D3 Group Research Articles

Comparison of NK cell subsets, receptors and functions induced by radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation in HBV-associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma.

Topical therapy has been shown to induce an immune response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, a prospective parallel group control experiment was conducted to compare the differences between radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation in inducing the immune regulation of NK cells. Sixty patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were selected for thermal ablation. Patients were randomly assigned into the MWA group (n = 30) and the RFA group (n = 30). Patient's peripheral blood was isolated on days D0, D7, and month M1. NK cell subsets, receptors, and killing function were detected by flow cytometry and LDH. Student t test and rank sum test were used to compare the statistical differences between the RFA (radio frequency) and MWA (microwave) groups. The Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were used to calculate the difference between the two survival curves. Comparison of the frequency of CD3-CD56+ and CD3-CD56+CD16+ in NK cells between the RFA and WMA groups showed that there was no difference in the D0, D7, M1, D7-D0, M1-D0, and M1-D7 groups. The changes of the inhibitory NK cell receptor CD159A were significantly different at D7 (P<0.05). CD107a were compared between the RFA and WMA groups, indicating that CD107a changes induced by NK cells were significantly different at D7-D0 (P<0.05). Comparison of NK cell lysis activity of target K562 cells between the RFA and WMA groups showed that there was no difference at D0, D7, D7-D0. There was no difference in recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the RFA and WMA groups (P=0.11). The difference between MWA and RFA-induced NK cell changes was mainly manifested in the inhibitory receptors CD159a and CD107a 1 week after surgery, with microwave-induced changes being more severe. Comparison of the NK cell lysis activity of the target K562 cells between the RFA and WMA groups showed that there was no difference in D0, D7, D7- D0. Survival analysis showed that these differences did not affect the recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the two groups.

Comparison of clinical outcome between day 5 and day 6 single blastocyst transfers in cycles undergoing preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy

ObjectiveIn vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment has gradually adopted the practice of culturing embryos until the blastocyst stage on the D5 or D6 as the standard approach. PGT-A is commonly used in vitro fertilization (IVF). This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of frozen embryo transfers (FETs) using single blastocyst transfers (SBTs) on the fifth (D5) or sixth (D6) day of development in cycles that underwent preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A). Materials and methodsThe patients who had at least one euploid or mosaic blastocyst of good quality determined by PGT-A results and received single embryo transfer (SET) cycles were included in the study. In this study, the live birth rate (LBR) and neonatal outcomes were compared after the transfer of single biopsied D5 and D6 blastocysts in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles. ResultsA total of 527 frozen-thawed blastocyst transfer (FET) cycles (8449 biopsied embryos were analyzed). No significant difference in the implantation rate (IR), clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), and live birth rate (LBR) between the transfers of D5 and D6 blastocysts. Birth weight was the only perinatal outcome that showed a significant difference between the D5 and D6 groups. ConclusionThe study confirmed that the transfer of a single euploid or mosaic blastocyst, regardless of whether it was on the fifth (D5) or sixth (D6) day of development, can lead to promising clinical results.

Immunologic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Muscle Damage Profile of Supplemented Vitamin D3 in Healthy Adults on Strenuous Endurance Exercise.

Reportedly, strenuous endurance exercise can depress the immune system and induce inflammation and muscle damage. Therefore, this double-blinded, matched-pair study aimed to investigate the impact of vitamin D3 supplementation on immune response (leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, CD4+, CD8+, CD19+, and CD56+ counts), inflammatory profile (TNF-α and IL-6), muscle damage (CK and LDH levels), as well as aerobic capacity after strenuous endurance exercise in 18 healthy men taking 5000 IU of vitamin D3 (n = 9) or placebo (n = 9) daily for 4 weeks. Total and differential blood leukocyte counts, levels of cytokines, and muscle damage biomarkers were determined before, immediately after, and 2, 4, and 24 h after exercise. The IL-6, CK, and LDH levels were significantly lower in vitamin D3 group at 2, 4, and 24 h post exercise (p < 0.05). Maximal and average heart rates during exercise were also significantly lower (p < 0.05). In the vitamin D3 group, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio after 4 weeks of supplementation was only significantly lower at post-0 than at baseline and significantly higher at post-2 than at baseline and post-0 (all p < 0.05). Taken together, 5000 IU of daily vitamin D3 supplementation for 4 weeks exhibited positive effects in terms of increased blood 25(OH)D levels, CD4+/CD8+ ratio (immune response), and aerobic capacity while inhibiting inflammatory cytokines and CK and LDH (muscle damage) in people performing strenuous endurance exercise.

