AIMTo investigate the chemical constituents of the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge.

METHODSThe compounds were separated by means of solvent extraction, chromatography on absorbent resin SP825 and silica gel C18 repeatedly, and their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical methods and spectral analyses (FAB-MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H-1H COSY).

RESULTSSix steroidal saponins were isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge. They were identified as (25S)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-hydroxy-5beta-furostane-2beta, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (timosaponin N, 1), timosaponin E1 (2), (25S)-26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-methoxy-5beta-furostane-2beta, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (timosaponin O, 3) , timosaponin E2 (4), (25R) -26-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-22-hydroxy-5alpha-furostane-2alpha, 3beta, 26-triol-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-[beta-D-xylpyranosyl-(1 --> 3)]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 4)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (purpureagitosid, 5) and marcogenin-3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1 --> 2)-beta-D-galactopyranoside (6).

CONCLUSIONCompound 1 and compound 3 are new compounds, and compound 5 was isolated from the rhizomes of Anemarrhena asphodeloides Bunge for the first time.

Anemarrhena ; chemistry ; Molecular Conformation ; Molecular Structure ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Rhizome ; chemistry ; Saponins ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

OBJECTIVETo determine the significance of MSCT perfusion scan on differentiation of NSCLC and to investigate its possible mechanisms.

METHODSForty four NSCLC patients underwent CT perfusion scan by MSCT. Among them, 22 cases were selected to detected the two-dimensional tumor microvascular architecture phenotype (2D-TMAP), the relationships between CT perfusion parameters (BF, BV, PEI, TIP), and the differentiation of NSCLC were analysed by using the correlation analysis and trend test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the relationships between CT perfusion parameters, differentiation, and 2D-TMAP.

RESULTSThe total BF, BV and PEI decreased with decreasing differentiation of NSCLC (P<0.05). The total PEI showed a positive correlation with the total MVD (P<0.05). There were negative correlations between the surrounding area BF, the total BF, BV, and PEI, the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD, and expression of PCNA, respectively (P<0.05). There were positive correlations between degree of differentiation and the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD (P<0.05). It was the same as degree of differentiation and expression of PCNA, VEGF, respectively. There were positive correlations between the uncomplete lumen of the surrounding area MVD and expression of VEGF, ephrinB2, EphB4, and PCNA, respectively (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONPerfusion parameters reflect the difference of density of vassels with mature functional lumen. Careful evaluation of the differences of blood flow pattern in pulmonary space-occupying lesions by MSCT perfusion scan can be used to identify the degree of NSCLC differentiation.

Adult ; Aged ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Female ; Humans ; Lung ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Male ; Microvessels ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Middle Aged ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; diagnostic imaging ; pathology ; Perfusion ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo study the commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellaria Radix, for standardizing market order and achieving industrialization, standardization and modernization of Pseudostellariae Radix.

METHODThe different areas and grade medicinal materials of Pseudostellariae Radix were respectively measured in quantitative characteristics of appearance, and the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was scientifically verified by the content of polysaccharide. Then the determination data were evaluated by spss correlation analysis, principal component analysis and cluster analysis. So combining with the actual production, the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix was formulated.

RESULTCorrelation analysis indicated that the present grade classification of Pseudostellaria Radix was reasonable, and the more the grade of Pseudostellariae Radix was high, the more the content of polysaccharide was high. Meanwhile, length as a classification index was not suitable for the commodity grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix. Using principal component analysis and cluster analysis, combining actual production, the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber were filtrated and the grade was divided into 5 ranks: big, mid- dle, small selected goods, big ungraded goods and small ungraded goods.

CONCLUSIONthe commodity specification and grade standard of Pseudostellariae Radix that mainly included the thickest diameter, weight of single root tuber and the number of 50 g root tuber was formulated, the standard was divided into 5 grade. Each grade was not only consistent with the present situation of medicinal materials market, it could also reflected the intrinsic quality of Pseudostellariae Radix. In conclusion, the standard could be used as a classifica- tion basis to the commodity specification and grade.

Caryophyllaceae ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; standards ; Quality Control ; Reference Standards

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of the expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and their relationship with multi-slice spiral CT pulmonary perfusion imaging.

