Bacteria colonization and gene expression related to immune function in colon mucosa is associated with growth in neonatal calves regardless of live yeast supplementation

Background As Holstein calves are susceptible to gastrointestinal disorders during the first week of life,understanding how intestinal immune function develops in neonatal calves is important to promote better intestinal health.Feeding probiotics in early life may contribute to host intestinal health by facilitating beneficial bacteria colonization and developing intestinal immune function.The objective of this study was to characterize the impact of early life yeast supplementation and growth on colon mucosa-attached bacteria and host immune function.Results Twenty Holstein bull calves received no supplementation(CON)or Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii(SCB)from birth to 5 d of life.Colon tissue biopsies were taken within 2 h of life(D0)before the first colostrum feeding and 3 h after the morning feeding at d 5 of age(D5)to analyze mucosa-attached bacteria and colon transcriptome.Metagenome sequencing showed that there was no difference inαandβdiversity of mucosa-attached bacteria between day and treatment,but bacteria related to diarrhea were more abundant in the colon mucosa on D0 compared to D5.In addition,q PCR indicated that the absolute abundance of Escherichia coli(E.coli)decreased in the colon mucosa on D5 compared to D0;however,that of Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,and Faecalibacterium prausnitzii,which could competitively exclude E.coli,increased in the colon mucosa on D5 compared to D0.RNA-sequencing showed that there were no differentially expressed genes between CON and SCB,but suggested that pathways related to viral infection such as“Interferon Signaling”were activated in the colon mucosa of D5 compared to D0.Conclusions Growth affected mucosa-attached bacteria and host immune function in the colon mucosa during the first 5 d of life in dairy calves independently of SCB supplementation.During early life,opportunistic pathogens may decrease due to intestinal environmental changes by beneficial bacteria and/or host immune function.Predicted activation of immune function-related pathways may be the result of host immune function development or suggest other antigens in the intestine during early life.Further studies focusing on the other antigens and host immune function in the colon mucosa are required to better understand intestinal immune function development.

Adding vortexing to the Maki technique provides no benefit for the diagnosis of catheter colonization or catheter-related bacteremia

BACKGROUND A previous study compared vortexing and Maki techniques for the diagnosis of catheter-related bloodstream infection(CRBSI),and concluded that vortexing was not superior to Maki method.AIM To determine whether the combined use of vortexing and Maki techniques provides profitability versus the Maki technique for the diagnosis of catheter tip colonization(CTC)and CRBSI.METHODS Observational and prospective study carried out in an Intensive Care Unit.Patients with suspected catheter-related infection(CRI)and with one central venous catheter for at least 7 days were included.The area under the curve(AUC)of the Maki technique,the vortexing technique and the combination of both techniques for the diagnosis of CTC and CRBSI were compared.RESULTS We included 136 episodes of suspected CRI.We found 21 cases of CTC of which 10 were also CRBSI cases.Of the 21 CTC episodes,18(85.7%)were diagnosed by Maki technique and vortexing technique,3(14.3%)only by the technique of Maki,and none only by technique of vortexing.Of the 10 CRBSI episodes,9(90.0%)were diagnosed by the techniques of Maki and vortexing,1(10.0%)was diagnosed only by the technique of Maki,and none only by the technique of vortexing.We no found differences in the comparison of AUC between the technique of Maki and the combination of Maki and vortexing techniques for the diagnosis of CTC(P=0.99)and CRBSI(P=0.99).CONCLUSION The novel finding of our study was that the combined use of vortexing and Maki techniques did not provide profitability to the technique of Maki alone to CRBSI diagnosis of.

Epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii colonization in neonatal intensive care units:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)in neonatal intensive care units(NICUs)represents an escalating challenge in healthcare settings,particularly in managing hospital-acquired infections(HAIs).Studies across various World Health Organization regions have documented a significant incidence of CRAB-related HAIs,with rates as high as 41.7 cases per 1000 patients in ICUs,accounting for 13.6%of all HAIs.These infections pose a doubled mortality risk compared to infections with carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii.A particularly concerning aspect of CRAB colonization is its asymptomatic nature,enabling its transmission through healthcare workers(HCWs)or the NICU environment to vulnerable neonates with developing immune systems.AIM To explore the prevalence of CRAB colonization in NICUs,focusing on neonates,healthcare workers,and the environmental samples,to enhance epidemiological understanding and inform targeted interventions.METHODS We conducted according to PRISMA 2020 checklist guidelines,a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases including MEDLINE(Ovid),EMBASE(Ovid),Global Health(Ovid),Web of Science,and Global Index Me-dicus.Studies were selected based on predetermined criteria,primarily involving neonates,HCWs,and environmental swabs,using culture or molecular methods to detect CRAB colonization.We excluded studies that did not specifically focus on NICUs,were duplicates,or lacked necessary data.The study selection and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers.Data extraction involved collecting comprehensive details about each study.Our statistical analysis used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and confidence intervals,stratifying results by regional location.We assessed study heterogeneity using Cochran's Q statistic and I²statistic,with regression tests employed to evaluate potential publication bias.RESULTS We analyzed 737 records from five databases,ultimately including 13 studies from ten countries.For neonates,the pooled prevalence was 4.8%(95%CI:1.1%to 10.5%)with the highest rates observed in South-East Asia(10.5%;95%CI:2.4%to 23.3%).Among HCWs,a single Indian study reported a 3.3%prevalence.Environmental samples showed a prevalence of 2.3%(95%CI:0%to 9.3%),with the highest rates in South-East Asia(10%;95%CI:4.2%to 17.7%).Significant heterogeneity was found across studies,and no publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION This systematic review highlights a significant prevalence of CRAB colonization in neonates across various regions,particularly in South-East Asia,contrasting with lower rates in high-income countries.The study reveals a gap in research on HCWs colonization,with only a single study from India reporting moderate prevalence.Environmental samples indicate moderate levels of CRAB contamination,again higher in South-East Asia.These findings underscore the need for more extensive and focused research on CRAB colonization in NICUs,including exploring the roles of HCWs and the environment in transmission,understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns,and developing effective prevention measures.

Colonization Pattern of Azospirillum brasilense Yu62 on Maize Roots

Plasmid pVK1001 which carried the gfp gene of GFPmut2, a mutant of GFP, was introduced into Azospirillum brasilense Yu62 by electroporation. Maize seedlings were inoculated with the GFP-labelled baeteria and grown gnotobiotically in flask with semi-solid agar medium. Observations were performed with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and electron microscopy, respectively, at 8 d and 12 d after inoculation. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed that A. brasilense Yu62 could penetrate into the cortex tissue, colonizing in the intercellular spaces of the parenchyma cells of the cortex tissue. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the majority of the bacteria colonized on the root surface and only a minority of them resided in the root interior.

Summary of the current guidelines for managing iatrogenic colorectal perforations and the evolving role of endoluminal vacuum therapy

Colonoscopy represents a safe procedure that is widely used in medical practice either to diagnose or treat various gastrointestinal diseases.During the last few years,the incidence rate of perforations in colonoscopic procedures has increased,especially in therapeutic colonoscopies.The recent advancements in endoscopic techniques and gastrointestinal tumoral resection procedures such as endoscopic mucosal resection,endoscopic full-thickness resection,and endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)could be a risk factor for this increased risk.The incidence rate of mortality of serious colonoscopic perforations is 7.1%.The management plan for these perforations starts with conservative treatment in mild cases,endoscopic closure,and surgical management in severe cases.Recently,endoluminal vacuum therapy was found to be effective in the management of colorectal perforations and this has been reported in multiple case reports.This editorial provides an overview of the current guidelines for the management of iatrogenic colorectal perforations.These insights are from the perspectives of endoscopists and gastroenterologists.We also present a management algorithm based on the guidelines of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy,the American Gastroenterological Association,and the World Society of Emergency Surgery.We also discussed in brief the use of endoluminal vacuum therapy in colorectal perforations.

Poorly controlled type II diabetes mellitus significantly enhances postoperative chemoresistance in patients with stage III colon cancer