Efficacy of ultraviolet B radiation versus vitamin D3 on postural control and cognitive functions in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled study

BackgroundThe relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) is the most common type of MS with prevalence rate 20–60 patients/100.000 individuals in Egypt. Poor postural control and cognitive dysfunctions are well-established complications of RRMS without potent remedy yet. The latest evidence highlighted the potential and independent immune-modulating effects of vitamin D3 and ultraviolet radiation in the management of RRMS. ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of broadband ultraviolet B radiation (UVBR) versus moderate loading dose of vitamin D3 supplementation in improving postural control and cognitive functions. DesignPretest-posttest randomized controlled study. SettingMultiple sclerosis outpatient unit of Kasr Al-Ainy Hospital. ParticipantsForty-seven patients with RRMS were recruited from both genders, yet only 40 completed the study. InterventionsPatients were randomized into two groups: UVBR group involved 24 patients, received sessions for 4 weeks and vitamin D3 group involved 23 patients, took vitamin D3 supplementation (50 000 IU/week) for 12 weeks. Main outcome measuresOverall balance system index (OSI) and symbol digit modalities test (SDMT). ResultsHighly significant decrease (P < 0.001) of the OSI in both groups post-treatment, indicating improved postural control. Moreover, highly significant improvement in the SDMT scores was noted, indicating information processing speed enhancement. Nonetheless, no statistically significant (P ≥ 0.05) differences were evident between the two groups post-treatment in all tested measures. ConclusionBoth therapeutic programs were statistically equal in improving postural control and cognitive functions. However, clinically, UVBR therapy was more convenient owing to its shorter treatment time and higher percentage of change for all tested measures.

Time to increase in pregnancy-specific protein B following artificial insemination is a direct determinant of subsequent pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows

Increasing progesterone (P4) during early conceptus development may be crucial for establishment of pregnancy in dairy cattle. The objective of this study was to determine if human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) at various times after ovulation will increase serum P4 during elongation and increase the chances for, and reduce variability to, initial increase in pregnancy-specific protein B (PSPB) following artificial insemination (AI). Time to PSPB increase was defined as the first day of increase in concentrations of PSPB between d 18 and 28 after ovulation in cows with ≥12.5% increases for 3 consecutive days compared with baseline. Lactating cows (n = 368) synchronized to Double-Ovsynch (first service) or Ovsynch (second or greater service) received one of 4 treatments: no hCG (control), or 3,000 IU of hCG on d 2 (D2), 2 and 5 (D2+5), or 5 (D5) after ovulation. All cows were examined via ultrasound on d 5 and 10 postovulation to determine percentage of cows with hCG-induced accessory CL (aCL) and to quantify and measure all luteal structures. Samples for serum P4 were collected on d 0, 5, 19, and 20 postovulation. The P4 was increased in D2, D2+5, and D5 groups compared with control. The D2+5 and D5 treatments increased aCL and P4 compared with D2 and control. The D2 treatment increased P4 on d 5 after ovulation compared with control. Serum PSPB samples were collected daily from all cows on d 18 through 28 after ovulation for determination of d of PSPB increase. Pregnancy diagnoses were performed via ultrasound examination on d 35, 63, and 100 after ovulation and AI. The D5 treatment reduced percentage of cows with, and increased the time to, PSPB increase. Primiparous cows with ipsilateral aCL had reduced pregnancy loss before d 100 postovulation compared with cows with contralateral aCL. Cows that had PSPB increase >21 d postovulation had 4× greater chances of pregnancy loss compared with cows that had PSPB increase on d 20 or 21. The highest quartile of P4 on d 5, but not on d 19 and 20, was associated with reduced time to PSPB increase. Time to PSPB increase appears to be an important measurement to understand reasons for pregnancy loss in lactating dairy cows. Increasing P4 utilizing hCG after ovulation did not enhance early pregnancy or reduce pregnancy losses in lactating dairy cows.

