OBJECTIVETo study the influence of different drying methods on the quality of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus and thus provide useful reference for its proper drying methods.

METHODSchisandrae Chinensis Fructus was processed by eight drying methods including vacuum freeze drying, natural drying in the shade, drying in the sun, oven drying and vacuum drying under different temperature. The contents of the functional ingredients includes chisandrin, gomisin D, gomisin J, schisandrol B, angeloylgomisin H, angeloylgomisin Q, gomisin G, schisantherin A, deoxyschisandrin, schisandrin B, schisandrin C, 5-HMF, total aids and total sugars. The main components change after drying were analyzed by HPLC, ultraviolet spectrophotometry and potentiometric titration. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out by SPSS software to evaluate the quality of different processed products from Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus.

RESULTAll these results are in accordance with the requirements of Chinese Pharmacopoeia published in 2010, the contents of schisandrin and total eleven lignans were the highest using vacuum drying, and 5-HMF were the lower, oven drying made little difference but with lower schisandrin and higher 5-HMF as the heat increased.

CONCLUSIONDifferent drying methods have significant influence on the quality of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus. Oven drying under 5°C should be adopted to substitute drying in the sun according to the China Pharmacopoeia published in 2010 for Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus by comprehensive analysis of the cost, content and practicality.

Desiccation ; methods ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Schisandra ; chemistry ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of zinc finger E-box binding homebox 1 (ZEB1) in the prepuce of hypospadias children and its relationship to the incidence of hypospadias.

METHODSPrepuce tissues were collected from 37 children aged 6-15 months undergoing hypospadias repair and 11 age-matched controls receiving circumcision. Based on the position of the urethral meatus, the hypospadias cases were classified as severe (n = 13) and mild-moderate (n = 24). The mRNA and protein expressions of ZEB1 were determined by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe expression of the ZEB1 protein was remarkably higher in the severe (100% [13/13]) and mild-moderate hypospadias patients (75.0% [18/24]) than in the controls (9.1% [1/11]), with statistically significant differences between any two groups (P < 0.05). RT-PCR showed the integrated density value (IDV) of the ZEB1 mRNA expression to be (0.67 ± 0.21), (0.81 ± 0.24), and (1.55 ± 0.29) in the control, mild-moderate, and severe hypospadias patients, respectively, significantly higher in the severe hypospadias than in the control and mild-moderate hypospadias groups (P < 0.05), but with no significant difference between the latter two (P = 0.64).

CONCLUSIONThe expression of ZEB1 is significantly increased in hypospadias patients, and its upregulation is positively correlated with the severity of hypospadias, which suggests that the overexpression of ZEB1 may contribute to the development of hypospadias.

Biomarkers ; metabolism ; Case-Control Studies ; Circumcision, Male ; Foreskin ; metabolism ; Homeodomain Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Hypospadias ; classification ; etiology ; metabolism ; Immunohistochemistry ; Infant ; Male ; Penis ; RNA, Messenger ; metabolism ; Transcription Factors ; genetics ; metabolism ; Up-Regulation ; Urethra ; Zinc Finger E-box-Binding Homeobox 1

OBJECTIVETo study the correlation between TCM syndrome type and liver tissue pathological changes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in order to provide evidence for syndrome differentiation.

METHODSSyndrome typing as well as liver pathological grading and staging of liver biopsy were performed on 260 patients with CHB, then the relationship between them was analyzed.

RESULTS(1) The grade of liver inflammation was mainly G1 and G2 in patients of Gan-qi stagnation and Pi-deficiency type (type 1); G2 in patients of inner damp-heat retention type (type II); G3 in patients of Gan-Shen yin-deficiency type (type lII) and Pi-Shen yang-deficiency type (type IV); while G4 occurred mainly in patients of blood stasis blocking collateral type (type V), showing significant difference as compared with other syndrome types. (2) The liver pathological stage in patients of type I and II was mainly S1 and S2, while S3 and S4 occurred mainly in patients of type III and type IV. (3) The pathological change was mainly G3-G4 and S3-S4 in blood stasis syndrome, while it was mainly G1-G2 and S1-S2 in non-blood stasis syndrome.