BACKGROUND Type II diabetes mellitus(T2DM)has been associated with increased risk of colon cancer(CC)and worse prognosis in patients with metastases.The effects of T2DM on postoperative chemoresistance rate(CRR)and long-term disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)in patients with stage III CC who receive curative resection remain controversial.AIM To investigate whether T2DM or glycemic control is associated with worse postoperative survival outcomes in stage III CC.METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 278 patients aged 40-75 years who underwent surgery for stage III CC from 2018 to 2021.Based on preoperative T2DM history,the patients were categorized into non-DM(n=160)and DM groups(n=118).The latter was further divided into well-controlled(n=73)and poorly controlled(n=45)groups depending on the status of glycemic control.DFS,OS,and CRR were compared between the groups and Cox regression analysis was used to identify risk factors.RESULTS Patients in the DM and non-DM groups demonstrated similar DFS,OS,and CRR(DFS:72.03%vs 78.75%,P=0.178;OS:81.36%vs 83.12%,P=0.638;CRR:14.41%vs 7.5%,P=0.063).Poorly controlled DM was associated with a significantly worse prognosis and higher CRR than well-controlled DM(DFS:62.22%vs 78.07%,P=0.021;OS:71.11%vs 87.67%,P=0.011;CRR:24.40%vs 8.22%,P=0.015).High preoperative fasting plasma glucose[DFS:Hazard ratio(HR)=2.684,P<0.001;OS:HR=2.105,P=0.019;CRR:HR=2.214,P=0.005]and glycosylated hemoglobin levels(DFS:HR=2.344,P=0.006;OS:HR=2.119,P=0.021;CRR:HR=2.449,P=0.009)indicated significantly poor prognosis and high CRR,while T2DM history did not(DFS:HR=1.178,P=0.327;OS:HR=0.933,P=0.739;CRR:HR=0.997,P=0.581).CONCLUSION Increased preoperative fasting plasma glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels,but not T2DM history,were identified as risk factors associated with poor postoperative outcomes and high CRR in patients with stage III CC.

Correlations of the expression of Cx43,SCFFBXW7,p-cyclin E1(Ser73),p-cyclin E1(Thr77)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)in colon cancer tissues

BACKGROUND Previous cellular studies have demonstrated that elevated expression of Cx43 promotes the degradation of cyclin E1 and inhibits cell proliferation through ubiquitination.Conversely,reduced expression results in a loss of this capacity to facilitate cyclin E degradation.The ubiquitination and degradation of cyclin E1 may be associated with phosphorylation at specific sites on the protein,with Cx43 potentially enhancing this process by facilitating the phosphorylation of these critical residues.AIM To investigate the correlation between expression of Cx43,SKP1/Cullin1/F-box(SCF)FBXW7,p-cyclin E1(ser73,thr77,thr395)and clinicopathological indexes in colon cancer.METHODS Expression levels of Cx43,SCFFBXW7,p-cyclin E1(ser73,thr77,thr395)in 38 clinical colon cancer samples were detected by immunohistochemistry and were analyzed by statistical methods to discuss their correlations.RESULTS Positive rate of Cx43,SCFFBXW7,p-cyclin E1(Ser73),p-cyclin E1(Thr77)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)in detected samples were 76.32%,76.32%,65.79%,5.26%and 55.26%respectively.Positive expressions of these proteins were not related to the tissue type,degree of tissue differentiation or lymph node metastasis.Cx43 and SCFFBXW7(r=0.749),p-cyclin E1(Ser73)(r=0.667)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)(r=0.457),SCFFBXW7 and p-cyclin E1(Ser73)(r=0.703)and p-cyclin E1(Thr395)(0.415)were correlated in colon cancer(P<0.05),and expressions of the above proteins were positively correlated in colon cancer.CONCLUSION Cx43 may facilitate the phosphorylation of cyclin E1 at the Ser73 and Thr195 sites through its interaction with SCFFBXW7,thereby influencing the ubiquitination and degradation of cyclin E1.

Current and future perspectives in the management and treatment of colorectal cancer

In this editorial,we reviewed the article by Fadlallah et al that was recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Oncology.The article provided a comprehensive and in-depth view of the management and treatment of colorectal cancer(CRC),one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity and mortality worldwide.The article analyzed the therapeutic modalities and their sequencing,focusing on total neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced rectal cancer.It highlighted the role of immunotherapy in tumors with high microsatellite instability or deficient mismatch repair,addressing recent advances that have improved prognosis and therapeutic response in localized and metastatic CRC.Innovations in surgical techniques,advanced radiotherapy,and systemic agents targeting specific mutational profiles are also discussed,reflecting on how they revolutionized clinical management.Circulating tumor DNA has emerged as a promising tool for detecting minimal residual disease,prognosis,and therapeutic monitoring,solidifying its role in precision oncology.This review emphasized the importance of technological and therapeutic advancements in improving clinical outcomes and personalizing CRC treatment.

