Plant samples were collected and investigated periodically. According to the growth of different parts and the characteristics of dry substance accumulation of Scrophularia ningpoensis, the development of S. ningpoensis could be divided into four stages: seeding stage, stem and leaf growth stage, expanding period of root tubers, and dry substance accumulation stage of root tuber. Leaf numbers of S. ningpoensis grew gradually from one at first to 370 at the final stage, main stem leaf were 50 pieces. Leaf size increasesed with the fastest growth at the stem and leaf growth stage, average daily increase amount was 225 cm2. By the middle of August, leaf size reached to 16,270 cm2. Leaf area indexrose sharply in the seeding stage, and remained above 8 among stem and leaf growth stage and expanding period of root tubers, and rapidly reduced to zero in the stage of dry substance accumulation of root tuber. Leaf area ratio has a tendency of obvious dropping. The net assimilation rate had a small change ranges, two small peak were seeding stage and dry substance accumulation of root tuber. The value of specific leaf area was higher in seeding stage, and in the earlier stage of dry substance accumulation of root tuber. Relative growth rate changed with large ranges, higher in seeding stage, rapid decrease in stem and leaf growth stage, rose in expanding period of root tubers, and declined again in the stage of dry substance accumulation of root tuber. Crop growth rate was higher in the first and last stages, and smaller in interim stage. The growth parameters of S. ningpoensis such as relative growth rate, net assimilation rate, leaf area index, leaf area ratio, specific leaf area, crop growth rate changed along with the growth. The rule of dry matter accumulation was as follows: the dry matter increased slowly during the seeding stage and speeded up in the middle and late stages, and in dry substance accumulation of root tuber increased slower, the growth of dry matter all appeared an "S" curve, and accorded with logistic equation. Cultivation technologies of S. ningpoensis and the relevant management methods could be established according to the growth of different parts of S. ningpoensis and the characteristics of dry substance accumulation in different stage.
China ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Plant Leaves ; growth & development ; Plant Roots ; growth & development ; Plant Stems ; growth & development ; Plant Tubers ; growth & development ; Scrophularia ; growth & development

ObjectiveTo examine the relationship between ankle brachial index (ABI) and the extent of coronary stenosis and evaluate the usefulness of ABI to predict the extent of coronary stenosis in old patients.Methods118 patients with coronary angiography were examined by ABI and hemostatic factors evaluation in addition to history collection.ResultsABI was inversely and significantly associated with Gensini score. ABI reduced significantly (P<0.001) in the patients with 3-vessel or left main coronary artery disease (CAD). But there were no significant differences in ABI among the patients with no CAD, 1-vessel or 2-vessel CAD. The corresponding area under the ROC curve was 0.75±0.045, with 95% CI=0.67～0.84 (P<0.001) in ABI in 3-vessel or left main CAD. When ABI≤0.9, it had a relatively high specificity (89.1%) and sensitivity (55.6%) for predicting the presence of 3-vessel disease or left main CAD.ConclusionIn the old patients, ABI is inversely and significantly associated with the extent of coronary stenosis, and ABI≤0.9 has a relatively high specificity and sensitivity for predicting the presence of 3-vessel or left main CAD.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of water extracts of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus (CREF) on the proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric carcinoma cells (SGC-7901) and determine the optimal proportion of Coptidis rhizoma to Evodiae fructus.

METHODSThe growth inhibition of SGC-7901 cells treated with the water extracts of CREF of varying proportions was tested with MTT assay. The cell apoptotic rate and mitochondrial membrane potential were analyzed with flow cytometry.

RESULTSThe water extract of CREF with Coptidis Rhizoma: Evodiae Fructus proportions at 1:6, 2:5, 3:4, 4:3, 5:2, and 6:1 all significantly inhibited the growth of SGC-7901 cells after a 24-h or 48-h treatment (P<0.05). The growth inhibition and cell death ratio both exhibited a dose-dependent pattern of Coptidis Rhizoma. Flow cytometry analysis showed that, after treatment of the cells with CREF at the proportions of 1:6, 2:5, 3:4, 4:3, 5:2, and 6:1, the apoptotic rate were (8.50 ∓ 1.59)%, (9.90 ∓ 1.01)%, (17.15∓1.68)%, (21.55 ∓ 1.97)%, (34.10 ∓ 1.06)% and (34.40 ∓ 1.02)%, respectively, all significantly higher than that in the control group [(1.69 ∓ 1.91)%, P<0.05]. JC-1 Kit staining showed that mitochondrial membrane potential of SGC-7901 cells was decreased and the ratio of green to red fluorescence increased significantly after incubation with CREF.

CONCLUSIONCREF can inhibit the growth and induce apoptosis of SGC-7901 cells, and the strongest effect is achieved at the optimal proportion of Coptidis Rhizoma and Evodiae Fructus at 6:1.

Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic ; pharmacology ; Apoptosis ; drug effects ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; Drug Compounding ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Evodia ; chemistry ; Humans ; Stomach Neoplasms ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo discuss the effect of Taohong Siwu Decoction (TSD) in regulating functions of endothelial cells and treating arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).

METHODSThe ASO model was prepared by using high-fat diet plus intimal injury. They were randomly divided into the model group (n = 10), the normal control group (n = 9), the low dose TSD group (group A, n = 12), the middle dose TSD group (group B, n = 10), and the high dose TSD group (group C, n = 9). Eight weeks after modeling, the limb blood perfusion was observed using laser Doppler flowmetry. The arterial morphology was observed using light microscope and transmission electron microscope. The number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) was determined using Percoll density gradient centrifugation method. Serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1, ET-1, and NO were detected using double antibody sandwich assay of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTSThe ASO rat model was successfully established. Blood lipids levels significantly increased, the blood perfusion of left hind limbs significantly decreased, the number of CECs in the peripheral blood significantly increased, the arterial lumen was irregularly narrowed, the ultra-structure of vessel walls was damaged, serum levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1, and ET-1 significantly increased, and the serum level of NO significantly decreased in the model group, showing statistical difference when compared with the normal control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, significant improvement in the aforesaid indices was shown in group B and C (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONSThe injury and abnormal functions of endothelial cells is an important pathological process of ASO. As an effective recipe for treating ASO, TSD could protect vascular endothelial cells and improve the secretion function of vascular endothelial cells.

Animals ; Arteriosclerosis Obliterans ; blood ; drug therapy ; Diet, High-Fat ; adverse effects ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Endothelial Cells ; metabolism ; Endothelin-1 ; blood ; Endothelium, Vascular ; cytology ; Interleukin-1 ; blood ; Male ; Nitric Oxide ; blood ; Rats ; Rats, Wistar ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; blood

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effect of Qilin Pills combined with clomiphene on idiopathic oligoasthenospermia.

METHODSWe randomly assigned 300 patients with idiopathic oligoasthenospermia to a trial (n = 156) and a control group (n = 144) to be treated with Qilin Pills (6 g, tid) combined with clomiphene (50 mg, qd) and clomiphene alone (50 mg, qd), respectively, both for a course of 12 weeks. Before and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, we determined sperm concentration, the percentages of grade a and grade a + b sperm, sperm motility, and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and testosterone (T), followed by evaluation of the clinical efficacy of Qilin Pills with the pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses as the secondaty therapeutic indexes.

RESULTSCompared with the baseline, both groups of patients showed remarkably improved semen parameters and hormone levels after treatment (all P < 0.01). After 4, 8, and 12 weeks of medication, statistically significant differences were observed between the trial and control groups in sperm concentration ([17.06 ± 2.24] vs [15.07 ± 2.48], [22.10 ± 2.65] vs [18.11 ± 2.97], and [28.13 ± 3.59] vs [21.21 ± 3.60] x 10(6)/mL, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a sperm ([15.03 ± 2.39] vs [13.08 ± 2.51], [21.08 ± 3.16] vs [16.04 ± 3.05], and [28.08 ± 4.70] vs [20.14 ± 4.74]%, P < 0.01), the percentage of grade a + b sperm ([30.10 ± 5.07] vs [26.21 ± 3.96], [38.08 ± 5.64] vs [30.07 ± 4.80], and [48.04 ± 6.49] vs [35.28 ± 4.77]%, P < 0.01), sperm motility ([42.04 ± 4.86] vs [40.29 ± 4.19], [52.05 ± 5.58] vs [48.03 ± 4.40], and [65.03 ± 5.13] vs [56.67 ± 4.99]%), the FSH level ([7.75 ± 1.38] vs [7.20 ± 1.17], [10.83 ± 1.23] vs [9.10 ± 1.32], and [14.22 ± 0.84] vs [12.06 ± 1.45] IU/L, P < 0.01), the LH level ([10.05 ± 1.68] vs [9.18 ± 1.54], [13.96 ± 1.68] vs [11.99 ± 1.71], and [19.01 ± 2.42] vs [15.86 ± 2.08] IU/L, P < 0.01) and the T level ([19.19 ± 192] vs [18.34 ± 1.79] [21.06 ± 1.63] vs [20.06 ± 1.56], and [24.63 ± 1.06] vs [22.03 ± 1.49] nmol/L, P < 0.01). The pregnancy rate in the patients' spouses was significantly higher in the trial than in the control group at 4, 8, and 12 weeks (1.92 vs 0.69, 4.81 vs 3.47, and 11.54 vs 8.33%, P < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences in drug tolerance between the two groups (P > 0.05). No obvious adverse reactions were observed.

CONCLUSIONQilin Pills combined with clomiphene can evidently improve the seminal quality and hormone level of oligoasthenospermia patients with no obvious adverse events. However, its long-term efficacy and tolerance deserve further clinical investigation.

Asthenozoospermia ; blood ; drug therapy ; Clomiphene ; therapeutic use ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Fertility Agents ; therapeutic use ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone ; blood ; Humans ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Rate ; Semen ; Sperm Count ; Sperm Motility ; Spermatozoa ; Testosterone ; blood

OBJECTIVETo study the thin layer chromatographic (TLC) fingerprint of flavonoid constituents from Polygonatum odoratum, to set up the identification protocol of the herbal and provide scientific information for its quality control.

METHODThe ethanol extracts were separated on silica gel G precoated plate with a mixture of toluene-ethylacetate-formic acid (5:4:1) as the mobile phase. The spots were visualized with ammonia vapor, then were examined under ultraviolet light (365 nm). The plate was scanned at wavelengths of lambdaR = 500 nm, lambdaS = 280 nm.

RESULTA fingerprint of flavonoids of P. odoratum, with 10 specific fluorescent spots while examined under ultraviolet light, was set up.

CONCLUSIONThe method can be used for quality control of P. odoratum.

Chromatography, Thin Layer ; methods ; Flavonoids ; analysis ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Polygonatum ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Rhizome ; chemistry

Objective To assess the effect of exogenous N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) on passive avoidance learning and memory in adult rats. Methods Slow-release films containing different concentrations of NMDA were prepared and placed on the surface of the rat brain through frontoparietal craniectomy. Three weeks after the operation, the results of step-through test and NMDA receptor activity in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were compared between the groups. Results No significant differences were found in the latency time (P=0.846) and error frequency (P=0.792) in the step-through test, or in NMDA receptor activity in the vmPFC and ACC (P=0.546) among the groups 3 weeks after the operation. The NMDA receptor activity in these regions, however, tended to decrease with the increment of NMDA concentration in the slow-release films. Conclusion Exogenous NMDA does not produce obvious effect on passive avoidance learning and memory in adult rats. The results of this experiment may provide the basis for further studies of the effects of NMDA in altering the neural plasticity in the impaired brain.

Objective To study the pathogen and characteristics of viral diarrhea in children in Changchun area.Methods 460 stools specimens were collected from children with acute diarrhea cured in the childrens,hospital of Changchun in 2010.Rotavirus were detected by ELISA,caliceverus and astrovirus were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reactions (RT-PCR),adenovirus were detected by polymerase chain reactions (PCR).Results A total of 460 specimens were detected.The detection rate of rotavirus,caliceverus,astrovious,adenovious respectively is 35.22％,20.43％,9.78％, 3.70％,the detectablerate of mixed infection is 7.61％,children under 2 years old were the major patient.The main genotypes of the virus:rotavirus ( G3P [ 8 ] ),caliceverus ( GⅡ-4 ),astrovious ( typeⅠ ),adenovious ( Ad41 ).Conclusion Rotavirus is the main pathogen in Changchun.Followed by caliceverus,astrovious,adenovious.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the effect of antisense monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (A-MCP-1) nanoparticles (NPs) as gene carrier on gene transfer in two kinds of animal models.

METHODSPoly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) was used to make the NPs loaded with A-MCP-1 through a double-emulsion/solvent evaporation technique. NPs size was assessed by dynamic laser defractometer. The particle morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy. DNA content in the NPs was measured by dissolving known amounts of NPs in chloroform and extracting DNA with water. In vitro release was performed in tris-EDTA buffer at 37 degrees C using double-chamber diffusion cells. The receiver buffer was replaced daily. The A-MCP-1 NPs was transfected into the cultured smooth muscle cells. PCR was used to evaluate the transfection of A-MCP-1. Cationic lipid (Lipofectamine) was used to transfect A-MCP-1 as control. After 48 hours incubation, cells were digested and examined by polymerase chain reaction. Twenty New Zealand white rabbits under jugular vein to artery bypass grafting procedure were divided into four groups: the first group received grafts treated with A-MCP-1 NPs, the second group received grafts treated with cationic liposome (dioleoyl trimethyl ammonium propane)-A-MCP-1, the third group received grafts treated with plasmid DNA, and the fourth group received grafts without transfection as control. Fourteen days after surgery the grafts were harvested. The expression of A-MCP-1 and its effect on MCP-1 in vein grafts were detected by dot blotting. The morphology of the grafts was investigated. To establish abdominal aortic aneurysms rats model, rats were randomly divided into three groups: A-MCP-1 NPs injection group, shame NPs injection group and control groups (without injection). Two weeks after surgery, diameter of abdominal aorta was measured and aortic tissue was obtained for PCR analysis to evaluate the A-MCP-1 expression. Western blot were applied to detect the inhibitory effect to the expression of MCP-1 mRNA and CD68 protein by A-MCP-1 NPs.

RESULTSNPs size ranged 198nm to 205nm with average around 201.4 nm. DNA content in the NPs was 4.14%. NPs showed steady release rate in vitro in Tris-EDTA solution. It released faster in the first week then maintained a slowly sustained release up to 16 days. In cell culture A-MCP-1 gene successfully transfected into smooth muscle cells by NPs vector. In vein grafting animal model, A-MCP-1 expression was detected in the vascular walls of NPs and cationic lipid treated groups. The degree of vascular hyperplasia in the gene NPs treated group was significantly lower than that in control group. There was no significant difference in the inhibition of intimal hyperplasia between NPs and cationic lipid treated groups. Two weeks after transfection in abdominal aortic aneurysm rats models, the abdominal aortic diameter of A-MCP-1 NPs injection group was (1.79 +/- 0.12) mm, significantly smaller than that of control groups [shame NPs group was (2.58 +/- 0.21) mm, and saline group was (2.63 +/- 0.29) mm] (P < 0.01). The expressions of MCP-1 mRNA and CD68 protein in A-MCP-1 NPs injection group were 12.5 +/- 1.5 and 17.6 +/- 2.1, which were much lower than those in control group [in shame NPs group, which were 35.7 +/- 4.5, 42.3 +/- 5.7 (P < 0.01), and saline group which is 32.4 +/- 3.9, 39.8 +/- 4.8 (P < 0.01)]. Specific band of A-MCP-1 was detected only in the A-MCP-1 NPs injection group by PCR.

CONCLUSIONA-MCP-1 gene NPs can be successfully used in rabbit vein grafting model and abdominal aortic aneurysm rats models, and may be potentially applied in clinical practice.

Animals ; Aortic Aneurysm ; genetics ; Chemokine CCL2 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; Models, Animal ; Nanoparticles ; Oligonucleotides, Antisense ; genetics ; Polyglycolic Acid ; chemistry ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Rabbits ; Rats ; Transfection

OBJECTIVETo summarize the effects and complications of osteosarcoma around knee treated by wide resection and replacement by the tumor-type prosthesis.

METHODSBetween July 1997 and July 2004, 117 patients with osteosarcoma around the knee had been treated with wide resection and reconstruction with prosthesis. Alcohol-devitalized tumor bone prosthetic composite were used for reconstruction in 13 patients, and allograft prosthetic composite (APC) were used in 25 patients. All patients accepted 2 cycles of chemotherapy before the surgery.

RESULTSThe mean follow-up period was 3.5 years (1 - 8 years). Nine patients had failure of union at the graft-host junction. Fracture of the stem of the prosthesis occurred in 5 patients, late infection was found in 19 patients, and aseptic loosening occurred in 3 patients. Bone fracture occurred in 1 patient and prosthesis sinking occurred in 2 patients.

CONCLUSIONSThe tumor-type prosthetic reconstruction offers the best knee function after resection of the tumor around the knee, and recurrence rate can be accepted. However, the tumor-type prosthesis needs further improvement because of the high complication rate.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee ; adverse effects ; methods ; Bone Neoplasms ; surgery ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Knee Joint ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteosarcoma ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome