The morphological indexes of the Scuophularia ningpoensis seedlings including the longth, diameter and weight were measured, clustering analysis was used to set up the standard quality grading of seedlings of S. Ningpoensis by SPSS. Field experiment was carried out to measure the indicators of plants growth and development, the yield and the quality. The results showed that the growth and yield of class I seedlings were better than those of class II and III. The content of main active ingredients was affected barely by seedlings classification. To ensure the quality, class II seedlings or above should be used for plantation. The established quality classification standard of S. ningpoensis seedlings was scientific and feasible, and provides the basis for the standardized cultivation of S. ningpoensis.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; standards ; Quality Control ; Scrophularia ; chemistry ; classification ; growth & development ; Seedlings ; chemistry ; growth & development

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrogen-rich saline on the expression of phosphor-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38MAPK) during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods Seventy-two adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 220-250 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =20 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S),I/R group and hydrogen-rich saline group (group I/RH).Cerebral ischemia was induced in chloral hydrate-anesthetized rats by 2 h middle cerebral artery occlusion in I/R and I/RH groups.The artery was only exposed but not occluded in group S.At 3 days before operation and immediately after onset of reperfusion,hydrogen-rich saline (0.6 mmol/L) 10 ml/kg was intraperitoneally injected in group I/RH,while the equal volume of normal saline was given in S and I/R groups.Neurological deficits were blindly assessed and scored at the end of 24 h reperfusion.The animals were then sacrificed,and brains were removed for microscopic examination and for determination of the cerebral infarct size (by TTC),brain water content,cell apoptosis (by TUNEL),and expression of p38MAPk and phosphor-p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK) (by immunohistochemistry and Western blot).Apoptosis index was calculated.Results Compared with group S,neurological deficit score,apoptosis index,brain water content and cerebral infarct size were significantly increased,and the expression of p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK was up-regulated in I/R and I/RH groups.Compared with group I/R,neurological deficit score,apoptosis index,brain water content and cerebral infarct size were significantly decreased,and the expression of p38MAPK and p-p38MAPK was down-regulated in group I/RH.The pathological changes of cerebral tissues were significantly attenuated in group I/RH as compared with group I/R.Conclusion Hydrogen-rich saline can reduce cell apoptosis through inhibiting p-p38MAPK expression,thus attenuating cerebral I/R injury in rats.

Objective To explore the effects of simvastatin on the protein expressions of urokinase-typeplasminogen activator (uPA) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1). Methods Male Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into saline group , LPS group and LPS plus simvastatin group , and were then pretreated with simvastatin (1 mg/kg) for 30 minutes before addition of LPS (8 mg/kg). Changes in left ventricular pressure were recorded. Ninety minutes after LPS injection, whole blood was collected from the inferior vena cava, and neutrophils were separated. The neutrophils were then lysed to detect levels of uPA and PAI-1. Results Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP: mmHg), maximal differential of left ventricular pressure (+dp/dtmax:mmHg/s), and heart rate (beats/min) were markedly decreased at different time points after administration of LPS, and maximal differential of left ventricular pressure increased in the rats receiving LPS as compared with those receiving saline, although the differences between the control and LPS groups were not statistically significant. LPS caused a great decline in uPA content and an elevation in PAI-1 content in neutrophils, but simvastatin diminished the impact of LPS on neutrophils. Conclusion Simvastatin plays a role in protection of cardiac function in rats with LPS-induced septic shock , and controls expressions of uPA and PAI-1 in neutrophils.

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrogen on the activation of caspase-3 in brain tissues during cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods Thirty-six healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats,weighing 220-250 g,were divided into 3 groups (n=12 each) using a random number table:sham operation (group S),I/R group and hydrogen group (group H).Cerebral ischemia was induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery followed by reperfusion in I/R and H groups.In group H,hydrogen-rich saline 5 ml/kg (0.6 mmol/L) was injected intraperitoneally at 3 days before establishment of the model and immediately after the onset of reperfusion.At 24 h of reperfusion,the rats were sacrificed,and hippocampal tissues were obtained for determination of neuroapoptosis (by TUNEL),apoptotic neuron count and expression of activated caspase-3 (by Western blot).The brain tissues in the ischemic area were obtained and stained with haematoxylin and eosin for examination of the pathological changes.Results Compared with group S,the expression of activated caspase-3 was significantly up-regulated,and the apoptotic neuron count was increased in I/R and H groups (P<0.05).Compared with group I/R,the expression of activated caspase-3 was significantly down-regulated,the apoptotic neuron count was decreased (P<0.05),and the pathological changes of brain tissues were significantly reduced in group H.Conclusion The mechanism by which hydrogen inhibits neuroapoptosis during cerebral I/R is probably related to inhibited activation of caspase-3 in brain tissues of rats.

