The paper is aimed to study the difference in yield and quality at different harvest time and determine the optimum harvest of planting Gentiana in Ludian traditional harvest period. The authors analyzed the variation in fresh weight, dry weight, dry discount rate, length, diameter, volume and the content of gentiopicroside, loganin acid, alcohol-soluble extract and total ash and made a comprehensive appraisal of yield, appearance quality and intrinsic quality by gray relational distance ideal Comprehensive Evaluation method. The results showed that there is a big difference in yield and quality both 2-year-old and 3-year-old Gentiana harvested in traditional harvest period and the comprehensive evaluation more better when harvested more later. It can be seen, Gentiana harvested the later had a better yield and quality in Ludian traditional harvest period. The harvest of Gentiana can be appropriate delayed depending on the particular circumstances of production.
Agriculture ; methods ; China ; Gentiana ; anatomy & histology ; growth & development ; metabolism ; Iridoid Glucosides ; metabolism ; Organ Size ; Quality Control ; Time Factors

The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) and the implantation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on cardiac function of ischemic hearts in canines. The left anterior descending artery (LAD) was occluded to establish the canine model of acute myocardial infarct (AMI). Four weeks later, the animals were randomly divided into four groups: TMLR group, in which transmyocardial laser-induced channels were established at the ischemic region; EPCs+TMLR group, in which EPCs were locally transplanted into laser-induced channels at the ischemic region; EPCs group, in which the EPCs were injected into the ischemic region; control group, in which the AMI animals received neither TMLR nor EPCs. The peripheral blood (50 mL) was sampled in all groups. Mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood were separated and cultured to obtain spindle-shaped attaching (AT) cells in vitro. AT cells were labeled with 1, 1'-dioctadecyl-1 to 3,3, 3',3'-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) before injecting into the laser-induced channels or ischemic region. Four weeks after the first operation, TMLR was performed in the TMLR group and EPCs+TMLR group, and at the same time, the EPCs originating from the AT cells were mixed with calcium alginate (CA). Then the EPCs-CA composites were implanted into myocardial channels induced by laser in the EPCs+TMLR group, and into the myocardial infarct area in the EPCs group. All dogs underwent echocardiography at second month after LAD occlusion. Finally the samples of myocardium around the LAD were subjected to histochemical and immunohistologic examinations. The results showed there was no significant difference in the diameter of left atrium and ventricle before treatment among all groups (P>0.05). Eight weeks after modeling, the regional contractility in the LAD territory in the EPCs+TMLR group was increased as compared with control group and TMLR group, but there was no significant difference between control group and TMLR group. Neoangiogenesis was observed in the EPCs+TMLR group, and the fibrosis was seen in the TMLR group. There was no significant difference in neoangiogenesis around the channels induced by laser among EPCs+TMLR, EPCs and TMLR groups. It was concluded that TMLR combined with EPCs could improve the regional and global cardiac function in AMI, and augment neovascularizaiton in channels of ischemic myocardium induced by laser.

OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of tilianin(TIL)on brain tissue in rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS:Totally 120 male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group(0.9% sodium chloride solution),model group(0.9% sodium chloride solution),nimodipine group(32 mg/kg)and TIL low-dose and medium-dose,high-dose groups(4, 8,16 mg/kg),with 20 rats in each group. The rats were given relevant medicine intragastrically,once a day,for consecutive 7 d. 15 min after last medication,cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established by reforming suture-occluded method. The neurological deficit score in rats were evaluated, and percentage of cerebral infarction volume of rats was determined. Histopathological changes of brain tissue were observed by HE staining. The activities of SOD,CAT and LDH,MDA content in cerebral tissue of rats were determined. The expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide(CGRP)and peripheral vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) protein were determined by Western blot assay. RESULTS:Compared with sham operation group,neurological deficit score and percentage of cerebral infarction volume of model group were increased significantly(P＜0.01);the nerve cells in brain tissue were significantly reduced and the interstitial edema was obvious. SOD and CAT activities were decreased significantly,LDH activity was increased significantly,MDA content was decreased significantly,protein expression of CGRP and VEGFR2were increased significantly(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). Compared with model group,neurological deficit score of nimodipine group,TIL medium-dose and high-dose groups were decreased significantly;percentage of cerebral infarction volume was decreased significantly (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01);above pathological conditions of cerebral tissue in rats were relieved significantly;SOD and CAT activities were strengthened significantly,MDA content and LDH activities were decreased significantly,protein expression of CGRP and VEGFR2were increased significantly (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01). CONCLUSIONS: TIL has certain protective effects on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury model rats,and its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of CGRP and VEGFR2expression.

