OBJECTIVETo investigate the estrogenic activity of icariin and genistein with estrogen-dependent human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells.

METHODMCF-7 cells were incubated with media containing 5% charcoal dextran-treated FBS in phenol red-free media for 48 h. CCK-8 kit was used to study the impact of defferent concentration of icariin and genistein on MCF-7 proliferation in vitro. Optimal concentration icariin and genistein were added into medium and total RNA was isolated after 12, 24, 36, 48 h. The gene expression of ERalpha, ERbeta, PS2, and PR were investigated by Real-time RT-PCR Total protein was also isolated and secretion of ERalpha, ERbeta, PS2, and PR were examined by Western blot.

RESULT10 micromol x L(-1) icariin and genistein could promote the proliferation of MCF-7 evidently. However, the ability of genistein to promote the proliferation was better than icariin. With the concentration of 10 micromol x L(-1), genistein group had a stronger expression of ERa, PS2 and PR mRNA levels than icariin while ERbetaexpression had no significant difference in two group. The same effects were detected by western blotting.

CONCLUSIONBoth genistein and icariin have a strong estrogen-like effect, but the estrogenic activity of genistein is stronger than icariin. It showed that the activity of icariin is stron-ger than genistein to promote ROB maturation. So it must be that icariin promotes the maturation of osteoblasts in vitro by a estogen-independent mechanism.

Cell Proliferation ; drug effects ; Estrogen Receptor alpha ; genetics ; metabolism ; Estrogen Receptor beta ; genetics ; metabolism ; Estrogens ; pharmacology ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Gene Expression Regulation ; drug effects ; Genistein ; pharmacology ; Humans ; MCF-7 Cells ; Osteoblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Presenilin-2 ; metabolism

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of combining auricular point sticking and a healthy diet to treat simple obesity in children aged 6-9 years old.Methods: A total of 190 eligible obese kids were divided into an observation group and a control group using the random number table method, with 95 cases in each group. The observation group was intervened by auricular point sticking plus guide on a healthy diet, while the control group was only provided with the guide on a healthy diet. The therapeutic efficacy was observed after intervention for three consecutive months, as well as the changes in body mass (BM), body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), and subcutaneous fat thickness. Results: After the 3-month intervention, the total effective rate was 91.6％ in the observation group, versus 74.7％ in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.01); in both groups, the BM, BMI, WC, HC, and subcutaneous fat thickness all decreased significantly (P<0.05), and were lower in the observation group than in the control group, showing statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion: Auricular point sticking plus a healthy diet is safe and effective in treating simple obesity in children, producing more significant efficacy than healthy diet intervention alone.

Objective To find out the status of drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis and the effect of preventive measures in Hebei Province,so as to provide a basis to prevent and cure fluorosis.Methods One affected county (city,district) with drinking-water-borne endemic fluorosis was sampled in every city and 10 water improvement projects were investigated in that county.Three villages were taken out in every county.The operating state of the projects,the water fluoride content,and the dental fluorosis of children aged 8-12 and skeletal fluorosis of adults were investigated in these villages.Results A total of 93 projects were investigated,among which 94.6％(88/93) were operating properly and the qualified rate(fluoride content ≤ 1.2 mg/L) of the projects was 54.84％(51/93).Among the 9 large projects,the water fluoride content of 7 projects exceeded 1.2 mg/L.A total of 23 villages with water improvement projects were investigated and only 43.4％ (10/23) of them water fluoride content were lower than 1.2 mg/L.The dental fluorosis rate,the dental fluorosis index and the rate of skeletal fluorosis were 33.2％ (532/1601),0.74 and 5.7％ (66/1155),respectively.In the 7 villages without water improvement projects,2 of them exceeded 2.0 mg/L,but lower than and equal to 4.0 mg/L of water fluorosis and 5 of them were normal(＜ 1.2 mg/L).The dental fluorosis rate,the dental fluorosis index and the rate of skeletal fluorosis were 33.4％ (111/332),0.72 and 2.9％ (10/350),respectively.Conclutions The qualified rate of water improvement projects of fluoride content ≤ 1.2 mg/L is low and the endemic fluorosis is still comparatively serious in Hebei Province.The progress of water improvement projects in the areas with endemic fluorosis should be accelerated and the quality of water improvement projects should be increased.

OBJECTIVETo investigate osthole effect on femoral tissue resorption activity of rat in vitro.

