Objective To determine the expression of Aquaporin 8 (AQP8) in the fetal membrane and placenta of idiopathic polyhydramnios. Methods The amnion, chorion and placenta were collected from 12 term pregnancies with idiopathic polyhydramnios(polyhydramnios group) and 12 term pregnancies who were normal (control group). The expression of AQP8 mRNA was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expression of AQP8 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry. Results The expression of AQP8 mRNA in amnion, chorion and placenta of polyhydramnios group was (0.78±0.13), (0.58±0.10), and (0.86±0.15) respectively, and that of control group was (0.39±0.07 ), (0.45±0.09),and (0.34±0.09) respectively. The expression of AQP8 protein in amnion, chorion and placenta of polyhydramnios group was (0.195±0.024), (0. 170±0.028), and (0. 193±0.024) respectively, and that of control group was (0. 151±0.018), (0.156±0.024), and (0. 152±0.023) respectively. In all 3 types of tissues the expression of AQP8 mRNA of polyhydramnios group was higher than that of control group (P<0.05). In anmion and placenta the expression of AQP8 protein of polyhydramnios group was also increased compared to that of control group (P<0.05), but in chorion the difference in AQP8 protein expression between the two groups was not significant(P>0.05). Conclusion The expression of AQP8 mRNA and protein is significantly increased in the anmion and placenta of polyhydramnios, suggesting that AQP8 may play an important role in the regulation of amniotic fluid volume.

Professor Jin Shi-yuan has been worked in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) over 70 years. He made prominent contributions in identification, processing, dispensing of TCM and reasonable use proprietary Chinese medicine. In over 70 years, he has mastered herbal medicine and traditional Chinese Medicine. It is also professor JIN's academic characteristic. Professor JIN's practical experiences were summarized according to the current situation about clinical medication, change of species of Juhong and Chenpi has been different from species of medical history. The quality is lower than before. Medicinal parts of Danggui, Gancao, Huangqin and Wuyao has been changed. So the actions of these herbal medicines have been changed also. Fresh herbal Qianchangpu has disappeared but it should be used clinically. Medical history, change of species, change of medicinal part, and change of preparing process in professor JIN's academic idea were be summarized periodically. The result is hoped to be referred by administration, manufacture, medical treatment of TCM.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; education ; history ; standards ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; standards ; Herbals as Topic ; history ; standards ; History, 20th Century ; History, 21st Century ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; history

There are two types of Chinese medicine, i.e., "Shihu" and "Tiepi shihu", using the stems of species of Dendrobium (Orchidaceae) as original materials. In order to understand species of Dendrobium using in Chinese medicine, taxonomic investigation and revision were performed. Our results indicated that about sixty species of sect. Dendrobium, sect. Formosae, and Sect. Stachyobium, are used as raw materials of "Shihu". Seven species of Dendrobium moniliforme complex and four species in Dendrobium officinale complex were recognized.
Dendrobium ; classification ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; classification

Objective To study the relationship between pathological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural changes of skeletal myodystrophy (SMD) and the development of the disease.Methods SMD tissue of 20 cases were routinely processed,the paraffin sections,the semi thin sections and the ultrasthin sections were observed by light microscopy and electron microscopy.Results 20 cases with SMD tissue were divided into three groups: Simple SMD for 8 cases, major changes were regional; Progressive SMD for 10 ca ses, the pathological changes were diffuse with large amount of degeneration of cell organs; SMD derived from nerve injury for 2 cases, pathological changes of the part controlled by the nerve were observed. While SMD was injured, myosin got deneration first.Conclusion The pathological and ultrastructure changes could be used to judge the progressive degree of myodystrophin. The amount of lost myosin could forecast the progression of the disease.

To clarify the origin and development of the traditional Chinese medicine "Duhuo" and "Qianghuo" with medicinal literatures. Medical literatures of past dynasties were analysed and combined with the modern material. The "Duhuo" in Herbal writing Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing include traditional Chinese medicine "Duhuo" and "Qianghuo", "Qianghuo" was separated from "Duhuo" due to the distinguish of clinical application. The origin of "Qianghuo" is Notopterygium incisum and N. forbesii, However, The origin of "Duhuo" is very complex, Angelica pubescens f. biserrata as authentic "Duhuo" was used from Song Dynasty. "Qianghuo" was originated from "Duhuo".
Angelica ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Apiaceae ; chemistry ; growth & development ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; isolation & purification ; Geography ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Research ; Species Specificity

