Objective:To investigate the effects of Daizongfang （DZF） on insulin resistance （IR） of adipocytes induced by different methods. Method:The cocktail induction method was adopted to induce the differentiation and maturity of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. An IR model in mature adipocytes was established by the induction of palmitic acid （PA）， high-concentration glucose （HG）， and dexamethasone （DEX）. DZF extracts at different concentrations （2.0， 0.5， 0.1 g·L^-1） intervened for 24 hours. A model group， a rosiglitazone （RSG） group， and a blank control group were set up at the same time. The glucose concentration in the culture supernatant was measured by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase （GOD-POD） method. Glucose consumptions under basic conditions （G_Basic） and insulin stimulation （G_Ins） were calculated to evaluate the insulin sensitivity index （ISI）. The mRNA expression of glucose transporter 4 （GLUT4） was detected by the real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）. Result:Compared with the model group， the DZF （2.0 g·L^-1） showed increased G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI in three IR models （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In addition， for the PA-induced IR model， G_Basic and G_Ins in the DZF （0.5 g·L^-1） group were elevated （P<0.01）， and G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI in the RSG group increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. For the HG-induced IR model， G_Ins and ISI increased in the DZF （0.5 g·L^-1） group （P<0.05）， and G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI were elevated in the RSG group （P<0.01）. For the DEX-induced IR model， G_Ins and ISI increased in the RSG group （P<0.01）. In the three models， there were differences among groups with different doses. G_Basic， G_Ins， and ISI in the high-dose DZF group increased in varying degrees compared with those in the medium- and low-dose DZF groups （P<0.05）. In the three models， the DZF （2.0 g·L^-1） group and the RSG group both increased GLUT4 mRNA expression （P<0.05）. Conclusion:DZF can reduce IR of adipocytes induced by HG， DEX， or PA in a dose-dependent manner and increase glucose uptake in an insulin-independent manner， which may be related to the increase in GLUT4 expression.

BACKGROUNDThe lateral pillar of the femoral head is an important site for disease development such as osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The femoral head consists of medial, central, and lateral pillars. This study aimed to determine the biomechanical effects of early osteonecrosis in pillars of the femoral head via a finite element (FE) analysis.

METHODSA three-dimensional FE model of the intact hip joint was constructed from the image data of a healthy control. Further, a set of six early osteonecrosis models was developed based on the three-pillar classification. The von Mises stress and surface displacements were calculated for all models.

RESULTSThe peak values of von Mises stress in the cortical and cancellous bones of normal model were 6.41 MPa and 0.49 MPa, respectively. In models with necrotic lesions in the cortical and cancellous bones, the von Mises stress and displacement of lateral pillar showed significant variability: the stress of cortical bone decreased from 6.41 MPa to 1.51 MPa (76.0% reduction), while cancellous bone showed an increase from 0.49 MPa to 1.28 MPa (159.0% increase); surface displacements of cortical and cancellous bones increased from 52.4 μm and 52.1 μm to 67.9 μm (29.5%) and 61.9 μm (18.8%), respectively. In addition, osteonecrosis affected not only pillars but also adjacent structures in terms of the von Mises stress and surface displacement levels.

CONCLUSIONSThis study suggested that the early-stage necrosis in the femoral head could increase the risk of collapse, especially in lateral pillar. On the other hand, the cortical part of lateral pillar was found to be the main biomechanical support of femoral head.

BACKGROUNDLateral compartmental osteoarthritis (LCOA), a major complication after medial mobile-bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), is highly associated with the increased stress of the lateral compartment. This study aimed to analyze the effects on the stress and load distribution of the lateral compartment induced by lower limb alignment and coronal inclination of the tibial component in UKA through a finite element analysis.

METHODSEight three-dimensional models were constructed based on a validated model for analyzing the biomechanical effects of implantation parameters on the lateral compartment after medial Oxford UKA: postoperative lower limb alignment of 3° valgus, neutral and 3° varus, and the inclination of tibial components placed in 4°, 2° valgus, square, and 2° and 4° varus. The contact stress of femoral and tibial cartilage and load distribution were calculated for all models.