METHODSSix SD rats weighted (80 ± 5) g were used to isolate and culture femoral tissue (diaphyses and metaphysis) in vitro. The cultured tissue were devided into control group, estradiol group and osthole group. The femoral tissue was treated with final concentration of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol culture in vitro at 48 hours after cultured. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (StrACP) activity, glucose and Lactic acid content, StrACP, MCSF (Macrophage colony stimulating factor) and CTSK (Cathepsin K) mRNA was detected by Real-Time RT-PCR were detected.

RESULTSConcetration of Alkaline phosphatase activity were 2226 and 2498 in 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol respectively. As compared with control group, the activity of StrACP of 1 x 10(-5) mol/L osthole and 1 x 10(-8) mol/L estradiol were inhibited at 6, 9, 12 days (P < 0.05); under treatment of in l x 10(-5) mol/L osthole, the content of Lactic acid were increased and the content of glucose were decreased at 3, 6, 9 days (P < 0.05); StrACP, MCSF and CTSK mRNA expression level were inhibited at 6, 9 days (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONOsthole can inhibit bone resorption and raise the level of nutrition metabolism of femurs tissue.

Acid Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Animals ; Bone Resorption ; prevention & control ; Coumarins ; pharmacology ; Estradiol ; pharmacology ; Femur ; drug effects ; Glucose ; analysis ; Lactic Acid ; analysis ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To observe the dynamic changes of prevalence of Keshan disease (KD) in Hebei province from 1990 to 2007, to provide scientific basis for its prevention and treatment. Methods The surveillance data of KD was analyzed according to "the National Scheme of KD Surveillance and the Surveillance of KD" (W/T 78-1996) in Hebei province from 1990 to 2007 by the Institute for Prevention of Endemic Disease in Hebei Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The data included physical examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), the chest X-ray film of KD patients and the suspected patients, as well as selenium contents of hair collected in 1990, 1992 and 1999. Results No new cases of acute and subacute types of KD patients were found at the surveillance sites from 1990 to 2007. Thirty-five cases of new latent KD and one case of spontaneous chronic KD were identified respectively. Prevalence of chronic and latent KD ranged from 1.12% (8/713) to 8.18% (27/330) and 2.29% (19/831) to 8.20% (45/549) in Hebei province from 1990 to 2007, respectively. The prevalence of KD in children aged 3 - 14 years old and childbearing woman aged 20 - 45 years old decreased year by year, however population over 45 years old were more likely suffering from KD. The major abnormal changes of ECG in KD) patients were complete fight bundle branch block, ST-T change frequent premature ventricular contraction, and left anterior faseicular block. The prevalence of the heart enlargement in KD patients was 47.00% (211/449) averagely, and the prevalence of heart enlargement of medium grade increased remarkably after 2005 [28.57%(8/28) - 48.39%(15/31)]. The average mortality in chronic KD patients was 18.0%(18/100) from 1990 to 2007. Conclusions The prevalence of KD decreased slowly in Hebei province. Hebei province is still the region with higher prevalence of KD around the country, and the tasks of prevention and treatment of KD is still urgent. Enhancing the surveillance of of KD and carrying out management and treatment of KD patients should be emphasized in the future.

A field trial was carried out to study the influence of different kinds of spring topdressing on growth, yield and quality of Ligusticum chuanxiong. The results showed that the spring topdressing had effects of improving root length, tiller numbers and plant height to some extent. At the same time the chlorophyll content and dry weight accumulation especially the dry weight of root increased significantly. It also showed that the yield increased and quality was improved significantly. The effect of different treatment with urea58.7 kg x hm(-2)(N 27 kg x hm(-2)) was the best and the treatment with N,P,K the second.
Alkaloids ; metabolism ; Coumaric Acids ; metabolism ; Fertilizers ; Ligusticum ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Seasons

OBJECTIVETo investigate and take a case study on a Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in a newborn intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODSUsing epidemiological investigation method to cultivate bacilli and detect the homology.

RESULTSKlebsiella pneumonia was detected in 4 NICU patients. Based on environmental sample analyses, four Klebsiella pneumonia strains were identified and confirmed to be highly homologous. The outbreak was effectively controlled after the strict implementation of hand hygiene practice and environment disinfection.

CONCLUSIONKlebsiella pneumonia outbreak in NICU may be caused by the route of hand transmission.

Cross Infection ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; Disease Outbreaks ; Female ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Klebsiella Infections ; epidemiology ; microbiology ; Klebsiella pneumoniae ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Male

OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in phlegm specimens of positive patients, so as to provide evidences for the nosocomial infection control.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 211 hospitalized patients who were MRSA-positive in their phlegm specimens in PUMC Hospital from January 2005 to October 2007.

