Eight phenolic compounds were isolated from Rhododendron phaeochrysum var. agglutinatum and their sructures were identified as phaeochrysin (1), (2R)-4-(3',4'-dihydroxyphenyl) -2-butanol (2), (-) -rhododendrol (3), rhododendrin (4), (+) -isolariciresinol (5), (-) -lyoniresinol (6), lyoniresinol-9'-O-β-D-xylopyranoside (7), and dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl-3a-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8). Compound 1 is new, and compounds 2, 5-8 were isolated from this plant for the first time.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry ; Molecular Structure ; Phenols ; chemistry ; Rhododendron ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of exercise (EX), low-fat diet (LFD) and their combination intervention on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) expression of insulin resistance in rats.

METHODSOne hundred and thirty male rats randomly assigned to 2 groups: Control (CON)-10 rats consuming a low-fat diet; HFD-120 rats consuming a high-fat diet (HFD). The dietary regimen was sustained for 8 wk, at which point the 40 HFD group rats gaining the most weight were referred to as the obese rats. Glucose tolerance was assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). During the procedure of OGTT, the blood was drawn for insulin assay (insulin release test). The whole body insulin resistance was assessed by glucose-insulin index. The obese HFD group rats were randomized into one of four intervention groups: HFD-sedentary (HFD-SED), HFD-exercise(HFD-EX), low fat diet-SED (LFD-SED), LFD-EX. Ex rats performed 8-wk exercise training on a motorized treadmill. The CON group had access to low-fat diet for another 8 wk. After 8 wk of exercise and low-fat diet intervention, the OGTT and insulin release test were performed again. To use ELISA technique for detecting TNF-alpha in soleus muscle and adipose tissue.

RESULTSAfter being fed high-fat diet for 8 wk, glucose-insulin index in the HFD group were significantly greater than that in CON group (P < 0.01). After 8-week exercise and low-fat diet intervention, glucose-insulin index in HFD-SED group was significantly greater than that in CON group (P < 0.01). The index in three intervention groups was significantly less than that in HFD-SED group (P < 0.01) . TNF-alpha content in adipose tissue and the soleus muscle for HFD-SED group was significantly greater than that in CON group (P < 0.01). Three intervention groups were significantly less than HFD-SED group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONExercise and low-fat diet interventions can decrease the TNF-alpha expression in insulin resistance rat.

Animals ; Diet, Fat-Restricted ; Insulin Resistance ; Male ; Obesity ; metabolism ; Physical Conditioning, Animal ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

Objective To assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure of congenital coronary artery fistulas(CAFs).Methods Retrospective analysis was performed on 19 patients mean age of(5.5?4.1) years treated from February 1995 to December 2005 with transcatheter closure of CAFs using transcatheter spring coil embolization,Amplatzer PDA occluder or Amplatzer plug.One case had a residul fistula postoperatively associated with patent duetus arteriosus(PDA).Results The abnormal parameters included mean fistula diameter(3.7?1.6)mm(2.5-8.2 mm),pulmonary mean pressure(28.0?5.0)mmHg(25.0-67.0 mmHg)and pulmonary to systemic shunt(Qp/Qs)1,6?0.8(1.0-2.3).The sites of the fistulas were originated in right coronary artery 11,left anterior descending coronary artery or left circumflex coronary artery 8. Abnormal communication sites of these fistulas were to right ventricle in 14 and right atrium in 5.Various occlusion devices used to close these fistulas included one Giantureo coil in 10,2-4 Gianturco coils in 3, Duct-Occlud in 3,Amplatzer duct occluder in 2 and Amplatzer plug in 1.The post-operative residul fistula with PDA was treated successfully with PDA occlusion.The immediate,one month and one year complete occlusion rates were 55.6%(10/18),88.9%(16/18),100%(18/18),respectively.The coil slipped into the left pulmonary artery in 1 case and correction was obtained by retrieving with forceps.Follow-up studies at 3 months to 4.3 years showed complete abolition of shunt in all patients with no evidence of recanalization leading to recurrences of shunt.Conclusion Transcatheter closure of CAFs is a safe and effective alternative to surgical repair.

