This study is to determine the content of three alkaloids and establish the HPLC fingerprint of "Jianlian" Nelumbinis Plumula. The HPLC method of content determination was as follows: Thermo C18 (4. 6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) was conducted with acetonitrile-sodium dodecyl sulfonate solution-acetic acid (56: 43: 1) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). The monitoring wavelength was set at 282 nm and the column temperature was 35 degrees C. The method of HPLC fingerprint was as follows: Agilent ZORBAX SB-Aq C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 μm) was conducted with gradient elution of methanol and water at a flow rate of 0.8 mL x min(-1), the monitoring wavelength was set at 282 nm and the column temperature was 35 degrees C. Similarities evaluation and hierarchical clustering analysis were applied to demonstrate the variability of 12 batches of "Jianlian" Nelumbinis Plumula samples. The results demonstrated that 11 batches showed good similarity on chemical constituents. The method could well display the chemical information of "Jianlian" Nelumbinis Plumula. It was simple, reliable and could be used for the chemical quality control of "Jianlian" Nelumbinis Plumula.
Alkaloids ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Nelumbo ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Seeds ; chemistry

AIMTo identify up-regulated genes specific to human normal gastrointestinal tissues.

METHODSStudy was made on human normal tissue gene expression database open to the public. Tissue-specific genes were identified using one-tailed student T test. Online software including Ingenuity and KEGG were applied for physiological function analyses. Unsupervised two-way hierarchical clustering method was used to analyze the expression profile of stomach-specific genes in gastric cancer gene expression datasets.

RESULTSThe analyses identified 196 stomach-specific genes, 203 ileum-specific genes and 224 colon-specific genes, respectively. The gene expression profiles reflect major organ-specific physiological functions on the molecular level. Some putative oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes were found in the tissue-specific gene list. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed that the stomach-specific genes were up-regulated in normal stomach tissues but down-regulated in stomach cancer tissues. The normal tissues clustered together, so did the cancer tissues. At the meantime, clustering could also distinguish the moderate and severe differentiated stomach cancer.

CONCLUSIONHuman normal stomach, ileum and colon possess tissue-specific up-regulated genes, which are closely associated with physiological functions.

Cluster Analysis ; Colon ; metabolism ; Computational Biology ; Databases, Genetic ; Gastrointestinal Tract ; metabolism ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Humans ; Ileum ; metabolism ; Stomach ; metabolism ; Stomach Neoplasms ; genetics ; Transcriptome

Objective Radiological findings of very rare hemangioendotheliomas in the orbit have not been reported.Radiological findings on different imaging studies of four cases with hemangioendotheliomas in the orbit were described and the literature was reviewed so as to understand features of hemangioendotheliomas in the orbit.Methods CT and MR imaging findings of four cases with hemangioendotheliomas in the orbit confirmed by histopathology were analyzed retrospectively.Results A mass was found in the superotemporal quadrant in the anterior extraconal space of the orbit in three cases and in the inferonasal quadrant in one case. CT studies revealed a homogeneously ovoid tumor with benign remodeling of the adjacent bone in three cases and a homogeneously irregular mass without any bony change in one case.MR imaging showed a mass in the orbit that was mildly hypointense on T_1-weighted sequences and hyperintense on T_2-weighted images with areas of flow voids representing vessels within the peripheral portion of the tumor in four cases.All four patients demonstrated significant enhancement immediately after intravenous administration of contrast material and a type D time-signal intensity curve (TIC)pattern on MR dynamic contrast enhancement scanning.Conclusions Hemangioendotheliomas in the orbit appeared as a hypervascular tumor predominantly in the extraconal space with areas of flow voids within the tumor and early significant enhancement of the tumor after intravenous administration of contrast material.MR imaging is the best method in demonstration of features of hemangioendotheliomas in the orbit and in diagnosis of these tumors.

OBJECTIVETo study the relation between dendritic cell (DC) infiltration and clinicopathologic parameters, biologic characteristics and prognosis of progressing gastric cancer.

