BACKGROUND:Tai Chi exercise can relax the affected muscle of patients, increase muscle flexibility and strength, promote normal movement patterns of stroke patients, inhibit abnormal posture and spasm patterns, improve patient motion control and balance function. OBJECTIVE:To systematicaly assess the effectiveness of Tai Chi on the movement, emotional disorder and quality of life in patients with stroke. METHODS: Al extracted data from databases of PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, EBSCO, Google Scholar, CNKI, VIP and Wangfang were obtained, which were the randomized controled trials addressing the effects of Tai Chi on the movement, emotional disorder and quality of life in patients with stroke. The retrieval time was from database establishment to July 1st, 2015. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the included literatures. Then the meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 15 randomized controled trials involving 1016 patients were included. The results of Meta-analysis suggested that: Tai Chi was superior to the conventional rehabilitation in improvement of balance function [mean difference (MD)=7.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.56, 11.18),P < 0.000 01], gait speed [MD=0.27, 95%CI (0.04, 3.94),P=0.02], anxiety [standardized mean difference (SMD)=-0.47, 95%CI(-0.89,-0.04),P=0.03] and quality of life [SMD=0.65, 95%CI(0.10, 1.19),P=0.02], and there were statistical differences. But there was no statisticaly significant difference in the improvement of depression and functional walking ability. These findings indicate that Tai Chi is superior to the conventional rehabilitation in the improvement of balance function, gait speed, anxiety and quality of life. However, large-sample, high-quality randomized controled trials are needed to provide more reliable evidence for the effect of Tai Chi in depression and functional walking ability.

AIM To observe the effects of ZMS and ZMR(isomer of ZMS),two active components of Zhimu on learning and memory ability and muscarinic subtype M 1 receptor density in aged rats. METHODS 24 month-old SD rats were randomly divided into aged control group, ZMS and ZMR treatment group. Young rats were used as normal control group. The learning and memory ability was detected by Y-maze method. The muscarinic subtype M 1 receptor density in the brain was detected by 3H-QNB binding tests. RESULTS It was found that daily oral administration of ZMS and ZMR for 40 d significantly enhanced the learning and memory ability and the muscarinic subtype M 1 receptor density in the brain of the aged rats. CONCLUSION These results suggested that ZMS and ZMR probably have potential preventive and curative action for the progressive deterioration of the cholinergic system in Alzheimers disease (AD).

A full-length cDNA of phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene from Andrographis paniculata was obtained through RACE-PCR. The cDNA sequence consists of 2 224 bp with an intact ORF of 1 752 bp (GeneBank: KP982892), encoding a ploypeptide of 584 amino acids. Homology analysis showed that the deduced protein has extensive sequence similarities to PDS from other plants, and contains a conserved NAD ( H) -binding domain of plant dehydrase cofactor binding-domain in N-terminal. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that ApPDS was more related to PDS of Sesamum indicum and Pogostemon cablin. The semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed that ApPDS expressed in whole aboveground tissues with the highest expression in leaves. Virus induced gene silencing (VIGS) was performed to characterize the functional of ApPDS in planta. Significant photobleaching was not observed in infiltrated leaves, while the PDS gene has been down-regulated significantly at the yellowish area. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the first report of PDS gene cloning and functional characterization from A. paniculata, which lays the foundation for further investigation of new genes, especially that correlative to andrographolide biosynthetic pathway.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Andrographis ; chemistry ; classification ; enzymology ; genetics ; Cloning, Molecular ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Oxidoreductases ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Phylogeny ; Plant Proteins ; chemistry ; genetics ; metabolism ; Sequence Alignment

Background Stromal-derived factor 1α /chemokine receptor 4(SDF-1α/CXCR4) axis is one of the important signals which mediates several different activities such as chemotaxis,adhesion,proliferation and survival resulting in recruitment to sites of immune and inflammatory reactions.Considerable evidence suggests that CXCR4/SDF-1α axis is involved in tumor angiogenesis and plays a key role in the development of ocular neovascularization.Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of CXCR4 antagonist on the development of cxperimental corneal neovascularization(CNV).Methods CNV model was established in the left eye of 8-weekold clean BALB/c mouse by putting the filter with 1 mol/L NaOH at the central cornea for 40 seconds.The animals were randomizcd into hyaluronate group and CXCR4 antagonist group,and the edydrops was topically administered respectively on the day of modeling 4 times per day for 14 days.CNV was examined under the slit lamp at the fourteenth day,and then the corneal suspension and section were made.Expressions of CXCR4 mRNA and protein in corneas were detected using RT-PCR and Western blot.The CD31 level in cornea was assayed by flowcytometry and immunochemistry.The expression of VEGF in burned corneas and suspension from mouse peritoneal macrophages stimulated with CXCR4 antagonist in vitro was detected by ELISA.The use of the animal followed Ragulations for the Administration of Affairs Concerning Experimental Animals by State Science and Technology Commission.Results Two weeks after corneal alkali burn,the growth of CNV peaked under the slit lamp.Compared with hyaluronate group,CNV was obviously decreased in the CXCR4 antagonist group.Immunochemistry showed that intensity of positive staining for CD31 in cornea in the CXCR4 antagonist group was weaker than the hyaluronate group.Flowcytometry clarified that CD31 positive cells rate was 9.50％ ±2.34％ in the CXCR4 antagonist group and 17.50％ ±3.16％ in the hyaluronate group,showing a significant difference between them (t=-7.312,P＜0.05).In 2,4,7 days after cornea alkali burn,the expressions of CXCR4 mRNA and protein were significantly enhanced in burn corneas compared with normal corneas(P＜0.01 ;P＜0.05).ELISA showed that the VEGF expression level in corneal tissue and supernatant of mouse peritoneal macrophages in vitro were significantly lower in the CXCR4 antagonist group than that of hyaluronate group(t =10.927,5.151,P＜0.05).The expression level of VEGF in corneal suspension was lower in the GM-CSH+CXCR4 antogonist group than that in the GM-CSH group (P＜0.05).Conclusions CXCR4 antagonist can reduce experimental CNV by down-regulating VEGF expression in cornea.

