Objective:To observe the effect of moxibustion on T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood of rats with gastric cancer. Methods:Sixty healthy Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were adaptively fed for one week. By the random number table method, 10 rats were randomly selected as a blank group, and 12 rats were randomly selected to simulate the tumor transplantation process; after transplantation, 10 rats were randomly selected as a sham operation group. The remaining 38 rats were used to prepare gastric cancer models by gastric transplantation of the Walker-256 tumor tissue; 8 rats were randomly selected to verify the successful modeling after 7 d; the remaining 30 rats were randomly divided into a model group, a moxibustion group and an infrared group by the random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. From the first day of enrollment, the rats in the moxibustion group received mild moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) (the first group) and bilateral Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) (the second group), and the two groups of acupoints were alternated every other day. The rats in the infrared group received infrared radiation on the stomach area and the area on the back between the T12-T13 spinous processes, the two areas were alternated every other day. Rats in the moxibustion group and the infrared group were treated for 20 min each time, once a day for 21 d. Rats in the blank group, the sham operation group, and the model group were simultaneously grasped and fixed, and no other treatment was performed. After 21 d of intervention, the rats in each group were fasted for 12 h, and blood was collected from the orbits. The numbers of CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry, and the ratio of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ was calculated. The rats were sacrificed and the thymus was dissected under sterile conditions to calculate the thymus index. Results:Compared with the blank group, the thymus index, peripheral blood CD3+, CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+ and CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratio in the sham operation group did not change significantly (allP>0.05). Compared with the blank group, the thymus index of the model group was increased (P<0.05), the CD3+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes were increased (bothP<0.01), and the CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ ratio was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the thymus index of the moxibustion group was increased (P<0.01), and CD3+, CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD3+CD4+/CD3+CD8+ in peripheral blood were increased (allP<0.05). Compared with the infrared group, the thymus index of the moxibustion group was significantly increased (P<0.05), the CD3+ and CD3+CD4+ T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood were significantly increased (bothP<0.01), and the CD3+CD8+ was increased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Moxibustion can significantly increase the thymus index of gastric cancer-bearing rats and activate CD3+CD4+ and CD3+CD8+ T lymphocytes in peripheral blood.

Objective: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) on thigmesthesia, gait function, and expression levels of serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM) in rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). Methods: Forty healthy New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, an EA at acupoint group and an EA at non-acupoint group, with 10 rabbits in each group. The LIDH pathological model of rabbit was established using the self-made LIDH model maker. The thigmesthesia and gait function of rabbits were recorded by Siegal method. The serum IgG and IgM expression levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: EA at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) could improve the clinical symptoms of thigmesthesia and gait function, and inhibit the expressions of serum IgG and IgM in the LIDH rabbits, which were significantly different compared with those in the model group and EA at non-acupoint group. Conclusion: EA at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) can improve the clinical symptoms of LIDH rabbits, which is associated with inhibition of the serum IgG and IgM expressions and reduction of the immunoinflammatory factor release. This may be one of the mechanisms of EA at Huantiao (GB 30) and Weizhong (BL 40) in the treatment of LIDH.

OBJECTIVEIn order to improve the irrigation for Panax notginseng growing seedlings, different mulching ways were carried out to investigate the effects of double mulching.

METHODField experiment was applied to study soil moisture, soil temperature and bulk density of different mulching ways while the germination rate and seedlings growth also were investigated.

RESULTCompared with the traditional single mulching with pine leaves or straw, double mulching using plastic film combined with pine leaves or straw could reduce 2/3 volumes of irrigation at the early seedling time Double mulching treatments didn't need to irrigate for 40 days from seeding to germination, and kept soil moisture and temperature steady at whole seedling time about 30% and 9.0-16.6 degrees C, respectively. The steady soil moisture and temperature benefited to resist late spring cold and germinate earlier while kept germination regularly, higher rate and seedlings quality. In contrast, single mulching using pine leaves or straw had poor soil moisture and temperature preserving, needed to irrigate every 12-day, meanwhile dropped the germination and booming time 14 days and 24-26 days, respectively, reduced germination rate about 11.3%-8.7%. However, single pine leaves mulching was better than straw mulching. In addition, though better effects of soil moisture and temperature preserving as well as earlier and higher rate of germination with single plastic films mulching had, some disadvantages had also been observed, such as daily soil temperature changed greatly, seedling bed soil hardened easily, more moss and weeds resulted difficulty in later management.

CONCLUSIONTo the purpose of saving water and labor as well as getting higher germination rate and seedlings quality, double mulching using plastic films combined pine leaves at the early time and single mulching removing plastic films at the later time is suggested to apply in the growing seedlings of P. notoginseng.

Agriculture ; methods ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Fertilizers ; analysis ; Panax notoginseng ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Quality Control ; Seedlings ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Soil ; chemistry

OBJECTIVETo examine the important roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) in regulating amphid structure and function, we performed a computational analysis for the genetic loci required for the sensory perception and their possibly corresponding miRNAs in C. elegans.