Trypanosoma is a human parasite severely affecting poor tropical areas.However,current frontline drugs for Trypanosoma treatment have severe side-effects with decreased effectiveness.Based on the fact that aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase is a bonafide drug target for several microorganisms,including bacteria and fungi,it is plausible that it may also be effective target of Trypanosoma.The Trypanosoma brucei leucyl-tRNA synthetase(tbLeuRS)was cloned,expressed and purified to develop an in vitro enzymatic assay system.The assay conditions were further optimized for the effective screening of tbLeuRS inhibitors thus establishing an anti-Trypanosoma drug screening system targeting tbLeuRS.The results indicated that this system can be employed for the effective screening of anti-Trypanosoma drugs with satisfactory specificity.In addition,this system can also be used for compound optimization,as well as IC50 testing.Using this system a series of compounds are identified that are effective Trypanosoma inhibitors without toxicity to human cells.Therefore,targeting tbLeuRS may represent a new venue for the development of anti-Trypanosoma drugs.

To reveal the genetic diversity and genetic structure in Artemisia annua varieties (strains) populations, we detected the genetic polymorphism within and among eight varieties (strains) populations (192 individuals) by the approach of Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism (SCoT). The associated genetic parameters were calculated by POPGENE1.31 and the relationship was constructed based on UPGMA method. The results showed that, using 20 screened primers, a total of 145 bands were produced, of which 122 were polymorphic loci. At species level, there was a high level of genetic diversity among eight varieties (strains) populations (PPB = 84.1% ,H = 0.217 3 and H(sp) = 0.341 9). However, at the variety (strains) population level, genetic diversity was lower, the average of genetic parameters was PPB = 41.9%, H = 0.121 5, H(pop) = 0.186 8. The Nei's genetic differentiation coefficient was 0.441 0, indicate that most of the genetic variation in this species existed within the variety populations. The gene flow (N(m) = 0.633 9) was less among populations, indicating that the degree of genetic differentiation was higher. Genetic similarity coefficient were changed from 0.755 1 to 0.985 7. By clustering analysis, eight varieties (strains) were clustered into two major categories and it was also showed the same or similar genetic background varieties (strains) have a tendency to gather in the same group. Results suggest that, in variety breeding, breeders should strengthen the exchange of bred germplasm and increase mutual penetration of excellent genes, which would broaden the genetic base of A. annua.
Artemisia annua ; classification ; genetics ; Codon, Initiator ; genetics ; Genetic Markers ; genetics ; Genetic Structures ; Genetic Variation ; Genetics, Population ; methods ; Phylogeny ; Polymorphism, Genetic ; Species Specificity

Objective To evaluate the effect of hydrogen-rich saline on inflammatory responses during transient cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in rats.Methods Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats,aged 5-6 yr,weighing 180-250 g,were randomly divided into 3 groups (n =15 each) using a random number table:sham operation group (group S),group I/R and hydrogen-rich saline group (group H).The rats were anesthetized with intraperitoneal 10％ chloral hydrate 0.3 ml/100 g.Transient cerebral ischemia was induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion with hypotension for 15 min,followed by reperfusion.Five rats were randomly chosen from each group,and Morris water maze was used to assess the cognitive function starting from 5 days before establishment of the model.Place navigation test lasted for 5 consecutive days.The escape latency,swimming speed and swimming distance were recorded.Spatial probe test was carried out on 1 and 3 days after establishment of the model.The time of staying at the target platform quadrant,frequency of crossing the original platform and swimming speed were recorded.The rats were sacrificed after the end of spatial probe test on 3 days after the model was established,and hippocampi were removed to examine the morphology of neurons in hippocampal CA1 region with light microscope.Five rats randomly chosen from each group were sacrificed on 1 day after the model was established,and hippocampi were removed to detect the contents of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β).The rest 5 rats in each group were sacrificed,and hippocampi were removed for determination of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activity (by immuno-histochemistry).Results In place navigation test before the model was established,the escape latency and swimming distance were gradually shortened with the prolonging training time,and no significant change was found in the swimming speed with the prolonging training time in the three groups.Compared with group S,the time of staying at the target platform quadrant was significantly shortened,and the frequency of crossing the original platform was reduced on 1 and 3 days after establishment of the model,and the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β and NF-κB activity were increased on 1 day after establishment of the model in group I/R.Compared with group I/R,the time of staying at the target platform quadrant was significantly prolonged,and the frequency of crossing the original platform was increased on 1 and 3 days after establishment of the model,and the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β and NF-κB activity were decreased on 1 day after establishment of the model in group H.There was no significant change in the swimming speed during spatial probe test on 1 and 3 days after establishment of the model.Conclusion The mechanism by which hydrogen-rich saline reduces transient cerebral I/R injury may be related to inhibition of inflammatory responses in rats.