Comparative Study on Growth Index and Nutritional Quality of Female Chinese Mitten Crab Eriocheir sinensis Selected at Different Growth Periods in Rice-Crab Culture Systems.

Research was conducted on the growth performance and nutritional quality of Chinese mitten crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) during a 62-day growing period in a symbiotic coculture comprising rice and crab. Culture experiments were conducted in three rice fields of equal size (996 m2). On days 0 (July 15, D0), 15 (July 30, D15), 31 (August 15, D31), 46 (August 30, D46), and 62 (September 2, D62), tissue samples of 50 female E. sinensis were collected randomly from each rice field. The results showed that the serum growth hormone (GH) content and muscle ecdysone receptor (EcR) mRNA expression levels were higher in the D31 and D46 groups; the content of serum 20-hydroxyecdysone (20-HE) and the mRNA expression levels of retinoid X receptor (RXR), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), and chitinase (CHI) reached the maximum in the D31 group. Muscle crude protein content gradually increased; hepatopancreas crude protein and crude lipid content began to decrease after reaching the maximum value in the D0 and D15 groups, respectively; the contents of crude protein and crude lipid in the ovary significantly increased in the D46 and D62 groups (P < 0.05). The content of muscle essential amino acids (EAA) reached the maximum in the D46 group; the hepatopancreas EAA content began to decrease significantly in the D31 group (P < 0.05); and the EAA content of the ovary decreased significantly after reaching the maximum value in the D46 group (P < 0.05). The muscle contents of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA) and the ratio of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids/n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3/n6) decreased significantly in the D31 group (P < 0.05); the hepatopancreas contents of EPA, PUFA, n-3PUFA, and n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-6PUFA) and the ratio of n3/n6 began to decrease after reaching the maximum value in the D31 group, ethyl behenate (21:0), tetracosanoic acid (24:0), DPA, and DHA contents were detected for the first time in the D31 group; the ovary PUFA, n-3PUFA contents, and n3/n6 ratio of the D46 and D62 groups were significantly lower than those of the D31 group (P < 0.05). During the experimental conditions described here, female E. sinensis raised in rice fields reached rapid growth from August 15 to August 30. Additionally, the nutritional quality of the female E. sinensis edible tissues (muscle, hepatopancreas, and ovary) began to decline after August 15, when sufficient nutrients such as protein, lipid, EAA, and PUFA should be provided to the female E. sinensis.

Duration of the diabetic state altered platelet indices from baseline values in a streptozotocin-induced rat model for type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Changes in platelet indices in naturally occurring type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) have been described in several studies. In this study, platelet indices such as platelet count (PLT), plateletcrit (PCT), mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and MPV to PLT ratio were investigated according to diabetic duration after streptozotocin (STZ)-induced T1DM, as well as for their correlation with glucose. Forty healthy adult Wistar rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups of ten (5 rats of each sex), including the control group, the 7, 14, and 28 days diabetic groups (D7, D14, and D28, respectively). In diabetic groups, plasma glucose was significantly higher than in control (P < 0.01). D7, D14, and D28 groups presented significantly lower PLT than the control (P < 0. 01). A significant decrease in PCT was observed in D14 and D28 females (P < 0.05). Mean platelet volume was significantly higher in the D28 group than in to control. D28 females also showed a significant difference in PLT, MPV, and the MPV-to-PLT ratio compared with D7 females (P < 0.05). A comparison between D28 females and males showed a significant difference in PDW (P < 0.05). Both females and males showed a significant correlation between glucose and PLT, PCT, MPV, and the MPV-to-PLT ratio. Platelet indices change significantly with the duration of diabetes compared with the baseline values, and female and male rats did not have significant differences in platelet indices in any period except the 28 days.

The Effect of Sausage Tree Fruit (Kigelia africana) on Gonadal Development and Growth Performance of Oreochromis andersonii

In Zambia fish farms, Oreochromis andersonii is an important common indigenous fish species. Naturally, safe phytochemicals can effectively improve fish reproduction performance and their production potential. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the effect of Kigelia africana on the gonadal development and the performance of Oreochromis andersonii. A total of 96 male fingerlings were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments (D1-D4), and each treatment group had three replicates. The D1, D2, D3, and D4 groups were formulated to receive 0, 50, 100, and 150 g of powdered Kigelia africana/kg, respectively. The fish were fed the diets for 9 weeks, followed by the study parameter measurements at the end of the experiment. The highest mean body weight and gonadal weight were (29.8 ± 0.63 and 0.09 ± 0.010 g, respectively) for fish in the D2 group. There was no significant difference between the mean body weight of fish in different groups, but their mean gonadal weights differed significantly. The gonadal somatic index of fish differed significantly among treatment groups, with those in D2 having the highest mean value (0.36 ± 0.060). The highest mean standard length (103.3 ± 0.63 mm) and total length (126.0 ± 0.11 mm) of fish were observed for D1 and D2 groups, respectively. Additionally, the mean values for those parameters decreased with increasing Kigelia africana in the diet. The physicochemical parameters of water, including temperature and dissolved oxygen, ranged 16.8-23.1℃ and 0.6-2.2 mg/L, respectively; these were generally at low levels considering the optimum requirements for this fish species. In conclusion, Kigelia africana improved gonadal growth and development but did not promote overall fish growth. The best gonadal growth/development results of Kigelia africana powder were observed at a level of 50 g/kg, which can be used as a performance booster in the aquaculture production of Oreochromis andersonii.

Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder as New Source of Protein-Based Feedstuff Improves Growth Performance and Cecal Microbial Diversity of Broiler Chicken.

Currently, the lack of protein source feed has become a pressing issue. Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) has good potential for the development of protein-derived feeds due to its good protein quality and abundance, but little is known about its effects on broiler growth performance and cecal microbiota. In this study, the chickens were fed different rates of MOLP (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) instead of the rape seed cake, and the effects of different levels of MOLP on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and cecal microbiota of the broilers were evaluated at two different growth stages (day 28 and day 56). In terms of growth performance, the best results were obtained at the 3% MOLP level in the early stages (p < 0.05). In terms of carcass characteristics, in the early stage, the level of 5% MOLP had the best effect; in the later stage, 5% MOLP also had the best effect. In terms of cecal microbial changes, the alpha diversity analysis revealed that 5% MOLP enhanced the richness and diversity of broiler intestinal flora. At the phylum level, the addition of 5% MOLP adjusted the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes to a level close to that of the A1 group on day 28, while 5% MOLP significantly reduced the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes (p < 0.05) compared to the A2 group on day 56, and the relative abundance of Firmicutes was still higher in the D2 group than in the A2 group (p < 0.05). At the genus level, MOLP addition consistently and significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides (p < 0.05), except for 3% on day 28 and 1% on day 56. For Oscillospira, increasing MOLP levels in the pre- and post-period resulted in a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Oscillospira (p < 0.05). In conclusion, MOLP helps to enhance growth performance and carcass characteristics and improve the cecal microbial structure of broilers. The recommended rate of MOLP addition for broilers is 5% in both the early and late stages.

THE IMPACT OF CHOLECALCIFEROL ON THE SEX HORMONES LEVEL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES IN RAT MALES WITH EXPERIMENTAL GONADOPATHY

THE IMPACT OF CHOLECALCIFEROL ON THE SEX HORMONES LEVEL AND SERUM BIOCHEMICAL INDICES IN RAT MALES WITH EXPERIMENTAL GONADOPATHY

Improvement in the early growth, immune system and tibia development of broilers in response to the in ovo injection of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3