Objective To observe the effects of cultivation mode of autonomous learning ability in TCM formula on students’ learning capacity and comprehensive quality. Methods On the basis of inheriting the traditional teaching mode, classroom questioning, class discussion, problem-based learned teaching, simulated prescription exercises, autonomous teaching and training, the mid-term oral test, and autonomous proposition consisted of autonomous learning ability training mode diversification. In the teaching process, teachers' teaching was the primary, and was interspersed with cultivation mode of autonomous learning ability. At the end of the teaching activities, questionnaire survey method was adopted to evaluate the autonomous learning ability training mode in the teaching of TCM formula. Results 81.30%-97.74% students believed that this mode is helpful to improve their learning ability and comprehensive quality; 75.87%-98.49% students believed that it is necessary to carry out the mode in the teaching activities; 69.53% students believed that conducting mid-term examination in the form of oral teat is feasible. Conclusion The cultivation mode of autonomous learning ability for TCM formula can stimulate the learning enthusiasm of the students from various angles, raise interest in learning, arouse students’ learning enthusiasm and initiative, and further cultivate autonomous learning ability and clinical thinking ability, which can provide references for the teaching reform of TCM formula.

Objective To study the effect of brucine on the growth of a hepatocellular carcinoma cell line in vitro. Methods Brucine was added into a liver cancer cell line of SMMC-7721 in vitro, at drug concentration of brucine from 2. 5 μg/ml to 400 μg/ml. The inhibition rate of cell growth was measured by MTT technique after the cells were cultured for 72 hours. The protein and mRNA expression of PCNA,cyclin D1 and FAS were respectively assayed with Western blotting and fluorescent quantitation RT-PCR techniques at 24, 48, 72 h. Results The inhibition rate of liver cancer cell was near 100% when the brucine concentration was at 320 μg/ml. The protein and mRNA expression of FAS were of no significant difference at 24 h vs 48 h ( seperately F = 2. 547,1. 582, all P ＞ 0. 05 ), and significant difference existed at 24 h vs 72 h( seperately F = 1. 036, 1. 137, all P ＜ 0. 05 ). The protein and mRNA expression of PCNA,Cyclin D1 were of no significant difference between various time period( seperately PCNA F = 3.612,2. 174,3.029;Cyclin D1 F=2.361,2.915,1.976,all P＞0.05). Conclusions Brucine inhibits the growth of liver cancer cells, by inducing increased apoptosis of the cells probably through FAS overexpression.

Background and purpose: Although crizotinib could manifest marked antitumor activity in anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearrangement-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, but brain metastases is always occured in such patients. This study aimed to explore the efifcacy and treatment mode of crizotinib for brain metastases in ALK-rearrangement-positive NSCLC. Methods: The clinical data of 6 patients with brain metastases in ALK-rearrangement-positive NSCLC treated in 81 Hospital of PLA from Jan. 2011 to Aug. 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Three patients had brain metastases before crizotinib administration, 1 obtained partial response (PR) and 2 obtained stable disease (SD) in intracraninal tumors. The median progression free survival (PFS)for the ifrst period of crizotinib administration were 5.7 months, and the sites of ifrst disease progression were brains. All the 6 patients continued to receive crizotinib after radiotherapy with the median PFS of 4 months. One patient even experienced a median PFS of 23.3 months for the second period of crizotinib administration, and her brain tumors obtained complete response (CR). Conclusion:The data of this study suggest that crizotinib is effective for brain metastases in ALK-rearrangement-positive NSCLC, and continued administration of crizotinib after radiotherapy for isolated intracraninal tumor progression is a elective treatment option for such patients.

Objective To evaluate the effects of compound glycyrrhizin on the percentage of Th17 cells and expression of interleukin(IL)-17A in peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and to explore their relationship with therapeutic effects. Methods A total of 30 patients with mild to moderate progressive psoriasis vulgaris were randomly and equally divided into two groups:group 1 treated with compound glycyrrhizin injection, antihistamines and topical drugs, group 2 treated with antihistamines and topical drugs. Twelve healthy human subjects served as the control group. Blood samples were collected from the patients 1 day before start of treatment and after 3 weeks of treatment, and from the control group. Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)were performed to determine the percentage of Th17 cells and expression level of IL-17A respectively in the peripheral blood samples. Results Before the treatment, the percentage of Th17 cells and expression level of IL-17A were both significantly higher in the two patient groups than in the control group (all P<0.05). After the treatment, group 1 showed significant decreases in the percentage of Th17 cells and expression level of IL-17A compared with those before the treatment (both P<0.05), while no significant differences were observed in group 2 between pre-and posttreatment IL-17A expression level or Th17 cell percentage (both P>0.05). Furthermore, both Th17 cell percentage and IL-17A expression were significantly different between the two patient groups after the treatment (both P< 0.05). Conclusion Compound glycyrrhizin may treat psoriasis vulgaris by regulating Th17 cell percentage and IL-17A expression in peripheral blood.

Objective To investigate the value of the bedside index for severity in acute pancreatitis (BISAP),Ranson's,APACHE Ⅱ and computed tomography severity index (CTSI) scoring system in evaluating the severity of acute pancreatitis.Methods The clinical data of 385 patients with acute pancreatitis who were admitted to the Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University from 2005 to 2011 were retrospectively analyzed.The values of 4 scoring systems including BISAP,Ranson's,APACHE Ⅱ and CTSI in predicting the incidences of severe acute pancreatitis,local complications and death were investigated by Chi-square test and receiver operating characteristic curv e.Odds ratio (OR) was calculated.The differences of areas under the curves (AUC) were analyzed using the Z test.Results The incidences of severe acute pancreatitis,local complications and mortality of patients with BISAP score ≥ 3 were 64.4％ (56/87),16.1％ (14/87) and 8.0％ (7/87),which were significantly higher than 13.4％ (40/298),6.4％ (19/298) and 0.3 ％ (1/298) of patients with BISAP score ≤ 2 (x2 =93.4,8.1,19.7,P ＜ 0.05).The incidences of severe acute pancreatitis,local complications and mortality of patients with Ranson's score≥3 were 52.7％ (48/91),22.0％ (20/91) and 7.7％ (7/91),which were significantly higher than 16.3％ (48/294),4.4％ (13/294) and 0.3％ (1/294) of patients with Ranson's score ≤2 (x2 =49.2,27.3,18.5,P ＜0.05).The incidences of severe acute pancreatitis,local complications and mortality of patients with APACHE Ⅱ score ≥ 8 were 46.6％ (27/58),20.7％ (12/58) and 8.6％ (5/58),which were significantly higher than 21.1％ (69/327),6.4％ (21/327) and 0.9％ (3/327) of patients with APACHE Ⅱ score≤7 (x2 =17.0,12.8,14.4,P ＜0.05).The incidences of severe acute pancreatitis,local complications and mortality of patients with CTSI score ≥4 were 51.4％ (19/37),51.4％ (19/37),16.2％ (6/37),which were significantly higher than 22.2％ (77/347),4.0％ (14/347),0.6％ (2/347) of patients with CTSI score≤3 (x2 =15.1,95.3,40.1,P ＜ 0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of BISAP were 58％,89％,64％,86％,respectively,and the AUC was 0.848,which were significantly higher than the other 3 systems (Z =2.02,4.22,4.78,P ＜ 0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of CTSI were 58％,95％,51％ and 96％,respectively,and the AUC was 0.926,which was significantly higher than the other 3 systems (Z =3.99,3.24,4.06,P ＜ 0.05).The sensitivity,specificity,positive and negative predictive values of BISAP were 88％,79％,8％ and 100％,respectively,and the AUC was 0.855,with no significant difference compared with the other 3 systems (Z =0.81,0.03,0.14,P ＞ 0.05).Conclusions The accurate rate of BISAP in predicting the severe acute pancreatitis is higher than Ranson's,APACHE Ⅱ and CTSI.The accurate rate of CTSI in predicting the incidence of local complications is higher than the other 3 systems.There is no significant difference of the 4 systems in predicting the mortality.The BISAP scoring system is helpful in early diagnosis of severe acute pancreatitis,and making the individualized treatment plan,thus improving the prognosis of patients.

Objective To study the characteristics,diagnosis and therapeutic principles of postmenopausal ovarian masses. Methods The clinical data of 261 postmenopausal women were reviewed to understand the characteristics,best diagnostic measures and therapeutic principles of postmenopausal ovarian masses. Results Among the post-(menopausal) ovarian masses,27.9% were malignant and 5.36% were boundary.No symptoms were found in(44.4%) of the patients.Before operation,the characteristics of masses can be identified by B-mode sonography,color Doppler sonography and CA-125 detection.Simple adnexectomy was performed for most of the benign ovarian masses and cytoreductive surgery for malignancies. Conclusion Regular examinations should be performed on postmenopausal women for ovarian masses,and B-mode sonography,color Doppler sonography and CA-125 detection be employed in the case of necessity.Once the ovarian masses are confirmed,surgeries may be the best choice for patients.