Objective To synthesize soybean isoflavones, and their 7-alkaline analogues and to evaluate their uterotrophic activities and anti-uterotrophic activities preliminarily. Methods The target molecules were synthesized by multi-step from resorcinol and p-substituted phenylacetic acid as the starting material. Their uterotrophic activities and anti-uterotrophic activities were evaluated by female mouse at the concentration of 1.1?10 -2 ?mol/ml and 1.85?10 -3 ?mol/ml. Results Twenty-two compounds were synthesized, among which 4 intermediates and 12 isoflavones are new compounds. Conclusion All the target molecules except for 6a show weak uterotrophic activities and high anti-uterotrophic activities.

ITS2 sequence was used as a barcode to identify herbal tea ingredient Plumeria rubra and its adulterants. Genomic DNAs from forty eight samples were extracted, the ITS2 sequences were amplified and sequenced bi-direstionlly, and then assembled and obtained using CodonCode Aligner. The sequences were aligned using ClustalW, the genetic distances were computed by kimura 2-parameter (K2P) model and the Neighbor-joining (NJ) phylogenetic trees were constructed using MEGA5.0. Results showed that the length of ITS2 sequence of P. rubra were 244 bp. The intra-specific genetic distances (0-0. 016 6) were much smaller than inter-specific ones between P. rubra and its adulterants(0.320 8-0.650 4). The NJ tree indicated that P. rubra and its adulterants could be distinguished clearly. Therefore, Using ITS2 barcode can accurately andeffectively distinguish herbal tea ingredient P. rubra from its adulterants, which providesa new molecular method to identify P. rubra and ensure its safety in use.
Apocynaceae ; classification ; genetics ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; genetics ; Drug Contamination ; prevention & control ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; classification ; Flowers ; chemistry ; classification ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Phylogeny ; Quality Control

OBJECTIVETo analyse the factors which influence the four serum fibrosis markers hyaluronic acid (HA), type III procollagen (PCIII), laminin (LN) and type IV collagen (CIV).

METHODSThe levels of serum HA, PCIII, LN and CIV were measured by RIA in 141 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), then the patients were divided into two groups according to the serum fibrosis markers, namely consistent group and inconsistent group. the liver biopsy materials were examined pathomorphologically and liver function was detected by automatic biochemistry analyzer, The interior diameters of the portal vein, the spleen vein and the thickness of the spleen were also measured with ultrasonography.

RESULTS16 patients (14.16%) whose serum fibrosis markers were inconsistent with histological stage of liver fibrosis were found. Their serum fibrosis markers were not correlated with staging of liver fibrosis (P>0.05), but were positively correlated with inflammation grade (x(2)=12.07, P<0.05), at same time, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase(AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and globulin (GLB) decreased obviously, from 89.28 U/L +/- 64.25 U/L to 49.31 U/L +/- 26.75 U/L (t=2.45, P<0.05), 66.10 U/L +/- 42.30 U/L to 40.83 U/L +/- 22.40 U/L (t=2.33, P<0.05), 86.26 U/L +/- 70.36 U/L to 48.99 U/L +/- 29.96 U/L (t=2.08, P<0.05) and 32.13 g/L +/- 5.18 g/L to 28.05 g/L +/- 3.47 g/L (t=3.03, P<0.01) respectively. And the level of albumin (ALB) and the ratio of albumin and globulin (A/G) increased evidently, from 42.34 g/L +/- 4.81 g/L to 46.19 g/L +/- 3.61 g/L (t=3.06, P<0.01) and 1.35 +/- 0.28 to 1.63 +/- 0.26 (t=3.70, P<0.01). But the serum level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBil), total protein (TP), the width of main portal vein, the width of splenic vein and the thickness of the spleen did not change clearly (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONAs diagnostic markers, serum fibrosis markers as well as inflammation grade and liver function should be taken into account.

Adult ; Alanine Transaminase ; blood ; Aspartate Aminotransferases ; blood ; Biomarkers ; Female ; Globulins ; analysis ; Humans ; Liver ; physiopathology ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; diagnosis ; physiopathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Serum Albumin ; analysis ; gamma-Glutamyltransferase ; blood