CONCLUSIONThe TCM syndrome type is correlated with liver tissue pathological change to certain extent, among them, syndrome with or without blood stasis showed the closest correlation. The syndrome type of CHB patients developed, along with the aggravating of liver pathological injury, from sthenia to asthenia, from qi to blood, and finally to the blood stasis blocking collateral. So the treatment should be lay stress on activating blood circulation to remove stasis, and be implemented by 3 stages.

Adult ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Female ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; diagnosis ; pathology ; Humans ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Syndrome ; Yang Deficiency ; pathology ; Yin Deficiency ; pathology ; Young Adult

Objective To explore the effects of BSA on hypoxia inducible factor/hypoxia response element (HIF/HRE) transcription activity in rat tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) with HRE-Luc reporter plasmid.Methods Luciferin activity of NRK-52E cells incubated by a medium contained BSA in varying concentration (0,5,10,20 mg/ml) and stimulus duration (24,48,72 h) was detected by dual luciferase detecting system based on HRE-Luc reporter plasmid and HIF-1 α expression was detected by Western blotting.Results HIF/HRE transcription activity of NRK-52E cells was increased in BSA incubation group (10 mg/ml,48 h) compared with blank control (BSA 0 mg/ml,48 h) [(2.59±0.35)vs (1.03±0.09),P=0.000].HIF-1α expression of NRK-52E cells was increased in BSA incubation group (20 mg/ml,48 h) compared with blank control (BSA 0 mg/ml,24 h) [(0.052±0.010) vs (0.014±0.003),P=0.000].Conclusion Albumin can increase HIF/HRE transcription activity of TEC.

Objective To explore the significance of nuclear factor-?B(NF-?B)activation in peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMC)during acute Kawasaki disease(KD).Methods Peripheral blood was collected from children with acute KD(n=30)and healthy age-matched children(n=20).PBMC were cultured in vitro and divided into 3 groups:naturally cultured blank control group,protein kinase C(PKC)activator stimulated phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate(PMA)group and PMA plus NF-?B inhibitor treated PMA plus pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate(PDTC)group.Percentages of NF-?B activation were detected by immunohistochemistry.Results Under natural culturing,the percentage of cells with activated NF-?B was significantly higher in acute KD blank control group than that in healthy blank control group.The percentage of cells with activated NF-?B was significantly higher in acute KD PMA group than that in acute KD blank group and that in normal control PMA group,respectively(Pa0.05).Conclusions NF-?B activation in PBMC during acute KD is markedly increased,which suggests that NF-?B activation plays an important role in the formation of vasulitis and CAL in this disease.NF-?B activation in PBMCs in children with KD is regulated by the PKC signaling pathway and PDTC obviously inhibits the activation of NF-?B.J Appl Clin Pediatr,2009,24(1):35-37

In order to explore the dormancy physiological and biochemical mechanism of Paris seeds, the seed embryo growth courses, and the dynamic change of 5 enzymes, include SOD, POD, CAT, MDH, G-6-PDH were measured during variable temperature stratification. The results indicated that Paris seeds embryo grew quickly after 40 d in warm-stratification (18 ± 1) °C, at the meantime the metabolic activity was significantly strengthened. These facts showed that Paris seeds turned into physiological after-ripening process. After 60-80 d, the morphological embryo after-ripping process basically completed, and the following cold-stratification (4 ± 1) °C furthered Paris seed to finish physiological after-ripening. After 40 d, the activity of MDH decreased while G-6-PDH increased significantly. This showed that the main respiratory pathway of seed changed from TCA to PPP, which benifited breaking seed dormancy. In the whole period of stratification process, the activity variation of SOD and CAT was insignificantly and the activity of POD was enhanced significantly after shifting the seed in cold stratification process. This showed that SOD, CAT had no direct effects on breaking Paris seed dormancy but keeping the seed vigor, while the POD might involve in the process of Paris seed dormancy breaking.
Germination ; Liliaceae ; chemistry ; embryology ; enzymology ; Plant Proteins ; metabolism ; Seeds ; chemistry ; enzymology ; growth & development ; Temperature

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether CK20 mRNA expression level could be considered as an effective molecular indicator for evaluation of chemotherapy sensitivity.

METHODSAll samples of peripheral blood were taken from 31 gastric cancer patients undergone radical operation a week before postoperative chemotherapy, at the first day of chemotherapy point, and after the first cycle of chemotherapy respectively, and subjected to FQ RT-PCR assay for CK20 mRNA. The chemotherapy scheme was FOLFOX 4. The control group was 15 healthy volunteers.

RESULTSAomng the 31 gastric cancer patients, the value of CK20 mRNA before postoperative chemotherapy was increased (2.96+/-2.27 vs 2.22+/-2.12, t=2.10, P<0.05) in 25 positive cases, and then declined after chemotherapy(2.05+/-1.86 vs 2.96+/-2.27, t=2.50, P<0.05) in 24 positive cases. The expression level of CK20 mRNA in patients before chemotherapy was increased in 16 cases(51.6%), declined in 9 cases(29.0%) and stabilized as negative in 6 cases(19.4%). After chemotherapy the level of CK20 mRNA was increased in 7 cases(22.6%), declined in 17 cases (54.8%) and stabilized as negative in 7 cases(22.6%), there was significant difference between the two groups(chi(2)=6.06, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSThe expression level of CK20 mRNA in the peripheral blood detected by FQ RT-PCR in patients with gastric cancer declines after postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Different individuals have different sensitivity to chemotherapeutics. Dynamic monitoring CK20 mRNA should be considered as an effective index to evaluate the efficacy of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.

Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; Female ; Humans ; Keratin-20 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Postoperative Period ; Prognosis ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; Stomach Neoplasms ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo explore the biological function of vascular endothelial cells from hypertrophic scar, and to analyze the relationship between them.

METHODSThe samples from human hypertrophic scar and normal skin tissue were harvested for histological examination. Then vascular endothelial cells were purified and isolated from the samples, and the level of transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), endothelin1 (ET)-1, fibroblast growth factor (FGF)2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were determined in a single cell with ELISA.

RESULTSFew capillary vessels were observed in normal skin under microscope, while an increased number of them were present in hypertrophic scar, with slender, tortuous in morphology and even occluded. The diameter of blood capillary in hypertrophic scar was tiny under electron microscope, and the exfoliation of endothelial cells was observed. The levels of TGF-beta1, PDGF, ET-1, bFGF and VEGF from vascular endothelial cells from hypertrophic scar were 60 +/- 8, 30 +/- 4, 0.12 +/- 0.03, 52 +/- 5, 18.1 +/- 1.2 microg/cell, respectively, which were obviously lower than those in normal skin (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe biological function of vascular endothelial cells was attenuated in the hypertrophic scar, which mightbe the result of the production of large amounts of collagen in the scar tissue, as well as hypoxia.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cells, Cultured ; Cicatrix, Hypertrophic ; metabolism ; pathology ; Collagen ; metabolism ; Endothelial Cells ; metabolism ; Endothelin-1 ; metabolism ; Female ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; metabolism ; Humans ; Male ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; metabolism ; Skin ; blood supply ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1 ; metabolism ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; metabolism ; Wound Healing ; Young Adult