ABSTRACT This study aimed to investigate the effects of different concentrations of in ovo injection of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) on early growth, immune and tibia development in Daheng broilers. The results showed that 25(OH)D3 can significantly improve the hatchability of broilers and improve body weight (p < 0.05). The low concentration of 25(OH)D3 (8 μg/mL) not only significantly increased tibial fresh weight, tibial length, tibial diameter, thymus and liver weight and immune organ index (p < 0.05), but also significantly increased the content of bone metabolism-related factors OC and CaBP in serum and the expression levels of OC in the liver (p < 0.05). However, a high concentration of 25(OH)D3 group (16 μg/mL) significantly increased bursa of Fabricius weight and immune organ index (p < 0.05), the content of immune factor IL-2, IFN-γ and TLR15 in serum and the expression level of IFN-γ and TLR15 in the spleen (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the content of ash, calcium and phosphorus in the tibia was negatively correlated with the expression level of OC and positively correlated with the expression level of ALP (p > 0.05). Our data suggested that 25(OH)D3 has positive effects on the early growth, immune, bone development of broiler during the early stage, which is a supplement to improve disease resistance and skeletal development of broilers.

Memory Enhancing and Neurogenesis Activity of Honey Bee Venom in the Symptoms of Amnesia: Using Rats with Amnesia-like Alzheimer's Disease as a Model.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is mainly characterized by amnesia that affects millions of people worldwide. This study aims to explore the effectiveness capacities of bee venom (BV) for the enhancement of the memory process in a rat model with amnesia-like AD. The study protocol contains two successive phases, nootropic and therapeutic, in which two BV doses (D1; 0.25 and D2: 0.5 mg/kg i.p.) were used. In the nootropic phase, treatment groups were compared statistically with a normal group. Meanwhile, in the therapeutic phase, BV was administered to scopolamine (1mg/kg) to induce amnesia-like AD in a rat model in which therapeutic groups were compared with a positive group (donepezil; 1mg/kg i.p.). Behavioral analysis was performed after each phase by Working Memory (WM) and Long-Term Memory (LTM) assessments using radial arm maze (RAM) and passive avoidance tests (PAT). Neurogenic factors; Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and Doublecortin (DCX) were measured in plasma using ELISA and Immunohistochemistry analysis of hippocampal tissues, respectively. During the nootropic phase, treatment groups demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in RAM latency times, spatial WM errors, and spatial reference errors compared with the normal group. In addition, the PA test revealed a significant (P < 0.05) enhancement of LTM after 72 hours in both treatment groups; D1 and D2. In the therapeutic phase, treatment groups reflected a significant (P < 0.05) potent enhancement in the memory process compared with the positive group; less spatial WM errors, spatial reference errors, and latency time during the RAM test, and more latency time after 72 hours in the light room. Moreover, results presented a marked increase in the plasma level of BDNF, as well as increased hippocampal DCX-positive data in the sub-granular zone within the D1 and D2 groups compared with the negative group (P < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. This study revealed that injecting BV enhances and increases the performance of both WM and LTM. Conclusively, BV has a potential nootropic and therapeutic activity that enhances hippocampal growth and plasticity, which in turn improves WM and LTM. Given that this research was conducted using scopolamine-induced amnesia-like AD in rats, it suggests that BV has a potential therapeutic activity for the enhancement of memory in AD patients in a dose-dependent manner but further investigations are needed.

Comparison of aneuploidy rate in spontaneous abortion chorionic villus between D6 and D5 thawed-frozen blastocyst transfer

BackgroundTo compare the aneuploidy rate in spontaneous abortion chorionic villus (SA-CV) after D5 and D6 thawed-frozen blastocyst transfer(TBT).MethodsThis retrospective cohort study recruited 522 patients with early spontaneous abortion from March 2012 to January 2020 in the our center. The aneuploidy rate of SA-CV was compared according to the blastocyst development stage: D5 group (n = 398) and D6 group (n = 124).ResultsPatients’ characteristics, including age, body mass index, follicle-stimulating hormone, fertilization methods, type of infertility, infertility duration, and gestational age when abortion, did not differ between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Although the mean number of embryos was significantly higher in D6 than in the D5 group (P < 0.001), the mean number of high-quality embryos was similar (P = 0.773). In the D5 group, 46.5% of SA-CV showed aneuploidy, which was comparable to 41.1% in the D6 group (P = 0.296). After further grouping according to age (> 35 years or ≤ 35 years), the difference between the D5 and D6 groups remained not statistically significant (P = 0.247 and P = 0.690). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that women’s age was independently associated with the aneuploidy rate (OR = 0.891; 95% CI: [0.854–0.930]; P < 0.001). The rate of chromosomal aneuploidy was significantly higher in the age > 35 years group than in the age ≤ 35 years group (61.0% vs. 39.4%, P < 0.001). Other factors, including blastocyst formation speed, were not significant predictors of aneuploidy rate.ConclusionsThe rate of chromosomal aneuploidy in SB-CV after D6 TBT was comparable to that after D5 TBT. Chromosomal aneuploidy may not be a main factor contributing to the high prevalence early pregnancy loss at D6 group.