METHODSThirty-one nodules with pathologically proven NSCLC underwent CT perfusion scan. The perfusion parameters including blood flow (BF), blood volume (BV), peak enhancement image (PEI) were collected. The expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in tumor cells and interstitial vasculature were detected by immunohistochemistry. Correlation analysis and trend test were used to assess the relationship between ephrinB2/EphB4 expression and clinicopathological features, and between ephrinB2/EphB4 expression and perfusion parameters.

RESULTSPositive expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 in the NSCLC group was 83.9% and 71.0%, respectively, significantly higher than that in the internal control group (P < 0.01). The expression of ephrinB2 and EphB4 was consistently in tumor parenchyma but differently in tumor vessels. The expressions of ephrinB2 and EphB4 were positively correlated with lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05). The expression of EphB4 was negatively correlated with blood flow (BF) and blood volume (BV), respectively (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between ephrinB2 expression and BF (r = 0.516, P = 0.003), and a positive correlation between ephrinB2 expression and BV (r = 0.448, P = 0.013). The expressions of ephrinB2 and EphB4 were not correlated with PEI (P > 0.05). The values of BF and BV in the high and moderate EphB4 expression groups were significantly decreased compared with that in the negative group (P < 0.01). The value of BF in the high ephrinB2 expression group was significantly increased compared with that in the moderately positive group and negative group (P < 0.01). The value of BV in the high ephrinB2 expression group was significantly increased compared with that in the negative group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe CT pulmonary perfusion imaging reflects the density difference of blood vessels with functional lumen, and such difference also depends on the quantity and quality of vasculature with functional lumen.

Adult ; Aged ; Blood Volume ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Ephrin-B2 ; metabolism ; Female ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood supply ; diagnostic imaging ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Perfusion Imaging ; Pulmonary Circulation ; Receptor, EphB4 ; metabolism ; Tomography, Spiral Computed ; methods

Objective To investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of pulmonary complication in patients with cervical spine fiactures and concurrent cervical cord injury in Wenchuan earthquake. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted among the 9 patients with cervical spine fractures and cervical cord injuries treated in our department between May 12 to August 6, 2008. Results All the patients received surgical treatment for cervical spine fractures and cervical cord injuries. Six of the patients developed pulmonary complications 5 days after the injury, including 3 patients with pneumonia, 2 with ventilation disorder, and 1 with lung edema and hemopnenmothorax. Aggressive respiratory management was administered in these patients, and the pulmonary complications were effectively controlled. Conclusion Patients with cervical spine fractures and concurrent cervical cord injury often experience severe pulmonary complications during the acute phase (<5 days), which can be more likely in patients with high level injury, chest trauma, old age, preexisting pulmonary illnesses or smoking history. Early detection of the complications results in better therapeutic effect with conservative therapy.

In order to clarify the chemical constituents in Qiliqiangxin capsule, a rapid ultra-performance liquid chromatography/orthogonal acceleration time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS(E)) method was established. Forty peaks were identified on line using this method. The herbal sources of these peaks were assigned. The results implied that triterpenoid saponins, flavonoid glycosides, C21-steroids and phenolic acids were included in the main components of Qiliqiangxin capsule. The method is simple and rapid for elucidation of the constituents of Qiliqiangxin capsule and the results are useful for the quality control of Qiliqiangxin capsule.
Capsules ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Flavones ; analysis ; Ginsenosides ; analysis ; Glycosides ; analysis ; Hydroxybenzoates ; analysis ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Saponins ; analysis ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization ; Steroids ; analysis ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry ; Triterpenes ; analysis

BACKGROUNDObstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver. The purpose of this study was to measure serum liver enzyme levels in patients evaluated by polysomnography (PSG) and the factors associated with liver injury in OSAS patients.

METHODSAll patients referred to PSG for evaluation of sleep apnea symptoms between June 2011 and November 2014 were included in this study. Demographic data and PSG parameters were recorded. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were systematically measured. OSAS patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values of 5-14 events/h, 15-29 events/h, and ≥30 events/h.

RESULTSA total of 540 patients were enrolled in this study; among these patients, 386 were male. Elevated liver enzymes were present in 42.3% of OSAS patients (32.4% in mild/moderate group; 51.0% in severe group) and 28.1% patients without OSAS. Patients with OSAS had higher body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.01). In the bivariate correlation, the liver enzymes level was negatively correlated with age and the lowest arterial oxygen saturation (SaO 2 ), and was positively correlated with BMI, oxygen desaturation index, percent of total time with oxygen saturation level <90% (TS90%), AHI, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). In logistic regression analysis, Age, BMI, TS90%, TC, and TG were included in the regression equation.

CONCLUSIONSOur data suggest that OSAS is a risk factor for elevated liver enzymes. The severity of OSAS is correlated with liver enzyme levels; we hypothesize that hypoxia is one of main causes of liver damage in patients with OSAS.

Adult ; Aged ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; metabolism ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; metabolism ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Liver ; enzymology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polysomnography ; Risk Factors ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive ; blood ; enzymology ; Triglycerides ; blood ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; blood ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of muscular pedicle bone grafts with sartorius or tensor fasciae latae and sartorius in fresh transcervical or subcapital fractures of the femoral neck.

METHODSThirty cases of fresh transcervical and subcapital fractures of the femoral neck were treated by the tail breakable screws and sartorius pedicle bone grafts (single muscular pedicle, SMP group). The other 23 cases were treated by cannulated pressure screws and bone grafts with the muscular pedicles of both sartorius and tensor fasciae latae (double muscular pedicles, DMP group).

RESULTSFifty-two cases were followed up for 3 to 5 years (mean, 4 years). In SMP group, ten cases showed poor therapeutic results. Excellent therapeutic effects were achieved in all cases of DMP group.

CONCLUSIONSThe transcervical or subcapital fractures of the femoral neck can be treated by double muscular pedicles bone graft. The bone graft with double muscular pedicles is more effective than single sartorius muscular pedicles for fresh transcervical and subcapital fractures of the femoral neck during short and medium terms.

Bone Transplantation ; Fascia Lata ; Female ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Prognosis ; Surgical Flaps

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the effects of exogenous basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on biological characteristics of rat osteoblasts cultured in vitro.

METHODSThe osteoblasts isolated from a Sprague-Dawley rat and cultured in vitro were treated with different concentrations of bFGF (5-50 ng/ml) respectively. At 24 hours after treatment, the proliferating cell nuclear antigen was measured with immunocytochemistry, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was determined and the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta(1)) was detected to observe the effects of bFGF on growth and differentiation of osteoblasts.

RESULTSbFGF (5-50 ng/ml) could obviously promote the growth of osteoblasts. The intracellular expression of TGF-beta(1) mRNA increased significantly, but the intracellular ALP content decreased.

CONCLUSIONSbFGF can obviously stimulate the proliferation of osteoblasts and promote the synthesis of TGF-beta(1), but cannot promote the differentiation of osteoblasts.

Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; pharmacology ; Osteoblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; analysis ; RNA, Messenger ; analysis ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; genetics ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1

BACKGROUNDIn patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO) and multivessel coronary artery disease, the comparison of surgical and the percutaneous revascularization strategies has rarely been conducted. The aim of this study was to compare long term clinical outcomes of drug eluting stent (DES) implantation with coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) in the patients with CTO and multivessel disease.

METHODSFrom a prospective registry of 6000 patients in our institution, we included patients with CTO and multivessel coronary artery disease who underwent either CABG (n = 679) or DES (n = 267) treatment. Their propensity risk score was used for adjusting baseline differences.

RESULTSAt a median follow-up of three years, propensity score adjusted Cox regression analysis showed that the rate of major adverse cardiac cerebrovascular events (MACCE) was lower in CABG group (12.7% vs. 24.3%, hazard ratio (HR) 1.969, 95%CI 1.219 - 3.179, P = 0.006) mainly due to lower rate of target vessel revascularization in CABG group than in DES group (3.1% vs. 17.2%, HR 16.14, 95%CI 5.739 - 45.391, P < 0.001). The incidence of cardiac death or myocardial infarction (composite end point) was not significantly different between these two groups. On multivariate analysis, the significant predictors of MACCE were only the type of revascularization. Age, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and complete revascularization were identified as significant predictors of composite end points.

CONCLUSIONSOur study shows that in patients with CTO and multivessel coronary disease, DES can offer comparable long term outcomes in cardiac death and myocardial infraction free survival in comparison with CABG. However, there is an increased rate of MACCE which results from more repeat revascularizations. Obtaining a complete revascularization is crucial for decreasing adverse cardiac events.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; methods ; Chronic Disease ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; methods ; Coronary Artery Disease ; surgery ; therapy ; Coronary Occlusion ; surgery ; therapy ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Humans ; Prospective Studies