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of mild moxibustion on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) visceral hyperalgesiamodel rats and its regulatory effect on P2X3 receptors in the spinal cord, anterior cingutate cortex (ACC) and thalamic ventral posterolateral nucleus (VPL). Methods: Thirty 8-day-old newborn rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n=6) and a modeling group (n=24) according to the completely random number table method. Rats in the normal group were bred routinely, and those in the modeling group were subjected to preparing IBS chronic visceral hyperalgesia model using colorectal distention (CRD) in stimulation method. Rats successfully modelled were re-divided into a model group, a mild moxibustion group, a P2X3 receptor antagonist group, and a normal saline group according to the completely random number table method with 6 rats in each group. Rats in each group received corresponding interventions from the 37-day old, once a day for 7 consecutive days. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot assays were used to detect P2X3 protein expressions in the spinal cord, ACC and VPL of rats. Results: Under different intensities of CRD stimulation, the abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) scores of the model group were significantly increased versus the normal group (all P<0.05); the AWR scores of the mild moxibustion group and the P2X3 receptor antagonist group were significantly reduced versus the model group (all P<0.01). The P2X3 protein expressions in rat spinal cord, ACC and VPL tissues of the model group were significantly increased versus the normal group (all P<0.01); the P2X3 protein expressions in rat spinal cord, ACC and VPL tissues of the mild moxibustion group and the P2X3 receptor antagonist group were significantly reduced versus the model group (all P<0.01). Conclusion: Mild moxibustion can inhibit the P2X3 receptor expressions in the spinal cord, ACC, and VPL tissues of IBS visceral hyperalgesia model rats, which may be the mechanism of mild moxibustion in relieving the central sensitization of rats with IBS visceral hyperalgesia.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-IMS) has been a classical technique for studying proteomics in present and a tool for analyzing the distribution of proteins and small molecules within biological tissue sections. MALDI-TOF-IMS can analyze multiple unknown compounds in biological tissue sections simultaneously through a single measurement which can obtain molecule imaging of the tissue while maintaining the integrity of cellular and molecules in tissue. In recent years, imaging mass spectrometry technique develops relatively quickly in all biomedical domain. This paper based on the relevant data and reviews the present developing level of MALDI-TOF-IMS, the principle of imaging mass spectrometry, methology and the prospect in forensic pathology.
Diagnostic Imaging ; Forensic Sciences/methods* ; Humans ; Male ; Proteins ; Proteomics ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of traditional Chi-nese medicine therapy in the treatment of single blister viral keratitis. Methods One hundred twelve patients of single blister viral keratitis were randomly divided into control group ( n=52 , 80 eyes ) and treat-ment group ( n=60, 83 eyes).Patients in control group were given acy-clovir eye drops, each times was 0.05 mL bid, a period of treatment was 0.5 mL with 2 to 3 periods.Patients in treatment group were given clear-ing liver-fire traditional Chinese medicine therapy, 1 day 1 agent, 3 times with boiling form, the first and second oral, third smoked eyes, a period of treatment was 5 agents with 2 to 3 periods.Comparison of the clinical efficacy, vision and incidence of adverse drug reactions in two groups was performed.Results Total effective rate in treatment group was significantly higher than that in control group (98.79%vs 82.50%, P<0.05).After treatment, the vision was better than control group with statistically significant (P<0.05).The incidence of adverse drug reac-tions were not significantly different between two groups ( P >0.05 ) . Conclusion Clearing liver -fire traditional Chinese medicine therapy can improve the clinical efficacy without increasing the adverse drug reac-tions in the treatment of single blister viral keratitis.

Background:The information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) model of health behavior is an effective tool to evaluate the behavior of diabetes self-management.The purpose of this study was to explore behavioral factors affecting the practice of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) within the frame of IMB model of health behavioral among adult patients with type 1 diabetes in a single diabetes clinic in China.Methods:A questionnaire with three subscales on SMBG information,motivation,and behavioral skills based on IMB model was developed.Validity and reliability of the measures were examined and guaranteed.Adult patients with type 1 diabetes visiting our diabetes clinic from January to March 2012 (n =55) were consecutively interviewed.The self-completion questionnaires were administered and finished at face-to-face interviews among these patients.Both descriptive and correlational analyses were made.Results:Fifty-five patients finished the questionnaires,with the median duration of diabetes 4.5 years and the median of SMBG frequency 2.00.Specific SMBG information deficits,motivation obstacles,and behavioral skill limitations were identified in a substantial proportion of participants.Scores of SMBG motivation (r =0.299,P =0.026) and behavioral skills (r =0.425,P =0.001) were significantly correlated with SMBG frequency.The multiple correlation of SMBG information,SMBG motivation,and SMBG behavioral skills with SMBG frequency was R =0.411 (R2 =0.169,P =0.023).Conclusions:Adult patients with type 1 diabetes in our clinic had substantial SMBG information deficits,motivation obstacles,and skill limitations.This information provided potential-focused education targets for diabetes health-care providers.

OBJECTIVETo identify related factors of job burnout in Shanghai employees.

