Endoplasmic reticulum is one of the most important organelles in maintaining cellular homeo⁃ stasis, mainly involved in intracellular lipid synthesis, protein folding and calcium ion homeostasis. Trau⁃ ma, ischemia and hypoxia and other pathological changes can cause protein folding dysfunction in the en⁃ doplasmic reticulum, triggering endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS). Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a com⁃ mon traumatic disease with anextremely high disability rate, which seriously affects the quality of life. There is no safe and effective clinical methods so far. Investigations have shown that ERS is one of the important pathological changes leading to cell death and neuronal dysfunction after SCI, and is closely as⁃ sociated with signaling pathways such as apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation in neurons after SCI; however, the molecular mechanisms between ERS and SCI have not yet been thoroughly investigated. A deeper understanding and exploration of the potential molecular mechanisms associated with ERS and SCI may be the future SCI therapeutics. In this paper, we first summarized the relationship between the chan⁃ ges of ERS⁃related genes and the pathological process of SCI, Then the interrelationships between ERS and the apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy signaling pathways after SCI were analyzed, starting from the three main modes of regulation, including unfolded protein response (UPR), endoplasmic reticulum⁃ associated degradation (ERAD), and endoplasmic reticulophagy (ER⁃phagy),Finally, we summarize the relevant drugs and application prospects of targeting ERS for SCI in recent years, which may provide a theoretical basis for targeting the ERS pathway for SCI and provide some ideas and insights for the de⁃ velopment of future therapeutic strategies after SCI.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) non-structural protein 7 (Nsp7) plays an important role in the induction of host humoral immune response and could serve as an ideal antigen for serological genotyping assay for PRRSV based on the significant difference in immunoreactivities of North American (NA) and European (EU) PRRSV Nsp7. In this study, Nsp7 of NA and EU PRRSVwas separately expressed and purified using prokaryotic expression system. The purified recombinant Nsp7 proteins reacted with serum antibodies against corresponding genotype PRRSV in Western blotting. However, nonspecific reaction of whole recombinant Nsp7 with antibodies against another genotype PRRSV was observed, indicating that whole NA PRRSV Nsp7 and EU PRRSV Nsp7 have similar antigenic epitopes and recombinant proteins could not be used for genotyping of antibodies against PRRSV. Based on the analysis of similar antigenic epitopes at the hydrophilic region of NA PRRSV Nsp7 and EU PRRSV Nsp7 by bioinformatics assessment, partial Nsp7 gene region deleted sequences encoding similar antigenic epitopes was constructed by fusion PCR. The recombinant truncated Nsp7 (NA-deltaNsp7 and EU-deltaNsp7, about 43 kDa) was expressed and the molecular weight was about 43 kDa. The results of Western blotting showed that NA-deltaNSP7 and EU-deltaNSP7 could be specifically recognized by positive serum to NA or EU PRRSV individually and nonspecific reaction was eliminated. This study provided a basis for further development of serological genotyping assay for North American and European genotype PRRSV infection.
Animals ; Genotype ; Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome virus ; classification ; genetics ; immunology ; Recombinant Proteins ; biosynthesis ; immunology ; Swine ; Viral Nonstructural Proteins ; biosynthesis ; immunology

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of "preventive acupuncture and moxibustion" for regulating hypothalamic function in ovariectomy rats.

METHODSThirty female SD rats, aged 3.5 months, were randomly divided into normal group, sham operation group, ovariectomy model group, preventive acupuncture group and preventive moxibustion group. After "preventive acupuncture and moxibustion" were previously given to the preventive acupuncture group and the preventive moxibustion group for one month, respectively. At the same time, ovarietomy was made in the preventive acupuncture group, the preventive moxibustion group and the ovariectomy model group. For the sham operation group, only a little fat around the ovary was removed without ovariectomy, and nothing was not applied to the normal group. Immunohistochemical and in situs hybridization methods were used to investigate changes of expressions of ER-alpha and ER-alpha mRNA in paraventricular nucleus, supraoptic nucleus and arcuate nucleus.

RESULTSIn the model group the expressions of ER-alpha and ER-alpha mRNA in paraventricular nucleus and the expression of ER-alpha mRNA in supraoptic nucleus increased significantly (P<0.01), but the expression of ER-alpha dropped significantly in both supraoptic nucleus and arcuate nucleus (P<0.01). After preconditioning with acupuncture or moxibustion, the expression of ER-alpha mRNA in paraventricular nucleus significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the expression of ER-alpha had no significant change (P>0.05); the expression of ER-alpha in supraoptic nucleus and arcuate nucleus significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the expression of ER-alpha mRNA in paraventricular nucleus had no significant change (P>0.05).