Plant samples were collected and investigated periodically. According to the growth of different parts and the characteristics of dry substance accumulation of Scrophularia ningpoensis, the development of S. ningpoensis could be divided into four stages: seeding stage, stem and leaf growth stage, expanding period of root tubers, and dry substance accumulation stage of root tuber. Leaf numbers of S. ningpoensis grew gradually from one at first to 370 at the final stage, main stem leaf were 50 pieces. Leaf size increasesed with the fastest growth at the stem and leaf growth stage, average daily increase amount was 225 cm2. By the middle of August, leaf size reached to 16,270 cm2. Leaf area indexrose sharply in the seeding stage, and remained above 8 among stem and leaf growth stage and expanding period of root tubers, and rapidly reduced to zero in the stage of dry substance accumulation of root tuber. Leaf area ratio has a tendency of obvious dropping. The net assimilation rate had a small change ranges, two small peak were seeding stage and dry substance accumulation of root tuber. The value of specific leaf area was higher in seeding stage, and in the earlier stage of dry substance accumulation of root tuber. Relative growth rate changed with large ranges, higher in seeding stage, rapid decrease in stem and leaf growth stage, rose in expanding period of root tubers, and declined again in the stage of dry substance accumulation of root tuber. Crop growth rate was higher in the first and last stages, and smaller in interim stage. The growth parameters of S. ningpoensis such as relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area index, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, crop growth rate changed along with the growth. The rule of dry matter accumulation was as follows: the dry matter increased slowly during the seeding stage and speeded up in the middle and late stages, and in dry substance accumulation of root tuber increased slower, the growth of dry matter all appeared an "S" curve, and accorded with logistic equation. Cultivation technologies of S. ningpoensis and the relevant management methods could be established according to the growth of different parts of S. ningpoensis and the characteristics of dry substance accumulation in different stage.
China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Plant Leaves ; growth & development ; Plant Roots ; growth & development ; Plant Stems ; growth & development ; Plant Tubers ; growth & development ; Scrophularia ; growth & development

The author detected the genetic diversity and genetic relationship within and among eight medicinal species of Dipsacus by the approach of sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP). The associated genetic parameters were calculated by POPGENE 1.31. The Genetic distance was calculated by TREECONW and the systematic diagrams of genetic relationship were clustered by UPG-MA. The results showed that, using 26 primers, a total of 558 bands were produced, of which 539 were polymorphic loci. There was a high level of genetic diversity among species (PPB = 96.59%, Na = 1.9659, Na = 1.3375, H = 0.2143, I = 0.3423). However, genetic diversity was lower within species, the average of genetic parameters was PPB = 6.97%, Na = 1.0697, Na = 1.0311, H = 0.0187, I = 0.0291. The Nei's genetic differentiation coefficient was 0.9126, indicated that most of the genetic variation existed among species. By clustering analysis, different individuals gathered in the same group and the classified result of SRAP marker between traditional modal characters was almost same. The results confirmed that SRAP marker can be used as one of the effective methods to reveal the genetic diversity and relationship among medicinal species of Dipsacus.
China ; Dipsacaceae ; classification ; genetics ; Gene Amplification ; Genetic Variation ; Plants, Medicinal ; classification ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Genetic

Objective To retrospectively investigate the incidence of accidental awareness during general anesthesia in selective operation and analyze the influence factors of accidental aware-ness.Methods Patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring general anesthesia with artificial air-way during April 2013-July 2015 were collected.The incidence was obtained from postoperative fol-low-ups.Perioperative data and anesthetic drugs were collected to analyze influence factors. Results A total of 141 294 patients were enrolled.Eighty patients (0.06%)were definitely identified as awareness.Multiple regression analysis showed that awareness during operation was associated with total intravenous anesthesia (OR=5.181,95% CI 3.032-8.853),using laryngeal mask airway (OR=2.478,95% CI 1.544-3.977)and ASA Ⅲ or Ⅳ (OR=9.202,95% CI 5.475-15.466).Pre-medication of midazolam (OR=0.125,95% CI 0.080-0.196)and combination of sevoflurane (OR=0.193,95% CI 0.113-0.330)had lower incidence of awareness during operation.Conclusion Total intravenous anesthesia,using laryngeal mask airway and ASA Ⅲ or Ⅳ are risk factors of accidental awareness during general anesthesia.Premedication of midazolam and combination of sevoflurane may prevent awareness during operation.