Objective To analyze the characteristics of proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after total joint arthroplasty.Methods 40 cases of proximal DVT were collected from May 2007 to October 2016 which were all diagnosed by lower limb venography or sonography.There were 9 males and 31 females aged from 38 to 86 years,average 67 years,and body mass index was from 16.94 to 31.25kg/m2,with an average of 24.3 kg/m2.29 cases of THA patients and 11 cases of TKA patients.The anatomical distribution,size,radiological performance,local physical findings were recorded and multivariable analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between distribution of proximal DVT and related parameters including age,gender (male/female),side of leg(left/right),surgery type(knee and hip),preoperative diagnosis(femoral neck fracture/other disease),time of diagnosis with DVT (during hospitalization/after discharge).Results Among 40 proximal DVT cases,31 cases diagnosed by phlebography and 9 cases were diagnosed by ultrasound.2 cases were isolated proximal DVT while 38 cases connected with distal DVTs.9 cases of blood clots in the proximal and distal thrombosis connected discontinuously.There was no isolated proximal DVT in TKA group and 10 cases (90.9％) of blood clots in the proximal and distal thrombosis connected continuously while there were 2 cases (6.9％) isolated proximal DVTs in THA group and 21 (77.8％) of blood clots in the proximal and distal thrombosis connected discontinuously,and there was no statistic significant difference between the two groups.The average length of proximal was 8.85±9.3 1cm (range from 2-35cm) with 5.0±2.05 cm in TKA group and 10.31 ± 10.55 cmin THA group.A significant difference was found between the 2 groups (P=0.014).13 cases located in femoral veins and upper venous region which were all from THA group.There was a significant difference in the distribution between surgery type and preoperative diagnosis.However,there was no significant difference between other potential factors and distribution of proximal DVT.25 cases accepted the evaluation of symptom of DVT before scanning.However,no significant difference were found in edema,VAS score,Homans sign,Neuof sign between 9 TKA and 16 THA cases.Conclusion Proximal DVTs after knee and hip arthroplasty are more preferred to connect with distal DVT continuously.Surgery type and preoperative diagnosis have a significant effect on the distribution of proximal DVT.Proximal DVTs in THA and patients with preoperative femoral neck fracture could be more easily involving femoral veins and upper parts.

BACKGROUNDThe gender difference on long-term outcome in unselected patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not yet been fully investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the gender difference on five-year outcomes following EXCEL biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stenting in patients with coronary disease.

METHODSA total of 2077 "all comers", consisting of 1528 (73.6%) men and 549 (26.4%) women, who were exclusively treated with EXCEL coronary stents were enrolled in the prospective CREATE study at 59 centers from four countries. After propensity score matching, the baseline characteristics of the two groups were well matched. Recommended antiplatelet regimen was clopidogrel and aspirin for six months followed by chronic aspirin therapy. The primary outcome that was the rate of major adverse cardiac events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiac mortality, non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and target lesion revascularization (TLR), and stent thrombosis (ST) at five years were compared between the two gender groups.

RESULTSIn the two groups, women had higher proportions of clinical risk factors, such as being elderly, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia, compared to men. Besides, the mean target vessel number per patient was higher and the mean reference vessel diameter smaller for women. Men had higher risks of cardiac death (3.7% vs. 1.6%, P = 0.021) and MACE (8.4% vs. 4.7%, P = 0.004) at five years compared with women. However, the cumulative hazards of non-fatal MI and TLR were similar between men and women. The incidence of Academic Research Consortium (ARC) definite or probable stent thrombosis was similar between the two groups (1.3% vs. 1.0%, P = 0.639). Prolonged clopidogrel therapy (>6 months) did not reduce the cumulative hazards of ST from six months to five years in both men (χ(2) = 0.098, log rank P = 0.754) and women (χ(2) = 2.043, log rank P = 0.153) patients.

CONCLUSIONSWomen had a lower MACE and cardiac death rate than men after biodegradable polymer-coated sirolimus-eluting stenting in long term follow-up. Effects of prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) in preventing stent thrombosis was similar with six-month DAPT after EXCEL stent implantation in both men and women groups.

Aged ; Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary ; methods ; Coronary Angiography ; Drug-Eluting Stents ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Prospective Studies ; Sex Factors ; Sirolimus ; therapeutic use ; Treatment Outcome