Modification of Campylobacterjejuni Broiler Colonization by a Feed Additive Composed of Encapsulated Organic Acids and Essential Oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel feed additive on chicken intestinal colonization and carcass contamination by Campylobacterjejuni. The feed additive was composed of microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils （OA/EO）. The feed additive tested was provided by Jefo Nutrition Inc., St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada. Day-old birds were separated into two rooms and subdivided into two groups. Chicken were fed with OA/EO or not fed with OA/EO until they reached 35 d of age. At 14 d of age, chickens received an oral suspension of two well characterized C. jejuni strains, depending on the room they were housed in. The levels of C. jejuni were periodically monitored in the caecum and on the carcasses. C. jejuni colonization was further characterized by the use of high-resolution melt analysis of the C. jejuniflaA gene （HRM-flaA）. The effect of the feed additive was strain-dependent. In room two, the feed additive had no effect on the caecal counts. In room one, at 35 d of age, caecal C. jejuni counts were higher with OA/EO, as opposed to carcasses counts which were lower in the treated group. The HRM-flaA analysis showed that an amplification profile was predominant in birds fed with OA/EO at 35 d of age in room one, suggesting the selection of a C. jejuni strain. In conclusion, the OA/EO seemed to be effective to reduce C. jejuni levels but this effect appeared strain dependent.

Determination of Fungal Colonization in the Oral Cavity of College Students

In recent years, an increase in opportunistic fungal colonization in the oral cavity in immunocompetent patients （IC） has been observed. In the bibliography, the most observable genre is Candida and less frequently found are other opportunistic such as Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Cryptococcus, and others. The authors determined the presence of fungi in the oral cavity of IC students, and their relationship with the concentration of secretory IgA in saliva. To this end, we collected 50 samples of oral cavity swabs, which underwent direct examination and culture in Sabouraud dextrose agar with chloramphenicol. For its identification, CHROMagar Candida and API Candida （BioMerieux） were used. We obtained nine positive cultures （7 Candida albicans and 2 Saccharomyses cerevisiae）, which represented 18% of the studied population. Throughout radial immunodiffusion （RID plates-PLATE）, we determined the concentration of secretory IgA. No relationship was observed between the colonized group and group that was not colinized. The colonization rate found is below the one described in the bibliography （30% to 50%）. However, these opportunistic fungi cause transitory colonization with no clinical relevance in IC patients and, its percentage can vary according to the studied population.

Factors that mediate colonization of the human stomach by Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)colonizes the stomach of humans and causes chronic infection.The majority of bacteria live in the mucus layer overlying the gastric epithelial cells and only a small proportion of bacteria are found interacting with the epithelial cells.The bacteria living in the gastric mucus may act as a reservoir of infection for the underlying cells which is essential for the development of disease.Colonization of gastric mucus is likely to be key to the establishment of chronic infection.How H.pylori manages to colonise and survive in the hostile environment of the human stomach and avoid removal by mucus flow and killing by gastric acid is the subject of this review.We also discuss how bacterial and host factors may together go some way to explaining the susceptibility to colonization and the outcome of infection in different individuals.H.pylori infection of the gastric mucosa has become a paradigm for chronic infection.Understanding of why H.pylori is such a successful pathogen may help us understand how other bacterial species colonise mucosal surfaces and cause disease.

Maternal imprinting of the neonatal microbiota colonization in intrauterine growth restricted piglets:a review

Early colonization of intestinal microbiota during the neonatal stage plays an important role on the development of intestinal immune system and nutrients absorption of the host.Compared to the normal birth weight(NBW)piglets,intrauterine growth restricted(IUGR)piglets have a different intestinal microbiota during their early life,which is related to maternal imprinting on intestinal microbial succession during gestation,at birth and via suckling.Imbalanced allocation of limited nutrients among fetuses during gestation could be one of the main causes for impaired intestinal development and microbiota colonization in neonatal IUGR piglets.In this review,we summarized the potential impact of maternal imprinting on the colonization of the intestinal microbiota in IUGR piglets,including maternal undernutrition,imbalanced allocation of nutrients among fetuses,as well as vertical microbial transmission from mother to offspring during gestation and lactation.At the same time,we give information about the current maternal nutritional strategies(mainly breastfeeding,probiotics and prebiotics)to help colonization of the advantageous intestinal microbiota for IUGR piglets.

