Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Moxibustion ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; therapy

Objective A foundation for one of the biological components,Spirulina,to be applied in Controlled Ecological Life Support System(CELSS)would be laid with exploring effects of ionization radiation on the growth of Spirulina.Methods By using the ?-rays of ~(60)Co,Spirulina were irradiated.The dose of the ionization radiation covered 0,0.5,1.0,1.5,2.0,2.5,3.0 kGy.After irradiated,these Spirulina were cultured under the same conditions.The growth state,shape change,photodensity change,photosynthetic efficiency(O2 produced),and trophic physiological indexes of Spirulina or its solution,were observed,measured and analyzed.Its anti-irradiation ability was investigated.Results After irradiared with ~(60)Co ray,the growth rate,photosynthetic O2 produced efficiency,length of fila and other trophic physiological indexes were all affected in certain degree,but as compared to the higher plants,Spirulina have stronger radiation proof and self-rehabilitation capacity.Even if under high radiation condition(3.0 kGy),there was no complete death of cells,and the dose resulted in 50% death of the Spirulina was 2.0 kGy.Conclusion Spirulina has stronger ionization radiation proof and self-rehabilitation capacity,it can be considered as one of the key biological components in CELSS for future long-term space missions.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Paint ; poisoning ; Solvents ; poisoning ; Young Adult

In order to study the analgesic effect of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction, this paper discussed material basis and mechanism from the perspective of macromolecules in traditional Chinese medicine. Inspired by the phenomenon of turbidity after boiling Chinese medicine, this experiment took Shaoyao Gancao Decoction as the research object to study the formation process of precipitation during boiling. The results showed that aggregates with a certain shape were formed in the solvent during the boiling process, and the precipitate was obtained by standing and centrifuging. Analysis found that the precipitation was mainly composed of small molecules such as paeoniflorin, albiflorin, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, isoliquiritin and gallic acid, and macromolecules such as protein and polysaccharide. The composition of precipitate was consistent with that of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction, but the analgesic effect of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction after removing the precipitate was significantly reduced. Based on these results, we isolated small molecular compounds, polysaccharides and protein from Shaoyao Gancao Decoction and their contents are 60.4, 700.7 and 207.2 mg·g^-1 respectively. We get the ratio, polysaccharide: small molecule = 11.6∶1, protein: small molecule = 3.4∶1, the precipitate is prepared in the state of boiling. The characterization results showed that the particle size of the precipitate will change significantly after co-heating, and the content determination results showed that the content of the six small molecular compounds which was free in solvent was significantly reduced after the formation of the precipitate. The acetic acid writhing experiment proved that the precipitate has a good analgesic effect, and effectively reduced the levels of inflammatory factors prostaglandin E2 and nitric oxide, and increased the level of anti-inflammatory factor interleukin-10. These results proved that the precipitate in Shaoyao Gancao Decoction is an important material basis for analgesic effect, and macromolecules such as protein and polysaccharide are the main components of the precipitate. The study of macromolecules in the precipitate of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction not only provides new ideas and methods for elucidating the pharmacodynamic material basis of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction, but also provides a reference for analyzing the scientificity of traditional decoction.

BACKGROUND:We have designed and manufactured a novel artificial cervical vertebra and intervertebral complex (ACVC) which combines the cervical titanium cage with the artificial cervical disc, and also developed the ACVC with a hydroxyapatite biocoating (ACVC-HA). OBJECTIVE:To evaluate biomechanical properties of the joint system, and the role of HA coating in promoting osseointegration and long-term stability. METHODS:Twenty-four goats were randomly divided into three groups and underwent the anterior C2/3 and C3/4 discectomy, and C3 subtotal corpectomy, fol owed by ACVC implantation (group 1) and ACVC-HA implantation (group 2), and given no intervention (black control group), respectively. group. At 12 weeks after surgery, C1-5 samples were col ected to undergo biomechanical tests and histological staining. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Prior to the fatigue test, compared with the blank control group, the range of motion and neural zone of groups 1 and 2 in the directions of flexion-extension and lateral bending showed no significant differences, but the above indicators were significantly increased in the direction of rotation (P<0.05). Additional y, the stiffness in al three directions was significantly lower than that in the blank control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the range of motion and neural zone in al directions between groups 1 and 2. Similar results were found after the fatigue test. The histological staining showed that both two implants had good biocompatibility and abradability, but more new bone formed on the ACVC-HA. These results suggest that ACVC can effectively reconstruct the motor function of the cervical spine after decompression. Furthermore, HA coating can markedly improve bone-implant interface to promote osseointegration.

OBJECTIVETo explore the tumor growth inhibition of gamma secretase inhibitor MRK003 on human multiple myeloma xenograft mice by inhibition of AKT and Notch1 expression.

