Spices have enjoyed a long history and a worldwide application. Of particular interest is the pharmaceutical value of spices in addition to its basic seasoning function in cooking. Concretely, equipped with complex chemical compositions, spices are of significant importance in pharmacologic actions, like antioxidant, antibacterial, antitumor, as well as therapeutical effects in gastrointestinal disorders and cardiovascular disease. Although increasing evidences in support of its distinct role in the medical field has recently reported, little information is available for substantive, thorough and sophisticated researches on its chemical constituents and pharmacological activities, especially mechanism of these actions. Therefore, in popular wave of studies directed at a single spice, this review presents systematic studies on the chemical constituents and pharmacological activities associated with common used spices, together with current typical individual studies on functional mechanism, in order to pave the way for the exploitation and development of new medicines derived from the chemical compounds of spice (such as, piperine, curcumin, geniposide, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, linalool, estragole, perillaldehyde, syringic acid, crocin).
Anti-Infective Agents ; pharmacology ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Cardiovascular System ; drug effects ; Digestive System ; drug effects ; Spices ; analysis ; toxicity

OBJECTIVETo observe the differential effect of joint ultrasound on the syndrome differentiation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by observing the high frequency ultrasound performances among inactive stage and different syndromes in active stage.

METHODSTotally 83 RA patients in the active stage were assigned to the dampness heat syndrome group (DHS, 59 cases)and the cold dampness syndrome group (CDS, 24 cases) according to Chinese medicine (CM) syndrome typing. Besides, 20 RA patients in the remission stage were recruited as the control group (abbreviated as the remission group). By using high frequency ultrasound and power Doppler ultrasound technology, a comparative observation of synovitis, tenosynovitis, synovial blood flow, and bone erosion in the 2nd-5th metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints, proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints, wrist joints, knee joints, the second and the fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joints (a total of 24 joints) was performed in all patients. Correlation analyses were performed between the ultrasound performance, laboratory indices, and the disease activity. Ultrasound data of each RA patient were analyzed by their total scores. Χ2 test was used for enumeration data. The measurement data was expressed as x ± s. One-way ANOVA was used for data of normal distribution, while non- parametric test was used for data of non-normal distribution. Correlation analysis of two variables was performed for clinical indicators and ultrasound indicators. Its significance was detected using Pearson correlation.

RESULTSCompared with the remission group, the severity degree of synovitis, tenosynovitis, synovial blood flow, and bone erosion significantly increased in the DHS group (P < 0.01). There was statistical difference in ESR, CRP, anti-CCP, DAS28 score, and the positive rate of RF (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was statistical difference in the severity degree of synovitis and synovial blood flow, and DAS28 score in the CDS group (P < 0.05). Compared with the CDS group, there was statistical difference in the four ultrasound indices (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), ESR, CRP, anti-CCP, DAS28 score, and the positive rate of RF in the DHS group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in G, IgG, IgA, or IgM among the three groups (P > 0.05). There existed positive correlation between ESR and the synovitis degree, synovial blood flow, and bone erosion in the DHS group (r = 0.444, 0.397, 0.486, P < 0.05).There existed positive correlation between ESR and the synovitis degree, bone erosion, and synovial blood flow in the DHS group (r = 0.378, 0.270, P < 0.05). There existed positive correlation between the DAS28 score and the synovitis degree and synovial blood flow in the DHS group (r = 0.304, 0.351, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe inflammation degree was the most severe in RA patients of DHS. High frequency ultrasound could provide better evidence for Chinese medical syndrome differentiation of RA patients.

Arthritis, Rheumatoid ; diagnostic imaging ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; ultrastructure ; Syndrome ; Synovitis ; diagnostic imaging ; Ultrasonography

Objective This study is to analyse the clinical feature and risk factors of morbidity after pulmonary resection for lung cancer in patients older than 70 years. Methods The clinical records of 222 patients older than 70 years who had undergone pulmonary resection for their lung cancer was reviewed. The patients were divided into 3 groups: group Ⅰ including the patients who had severe postoperative complications, group Ⅱ including the patients who had mild complications and group Ⅲ including the patients who had no complications. Moreover, the definitions were made that group A1 = group Ⅰ+ Ⅱ , group B1 = group Ⅲ, group A2 = group Ⅰ and group B2 = group Ⅱ + Ⅲ. Univariate analyses and multivariate binary logistic regressions relating postoperative morbidity to risk factors were performed between the group Al and Bl, A2 and B2, resulting in the identification of the independent risk factors for overall morbidity and major morbidity. Results Preoperative comorbidity was recorded in 161 patients (72.5%). Lobectomy (64.9% ) was the predominant surgical procedure. The median number of dissected LN was 14, with the range of 0 to 57. The overall morbidity was 63.5% , including major morbidity of 13.5%. Perioperative mortality was 1.8% (4 cases). The results of binary logistic regression analyses indicated that the independent risk factors for overall morbidity were preoperative weight loss (P =0.020), ASA score (P＜0.001), MVV (% predicted) (P=0. 020 ) and the number of dissected LN ( P = 0.004 ). The independent risk factors for major morbidity were ASA score ( P =0.003), MVV (% predicted) (P= 0.018) and the location of tumor (P=0.007). Conclusion Preoperative weight loss and numbers of dissected mediastinal lymph nodes were risk factor for lung cancer patients older than 70 years, Proper perioperative management for the elderly patients with high ASA score, low MVV (% predicted) or central tumor, could reduce the major postoperative morbidity.

Triterpenes, which have large application potential in the treatment of cancer, are the main active components of genuine medicinal material Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep. Farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase (FPPS) is one of the important rate-limiting enzymes in the synthetic pathway of triterpenes. In this study the FPPS full length cDNA of the A. orientale, was cloned via homology-based cloning approach and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full length of the FPPS cDNA was 1 531 bp (accession no. HQ724508), which contained a full 1 032 bp ORF that encoded 343 amino acids. The deduced protein sequence exhibited five conserved motifs, two of which is riched of Asp (DDXXD). The result of real-time quantitative PCR (QRT-PCR) showed that FPPS gene was expressed in different organs of A. orientale. The expression increased from October to the first ten-day period of December, and then decreased. The FPPS gene expression was higher in leaves but lower in leafstalk, tuber and root. HPLC analysis of active components 23-acetyl-alismol B of A. orientale. during different periods indicated that its change trend should be consistent with FPPS gene expression. It can be primarily deduced that FPPS gene should be an important control point in the synthetic pathway of Alisma terpenes. This study may facilitate the quality of medicinal plants through gene engineering in the future.
Alisma ; enzymology ; genetics ; Amino Acid Sequence ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; Computational Biology ; Conserved Sequence ; DNA, Complementary ; genetics ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; Gene Amplification ; Geranyltranstransferase ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Plant Leaves ; enzymology ; genetics ; Plant Roots ; enzymology ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; enzymology ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods

ObjectiveTo describe the modified (narrowed) gastric tube and two methods on the establishmentof enteral feeding pathway in esophagectomy.MethodsFrom July 2003 to April 2006,we made traditional gastric tube for patients underwent esophagectomy to substitute the dissected esophagus while from May 2006 to November 2009,we made modified gastric tube for the same purpose.From July 2003 to November 2009,enteral nutrition tubes for all these patients are placed intraoperatively by two different ways,which made early post-operative nutrition support possible for these patients.ResultsNo perioperative death occurred among the patients.The length of the modified gastric tube ensured the anastomosis by circular stapler at the apex thorax or in the bases of cervical region.No statistical differences were found between the two group in terms of survival rate.The intraoperative establishment of enteral nutrition pathway ensured the early enteral nutrition support after the operation.ConclusionThe utility of the modified gastric tube extends the length of gastric tube to make mechanical anastomose easier and safer; meanwhile,the intraoperative establishment of enteral nutrition pathway ensures the early enteral nutrition support after the operation.

The mitochondrion is a particularly important organelle in eukaryotic cells. It contains its own genetic material and is coined as “the powerhouse of cells”. Mitochondria are involved in many cellular progresses such as cell signaling and metabolic homeostasis. Its dysfunction is linked to various human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and diabetes. Mitochondrion has a unique DNA, a small size with 16 569 bp circular genome, encoding only 37 genes, which are key components of the electron transport chain (ETC) and translational machinery. Furthermore, the mutations of mitochondrion DNA correlate with some inherited disease such as Leber’ s hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) and mitochondrial encephalopathy, lactic acidosis and stroke-like episodes (MELAS). There are very few treatments to fully cure these diseases. As a result, researchers are interested in developing a wide range of methods to understand mitochondrial functions. In this review, we mainly focus on works in targeting mitochondrial DNA, including drug modification, material delivery and gene editing.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical features and prognosis of malignancy-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (MAHS) in children.

METHODSA retrospective analysis was performed for the primary diseases, clinical features, and prognosis of 24 children with MAHS.

RESULTSAmong the 24 children, 11 (46%) had MAHS induced by tumor and 13 (54%) had chemotherapy-associated MAHS. As for primary diseases, 17 children had acute leukemia, 6 had lymphoma, and 1 had neuroblastoma. The most common clinical manifestations were pyrexia, respiratory symptoms, and hepatosplenomegaly. The most common laboratory abnormalities were hemocytopenia, elevated serum ferritin, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase. Of the 24 children, 22 were treated according to the HLH-2004 protocol and 2 gave up treatment; 18 children died, 1 was lost to follow-up, and 5 survived. The survival time ranged from 3 days to 2 years and 4 months (median 28 days).

CONCLUSIONSChildren with MAHS have various clinical features and extremely poor treatment outcomes.

Adolescent ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Lymphohistiocytosis, Hemophagocytic ; mortality ; therapy ; Male ; Neoplasms ; complications ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo investigate the inhibitory effects of adenovirus transduced TFPI-2 gene on the growth of laryngeal squamous carcinoma.

METHODSRecombinant adenoviruses carrying human TFPI-2 gene were amplified and identified. The nude mouse model of laryngeal squamous carcinoma was established by intracutaneous injection of Hep-2 cells. Mice in the treated group were injected with recombinant adenoviruses with Ad-TFPI-2 (adenoviruses-TFPI-2) in peritumor tissue while mice in control group were injected with equivalent null plasmids. After treatment, the tumor weight and volume of tumor in each mouse were measured respectively. The morphological changes of tumor cells were observed using transmission electron microscope and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression was examined using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSThe Ad-TFPI-2 virus titer was 2.8 x 10(12) PFU/ml after amplification. The average tumor weight and volume in Ad-TFPI-2 treated group were (1.20 +/- 0.34) cm3 and the volume (1.52 +/- 0.39) g, which were significantly lower than the tumor weight (2. 08 +/- 0.52) cm3 and (2.67 +/- 0.47) g in the control group (P < 0. 01). Apoptosis was observed in the tumors of Ad-TFPI-2 treated group. The PCNA index in Ad-TFPI-2 group was (54.9% +/- 12.4%), which was obviously lower than that (75.8% +/- 11.2%)in control group (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONPeritumor injection of Ad-TFPI-2 can inhibit the growth of laryngeal squamous carcinoma in nude mouse model.

Adenoviridae ; genetics ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Genetic Vectors ; Glycoproteins ; genetics ; Hep G2 Cells ; Humans ; Laryngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Nude ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo screen the differentially expressed proteins especially at the precancerous stage of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepatocarcinogenesis by comparative proteome research.

METHODSRats were divided into normal and DEN groups and sacrificed periodically. The liver samples were stained with gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and HE to distinguish the preneoplastic lesion (pre-HCC) from the normal and HCC tissues. The two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS/MS) were then applied to analyze the differentially expressed protein between pre-HCC and normal tissues, pre-HCC and HCC, as well as HCC and normal tissues. A few of the candidate proteins such as laminin receptor 1 (67LR) and agmatinase were validated by Western blot and RT-PCR.

RESULTSTotally, there were 82 proteins that differentially expressed two fold or more in one kind of tissues sample than the other, 47 of which occurred in the pre-HCC tissues. Eight proteins including 67LR were consistently up-regulated from normal tissue to pre-HCC and then to HCC tissues, while 22 proteins including agmatinase showed progressively down-regulated in these tissues samples.

CONCLUSIONThe protein expression profiles are different during the process of hepatocarcinogenesis. Further study on the differentially expressed protein, especially these upregulated in the precancerous stage such as 67LR and agmatinase, might contribute to prevention and early diagnosis of human HCC.

Animals ; Blotting, Western ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Diethylnitrosamine ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; chemically induced ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Neoplasm Proteins ; metabolism ; Precancerous Conditions ; metabolism ; pathology ; Proteins ; metabolism ; Proteome ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Receptors, Laminin ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; Ureohydrolases ; metabolism ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase

Background: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infection is ubiquitous around the world.Diagnosis of the porcine circovirus-associated disease requires clinic-pathological elements together with the quantification of viral loads. Furthermore, given pig farms in regions lacking access to sufficient laboratory equipment, developing diagnostic devices with high accuracy, accessibility, and affordability is a necessity. Objectives: This study aims to investigate two newly developed diagnostic tools that may satisfy these criteria. Methods: We collected 250 specimens, including 170 PCV2-positive and 80 PCV2-negative samples. The standard diagnosis and cycle threshold (Ct) values were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Then, two point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platforms, convective polymerase chain reaction (cPCR, qualitative assay: positive or negative results are shown) and EZtargex (quantitative assay: Ct values are shown), were examined and analyzed. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of cPCR were 88.23% and 100%, respectively; the sensitivity and specificity of EZtargex were 87.65% and 100%, respectively. These assays also showed excellent concordance compared with the qPCR assay (κ = 0.828 for cPCR and κ = 0.820 for EZtargex). The statistical analysis showed a great diagnostic power of the EZtargex assay to discriminate between samples with different levels of positivity. Conclusions The two point-of-care diagnostic platforms are accurate, rapid, convenient and require little training for PCV2 diagnosis. These POC platforms can discriminate viral loads to predict the clinical status of the animals. The current study provided evidence that these diagnostics were applicable with high sensitivity and specificity in the diagnosis of PCV2 infection in the field.