Vitamin D3 promotes oligodendrogenesis and modulates synucleinopathy in lead-induced nigral pars compacta neurotoxicity in rats.

Lead-induced neurotoxicity was marked with locomotor and Parkinsonian-like changes. Oligodendrocytes and synucleinopathy were signed to in the pathophysiology of some neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin D3's (D3) role in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) disorders is debated between neuroscientists. The aim of the study was to investigate lead-induced SNpc neurotoxic changes and explore the possible neuroprotective role of D3 and the possible involvement of oligodendrocytes and α-synuclein. This study included 40 adult Wistar rats assigned into four equal groups: control, lead (Pb) (in drinking water, 1,000 mg/L), Pb + D3 (D3 injection, 1,000 IU/kg IM; 3 days/week), and D3. After 8 weeks, the rats were sacrificed, and their midbrain underwent biochemical and immunoblotting analysis. Midbrain paraffin blocks were stained for histological and immunohistochemical assessment. Lead (Pb) had increased significantly (p < 0.05) nigral α-synuclein and caspase-11 by immunoblotting analysis. Histologically, it induced neurodegeneration in SNpc and significantly decreased neuronal cell density by cresyl violet staining. Pb also significantly reduced SNpc tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreaction, significantly elevated glial fibrillatory acid protein (GFAP) and α-synuclein immunoreaction associated with a mild but significant increase in caspase-3. In the Pb + D3 group, all the previous deleterious changes were significantly alleviated in addition to significant upregulation of anti-oligodendrocytes immunoexpression. Lead (Pb) may induce SNpc neurotoxicity presumably via activation of caspase-11 and α-synuclein. D3 may modulate this neurotoxicity probably through an oligodendrogenic effect.

Rumen-Protected Lysine and Methionine Supplementation Reduced Protein Requirement of Holstein Bulls by Altering Nitrogen Metabolism in Liver.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-protein diets supplemented with rumen-protected lysine (RPLys) and methionine (RPMet) on growth performance, rumen fermentation, blood biochemical parameters, nitrogen metabolism, and gene expression related to N metabolism in the liver of Holstein bulls. Thirty-six healthy and disease-free Holstein bulls with a similar body weight (BW) (424 ± 15 kg, 13 months old) were selected. According to their BW, they were randomly divided into three groups with 12 bulls in each group in a completely randomized design. The control group (D1) was fed with a high-protein basal diet (CP13%), while bulls in two low-protein groups were supplied a diet with 11% crude protein and RPLys 34 g/d·head + RPMet 2 g/d·head (low protein with low RPAA, T2) or RPLys 55 g/d·head + RPMet 9 g/d·head (low protein with high RPAA, T3). At the end of the experiment, the feces and urine of dairy bulls were collected for three consecutive days. Blood and rumen fluid were collected before morning feeding, and liver samples were collected after slaughtering. The results showed that the average daily gain (ADG) of bulls in the T3 group was higher than those in D1 (p < 0.05). Compared with D1, a significantly higher nitrogen utilization rate (p < 0.05) and serum IGF-1 content (p < 0.05) were observed in both T2 and T3 groups; however, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content was significantly lower in the T2 and T3 groups (p < 0.05). The content of acetic acid in the rumen of the T3 group was significantly higher than that of the D1 group. No significant differences were observed among the different groups (p > 0.05) in relation to the alpha diversity. Compared with D1, the relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group in T3 was higher (p < 0.05), while that of Prevotellaceae _YAB2003_group and Succinivibrio were lower (p < 0.05). Compared with D1 and T2 group, the T3 group showed an expression of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) that is associated with (CPS-1, ASS1, OTC, ARG) and (N-AGS, S6K1, eIF4B, mTORC1) in liver; moreover, the T3 group was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). Overall, our results indicated that low dietary protein (11%) levels added with RPAA (RPLys 55 g/d +RPMet 9 g/d) can benefit the growth performance of Holstein bulls by reducing nitrogen excretion and enhancing nitrogen efficiency in the liver.