METHODSNOD/SCID mice were injected with human multiple myeloma cell lines RPMI8226 to establish a xenograft mouse model. Mice were randomized into two groups：the experimental group were injected with MRK003 at a dose of 5 mg× kg⁻¹×d⁻¹ for 14 days; the inhibitor was replaced by an equal saline in the control group. Mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation on the next day after the last injection and tumor tissue was removed to detect the expression of Notch1 and AKT by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTSAfter subcutaneous injection with RPMI8226, mice had tumor formation in 5-7 days and the largest tumor block in 10-12 days. Before RPMI8226 injection, the mean sizes of tumor block in the experimental and the control groups were 509.2 mm³, 511.2 mm³(P>0.05). 9 days after injection, the mean sizes of tumor tissue in the experimental and the control groups were 636.6 mm³, 691.2 mm³(P<0.01). On the next day after the last injection, the tumor sizes of the experimental and the control groups were 683.5 mm³ and 1798.7 mm³(P<0.01). The size of tumor block in the experimental group was significantly smaller than that of the control group(P<0.01). Immunohistochemistry staining showed that the positive expression rates of Notch1(11.1%, P<0.01) and AKT(13.3%, P<0.01) in experimental group were significantly decreased compared with the control group(Notch1: 95.6%; AKT: 93.3%). Western blot results showed that Notch1 and AKT protein in experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group.

CONCLUSIONMRK003 could inhibit the tumor growth of human multiple myeloma xenograft mice by downregulated expression of Notch1 signaling pathway.

Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases ; antagonists & inhibitors ; Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cyclic S-Oxides ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Mice, SCID ; Multiple Myeloma ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt ; metabolism ; Receptor, Notch1 ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Thiadiazoles ; pharmacology ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Objective To compare the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS ) in patients with gastroesophageal reflex disease (GERD)and healthy controls.Methods The distribution and relative protein amount of two NOS subtypes (nNOS and iNOS)were determined with immunohistological method,and their mRNA levels were measured with real-time PCR method.Results The nNOS and iNOS were mostly distributed in the cytoplasm in epithelia of esophageal mucosa.The nNOS and iNOS in reflux esophagitis (RE)were significantly higher than in non-erosive reflux disease (NERD)patients and healthy controls (P <0.05 ).The mRNA levels of nNOS and iNOS were also significantly higher in RE patients than in NERD patients and healthy controls (P <0.05).Conclusion The expressions of nNOS and iNOS were increased in the esophagus of RE patients,which may be related to the effects of NO on the onset of GERD.

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Modified Dachengqi Decoction (MDD) as whole course therapy on mediators of inflammation in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) model rats, and to compare interventional advantages over intestinal mucosal barrier (IMB) of SAP rats between whole course therapy of MDD and early stage therapy of MDD.

METHODSTotally 190 SD rats were divided into five groups according to random digit table, i.e., the sham-operation group, the model group, the octreotide (OT) group, the early stage MDD treatment group, the whole course MDD treatment group, 38 in each group. SAP models were established with retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate into the pancreaticobiliary duct. Three hours after modeling normal saline (NS) was administered to rats in the sham-operation group and the model group by gastrogavage, once per 12 h.1.35 µg/100 g OT was subcutaneously injected to rats in the OT group, once every 8 h. 0.4 mL/100 g MDD was administered to rats in the early stage MDD treatment group, and 6 h later changed to NS (once per 12 h).0.4 mL/100 g MDD was administered to rats in the whole course MDD treatment group, once every 12 h. The accumulative survival rate and morphological manifestations of pancreas and small intestine were observed under microscope 48 h after modeling. Pathologic scores of the pancreas and small intestine were conducted at 4, 6, 24, and 48 h after modeling. Contents of serum amylase (AMY), alanine transaminase (ALT), and TNF-α were also detected. The expression of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in the small intestine tissue was also detected by Western blot. The positive rate of bacterial translocation in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) was observed within 48 h. Correlations between serum TNF-α or HMGB1 in small intestinal tissue and pathological scores of the pancreas or the small intestine were analyzed.

