Acupuncture Therapy ; Humans ; Meridians ; Muscles ; physiopathology ; Nervous System Diseases ; physiopathology ; therapy

Objective: To study the chemical constituents of Eleutherine americana. Methods: The compounds were isolated by various chromatographic techniques, including silica gel, TLC, sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC, and their structures were identified by their physicochemical properties and 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR data. Results: Fifteen compounds were isolated from E. americana, which were germacrenin B (1), phaffiaol (2), 4,8-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-l-methylonthra-9,10-quinone-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (3), 3-heptadecyl-5-methoxyphenol (4), ethyl linoleate (5), 3,5-dimethoxybiphenyl-4’-ol (6), karwinaphthol A (7), 5-hydroxylkarwinaphthol A (8), 3,4-dimethoxy-8-hydroxy-1-methyl-anthra-9,10-quinone-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (9), isoeleutherin (10), eleutherin (11), isoeleutherol (12), naphtho-γ-lactone (+)-9-hydroxyeleutherol (13), senkyunone (14), and palmitoleic acid (15). Conclusion: Compounds 2, 4-7, and 13-15 were isolated from the genus for the first time. The compounds 3, 8, and 13 had strong vasodilator effects with diastolic rate of 85.3%, 81.8%, and 89.5%, respectively, which were basically equivalent to the positive drug of tanshinone IIA (86.3%).

Objective To determine the iodine content of common foods in different geographical areas (coastal city,coastal rural area,mountainous city and rural area) in Fujian Province and provide basic data for evaluation of dietary iodine intake.Methods In 2010,based on the types of food of the total diet study,one food sample(consumption rate is greater than 1％) was collected in coastal city(Taijiang),coastal rural area(Xiang'an),mountainous city (Sanyuan) and rural area(Mingxi).These foods including cereal,beans,potato,meat,eggs,milk,aquatic products,vegetables,fruits,sugar,beverages,liquor and seasoning,and so on 184 kinds of common foods.The iodine content of these food was tested by As (Ⅲ)-Ce4+ catalytic spectrophotometry.Results Among the 184 kinds of food tested,164 were not indicated food iodine content in the Chinese Food Composition Tables (2004).The iodine content of common food in Fujian Province in descending order were salt (30 000 μg/kg),aquatic products(341.4 μg/kg),eggs(255.9 μg/kg),dairy(106.7 μg/kg),meat(103.2 μg/kg),cereals (40.7 μg/kg),vegetables(30.7 μg/kg),beans(12.9 μg/kg),sugar(8.5 μg/kg),fruits(6.7 μg/kg),potatoes(2.4 μg/kg) and alcohol(2.1 μg/kg).The iodine content of kelp and laver was the highest in all the food,which was 314 780.1,176 956.5 μg/kg,respectively.The iodine content of food from animal(241.4 μg/kg) was much higher than that of the food from plant(25.4 μg/kg).The iodine content of common cereals,potatoes,beans,sea algae,meat,eggs and aquatic products was compared in the four areas,and the difference was not statistically significant (M =135.5,20.0,42.0,16.0,54.0,4.0,x2 =1.4,all P ＞ 0.05).The iodine content of vegetables and fruits was compared,and the difference was statistically significant (x2 =8.5,M =204.5,all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion The iodine content of different foods is different.

The genetic diversity of three Tibetan herbs, i. e., Sang-Di, E-Dewa and Ye-Xingba (Tibetan names), was studied based on the field collection, specimen identification and DNA sequence analysis. Swertia hispidicalyx, Gentiana lhassica and Scrophularia dentata, as the original plants of the three Tibetan herbs, were collected and identified. The regions of ITS, matK, rbcL, rpoC1, trnL(UAA), psbA-trnH, atpB-rbcL, trnS (GCU)-trnG(UCC), rpl20-rps12, trnL(UAA)-trnF(GAA) and nadl 2nd intron were amplified and sequenced. The ITS regions of S. hispidicalyx and S. dentata were cloned and sequenced, and the sequences were classified into different genotypes. All the sequences were analyzed and compared with those of closely related species. Our studies may provide reference for the genetic diversity analysis and molecular identification of the three Tibetan herbs.
Genetic Variation ; Gentiana ; classification ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; classification ; genetics ; Scrophularia ; classification ; genetics ; Swertia ; classification ; genetics ; Tibet

OBJECTIVETo observe the ability of SD rat dental papillae cells forming dentin-like structure induced by millipore filter combined with transforming growth factor-β(1) (TGF-β(1)).

METHODSThe first passage SD rat dental papillae cells were enzymatically dissociated and centrifuged to obtain a cell mass. The cell mass was seeded on the millipore filter combined with TGF-β(1). The complex was incubated for 6 d in vitro or transplanted under the renal capsule for 2 weeks. Then the differentiation of dental papillae cells on the filter and the formation of mineral tissue on the implant were analyzed.

RESULTSA layer of polarized columnar cells were observed along the surface of the millipore filter, with cell processes extending into the porous media. Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) and dentin matrix protein-1 (DMP-1) were positive in these cells. After 2 weeks, tubular dentin matrix was deposited on the surface of the aligned cells. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the thickness of newly formed tubular dentin was consistent. DSP and DMP-1 were expressed in columnar cells, tubular matrix and the dental papillae cells adjacent to the filter.

CONCLUSIONSThe millipore filter combined with TGF-β(1) could effectively recruit progenitors onto its surface and induce odontoblast differentiation, secrete matrix in a homogenous manner, leading to dentinogenesis.

Animals ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Dental Papilla ; cytology ; Dentin ; Dentinogenesis ; Extracellular Matrix ; Extracellular Matrix Proteins ; Micropore Filters ; Odontoblasts ; Phosphoproteins ; Rats ; Sialoglycoproteins ; Tissue Engineering ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; pharmacology

OBJECTIVETo evaluate preliminarily the efficacy on functional constipation treated with electroacupuncture of different acupoint prescriptions.

METHODSOne hundred and four patients were randomized into a front-mu and back-shu points group (19 cases), a he-sea points group (34 cases), a he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group (26 cases) and a western medication control group (25 cases). In the front-mu and back-shu points group, electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25) and Dachangshu (BL 25). In the he-sea points group, electroacupuncture was applied at bilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37). In the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group, electroacupuncture was applied at unilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Dachangshu (BL 25), Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37). In the three groups above, the treatment was given 5 times a week in the first two weeks and 3 times a week in the next two weeks. In the western medication control group, mosapride citrate tablets were prescribed for oral administration, 1 table (5 mg) each time, 3 times a day, continuously for 4 weeks. The period of research was 9 weeks, including 1 week for baseline evaluation, 4 weeks for treatment and 4 weeks for follow-up. The weekly defecation frequency was taken as primary index, while the defecation difficulty and life quality score were taken as the secondary indices for the efficacy evaluation after treatment and in follow-up.

RESULTSAccording to the intention-to-treat (ITT) analytic principle, 104 cases were all enrolled in the final analysis. (1) After treatment, the weekly frequency of defecation was all increased significantly in the four groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The efficacy of the three electroacupuncture groups was similar to that of western medication control group (P > 0.05). In follow-up, the increasing effect on the weekly frequency of defecation was maintained in the he-sea points group (P < 0.01), superior to the front-mu and back-shu points group and the western medication control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the weekly frequency of defecation was not improved in the rest three groups (P > 0.05). (2) After treatment, defecation difficulty was relieved in the he-sea points group, the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group and the western medication control group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). In follow-up, the improvements were still significant in the he-sea points group and the he-sea, front-mu and back-shu points group (both P < 0.01). (3) After treatment, the life quality score was significantly improved in the patients of the he-sea points group (P < 0.05). The difference was not significant in the rest three groups as compared with that before treatment (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe weekly frequency of defecation is increased effectively after treatment in the three electroacupuncture groups and the efficacy is similar to mosapride citrate tablets. The bilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) in he-sea acupoints increase significantly the weekly frequency of defecation, relieve defecation difficulty and improve life quality. Acupuncture efficacy is sustained for 4 weeks. This acupoints prescription is the best in the treatment of functional constipation.

Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Aged ; Constipation ; physiopathology ; therapy ; Defecation ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

Mink plasmacytosis, caused by Aleutian Mink Disease Virus (AMDV), poses a threat to the development of the animal fur industry. Neutralizing antibodies against AMDV may result in a persistent infection rather than providing protection for minks. To date,no specific methods to prevent or cure this disease have been developed. In order to eliminate mink plasmacytosis, antibody detection technology has been used globally as a dominant approach to screen for AMDV-positive minks. This paper introduces the classical technology, counterimmunoelectrophoresis and emerging technology in terms of AMDV antibody detection,and provides a glimpse into the future development of these technologies.
Aleutian Mink Disease ; diagnosis ; immunology ; virology ; Aleutian Mink Disease Virus ; immunology ; isolation & purification ; Animals ; Antibodies, Viral ; immunology ; Immunoassay ; instrumentation ; methods ; Mink

Adrenalectomy ; Adult ; Angiomyolipoma ; pathology ; surgery ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Kidney ; pathology ; Kidney Neoplasms ; pathology ; surgery ; Lymph Node Excision ; Lymph Nodes ; pathology ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Male ; Nephrectomy ; Ureter ; surgery

Objective To investigate the expression of hypoxia-inducible 1 alpha(HIF-lα)and glucose transporter 1(Glut1)in human breast cancer and its relationship to proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)protein and clinical pathologic factors.Methods Immunohistochemical staining was used to measure the expression of HIF-lα.Glut1 and PCNA in human breast fibroadenoma,usual hyperplasia and breast carcinoma.Results HIF-1α expression was not found in breast fibroadenoma and hyperplastic Iesions.In contrast.the positive rate of HIF-1α was found in the ductal carcinoma in situ 55%(DCIS,11/20)and the invasive breast carcinoma 85%(51/60).Glut1 positivity in breast carcinoma was 58.8%(47/80).The totsl positive rate of PCNA in breast carcinoma was 75%(60/80),that in DCIS was 65%(13/20)and that in invasive carcinoma was 78.3%(47/60).There was a positive correlation between HIF-lα and Glut 1 level (r=0.653,P＜0.01),a positive correlation between HIF-1α and PCNA level(r=0.693,P＜0.01);and also a positive correlation between Glutl and PCNA level(t=0.742.P＜0.01).conclusion The overexpression of HIF-lα and its target gene Glut1 played important roles in carcinogenesis and progression of breast carcinoma and closely correlated with cell proliferation of breast carcinoma and may become a new target for treatment of breast carcinoma.

Objective: To study the chemical constituents from Desmodium triquetrum and their antihyperlipidemic activities. Methods: The constituents of D. triquetrum were isolated and purified using various column chromatographies. Their chemical structures were elucidated using extensive spectroscopic methods. The lipid-lowering effects of the isolates were evaluated in HepG2 cells. Results: Nine compounds were obtained from the ethanol extract of D. triquetrum and determined to be 6'-. O-cis-p-coumaroyl-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-β-. D-glucopyranoside (1), tadehaginoside (2), rutin (3), quercetin-3-O-β-. D-glucopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-β-. D-galactopyranoside (5), 6-. O-(E)-. p-hydroxy-cinnamoyl-β-glucose (6), 6-. O-(E)-. p-hydroxy-cinnamoyl-α-glucose (7), kaempferol-3-O-β-. D-rutinoside (8), and 3-. O-β-D-galacopyranosyl (6-1)-α-. L-rhamnosyl quercetin (9). Compounds 1 and 2 significantly reduced the intracellular content of total cholesterols and triglycerides. Conclusion: Compound 1 is a new phenolic compound and exhibits potent anti-hyperlipidemic activity. Additionally, compounds 6 and 7 are isolated from D. triquetrum for the first time.