Traditional mineral Chinese medicine is a characteristic part of Chinese medicine, in the development of traditional Chinese medicine has its unique role. With the development of science and technology and the increase of the medical level, traditional mineral medicine research is gradually thorough and wide-ranging. In recent years, traditional mineral Chinese medicine research mainly includes the physical properties of mineral medicine, structure, chemical composition, pharmacology and treatment mechanism research. The above several aspects of research in the mineral medicine has important practical and theoretical significance. The above several aspects of research status and the problems existing in the research were briefly summarized and reviewed in this paper, and its development were discussed, to provide reference for further studies in the future.
Animals ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Minerals ; chemistry ; pharmacology ; toxicity ; Physical Phenomena

AlM: To explore the different ages of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction in infants, take different treatment methods at different times.
METHODS:The 87 cases of 102 children were divided into three different age groups: the first group of 25d-3mo of age 21 cases 26 eyes; The second group >3mo-7mo 31 cases 36 eyes;The third group >7-24mo of age 35 cases 40 eyes. For the first group of infants, the implementation of the lacrimal sac nasolacrimal duct massage + eye drops; for the second group of infants, carry lacrimal pressure washing treatment; for the third group of infants, the implementation of the nasolacrimal duct probing treatment.
RESULTS: The first group of children through the nasolacrimal duct sac massage + drops tobramycin eye drops treatment unobstructed 12, the cure rate was 46. 2%;The second group of children through pressurized irrigation treatment lacrimal patency by 33, the cure rate was 91. 7%; The third group of children through the nasolacrimal duct probing unobstructed 36 treatment, the cure rate was 90. 0%. The second and third group were better than the first group (χ2=15. 71, P<0. 01;χ2=15. 27, P<0. 01);the treatment effect of the second and third groups was no significant difference (χ2=0. 02, P>0. 05).
CONCLUSlON:lnfants with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction should distinguish between ages, taking different treatments, in order to obtain a better therapeutic effect, and lacrimal pressure washing is the preferred way of treating infants with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of ERK1/2 signal pathway activated by SiO₂ in the proliferation of human embryonic lung fibroblast mediated by silicotic alveolar macrophages.

METHODThe alveolar macrophages (AM) harvested from silicotic sufferers by bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were interacted with SiO₂ suspension once more. HELF, pretreated with the inhibitor PD98059 (50 µmol/L) for 1 hour, were stimulated by conditional supernatant fluid of silicotic sufferers. The experimentation have been classificated four group: blank group, AM control group, SiO₂ treatment group, PD98059 intervention group. The proliferation activity and expressions of Phospho-ERK1/2 of lung fibroblast activated by AM supernatant fluids of silicotic are detected with the MTT assay, flow cytometry and Western blot method after being pretreatmented with PD98059.

RESULTThe A values of cell proliferation in SiO₂ treatment group and AM control group are 2.6 and 2.0 times that of blank group, in which the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Comparing with SiO₂ treatment group, the A values of every concentrations of PD98059 intervention group decreased with a dose-response relationship, after 10, 25 and 50 µmol/L PD98059 intervention. The 25 and 50 µmol/L PD98059 intervention group were 72.1% and 48.5% of SiO₂ treatment group, which the difference is statistic (P < 0.05). The expression of phospho-ERK1/2 in SiO₂ treatment group was up, which appeared in 15 min and apparent activated in 30 min (A value is 0.4653 ± 0.0265), and then still in the higher state afterwards declined after 60 min. In addition to 15 min, the expression of phospho-ERK1/2 protein in SiO₂ treatment group at each time point are 1.25, 1.23, 1.25 times over the same period AM control group respectively, the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe silicotic supernatant of alveolar macrophages have promote proliferation of HELF and activation of ERK1/2, which may involve in the development of silicosis pathogenesis by ERK1/2 signal pathway.

Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; Fibroblasts ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Lung ; cytology ; drug effects ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 3 ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Signal Transduction ; drug effects ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo study the proliferation effect of the AM supernatant incubated activation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinases (p38MAPK) signal transduction pathway in human embryonic lung fibroblasts, and to participate in the development of fibrosis in silicosis.

METHODSThe silicotic alveolar macrophages were collected by bronchoalveolar lavage and incubated in vitro in the DMEM medium containing SiO₂ (50 µg/ml) and DMEM medium without SiO₂ for 18 h. Then the AM supernatant incubated for 18 h was collected. HELFs were isolated by organize paste block method, and incubated with AM supernatants. HELFs were divided into four groups: blank control groups, AM groups, SiO₂ + AM groups, SB203580 + SiO₂ + AM groups. The proliferation in the HELF was detected with MTT method and Flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe proliferation in the HELF acted with the conditioned AM supernatant fluid were more than blank control groups, AM groups and SB203580 + SiO₂ + AM groups [average optical density: (0.48 ± 0.03) vs (0.29 ± 0.01), (0.38 ± 0.02), (0.33 ± 0.03)], the values with MTT method were statistically different (P < 0.05); Proliferous index with flow cytometry in SiO₂ + AM groups (18.12 ± 0.82) was bigger than blank control groups (9.24 ± 0.48), AM groups (14.76 ± 0.43) and SB203580 + SiO₂ + AM groups (11.71 ± 0.70) and the values were statistically different(P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe AM supernatant stimulated by silicon dioxide can accelerate the proliferation in the HELF by activation of p38MAPK signal transduction pathway.