AIM: To evaluate the anatomic and visual outcomes of 25-gauge vitrectomies combined with air tamponade for the treatment of idiopathic macular hole (IMH).METHODS: Thirty eyes of 27 patients with IMH were included in this prospective interventional study.All patients underwent 25-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) combined with phacoemulsification and air tamponade.Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), perimetry and multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) were conducted before and after the operation.Anatomical changes were evaluated with optical coherence tomography (OCT).RESULTS: The macular holes closed successfully in 28 eyes after the primary vitrectomy.The mean BCVA improved from 0.72±0.22 logMAR preoperatively to 0.29±0.18 logMAR postoperatively (P<0.001).In the visual field of central 10°, the average mean deviation (MD) decreased from-3.59±1.83 dB preoperatively to-2.51±1.36 dB postoperatively (P<0.001) and the average pattern standard deviation (PSD) decreased from 1.86±0.68 dB preoperatively to 1.33±0.32 dB postoperatively (P=0.001).The retinal response densities of mfERG in the foveal and perifoveal area increased significantly, and implicit times of rings 4-6 prolonged significantly (P<0.05).The symptom duration and baseline N1 amplitude densities at ring 1 had a significant impact on postoperative BCVA (P<0.001, P=0.001, respectively).CONCLUSION: The 25-gauge PPV and air tamponade with 1 day prone positioning produce favorable anatomic and functional outcomes.

The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMLR) and the implantation of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) on cardiac function of ischemic hearts in canines. The left anterior descending artery (LAD) was occluded to establish the canine model of acute myocardial infarct (AMI). Four weeks later, the animals were randomly divided into four groups: TMLR group, in which transmyocardial laser-induced channels were established at the ischemic region; EPCs+TMLR group, in which EPCs were locally transplanted into laser-induced channels at the ischemic region; EPCs group, in which the EPCs were injected into the ischemic region; control group, in which the AMI animals received neither TMLR nor EPCs. The peripheral blood (50 mL) was sampled in all groups. Mononuclear cells from the peripheral blood were separated and cultured to obtain spindle-shaped attaching (AT) cells in vitro. AT cells were labeled with 1, 1'-dioctadecyl-1 to 3,3, 3',3'-tetramethyl-indocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) before injecting into the laser-induced channels or ischemic region. Four weeks after the first operation, TMLR was performed in the TMLR group and EPCs+TMLR group, and at the same time, the EPCs originating from the AT cells were mixed with calcium alginate (CA). Then the EPCs-CA composites were implanted into myocardial channels induced by laser in the EPCs+TMLR group, and into the myocardial infarct area in the EPCs group. All dogs underwent echocardiography at second month after LAD occlusion. Finally the samples of myocardium around the LAD were subjected to histochemical and immunohistologic examinations. The results showed there was no significant difference in the diameter of left atrium and ventricle before treatment among all groups (P>0.05). Eight weeks after modeling, the regional contractility in the LAD territory in the EPCs+TMLR group was increased as compared with control group and TMLR group, but there was no significant difference between control group and TMLR group. Neoangiogenesis was observed in the EPCs+TMLR group, and the fibrosis was seen in the TMLR group. There was no significant difference in neoangiogenesis around the channels induced by laser among EPCs+TMLR, EPCs and TMLR groups. It was concluded that TMLR combined with EPCs could improve the regional and global cardiac function in AMI, and augment neovascularizaiton in channels of ischemic myocardium induced by laser.
Animals ; Coronary Circulation ; Coronary Vessels ; pathology ; surgery ; Dogs ; Humans ; Muscle Contraction ; physiology ; Myocardial Ischemia ; pathology ; therapy ; Myocardium ; pathology ; Neovascularization, Physiologic ; physiology ; Stem Cell Transplantation ; methods ; Stem Cells ; Transmyocardial Laser Revascularization ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the efficacy and toxicity of methotrexate (MTX) give intravenously in the primary treatment of gestational trophoblastic tumor (GTT).

METHODSA total of 37 patients with low-risk GTT was primarily treated by single MTX in Women's Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University. Data on the patients' age, clinical stage, WHO classification criteria, antecedent pregnancy, presenting level of human chorionic gonadotropin, courses of chemotherapy required to achieve complete remission, and toxicity related to chemotherapy treatments were collected.

RESULTSThirty-seven patients with low-risk GTT totally received 137 cycles of MTX between Oct. 1999 and Sep. 2002, 34 patients (91.9%) achieved complete remission. Twenty-nine patients received multiple courses of MTX, complete remission was induced in 26 patients (89.7%). The complete response rates of I stage and III stage were 100.0% and 70.0% (P = 0.03) respectively in patients who were received multiple courses of MTX. However, eight patients received single course of chemotherapy, 7 patients achieved complete remission, and 1 achieved complete remission after another additional course of MTX was conducted. Grade III side effects (WHO criteria) only appeared in 7 courses (5.1%) during MTX treatment. Follow-up data showed that only one patient with single course of chemotherapy relapsed after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONSingle MTX chemotherapy may be effective and well tolerated for low-risk GTT.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic ; administration & dosage ; Choriocarcinoma ; drug therapy ; Drug Administration Schedule ; Female ; Gestational Trophoblastic Disease ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Methotrexate ; administration & dosage ; Pregnancy ; Uterine Neoplasms ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo evaluate a new reliable surgical technique for correction the congenital cupped ear.