RESULTSIn the 3° valgus lower limb alignment model, the contact stress of femoral (3.38 MPa) and tibial (3.50 MPa) cartilage as well as load percentage (45.78%) was highest compared to any other model, and was increased by 36.75%, 47.70%, and 27.63%, respectively when compared to 3° varus. In the condition of a neutral position, the outcome was comparable for the different tibial tray inclination models. The inclination did not greatly affect the lateral compartmental stress and load distribution.

CONCLUSIONSThis study suggested that slightly varus (undercorrection) lower limb alignment might be a way to prevent LCOA in medial mobile-bearing UKA. However, the inclination (4° varus to 4° valgus) of the tibial component in the coronal plane would not be a risk factor for LCOA in neutral position.

BACKGROUNDCoarctation of the aorta (CoA) with aortic arch hypoplasia (AAH) is a relatively common congenital heart disease in clinical practice. Nonetheless, the corrective surgical technique for infants and children is a clinical problem that remains controversial. In this study, we sought to evaluate the surgical effects of aortic arch (AA) reconstruction with coarctation resection and aortoplasty with autologous pulmonary artery patch for infants and young children with CoA and AAH.

METHODSBetween January 2009 and December 2015, a total of 22 infants and young children with CoA and AAH who underwent coarctation resection and aortoplasty with autologous pulmonary artery patch were enrolled in this study. The median age of patients was 4.5 (Q1, Q3: 2.0, 14.0) months and the median body weight was 5.75 (Q1, Q3: 4.10, 9.38) kg. All patients were diagnosed with CoA and AAH, and concomitant cardiac anomalies were corrected in one stage. Perioperative and postoperative data were collected and analyzed using the paired sample t-test.

RESULTSNo perioperative deaths occurred. No residual obstruction was detected by echocardiography. The postoperative pressure difference across the repaired segment of CoA was 14.05 ± 4.26 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa), which was smaller than the preoperative pressure difference (48.30 ± 15.73 mmHg; t = -10.119, P < 0.001). The median follow-up time was 29.0 (Q1, Q3: 15.5, 57.3) months. There was no death during the follow-up period, and all patients experienced obvious clinical improvement. Only one child underwent subsequent aortic balloon angioplasty due to restenosis. Computed tomography angiography showed that the AA morphology was smooth, with no aortic aneurysm or angulation deformity.

CONCLUSIONAA reconstruction with coarctation resection and aortoplasty with autologous pulmonary artery patch could effectively correct CoA with AAH, and the rate of reintervention for restenosis is low.

Background: Lateral compartmental osteoarthritis (LCOA), a major complication after medial mobile?bearing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), is highly associated with the increased stress of the lateral compartment. This study aimed to analyze the effects on the stress and load distribution of the lateral compartment induced by lower limb alignment and coronal inclination of the tibial component in UKA through a finite element analysis. Methods: Eight three?dimensional models were constructed based on a validated model for analyzing the biomechanical effects of implantation parameters on the lateral compartment after medial Oxford UKA: postoperative lower limb alignment of 3° valgus, neutral and 3° varus, and the inclination of tibial components placed in 4°, 2° valgus, square, and 2° and 4° varus. The contact stress of femoral and tibial cartilage and load distribution were calculated for all models. Results: In the 3° valgus lower limb alignment model, the contact stress of femoral (3.38 MPa) and tibial (3.50 MPa) cartilage as well as load percentage (45.78%) was highest compared to any other model, and was increased by 36.75%, 47.70%, and 27.63%, respectively when compared to 3° varus. In the condition of a neutral position, the outcome was comparable for the different tibial tray inclination models. The inclination did not greatly affect the lateral compartmental stress and load distribution. Conclusions: This study suggested that slightly varus (undercorrection) lower limb alignment might be a way to prevent LCOAin medial mobile?bearing UKA. However, the inclination (4° varus to 4° valgus) of the tibial component in the coronal plane would not be a risk factor for LCOA in neutral position.

Background: The lateral pillar of the femoral head is an important site for disease development such as osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The femoral head consists of medial, central, and lateral pillars. This study aimed to determine the biomechanical effects of early osteonecrosis in pillars of the femoral head via a finite element (FE) analysis. Methods: A three?dimensional FE model of the intact hip joint was constructed from the image data of a healthy control. Further, a set of six early osteonecrosis models was developed based on the three?pillar classification. The von Mises stress and surface displacements were calculated for all models. Results: The peak values of von Mises stress in the cortical and cancellous bones of normal model were 6.41 MPa and 0.49 MPa, respectively. In models with necrotic lesions in the cortical and cancellous bones, the von Mises stress and displacement of lateral pillar showed significant variability: the stress of cortical bone decreased from 6.41 MPa to 1.51 MPa (76.0% reduction), while cancellous bone showed an increase from 0.49 MPa to 1.28 MPa (159.0% increase); surface displacements of cortical and cancellous bones increased from 52.4 μm and 52.1 μm to 67.9 μm (29.5%) and 61.9 μm (18.8%), respectively. In addition, osteonecrosis affected not only pillars but also adjacent structures in terms of the von Mises stress and surface displacement levels. Conclusions: This study suggested that the early?stage necrosis in the femoral head could increase the risk of collapse, especially in lateral pillar. On the other hand, the cortical part of lateral pillar was found to be the main biomechanical support of femoral head.

Objective To establish a reverse remodeling heart model in rats and observe collagen and TGF-β expression and relevant rmicroRNAs changes during reverse remodeling. Methods Lewis rats were divided into four groups including sham(NL, n = 10), abdominal aortic constriction(AAC, n = 10),heterotopic transplantation of abdominal aortic constriction(AAC-HT, n = 9)and heterotopic transplantation of normal heart(HT, n = 8). Left ventricular wall thickness and LV cavity were measured by echocardiography. The cardiomyocyte cross-sectional area(CSA)was determined on HE stained sections.Immunohistochemical and qRT-PCR were used to detect collagen and TGF-β expressions. miRNAs were detected by MicroRNA microarray. Results Heart weight, left ventricular wall thickness and CSA were significantly increased in AAC hearts compared to those in the NL and AAC-HT hearts. The collagen and TGF-β were increased in AAC hearts and further increased in AAC-HT hearts. miRNA microarray evidenced more than two folds changes on 82 miRNAs compared to NL(10 in AAC, 32 in AAC-HT and 40 in HT).Conclusion Rat abdominal aortic constriction and heterotopic transplantation could be used as a reverse remodeling heart model and significant collagen and TGF-β as well microRNA expression changes were evidenced in this model.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Transplantation ; adverse effects ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Ilium ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Complications ; pathology ; prevention & control ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo study the epidemic intensity and trend of human rabies from 1991 to 2005 among 31 provinces, metropoli and municipalities in China so as to increase the awareness of the disease.

METHODSContrastive analyses were performed and the annual publishing data by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention were used.

RESULTSThe total number of reported cases was 14 942 from 1991 to 2005 with an annual average mortality rate as 0.080/100000. The increase of five-years mortality ratio on relative ratio with circular base of mortality rate were--66.24% (1996-2000 to 1991-1995) and 506.13% (2001-2005 to 1996-2000). When comparing incidence rates between 2000-2005 and 1991-1995, the relative ratio with fixed base increase became 104.62%.

CONCLUSIONAmong the 31 provinces, metropolis and municipalities, 27 had reported human rabies cases. The enzootic areas mainly distributed in the drainage area along the Yangtze River. The incidence rates of Guangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Jiangxi and Guangdong were the highest.

China ; epidemiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Humans ; Incidence ; Rabies ; epidemiology

OBJECTIVETo crosslink bovine pericardial valves by phthalocyanine sensitized photooxidation reaction.

METHODSFresh bovine pericardial tissues were immersed in PBS solution containing 0.01% cupreous sulfonatophthalocyanine and exposed to a broad wavelength light source for 20-120 h. Using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyarylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) to analyze the cross-linking extent of pericardial tissue. With the help of attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), explained the change of protein structure after photooxidation reaction. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to measure the change of shrinkage temperature. Tissue water content experiment method was also used.

RESULTSPhotooxidized tissue was resistant to extraction when it was compared with untreated tissue and had similar crosslinking extent over glutaraldehyde-treated tissue. The three dimension structure of collagen were changed but not seriously destroyed and the model of photooxidation reaction was validated. Phthalocyanine-treated tissue was much more flexible than glutaraldehyde-treated tissue.

CONCLUSIONBovine pericardial tissue can be successfully crosslinked by phthalocyanine-mediated photooxidation reaction.

Animals ; Bioprosthesis ; Cattle ; Cross-Linking Reagents ; Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Indoles ; Pericardium ; chemistry ; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared