A new flavonoid glycoside, (-)-2S-8-methyl-5,7,4'-trihydroxyflavanone-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), along with five known ones, quercetin-3-O-(2"-galloyl)-α-L-arabinoside (2), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-arabinoside (3), guaijaverin (4), trifolin (5) and hyperin (6), was isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus robusta. Their structures with absolute configurations were elucidated by NMR, HR-ESI-MS, CD spectra data and physicochemical methods. In addition, 2-6 were isolated from E. robusta for the first time.
Eucalyptus ; chemistry ; Flavonoids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Glycosides ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry

Objective To explore the reliability of Chinese simplified diagnostic method for acute drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) in diagnosis of acute DILI .Methods From 2008 to 2013 ,a total of 320 patients diagnosed with acute DILI were enrolled .The clinical data of them were collected .International recognized Roussel Uclaf causality assessment method (RUCAM ) was taken as control and then simplified diagnostic method for DILI in China was evaluated . Variance analysis was performed for statistical analysis .Gamma value of two diagnostic methods was calculated and the correlation was analyzed .Results Among the 320 patients with acute DILI ,according to RUCAM ,there were 39 cases (12 .19% ) with quite high probability ,193 with high probability (60 .31% ) ,74 with possibility (23 .12% ) ,11 with less possibility (3 .44% ) and three with no probability (0 .94% ) .According to simplified diagnostic method for acute DILI ,194 cases were diagnosed (60 .62% ) ,103 were suspicious (32 .19% ) and 23 were excluded (7 .19% ) .The RUCAM score of diagnosed group (7 .5 ± 1 .2) was higher than that of suspicious group (5 .3 ± 1 .3) and excluded group (2 .1 ± 1 .1) ,and the difference was statistically significant (F =239 .545 ,P< 0 .01) .The correlation analysis between these two diagnostic methods indicated that Gamma value was 0 .955 (P < 0 .01) .Conclusions The simplified diagnostic method for acute DILI in China is simple ,practical and consistent with RUCAM .It can be used as one of the clinical methods for screening acute DILI .

The traditional fermentation engineering experiment requires a reform on the experimental con-tents and teaching pattern. According to the production process of industrial enzymes, we set up a two-week comprehensive experiment. The students designed and prepared the experiment by themselves. Moreover, the pattern of self-management was used in the process and the experiment scores included the self-assess-ment and objective assessment. It was proved that the new teaching pattern increased the study interesting of students, inspired their initiative and trained their spirits of team cooperation. The teaching effect was im-proved markedly and good ideas are also put forward to solve the possible problem.

OBJECTIVETo identify the differentially expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) between esophageal squamous carcinoma (ESC) and adjacent non-tumorous tissue (NT).

METHODSThe expression levels of the miRNAs were detected in 3 fresh ESC and NT samples by hybridization with miRNAs microarray chip. Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was performed to confirm the results of the microarray analysis. The expressions of hsa-miR-126 and hsa-miR-518b in ESC were validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in another independent 15 matched samples.

RESULTSA total of 11 miRNAs exhibited differential expressions in ESC samples as compared to their expressions in the NT samples, including a 1 up-regulated miRNA and 10 down-regulated miRNAs. Compared with normal esophageal samples, the ESC tissues showed up-regulated hsa-miR-126 and down-regulated hsa-miR-518b expression.

CONCLUSIONhsa-miR-126 and hsa-miR-518b are differentially expressed in ESC, and they might play important roles in the carcinogenesis and progression of ESC.

Biomarkers, Tumor ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell ; genetics ; pathology ; Esophageal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Gene Expression Profiling ; methods ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Tumor Cells, Cultured

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Yangxue Qingnao granule (YXQNG) in treating chronic cerebrovascular insufficiency (CCI) and its possible mechanism.

METHODSEighty-three patients with CCI were randomly divided into YXQNG and nimodipine (ND) groups, the score of vertigo and the change in cerebral blood velocity before and after treatment were observed. And in the animal experiment, the authors adopted bilateral ligation of cervical carotid communis artery to establish CCI rat models in order to observe the effect of YXQNG and ND on incubation period of vertigo in rats and on memory performance.

