Objective To establish the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) model in SD rats and to investigate if endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS) plays a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Methods A total of 36 male SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal control group 1(N1,n=8), normal control group 2 (N2,n=8), model group 1(M1,n=10) and model group 2(M2,n=10). The two control groups were fed with normal diets, whereas the two model groups were provided diets enriched in fat (10% lard oil and 2% cholesterol). The rats in N1 and M1 groups were sacrificed at the 12th week, and those in N2 and M2 groups were sacrificed at the 20th week. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were measured. The steatosis, immflamation and fibrosis of the liver were observed with HE and Masson staining. The expressions of GRP78, CHOP and procaspase-12 mRNA were tested using real-time PCR and the activation of procaspase-12 protein was detected by Western blot. Results At the 12th week, the liver index and the serum levels of ALT, AST,ALP,TP,TC,LDL in M1 group were significantly higher than those in N1 group (P<0.01), but HDL level was significantly lower in M1 group than that in N1 group (P<0.01). At the 20th week, the concentrations of TC and LDL in M2 group were significantly increased in comparison with N2 group. The histochemical study revealed that the hepatic steatosis and inflammation in M1 and M2 groups were more serious than those in N1 and N2 goups(P<0.01). The slight fibrosis was seen in M2 group. At the 12th and 20th weeks, the expressions of GRP78,CHOP and procaspase-12 mRNA and protein in M1 and M2 groups did not differ in N1 and N2 groups. Conclusions The fat-rich diet might successfully induce NAFLD in rats and there is no ERS observed in the study, which suggests that ERS may not be involved in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.

BACKGROUND: Absorbable material is a hotspot in orthopedics, which is biodegradable, avoids fixation residues and second surgical trauma compared with the traditional internal fixation.OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of K-wires, screws and absorbable rods for the internal fixation of Mason II-III radial head fractures.METHODS: Totally 45 patients with Mason Ⅱ-Ⅲ radial head fractures were collected from January 2010 to December 2015 admited in Zhangjiagang First People's Hospital and Zhangjiagang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and were then divided into three groups (n=15 per group), followed by implanted with K-wires (group A), screws (group B)and absorbable rods (group C), respectively. The baseline data, operation time, blood loss, healing time, Mayo and Broberg-Morrey scores were compared among groups.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There were no significant differences in the baseline data, operation time, blood loss,and healing time among groups (P > 0.05). (2) The Mayo scores in the groups A, B, and C were (88.45±6.22),(92.37±5.60), and (90.82±6.58), respectively; the Broberg-Morrey scores in the groups A, B, and C group were ((90.82±6.83), (93.05±6.54), and (91.68±7.15), respectively; all above scores showed no significant differences among groups (P > 0.05). (4) The total incidence rate of complications in the groups A, B, and C was 20％ (2/15), 13％ (2/15),and 7％ (1/15) respectively, showing no significant difference among groups (P > 0.05). (4) These results indicate that the absorbable rods can obtain satisfactory treatment outcomes for Mason II-III radial head fractures, which is equivalent to the traditional internal fixation. Moreover, it can avoid secondary operation for removing internal fixators and the adverse impact of stress shielding, so it is recommended to be used in clinic.

OBJECTIVETo assess lipid peroxidation and ultrastructural modifications in rat brains following perinatal exposure to lead (Pb) and/or cadmium (Cd).

METHODSFemale rats were divided into four groups: control group, Pb (300 mg/L) group, Cd group (10 mg/L) and Pb+Cd (300 mg/L, 10 mg/L) group. The compounds were delivered in the drinking water throughout pregnancy and lactation.

RESULTSThe levels of compounds in blood and brain of the Pb+Cd group were similar to those of other groups, but the effects of Pb+Cd on pups' body and brain weights were higher than on other compounds. Electron microscopy revealed that Pb and Cd had effects on mitochondrial swelling, disruption and cristae loss, Nissl body dissolution, degenerated organelles and vacuoles, cytomembrane disappearance, and nuclear chromoplasm concentration. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was decreased, whereas the activity of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) was increased.