Vitamin D3 improved erectile function recovery by regulating autophagy and apoptosis in a rat model of cavernous nerve injury.

Vitamin D3 is an important element in improving erectile function. However, the mechanisms of vitamin D3 remain unknown. Thus, we explored the effect of vitamin D3 on erectile function recovery after nerve injury in a rat model and investigated its possible molecular mechanisms. Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control, bilateral cavernous nerve crush (BCNC), and BCNC + vitamin D3 groups. BCNC model was established in rats by surgery. The intracavernosal pressure and the ratio of intracavernosal pressure to mean arterial pressure were utilized to evaluate erectile function. Masson trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling and western blot analysis were performed on penile tissues to elucidate the molecular mechanism. The results indicated that vitamin D3 alleviated hypoxia and suppressed the fibrosis signalling pathway by upregulating the expression of eNOS (p = 0.001), nNOS (p = 0.018) and α-SMA (p = 0.025) and downregulating the expression of HIF-1α (p = 0.048) and TGF-β1 (p = 0.034) in BCNC rats. Vitamin D3 promoted erectile function restoration by enhancing the autophagy process through decreases in the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio (p = 0.02) and p62 (p = 0.001) expression and increases in Beclin1 expression (p = 0.001) and the LC3B/LC3A ratio (p = 0.041). Vitamin D3 application improved erectile function rehabilitation by suppressing the apoptotic process through decreases in the expression of Bax (p = 0.002) and caspase-3 (p = 0.046) and an increase in the expression of Bcl2 (p = 0.004). Therefore, We concluded that vitamin D3 improved the erectile function recovery in BCNC rats by alleviating hypoxia and fibrosis, enhancing autophagy and inhibiting apoptosis in the corpus cavernosum.

Long-term oncologic outcome of D3 lymph node dissection for clinical stage 2/3 right-sided colon cancer.

To investigate oncologic outcomes including overall survival and disease-free survival depending on the extent of lymphadenectomy (D3 versus D2) by comparing D3 and D2 lymphadenectomy in patients with clinical stage 2/3 right colon cancer. Consecutive series of patients who underwent radical resection for right colon cancer at our three hospitals between January 2015 and June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Study cohorts were divided into two groups: D3 group and D2 group. Oncologic, pathologic, and perioperative outcomes of the two groups were compared. A total of 295 patients (167 in the D2 group and 128 in the D3 group) were included in this study. Patients' characteristics showed no significant difference between the two groups. The median number of harvested lymph nodes was significantly higher in the D3 group than in the D2 group. The rate of complications was not significantly different between the two groups except for chyle leakage, which was more frequent in the D3 group. Five-year disease-free survival was 90.2% (95% CI: 84.8-95.9%) in the D3 group, which was significantly (p = 0.028) higher than that (80.5%, 95% CI: 74-87.5%) in the D2 group. There was no significant difference in overall survival between the two groups. Our results indicate that D3 lymphadenectomy is associated with more favorable 5-year disease-free survival than D2 lymphadenectomy for patients with stage 2/3 right-sided colon cancer. D3 lymphadenectomy might improve oncologic outcomes in consideration of the recurrence rate.

D3 lymph node dissection improves the survival outcome in patients with pT2 colorectal cancer.

