Objective To observe the effects of berberine hydrochloride on the secretion of interleukin-6(IL-6)from human periodontal ligament cells(PDLCs)cultured in vitro.Methods Periodontal ligament tissues were isolated from extracted human premolars,and PDLCs were cultured in vitro.After identification by immunohistochemistry technique,human PDLCs were divided into LPS group and NLPS group according to whether lipopolysaccharide(LPS,50 ?g/mL)was contained in cell culture media.Then in accordance with the final concentrations of berberine hydrochloride in cell culture media(0,0.010,0.020,and 0.030 g/L),the groups were subdivided into LPS and NLPS control group,LPS1 and NLPS1 group,LPS2 and NLPS2 group,LPS3 and NLPS3 group.IL-6 contents in supernatants of each group were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,and statistical analysis and comparison were conducted as well.Results Compared with corresponding LPS and NLPS groups,IL-6 contents in supernatants of LPS3 group and NLPS3 group reduced markedly(P

The seeds of Rabdosia rubescens were as the materials to research the impacts of different lead (Pb2+) concentrations(0, 135, 270, 540, 1 080 mg x L(-1)) on seed germination and seedling growth. The results show that: Low concentration of lead had no obvious effect on early germination of the seed, the germination vigor and germination speed were lightly higher but not significantly differed at the level of Pb concentration 135 mg x L(-1) with control group; Mid-high concentration of Pb solution (270-1 080 mg x L(-1)) significantly inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth, which reduced the seed germination rate, germination vigor, germination index, embryo root length and shoot length, growth index with increasing of Pb concentrations. There was a inhibitory effect on embryo shoot length and root length at mid-high lead concentrations stress, and stronger inhibitory effect on root , which was more sensitive than shoot to Pb stress(P < 0.05). Pb bioaccumulation coefficient (BC) was 0.76-2.59, increased with concentration of Pb; Pb enrichment in seedling mainly caused the growth inhibition. The fitting model predictive analyses show, the critical concentration of Pb, which causes the germination rate and biomass fresh weight reducing 10%, is 195.18, 101.65 mg x L(-1).
Germination ; drug effects ; Isodon ; drug effects ; growth & development ; Lead ; toxicity ; Seedlings ; growth & development ; Seeds ; growth & development ; Stress, Physiological

To further uncover the scientific significance and molecular mechanism of the Chinese herbs with pungent hot or warm natures, endogenous and exogenous expression systems were established by isolation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and transfection of HEK293 cells with TRPV1 channel gene separately. On this basis, the regulation action of capsaicin, one main ingredient from chili pepper, on TRPV1 channel was further explored by using confocal microscope. Besides, the three-sites one-unit technique and method were constructed based on the brown adipose tissue (BAT), anal and tail skin temperatures. Then the effect of capsaicin on mouse energy metabolism was evaluated. Both endogenous and exogenous TRPV1 channel could be activated and this action could be specifically blocked by the TRPV1 channel inhibitor capsazepine. Simultaneously, the mice's core body temperature and BAT temperature fall down and then go up, accompanied by the increase of temperature of the mice's tail skin. Promotion of the energy metabolism by activation of TRPV1 channel might be the common way for the pungent-hot (warm) herbs to demonstrate their natures.
Adipose Tissue, Brown ; drug effects ; physiology ; Animals ; Capsaicin ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology ; Energy Metabolism ; Ganglia, Spinal ; cytology ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Mice ; Neurons ; drug effects ; physiology ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; TRPV Cation Channels ; physiology ; Temperature ; Thermogenesis

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of berberine hydrochloride on the secretion of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) from human periodontal ligament cells (PDLC) in vitro culture.

METHODSPeriodontal ligament was isolated from extracted human premolars, and PDLC were cultured in vitro. PDLC were divided into two groups, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group and non-lipopolysaccharide (NLPS) group. Then in accordance with the final concentrations of berberine hydrochloride in cells culture medium (0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03 g/L), the groups were subdivided into LPS and NLPS control group, LPS1 and NLPS1 group, LPS2 and NLPS2 group, LPS3 and NLPS3 group. Cellular concentration of MCP-1 of each group was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTSThe MCP-1 contents were not significantly different between the groups of NLPS1, NLPS2 and NLPS3 [(11.33 ± 0.16), (11.45 ± 0.53), (11.25 ± 0.14) ng/L, respectively] and the NLPS control group [(11.32 ± 0.35) ng/L] (P = 0.692, 0.568, 0.524). MCP-1 contents in the groups of LPS1, LPS2 and LPS3 [respectively (38.14 ± 5.34), (34.15 ± 3.36), (26.13 ± 2.12) ng/L] were significantly lower than in LPS control group [(58.42 ± 1.52) ng/L], P = 0.000, 0.000, P = 0.000.

CONCLUSIONSThe inhibitory effect of berberine hydrochloride on the activities of MCP-1 from PDLC was more significant when PDLC were stimulated with LPS and in a concentration-dependent manner.

Adolescent ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Berberine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacology ; Bicuspid ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Chemokine CCL2 ; secretion ; Child ; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Periodontal Ligament ; cytology ; metabolism

The sequences of ITS, matK, rbcL and psbA-trnH of 9 Gynostemma species or variety including 38 samples were compared and analyzed by molecular phylogeny method. Hemsleya macrosperma was designated as outgroup. The MP and NJ phylogenetic tree of Gynostemma was built based on ITS sequence, the results of PAUP phylogenetic analysis showed the following results: (1) The eight individuals of G. pentaphyllum var. pentaphyllum were not supported as monophyletic in the strict consensus trees and NJ trees. (2) It is suspected whether G. longipes and G. laxum should be classified as the independent species. (3)The classification of subgenus units of Gynostemma plants is supported.
Gynostemma ; classification ; genetics ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

Objective To evaluate the clinical application of CT-guided localization with combination of methylene blue and a Hookwire system for small pulmonary nodules (SPNs) before video-assisted thoracoscopic resection.Methods CTguided localization the SPNs before resection in 56 patients and 60 nodules,then underwent video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) resection.Among 56 patients,19 males and 37 females,aged from 35 to 81 years,mean age was (61.1 ±8.9)years.Results SPNs diameter (6.80 ±4.12) mm,distance from the parietal pleura (15.38 ±4.63) mm.CT-guided localization success rate was 100％,positioning time (10.76 ± 8.17) min,8.9％ (5/56) had micro pneumothorax aftet positioning,7.1％ (4/56) occurrence of needle tract bleeding,no conservative treatment.VATS resection rate was 100％.The pathology of 60 lesions were shown:Bronchiolo-alveolar carcinoma(BAC) were 33 lesions(55.0％),BAC and adenocarcinoma were 11 lesions(18.3％),Atypicaladenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) were 7 lesions (11.8％),Inflammation were 4 lesions (6.7％),Harmatoma were 3 lesions(5.0％),Tuberculoses were 2 lesions(3.3％).Conclusion CT-guided localization with combination of methylene blue and a Hookwire system before video-assisted thoracoscopic resection is a promising technique for small solitary pulmonary nodules.It could play an important role in accurate localization of small pulmonary nodules,and it is a safe technique with clinical application.

By confronting the opportunity and challenge of integrative Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM), in this paper, a comprehensive retrospective summary and preliminary discussion was given in aspects of the concept, historical background, acquired fruits, existing problems as well as the developing direction in the future and how to carry out academic researches of ICWM.
Diagnosis, Differential ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; trends ; Research Design ; trends

OBJECTIVETo summarize the experience and short-term clinical outcomes of hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (HALS) in sphincter-preserving surgery for low and ultralow rectal cancer.

METHODSData of 49 patients with rectal cancer who underwent HALS for low or ultralow anterior resection between January 2010 and January 2011 were analyzed retrospectively.

RESULTSThe proximal resection margin was (14.3±6.9) cm and the distal margin was(4.3±1.9) cm. The mean operative time was(128.3±70.9) min. On postoperative macroscopic evaluation, the mesorectum was intact in 42 cases, nearly intact in 7 cases. The circumferential resection margin was more than 2 mm in 42 cases, and less than 2 mm in 7 cases. Forty-six patients underwent R0 resection, and 3 cases underwent R1 resection. The median retrieved lymph node (LN) was 16.20±9.23, and the median positive LN was 1.12±2.19. Postoperative pathological examination showed TNM stage was I( in 12 patients, II(A in 18, II(B in 1, III(A in 2, III(B in 8, III(C in 5, IIII( in 3. The median postoperative hospital stay was (6.25±3.87) d. There were no anastomotic leakage, ileus, intra-abdominal or anastomotic bleeding. There were two wound infections.

CONCLUSIONLow and ultralow anterior resection for rectal cancer using HALS approach is safe and feasible with favorable short-term outcome.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anal Canal ; surgery ; Female ; Hand-Assisted Laparoscopy ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rectal Neoplasms ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo apply pulse magnetic acupuncture at scalp acupoints to treat acute cerebral infarction and to explore the mechanism.

METHODSA pulse magnetic acupuncture group, a routine acupuncture group and a static magnetic acupuncture group were set up, 30 cases in each group. Their clinical therapeutic effects were observed.

RESULTSThe cured-markedly effective rate was 80.0% in the pulse magnetic acupuncture group and 70.3% in the routine acupuncture group with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05), which were significant difference with 36.6% in the static magnetic acupuncture group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONPulse magnetic acupuncture and routine acupuncture at scalp acupoints have same therapeutic effect on acute cerebral infarction, which is superior to that of static magnetic acupuncture.

Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Cerebral Infarction ; therapy ; Humans ; Scalp ; Stroke ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo investigate the prognostic factors for non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)in patients under 40 years of age.

METHODSThe clinicopathological data of 148 young patients with NSCLC were retrospectively analyzed. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between prognostic factors and survival time.

RESULTSThe patients were followed-up for 6 - 148 months, and the follow-up rate was 100%. In the whole group, 122 patients died and 26 cases were surviving. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 54.7%, 10.4% and 5.6%, respectively. The median survival time (MST) was 14.7 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that Karnofsky performance status (KPS), clinical stage, treatment modality and serum CEA were related with prognosis (P < 0.05). Multivariate analysis indicated that KPS, clinical stage, treatment modality and serum CEA were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSKPS, CEA, clinical stage and treatment modalities are independent prognostic factors in young NSCLC patients.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carcinoembryonic Antigen ; blood ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Karnofsky Performance Status ; Lung Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; radiotherapy ; surgery ; Male ; Neoplasm Staging ; Pneumonectomy ; methods ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Survival Rate ; Young Adult