METHODSWith 96 patients, a stainless steel wire was introduced to suspend auricular cartilage on the pericranium after the cupped ear was corrected. The follow-ups were carried out after the operation.

RESULTSUp to 3 years follow-ups with 52 cases, the results were satisfactory and durable.

CONCLUSIONSThe above mentioned technique could be a reliable way to correct mild and moderate cupped ear abnormalities.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Ear ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Orthodontic Wires ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; instrumentation ; methods ; Steel ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo introduce a new technique for the treatment of helical keloid.

METHODSThe procedure consisted of two steps. In the first step, a kidney-shaped expander of 50 ml was placed subcutaneously in the retroauricular area. Routine inflation with normal saline followed. In the second step, about two months afterwards, the expander was taken out and the helical keloid was excised. The expanded flap was advanced to cover the wound.

RESULTSThe operation has been performed on 12 patients of 16 sites of helical keloid since 2000. Postoperative follow-up from 3 months to 2 years revealed satisfactory results. The reconstructed ear maintained a good contour.

CONCLUSIONThe technique creates a retroauricular flap rich in blood supply, which can be used to close the defect left by helical keloid excision. It provides a good treatment for the helical keloid replaced with normal skin from the mastoid region.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; Ear ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Keloid ; surgery ; Male ; Surgery, Plastic ; methods ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo explore the mechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in manganese chloride (MnCl(2))-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells.

METHODSThe model that MnCl(2) induced apoptosis in PC12 cells was established. The apoptotic effect of MnCl(2) on PC12 cells was analyzed with the MTT, the flow cytometry and the DNA fragmentation. The production of ROS and ATP in MnCl(2)-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells was examined. The influence of MnCl(2) on the expression of bcl-xl, bax and the activity of Caspase 3 was also analyzed.

RESULTSMnCl(2) triggered PC12 cells apoptosis in a dose-and time-dependent manner (P < 0.01). The rate of apoptosis was significantly increased (P < 0.01) when MnCl(2) of 2 mmol/L induced PC12 cells for 36 hours. The production of ROS was increased (P < 0.001) and the quantity of ATP was decreased (P < 0.01) in PC12 cells with the same inducement of MnCl(2). The expression of bcl-xl was inhibited and the bax was activated in this process (P < 0.01). Caspase 3 was also activated (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONMnCl(2) induces apoptosis of PC12 cells, which is related to the increase of ROS, the inhibition of the mitochondria and the activation of Caspase 3.

Adenosine Triphosphate ; biosynthesis ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Caspase 3 ; metabolism ; Chlorides ; toxicity ; DNA Fragmentation ; drug effects ; Manganese Compounds ; PC12 Cells ; Rats ; Reactive Oxygen Species ; metabolism ; bcl-2-Associated X Protein ; biosynthesis ; bcl-X Protein ; biosynthesis

This study investigated the effects of benazepril administered in the morning or evening on the diurnal variation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and clock genes in the kidney. The male Wistar rat models of 5/6 subtotal nephrectomy (STNx) were established. Animals were randomly divided into 4 groups: sham STNx group (control), STNx group, morning benazepril group (MB) and evening benazepril group (EB). Benazepril was intragastrically administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/day at 07:00 and 19:00 in the MB group and EB group respectively for 12 weeks. All the animals were synchronized to the light:dark cycle of 12:12 for 12 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), 24-h urinary protein excretion and renal function were measured at 11 weeks. Blood samples and kidneys were collected every 4 h throughout a day to detect the expression pattern of renin activity (RA), angiotensin II (AngII) and aldosterone (Ald) by radioimmunoassay (RIA) and the mRNA expression profile of clock genes (bmal1, dbp and per2) by real-time PCR at 12 weeks. Our results showed that no significant differences were noted in the SBP, 24-h urine protein excretion and renal function between the MB and EB groups. There were no significant differences in average Ald and RA content of a day between the MB group and EB group. The expression peak of bmal1 mRNA was phase-delayed by 4 to 8 h, and the diurnal variation of per2 and dbp mRNA diminished in the MB and EB groups compared with the control and STNx groups. It was concluded when the similar SBP reduction, RAAS inhibition and clock gene profile were achieved with optimal dose of benazepril, morning versus evening dosing of benazepril has the same renoprotection effects.
Animals ; Antihypertensive Agents ; administration & dosage ; Benzazepines ; administration & dosage ; CLOCK Proteins ; metabolism ; Circadian Rhythm ; Drug Chronotherapy ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Hypertension, Renal ; drug therapy ; physiopathology ; Kidney ; drug effects ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Male ; Nephrectomy ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Renin-Angiotensin System ; drug effects ; Treatment Outcome