The effects of l-arginine (Arg) supplementation on intestinal mucosal immune barrier function in weaned pigs after Escherichia coli LPS challenge were evaluated. Twenty-four weaned pigs were allotted to four treatments including: (i) non-challenged control; (ii) LPS-challenged control; (iii) LPS + 0.5% Arg; and (iv) LPS + 1.0% Arg. On d 16, pigs in the LPS, LPS + 0.5% Arg and LPS + 1.0% Arg groups were challenged by injection with 100 µg/kg of body mass LPS, whereas the control group were given sterile saline. At 48 h post-challenge, all pigs were sacrificed for evaluation of small intestinal morphology and mucosal immune barrier function. In the jejunum and ileum, LPS caused villous atrophy and intestinal morphology disruption, whereas 0.5% or 1.0% Arg supplementation mitigated villus atrophy and intestinal morphology impairment caused by LPS challenge. Arg (0.5%) supplementation increased the numbers of IgA-secreting cells, CD8(+) and CD4(+) T cells in the ileum (P < 0.05). Arg supplementation prevented the elevation of mast cell numbers induced by LPS challenge (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation of Arg caused a decreased lymphocyte apoptosis of Peyer's patches in pigs challenged by LPS (P < 0.05). These results indicated that Arg supplementation protects and enhances intestinal mucosal immune barrier function and maintains intestinal integrity in weaned pigs after E. coli LPS challenge.

Background Irradiation has emerged as a valid tool for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in situ treatment; however, NPC derived from tissues treated with irradiation is a main cause cancer-related death. The purpose of this study is to uncover the underlying mechanism regarding tumor growth after irradiation and provided potential therapeutic strategy. Methods Fibroblasts were extracted from fresh NPC tissue and normal nasopharyngeal mucosa. Immunohistochemistry was conducted to measure the expression of α-SMA and FAP. Cytokines were detected by protein array chip and identified by real-time PCR. CCK-8 assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Radiation-resistant (IRR) 5-8F cell line was established and colony assay was performed to evaluate tumor cell growth after irradiation. Signaling pathways were acquired via gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Comet assay and γ-H2AX foci assay were used to measure DNA damage level. Protein expression was detected by western blot assay. In vivo experiment was performed subcutaneously. Results We found that radiation-resistant NPC tissues were constantly infiltrated with a greater number of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) compared to radiosensitive NPC tissues. Further research revealed that CAFs induced the formation of radioresistance and promoted NPC cell survival following irradiation via the IL-8/NF-κB pathway to reduce irradiation-induced DNA damage. Treatment with Tranilast, a CAF inhibitor, restricted the survival of CAF-induced NPC cells and attenuated the of radioresistance properties. Conclusions Together, these data demonstrate that CAFs can promote the survival of irradiated NPC cells via the NF-κB pathway and induce radioresistance that can be interrupted by Tranilast, suggesting the potential value of Tranilast in sensitizing NPC cells to irradiation.

Objective This study aimed to provide an insight into the impact of early outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the care management for patients with congenital heart disease. Methods This study respectively enrolled a cohort of surgical patients (patients undergoing surgery in 2018 [group I], 2019[group II], and 2020 [group III]) and a cohort of follow-up patients (patients having follow-up in 2017 [group A], 2018 [group B] and 2019 [group C]) from 13 children hospitals. Results During the COVID-19 era, there was a significant decrease in total surgical volume and a change in case mix in terms of an increase in the proportion of emergency operations. Decrease in migration scale index was correlated to the decrease in both surgical volume (r=0.64, p=0.02) and outpatient visit volume (r=0.61, p=0.03). There was a significantly higher proportion of patients who had follow-up through the internet or phone in group C (26.4% vs. 9.6% in group B and 8.9% in group A; p< 0.0001). There was no statistical difference in death or rehospitalization among the 3 follow-up groups (p=0.49). There was higher parents’ anxiety score (p < 0.0001) and more utilization of telemedicine (p = 0.004) in group C comparing to group A and B. Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a considerable decrease in total surgical volume and a change of case mix, which seems to be related to the strict traffic ban. Follow-up through the online medical service appears to be an effective alternative to the conventional method.