CONCLUSION"Preventive acupuncture and moxibustion" at "Guanyuan" (CV 4) have an effect on the expressions of ER-alpha and ER-alpha mRNA in different hypothalamic nuclei in ovariectomy rats, which possibly is one of the ways for modulating the hypothalamic activity.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Animals ; Cell Nucleus ; genetics ; metabolism ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; genetics ; metabolism ; Female ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Hypothalamus ; metabolism ; Moxibustion ; Ovariectomy ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of preventive moxibustion at the acupoint of 'Guanyuan" (CV 4) on the stress-related hormones, proteins and genes in natural menopausal rats, and explore its protective mechanism.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty eight healthy female SD rats were used in this study, in which 16 rats aged 4 months were used as normal control group, the rest 10-month-old rats with disorder of estrus cycle were randomly divided into 7 groups, including 4 control groups at the age of 10, 12, 14 and 16 months, and 3 preventive moxibustion groups at the age of 12, 14 and 16 months, 16 cases in each group. The 10-month-old rats were treated with preventive moxibustion at the acupoint of "Guanyuan" (CV 4), twice a week for 8 weeks consistently, then observed on the following 12, 14 and 16 months. Its effects on the level of heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70), heat shock protein 70 mRNA (HSP 70 mRNA), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), beta-endorphin (beta-EP), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) in the different nuclei of hypothalamus were examined with radio-immunity, immunohistochemistry or in situ hybridization methods.

RESULTSIn the control groups, the expression of HSP 70 and HSP 70 mRNA was increased in paraventricular, arcuate and supraoptic nucleus, the level of CRH, beta-EP was showed with declining trend in volatility, while the content of ACTH was increased. In comparison to the same-aged control groups, the preventive moxibustion groups were showed that the expression of HSP 70 in the 14-month-old group was lower and the expression of HSP 70 mRNA in the 12 and 16-month-old group was significantly higher in the paraventricular nucleus (all P < 0.05), the expression of HSP 70 in the 12 and 14-month-old groups and HSP 70 mRNA in the 12-month-old group was significantly increased in the arcuate nucleus (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), while the expression of HSP 70 in the 14-month-old group and HSP 70 mRNA in the 12 and 16-month-old group was significantly decreased in the supraoptic nucleus (all P < 0.05), the content of CRH and ACTH decreased significantly in 14-month group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), but the content of beta-EP obviously went up in the 12-month-old group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONPreventive moxibustion at the acupoint of "Guanyuan" (CV 4) can regulate the expression of stress proteins, genes and hormones in the hypothalamus for the natural menopausal rats, which might be playing a protective role.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone ; metabolism ; Animals ; Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone ; metabolism ; Female ; Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypothalamic Hormones ; metabolism ; Menopause ; genetics ; metabolism ; Models, Animal ; Moxibustion ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; beta-Endorphin ; metabolism

This study was purposed to detect the abnormal quantity and localization of pre-ALIP in bone marrow of acute myelocytic leukemia patients (AML) during the complete remission (CR) and investigate their correlation with AML relapse. The bone marrow biopsy and prognosis of 62 patients with CR were retrospectively analyzed. The bone marrow was divided into the pre-relapse group and the no-relapse group according to prognosis of patients. In order to clarify the correlation of abnormal quantity and localization of pre-ALIP with AML relapse, the number of single and double-cluster precursor cells and the sum of both were calculated, and their distance from bone trabeculae was surveyed with the computer image segment method. The results showed that the number of pre-ALIP in pre-relapse group (11 ± 11.71/mm(2)) and no-relapse group (8.33 ± 9.17/mm(2)) were more than that in normal control group (5.29 ± 4.00) (P < 0.01). The number of pre-ALIP more than 11/mm(2) was observed in 17 among all AML patients, and out of them 12 patients with pre-ALIP number >11/mm(2) (70.6) were found in the pre-relapse group, which was higher than that in no-relapse group (P < 0.05). While the distance between pre-ALIP and trabeculae [(341.31 ± 266.16) µm] in pre-relapse group showed the tendency of migrating to the intermediate zone of bone trabeculae, compared with that in no-relapse group [(242.41 ± 174.65) µm, P < 0.01]. Moreover, about 77.8 of 18 patients showed the distance of pre-ALIP from trabeculae was more than 341 µm in the pre-relapse group, and significantly higher than that in no-relapse group (P < 0.01). It is concluded that the average number of "pre-ALIP" more than 11/mm(2) or the average distance from trabeculae longer than 341 µm in bone marrow sections during CR may be the indicators for early relapse of AML.
Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Bone Marrow ; pathology ; Female ; Humans ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