The heat shock protein ClpB is a member of the Clp family and functions as molecular chaperones. ClpB is related to the acquired thermotolerance in organisms. A cDNA of 3144 bp was screened out of a tomato cDNA library. The polypeptide deduced from the longest ORF contains 980 amino acid residues, and was classified into HSP100/ClpB family based on the result of molecular phylogenesis analysis. Thus it was named as LeHSP110/ClpB according to its calculated molecular weight. LeHSP110/ClpB was characteristic of heat-inducibility but no constitutive expression, and was demonstrated to locate in chloroplastic stroma. An antisense cDNA fragment of LeHsp110/ClpB under the control of CaMV 35S promoter was introduced into tomato by Agrobacterium tumefactions-mediated method. At high temperature, the mRNA levels of LeHsp110/ClpB in antisense transgenic plants were lower than those in control plants. The PS II of transgenic plants is more sensitive to high temperature than that of control plants according to data of Fv/Fm. These results clearly showed that HSP110/ClpB plays an important role in thermotolerance of high plants.
Adaptation, Physiological ; genetics ; Chloroplasts ; metabolism ; Cloning, Molecular ; Genes, Plant ; genetics ; HSP110 Heat-Shock Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Hot Temperature ; Lycopersicon esculentum ; genetics ; physiology ; Photosystem II Protein Complex ; metabolism ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; physiology

BACKGROUNDAnimal models are needed for the study of rapid tooth movement into the extraction socket through distraction osteogenesis of the periodontal ligament.

METHODSModified distraction devices were placed on eight dogs between the first and third mandibular premolars on the left sides; similar placement of traditional straight wise appliances on the right sides served as the control. The experimental distractors were activated (0.25 mm/d) twice a day and the control devices were activated (100 g) for two weeks with consolidation periods at weeks two, three, six, and ten. Two dogs were sacrificed at each consolidation time point; rates and patterns of tooth movement, loss of anchorage, and periapical films were evaluated, and the affected premolars and surrounding periodontal tissues were decalcified and examined histologically. General observations, X-ray periapical filming and histology examination were performed.

RESULTSDistal movement ((3.66+/-0.14) mm) measured two weeks after modified distraction exceeded that achieved using the traditional device ((1.15+/-0.21) mm; P<0.05). Loss of anchorage was minimally averaged (0.34+/-0.06) mm and (0.32+/-0.07) mm in the experimental and control sides, respectively. By radiography, apical and lateral surface root resorptions on both sides were minimal. Alveolar bone lesions were never evident. Fibroblasts were enriched in periodontal ligaments and bone spicules formed actively along directions of distraction.

CONCLUSIONSThe canine model is suitable for the study of rapid tooth movement through distraction osteogenesis of the periodontal ligament. The technique accelerates tooth movement, periodontal remodeling, alveolar bone absorption, and may induce fibroblast formation, as compared to the traditional orthodontic method, without adversely affecting root absorption, bone loss, tooth mobility and anchorage loss.

Animals ; Dogs ; Male ; Osteogenesis, Distraction ; methods ; Periodontal Ligament ; physiology ; surgery ; Root Resorption ; etiology ; Tooth Movement Techniques ; methods

OBJECTIVEPerimembranous ventricular septal defects (PMVSDs) is the most common type of congenital ventricular septal defects (VSD), which accounts for 70% approximately 80% of VSD. The structure of PMVSDs is very complex, it is close to tricuspid valve, mitral valve and aortic valve. The atrioventricular (AV) node is located in the posterior upper membranous ventricular septum and branches into left and right bundle in the posterior lower margin. This increases the risk of transcatheter closure of PMVSDs. Arrhythmias is the common complication after transcatheter closure of PMVSDs. The present study aimed to identify the risk factors resulting in arrhythmias after transcatheter closure of PMVSDs in patients under 18 years of age to decrease the incidence of arrhythmias after the interventional catheterization.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed on the patients treated with transcatheter intervention from June 2002 to June 2004. Transcatheter closure of PMVSDs with Amplatzer membranous septal occluder and a domestic product was performed in 89 cases after obtaining consent themselves and/or their guardian or parents, 47 cases were males and 42 females. The age of the cases ranged from 3 to 18 years (mean 8.2 years) and the body weight ranged from 13 to 55 kg (mean 26.7 kg). They were all diagnosed as having PMVSDs with trans-thoracic echocardiography (TTE) before the interventional catheterization, the electrocardiographic (ECG) and chest X-ray (CXR) findings were recorded. A simultaneous care ECG and TTE were performed during operation in order to identify the effect of the transcatheter closure, the heart structure and functional changes and whether or not arrhythmias occurred, respectively. In 80 cases AGA Amplatzer membranous septal occluder was used and in 9 cases a domestic product was used. Follow-up was performed based on the echocardiography and ECG.

RESULTSThe devices were successfully implanted in 89 cases; 11 cases (12%) developed various block of heart conduction within 5 days, which included first degree AV block in 1 patient, third degree AV block in 1, left anterior bundle branch block in 5, partial right bundle branch block in 4, complete right bundle branch block in 3, and 3 patients had two kinds of heart block. Eight patients were treated with corticosteroids, 6 of them recovered within 14 days, 1 patient within 1 month and in 1 case the problem shifted from first degree block and left anterior bundle branch block to left anterior bundle branch block 5 days later and that persisted for 6 months. It was found that the distance from upper margin of defects to the aortic valve < 3 mm, the diameter of ventricular septal defect > or = 8 mm, the diameter of device > or = 10 mm, blood pH < 7.35 and arteriovenous track building time after the success of the Seldinger technique > or = 60 min were independent predictors of post-closure arrhythmias.

CONCLUSIONArrhythmias remain the severe early complications after interventional catheterization for PMVSDs in patients under 18 years of age. Shortening of operation time, prevention of acidosis and strict selection of indications may be the most effective measures to prevent arrhythmias after transcatheter closure of PMVSDs in patients under 18 years of age.

Adolescent ; Cardiac Catheterization ; adverse effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Heart Block ; etiology ; Heart Septal Defects, Ventricular ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

A digital tongue image analysis instrument (TIAI) based on computer for Traditional Chinese Medicine is introduced. Some of the key techniques, including the image acquiring condition and method, the evaluation of tongue characters, and the management of tongue image data, are discussed as well. TIAI can provide a non-invasive, quantitative, and objective analysis approach and enhance the theory level and practical ability of the Traditional Chinese tongue diagnosis.
Algorithms ; Color ; Diagnosis, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; Equipment Design ; Humans ; Image Interpretation, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted ; instrumentation ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Tongue

OBJECTIVEThe objective of this study was to observe the interventional effect of cod liver oil supplementation on re-vaccination to hepatitis B virus (HBV) among infants and young children.

METHODSAll 7-36 months old infants and young children, who had been vaccinated with obligatory HBV vaccines routinely by the national technical and administrative procedures for HBV vaccination on children of China, were convened among villages in Linyi, Shandong province, from October 2008 to March 2009. After detection of serum anti-HBV, one hundred children with lower serum anti-HBV were picked out for the randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled vitamin A supplementation study. The children in the intervention group (50 subjects) took 0.5 g condensed cod liver oil (containing 25 000 IU vitamin A and 2500 IU vitamin D(2)) every 15 days for six times. The children in the control group (50 subjects) were given corn oil with same volume. All children were re-vaccinated at the 30th and the 60th day of the experiment. The serum samples were collected from each child at the 90th day of the experiment. Retinol concentration in serum samples was analyzed with HPLC method before and after the intervention. The levels of serum anti-HBs were detected by the electro-chemi-luminescence immunoassay (ECLIA).

RESULTSTotal 74 children finished the supplemental experiment and blood collection, 37 subjects in each group, respectively. After intervention, the serum retinol level in the experimental and control group were (404.1 ± 123.1) and (240.8 ± 92.8) µg/L (t = 6.441, P < 0.01), respectively. The serum anti-HBs levels in the experimental and control group were (2737.2 ± 2492.6) and (1199.7 ± 2141.6) U/L (t = 2.846, P < 0.01), respectively. The rate of weak or no-answer case in experimental and control groups was 0.00% (0/37) and 10.81% (4/37) (χ(2) = 4.229, P = 0.040), respectively.

CONCLUSIONThe results showed that vitamin A supplementation might enhance the re-vaccination reaction against HB vaccine in infants and young children.

Child, Preschool ; Cod Liver Oil ; therapeutic use ; Dietary Supplements ; Double-Blind Method ; Hepatitis B ; prevention & control ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; blood ; immunology ; Hepatitis B Vaccines ; immunology ; Hepatitis B virus ; immunology ; Humans ; Immunity, Active ; Infant ; Vitamin A ; therapeutic use ; Vitamins ; therapeutic use

In the spinal cord, nitric oxide (NO) pathway is involved in pain and hyperalgesia, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression and NO production are upregulated following several noxious and lesion stimuli. However, the mechanism of the increases is yet not well understood. The present study was designed to address the question of whether substance P (SP) released in the spinal cord enhances NOS expression and NO production of the spinal cord in rats. [Sar(9), Met(O2)(11)]-substance P (Sar-SP), a neurokinin-1 (NK-1) receptor agonist, was administered by intrathecal injection via L(5)-L(6) intervertebral space to induce nociception. The pain threshold was determined by hot water induced tail flick test. NOS expression of the L(5) segment of the spinal cord was determined using NADPH-d histochemical staining. NO production of the lumbar enlargement of the spinal cord was determined by assaying NO3(-) and NO2(-), the end product of NO metabolism, using the method of aqua fortis reduction. We found that (1) intrathecal injection of Sar-SP (6.5 nmol) elicited a characteristic, caudally directed, nociceptive behavioural response consisting of intense biting, licking and scratching episodes. Tail flick test showed decrease in pain threshold. (2) following the behavioural responses, the NOS expression level, including the number and the staining density of the NADPH-d reactive cells, increased in the superficial portion of the dorsal horn (Laminae I-II) and the grey matter surrounding the central canal (LaminaX) of the L(5) segment of the spinal cord after the Sar-SP intrathecal injection. At the same time, NO production in the enlargement of the spinal cord increased. (3) The decreased pain threshold and the increases in NOS expression and NO production could be substantially inhibited by intrathecal injection of [[D-Arg(1), D-Trp(7,9), Leu(11)]-substance P] (spantide) (5 microg), a non-selective antagonist of NK-1 receptor, 5 min prior to the Sar-SP injection. It might be concluded that the release of SP resulted from nociceptive afferents increased NOS expression and NO production of the rat spinal cord.
Animals ; Female ; Hyperalgesia ; Injections, Spinal ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis ; Nitric Oxide Synthase ; biosynthesis ; Nociceptors ; drug effects ; Pain Threshold ; drug effects ; Peptide Fragments ; pharmacology ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Neurokinin-1 ; agonists ; Spinal Cord ; metabolism ; Substance P ; analogs & derivatives ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of carbon disulfide (CS(2)) on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9 in mouse embryo and uterus tissues and to explore the mechanism of embryo toxicity induced by CS(2).

METHODSAt the phases of follicular development and embryonic implantation which was subdivided into early-implantation phase and late-implantation phase, mice were intraperitoneally exposed to CS(2) (the dosage was 631.4 mg/kg, and the volume was 0.1ml/10 g body weight) for 2 consecutive days. All indicators were got at the ninth day in gestation, and the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in embryo and uterus tissues was analyzed by gelatin zymography.

RESULTSThe number of implanted embryos significantly decreased after exposure at late-implantation phase (16.000 ± 12.166) compared with those of the control (30.700 ± 5.599, P < 0.05). Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in embryos declined obviously at the three reproductive phases (P < 0.01), and the levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression in embryos at the phases of late-implantation phase (0.6837 ± 0.0929, 0.7309 ± 0.0822) and follicular development (0.6222 ± 0.0997, 0.7520 ± 0.1068) were much lower than those of the control (1.0000 ± 0.0710, 1.0000 ± 0.0413, P < 0.01). Expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in uterus significantly increased at the phase of late-implantation (1.3153 ± 0.3032, 5.0210 ± 4.0307) compared with those of the control (1.0000 ± 0.1771, 1.0000 ± 0.0996, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONEmbryo toxicity of CS(2) is more obvious at the phase of late-implantation. Exposure to CS(2) disturbs expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in embryo and uterus tissues, which might be one of the important factors contributed to embryo toxicity induced by CS(2).

Animals ; Carbon Disulfide ; toxicity ; Embryo Implantation ; Embryo, Mammalian ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Female ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 ; metabolism ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred Strains ; Pregnancy ; Uterus ; drug effects ; metabolism