RESULTSAmong the 211 patients, 196 (92.9%) had received antibiotics three months before the detection of MRSA, and 128 (60.7%) had received more than three antibiotics. Over 90% of MRSA were resistant to levofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and gentamicin, and 73.9% were resistant to rifampicin.

CONCLUSIONSImproper use of antibiotics should be avoided. Vancomycin is the first choice for MRSA treatment.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Anti-Bacterial Agents ; therapeutic use ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Cross Infection ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial ; Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Male ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; drug effects ; isolation & purification ; Middle Aged ; Respiratory Tract Infections ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Retrospective Studies ; Sputum ; microbiology ; Staphylococcal Infections ; drug therapy ; microbiology ; Young Adult

AIMTo establish a comprehensive HPLC analytical method of Huanglianjiedu decoction.

METHODSThis study was performed by HPLC-UV/MS to identify the chemical constituents of the whole and individual herbs of the "Huanglianjiedu decoction". Zorbax Extend C18 (150 mm x 4. 6 mm ID, 5 microm) column was used; the mobile phase was composed of acetonitrile (A) and water (B, with 0.5% acetic acid) with gradient elution; the flow rate was 1.0 mL x min(-1) and the column temperature was setup at 25 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 254 nm.

RESULTSThe chromatogram of Huanglianjiedu decoction showed 21 main peaks. Peaks 1, 2, 5 and 18 were from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis, Peaks 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19 and 21 from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. While 10 from Coptis chinensis Franch and 20 from Phellodendron amurense Rupr., Peaks 3, 4, 6, 9, 11 and 12 came from them together. Peak 7 presented in the chromatograms of the herbs except Gardenia jasminoides Ellis. By comparison of the retention time, the on-line UV spectra and MS spectra, 11 peaks were identified as 5 (geniposide), 9 (jatrorrhizine), 10 (coptisine), 11 (palmatine), 12 (berberine), 13 (baicalin), 15 (oroxin A), 17 (wogonoside), 19 (baicalein), 20 (obaculactone), 21 (wogonin), then eight of them were quantified by HPLC-UV.

CONCLUSIONThe method could represent the characteristics of Huanglianjiedu decoction, and it could be used to evaluate the quality and quantity of Huanglianjiedu decoction. It distinguished between Coptis chinensis Franch and Phellodendron amurense Rupr. by HPLC for the first time.

Berberine ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Berberine Alkaloids ; analysis ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Coptis ; chemistry ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Gardenia ; chemistry ; Mass Spectrometry ; methods ; Phellodendron ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Scutellaria baicalensis ; chemistry ; Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet ; methods

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of retinoblastoma binding protein 2 (RBP-2), a histone H3K4 demethylase, on osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stromal cell (hASC).

METHODSAccording to the GenBank sequence information of RBP-2, four different small interfering RNAs (siRNA) targeting RBP-2 gene were designed and the corresponding short hairpin RNAs (shRNA) were cloned into pLL 3.7 lentivirus RNA interference vector. The lentivirus with RBP-2-siRNA was packaged in 293T cells. The effective sequence was examined and selected by Western blotting and real-time PCR. The lentiviruses with efficient knockdown effects were used to infect hASC. On the 14th day after osteogenic differentiation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities of hASC were quantitatively tested and at the same time, ALP staining and alizarin red staining were performed to assess the difference of osteogenic differentiation between the knockdown group and the control group.

RESULTSThe recombinant lentivirus siRNA targeting RBP-2 was successfully constructed and the expression of RBP-2 mRNA and protein were dramatically suppressed by infection with RBP-2-siRNA lentivirus. On the 14th day after osteogenic induction, ALP activity of hASC in the knockdown group [(299.2 ± 22.7), (224.3 ± 17.7) U/g] was much stronger than that in the control group [(129.9 ± 12.9) U/g, P < 0.05] and the same result was achieved for the ALP staining and alizarin red staining.

CONCLUSIONSThe constructed RBP-2-siRNA lentivirus could markedly decrease the expression of RBP-2 and promote osteogenic differentiation of hASC. It indicated that RBP-2 can repress the osteogenic differentiation of hASC.

Adipose Tissue ; cytology ; Adult ; Alkaline Phosphatase ; metabolism ; Cell Differentiation ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Gene Knockdown Techniques ; HEK293 Cells ; Humans ; Lentivirus ; Osteogenesis ; Osteosarcoma ; pathology ; RNA Interference ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; RNA, Small Interfering ; Retinoblastoma-Binding Protein 2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism