos de tiempo) se sometieron a tres ciclos de lesión I/R con isquemia de 2 h y reperfusión de 0,5 h para inducir IP. Resultados: Los tejidos musculares presentaron cambios degenerativos después de la compresión. La intervención a baja temperatura de 16–18°C en el período de isquemia resultó en el grado más bajo de daño tisular y niveles significativamente reducidos de proteína X asociada a Bcl-2 (Bax), caspasa-9 y caspasa-3. Además, dio como resultado el nivel de expresión más alto de linfoma de células B 2 (Bcl-2) y los niveles de expresión más bajos de Bax, caspasa-9 y caspasa-3 en los tejidos musculares entre todos los grupos de intervención. Conclusión: La intervención a baja temperatura a 16–18°C durante el período de isquemia mostró efectos óptimos sobre la expresión de factores apoptóticos durante el desarrollo de IP con daño tisular inducido por I/R.

ABSTRACT In this paper, we present a male patient from Xinjiang with fever of unknown origin and significant weight loss for more than 1 month. He was admitted to hospital with negative Rose Bengal test (RBT) and decreased leucocyte count. Ultrasound revealed splenomegaly and abdominal computed tomography, which showed multiple hypodense splenic nodules. The patient was suspected of lymphoma or tuberculosis. Pathological biopsy suggested brucellosis infection following splenectomy. Anti-Brucella treatment was effective and his temperature gradually returned to normal. During the follow-up, the patient's RBT result turned to positive and he was instructed to continue the anti-Brucella drug regimen. His temperature, weight, white blood cell count, other laboratory examinations, and imaging findings all returned to normal during the 6-month follow-up after the treatment.

Resumo Introdução: O tamponamento da cavidade nasal tem sido usado tradicionalmente para controle do sangramento pós-operatório e diminuição da formação de sinéquia em pacientes submetidos a cirurgias nasais. Embora o tamponamento nasal absorvível tenha ganhado popularidade nos últimos anos, o tampão nasal não absorvível ainda é frequentemente usado em várias partes do mundo. Sabe-se que o tamponamento está associado a dor e desconforto, especialmente na sua remoção, e revisões anteriores avaliaram apenas os efeitos do tampão com anestésico local em cirurgias do septo nasal. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito do tamponamento nasal infiltrado com anestésicos locais na dor e ansiedade pós-operatórias após cirurgias nasosinusais. Material e métodos: Para a revisão, pesquisamos nos bancos de dados PubMed e Embase desde o registro mais antigo até 27 de abril de 2019, incluímos ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados, a ensaios clínicos prospectivos controlados e apenas ensaios clínicos controlados e randomizados para análise de dados. Incluímos estudos que usaram tamponamento nasal infiltrado com anestésicos tópicos após cirurgias nasosinusais e avaliamos a eficácia em comparação com o tamponamento com placebo na redução da dor durante o acompanhamento pós-operatório, bem como os efeitos na redução da ansiedade. Resultados: Entre os 15 estudos incluídos, 9, que envolveram 765 participantes, contribuíram para a metanálise. Em termos de redução da dor, nossa análise mostrou diferenças médias padrão significantes em relação à eficácia no pós-operatório nos intervalos de 1, 12, 24 horas para todos os grupos cirúrgicos combinados, no grupo da cirurgia sinusal e durante a remoção do tamponamento nasal. Não houve evidências consistentes para apoiar a eficácia na redução da ansiedade. Conclusões: Nosso estudo apoia o uso de tamponamentos nasais infiltrados com anestésicos locais como um método eficaz no tratamento da dor em pacientes após cirurgias nasosinusais. No entanto, o nível de evidência é baixo. São necessários mais ensaios clínicos randomizados de alta qualidade para estabelecer sua eficácia na redução da ansiedade. Acreditamos que esta revisão seja de grande significado clínico devido à vasta população submetida a cirurgias nasosinusais. A hemorragia local pós-operatória continua a ser a maior preocupação para os cirurgiões otorrinolaringológicos devido à rica vasculatura do nariz e seios nasais. O tamponamento nasosinusal fornece suporte estrutural e serve como uma medida importante para a hemostasia e formação de sinéquias. Embora o tamponamento absorvível tenha ganhado popularidade nos últimos anos, os materiais de tamponamento não absorvíveis ainda são usados em muitos países devido ao menor custo. A infiltração do tamponamento nasal com anestésicos locais fornece uma solução para desconforto, pressão e dor nasal comumente referida pelos pacientes, como evidenciado por nossa análise.

Abstract Introduction: Packing of the nasal cavity has traditionally been used for postoperative bleeding control and decreasing synechia formation in patients undergoing nasal surgeries. Although absorbable nasal packing has been gaining popularity in the recent years, nonabsorbable nasal packing is still often used in nasal surgeries in various parts of the world. It is known to be associated with pain and discomfort especially upon and during removal, and previous reviews have only evaluated the effects of local anesthetic infiltration of nasal packing in septal surgeries. Objective: To evaluate the effect of infiltrating nasal packing with local anesthetics in postoperative pain and anxiety following sinonasal surgeries Materials and methods: We searched the PubMed and Embase databases from their earliest record to April 27, 2019, randomized controlled trials and prospective controlled trials for review, and included only randomized controlled trials for data analysis. We included studies using topical anesthetics-infiltrated nasal packing following sinonasal surgeries and evaluated the effectiveness compared to placebo packing in pain reduction during postoperative follow up, as well as the effectiveness in anxiety reduction. Results: Among 15 studies included for review, 9 studies involving 765 participants contributed to the meta-analysis. In terms of pain reduction, our analysis showed significant standard mean differences regarding effectiveness at postoperative 1, 12, 24 h interval for all surgical groups combined, in the sinus surgery group, as well as during nasal packing removal. There was no consistent evidence to support the effectiveness in anxiety reduction. Conclusions: Our study supports anesthetics infiltration of nasal packing as an effective method in managing pain in patients with nasal packing after sinonasal surgeries. However, the level of evidence is low. More high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to establish its effectiveness in reducing anxiety. We believe this review is of great clinical significance due to the vast patient population undergoing sinonasal surgeries. Postoperative local hemorrhage remains the greatest concern for ear nose and throat surgeons due to the rich vasculature of the nose and sinuses. Sinonasal packing provides structural support and serves as an important measure for hemostasis and synechia formation. Although absorbable packing has been gaining popularity in the recent years, nonabsorable packing materials are still used in many countries due to lower cost. Infiltration of nasal packing with local anesthetic provides a solution to the discomfort, nasal pressure and nasal pain experienced commonly by the patients as evidenced by our analysis.

Abstract The acquired pellicle formation is the first step in dental biofilm formation. It distinguishes dental biofilms from other biofilm types. Objective To explore the influence of salivary pellicle formation before biofilm formation on enamel demineralization. Methodology Saliva collection was approved by Indiana University IRB. Three donors provided wax–stimulated saliva as the microcosm bacterial inoculum source. Acquired pellicle was formed on bovine enamel samples. Two groups (0.5% and 1% sucrose–supplemented growth media) with three subgroups (surface conditioning using filtered/pasteurized saliva; filtered saliva; and deionized water (DIW)) were included (n=9/subgroup). Biofilm was then allowed to grow for 48 h using Brain Heart Infusion media supplemented with 5 g/l yeast extract, 1 mM CaCl2.2H2O, 5% vitamin K and hemin (v/v), and sucrose. Enamel samples were analyzed for Vickers surface microhardness change (VHNchange), and transverse microradiography measuring lesion depth (L) and mineral loss (∆Z). Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Results The two-way interaction of sucrose concentration × surface conditioning was not significant for VHNchange (p=0.872), ∆Z (p=0.662) or L (p=0.436). Surface conditioning affected VHNchange (p=0.0079), while sucrose concentration impacted ∆Z (p<0.0001) and L (p<0.0001). Surface conditioning with filtered/pasteurized saliva resulted in the lowest VHNchange values for both sucrose concentrations. The differences between filtered/pasteurized subgroups and the two other surface conditionings were significant (filtered saliva p=0.006; DIW p=0.0075). Growing the biofilm in 1% sucrose resulted in lesions with higher ∆Z and L values when compared with 0.5% sucrose. The differences in ∆Z and L between sucrose concentration subgroups was significant, regardless of surface conditioning (both p<0.0001). Conclusion Within the study limitations, surface conditioning using human saliva does not influence biofilm–mediated enamel caries lesion formation as measured by transverse microradiography, while differences were observed using surface microhardness, indicating a complex interaction between pellicle proteins and biofilm–mediated demineralization of the enamel surface.