RESULTSThe accumulative survival rate was 100. 0% in the sham-operation group, 79. 2% in the whole course MDD treatment group, 70. 8% in the OT group, 45. 8% in the early stage MDD treatment group, and 37.5% in the model group. At 6 h after modeling, pathological scores decreased more in the whole course MDD treatment group, the early stage MDD treatment group, the OT group than in the model group (P < 0.05). At 24 and 48 h after modeling, pathological scores of the pancreas and the small intestine decreased more in the whole course MDD treatment group and the OT group than in the early stage MDD treatment group (P <0. 05). At 6, 24, and 48 h after modeling, serum contents of AMY and ALT both decreased more in the whole course MDD treatment group, the early stage MDD treatment group, the OT group than in the model group (P < 0.05). At 48 h after modeling serum contents of AMY and ALT both decreased more in the whole course MDD treatment group and the OT group than in the early stage MDD treatment group (P < 0.05). At 6 h after modeling serum TNF-α levels decreased more in the whole course MDD treatment group, the early stage MDD treatment group, the OT group than in the model group (P < 0.05). At 6, 24, and 48 h after modeling the level of HMGB1 in the small intestinal tissue decreased more in the whole course MDD treatment group, the early stage MDD treatment group, the OT group than in the model group (P < 0.05). Of them, HMGB1 levels at 24 and 48 h were lower in the whole course MDD treatment group and the OT group than in the early stage MDD treatment group (P < 0.05). The number of MLNs bacterial translocation at 48 h after modeling was lower in the whole course MDD treatment group and the OT group than in the early stage MDD treatment group and the model group (P < 0.05). Serum TNF-α contents within 6 h were positively correlated with pathological scores of pancreas (r = 0.579, P < 0.01). ROC curve showed that serum TNF-α contents could predict the severity of SAP (ROC = 0.990, 95% Cl: 0.971 to 1.000). HMGB1 in the small intestine was positively correlated with pathological scores of the small intestine (r = 0.620, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSEarly stage use of MDD could effectively reduce the release of TNF-α, while whole course use of MDD could effectively inhibit the expression of HMGB1. The latter could preferably attenuate injuries of the pancreas and the small intestine, lower MLNs bacterial translocation, and elevate the survival rate.

Animals ; Bacterial Translocation ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; HMGB1 Protein ; Intestinal Mucosa ; drug effects ; Octreotide ; Pancreas ; Pancreatitis ; drug therapy ; Plant Extracts ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Taurocholic Acid ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

ABSTRACT:Objective To study the effects of arotinolol,propranolol and carvedilol on rat portal hypertension and make a comprehensive evaluation of the three drugs.Methods Portal hypertension was induced with CCl4 in rats.Arotinolol,propranolol,and carvedilol were administered for 2 weeks after the model was stable.Mean arterial pressure (MAP),heart rate (HR)and portal venous pressure (PVP)were measured at intubation;α-SMA expression was measured by immunohistochemistry;Masson staining was used to test collagen fibers area.Results Compared with model group,both arotinolol and carvedilol could significantly reduce PVP level (P <0.001),which was lower than that in propranolol group (P <0.001,P =0.032).Compared with those in model group,both MAP and HR in arotinolol group and carvedilol group were significantly reduced (P <0.05),MAP in carvedilol group was lower than in arotinolol group (P = 0.01 1 ).MAP was obviously decreased in propranolol group compared with model group (P =0.003),but HR had no sighificant difference between the two groups (P =0.143).Only TBIL in arotinolol and propranolol groups reduced significantly compared with model group (P <0.001 ).However,ALT, ALB and TBIL were obviously ameliorated in carvedilol group compared with model group (P <0.001,P <0.001, P =0.045).The expression ofα-SMA and the area of collagen fibers in arotinolol,carvedilol and propranolol groups
significantly declined compared with those in model group (P <0.05 ).Conclusion Arotinolol can significantly reduce cirrhotic rats’ portal pressure,with effects similar to those of carvedilol.The effect of arotinolol in improving liver function is weaker than that of carvedilol,but the side effects on MAP are milder than those of carvedilol.

Objective To evaluate the effect of moderate activities at moderate high altitude on acute mountain sickness (AMS) incidence .Methods Ninety-one healthy sea level residents traveled from sea level (345 m) to high altitude city (3200 m) ,by train within 48-hour .They walked 5 kilometers after 2-night stayed ,Lake Louis Score (LLS) Questionnaires ,blood pressure(BP) and oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) was administered before and after walking .Results Seven subjects were excluded because of incomplete data .The incidence of AMS before and after exercise was 20 .24% (n=17/84) and 11 .90% (n=10/84) respectively(P>0 .05) .Af-ter a 5 kilometer walking ,the heart rate increased from (73 .83 ± 9 .96)bpm to(84 .31 ± 12 .55)bpm (P<0 .05) ,Systolic BP and SpO2 level decreased from(128 .86 ± 13 .93)mm Hg to (124 .48 ± 13 .13)mm Hg ,(92 .80 ± 2 .25)% to (89 .94 ± 2 .45)% (P<0 .05) .Headache symptom improved after walking (P<0 .05) .Smoking was negative correlate with LLS score before and after ex-ercise(P<0 .05) .There is no relation between SpO2 and LLS scores .Conclusion Walking five kilometers at 3200 m improve head-ache symptom and tend to decrease AMS .