Objective To study the effects of As_2O_3 on tumor model of hepatocarcinoma.Methods HepAgrafed hepatocarcinoma mouse model was established by subcutaneously injection of mouse hepatoma cells(1×10~6)into the oxter of mice.After treated by As_2O_3,the volume change of tumor and tumor inhibition rates were observed.The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) was detected by immunohistochemical and calculated the difference of MVD.Results The volume of tumor and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly decreased in As_2O_3 group compared with control group(P<0.05).The As_2O_3 could inhibit angiogenesis of xenograft tumor,depress expression of VEGF and decrease microvascular density(MVD).Conclusion As_2O_3 can inhibit the growth of tumor,inhibit the expression of VEGF and decrease MVD.

To clarify the origin and application development of the traditional Chinese medicine " Zi-hua Qianhu" and " Qianhu", the medicinal literatures of past dynasties and modern researches were analysed. The plant Angelica decursivum was used as a substitute for traditional Chinese medicine "Angelica sinensis Radix" for a long historical period, it is used incorrectly for traditional Chinese medicine "Qianhu" due to origin research in modern times. The plant origin of "Qianhu" is Peucedanum praeruptorum. There are significant differences in clinical applications and chemical composition of the two drugs. The same efficacy description of "Zi-huaQianhu" and "Qianhu" could not stop "Zi-huaQianhu" used as "Qianhu" in practical application. Therefore, we need to further research for the plant A. decursivum, delimit its medicinal attribution.
Angelica ; anatomy & histology ; chemistry ; China ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; history ; pharmacology ; History, 21st Century ; History, Ancient ; Humans ; Pharmacopoeias as Topic ; history ; Phytotherapy ; history

Objective To analyse the changes of a district general hospital before and after management by Shanghai Renji Medical Group through current situation survey,and explore the conditions for the development of district general hospitals.Methods The Zhujiajiao People's Hospital of Qingpu District in Shanghai was selected,and patients(n=50)and hospital staff(n=100) were conducted current situation survey with questionnaires which included the knowledge and evaluation of the hospital's current situation as well as the changes before and after management by Shanghai Renji Medical Group.Results Half year after management by Shanghai Renji Medical Group,great progress in medical work was achieved,with a favourable development trend.The rate of satisfaction on medical service evaluated by inpatients reached 89.60%,and 81.91% hospital staff had confidence in the sustainable development of the hospital. Conclusion Management by Shanghai Renji Medical Group has brought prospects for the Zhujiajiao People's Hospital.Under current environment,only certain conditions are met can a district general hospital achieve sustainable development.

Bioactive natural products are the material bases of Chinese materia medica resources. With successful applications of synthetic biology strategies to the researches and productions of taxol, artemisinin and tanshinone, etc, the potential ability of synthetic biology in the sustainable utilization of Chinese materia medica resources has been attracted by many researchers. This paper reviews the development of synthetic biology, the opportunities of sustainable utilization of Chinese materia medica resources, and the progress of synthetic biology applied to the researches of bioactive natural products. Furthermore, this paper also analyzes how to apply synthetic biology to sustainable utilization of Chinese materia medica resources and what the crucial factors are. Production of bioactive natural products with synthetic biology strategies will become a significant approach for the sustainable utilization of Chinese materia medica resources.
Artemisinins ; metabolism ; Biosynthetic Pathways ; Biotechnology ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; genetics ; metabolism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; metabolism ; Escherichia coli ; metabolism ; Ginsenosides ; genetics ; metabolism ; Metabolic Engineering ; methods ; Paclitaxel ; metabolism ; Saccharomyces cerevisiae ; genetics ; metabolism ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; genetics ; metabolism ; Synthetic Biology

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pathogenic causes of lower respiratory tract infections(LRTIs) in the elderly in Guangzhou area.METHODS Pathogens obtained from 107 patients with LRTIs were performed by multiple diagnostic tools that including bacterial culture,PCR and specific immunological assays.RESULTS A bacterial cause was established in 42(68.5%) and an atypical pathogen cause in 25(31.6%) of the 107 patients.Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae remained the most important pathogens for LRTIs.CONCLUSIONS In the prescription of antibiotics in the elderly with LRTIs,not only bacteria but also atypical pathogens should be taken into account.