METHODSTotal 55 genetic loci required for the amphid structure and function were selected. Sequence alignment was combined with E value evaluation to investigate and identify the possible corresponding miRNAs.

RESULTSTotal 30 genes among the 55 genetic loci selected have their possible corresponding regulatory miRNA (s), and identified genes participate in the regulation of almost all aspects of amphid structure and function. In addition, our data suggest that both the amphid structure and the amphid functions might be regulated by a series of network signaling pathways. Moreover, the distribution of miRNAs along the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of these 30 genes exhibits different patterns.

CONCLUSIONWe present the possible miRNA-mediated signaling pathways involved in the regulation of chemosensation and thermosensation by controlling the corresponding sensory neuron and interneuron functions. Our work will be useful for better understanding of the miRNA-mediated control of the chemotaxis and thermotaxis in C. elegans.

Animals ; Caenorhabditis elegans ; embryology ; genetics ; Caenorhabditis elegans Proteins ; biosynthesis ; genetics ; Cilia ; genetics ; Computational Biology ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental ; genetics ; Genome ; genetics ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Models, Genetic ; Nervous System ; embryology ; metabolism ; Neurons, Afferent ; metabolism ; Sensation ; genetics ; Signal Transduction ; genetics

Objective To characterize the audiological features in the infants with otitis media with effusion(OME)and to investigate the utility of variety of objective andiometry methods in diagnosis and intervention on OME.Methods Fifry six infants(40 males and 16 females)were investigated,who were referred to our clinic at the General Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army by the other hospitals from December 2004 to June 2007 when the infants were diagnosed or highly suspected of OME.The ages at the initial diagnosis ranged from 42 days to three years,with an average of five months.The infants,after receiving the conventional otolaryngological exams,were subjected to the tests of auditory brainstem response (ABR),otoacoustic emission(OAE),tympanometry(226 Hz and 1000 Hz)and behaviors audiometry.Results Among 56 affected infants.87 ears were diagnosed with OME,of which 31 infants were affected bilateral and 25 with monaural.For the 49 infants who received hearing screening at birth.36 infants were referred at the initial screening.For the 52 infants who received repeated screening.all subjects were referred.Six infants without receiving hearing screening came to clinic when their parents observed their kids'hearing impairment.Among the 52 cases(104 ears)who received tympanometry test,20 subjects (28 ears)showed B or C type tympanometry curve.Thirty-nine cases(78 ears)were given tympanometry test at 1000 Hz,of which 38 cases(55 ears)showed abnormal hearing.Among 56 infants(112 ears)with ABR test,49 subjects(74 ears)exhibited prolonged ABR type Ⅰ curve.All 56 infants(112 ears)received OAE test,of which 55 subjects(81 ears)were referred Four infants(8 ears)accepted the behavior test and all of them showed A-B Gap.Conclusions The combined tympanometry test at both 226 Hz and 1000 Hz,ABR latency or threshold test,infant's behavior test and OAE,used jointly,enable characterizing better OME in infants.thus helping early diagnosis of this hearing disorder.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of buffer on separate capacity of macroporous resin. To evaluate the quality of ferulic acid liposome and determine its entrapment efficiency.

METHODDifferent type of macroporous resin counterpoised by buffer system of Na2 HPO3-NaH2, PO3 was used to separate the free ferulic acid from the preparation and HPLC was used to determine the concentration of the ferulic acid to calculate the entrapment efficiency.

RESULTThis method had good linearity in the range of 0.56 - 2.8 g x mL(-1) (r = 0.999 6). The precision RSD was less than 1.1%. The adsorption effect of macroporous resin on liposome was reduced while it had no effect on the absorption ability of macroporous resin on the ferulic acid by the usage of buffer. The recovery of HPD450 resin on blank liposome was between 97.2% - 100.8%, while the average recovery is 98.1%.

CONCLUSIONBuffer system can enhance the separate ability of macroporous resin on liposome and free drug.

Adsorption ; Buffers ; Coumaric Acids ; administration & dosage ; analysis ; Drug Carriers ; Liposomes ; Quality Control ; Resins, Synthetic

Adult ; Antineoplastic Agents ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Arsenicals ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Chromosome Aberrations ; Humans ; Infusions, Intravenous ; Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute ; drug therapy ; genetics ; pathology ; Male ; Oxides ; administration & dosage ; therapeutic use ; Remission Induction

BACKGROUNDCell-based vascular therapies of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) mediated neovascularization is still a novel but promising approach for the treatment of ischemic disease. The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic potentials of human umbilical cord blood-derived EPCs (hUCB-EPCs) in rat with acute myocardial infarction.