ABSTRACT A fermentative acetic acid producing strain, named CSJ-3, was isolated from sludge and identified as Pseudomonas sp. on the basis of 16S rRNA gene analysis. The effects of cultivation conditions on the production of acetic acid by Pseudomonas sp. CSJ-3 were investigated in batch fermentation, and the maximum yield of acetic acid reached up to 0.49 % during 30 h cultivation under the optimum growth condition, including fermentation temperature of 37.0 ºC, fermentation pH of 4.50, ethanol concentration of 8 %, carbon source (glucose) amount of 10 g/L, and rotation speed of 120 r/min. When ultraviolet (UV) irradiation was used for the mutation in culture medium to improve the yield of acetic acid, the results showed that the yield of acetic acid reached up to 0.59 %. UV and FTIR confirmed that acetic acid was the major fermented product.

ABSTRACT The carbohydrate response element-binding protein (ChREBP) is an important nuclear factor that regulates glycolysis and de novo lipogenesis. However, the role of ChREBP in fatty liver development in geese remains unclear. In order to understand the function of ChREBP in lipid metabolism of geese, we first cloned the complete cDNA of the ChREBP of the Sichuan White goose (Anser cygnoides) using RT-PCR, 5’ RACE and 3’ RACE, and analyzed goose ChREBP expression in nine different tissues using real-time PCR technology. The results showed that the goose ChREBP CDS consists of 945bp nucleotides that encode 314 amino acids, and the sequence has high similarities with the swan goose (Anser cygnoides domesticus) and duck (Anas platyrhynchos) sequences, both at the nucleotide and amino acid levels. The predicted ChREBP protein had a molecular mass of 35.64 kDa with pI value of 5.36. The phylogenetic analysis indicated its evolutionary relationships with corresponding orthologous sequences in swan geese and ducks. The qPCR assays revealed that ChREBP is highly expressed in liver in the Sichuan White goose. Together, these results indicate that goose ChREBP may play an important role in the development of hepatic steatosis.

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aims to investigate the role of two-hour postprandial C-peptide C-pep-tide (2HPC-P) for assessing islet β-cell function in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 326 T2DM patients were enrolled into this clinical study. The correlations were analysed between 2HPC-P, 2HPC-P increment, and 2HPC-P/fasting C-peptide (FC-P) with the area under the C-peptide curve (AUC-C) after a 100 g bread challenge. Of these patients, 87 newly diagnosed T2DM patients were divided into two Groups, Group I (2HPC-P/ FC-P ≥ 3, n = 43) and Group II (2HPC-P/FC-P < 3, n = 44), and performed insulin pumpintensive therapy for two weeks, followed by follow-up for three months. Results: The positive correlations were found between the 2HPC-P, 2HPC-P increment and 2HPC-P/FC-P with AUC-C (r = 0.97, 0.88 and 0.77, respectively, p < 0.05). After the insulin pump-intensive therapy, the HOMA2 IR values showed no significantly difference (2.50 ± 0.69 vs 2.23 ± 1.36, p > 0.05), while HOMA2 B% was significantly higher (145.9 ± 56.2 vs 26.9 ± 22.4, p < 0.01) than the basic values in newly diagnosed T2DM in total. During the follow-up, more patients in Group I underwent remission than in Group II (20/43 vs 5/44). Conclusions: Two-hour postprandial C-peptide and its derivative indicators could effectively assess islet β-cell function.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar el papel del péptido C postprandial de dos horas (2HPC-P) en la evaluación de la función de las células β del islote en la diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2). Métodos: Un total de 326 pacientes de DM2 fueron inscritos en este estudio clínico. Se analizaron las correlaciones entre 2HPC-P, el incremento de 2HPC-P, y 2HPC-P/péptido C en ayunas (PCA) con el área bajo la curva del péptido C (AUC-C) tras un desafío de 100 g de pan. De estos pacientes, 87 recientemente diagnosticados con DM2 fueron divididos en dos grupos, grupo I (2HPC-P/PCA ≥ 3, n = 43) y el grupo II (2HPC-P/PCA < 3, n = 44), y, realizaron un tratamiento intensivo con bomba de insulina durante dos semanas, con un seguimiento de tres meses. Resultados: Las correlaciones positivas se encontraron entre en el 2HPC-P, el incremento de 2HPC-P, y 2HPC-P/PCA con AUC-C (r = 0.97, 0.88 y 0.77, respectivamente, p < 0.05). Después de la terapia intensiva con bomba de insulina, los valores del modelo homeostático para evaluar la resistencia a la insulina (HOMA2 IR) no mostraron diferencias significativas (2.50 ± 0.69 vs 2.23 ± 1.36, p > 0.05), mientras que los valores de HOMA2 B% fueron significativamente más altos (145.9 ± 56.2 vs 26.9 ± 22.4, p < 0.01) que los valores básicos en el DM2 recientemente diagnosticado en total. Durante el seguimiento, más pacientes en el grupo I fueron objeto de remisión que los pacientes en el grupo II (20/43 vs 5/44). Conclusiones: El péptido C postprandial de dos horas y sus indicadores derivados pudieron evaluar con eficacia la función de las células β del islote.

Monomeric anthocyanins are the main contributor of colour in young red wines. To study the importance of monomeric anthocyanins to the wine colour, 41 wines of Vitis vinifera L. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Gernischt and Merlot were examined. Seven monomeric anthocyanins were isolated and applied as standards in HPLC analysis. Multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were performed to relate and validate the correlations between the monomeric anthocyanins and CIELab colour parameters. Malvidin-3-O-glucoside (Mv3g) was the most abundant anthocyanin in all tested wines, but not the anthocyanin that showed the highest correlation with the colour parameters evaluated. L*, b* and h were shown to be correlated significantly with mainly the anthocyanins for Cabernet Sauvignon, L* with the anthocyanins for Cabernet Gernischt and h with the anthocyanins for Merlot. MLR and PLSR both successfully predicted the colour from the anthocyanin composition of the wine. Delphinidin-3-glucoside (Dp3g), malvidin-3-O-acetylglucoside (Mv3ac) and Dp3g were the most important monomeric anthocyanins contributing to the prediction of the wine colour of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Gernischt and Merlot respectively. Different grape varieties had profound influences on the correlation of wine colour with anthocyanin composition.

ABSTRACT PURPOSE: To investigate the role of bradykinin in a rat lung transplantation (LTx) model and preliminarily discuss the relationship between bradykinin and CD26/DPP-4. METHODS: Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control (CON), Sham, low potassium dextranglucose (LPD), and AB192 (n=15/group). Orthotopic single LTx was performed in the LPD and AB192 groups. The donor lungs were flush-perfused and preserved with low potassium dextranglucose (LPD) or LPD+CD26/DPP-4 catalytic inhibitor (AB192). LTx was performed after 18 h cold ischemia time and harvested two days post-LTx. Blood gas analysis (PO2), wet/dry weight ratio (W/D), myeloperoxidase activity (MPO), and lipid peroxidation (MDA) were analyzed at 48 hr after transplantation. Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis was performed in the same sample and validated by Western-Blot. RESULTS: Compared to the LPD group, the AB192 group showed higher PO2, lower W/D ratio, and decreased MPO and MDA. IHC studies showed strong bradykinin β2 receptor (B2R) staining in the LPD group, especially in inflammatory cells, alveolar macrophages, and respiratory epithelial cells. Expression of B2R by Western-Blot was significantly different between the AB192 and LPD groups. CONCLUSION: Bradykinin may be a competitive substrate of DPP-4, and decreased bradykinin levels may enhance protective effects against ischemia/reperfusion injury during LTx.

ABSTRACTIn this work, the mixture of alginate and soy protein isolate used as a wall material was developed to encapsulateEnterococcus faecalis HZNU P2 (E. faecalis HZNU P2). The survival ability in the simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and bile salt solution, storage stability at different temperatures and release properties in the simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) of encapsulated cells were assessed. The results showed that encapsulation could offer sufficient protection toE. faecalis HZNU P2. The viability of encapsulatedE. faecalis HZNU P2 did not decrease in SGF at pH 2.5 or 2.0 after 2 h incubation, while free cells were reduced from 11 to 9.85 log CFU/mL in SGF (pH 2.5) at the same exposure time. Only minor viability of encapsulatedE. faecalis HZNU P2 lost in 1.0 or 2.0% bile salt solution for 1 or 2 h exposure, compared with no survival of freeE. faecalis HZNU P2 under the same conditions. EncapsulatedE. faecalis HZNU P2 was completely released from the microspheres in SIF within 1 h. The viability of encapsulatedE. faecalisHZNU P2 stored for two weeks at 4°C was fully retained. Viabilities of encapsulatedE. faecalis HZNU P2, 9.6 and 9.0 Log CFU/g were obtained at 25 and 37°C after 21 days storage, respectively. However, around 1.0 log CFU/mL of free cells was reduced after two weeks storage at 4°C. EncapsulatedE. faecalis HZNU P2 using soy protein isolate and alginate as wall materials could play an important role in food applications.

Este trabalho objetiva o estudo da patogênese de deficiência no aprendizado e memória de prole de ratos resultante da anestesia maternal por enflurano, por meio da expressão da subunidade 2B do receptor do ácidoN-metil-D-aspártico (NR2B) no hipocampo dos filhotes. Dividiram-se, aleatoriamente, 30 fêmeas de ratos Sprague-Dawley em três grupos: controle (grupo C), exposição ao enflurano por 4 h (grupo E1) e por 8 h (grupo E2). De oito a 10 dias após o início da gravidez, os ratos dos grupos E1 e E2 inalaram enflurano 1,7% em 2 L/min de oxigênio, por 4 h e 8 h, respectivamente. Ratos do grupo C inalaram apenas 2 L/min de oxigênio. O labirinto de água de Morris foi empregado para analisar as funções de aprendizado e memória da cria em 20 e 30 dias após o nascimento. Utilizaram-se ensaios de RT-PCR e de imuno-histoquímica para medir os níveis de mRNA e expressão da proteína do NR2B, respectivamente. Em comparação com os ratos controle do grupo C, aqueles dos grupos E1 e E2 exibiram latências de escape mais longas, menor número de travessias na plataforma e menos tempo gasto no quadrante alvo no teste de exploração espacial (P < 0,05). Adicionalmente, os níveis de expressão de mRNA e de proteína do NR2B no hipocampo dos filhotes nos grupos E1 e E2 estavam reduzidos (P < 0,05). Não se observaram diferenças significativas entre os grupos E1 e E2 (P < 0,05) quanto aos níveis de mRNA e à expressão de proteína de NR2B. A função cognitiva dos filhotes é prejudicada quando as mães são expostas ao enflurano durante o início da gravidez. O mecanismo possível para esse efeito está relacionado à diminuição na expressão de NR2B.

This work aims to study the pathogenesis of learning and memory impairment in offspring rats resulting from maternal enflurane anesthesia by focusing on the expression of the N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunit 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of the offspring. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (C group), 4 h enflurane exposure (E1 group), and 8 h enflurane exposure (E2 group) groups. Eight to ten days after the initiation of pregnancy, rats from the E1 and E2 groups were allowed to inhale 1.7% enflurane in 2 L/min oxygen for 4 h and 8 h, respectively. Rats from the C group were allowed to inhale 2 L/min of oxygen only. The Morris water maze was used to assay the learning and memory function of the offspring on postnatal days 20 and 30. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry assays were then used to measure the mRNA levels and protein expression of NR2B, respectively. Relative to offspring rats from the C group, those from the E1 and E2 groups exhibited longer escape latencies, lesser number of crossings over the platform, and less time spent in the target quadrant in the spatial exploration test (P < 0.05). In addition, the mRNA and protein expression levels of NR2B in the hippocampus of offspring rats in the E1 and E2 groups were down-regulated (P < 0.05). No significant differences between the E1 and E2 groups were observed (P > 0.05) in terms of mRNA levels and protein expression of NR2B. The cognitive function of the offspring is impaired when maternal rats are exposed to enflurane during early pregnancy. A possible mechanism of this effect is related to the down-regulation of NR2B expression.

We investigated the effects of glucose and root exudates in combination with different nitrogen (N) forms on the spore germination rate and hyphal growth of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Rhizophagus intraradices. Spores were cultured for 20 days at 26 ºC in agar medium containing either glucose or root exudates at different concentrations. Nitrogen was supplied in the form of 4 mM NaNO3, 4 mM NH4Cl, 4 mM NH4NO3 or 2 mM urea. Three different controls without added N were used: deionized water, glucose, and root exudates. After 20 days, Glucose concentrations of 10, 25, 40 and 50 g L-1 inhibited the spore germination; however, when the concentration of glucose was 5 g L-1, the mean hyphal length was longer than that in the control. Glucose plus different forms of N sources also has no positive effect on the germination as well as hyphal growth. The addition of root exudates significantly improved both the spore germination rate and hyphal lengths in all four media (root exudates +4 mmol NaNO3, root exudates +4 mmol NH4Cl, root exudates +4 mmol NH4NO3 and root exudates +2 mmol urea). After incubation for 20 days, the highest spore germination rates (80.33%) were detected in the root exudate + urea medium, while that in the root exudate + NaNO3 medium was lower than in the control. In all these four media, hyphal growth was initially rapid and slowed in the later stages of incubation. Finally, the greatest hyphal length (15. 15 mmspores-1 was observed in the root exudate + NH4NO3 medium, while the lowest was observed in the exudate + NaNO3 medium.