METHODSThe development of apoptotic cell death (apoptotic index, AI) in 61 progressing gastric carcinoma tissues was analyzed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method. The PCNA labeling index (PCNA-LI), density of dendritic cells in the tumor were detected by immunohistochemical method by the LSAB kit using antibody against S-100 protein and PC-10.

RESULTSDC infiltration was negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and PCNA-LI, but positively with AI. The DCs in gastric cancer groups with and without lymph node metastasis were (5.63 +/- 4.37)/HPF and (8.51 +/- 5.57)/HPF with difference significant (P < 0.05). The DC infiltration in I, II, III stage lesions were (11.23 +/- 6.05)/HPF, (6.28 +/- 4.37)/HPF and (5.53 +/- 5.19)/HPF also with differences significant (P < 0.01). The PCNA-LI was significantly higher in the low DC group (57.10% +/- 14.18%) than that of high DC group (48.15% +/- 10.59%, P < 0.01). AI findings were 3.77% +/- 1.26% and 2.95% +/- 1.07% in the high and low DC groups (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between DC infiltration and AI (r = 0.39, P < 0.01) whereas a negative correlation between DC infiltration and PCNA-LI (r = -0.47, P < 0.01). The prognosis of high DC infiltration patients was significantly better than those with low ones.

CONCLUSIONThe infiltrating dendritic cells in and around tumor, representing the local immune status of the host, may play an important role in immunological defense mechanism of host versus tumor. Dendritic cells may inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of the tumor cells, thus affecting the clinical features and improve the prognosis of gastric carcinoma.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Apoptosis ; Cell Division ; Dendritic Cells ; physiology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; analysis ; Stomach Neoplasms ; mortality ; pathology ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVETo select the best preparation method of vincristine transfersomes (VCR-T) and predict its possibility of being a new formulation of VCR.

METHODOrthogonal design was used to optimize the preparation methods on the basis of single factor pretests; and the permeation tests in vitro were performed in modified Franz diffusion cells.

RESULTThe optimum formula was: pH was equal to 7.3, the ratio of lecithin to sodium deoxycholate is 70/20, the weight of VCR is 10 mg, hydrating time is 30 minutes. The optimized solution was light yellow and transparent colloid solution. The VCR-T are spherical and smooth with average diameters of 94 nm and an encapsulation ratio of 90%. The test in vitro showed that VCR-T could permeat through mouse skin at zero rate with the cumulative penetrating quality amounting to 63.8%.

CONCLUSIONTransfersomes may become a promising carrier of VCR for clinic use.

Administration, Cutaneous ; Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics ; Deoxycholic Acid ; Drug Carriers ; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration ; Mice ; Particle Size ; Phosphatidylcholines ; Skin Absorption ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Vincristine ; administration & dosage ; pharmacokinetics

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether oxymatrine (OM) could promote mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis (HF) in rats and to initially explore its mechanisms.

METHODSTotally 50 male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups,i.e., the normal control group, the model group, the MSC therapy group, the OM therapy group, and the MSC combined OM therapy group, 10 in each group. Except the normal control group, the HF model was duplicated by CCl4 induction. After successful modeling, rats in the MSC therapy group received 5 x10(6) MSCs by intravenous injection via caudal vein, once a week. Rats in the OM therapy group received 50 mg/kg OM by intramuscular injection, three times a week. Rats in MSC combined OM therapy group received 5 x 10(6) MSCs by intravenous injection via caudal vein, once a week and 50 mg/kg OM by intramuscular injection three times a week. Equal volume of normal saline was given to those in the normal control group and the model group. All medication lasted for 8 weeks. Serum levels of ALT and AST were detected 8 weeks later. The hepatic histopathological injury and extracellular matrix deposit were assessed using HE and Masson staining. Expressions of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS(1) Compared with the normal control group, serum levels of ALT and AST significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, serum levels of ALT and AST significantly decreased in the OM therapy group, the MSC therapy group, and the MSC combined OM therapy group at the end of 8 weeks of treatment (P < 0.05). But serum levels of ALT and AST were significantly lower in the MSC combined OM therapy group than in the OM therapy group and the MSC therapy group (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the model group, the hepatic injury was significantly lessened and the area of extracellular matrix deposit was significantly reduced in the OM therapy group, the MSC therapy group, and the MSC combined OM therapy group (P < 0.05). Besides, they wer more significant in the MSC combined OM therapy group (P < 0.05). (3) Compared with the model group, the serum IL-4 level was significantly higher in the MSC therapy group and the MSC combined MO group (P < 0.05). It was higher in the MSC combined MO group (P < 0.05). Although the serum IL-4 level also increased in the OM therapy group, but with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). (4) The serum IL-10 level significantly increased in the OM therapy group, the MSC therapy group, and the MSC combined OM therapy group (P < 0.05), and it was the highest in the MSC combined OM therapy group among the three groups (P < 0.05). (5) Two-photon fluorescence imaging showed no signals of MSCs in liver with or without OM injection.

CONCLUSIONOM could promote mesenchymal stem cell therapy in hepatic fibrosis rats, which might be involved in increasing serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10.

Alkaloids ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Interleukin-10 ; blood ; Interleukin-4 ; blood ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; therapy ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Quinolizines ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of invasive microneedle radiofrequency versus plasma fractional radiofrequency in the treatment of atrophic facial acne scars.Methods A total of 30 patients with atrophic acne scars were enrolled from the Department of Dermatology of Xiangya Hospital affiliated to Central South University between January 2017 and March 2017.By a random number table,every patient randomly received the treatment with invasive microneedle radiofrequency on one half of the face and plasma fractional radiofrequency on the other facial side once every 8-12 weeks for 3 sessions.Before and after each treatment,facial photos were taken,acne scars were scored by the ECCA grading scale (échelle d'évaluation clinique des cicatrices d'acné),and improvement rates of these lesions were evaluated subjectively by doctors.Adverse reactions were recorded after treatment,and the degree of pain and satisfaction was evaluated by the patients themselves.The Germany CK physiological index detector was used to detect the skin moisture content,transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and sebum content.Results All of the 30 patients completed 3 sessions of treatment and follow-up.After the 3 sessions of treatment,the average score on invasive microneedle radiofrequency-treated sides was 3.00 ± 0.91,and 22 patients achieved more than 50％ improvement.However,the average score on plasma fractional radiofrequency-treated sides was 3.57 ± 0.57,and 29 patients achieved more than 50％ improvement.The overall therapeutic effect of plasma fractional radiofrequency was significantly superior tothat of invasive microneedle radiofrequency (t =2.894,P =0.005).For V-shaped and U-shaped scars,there was no significant difference in the overall improvement rate between the invasive microneedle radiofrequency-treated side and plasma fractional radiofrequency-treated side (both P ＞ 0.05).For Mshaped rolling scars,the overall improvement rate was significantly lower on the invasive microneedle radiofrequency-treated side (36.5％ ± 2.1％) than on the plasma fractional radiofrequency-treated side (48.7％ ± 3.4％,P ＜ 0.01).However,the pain score was significantly lower on the invasive microneedle radiofrequency-treated side (5.54 ± 0.57) than on the plasma fractional radiofrequency-treated side (8.07 ± 0.79,P ＜ 0.01).After 3 sessions of treatment,there were no significant differences in the degree of patient satisfaction (x2 =0.10,P ＞ 0.05),skin moisture content (P ＞ 0.05),TEWL (P ＞ 0.05) or sebum content (P ＞ 0.05) between the 2 sides.Adverse reactions such as erythema,exudation and hemorrhage occurred on both of the 2 sides.Conclusions For small V-shaped and U-shaped scars,the plasma fractional radiofrequency and invasive microneedle radiofrequency both can be applied in clinic.For large M-shaped rolling scars,the plasma fractional radiofrequency can be preferentially selected.

OBJECTIVETo analyze differentially expressed proteins of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) treated with oxymatrine (OMT) liposomes, thus further exploring the molecular mechanism of OMT liposomes for treating liver fibrosis.

METHODSA rat model of CCl4 induced chronic liver fibrosis was established. HSCs were perfusion isolated from modeled SD rats and cultured in vitro . Passage 2 HSCs were divided into the model group (Group A), the OMT-liposome-treated group (Group B), and the liposome-treated control group (Group C). HSCs from normal rats were taken as the normal control group (Group D). The total proteins of HSCs cells were extracted from Group B and D after 7 days of treatment, and separated with isoelectrofocusing two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE). A 2-DE system was established to analyze the differences in the protein profile between Group B and Group C. Tow protein dots with most obvious difference were selected to determine the structures and functions of different proteins using peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF).

RESULTS(1) The total number bf proteins decreased after treated with OMT liposomes, with 864 spots before treatment and 756 spots after treatment, and the matching rate was 63%. (2) According to 2-DE results, 10 differential protein spots were found by image analysis of magnifying images in local regions. (3) Two most differently expressed proteins were identified to be ATM (46. 236 kD) and Miz1 (54. 051 kD) by PMF and SWISS-PROT protein database retrieval.

CONCLUSIONAction of OMT liposomes on HSCs of rats with chronic liver fibrosis caused different protein expressions, which might be involved in the signaling pathways of inducing the apoptosis of HSCs.

Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Electrophoresis, Gel, Two-Dimensional ; Hepatic Stellate Cells ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Liposomes ; Liver Cirrhosis, Experimental ; metabolism ; Male ; Proteome ; metabolism ; Quinolizines ; pharmacology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo explore the prevalence of vision, mental, audibility, language, psychiatry, extremity, and influence factors in the 0 - 7 year olds.

METHODSA total number of 77,727 0 - 7 year old children living in Shenzhen city were tested with tree phase screening under the Chinese standard of evaluation in disabilities.

RESULTSThe prevalence of all disabilities was 5.59 per thousand (adjusted rate was 8.49 per thousand with a false negative of 3.1 per thousand ). The prevalence of mental disease was the highest (1.88 per thousand, with adjusted rate 3.43 per thousand ), the prevalence of language disability was 1.88 per thousand (including retarded language development, with adjusted rate 3.43 per thousand ). The prevalence rates of psychiatry, extremity and audibility disability were 1.59 per thousand, 1.56 per thousand, 1.11 per thousand respectively with of vision the lowest (0.37 per thousand ). The prevalence of all disabilities, audibility, language and mental was on the increase with age. The difference was statistically significant. Among all different age groups regarding psychiatric disease, the highest fell in the 2 - 4 year olds. The prevalence of extremity was not statistically different among age groups. The suspected agents of disease which occurred before or during pregnancy took up 45.7%.

CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of six kinds disabilities in Shenzhen was about 10 per thousand lower than that of the samples of the nation in 1989, but two times higher than that of similar studies in Japan. The prevalence rates of language and psychiatric disease were higher than that of the nation in 1989. The causation should be further studied.

Age Factors ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Disabled Children ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Language Disorders ; epidemiology ; Male ; Mental Disorders ; epidemiology ; Prevalence ; Vision Disorders ; epidemiology

BACKGROUNDThere were few studies on the relation between changes in libido and incidence of stroke recurrence. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between libido decrease at 2 weeks after stroke and recurrent stroke at 1-year.

METHODSIt is a multi-centered, prospective cohort study. The 14 th item of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 was used to evaluate changes of libido in poststroke patients at 2 weeks. Stroke recurrence was defined as an aggravation of former neurological functional deficit, new local or overall symptoms, or stroke diagnosed at re-admission.

RESULTSAmong 2341 enrolled patients, 1757 patients had completed follow-up data, 533 (30.34%) patients had decreased libido at 2 weeks, and 166 (9.45%) patients had recurrent stroke at 1-year. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that, compared with patients with normal libido, the odds ratio (OR) of recurrent stroke in patients with decreased libido was reduced by 41% (OR = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.40-0.87). The correlation was more prominent among male patients (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.31-0.85) and patients of ≥60 years of age (OR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.35-0.93).

CONCLUSIONSOne out of three stroke patients in mainland China has decreased libido at 2 weeks after stroke. Decreased libido is a protective factor for stroke recurrence at 1-year, which is more prominent among older male patients.

Aged ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group ; China ; Female ; Humans ; Incidence ; Libido ; physiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Stroke ; epidemiology