4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase is a key enzyme of phenylpropanoid metabolic pathway in higher plant and may regulate the biosynthesis of ferulic acid in Angelica sinensis. In this study, the homology-based cloning and rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique were used to clone a full length cDNA encoding 4-coumarate coenzyme A ligase gene (4CL), and then qRT-PCR was taken for analyzing 4CL gene expression levels in the root, stem and root tissue at different growth stages of seedlings of A. sinensis. The results showed that a full-length 4CL cDNA (1,815 bp) was obtained (GenBank accession number: KT880508) which shares an open reading frame (ORF) of 1 632 bp, encodes 544 amino acid polypeptides. We found 4CL gene was expressed in all tissues including leaf, stem and root of seedlings of A. sinensis. The expressions in the leave and stem were increased significantly with the growth of seedlings of A. sinensis (P < 0.05), while it in the root showed little change. It indicates a time-space pattern of 4CL gene expression in seedlings of A. sinensis. These findings will be useful for establishing an experiment basis for studying the structure and function of 4CL gene and elucidating mechanism of ferulic acid biosynthesis and space-time regulation in A. sinensis.
Amino Acid Sequence ; Angelica sinensis ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; Cloning, Molecular ; Coenzyme A Ligases ; genetics ; DNA, Complementary ; chemistry ; Molecular Sequence Data

OBJECTIVETo investigate the role of mitochondrial calcium uniporter in cardioprotection elicited by ischemic postconditioning (Postcond).

METHODSMale Sprague-Dawley rats were used for Langendorff isolated heart perfusion. The hearts subjected to global ischemia for 30 min followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP), maximal rise/fall rate of left ventricular pressure (± dP/dtmax) were measured. The level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the coronary effluent was measured spectrophotometrically, the content of formazan of myocardium was also measured at the end of reperfusion.

RESULTCompared to I/R group, Postcond had an significant increase in the mechanical function of the left ventricle, with LDH release reduced and the content of formazan increased. Spermine, the opener of mitochondrial calcium uniporter, deteriorated the mechanical function of left ventricle and decreased the formazan content, and increased LDH release. Ruthenium red, the inhibitor of mitochondrial calcium uniporter, increased the mechanical function of the left ventricle, decreased the LDH release, but the content of formazan was not increased.

CONCLUSIONThe inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporter is involved in the mechanisms of ischemic postconditioning.

Animals ; Calcium Channels ; metabolism ; physiology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Formazans ; analysis ; Heart ; physiopathology ; Ischemic Postconditioning ; L-Lactate Dehydrogenase ; analysis ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury ; metabolism ; physiopathology ; prevention & control ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

Objective To investigate the expression and activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), its upstream molecule, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and downstream transcription factor, Ets-like protein 1 (ELK-1), in lesions of psoriasis vulgaris, and to evaluate the relationship between ERK pathway and psoriasis vulgaris. Methods Tissue samples were obtained from the lesions of 40 patients with psoriasis vulgaris and normal skin of 20 normal human controls. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to detect the expressions of phosphorylated ERK1/2, EGFR and ELK-1 in the tissue samples.Results As immunohistochemistry showed, the integrated optical density (IOD) of p-ERK1/2, p-EGFR and p-ELK-1 was 269.85 ± 57.96, 136.88 ± 30.33 and 237.61 ± 56.29 respectively in the psoriatic lesions, significantly higher than that in the normal controls ( 140.24 ± 24.42, 110.66 ± 28.99 and 119.04 ± 21.99, respectively, all P ＜ 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between the expression of p-EGFR and p-ERK1/2(r = 0.57, P ＜ 0.05) and between that of p-ERK1/2 and p-ELK-1 (r=0.72,P＜0.05) in psoriatic lesions.Conclusion The enhanced signal transduction through phosphorylated EGFR→ERK1/2→ELK-1 pathway may play a certain role in the pathophysiological process of psoriasis vulgaris.

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical presentation, pathogenesis, neuroimaging, treatment, and outcome of stroke-like migraine attacks after radiation therapy (SMART) syndrome, and to propose diagnostic criteria for this disorder.

DATA SOURCESWe searched the PubMed database for articles in English published from 1995 to 2015 using the terms of "stroke-like AND migraine AND radiation." Reference lists of the identified articles and reviews were used to retrieve additional articles.

STUDY SELECTIONData and articles related to late-onset effects of cerebral radiation were selected and reviewed.

RESULTSSMART is a rare condition that involves complex migraines with focal neurologic deficits following cranial irradiation for central nervous system malignancies. The recovery, which ranges from hours to days to weeks, can be partial or complete. We propose the following diagnostic criteria for SMART: (1) Remote history of therapeutic external beam cranial irradiation for malignancy; (2) prolonged, reversible clinical manifestations mostly years after irradiation, which may include migraine, seizures, hemiparesis, hemisensory deficits, visuospatial defect, aphasia, confusion and so on; (3) reversible, transient, unilateral cortical gadolinium enhancement correlative abnormal T2 and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery signal of the affected cerebral region; (4) eventual complete or partial recovery, the length of duration of recovery ranging from hours to days to weeks; (5) no evidence of residual or recurrent tumor; (6) not attributable to another disease. To date, no specific treatment has been identified for this syndrome.

CONCLUSIONSSMART is an extremely rare delayed complication of brain irradiation. However, improvements in cancer survival rates have resulted in a rise in its frequency. Hence, awareness and recognition of the syndrome is important to make a rapid diagnosis and avoid aggressive interventions such as brain biopsy and cerebral angiography.

Central Nervous System Neoplasms ; therapy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Migraine Disorders ; diagnosis ; etiology ; Radiation Injuries ; complications ; diagnosis ; Stroke ; diagnosis

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the advantages, disadvantages and their indications of total nasal reconstruction with different techniques.

METHODSA series of total nasal reconstruction were treated with four methods from 1975 to 2003. These methods were tubed flap of arm,midline forehead flap with skin graft, midline forehead flap with bilateral frontotemporal flaps for repairing the donor site, and expanded forehead flap.

RESULTSAll of the patients were treated successfully. The shape and function of the reconstructed noses were satisfactory. However, the traditional forehead flap with skin graft may leave a unsightly big and black scar on the forehead. The technique of the tubed flap of arm could provide enough tissue without remaining forehead scar and be easily shaped, but it required long period, multiple procedures and body fixation for three weeks.

CONCLUSIONSMidline forehead flap with bilateral frontotemporal flaps for repairing the donor site may be good for small nose reconstruction while expanded forehead flap could reconstruct a big nose. Tubed flap of arm may be used to the patients who do not wish to leave any scar on the forehead. Forehead flap with skin graft to repair the donor sit- should generally be avoided for nose reconstruction.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nose ; surgery ; transplantation ; Nose Deformities, Acquired ; surgery ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Reproducibility of Results ; Retrospective Studies ; Skin Transplantation ; methods ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVETo study relationships between the main active ingredients and physical and chemical parameters of dangguibuxue decoction, and to explore the feasibility of characterization the quality of decoction by physical and chemical parameters.

METHODSolutions of ferulic acid and astragaloside with different concentrations were prepared, of which physical and chemical parameters such as surface tension, pH value and conductivity, etc were determined at 25 degrees C. And polynomial regression analysis was used to analyze these data.

RESULTWith the increase of concentration of ferulic acid, pH value was decreased and conductivity was increased. And surface tension was decreased in the aqueous solution of astragaloside. In the combined solution of ferulic acid and astragaloside, ferulic acid was the main influencing pH value and conductivity, while astragaloside was the main factor influencing surface tension.

CONCLUSIONOn one hand, astragaloside concentration has a significant correlation with surface tension, but almost no correlation with pH value and conductivity. On the other hand, ferulic acid concentration has a strong correlation with pH value and conductivity, but almost no correlation with surface tension. In addition, each parameter has strong anti-interference ability and almost didn't change with the addition of another material. These preliminary results suggested that such characteristic parameters could be used to characterize the decoction quality.

Chemical Phenomena ; Coumaric Acids ; analysis ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Surface Tension

OBJECTIVE: To examine the serum levels of S100 calcium-binding protein A8/A9 complex (S100A8/ A9) in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and to explore the relation between the serum levels of S100A8/A9 and the degree of coronary lesion. METHODS: A total of 126 patients with coronary heart disease were enrolled from Xiangya Hospital of Central South University between September 2010 and January 2011, which included 51 patients with unstable angina pectoris (UAP group, n=51), 50 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI group, n=50), and 25 patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP group, n=25). Twenty-five healthy volunteers were served as a normal control group (NC group, n=25). According to the coronary artery lesion area, ACS patients were also divided into a single-branch group, a double-branch group and a triple-branch group. Serum levels of S100A8/A9 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay on the day when the patients admitted to the hospital and on the day after one-week treatment (UAP group + AMI group). The serum levels were compared among the various branch groups. The short-term prognosis in patients with ACS was investigated by phone follow-up after 3 months. RESULTS: 1) The S100A8/A9 level in the SAP group was significantly higher than that in the normal control group (P<0.05). The serum levels of S100A8/A9 in the UAP group and the AMI group were significantly higher than that in the SAP group (all P<0.05); There was no significant difference in the S100A8/A9 level between the UAP group and the AMI group (P>0.05); 2) After one-week standard treatment, the serum levels of S100A8/A9 in patients with ACS were significantly reduced compared with that at the admission (P<0.01), but it was still elevated compared with that in the normal control group (P<0.01); 3) The serum level of S100A8/A9 in the triple-branch group was significantly higher than that in the single-branch group and the double-branch group (both P<0.05); 4) The short-term prognosis in patients with ACS was not correlated with the serum level of S100A8/A9 (r=0.012, P> 0.05). CONCLUSION The serum level of S100A8/A9 is significantly elevated in patients with ACS, which might be positively correlated with the number of the coronary lesion branches.
Acute Coronary Syndrome ; blood ; pathology ; Angina Pectoris ; Angina, Unstable ; Coronary Artery Disease ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Humans ; Leukocyte L1 Antigen Complex ; blood ; Prognosis

Objective: To compare amplification refractory mutation system(ARMS) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) in the detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to investigate the clinical value of ddPCR. Methods: A total of 79 specimens of NSCLC, including 22 cases of cell block, 18 cases of surgical specimens, 12 cases of biopsy specimens and 27 cases of plasma samples, were analyzed for the mutation status of EGFR gene by ARMS and droplet digital PCR method. Results: In 18 cases of surgical specimens and 12 cases of biopsy specimens, the detection results by the two methods were identical with positive rates of 9/18 and 5/12, respectively. In 22 cases of effusion cell blocks, ARMS detected 19-del and L858R of EGFR gene in two cases, in which droplet digital PCR detected 19-del+ T790M mutations in one case and L858R+ T790M mutation in another. L858R mutation was detected by droplet digital PCR in one case but ARMS assay was negative. The remaining 19 cases were consistent by the two methods. In blood samples, the positive rate was 33.3%(9/27) by ARMS and 37.0%(10/27) by droplet digital PCR. Two cases showed L858R and 19-del+ T790M mutation by droplet digital PCR but ARMS assay detected only 19-del. The remaining 25 cases were consistent by the two methods. Conclusion Droplet digital PCR method is more sensitive and accurate than ARMS for the detection of EGFR mutations in pleural fluid and blood samples, can be used in clinical test.

Objective To investigate the effect of neoadjuvant chemotherapy on the expression of four molecular markers ER,PR,HER-2 and Ki6 7 ,so as to provide the basis for accurate individualized treatment of breast cancer patients.Methods We enrolled 165 breast cancer patients who underwent radical surgery in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 1,2013 to December 31,2015.Among them,62 patients received preoperative neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC group),and 103 received no adjuvant (control group).We collected all the patients'preoperative and postoperative pathological specimens;we detected the expression levels of ER,PR,HER-2 and Ki67 by immunohistochemical method.Results Compared with that in control group patients,in NAC group the change rate of ER expression was 12.1% (7/58)and 7.8% (8/103) before and after chemotherapy,respectively,with no significant difference (P=0.3 78);the change rate of PR expression was 10.3% (3/58)and 10.7% (11/103),with no significant difference (P=0.227);the change rate of HER-2 expression was 8.6% (5/58)and 22.3 (23/103),with significant difference (P=0.026);the change rate of Ki67 expression was 39.7% (23/58)and 19.4% (20/103),with significant difference (P=0.006).In addition,the effective rate of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer patients with high Ki67 expression was 63.8% (30/47), that of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with low Ki6 7 expression was 3 3 .3 % (5/15),with significant differences between the two groups (P=0.038).Conclusion Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can change the status of HER-2 and Ki6 7 in breast cancer patients,in which the high Ki6 7 expression level predicts better effect of chemo-therapy.

OBJECTIVETo study the growth rhythm of preterm appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants by investigating their physical catch-up growth characteristics.

METHODSEighty-four preterm AGA newborns (44 males and 40 females) with gestational ages between 28-36 weeks were enrolled. The weight, length and head circumference were evaluated by Z score according to the criterions of actual and corrected ages.

RESULTSThe preterm infants had the catch-up growth in weight, length and head circumference in the first year of life. The growth velocity within the first three months was the highest. The velocity in the weight catch-up was higher than that in the length.

CONCLUSIONSThe fastest growing period is the early three month of life in preterm AGA infants. The catch-up growth in weight and length is unbalanced.

Body Height ; Body Weight ; Female ; Gestational Age ; Head ; growth & development ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; growth & development ; Longitudinal Studies ; Male