Programming effects of high-carbohydrate feeding of larvae on adult glucose metabolism in zebrafish, Danio rerio.

The aim of the present study was to determine the potential long-term metabolic effects of early nutritional programming on carbohydrate utilisation in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). High-carbohydrate diets were fed to fish during four ontogenetic stages: from the first-feeding stage to the end of the yolk-sac larval stage; from the first-feeding stage to 2 d after yolk-sac exhaustion; after yolk-sac exhaustion for 3 or 5 d. The carbohydrate stimuli significantly increased the body weight of the first-feeding groups in the short term. The expression of genes was differentially regulated by the early dietary intervention. The high-carbohydrate diets resulted in decreased plasma glucose levels in the adult fish. The mRNA levels and enzyme activities of glucokinase, pyruvate kinase, α-amylase and sodium-dependent glucose co-transporter 1 were up-regulated in the first-feeding groups. There was no significant change in the mRNA levels of glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase) in any experimental group, and the activity of G6Pase enzyme in the FF-5 (first feeding to 2 d after yolk-sac exhaustion) group was significantly different from that of the other groups. The expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene in all the groups was significantly decreased. In the examined early programming range, growth performance was not affected. Taken together, data reported herein indicate that the period ranging from the polyculture to the external feeding stage is an important window for potential modification of the long-term physiological functions. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that it is possible to permanently modify carbohydrate digestion, transport and metabolism of adult zebrafish through early nutritional programming.

Rational Regulation of Optimal Oxygen Vacancy Concentrations on VO2 for Superior Aqueous Zinc-Ion Battery Cathodes.

VO2 with its special tunnel structure and high theoretical capacity is an ideal candidate for cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs). However, the slow kinetics and structural instability due to the strong electrostatic interactions between the host structure of VO2 and Zn2+ hinder its application. Defect engineering is a well-recognized strategy for improving the intrinsic ion-electron dynamics and structural stability of this material. However, the preparation of oxygen vacancies poses significant difficulties, and it is challenging to control their concentration effectively. Excessive or insufficient vacancy concentration can have a negative effect on the cathode material. Herein, we propose electrode materials with controlled oxygen vacancies prepared in situ on carbon nanofibers (CNF) by a simple, one-step hydrothermal process (Ov-VO2@CNF). This method can balance the adsorption energy and migration energy barrier easily, and we maximized the adsorption energy of Zn2+ while minimizing the adsorption energy barrier. Notably, the Ov2-VO2@CNF electrode delivered a high specific capacity (over 450 mAh g-1 at 0.1 A g-1) and excellent cycle stability (318 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1 capacity after 2000 cycles with a capacity retention of 85%). This rational design of precisely regulated defect engineering provides a way to obtain advanced electrode materials with excellent comprehensive properties.

Hsa_circ_0045714 regulates chondrocyte proliferation, apoptosis and extracellular matrix synthesis by promoting the expression of miR-193b target gene IGF1R.

In recent years, some studies have been made on the effects of circular RNA (circRNA) in osteoarthritis (OA) and so on; however, its mechanisms remain to be further explored. Studies have shown that tumor necrosis factor-alpha can inhibit hsa_circ_0045714 expression in chondrocytes so as to upregulate miR-193b expression. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a key target gene of miR-193b. Hsa_circ_0045714 over-expression does not influence miR-193b expression, but can inhibit its transcriptional activity, thereby upregulating IGF1R expression. Hsa_circ_0045714 can promote the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan, and upregulate chondrocyte proliferation, while its linear sequences cannot. IGF1R has similar function, while miR-193b can inhibit the expression of type II collagen and aggrecan, and downregulate chondrocyte proliferation but enhance their apoptosis. IGF1R overexpression can reverse the effect of miR-193b, while miR-193b mimics or IGF1R siRNA can inhibit the function of hsa_circ_0045714. Therefore, hsa_circ_0045714 can regulate extracellular matrix synthesis as well as proliferation and apoptosis of chondrocytes by promoting the expression of miR-193b target gene IGF1R. The findings will provide new proofs for studies on the applications of circRNA in OA and other orthopedic diseases.

[Application of 3D digital orthopedic techniques in treatment of acetabular fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of three-dimensional digital orthopedic techniques in treatment of acetabular fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 50 cases of acetabular fracture treated between March, 2007 and December, 2013. The lamellar CT scanning data were imported into Mimics software, and 3D anatomical models of the pelvic and proximal femur were reconstructed. Computer-assisted analysis was carried out to understand the condition of fractures and simulate fracture reduction. The pelvic models were manufactured by rapid prototyping technique for definite diagnosis and typing of acetabular fractures and subsequent surgical treatment. RESULTS: Three-dimensional reconstruction images and rapid prototyping pelvic models faithfully represented the findings in operations. Preoperative simulation of the operation shortened the time of operation and reduced the volume of bleeding in the operation. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 24 months. According to Matta imaging score, anatomical reduction was achieved in 41 cases and satisfactory reduction in 9 cases. According to the Harris functional criteria, 32 patients had excellent, 12 had good and 6 had acceptable outcomes with a rate of excellent and good outcomes of 88%. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional digital orthopedic techniques allow accurate display of the acetabulum and the spatial relation of the anatomic structures to assist in fracture diagnosis, typing and treatment.