METHODSFour hundred fifty-six employees in Shanghai were investigated in this study. Self-administered questionnaires were used to assess job burnout and job stress, based on Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Job Demand-Control model as well as Effort-Reward Imbalance Model. Hierarchical linear regression was employed to analyze the relationship of job burnout to personal characteristics and job stress.

RESULTSThe indexes of three dimensions of job burnout were emotional exhaustion 19.70 +/- 8.92, depersonalization 11.95 +/- 4.45 and reduced personal accomplishment 28.10 +/- 10.08. Job stress was found to be affected differently in three dimensions of job burnout. Job demand, effort and over-commitment had positive impact on emotional exhaustion. Job control had a negative association with emotional exhaustion. There were significant relationship between depersonalization and age, sex and education of employees. Job control, reward and over-commitment affected the index of depersonalization. Education level and social support increased personal accomplishment index.

CONCLUSIONIt is necessary to reduce job stress and care about personal characteristics in preventing job burnout.

Adult ; Burnout, Professional ; epidemiology ; psychology ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Occupational Health ; Personality Inventory ; Regression Analysis ; Social Support ; Stress, Psychological ; epidemiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires

OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic efficiency of antiviral treatment with pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN) for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and to explore whether liver histopathological features or other factors influence the HBeAg seroconversion treatment response.

METHODSEighty HBeAg-positive CHB patients with diagnosis confirmed by liver puncture were treated with Peg-IFN(2a or 2b)body weight dose, once weekly). At treatment week 48, the rate of HBeAg seroconversion was determined and used to analyze the influence of liver histopathological features (liver biopsy assessment of: inflammation, graded G0 to G4; fibrosis stage, graded S0 to S4), sex, age, differential levels (pre-treatment baseline vs. week 48 post-treatment) of serum alanine transferase (ALT), and HBV DNA, by binary logistic analysis.

RESULTSAt week 48, the overall rate of HBeAg seroconversion was 30.0%. The rate of HBeAg seroconversion gradually advanced with increased liver inflammation (X2 = 8.435, P = 0.015): 9.09% of the 22 patients with G1; 31.58% of the 38 patients with G2; 47.30% of the 19 patients with G3; the one patient with G4. In contrast, the rate of HBeAg seroconversion showed a much weaker association with liver fibrosis (X2 = 5.917, P = 0.116). Only baseline HBeAg level, and no other baseline index, was significantly different between the patients who achieved HBeAg seroconversion and those who did not. Liver inflammation and baseline HBeAg level were identified as influencing factors of HbeAg seroconversion in response to Peg-IFN treatment.

CONCLUSIONPeg-IFN therapy induces a higher rate of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with severe liver inflammation; histological analysis of pre-treatment liver biopsies may help to identify patients most likely to benefit from the antiviral regimen.

Adult ; Antiviral Agents ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; blood ; Hepatitis B, Chronic ; blood ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Humans ; Interferon-alpha ; therapeutic use ; Liver ; pathology ; Male ; Polyethylene Glycols ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Serologic Tests

OBJECTIVESUsing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to compare the value of platelet derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), hyaluronic acid (HA), type III procollagen (PCIII), type IVcollagen (C-IV) and laminin (LN) in serum and message RNA (mRNA) expression of TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in peripheral blood mononucleocytes (PBMC) to diagnose liver fibrosis.

METHODSSerum samples from 60 chronic hepatitis B patients and 20 healthy blood donors were assayed for serum level of PDGF-BB, TGF-beta1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 with ELISA, and for serum level of HA, PCIII, C-IV and LN, with RIA. The mRNA expression of TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in PBMC was detected by RT-PCR. Liver biopsy was performed in all those patients. The biopsy materials were examined histopathologically.

RESULTSThrough the analysis by ROC curve, serum PDGF-BB is the most valuable marker, and its sensitivity was the highest among eight indices. The marker with the highest specificity was TIMP-1 mRNA in PBMCs. The area under the curve (AUC) of PDGF-BB, TIMP-1, HA, PCIII, C-IV, LN, TIMP-1 mRNA was 0.985, 0.726, 0.318, 0.728, 0.727, 0.583, 0.463, 0.876, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of combination of PDGF-BB and TIMP-1 mRNA were 97.4%, 95.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONSerum PDGF-BB is the most potential index among eight markers. The combination of serum PDGF-BB and TIMP-1 mRNA in PBMC might be more efficient to screen liver fibrosis.

Adult ; Collagen Type III ; blood ; Collagen Type IV ; blood ; Female ; Humans ; Hyaluronic Acid ; blood ; Laminin ; blood ; Liver Cirrhosis ; blood ; diagnosis ; Male ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Platelet-Derived Growth Factor ; analysis ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-sis ; Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 ; blood ; Transforming Growth Factor beta ; blood ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1