OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of 50% ethyl alcohol (EtOH) extracts from Danzhi Xiaoyao Pill (, DXP) on the proliferation of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and potential mechanisms.

METHODSATP-Lite assay was performed to test the proliferation of the MCF-7 breast cancer cell line; and antioxidant activity was measured by the oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). The effects of DXP on nitric oxide (NO) production were tested by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages using the Griess reaction.

RESULTSThe 50% EtOH DXP extracts displayed a cytotoxic response on MCF-7 cells at 0.10, 0.25 and 0.50 mg/mL dose-dependently with the proliferation inhibited by more than 85%. The ORAC value of the DXP was 820 micro moL Trolox equivalent/g, about 40% of the vitamin C value. DXP extracts had significant inhibitory effect on NO production at the concentration from 0.0625 mg/mL to 0.5 mg/mL (P<0.05, P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe extracts of DXP could significantly inhibit the proliferation of MCF-7 cells, with the effect possibly related to its antioxidant activity and the inhibition of NO production.

Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Breast Neoplasms ; pathology ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Female ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; pharmacology ; Nitric Oxide ; biosynthesis

Objective To assess the change of left ventricular wall motion at ventricular pacing(VP)by using global circumferential strain (GCS) and segmental circumferential strain of speckle tracking imaging(STI). Methods Seven adult pigs were sedated,followed by median sternotomy and opening of the pericardium. Temporary pacing leads were placed on the right ventricular (RV) epicardium and LV epicardium for RV or LV pacing. A LV short axis view at the mid-level LV was acquired at sinus and VP rhythm. Analysis of circumferential strain by STI was performed offline. The onset of QRS wave was used to characterize the beginning of the cardiac cycle, and the ratio of beginning systolic time, end systolic time and total systolic time to cardiac cycle dyssynchrony was analyzed at sinus and VP rhythm. Results Compared with sinus rhythm,in VP rhythm all of the ratio of the beginning systolic time,end systolic time and total systolic time to cardiac cycle were increased (all P ＜0.05), and the construction of six segments were dyssynchrony,even segmental paradoxical movement. At VP ≥130 beats/min,both LV global and LV segments sometimes showed irregular motion while the EKG remained normal, which included: ( 1 ) multiple construction and diastole in one heart cycle; (2) A large variability of construction amplitude in several consecutive cardiac cycles. Conclusions VP can lead to several kinds of disturbance of left ventricular wall motion, including delay and lengthening of LV systole, dyssynchrony, and irregularity of systole and diastole.

Adult ; Aged ; Antimalarials ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome ; drug therapy ; JC Virus ; immunology ; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal ; drug therapy ; Male ; Mefloquine ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome

Background and objectiveMaintenance of genomic integrity is essential to ensure normal organismal development and to prevent diseases such as cancer. PR-Set7 (also known as Set8) is a cell cycle regulated enzyme that catalyses monomethylation of histone 4 at Lys20 (H4K20me1) to promote chromosome condensation and prevent DNA damage. Recent studies show that CRL4CDT2-mediated ubiquitylation of PR-Set7 leads to its degradation during S phase and atfer DNA damage. hTis might occur to ensure appropriate changes in chromosome structure during the cell cycle or to preserve genome integrity atfer DNA damage.Methods We developed a new model of lung tumor development in mice harboring a conditionally expressed allele of Cul4A. We have therefore used a mouse model to demonstrate for the ifrst time that Cul4A is oncogenicin vivo. With this model, staining of PR-Set7 in the preneoplastic and tumor lesions in AdenoCre-induced mouse lungs was performed. Meanwhile we identiifed higher protein level changes of γ-tubulin and pericentrin by IHC.Results hTe level of PR-Set7 down-regulated in the preneoplastic and adenocarcinomous lesions following over-expression of Cul4A. We also identiifed higher levels of the proteins pericentrin and γ-tubulin in Cul4A mouse lungs induced by AdenoCre.Conclusion PR-Set7 is a direct target of Cul4A for degradation and involved in the formation of lung tumors in the conditional Cul4A transgenic mouse model.

Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1 (ROR1) is a member of the ROR family consisting of ROR1 and ROR2. RORs contain two distinct extracellular cysteine-rich domains and one transmembrane domain. Within the intracellular portion, ROR1 possesses a tyrosine kinase domain, two serine/threonine-rich domains and a proline-rich domain. RORs have been studied in the context of embryonic patterning and neurogenesis through a variety of homologs. These physiologic functions are dichotomous based on the requirement of the kinase domain. A growing literature has established ROR1 as a marker for cancer, such as in CLL and other blood malignancies. In addition, ROR1 is critically involved in progression of a number of blood and solid malignancies. ROR1 has been shown to inhibit apoptosis, potentiate EGFR signaling, and induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, ROR1 is only detectable in embryonic tissue and generally absent in adult tissue, making the protein an ideal drug target for cancer therapy.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents ; pharmacology ; Embryonic Development ; Humans ; Immunotherapy ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-like Orphan Receptors ; physiology

Hand dermatitis is commonly seen in primary care, although it is often underdiagnosed. Exogenous causes should always be considered and a detailed environmental and occupational history taken, especially in patients presenting in adulthood. Although not life-threatening, the condition may have significant impact on the patient's quality of life and employment. Refractory cases or those suspected to be due to exogenous workplace agents may need to be referred for further investigation. Hand dermatitis can be treated effectively using pharmacotherapy and prevented by minimising subsequent exposure to irritants and allergens. Occupational skin disorders, once diagnosed, should be notified to the relevant authorities, i.e. the Ministry of Manpower in Singapore.
Adult ; Dermatitis, Irritant ; diagnosis ; Dermatitis, Occupational ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Eczema ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Female ; Hand ; pathology ; Humans ; Occupational Diseases ; diagnosis ; therapy ; Primary Health Care ; methods ; Singapore

Convergence of principles of palliative care and integrative medicine has led to the introduction of the new practice of integrative palliative care in which integrative therapies (including mind-body modalities, traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and dietary supplements) are used to provide symptom management for patients who are dying or experiencing the sequelae of serious illness and its treatment. We propose an East-West Integrative palliative care model using non-drug therapies, such as acupuncture, diet, exercise, and stress management that shift the paradigm from suppressing the symptoms of illness to addressing both the root cause of the symptoms and the imbalance and declining homeostatic reserve that perpetuate these symptoms. This whole-person model expands the reach of palliative care, prolonging a better quality of life and allowing the patient to maintain as many activities as possible by preventing symptoms and improving function. Through this approach we reframe the dialogue such that patients are "living better" rather than "dying better" when faced with serious illness or death. In this article, we provide an overview of the principles of palliative care, integrative medicine, and the novel area of integrative palliative care, and propose an East-West integrative palliative care model that incorporates and broadens the scope of these existing approaches.
Acupuncture ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Integrative Medicine ; Palliative Care ; Quality of Life

OBJECTIVETo study the dioxin level of breast milk among Chinese mothers, and to assess the dioxin intake of new-born babies from mother's milk and compare with the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) of dioxin.

METHODSThe CALUX bioassay was used to detect the dioxin concentration of the first time mother's milk among the inland samples (Shenyang region; 32 cases) and the coastal city samples (Dalian region; 47 cases).

RESULTSThe median value of the dioxin Toxic Equivalence (TEQ) in breast milk in the Dalian region was 15.84 pg TEQs.g(-1) fat, which was significantly higher than that in the Shenyang region 7.21 pg TEQs.g(-1) fat (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe dioxin level in breast milk in Chinese is at the world's average level. The dioxin intake of the new-born babies during the period of lactation was higher than the lowest limit of the Tolerable Daily Intake (TDI) proposed by WHO. This situation should be noticed by the related authorities.

China ; Dioxins ; analysis ; Female ; Humans ; Milk, Human ; metabolism

This article introduces the document, Considerations in the Translation of Chinese Medicine, published in PDF form online in both Chinese and English. This 20-page document includes several sections describing why the Considerations is necessary, the specificity of texts in Chinese medicine; the history of translation in Chinese medicine; who constitutes an ideal translator of Chinese medicine; what types of language exist in Chinese medicine; and specific issues in the translation of Chinese medicine, such as domestication versus foreignization, technical terminology, period-specific language, style, polysemy, and etymological translation. The final section offers a brief advisory for consumers, and concludes with a call to further discussion, and action, specifically in the development of international collaborative efforts towards the creation of more rigorous guidelines for the translation of Chinese medicine. The current article provides an overview of several of these sections, and includes links to the original document.
Language ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Translations

Spinal dural arteriovenous fistula (SDAVF) is the most common spinal vascular malformation, however it is still rare and underdiagnosed. Magnetic resonance imaging findings such as spinal cord edema and dilated and tortuous perimedullary veins play a pivotal role in the confirmation of the diagnosis. However, spinal angiography remains the gold standard in the diagnosis of SDAVF. Classic angiographic findings of SDAVF are early filling of radicular veins, delayed venous return, and an extensive network of dilated perimedullary venous plexus. A series of angiograms of SDAVF at different locations along the spinal column, and mimics of serpentine perimedullary venous plexus on MR images, are demonstrated. Thorough knowledge of SDAVF aids correct diagnosis and prevents irreversible complications.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/*diagnosis/epidemiology/etiology ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Spinal Cord Diseases/diagnosis ; Spine/radiography