METHODSHuman umbilical cord blood (hUCB) mononuclear cells were isolated using density gradient centrifugation from the fresh human umbilical cord in healthy delivery woman, and cultured in M199 medium for 7 days. The EPCs were identified by double-positive staining with 1, 1'-dioctadecyl-3, 3, 3', 3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine percholorate-labeled acetylated low-density lipoprotein (Dil-Ac-LDL) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Ulex europaeus lectin (FITC-UEA-l). The rat acute myocardial infarction model was established by the ligation of the left anterior descending artery. The hUCB-EPCs were intramyocardially injected into the peri-infarct area. Four weeks later, left ventricular function was assessed by a pressure-volume catheter. The average capillary density (CAD) was evaluated by anti-VIII immunohistochemistry staining to reflect the development of neovascularization at the peri-infarct area. The graft cells were identified by double immunofluorescence staining with human nuclear antigen (HNA) and CD31 antibody, representing human origin of EPCs and vascular endothelium, respectively. Expressions of cytokines, proliferating cell nuclear angigen (PCNA), platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were detected to investigate the underlying mechanisms of cell differentiation and revascularization.

RESULTSThe donor EPCs were detectable and integrated into the host myocardium as confirmed by double-positive immunofluorescence staining with HNA and CD31. And the anti-VIII staining demonstrated a higher degree of microvessel formation in EPCs transplanted rats, associated with a significant improvement of global heart function in terms of the increase of left ventricular end-systolic pressure (LVESP), +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax as well as the decrease of LVEDP in rats with EPCs therapy comparing to the control rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of the rat PCNA mRNA and PECAM were both enhanced in the EPCs group compared with that of the control group.

CONCLUSIONSThe human umbilical cord blood-derived EPCs could incorporate into new-born capillaries in rat myocardium, induce revascularization and improve the proliferation activity in the peri-infarct area, resulting in the improvement of global heart function. This may indicate a promising stem cell resource in cell-based therapy for ischaemic diseases.

Animals ; Cells, Cultured ; Cytokines ; metabolism ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; physiology ; Endothelium, Vascular ; Fluorescent Antibody Technique ; Humans ; Male ; Myocardial Infarction ; metabolism ; therapy ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; physiology ; Platelet Endothelial Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen ; metabolism ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; Stem Cells ; cytology ; Umbilical Cord ; cytology ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo search for chemical constituents with structural diversity from Laurencia tristicha to supply for biological assay.

METHODCompounds were isolated by means of column chromatography over normal phase silica gel and Sephadex LH-20, recrystallization and HPLC. Structures were identified by spectroscopic methods including 1D NMR, IR and MS. Cytotoxicities of the purified compounds were evaluated by MTT method.

RESULTSeven compounds were isolated from L. tristicha. Their structures were elucidated as cholesterol (1), cholesta- 5-en-3beta, 7alpha-diol (2), beta-stigmasterol (3), phytol (4), zeaxanthin (5), 4 -hydroxybenzaldehyde (6), indolyl-3-carbaldehyde (7). In the cytotoxic assay compound 2 was active against human cancer cell lines HCT-8, Bel-7402, BGc-823, A549 and HELA with IC50 values of 1.90, 2.02, 1.99, 6.52 and 1.20 microg x mL(-1), respectively. Compound 4 showed cytotoxicity against HCT-8 and HELA with IC50 value of 3.51 and 2.04 microg x mL(-1), and other compounds were inactive ( IC50 > 10 microg x mL(-1)).

CONCLUSIONCompounds 1-7 were isolated from L. tristicha for the first time. In additon, compounds 2 and 4 were cytotoxic against several human cancer cell lines.

Antineoplastic Agents ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; drug effects ; Cholestenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Cholesterol ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Inhibitory Concentration 50 ; Laurencia ; chemistry ; Phytol ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo establish an animal model of tumor-associated depression and observe their biological behaviors and biochemical indices.

METHODSFour groups of SD rats kept in separate cages were subjected to tumor cell inoculation with or without chronic unpredictable moderate stress administered before or after the inoculation. The depressive behaviors of the rats were examined by open-field test, and the concentration of 5-HT in the hippocampus was measured by spectrophotofluorometry. The body weight of the rats and volume of the implanted tumor were monitored and sugar water test was performed.

RESULTSThe rats subjected to chronic stress displayed significant depression, manifested by reduction in movement in the central area and total movement distance with prolonged resting time and shortened time of activity. These rats maintained high levels of depression even 12 days after withdrawal of chronic stress. Compared with the control group, the depressive rats showed obviously reduced sugar water consumption and hippocampal 5-HT level. Tumors of different sizes were observed in all rats in the 4 groups.

CONCLUSIONA rat model of tumor-associated depression is established, and the tumor-bearing rats exhibit obvious depressive behaviors and reduced level of neural substance (5-HT), which provides a good basis for studying the association of depression with tumorigenesis,progression and prognosis of tumor.

Animals ; Carcinoma 256, Walker ; complications ; psychology ; Depressive Disorder ; etiology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Stress, Psychological ; complications