The extent of lymphadenectomy in patients with pT2 colorectal cancer (CRC) remains controversial. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of D3 and D2 lymph node dissection (LND) on survival in patients diagnosed with pT2 CRC. This was a retrospective cohort study from a high-volume cancer center in Japan. From April 2007 to December 2020, 6273 patients with primary CRC were included in the study; among these, 616 patients diagnosed with pT2 CRC underwent radical colorectal resection. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to balance potential confounding factors, and a total of 104 matched pairs were extracted from the entire cohort. Independent risk factors associated with prognosis were determined by Cox regression analysis. The main outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). Before PSM, there was a statistically significant difference across the cohort in OS and CSS (p = 0.000 and 0.013) between D3 and D2 LND groups; the estimated hazard ratio (HR) was 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-4.4, p = 0.031) for OS in the D3 LND and 4.4 (95% CI, 1.7 to 11, p = 0.0027) for CSS (p = 0.013). There was also a significant difference (p = 0.024) in OS between the D3 and D2 LND groups in the matched cohort, with an estimated HR for OS of 3.3 (95% CI, 1.2 to 9.1, p = 0.024) and an estimated HR for CSS of 7.2 (95% CI, 1.6 to 33, p = 0.011). D3 LND had a significant survival advantage in the treatment of pT2 CRC. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis for the application of D3 LND in radical surgery for preoperative T2 CRC.

A prospective randomized controlled study of Mycobacterium Indicus Pranii vaccine, Measles Mumps Rubella vaccine and Vitamin D3 in extragenital cutaneous warts.

Interventional, prospective, four arm randomized control. Outpatient department, Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, AIIMS Jodhpur (Rajasthan), India. Two hundred patients. The intervention administered in the groups were normal saline (A), vitamin D3 (B), MIP (C), and MMR (D). The injections were given into the largest wart at 2-weekly intervals until complete clearance or for a maximum of seven sittings. Post-treatment clearance of the injected wart and the distant wart was compared on the basis of change in wart number, percentage clearance, and mean time to complete clearance. Side effects were recorded. A total of 197 patients were recruited. The mean percentage improvement in the injected and non-injected warts was 68.4% and 66.8%, respectively. Intention to treat analysis (ITT) showed that complete clearance of lesions in injected wart occurred in placebo, vit D3 , MMR, and MIP arms in 64%, 66%, 58%, and 55% patients, respectively (p > 0.05), while in the non-injected warts in 62%, 64%, 52%, and 53%, respectively (p > 0.05). The mean time to achieve complete clearance of wart was fastest in MIP at 7.1 weeks followed by MMR at 7.2 weeks, VIT D3 at 7.4 weeks and in placebo group 7.8 weeks (p > 0.05). Side effects noted were fever, pain, erythema, and swelling which was highest in VIT D3 group (p < 0.05). The efficacy of immunotherapies was comparable to placebo with minimal side effects.

Effects of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation of Contrast

Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is a common complication of clinical diagnosis and treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. This study focused on the role of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 (D3) in contrast-induced renal tissue inflammation and oxidative stress. Thirty C57BL/6 mouse underwent unilateral renal pedicle ligation. One week after surgery, they were randomly divided into three groups, 10 mice in control group (CON group), 10 mice injected with iodixanol in contrast-induced nephropathy model group (CM group), 10 mice injected with contrast agent +in 1,25-(OH)2-D3 group (D3 group). The effects of 1,25-(OH)2-D3 on contrast nephropathy were studied by Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) observation of kidney structure, detection of serum creatinine, urea nitrogen observation of kidney function, and Western blotting and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Under the light microscope, the renal tissue structure of the CM group was disordered, hypertrophic glomeruli, renal tubular cells were significantly edematous, and the interstitial fibrosis area was significantly increased. The serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in CM group were significantly increased compared with CON group, the antioxidant proteins GPX1 and GPX3 were significantly decreased, while the apoptosis proteins Bax and Caspase-3 were significantly increased, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was significantly decreased. The expression of inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α was significantly increased. However, the D3 can effectively inhibit apoptosis through inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory response. In addition, the expression levels of Toll Like Receptor 4 (TLR4) and /NF-κB-P65 in the D3 group were lower than those in the CM group. It is indicated that 1,25-(OH)2-D3 has an inhibitory effect on TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. 1,25-(OH)2-D3 can reduce contrast-induced SCr and BUN and alleviate renal structural damage by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, which has an effect of reducing inflammation, increasing tissue antioxidant levels, and delaying cellular senescence.