RESULTSAfter clinical treatment, the vertigo score of YXQNG group was 2.34, and that of the ND group was 4.18, the comparison between the two groups showed that the difference was significant (P < 0.05). After treatment, the middle cerebral artery mean velocity (MCA Vm) of YXQNG group was 64.78 cm/s, vertebral artery mean velocity (VA Vm) was 29.78 cm/s, while that of ND group was 60.34 cm/s and 23.23 cm/s respectively, the comparison between these two groups showing statistical significance and the difference being obvious (P < 0.05). Experimental study showed that the rats in the model group after 12 weeks learning and memory were markedly lowered, the vertigo incubation period significantly lengthened, and compared with that of the model group, learning and memory of the YXQNG group was markedly improved and vertigo incubation period shortened, with the difference from that of the ND group insignificant, P > 0.05.

CONCLUSIONYXQNG could effectively improve CCI patients' vertigo and other clinical symptoms and increase the cerebral blood flow, lessen the vertigo incubation of model group rats, elevate model group rats' memory performance.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Animals ; Blood Flow Velocity ; drug effects ; Cerebrovascular Circulation ; drug effects ; Cerebrovascular Disorders ; complications ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Learning ; drug effects ; Male ; Memory ; drug effects ; Middle Aged ; Nimodipine ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Vasodilator Agents ; therapeutic use ; Vertigo ; etiology ; physiopathology

BACKGROUNDChronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is the most important pathophysiologic feature of sleep apnea syndrome (SAS). To explore the relationship between SAS and dementia, the effects of CIH on the expression of Nip3, neuron apoptosis and beta-amyloid protein deposit in the brain cortex of the frontal lobe of mice were evaluated in this study.

METHODSThirty male ICR mice were divided into four groups: control group (A, n = 10, sham hypoxia/reoxygenation), 2 weeks CIH group (B, n = 5), 4 weeks CIH group (C, n = 5), and 8 weeks CIH group (D, n = 10). The ICR mice were placed in a chamber and exposed to intermittent hypoxia (oxygen concentration changed periodically from (21.72 +/- 0.55)% to (6.84 +/- 0.47)% every two minutes, eight hours per day). Neuron apoptosis of the cortex of the frontal lobe was detected by means of terminal deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase-mediated in situ end labeling (TUNEL). Immunohistochemical staining was performed for measuring expression of Nip3 and beta-amyloid protein. The ultrastructure of neurons was observed under a transmission electron microscope.

RESULTSTUNEL positive neurons in each square millimeter in the cortex of the frontal lobe were categorized by median or Ri into group A (1, 5.5), group B (133, 13), group C (252, 21), and group D (318, 24). There were significant differences among the above four groups (P = 0.000). The significance test was performed between the control group and each CIH group respectively: group A and B (P > 0.05); group A and C (P < 0.01); and group A and D (P < 0.005). The number of apoptotic neurons kept increasing in the ICR mice under CIH condition, and reached the peak in the group D, but there was no significant difference between groups B and C, between groups B and D, and between groups C and D. Nip3 positive neurons in each square millimeter in the cortex of the frontal lobe in each group were calculated by median or Ri as follows: group A (2, 5.5), group B (117, 13), group C (227, 26.2), and group D (479, 21.4). There were significant differences among the four groups (P = 0.000). The statistical test was performed between the control group and each CIH group respectively: groups A and B (P > 0.05); groups A and C (P < 0.005); and groups A and D (P < 0.005). There was no significant difference between groups B and C, groups B and D, and groups C and D. The expression of Nip3 was closely correlated with neuron apoptosis in the brain (P < 0.05). The expression of beta-amyloid protein in the brain of mice was negative in all CIH groups and the control group. Ultrastructure observation showed karyopyknosis of nucleus, swelling of chondriosomes, deposit of lipofuscins and degeneration of neural sheath in all CIH groups but not in the control group.

CONCLUSIONThe results of this study indicate that CIH could up-regulate the expression of Nip3, and result in neuron apoptosis and ultrastructural changes in neurons of the frontal cortex.

Amyloid beta-Peptides ; metabolism ; Animals ; Apoptosis ; physiology ; Cerebral Cortex ; cytology ; metabolism ; ultrastructure ; Gene Expression Regulation ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Immunohistochemistry ; In Situ Nick-End Labeling ; In Vitro Techniques ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission ; Neurons ; cytology ; metabolism ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the therapeutic effects of acupotomy-injection with FENG Tian-you spinal manipulation (FSM) for treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR).

METHODSSeventy-two patients with CSR were randomly divided into two groups (n = 36 respectively): treatment and control group. The patients in treatment group were treated with acupotomy-injection combined with FSM, and patients in control group were treated with traction. All the patients were followed up for 3 months after treatment and the therapeutic effects were evaluated.

RESULTSTotally there were 72 patients and 69 completed the treatment and the other 3 patients withdraw from treatment. In treatment group, 24 patients were cured, 6 patients had remarkable effects, 4 effective and 2 ineffective; as well in control group, above data were 15, 3, 10 and 8 respectively. The comprehensive effects and the cured patients in the treatment group were obviously better than those of control group (P < 0.05). The comparison of scales for assessment of symptoms and short-form McGill Pain Questionaire before and after treatment in two groups had significant differences (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONThe method of acupotomy-injection combined with FSM for treating CSR is better than conventional traction method.

Acupuncture Therapy ; Adult ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Female ; Humans ; Injections ; Male ; Manipulation, Spinal ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Radiculopathy ; therapy ; Spondylosis ; therapy

OBJECTIVETo study the metabolic chemistry and pharmaco-dynamics characters of ligan from seeds of Arctium lappa.

METHODHPLC method was used in the study. The analysis was carried out on C18 column. The mobile phase was CH3CN-0.05% H3PO4 (36:64) with flow-rate at 0.6 mL x min(-1) and wave-length of 210 nm. The column temperature was kept at 25 degrees C.

RESULTThe results indicated that the ligan was detected in plasma and the main organs 5 min after po. The main metabolic production in plasma was arctigenin. In addition, arctigenin and an unknown product were found in metabolic production in the organs.

CONCLUSIONThe method was stable,simple and reproducible. It can be used to determine the metabolic product of the ligan. The metabolic chemistry of ligan in plasma was obviously different from that in the main organs.

Animals ; Arctium ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Furans ; blood ; metabolism ; Glucosides ; blood ; metabolism ; Lignans ; blood ; isolation & purification ; metabolism ; pharmacokinetics ; Liver ; metabolism ; Male ; Mice ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Reproducibility of Results ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Tissue Distribution

OBJECTIVETo investigate the distribution of GAD67 and the co-localization with bNOS in the main olfactory bulb of GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse.

METHODSPolymerase chain reaction was applied to identify the genotype of GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse, the animals were sacrificed and frozen sections of olfactory bulb were prepared. The Nissl-staining was performed to show an framework of the neuron in the olfactory bulb. The distribution of GAD67 and co-localization with bNOS were detected by immunofluorescence technique.

RESULTSThe proportion of GAD67-positive cells among DAPI-positive cells were (42.98 ± 0.92)% in glomerular layer, (23.64 ± 0.84)% in mitral cell layer and (77.75 ± 0.84)% in granule cell layer; the bNOS-positive cells mainly existed in glomerular layer and mitral cell layer, very few in granule cell layer. No co-localization of GAD67 and bNOS in granule cell layer and mitral cell layer was found, but there was dispersed distribution in glomerular layer.

CONCLUSIONGAD67-positive neurons mainly appear in glomerular layer and granule cell layer, and the bNOS is mostly expressed in glomerular layer and mitral cell layer; while the co-localization of GAD67 and bNOS only occurs in glomerular layer of olfactory bulb.

Animals ; Gene Knock-In Techniques ; Glutamate Decarboxylase ; genetics ; metabolism ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Neurons ; metabolism ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type I ; metabolism ; Olfactory Bulb ; metabolism ; Tissue Distribution

UNLABELLEDTo screen and analyze the apoptosis- and proliferation-related genes in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODSAccording to gene ontology classification, the abnormal expressions of the genes related to cell apoptosis and proliferation were identified in the NPC gene chip data. The cell apoptosis- and proliferation-related genes expressed in each of the 3 stages, as defined by the tree model for the pathogenesis and progression of NPC, were screened, and with literature review, their distribution in the tree model were analyzed.

RESULTSNineteen genes related to cell apoptosis were found in NPC, among which 9 were down-regulated (such as DNASE1L3) and located in the chromosome deletion regions, and 10 were up-regulated (such as DEDD) in the chromosome amplification regions. Twenty-one cell proliferation-related genes were identified, including 8 down-regulated genes (such as TUSC2) in the chromosome deletion regions and 13 up-regulated ones (such as EMP1) in the chromosome amplification regions. In the chromosome deletion regions, the down-regulated cell apoptosis-related genes participated mostly in inducing and regulating cell apoptosis, and the up-regulated cell proliferation-related genes in the chromosome amplification regions were mostly associated with the positive regulation of cell proliferation.

CONCLUSIONNPC occurs possibly through two pathways by inhibiting cell apoptosis or by promoting excessive cell proliferation.

Apoptosis ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; Chromosome Deletion ; Down-Regulation ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Humans ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis ; Up-Regulation