The w or king principle,software and hardware composition,and the functions of the automa tic CMM(Chinese Materia Medica)boiling machine are introduced in this paper.Diff erent from other congener products' temperature control principle,time-sharing power control is applied to this system.The boiling process is more fit for CMM pharmacology than other products.The efficiency of the boiling machine is almost the same as the traditional one.The interrupt service subprogram is used in t his system to perform dynamic LED display.In order to control the output power, the duty ratio of the square-ware is adjusted to control the bi-directional thyr istor's conducting and closing time.Thus,the use of PWM control can be avoided,w hich is a bit complex in designing the software and hardware.The design process of this system is clear and simple.

Objective:To investigate the influence of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction ( XZD) contained Drug-Serum on the expression of TLR4/NF-κB signals and LOX-1, TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1 in HUVECs, and to study its possible anti-atherosclerotic mechanism.Methods:HUVECs was cultured in vitro and divided equally into the normal group ,the model group,the ATV group and the XZD group in random.HUVECs were stimulated with LPS for 2 h,then treated separately with the drug-serum and atorvastatin for 24 h,finally measured the expression of TLR 4, MyD88, TRAF-6, NF-κB, LOX-1, TNF-α, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 mRNA with real-time PCR,the expression of TLR4,NF-κB,LOX-1,TNF-α,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 protein were analyzed by Western blot method .Results:Protein and mRNA expressions of TLR4,MyD88,TRAF-6,NF-κB,LOX-1,TNF-α,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 increased significantly after LPS stimulation(vs normal control group,P<0.01),Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction decreased the high expression of TLR 4,MyD88,TRAF-6, NF-κB,LOX-1,TNF-α,ICAM-1 and VCAM-1(vs model group,P<0.05 ).Conclusion:Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction can block the high ex-pression of TLR4 and its downstream signal transduction pathway and the high expression of LOX -1, TNF-α, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1.Maybe it′s the mechanism of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction exert the function of anti-artherosclerosis.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Pi transportation, dampness resolving and phlegm expelling herbs (PTDRPEH) on the obesity degree, fat hormones, and leptin resistance in diet-induced obesity (DIO) rats.

METHODSAmong the 120 Wister rats, 10 were recruited as the blank control group (fed with basal forage), and the remaining 110 were administered with high-fat high-nutrition forage for 17 weeks. According to weight, we obtained 40 DIO rats and 10 diet-induced obesity resistance (DIO-R) rats. DIO rats were further divided into four groups, i.e., the DIO model group (normal saline, at the daily dose of 2 mL), the sibutramine group (at the daily dose of 1.6 mg/kg), the dampness resolving and phlegm expelling group (DRPE, at the daily dose of 3.2 g/kg), and the Pi transportation group (PT, at the daily dose of 3.2 g/kg). All were given by gastrogavage. Normal saline (2 mL) was given by gastrogavage to rats in the blank control group and the DIO-R group. The basal forage was administered to rats in the blank control group, while high fat forage was continually given to rats in the remaining five groups. Their body weights and body lengths were measured after 16 weeks of gastrogavage. All intra-abdominal fat was taken out to measure the degree of obesity and fat contents. Insulin resistance index (IRI), blood glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, leptin, neuropeptide Y (NPY), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and adiponectin were detected after blood withdrawing. Leptin, TNF-alpha, adiponectin, suppressors of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3), and other relevant adipose hormones and inflammatory cytokines were examined in the fat homogenate.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, DIO model rats' body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat factor, IRI, serum leptin, TNF-alpha, and SOCS-3 significantly increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); serum NPY, serum leptin, and adiponectin decreased (P < 0.05). Leptin increased and NPY decreased in DIO-R model rats. Compared with the DIO group, DIO-R model rats' body weight, BMI, fat factor, IRI, serum NPY, TNF-alpha, and SOCS-3 all decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); leptin and adiponectin in serum and the fat homogenate all increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After intervention with Sibutramine, rats' body weight, BMI, fat factor, and TNF-alpha in the fat homogenate obviously decreased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Serum TNF-alpha decreased, leptin and adiponectin increased in rats of the DRPE group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). BMI, fat factor, IRI, leptin, and SOCS-3 showed a decreasing tendency, but with no statistical difference (P > 0.05). The body weight, BMI, fat factor, IRI, TNF-alpha, and SOCS-3 all decreased in the PT group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); leptin and adiponectin in the serum and the fat homogenate increased (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSSibutramine could reduce body weight and TNF-alpha in the adipose tissue. Herbs of PT could inhibit fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance (IR), with superior effect to herbs of DRPE. Its mechanism might be closely related to promoting leptin and adiponectin secreted by fat, reducing leptin resistance, and elevating serum levels of leptin and adiponectin.

Adiponectin ; blood ; Animals ; Diet, High-Fat ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Insulin Resistance ; Leptin ; blood ; Male ; Obesity ; blood ; drug therapy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD), Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XZD), and Sijunzi Decoction (SD) contained serums on expressions of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB signals, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and to explore possible anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms.

METHODSTwenty New Zealand rabbits were divided into 4 groups at random, i.e., the normal control group, the BHD group (6.7 g/kg), the XZD group (3.6 g/kg), and the SD group (1.6 g/kg), 5 in each group. All medication lasted for 7 successive days. Two h after the final medication, about 50 mL blood was withdrawn from rabbit heart for preparing serums. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell ECV304 were cultured in vitro for 18 h and randomly divided into the blank control group, the model group, the Western medicine (WM) control group, the BHD group, the XZD group, and the SD group at random. ECV304, except in the blank control group, were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 2 h. Those in the WM control group and CM groups were treated respectively with corresponding CM contained serum for 24 h. Finally gene and protein expressions of TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF-6), NF-κB, LOX-1, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 were detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR and Western blot.

RESULTSCompared with the blank control group, mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF-6, NF-KB, LOX-1 , TNF-cx, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 increased significantly; protein expressions of TLR4, NF-κB, LOX-1, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 also increased significantly in the model group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, mRNA and protein expressions of each index could be significantly inhibited in the BHD group, the XZD group, and the WM control group (P < 0.05). Besides, mRNA and protein expressions of each index could be significantly elevated more in the BHD group and the XZD group than in the WM control group (P < 0.05). No statistical difference existed in each index between the SD group and the rest groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe mechanism of BHD and XZD for fighting against atherosclerosis might be associated with inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signal transduction pathway and expressions of its downstream inflammatory factors such as LOX-1, TNF-α, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1. But SD showed no associated effect on atherosclerosis.

Animals ; Atherosclerosis ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Endothelial Cells ; Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 ; metabolism ; NF-kappa B ; metabolism ; Rabbits ; Scavenger Receptors, Class E ; Signal Transduction ; TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 6 ; metabolism ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; metabolism ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; metabolism ; Umbilical Veins ; Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 ; metabolism

Objective To investigate the effects of Modifded DaHuang ZheChong Pill on T lymphocyte subpopulation of S180 tumor-bearing mice.Methods The mice were built to the S180 sarcoma model.The experimental animals were divided into 5 groups:High-dose Modifded DaHuang ZheChong Pill group.middle-dose Modifded DaHuang ZheChong Pill group,low-dose Modifded DaHuang ZheChong Pill group,model group,and normal group.The proportion of the T lymphocyte subpopulation was detected by Flow Cytometer in the different experimental groups.Results Modifded DaHuang ZheChong pill could control radio of CD4/CD8,especially,in the high dosage group.Conclusion Modifded DaHuang ZheChong Pill could remit and improve the immune function in tumor-bearing mice,showing the best results in High-dose Modifded DaHuang ZheChong Pill group.

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors. The early diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer is very important. Detection of serum tumor markers as a simple,non-invasive and easily acceptable method has great clinical application value. This article reviewed the advances in study on serum gastric cancer markers.

Objective To assess the ultrasonographic detection of nuchal translucency or nuchal edema in identifying chromosomally abnormal fetuses.Methods Fetal nuchal translucency thickness was measured between 10～14 weeks of gestation,or nuchal fold thickness after 14 weeks,with serial follow-up ultrasound examinations.Results In a 2-year period,12 aneuploid fetuses had been identified,together with 5 fetuses of normal karyotype but fatal prognosis.Compared with the fetuses of increased nuchal translucency but normal karyotype and normal follow-up,they had a much thicker nuchal translucency in the first trimester (average 6.1 mm vs 3.6 mm),and in most cases the nuchal translucency evolved into nuchal edema in the second trimester,with other abnormalities detected by ultrasound.Conclusions Detection of increased nuchal translucency by ultrasound is effective in detecting chromosomally abnormal fetuses or fetuses with other abnomalities,and the changes of nuchal translucency observed by follow-up ultrasound may play an important role in differential diagnosis and predicting the prognosis.

50%,0-patent lumen.Those legs with dominant crural arterial lesion (gradeⅠ,Ⅱor Ⅲ) on at least one segments and without femoropopliteal arterial obstructions were selected.Results Totally 75 legs were involved.There were 53 legs( 70.7%) with only 1 main artery damaged,14 legs( 18.7%) with 2 main arteries damaged,and 8 legs( 10.6%) with all 3 main arteries damaged.Among the 5 arterial segments,the anterior tibial arterial lesions were found most frequently ( 73.3%,55/75),in which the segmental occlusion (gradeⅡ) was the most common type.The peroneal arterial lesions appeared least ( 20.0%,15/75).In the damaged main arteries,1/3 anterior tibial-dorsal arteries and 1/5 posterior tibial arteries had greatly improved distal vascularity compared with their proximal and middle portion,owing to the collateral arteries around the ankle.Statistical analysis showed that there was close relationship between the blood flow damage of the distal portion of the posterior tibial arterial segments (medial trans-ankle flow) and the peroneal artery with the clinical ischemic manifestations.Conclusions The dominant occlusive crural arterial lesions and the collateral arteries can be well imaged and diagnosed by color Doppler ultrasonography,which is helpful in providing accurate information of the blood supply of the distal part of the lower extremity.

Objective To describe the diagnosis and preoperation evaluation of pancreatic carcinoma with spiral CT three-phase contrastenhanced scan and post-processing.Methods Three-phase helical CT enhanced scan and post-processing images of 41 patients with pancreatic carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed,including the location,size,characteristic of tumor and peripancreatic blood vessels,the results were compared with that of surgery.Results Low degree of enhancement of pancreatic carcinoma in pancreatic phase was showed compared with parenchymal phase.There was significant difference in density between focus and normal pancreas,the lesions were showed clearly.In comparison with surgical results,the diagnostic accuracy of CT was 80.7% and the accurate rate in evaluating the metastasis was 75.8%.Conclusion Three-phase helical CT enhanced scan and postprocessing are of great value in diagnosis of pancreatic carcinoma and it is helpful in choosing the treatment program preoperatively and assessing the respectability of tumors.

Objective: To investigate the inhibitory effect of selective angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist ZD7155 on pancreatic cancer xenografts of nude mice. Methods: Sixty nude mice were given subcutaneous injections of PaTu8988s cells to establish the pancreatic cancer xenograft models; then the animal models were evenly randomized into 3 groups: low-dose (10 mg · kg-1 · d-1)ZD7155, high-dose(20 mg · kg-1 · d-1)ZD7155 and normal saline groups. Ten mice in each group were sacrificed 10 d after treatment and the tumor sizes and body weights were measured. The microvessel density (MVD) was assessed by immunostaining of endothelial cells for CD31 and the cell apoptoses were observed by transmission electron microscope. Another thirty mice were treated for 30 days; the survival period of mice and toxicity of ZD7155 were observed till the 49th day of treatment. Results: Ten days after treatment, the mean tumor volumes in the control, low-dose and high-dose groups were (35.8 ± 6.7) cm3, (21.5 ± 6.1) cm3 and (10.7 ± 4.1) cm3, respectively(P<0.01); the average tumor inhibitory rates in low-dose and high-dose groups were 22.7% and 44.6%, respectively, both significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.01). The mean numbers of capillary vessels in the control, low-dose and high-dose ZD7155 were 16.7 ± 0.9, 11.5 ± 0.5 and 6.05 ± 0.7. respectively (P<0.01). Transmission electron microscope showed a lot of typical apoptotic cells at different stages in the 2 ZD7155 treatment groups, whereas there was no apoptotic cells in the control group. The survival periods in treated groups were significantly longer than that in the control group(P<0.01), and that of the high-dose group was longer than that of the low-dose group (P<0.01). The toxicity of ZD7155 was not apparent. Conclusion: ZD7155 can inhibit the growth of pancreatic cancer in vivo through disturbing tumor angiogenesis and inducing tumor cell apoptosis; it may possibly serve as a safe and effective agent for treatment of pancreatic cancer.