Valeriana jatamansi (syn. V. wallichii), a traditional Chinese medicine recorded in Chinese Pharmacopeia (1977 and 2010 edition), has been used for treatment of a variety of conditions including sleep problems, obesity, nervous disorders, epilepsy, insanity, snake poisoning, eye trouble, and skin diseases. Also, it was used as an important substitute for the European V. officinalis, whose root preparation, popularly known as valerian, has been employed as a mild sedative for a long time. In recent years, much attention has been draw to the iridoids, one of the major bioactive constituents of V. jatamansi, leading to the discovery of a series of new iridoids with anti-tumor and neuroprotective activities. Their action machnism also has been discussed. This paper summerized the iridoids and their bioactivities from V. jatamansi in recent years, which could provide basic foundation for development and research of V. jatamansi.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Iridoids ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; Valerian ; chemistry

Objective To evaluate the tests in differential diagnosis of subtypes in patients with primary aldosteronism. Methods Fifty-seven patients in the past 7 years chnically diagnosed as primary aldosteronism [22cases of aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA), 26 idiopathic hyperaldosteronism (IHA) and 9 primary adrenal hyperplasia (PAH)] were selected. The plasma potassium, basic and upright plasma renin activity, plasma and urinary aldosterone were determined. 19 patients with essential hypertension served as control. All patients with primary aldosteronism underwent adrenal CT, postural stimuhtion test (PST) and adrenal venous sampling (AVS) to differentiate the subtypes. The clinical and laboratory data were followed up during survey. Results (1) The patients with APA had higher blood pressure and aldosterone level in plasma or urine, but lower plasma potassium and plasma renin activity than those with IHA. In PAH group, these parameters were in the ranges between APA group and IHA group. For the diagnosis of APA, IHA and PAH, the coincidences were 86.4%, 73.1% and 22.2% by adrenal CT, 86.4%, 80.8% and 77.8% by the ratio of aldosterone in both sides of AVS and 95.5%,92.3% and 100.0% by the ratio of aldosterone to cortisol in beth sides, respectively. (2) The plasmaaldosterone, systohc and diastolic blood pressure were decreased after operation in the patients of APA and PAH,and no significant changes were found in patients with IHA. Conclusion The abnormal laboratory findings in patients with APA axe more evident than those in IHA. The result of PST is overlapping considerably in cases ofAPA and IHA. Adrenal venous samphng yields a high coincidence, which should be done in patients with negative CT scanning. The ratio of aldosterone to eortisol in AVS is more reliable. The clinical and laboratory data,especially plasma potassium will be improved after operation in patients with APA and PAH. But there is no change in patients with IHA during the follow-up period.

Forty-eight patients with subclinical Cushing's syndrome(SCS)were evaluated.Eleven of them underwent adrenalectomy(Group 1)and the other 37 cases did not(Group 2).Serum and urine corticosol, plasma ACTH and parameters related to metabolic syndrome(such as waist circumference,blood pressure,blood lipids and fasting plasma glucose)were measured.The data at diagnosis were compared with those during the survey.The results indicated that patients with SCS had a significantly high prevalence of metabolic syndrome.The symptoms and signs of metabolic syndrome could be improved after removing the tumor.Otherwise there is no improvement,some patients will even develop into overt Cushing's syndrome.

y screen and prevent CAD in these people before diabetes sets in.

Objective To investigate the effect of interferon-γ(IFN-γ) on the expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase(IDO),and tryptophanyl-tRNA-synthetase (TTS) in thyrocytes; and to study the relevant immunopathological significance in Graves' disease.Methods The expressions of IDO and TTS genes in IFN-γ stimulated Nthy-ori3-1 cell line and human thyrocytes,as well as in human thyroid tissues were determined by realtime quantitative PCR.Results IDO and TTS genes were expressed slightly in both Nthy-ori3-1 cell line and human thyrocytes,and were significantly up-regulated after IFN-γ stimulation(P＜0.01).Compared to healthy controls,TTS mRNA level was higher in thyroid tissues of patients with Graves' disease (P =0.018 2),while IDO mRNA level showed no difference,but was notably correlated with IFN-γ mRNA level (R2 =0.716,P =0.002).Conclusion In the early stage of Graves' disease,thyrocytes may decompose local tryptophan by enhancing the expression of IDO and TTS under IFN-γstimulation,thus inhibit auto-reactive function of lymphocytes and balance excessive autoimmune reaction.

Objective To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics in two patients with androgen insensitivity syndrome. Methods Clinical features and laboratory data were collected from the patients and their families. All exons of the androgen receptor gene were amplified by PCR and PCR products were sequenced. Results Patient 1 presented with unambiguous female external genitalia, unilateral gynecomastia and primary amenorrhea. He did not have axillary hairs or pubic hairs. Patient 2 presented with undervirilization including scanty body hairs, gynecomastia and hypospadias. A missense mutation of

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the efficacy and safety of simultaneous bilateral endoscopic surgery (SBES) for bilateral upper urinary tract calculi, and to summarize the initial experience. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with bilateral upper urinary tract calculi who underwent SBES in the Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital from January 2019 to January 2020 were enrolled retrospectively. The demographic and clinical data of the patients were recorded, and the operation status, stone free rate (SFR) and peri-operative complications were analyzed. The primary end point was SFR, and second end point was peri-operative complications. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients underwent SBES, of which SBES was completed in 19 patients (12 males, and 7 females). The mean age was (41.3±12.0) years. Fourteen patients underwent modified supine position surgery and 4 patients in prone split-leg position. There was no statistical difference in the demographic and baseline clinical data of the patients in different positions. One patient underwent right percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and left endoscopic combined intra-renal surgery (ECIRS) in the prone split-leg position, while 18 patients received simul-taneous surgery with PCNL and contralateral retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS). The mean anesthesia and operation time was (128.7±26.5) min and (70.7±20.3) min, respectively, which was significantly longer in the patients with prone split-leg position than in the patients with modified supine position, anesthesia time in the patients with prone split-leg position and modified supine position: (148.4±20.4) min vs. (121.6±25.3) min, respectively, t=－2.121, P=0.049, while the operation time in the patients with prone split-leg position and modified supine position: (86.4±21.1) min vs. (65.1±17.4) min, respectively, t=－2.222, P=0.040. There was no significant difference between the two groups in indwelling of nephrostomy [prone split-leg position and modified supine position: (2.6±0.9) d vs. (2.1±1.0) d, respectively; t=－0.880, P=0.391] and the length of hospital stay [prone split-leg position and modified supine position: (6.0±2.7) d vs. (5.2±1.8) d, respectively; t=－0.731, P=0.475]. One month after the operation, the SFR was 78.9%, and 3 patients had minor peri-operative complications (Clavien-Dindo grades Ⅰ/Ⅱ) without any serious complications (Clavien-Dindo grades Ⅲ/Ⅳ/Ⅴ). CONCLUSION The simultaneous bilateral endoscopic surgery would decrease the operation time and anesthesia exposure under the premise of ensuring the SFR, which is helpful to reduce the risk of peri-operative complications, especially to the patients who can not tolerate the second-stage or long-time operation.
Adult ; Calcinosis/surgery* ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Kidney Calculi ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nephrolithotomy, Percutaneous ; Nephrostomy, Percutaneous ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Urologic Diseases/surgery*

Objective To investigate the clinical and genetic characteristics in a male patient with 21hydroxylase deficiency combined with adrenal and testicular tumors.Methods Clinical features and laboratory data were collected from the patient.Testicular biopsy was performed.The CYP21 gene was sequenced for mutations.Results The patient presented left adrenal and testicular enlargements.The laboratory examinations showed that plasma ACTH,androstenedione,testosterone,progesterone,and 17-hydroxyprogesterone were markedly elevated.CT scan revealed that the right adrenal gland being resected and the left adrenal with nodular enlargement.Furthermore,testicular biopsy showed a prominent peritubular fibrosis with increased number of peritubular fibroblasts,tubular hyalinisation,and calcification.Sequencing analysis showed a A>G homozygous mutation at intron 2.Conclusion Patients with untreated 21-hydroxylage deficiency may.have adrenal adenomas and(or)testicular adrenal rest tumor simultaneously.

Three primer were designed based on the consevered area of the genetic of the ATCC VR-2332 strain and LV strain. And the nest RT-PCR of testing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus were developed. The nest RT-PCR against ATCC VR-2332 strain, LV strain and B13 strain were done by this method.The DNA fragment were obtained specially from the three strains isolated from different region. The size were 430bp (430bp) , 410bp (413bp) and 410 bp (413bp) separately. But the DNA fragment were not obtained from HCV, PPV and PRV. Its sensitivity was 10-2 TCID50. It's sensitivity increased 10000 times than one step RT-PCR. It should make the method of testing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus more sensitive, fast and accurate.

Bacteria isolated from rotten hides,one identified as Pseudomonas aeraginosa later, were shown to decompose fresh hides completely in 48 hours at room temperature. Strongly collagenolytic activity was detected when native collagen from calfskin was used as substrate. The optimal reaction pH value and temperature of the collagenace produced by P.aeraginosa are 7.5 and 32℃ respectively. EDTA and EGTA inhabit the collagenolytic activity severely while PMSF has little effect on it. Not only media components but also fermentation conditions have differents effect on the production of this collagenolyic enzyme.