Objective:To summarize the clinical and imaging features of pediatric neuroglial heterotopia (NGH) in different locations.Methods:The clinical and preoperative imaging data of 9 patients (6 boys and 3 girls, median age 3 months, range from 1 to13 months) with NGH confirmed by pathology were retrospectively reviewed in Wuhan Children′s Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology from October 2009 to December 2020. All patients underwent preoperative CT or/and MR examination. Follow-up was performed in 12 to 60 months after operation, with a median follow-up time of 24 months. The location, range, size, density/signal intensity of the lesions were reviewed.Results:Of all 9 cases, three cases were located in nose (2 extranasal type and 1 mixed type), with the maximum diameter of 13, 13 and 15 mm; there were 3 lesions in tongue, all of which were located on the dorsum of tongue, with the maximum diameter of 13, 18 and 23 mm; there were also 2 cases located in nasopharynx, maximum diameter of 15 and 22 mm, respectively. One case was in sacrococcygeal area, with the maximum diameter as 18 mm. All lesions presented as solid masses with well-defined margins, displaying slightly low density compared to grey matter. The CT value ranged from 25 to 47 HU. Compared to grey matter or spinal cord, MRI demonstrated isointense or slight hypointense on T 1WI and slight hyperintense on T 2WI. All masses presented homogenous density or signal intensity, with mild homogenous enhancement. During postoperative follow-up, no recurrence was found in 8 cases. One case of nasal NGH with gradeⅡcleft lip recurred at 1 month follow-up after surgery, and no recurrence was found after the second surgery. Conclusions:The NGH in children has typical imaging features, and is mostly located at the extracranial midline structure.It presents as solid mass, with quasi-circular morphology, well-defined margins and homogeneous density or signal intensity similar to gray matter or spinal cord. The postoperative recurrence rate is low.

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the roles of monocyte chemotactic factors (MCP-1, RANTES and Fractalkine) on the vulnerability of atherosclerotic plaques in patients with stable (SAP) and unstable angina pectoris (UAP).

METHODSPatients with SAP (n = 50) and UAP (n = 50) underwent coronary angiography (CAG) and intravenous ultrasound (IVUS) were included in the study. Monocyte chemotaxis was assayed by the transwell chamber. Concentrations of hs-CRP, MCP-1, RANTES and Fractalkine were measured by Enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). mRNA expression of MCP-1, RANTES and Fractalkine in the monocytes was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSIVUS evidenced soft lipid plaques in 48% UAP patients and in 16% SAP patients (P < 0.05). SAP patients had mainly fibrous and mixed plaques. Plaque burden and vascular remodeling index were significantly higher in UAP patients than in SAP patients (P < 0.01). The averaged number of migrated monocytes in the UAP patients were higher than that in patients with SAP (P < 0.01). Concentration of hs-CRP, MCP-1, RANTES and Fractalkine were significantly higher in UAP patients than those of SAP patients (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). mRNA expression of MCP-1, RANTES and Fractalkine in patients with UAP was significantly higher than those of SAP patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONUpregulated monocyte chemotactic factors (MCP-1, RANTES and Fractalkine) might promote coronary plaque vulnerability in UAP patients.

Angina Pectoris ; metabolism ; pathology ; Angina, Unstable ; metabolism ; pathology ; Chemokine CCL2 ; metabolism ; Chemokine CCL5 ; metabolism ; Chemokine CX3CL1 ; metabolism ; Coronary Angiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; pathology ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics

Objective To isolate and identify arboviruses from mosquito pools in some regions of Liaoning province.Methods Mosquitoes were collected from Shenyang,Yingkou,Panjin,Jinzhou and Dandong cities of Liaoning province in 2006.Viruses were isolated by inoculating the specimens onto C6/ 36 and BHK-21cells.The new isolates were identified using serological and molecular biological methods.Results 5410 mosquitoes were collected from the five cities in total.Three isolates produced CPE in C6/ 36 cell and five isolates produced CPE in both C6/36 and BI-IK-21 cell.Three isolates (LN0684,LN0688 and LN0689) were identified as Banna virus and one isolate (LN0636) was identified as Getah virus.Phylogenetic analysis showed that the three Banna virus strains were clustered into the same evolution branch as the other Chinese isolates.The identity of nucleotide sequence was between 91.2% and 94.7%,compared with other Banna virus strains.The new isolated Getah virus was clustered into the same branch with the strain of South Korea (swine).The identity of nucleotide sequence was 99.2%,when comparing with the strain of South Korea and was 95% to 99% with the strains fi'om Russia,mainland of China and Taiwan region.Conehmion Eight virus isolates,including three Banna virus,one Getah virus and four unknown virus strains were isolated from mosquitoes in Liaoning province.Banna virus and Getah virus were reported for the first time in Liaoning province,while Getah virus showed the highest nucleotide homology with the South Korea strains.

PURPOSE: To investigate the prevalence of spina bifida occulta (SBO) and its relationship with the presence of overactive bladder (OAB) in middle-aged and elderly people in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional community-based survey was carried out at 7 communities in Zhengzhou City, China from December 15, 2013 to June 10, 2014, where residents aged over 40 years were randomly selected to participate. All of the participants underwent lumbosacral radiographic analysis and relevant laboratory tests. A questionnaire including basic information, past medical history and present illness, and the OAB symptom score was filled out by all participants. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used for data analysis with a P-value of <0.05 denoting statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 1,061 subjects were qualified for the final statistical analysis (58.8±11.7 years; male, 471 [44.4%]; female, 590 [55.6%]). The overall prevalence of SBO was 15.1% (160 of 1,061): 18.3% (86 of 471) in men and 12.5% (74 of 590) in women. Among these subjects, 13.7% (145 of 1,061) had OAB: 13.2% (62 of 471) in men and 14.1% (83 of 590) in women. The results of logistic regression showed that age, SBO, history of cerebral infarction (HCI), and constipation were risk factors for OAB (P<0.05), while sex, history of childhood enuresis (HCE), body mass index (BMI), and diabetes mellitus (DM) were not (P>0.05). In men, age, SBO, and constipation were risk factors for OAB (P<0.05), while HCE, BMI, DM, HCI, and benign prostate hyperplasia were not (P>0.05). In women, age, SBO, and HCI were risk factors for OAB (P<0.05), while HCE, BMI, DM, vaginal delivery, and constipation were not (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of SBO is high and it is related to OAB in middle-aged and elderly people in China.
Aged* ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; Body Mass Index ; Cerebral Infarction ; China ; Constipation ; Diabetes Mellitus ; Enuresis ; Female ; Humans ; Hyperplasia ; Logistic Models ; Male ; Prevalence* ; Prostate ; Risk Factors ; Spina Bifida Occulta* ; Spinal Dysraphism* ; Statistics as Topic ; Urinary Bladder, Overactive*

Objective: The aim of this study is to discover the possible working mechanisms of Ardisiae Japonicae Herba (AJH) on hepatoma carcinoma (HCC). Methods: In this study, ethanol extract of AJH was prepared and used to treat HCC cell in vitro. Furthermore, a genomic wide RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed to screen deregulated genes in HCC cells after the treatment of AJH extract. The gene and protein expression related to lipid metabolism in HCC cells were also investigated to validate the results obtained from RNA-seq. Results: AJH extract could inhibit HCC cell proliferation in vitro. RNA-seq analysis has identified 1,601 differentially expressed genes (DEGs, fold change ≥ 2.0 or fold change ≤ 0.5, P < 0.05) in HCC after AJH extract treatment, which included 225 up-regulated genes and 1,376 down-regulated genes. KEGG pathway analysis of DEGs demonstrated that lipid metabolism was a potential pathway related to AJH treatment. In agreement with the RNA-seq data, qPCR and Western-blot analysis indicated that expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism (SREBP1, ACC, ACLY and FASN) were significantly down-regulated in AJH treatment group as compared with the control group. Furthermore, AJH extract could also decrease lipid contents and cellular free fatty acid levels in HCC cells. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of AJH could inhibit HCC cell proliferation in vitro, the possible mechanism may be related to the inhibition of lipid metabolism.