Adult ; Cell Proliferation ; Cells, Cultured ; Culture Media, Conditioned ; Fibroblasts ; cytology ; drug effects ; pathology ; Humans ; Lung ; cytology ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; cytology ; Male ; Signal Transduction ; Silicon Dioxide ; pharmacology ; Silicosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases ; metabolism

BACKGROUNDValve replacement or repair is recommended in patients with tricuspid regurgitation when deterioration of their clinical status occurs as a consequence of right ventricular dysfunction. Percutaneous valve replacement was developed in recent years. To investigate the feasibility, effectiveness and long-term results of percutaneous tricuspid valve replacement, an experimental model with tricuspid regurgitation is needed. We developed a simple and reproducible percutaneous approach for the creation of tricuspid regurgitation in sheep.

METHODSA specially designed grasping forceps were used to grasp chordae tendineae or the tricuspid valve leaflets through a catheter. Transcatheter creation of tricuspid regurgitation was performed on 7 healthy sheep. These sheep were followed up shortly after the procedure and at 6th month post-procedure with echocardiography. Additionally, all the sheep were sacrificed for anatomic evaluation at 6th month after the procedure.

RESULTSCreation of tricuspid regurgitation was successfully accomplished in all sheep. Necropsy confirmed that damage was done to the tricuspid valve apparatus in all animals (tearing of the anterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve in five animals and posterior leaflet of the tricuspid valve in two animals). At the six-month follow-up, there was no significant increase in the right ventricle dimension and ejection fraction measured by echocardiography. Autopsy examinations demonstrated the tearing of tricuspid valve leaflets.

CONCLUSIONSThe creation of an animal model of tricuspid regurgitation via a percutaneous approach using forceps to sever one or more tricuspid leaflets is feasible and will allow investigation of devices designed replace the tricuspid valve via a percutaneous approach. Despite significant tricuspid regurgitation, the hemodynamics did not change during the follow-up period in this model.

Animals ; Catheterization ; Disease Models, Animal ; Echocardiography ; Female ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; methods ; Male ; Sheep ; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy, time to disease progression (TTP), overall survival (OS) and toxicity of FOLFOX6 and TLF regimens for advanced gastric cancer.

METHODSThe clinical data of 81 chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced gastric cancer were analyzed. Of the 81 patients, 41 were treated with FOLFOX6 regimen and 40 with TLF regimen. The patients in FOLFOX6 group received intravenous infusion of L-OHP(100 mg/m2) at day 1, bolus injection of 5-FU (400 mg/m2) at day 1, and continuous intravenous infusion of 5-FU (1200 mg/m2/d) for 22 h at days 1-2, each treatment cycle lasting 14 days. The patients in TCF group received TAX (90 mg/m2) at day 1, bolus injection of 5-FU (400 mg/m2) at days 1-2, and continuous intravenous infusion of 5-FU (400 mg/m2/d) for 22 h at days 1-2, and each treatment cycle also lasted 14 days.

RESULTSThe objective response rates were 48.8% in FOLFOX6 group and 50.0% in TLF group (P=0.962). The median TTP in the two groups was 6.30 months and 6.50 months (P=0.958), with median survival time of 9.80 months and 10.70 months (P=0.578), respectively. The most frequent adverse events were nausea, vomiting and hematologic toxicities. The incidences of grade III-IV leucopenia and neutropenia were lower in FOLFOX6 group than in TLF group, but the difference was not statistically significant (12.2% vs 30.0%, P=0.112; 14.6% vs 32.5%, P=0.126). Three patients in FOLFOX6 group developed intestinal obstruction during the chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONBoth FOLFOX6 and TLF regimens are effective in treating advanced gastric cancer and the toxicities can be tolerated.

Adenocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Fluorouracil ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Humans ; Leucovorin ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Organoplatinum Compounds ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Stomach Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Survival Analysis ; Taxoids ; administration & dosage

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect and regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathway on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) in human embryonic lung fibroblasts induced by SiO2.

METHODSHuman alveolar macrophages were collected from a silicotic patient by bronchoalveolar lavage and in the presence or absence of SiO2 (50 ug/ml) exposition for 18h, and then the conditioned supernatants were used to incubate HELF. The expressions of TGF-beta1, of the HELF acted with the conditioned AM supernatant fluid were detected with the immunocytochemistry method after treatment with PD98059 of inhibitor of ERK.