Natural Colonization of Rice by Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Different Production Areas

Interactions between plants and soil microorganisms can influence the other interactions in which plants participate, including interactions with herbivores. Many fungi, including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi(AMF), form symbiotic relationships with the roots they inhabit, and potentially alter defense against pests. The objective of this study was to document the extent of root colonization by AMF on non-flooded rice plants grown under conditions typical of commercial fields. We hypothesized that AMF naturally colonized rice plants in different rice producing field locations. Rice plant samples were collected from areas across the southern United States, including Texas, Mississippi, Arkansas and two research stations in Louisiana. We quantified the amount of AMF colonization in insecticide-free rice plants over three consecutive years(2014–2016). The results revealed natural colonization of AMF in all rice producing areas. In all the three years of survey, rice-AMF associations were the greatest in Arkansas followed by Mississippi and Texas. This research will help draw attention to natural colonization of AMF in rice producing areas that can impact future rice research and production by facilitating agricultural exploitation of the symbiosis.

Colonization of Bacillus cereus NJSZ-13,a species with nematicidal activity in Masson pine(Pinus massoniana Lamb.)

Bacillus cereus NJSZ-13,an endophytic bacterium with nematicidal activity,was isolated from stems of healthy Pinus elliottii Engelm.Colonization of P.massoniana Lamb.by endophytic B.cereus was studied using scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy.After the plasmid p GFP78 containing the green fluorescent protein(GFP)gene was transformed into the NJSZ-13 strain,the NJSZ-13:gfp showed the same nematicidal activity and growth curve as the wild-type strain,and the plasmid p GFP78 was stably maintained in strain NJSZ-13 for at least 96 h of bacterial cultivation on medium without antibiotics.After inoculation into Masson pine roots,colonization of the NJSZ-13:gfp strain in plant roots and stems was visualized using confocal laser scanning and the strain was enumerated in inoculated roots and stems.These results suggest that NJSZ-13:gfp is an efficient colonizer of Masson pine and can transfer vertically from roots to stems.

Bacterial colonization and intestinal mucosal barrier development

The intestinal tract is colonized soon after birth with a variety of ingested environmental and maternal microflora. This process is influenced by many factors including mode of delivery, diet, environment, and the use of antibiotics. Normal intestinal microflora provides protection against infection, ensures tolerance to foods, and contributes to nutrient digestion and energy harvest. In addition, enteral feeding and colonization with the normal commensal flora are necessary for the maintenance of intestinal barrier function and play a vital role in the regulation of intestinal barrier function. Intestinal commensal microorganisms also provide signals that foster normal immune system development and influence the ensuing immune responses. There is increasingly recognition that alterations of the microbial gut flora and associated changes in intestinal barrier function may be related to certain diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the complex ecosystem of intestinal microbiota and its role in regulating intestinal barrier function and a few common pediatric diseases. Disruption in the establishment of a stable normal gut microflora may contribute to the pathogenesis of diseases including inflammatory bowel disease, nosocomial infection, and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis.

Colonization and development of the gut microbiome in calves

Colonization and development of the gut microbiome are crucial for the growth and health of calves.In this review,we summarized the colonization,beneficial nutrition,immune function of gut microbiota,function of the gut barrier,and the evolution of core microbiota in the gut of calves of different ages.Homeostasis of gut microbiome is beneficial for nutritional and immune system development of calves.Disruption of the gut microbiome leads to digestive diseases in calves,such as diarrhea and intestinal inflammation.Microbiota already exists in the gut of calf fetuses,and the colonization of microbiota continues to change dynamically under the influence of various factors,which include probiotics,diet,age,and genotype.Colonization depends on the interaction between the gut microbiota and the immune system of calves.The abundance and diversity of these commensal microbiota stabilize and play a critical role in the health of calves.

Characterization of flgK gene and FlgK protein required for H pylori Colonization-from cloning to clinical relevance

AIM： To characterize the role of flgK and its protein product in Hpylori colonization. METHODS： The PCR cloning method identified the flgK gene. An isogenic flgK mutant was constructed by gene replacement and confirmed by Southern blot analysis and PCR analysis. The recombinant FlgK protein （r-FlgK） was purified. Electron microscopy （EM） was applied to demonstrate the flagella of H pylori. An in vitro motility test was assessed in semisolid medium. The densities of H pylori colonization with either the wild-type strain or its flgK mutant were compared among BALB/c mice with or without pre-immunization with r-FlgK. The serological responses to r-FlgK were analyzed for 70 clinical patients with different densities of H pylori colonization. RESULTS： From a duodenal ulcer strain, the flgK gene was cloned and it contained 1821 bp, with a 95.7% identity to the published sequences. No flagella were observed under EM for the mutant strain, which had a loss of motility. Hpylori density was lower in the BALB/c mice inoculated by the mutant or with pre-immunization with r-FlgK compared to unimmunized mice or mice inoculated by the wild-type strain （P 〈 0.05）. In the H pylori-infected patients, the serological responses to r-FlgK were uniformly low in titer.CONCLUSION： FlgK encoded by flgK is important for flagella formation and H pylori motility. Deficiency in FlgK or an enhanced serological response to r-FlgK can interfere with Hpylori colonization. FlgK of Hpylori could be a novel target for vaccination.

Non-thermal Plasma Suppresses Bacterial Colonization on Skin Wound and Promotes Wound Healing in Mice

The present study evaluated the effect of non-thermal plasma on skin wound healing in BalB/c mice.Two 6-mm wounds along the both sides of the spine were created on the back of each mouse（n=80） by using a punch biopsy.The mice were assigned randomly into two groups,with 40 animals in each group：a non-thermal plasma group in which the mice were treated with the non-thermal plasma;a control group in which the mice were left to heal naturally.Wound healing was evaluated on postoperative days（POD） 4,7,10 and 14（n=5 per group in each POD） by percentage of wound closure.The mice was euthanized on POD 1,4,7,10,14,21,28 and 35（n=1 in each POD）.The wounds were removed,routinely fixed,paraffin-embedded,sectioned and HE-stained.A modified scoring system was used to evaluate the wounds.The results showed that acute inflammation peaked on POD 4 in non-thermal plasma group,earlier than in control group in which acute inflammation reached a peak on POD 7,and the acute inflammation scores were much lower in non-thermal group than in control group on POD 7（P0.05）.The amount of granular tissue was greater on POD 4 and 7 in non-thermal group than in control group（P0.05）.The re-epithelialization score and the neovasularization score were increased significantly in non-thermal group when compared with control group on POD 7 and 10（P0.05 for all）.The count of bacterial colonies was 103 CFU/mL on POD 4 and 20 CFU/mL on POD 7,significantly lower than that in control group（109 CFU/mL on POD 4 and 1012 CFU/mL on the POD 7）（P0.05）.It was suggested that the non-thermal plasma facilitates the wound healing by suppressing bacterial colo-nization.

Helicobacter pylori intragastric colonization and migration:Endoscopic manifestations and potential mechanisms

After being ingested and entering the human stomach,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)adopts several effective strategies to adhere to and colonize the gastric mucosa and move to different regions of the stomach to obtain more nutrients and escape from the harsher environments of the stomach,leading to acute infection and chronic gastritis,which is the basis of malignant gastric tumors.The endoscopic manifestations and pathological features of H.pylori infection are diverse and vary with the duration of infection.In this review,we describe the endoscopic manifestations of each stage of H.pylori gastritis and then reveal the potential mechanisms of bacterial intragastric colonization and migration from the perspective of endoscopists to provide direction for future research on the effective therapy and management of H.pylori infection.

Relationships between plant colonization and soil characteristics in the natural recovery of an earthquaketriggered debris flow gully in the Wanglang National Nature Reserve,China

Fragmentation and loss of habitats due to natural disasters, like earthquakes and earthquaketriggered debris flows are existing threats to the long- term survival of the giant panda （Ailuropoda melanoleuca）. To better understand natural recovery processes of the damaged habitat, field investigation and laboratory analysis were used to analyze relationships between plant colonization and soil characteristics in an over 3o-year natural recovery of a damaged giant panda habitat in a debris flow gully after the 1976 Songpan-Pingwu earthquake in Sichuan Province, China. Four different damaged sites were selected that located at the center of the gully （center）, on a flat alluvial fan （fan）, in a side slope of the gully （slope）, and at the ecotone between the gully and native forest （ecotone）. Vegetation characteristics, soil physicochemical properties, and microbial biomass in the different sites and soil depths were measured. After the natural recovery, the soil fertility, water retention, and microbial biomass were highest at ecotone, followed by fan, slope, and center. Only a few perennial herbs colonized at center; shrubs started to invade at fan and slope, and the native trees dominated the community of ecotone. Furthermore, Fargesia spathacea （food for the giant panda） started to be re-established at ecotone, and the community characteristic of ecotone recovered similarly to the native habitat. These results suggested that improving the soil fertility, water retaining capacity and microbial biomass is fundamental to the plant colonization, particular for F. spathacea＇s re- establishment in a damaged giant panda habitat.