CONCLUSIONPerinatal exposure to low doses of Pb and Cd can produce alterations in lipid peroxidation and ultrastructural modifications in rat brains, and exposure to both metals can result in greater damages.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; metabolism ; Brain ; drug effects ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Cadmium ; toxicity ; Environmental Pollutants ; toxicity ; Female ; Lead ; toxicity ; Lipid Peroxidation ; drug effects ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Rats ; Water

Objective To study the feasibility and clinical values of diffusion tensor tractography (DTT)in the spinal cord at 3.0 T MR.Methods Forty patients with spinal cord compression including cervical cord herniation and cervical spondylosis(30 cases),tumors in spinal canal(9 cases)and old injury in cervical vertebrae(1 cases)and 20 healthy volunteers participated in this study.Single-shot spin- echo echo-planar diffusion tensor sequence for tractography of the spinal cord was performed.The fibers of spinal cord were visualized by using fiber tracking software.Results On the DTT maps,the normal spinal cord was depicted as a fiber tract showing color-encoded cephaloeaudally,which indicated anisotropy in the cephalocaudal direction.By setting two ROI,the main spinal cord fiber tracts,such as corticospinal or spinothalamic tract,were visualized.The tracts from two sides of the brain did not completely cross.It was asymmetric in the number of tracts on the two sides in most normal subjects(8/10).The tracts of all patients with cord compression were seen oppressed or damaged in different degrees.The DrrT in patients with cervical spondylosis and extramedullary-intradural neurolemmoma demonstrated that tracts were oppressed but not damaged.The DTT in one ependymoma showed that tract was markedly compressed and slightly damaged.Conclusion DTT is a promising tool for demonstrating the spinal cord tracts and abnormalities,can provide useful information for the localization of compression and evaluation of the impairment extent on the white matter tracts of the spinal cord.

Objectives To construct the cancellous bone explant model and a method of culturing these bone tissues in vitro, and to investigate the effect of mechanical load on growth of cancellous bone tissue in vitro.
Methods Cancellous bone were extracted from rabbit femoral head and cut into 1-mm-thick and 8-mm-diameter slices under sterile conditions. HE staining and scanning electron microscopy were employed to identify the histomorphology of the model after being cultured with a new dynamic load and circulating perfusion bioreactor system for 0, 3, 5, and 7 days, respectively. We built a three-dimensional model using microCT and analyzed the loading effects using finite element analysis. The model was subjected to mechanical load of 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000μεrespectively for 30 minutes per day. After 5 days of continuous stimuli, the activities of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) were detected. Apoptosis was analyzed by DNA ladder detection and caspase-3/8/9 activity detection.
Results After being cultured for 3, 5, and 7 days, the bone explant model grew well. HE staining showed the apparent nucleus in cells at the each indicated time, and electron microscope revealed the living cells in the bone tissue. The activities of AKP and TRAP in the bone explant model under mechanical load of 3000 and 4000μεwere significantly lower than those in the unstressed bone tissues (all P<0.05). DNA ladders were seen in the bone tissue under 3000 and 4000μεmechanical load. Moreover, there was significant enhancement in the activities of caspase-3/8/9 in the mechanical stress group of 3000 and 4000με(all P<0.05).
Conclusions The cancellous bone explant model extracted from the rabbit femoral head could be alive at least for 7 days in the dynamic load and circulating perfusion bioreactor system, however, pathological mechanical load could affect the bone tissue growth by apoptosis in vitro. The differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoclasts might be inhibited after the model is stimulated by mechanical load of 3000 and 4000με.

OBJECTIVETo explore the molecular mechanism underlying the biological function of lncRNA PTENP1 in bladder cancer.

METHODSExpressions of PTENP1, PTEN and miR-17 were examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR) in 12 bladder cancer tissues. The expression of PTEN was examined by Western blotting in bladder cancer cell lines T24 and 5637 overexpressing PTENP1. Luciferase reporter assay was performed to confirm the targeting of miR-17 to PTENP1 and PTEN. T24 and 5637 cell lines with stable overexpression of PTENP1 and mir-17 were used to investigate effect of PTNE and miR-17 on the function of PTENP1 in bladder cancer.

RESULTSThe expression of miR-17 was up-regulated and PTENP1 and PTEN were down-regulated in bladder cancer tissues, where a positive correlation was found between PTENP1 and PTEN expressions and a negative correlation between PTENP1 and miR-17 (P<0.05). Overexpression of PTENP1 in bladder cancer cell lines T24 and 5637 obviously enhanced the expression of PTEN protein. miR-17 was found to target both PTENP1 and PTEN and promote the growth of bladder cancer. miR-17 could partially restore the tumor-suppressing activity of PTENP1 in bladder cancer.

CONCLUSIONBy binding with miR-17, lncRNA PTENP1 functions as a PTEN competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to suppress the progression of bladder cancer.

192 samples of Masked Palm Civet (Paguma Larvata) from Guangdong Province were inoculated in Vero-E6 cells. One sample which came from masked palm Civet didn't cause cytopathic effects (CPE) until fourth-passage on Vero-E6 cells. Infected cells emerged granulating, shrinking, rounding and falling off. After three times freeze-thaw, cells and culture medium were harvested for electron microscopy. Virus particles were nonenveloped, double capsid and icosahedral symmetry. This virus was designated Masked Palm Civet/China/2004 (MPC/04). Hemagglutination test indicated that the virus could agglutinate healthy human type O red cells, but not the red cells of SPF chicken, experimental common bovine, rat and guinea pig. This virus was tolerant to chloroform treatment, pH 3.0 and water bath 50 degrees C 1 h. 1 M MgCl2 treatment could enhance resistance of virus to heat and increase infectivity. In order to classify the strain on the molecular level, specific primers according to mammalian reovirus were used for Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Appropriate specific products were amplified by RT-PCR. NCBI BLAST analysis indicated that this segment shared the highest identity to mammalian reovirus serotype 1 (T1L) virus. So we can deduce this virus is a member of the Reoviridae.
Animals ; Base Sequence ; Cats ; virology ; Cattle ; Humans ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Reoviridae ; classification ; isolation & purification

Chromatography is one of the most important separation and analytical techniques in production activity and academic research.With the growing demand for applications,the development of targeted separation devices is costly.However,the difficulty of constructing modeling makes it difficult to validate the theoretical studies of chromatography.Three dimensional(3D)printing,as a technology that can fabricate objects by depositing materials from the bottom to up,can custom print complex structures for specific needs,and shows many advantages such as low cost,low waste,high precision,high flexibility and parallel manufacturing,demonstrating great potential in the field of chromatography separations.In recent years,with the rapid development of 3D printing technology,the printing resolution and speed have progressively improved,and the range of printable materials has largely expanded.This has led to preliminary research and application of 3D printing technology in the field of chromatography separation,resulting in brand new discoveries and technological innovations.This article made a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in research and application of 3D printing technology in separation science,including 3D printed columns,3D printed stationary phase,and 3D printed solid-phase extraction devices.Finally,The prospects and challenges of 3D printing technology in separation science were discussed.

Dental caries is one of the most common chronic diseases and is caused by acid fermentation of bacteria adhered to the teeth. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) utilizes sortase A (SrtA) to anchor surface proteins to the cell wall and forms a biofilm to facilitate its adhesion to the tooth surface. Some plant natural products, especially several flavonoids, are effective inhibitors of SrtA. However, given the limited number of inhibitors and the development of drug resistance, the discovery of new inhibitors is urgent. Here, the high-throughput virtual screening approach was performed to identify new potential inhibitors of S. mutans SrtA. Two libraries were used for screening, and nine compounds that had the lowest scores were chosen for further molecular dynamics simulation, binding free energy analysis and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) properties analysis. The results revealed that several similar compounds composed of benzofuran, thiadiazole and pyrrole, which exhibited good affinities and appropriate pharmacokinetic parameters, were potential inhibitors to impede the catalysis of SrtA. In addition, the carbonyl of these compounds can have a key role in the inhibition mechanism. These findings can provide a new strategy for microbial infection disease therapy.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the genetic characteristics of two rabies virus isolates from Henan province and to compare their relations hip with known rabies virus isolates and vaccine strains.

METHODSRabies viral antigens were detected in 100 canine brains by immunofluorescence assay method. Rabies virus was isolated through inoculating the suspensions of positive brains into suckling mice. N gene and G were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced. Phylogenetic trees were constructed for the analysis on genetic characteristics of rabies virus.

RESULTSTwo rabies virus strains were isolated (Henan Hb1 and Henan Sq1). Data from sequential comparison revealed that the nucleotide and amino acid identities of N and G gene between the two isolates were 99.3% and 98.9%, and 98.7% and 98.4% respectively. The two isolates were more closely related to CTN, with the homogeny of N gene and G gene as 89.1% and 85.6%-85.7% at the nucleotide level, but 97.6%-98.0% and 92.3% at the amino acid level respectively, than to other vaccine strains. When comparing with other known viruses including Chinese isolates, the two stains shared closer identity with the isolates from Indonesia, and the rates of homogeny of N and G gene were 92.1%-93.2% and 91.9%-92.1% at the nucleotide level, 97.5%-98.6% and 96.0%-96.2% at the amino acid level, respectively. Data from the deduced amino acid sequences revealed that some amino acid residues including the residues in the N and G antigenic sites were substituted in the two isolates. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis showed that the two isolates were also more closely related to the strains from Indonesia and vaccine strain CTN than to any other known street viruses and vaccine strains.

CONCLUSIONBoth Henan Hbl and Henan Sql belonged to genotype 1. However, the N and G gene diverged from known street viruses and vaccine strains at either nucleotide level or amino acid level.

Amino Acid Sequence ; Animals ; Base Sequence ; Brain ; virology ; China ; DNA, Viral ; analysis ; Dogs ; virology ; Genes, Viral ; Genotype ; Mice ; Phylogeny ; Rabies Vaccines ; Rabies virus ; classification ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Sequence Analysis, DNA