RESULTSThe expression of TGF-beta1 in HELF of the SiO2 treatment group (OD value is 0.322 7 +/- 0.023 8) exceed blank group (OD value is 0.163 7 +/- 0.019 6) and AM control group (OD value is 0.240 6 +/- 0.022 5) by the immunocytochemistry method. But the expression of TGF-beta1 had reduction in some extent in the PD98059 intervention group (OD value is 0.271 1 +/- 0.022 9). The values were statistically different (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONERK inhibitor PD98059 have inhibition effect on the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 and expression of cytokine of human embryonic lung fibroblasts stimulated by SiO2. The study indicate that the proliferation and collagen production of HELF activated by SiO2 are mediated by ERK/MAPK signal pathway in some extent. PD98059 may antagonizes silica-induced lung fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of transforming growth factor-beta1.

Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid ; cytology ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; metabolism ; Flavonoids ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Lung ; cytology ; metabolism ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Macrophages, Alveolar ; cytology ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Silicon Dioxide ; adverse effects ; Silicosis ; metabolism ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism

Differentiation, the stepwise specialization of cells, and transdifferentiation, the apparent switching of one cell type into another, capture much of the stem cell spotlight. But dedifferentiation, the developmental reversal of a cell before it reinvents itself, is an important process too. In multicellular organisms, cellular dedifferentiation is the major process underlying totipotency, regeneration and formation of new stem cell lineages. In humans, dedifferentiation is often associated with carcinogenesis. The study of cellular dedifferentiation in animals, particularly early events related to cell fate-switch and determination, is limited by the lack of a suitable, convenient experimental system. The classic example of dedifferentiation is limb and tail regeneration in urodele amphibians, such as salamanders. Recently, several investigators have shown that certain mammalian cell types can be induced to dedifferentiate to progenitor cells when stimulated with the appropriate signals or materials. These discoveries open the possibility that researchers might enhance the endogenous regenerative capacity of mammals by inducing cellular dedifferentiation in vivo.
Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Epidermal Growth Factor ; physiology ; Humans ; Regeneration ; Salamandridae ; physiology ; Serum ; physiology ; Thrombin ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo investigate the time trends of cancer mortality among residents in Kaifeng county, Henan province.

METHODSData on cancer mortality from the vital registration system in Kaifeng county from 1988 to 2005 was analyzed. A total of 9543 death records (5974 males and 3567 females) due to malignant tumors were studied. A two-year-period age-specified standardized mortality rates were directly adjusted by the world standard population, and the annual percentage change (APC) of mortality were estimated by a linear logarithm regression.

RESULTSThe crude cancer death rate for male was 95.09/100,000 and its age-standardized death rate was 117.41/100,000. While, the crude cancer death rate for female was 59.13/100,000 and the age-standardized death rate was 57.15/100,000. There was a significant growth tread for lung cancer (APC: 6.54%), liver cancer (5.07%) in males and breast cancer (7.04%) in females in the groups aged over 18. On the contrary, the decreasing treads for esophageal cancer in both of sexes (-7.09%, -13.53%) were also observed in this study. Meanwhile, there was no other significant changes in the trend, either in the tumor sites or mortality, was observed.

CONCLUSIONIn the past two decades, there has been a significant increasing trend for cancer mortality in Kaifeng county, of Henan Province. Hence, it is necessary to enhance epidemiological survey to identify risk factors at the earlier stages.

China ; epidemiology ; Death Certificates ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Mortality ; trends ; Neoplasms ; mortality ; Rural Population

BACKGROUNDPulmonary regurgitation leads to progressive right ventricular dysfunction, susceptibility to arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. Percutaneous valve replacement has been developed in recent years, providing patients with an alternative option. Percutaneous pulmonary valve replacement has been recently introduced into clinical practice. The goal of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of percutaneous valve stent insertion to correct the pulmonary regurgitation in sheep using a cup-shaped valve stent.

METHODSPulmonary regurgitation was created by percutaneous cylindrical stent insertion in native pulmonary annulus of 8 sheep. One month after the initial procedure, the sheep with previous cylindrical stent implanted underwent the same implantation procedure of pulmonary valve stent. The valve stent consisted of a cup-shaped stent and pericardial valves. Hemodynamic assessments of the bioprosthetic pulmonary valve were obtained by echocardiography at immediately post-implant and at 2 months follow up.

RESULTSSuccessful transcatheter cylindrical stent insertion was performed in 7 sheep but failed in 1 sheep because the cylindrical stent was released to right ventricle outflow tract. After one month the 7 sheep with pulmonary regurgitation underwent valve stent implantation successfully. Echocardiography confirmed the stents were in desired position during the follow-up. No evidence of pulmonary valve insufficiency occurred in any animals. Echocardiography showed all heart function markers were normal.

CONCLUSIONSPercutaneous cylindrical stent insertion to induce significant pulmonary regurgitation in sheep was feasible, simple and reproducible. Percutaneous pulmonary valve stent implantation can reduce pulmonary regurgitation in a sheep model. Further development of animal model and clinical trials are warranted.

Animals ; Feasibility Studies ; Female ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation ; Male ; Pulmonary Valve Insufficiency ; surgery ; Sheep