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To determine the optimal process parameters for the preparation of a Co-based alloy cladding layer, the experimental research of laser cladding Co-based alloy was carried out based on the optimal process window and grey relational analysis methods with 42CrMo as the substrate. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to explore the influence laws of laser process parameters on the forming characteristics of the cladding layer within the optimal process window range. Furthermore, the optimal process parameter combination was obtained by grey relational analysis, and the experimental verification of the optimization results was conducted. It was found that the process parameter interval determined by the optimal process window was laser power 1300–2100 W, scanning speed 6–14 mm/s, and powder feeding rate 17.90–29.84 g/min. The influence order of each process parameter was: laser power > scanning speed > powder feeding rate. The optimal process parameters of laser power 2100 W, scanning speed 6 mm/s, and powder feeding rate 17.90 g/min were obtained. The experimental verification results of optimal process parameters proved that the grey correlation grade of the optimized parameters was improved by 0.260 compared with the initial parameters and agreed well with the prediction value with an accuracy of 96%. After optimization, the cross-sectional area, the ratio of the width to height, cladding efficiency, and powder utilization rate of the cladding track increased by 4.065 mm2, 1.031, 19.032, and 70.3%, respectively, and the fluctuation ratio decreased by 60.9%. The optimal cladding track was well bonded to the substrate without cracks, holes, and evident element segregation, and included the phases of Cr3C7, CoCx, fcc-Co, and WC.

Intestinal absorption of vitamin D is an important way to improve the vitamin D level in senile osteoporosis (SOP). There is a link between oral probiotics and vitamin D, but the mechanism is still unclear. We aimed to evaluate whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG culture supernatant (LCS) can affect cholecalciferol absorption, transport, and hydroxylation in SOP, and explore underlying mechanisms. In the study, specific-pathogen-free SAMP6 mice were randomly divided into an experimental group administered undiluted LCS and a control group administered normal drinking water. Furthermore, levels of cholecalciferol absorption were compared between Caco-2 cells cultured with varying concentrations of cholecalciferol and stimulated with LCS or de Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (MRS) broth (control). Similarly, LCS-stimulated HepG2 cells were compared with MRS-stimulated HepG2 cells. Finally, protein levels of VD transporters in small intestine tissues and Caco-2 cells, as well as vitamin D-binding protein and 25-hydroxylase in liver tissues and HepG2 cells, were detected by western blot. The results showed that plasma concentrations of cholecalciferol and 25OHD

// Xiaoli Ju 1 , Rong Shen 1, 2 , Pan Huang 1 , Jianhua Zhai 1 , Xiaobin Qian 1 , Qiang Wang 3 and Miao Chen 1, 2 1 Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China 2 Department of Pathology, The Affiliated People’s Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China 3 Institute of Life Sciences, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, P.R. China Correspondence to: Qiang Wang, email: wangqiang@ujs.edu.cn Miao Chen, email: 18912802271@163.com Keywords: PD-L1; gastric cancer; TILs; prognosis Received: January 12, 2017 Accepted: October 11, 2017 Published: October 26, 2017 ABSTRACT Expression of programmed cell death receptor ligand 1 (PD-L1) has been shown to be up-regulated in some gastric cancer patients and to correlate with the density of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). However, conflicting results have been reported regarding TILs and the expression of PD-L1 as a prognostic marker for gastric cancer. We investigated the correlation of PD-L1 and TILs expression with clinicpathological characteristics in 105 well characterized gastric cancer patients. PD-L1 expression and CD3+ and CD8+ TILs were evaluated by fluorescent multiplex immunohistochemistry (mIHC) analysis. PD-L1 positive staining on tumour cells was observed in 35% cases and 48% cases showed PD-L1 expression on immune cells. Up-regulated PD-L1 expression on tumour cells and immune cells was associated with high density of pre-existing tumour infiltrating CD3+ and CD8+. In additional, more than 70% tumor infiltrating CD3+ cells were CD3+CD8+ cells. More than 60% PD-L1+ immune cells were PD-L1+CD3+CD8+ cells. PD-L1 expression in tumour cells was associated with poor prognosis and high density CD3+ and CD8+ TILs indicated improved overall survival in gastric cancer patients. Increased PD-L1 expression with low density CD3+ and CD8+ TILs had the shortest overall survival. In accordingly, PD-L1 absence with high density CD3+ and CD8+ TILs indicated the best prognosis. Combination of PD-L1 with pre-existing TILs may be more precise than PD-L1 alone for predicting survival in gastric cancer.

In recent years, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) has been considered to be a key molecule in different cancer types and its carcinogenesis may be related to the NGAL/MMP-9 complex. However, its expression pattern and role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has rarely been reported. In the current study, 158 tumor tissues from NPC patients were collected and immunohistochemistry was performed to determine the NGAL protein expression, to investigate the correlation between its expression and clinical and pathological parameters using Chi square analysis. Furthermore, by over-expressing NGAL in NPC cell lines, biological alteration of NPC cells with respect to cell proliferation, migration and invasion was analyzed. Results suggested that high expression of NGAL predicts better prognosis and longer survival. Overexpression of NGAL significantly reduced the proliferation and migration of NPC cells, and induced the apoptosis by activating caspase 3, 8 and 9, and blocking epithelial-mesenchymal transition by inhibiting mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2/3 phosphorylation.

BACKGROUND Radio-resistance is an obstacle to the treatment of human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, how microRNAs (miRNA) are involved in this process remains unclear. In the present study we explored the role and possible molecular mechanism of miR-29a-3p, formerly known as tumor suppressors, in radio-sensitivity of NPC cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS A radio-resistant sub-cell line, CNE-2R, was established to detect the expression of miR-29a/b/c-3p using qRT-PCR. CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, and single-cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE) assay were carried out to analyze the radio-sensitivity of NPC cells. qRT-PCR, luciferase reporter, and Western blot experiments were performed to validate the targeting of COL1A1 by miR-29a. Short interference RNAs (siRNAs) were used to investigate whether COL1A1 mediates the radio-sensitizer role of miR-29a. Expression of miR-29a and COL1A1 in radio-resistant NPC tissues was finally determined. RESULTS miR-29a was decreased in the radio-resistant CNE-2R cells. Following a time-course irradiation (IR) exposure, miR-29a exhibited a time-dependent decrease. Cellular experiments confirmed that miR-29a induced radio-sensitivity of CNE-2R cells via suppressing cell viability and enhancing cell apoptosis after IR. We confirmed that COL1A1 is a direct target of miR-29a and can exert radio-resistance effects in NPC cells. We also found that knockdown of COL1A1 inhibits NPC cell viability and sensitivity to IR. Finally, we observed a downregulation of miR-29a in radio-resistant NPC tissues and its decrease was associated with upregulation of COL1A1. CONCLUSIONS miR-29a is a critical determinant of NPC radio-response for NPC patients, and its induction provides a promising therapeutic choice to elevate NPC radio-sensitivity.

Batches of mesoporous poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) microspheres were fabricated via an O/W emulsion–solvent evaporation method. The obtained microspheres were detected with scanning electron microscopy (SEM, S-4800) to observe their surface morphology. On observation it was found that many macropores were distributed on the microsphere surfaces. Then, eprinomectin (EPR) was employed as a model drug and was encapsulated by these mesoporous microspheres. The distribution state of the EPR in the microspheres was investigated via X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The test results indicated that the EPR was distributed in the microspheres with an amorphous state. After re-dispersing the EPR-loaded microspheres in ultrapure water, an extended-release formulation of EPR was obtained. The formulation was administered to Japanese white rabbits by subcutaneous injection to monitor the blood concentration of EPR. Plasma concentration profiles showed that the Cmax of EPR (38.80 ± 9.50 ng mL−1) appeared on the 2nd day after subcutaneous injection. During the next 40 days, the plasma concentration of EPR maintained a value of 30.0 ng mL−1. In addition, the biocompatibility of the EPR-loaded mesoporous microspheres (EPM) was also investigated by a biological sectioning method. Photographs of the histological sections illustrated that the EPM did not trigger a serious stimulus response at the injection site. Thus, they could be used to affirm that the mesoporous microspheres have a promising application in controlling veterinary drugs for sustained release.

// Jianhua Zhai 1 and Yuli Wang 2 1 Department of Emergency, Tianjin Medical University of General Hospital, Tianjin, China 2 Tianjin Institute of Pharmaceutical Research, Tianjin, China Correspondence to: Yuli Wang, email: wangyl8@tjipr.com Keywords: diabetic fibroblast cell, high glucose, retinoid acid, MMPs, TIMP1 Received: January 05, 2017 Accepted: March 17, 2017 Published: April 03, 2017 ABSTRACT Diabetic foot ulcerations could result in serious consequences such as amputations. The up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinases and down-regulation of TIMP1 were remarked as distinctive biological characteristics in the diabetic dermal fibroblast. The current study was performed in order to clarify the effect of high glucose on formation of diabetic dermal fibroblast cell. In addition, the effect of MDI 301 on ameliorating diabetic fibroblasts was investigated in this study. The mRNA and protein expression levels of MMPs, TIMP1 and catalase were evaluated against fibroblasts treated with high glucose (30 mM) using qRT-PCR, western blotting and zymography assays. Methods were also employed for investigating the biological effects of MDI 301 on high glucose-induced diabetic fibroblasts. In this study, we found that the unbalance of oxidative stress induced by high glucose concentration play an important role in the formation of diabetic dermal fibroblast from normal cells. In addition, MDI 301, a picolinic acid-substituted ester of 9-cis retinoic acid was employed in this study in order to ameliorate symptoms on diabetic dermal fibroblast induced by high glucose concentration. We found MDI 301 alleviate the effects of high glucose-induced skin damage by balancing the oxidative stress and regulating the MMPs and TIMP1 levels. Our finding indicated that MDI 301 offers the potential for repairing the faulty skin function arising from diabetes.

Guidewire manipulation is a core skill in endovascular interventional radiology procedures. Simulation-based training offers a valuable alternative for mastering these skills, but requires a faithful replication of complex guidewire behaviour inside the vasculature. This paper presents the integration of real flexural modulus (FM) measurements into our guidewire model that mimics the flexibility of standard guidewires. The variation of FM along the length of each wire was determined for seven commonly used guidewires using a three-point bending test for the main body and a two-point bending test for the flexible end. Guidewire FM values were then attributed to seven different models, each formed by a series of particles connected by links of variable FM and replicating the flexible end shape. The FM integration was done through a trial and error process matching real FM to virtual bending coefficient. This mass-spring representation captures the required range of behaviour and enables accurate deformation within virtual vasculature.

The impaired cardiac function caused by reduced myocardial contractility is a typical manifestation of sepsis/septic shock. Paeoniflorin (Pae) has reportedly exhibited anti-inflammatory effect and protection against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction in mice, but the molecular mechanism is still not fully understood. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Pae on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic cardiac dysfunction and inflammation response in mice. Mice were intraperitoneal injection with Pae (15mg/kg) for 3d before the LPS challenge (10mg/kg, i.p.). Pae significantly protected against LPS-induced cardiac dysfunction and damage. Pae decreased production of inflammatory cytokines, e.g., TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, MCP-1, IFN-γ, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), in the heart of LPS-treated mice. Furthermore, Pae prevented NF-κB activation in endotoxemic mice. Pae pretreatment preserved the level of phospho-Akt. Pae effectively improved cardiac function during endotoxemia in mice. This action is attributed to Pae-induced reduction of inflammatory cytokine release and NF-κB activation, which possibly occurred via the activation PI3K/Akt signaling.

This paper analyses the current situation of Internet application in college English teaching. It not only points out many problems that exist in current college English teaching but also puts forward many effective methods to deal with its problems especially puts forward a systematic platform which mainly featured as multi-path, personalized, multilevel, serial “Multi-disciplinary platform”. By establishing this platform aided by Internet will finally perfect college English course content, and deepen the reform of college English teaching radically.

With the increasing use of the pipeline transport facilities, the safety and efficiency of the pipeline systems are very important to energy security. Almost all traditional pipeline inspection methods have shortcomings in one way or another, such as heavy workload and low accuracy. Pipeline robot, effective detection equipment, can do detection work in the narrow place beyond human reach. But to the overall technical level, the research still stays in development stage, far away from massive practical applications because of the reliability issues. This paper reviews the significance and prospects, and representative pipeline robots developed at home and abroad. On the basis of the survey of various locomotion modes, the popular methods used in reliability design such as neural network and reinforcement learning are commented for the future main development.