An updated review of feline coronavirus: mind the two biotypes.

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) includes two biotypes: feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV) and feline enteric coronavirus (FECV). Although both biotypes can infect cats, their pathogenicities differ. The FIPV biotype is more virulent than the FECV biotype and can cause peritonitis or even death in cats, while most FECV biotypes do not cause lesions. Even pathogenic strains of the FECV biotype can cause only mild enteritis because of their very low virulence. This article reviews recent progress in FCoV research with regard to FCoV etiological characteristics; epidemiology; clinical symptoms and pathological changes; pathogenesis; and current diagnosis, prevention and treatment methods. It is hoped that this review will provide a reference for further research on FCoV and other coronaviruses.

Synthesis, characterization, antioxidant activities, and DNA-binding studies of (E)-N'-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]isonicotinohydrazide and its Pr(III) and Nd(III) complexes.

A new ligand, (E)-N'-[1-(pyridin-2-yl)ethylidene]isonicotinohydrazide (HL), was prepared by condensation of 2-acetylpyridine and isonicotinohydrazide in ethanol. Its two lanthanide(III) complexes, [Nd(III)(L)(2)(NO(3))(CH(3)OH)(2)]·CH(3)CH(2)OH (1), and [Pr(III)(L)(2)(NO(3))(CH(3)OH)(2)]·CH(3)CH(2)OH (2), have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of element analyses, molar conductivities and IR spectra. The structure of complex 2 has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction. In addition, the DNA-binding properties of the two complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroic (CD) spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The experimental results suggest that the two complexes bind to DNA via a groove binding mode, and the binding affinity of complex 2 is higher than that of complex 1. Furthermore, the antioxidant activities (superoxide and hydroxyl radical) of the ligand and its metal complexes were determined by spectrophotometry methods in vitro. These complexes were found to possess potent antioxidant activity and be superior to standard antioxidant like mannitol.

Experimental study of effect of Ganyanping on fibrosis in rat livers.

AIM: To observe the effects of Ganyanping on CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. METHODS: The rats were separated randomly into five groups. Groups A to group D, each consisting of 15 rats, were for different tests, while 8 rats were used as normal controls (N). For group D, CCl(4) was injected subcutaneously, at a dosage of 3 ml/kg for 9 weeks. For group A, Ganyanping was administered via gastric tube at a dosage of 10 ml/kg. For group B, the treatment with Ganyanping was started 4 weeks after CCl(4) administration. In group C, Ganyanping was administered 8 weeks after the intoxication, and treatment lasted for 4 weeks. Liver tissues were fixed in 10 % formalin and embedded in paraffin. Pathologic changes, particularly fibrosis, were evaluated on the HE and V-G-stained sections. Ten middle-power fields were randomly selected for assessment of collagen deposition. RESULTS: Loss of normal hepatic architecture, some with pseudo-lobule formation, was observed in group D, while hepatocytes steatosis and fibrosis were less pronounced in the animals treated with Ganyanping. Pseudo-lobule formation was not evident in the latter groups. The total collagen area and ratio were 840.23+/-81.65 and 7.0+/-0.9, respectively in group D, the ratio being reduced greatly in the Ganyanping-treated groups (148.73+/-45.89 and 1.16+/-0.33, respectively). The activities of MAO and ACP were elevated and that of SDH in group D decreased in the hepatic tissue as compared to the control group. The treatment with Ganyanping abrogated these enzymatic changes. CONCLUSION: Our data approved that Ganyanping could improve the microcirculation in the liver, reduce oxygen-derived free radicals, and enhance the cellular metabolism and immune function, all resulting in an anti-fibrotic effect. Hence, Ganyanping can protect the liver from fibrosis. It may be a safe and effective preparation for patient with fibrosis.