This paper aimed to investigate the botanical origins of Isatidis Radix and Isatidis Folium, and clarify the confusion of its classification. The second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of ribosomal DNA, the chloroplast matK gene of 22 samples from some major production areas were amplified and sequenced. Sequence assembly and consensus sequence generation were performed using the CodonCode Aligner. Phylogenetic study was performed using MEGA 4.0 software in accordance with the Kimura 2-Parameter (K2P) model, and the phylogenetic tree was constructed using the neighbor-joining methods. The results showed that the length of ITS2 sequence of the botanical origins of Isatidis Radix and Isatidis Folium was 191 bp. The sequence showed that some samples had several SNP sites, and some samples had heterozygosis sites. In the NJ tree, based on ITS2 sequence, the studied samples were separated into two groups, and one of them was gathered with Isatis tinctoria L. The studied samples also were divided into two groups obviously based on the chloroplast matK gene. In conclusion, our results support that the botanical origins of Isatidis Radix and Isatidis Folium are Isatis indigotica Fortune, and Isatis indigotica and Isatis tinctoria are two distinct species. This study doesn't support the opinion about the combination of these two species in Flora of China.
Chloroplasts ; genetics ; DNA Barcoding, Taxonomic ; methods ; DNA, Plant ; genetics ; DNA, Ribosomal Spacer ; genetics ; Genes, Plant ; genetics ; Isatis ; classification ; genetics ; Phylogeny ; Plant Leaves ; genetics ; Plants, Medicinal ; classification ; genetics ; Species Specificity

In recent years, preoperative therapy has become the standard procedure to improve radical resection rate and local control for advanced rectal cancer. Tumor responses to chemoradiotherapy, however, vary considerably, thus increasing the demand for both functional and morphologic radiologic evaluation of response to chemoradiotherapy to distinguish responders from nonresponders. MR imaging is considered the most accurate tool for the primary staging of tumor extent, and can be used to evaluate the efficacy of chemoradiotherapy. Functional imaging modalities including DW-MRI and PET-CT have shown promising prospect in the early evaluation of the response of rectal cancer to preoperative chemoradiotherapy. However, wide clinical application will take some time.
Chemoradiotherapy ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Rectal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; drug therapy ; radiotherapy ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Treatment Outcome

AIM: To investigate the angiogenesis effect and protective mechanism of cordycepin on rhesus macaque choroid- retinal endothelial ( RF/ 6A) cell line cultured in high glucose condition.
METHODS: Cultured RF/ 6A cells were divided into normal control group, high glucose group and high glucose (HG) + different concentration cordycepin groups (HG+ 10μ g/ mL group, HG+ 50μ g/ mL group, HG+ 100μ g/mL group). The cell proliferation was assessed using cholecystokinin octapeptide dye after treated for 48h. The cell migration was investigated by a Transwell assay. The tube formation was measured on Matrigel. Furthermore, the impact of cordycepin on high glucose - induced activation of VEGF and VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) was tested by Western blot analysis.
RESULTS: Compared with normal control group, cell viability markedly increased in high glucose group ( P <0. 05). Cordycepin inhibited RF/ 6A cell proliferation in a dose- dependent fashion: 10. 2 ± 0. 9%, 23. 4 ± 1. 5% and 31. 1±1. 2% inhibition as the concentrations of cordycepin were 10, 50 and 100μ g/ mL, respectively. The difference had statistically significant (P<0. 05) compared with high glucose group. The number of cell migration were 55. 6±2. 70, 87. 4 ± 2. 40, 65. 4 ± 2. 7, 57. 8 ± 2. 38, 62. 4 ± 2. 77 in normal control group, high glucose group and HG+10μ g/mL group, HG + 50μ g/ mL group, HG + 100μ g/ mL group respectively. Migration of RF/ 6A conspicuously increased in high glucose group ( P < 0. 05) compared with normal control group; while showing a gradually reducing trend with the increase of cordycepin dose and a statistically significant difference compared with high glucose group (P<0. 05). The number of tube formation were 18. 7±2. 08, 25. 7 ± 1. 52, 19. 9 ± 1. 57, 16. 3 ± 2. 51, 5. 67 ± 1. 72 in the abovementioned group. Similarly showing a gradually reducing trend with the increase of cordycepin dose and a statistically significant difference with high glucose group (P< 0. 05). In addition, the number of tube formation of RF/ 6A in high glucose group significant increased compared with normal control group ( P < 0. 05 ). The expression of VEGF and VEGFR-2 dramaticlly increased in high glucose group vs normal control group, oppositely gradually decreased with the increase of cordycepin concentrations, and had a statistically significant difference vs high glucose group (P<0. 05).
CONCLUSION: Cordycepin can suppress the proliferation, migration and tubu formation of RF/ 6A in high glucose condition, might via inhibiting expression of VEGF and VEGFR-2.

Objective To explore the effect of high-fat diet(HFD) on redox states of duodenum and calcium absorption in mice,and to analyze the relation between them.Method Fifty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to five groups.The control group consumed an ordinary diet(0.6% Ca,w/w),and other four groups were fed with HFD(19.64%lard,0.6% Ca),HFD plus 0.1% lipoid acid(LA),HFD with calcium supplement(1.6%Ca) and HFD with 1.6% Ca and 0.1% LA supplement.Calcium apparent absorption was measured by mineral balance study after feeding for 8 w.Plasma and duodenum levels of ROS,SOD,CAT,MDA,GSH/GSSG,and T-AOC were measured to evaluate the antioxidant status.Results HFD induced oxidative stress of duodenum and decrease of intestinal calcium absorption in mice.There were positive correlations between calcium apparent absorption with GSH/GSSG(r=0.801,P

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and mutations of guanosine triphosphate eyclohydrolase (GCH) Ⅰ gene in patients with dopa-responsive dystonia (DRD). Methods Five families with 18 affected family members and 17 patients with sporadic DRD were examined. Patients were allocated into 3 groups according to onset time, either in childhood, or in adolescence or adult. Interview, physical examination, psychologic testings and CT/MR scan were performed. Mutation screening was performed on 26 patients and 1 normal family nember. Thirty-five healthy control subjects were matched for age and sex. Statistical analysis were conducted with the use of SPSS 13.0 computer software. Results(1)Most of patients started with dystonia. The main clinical manifestation was dystonia too. There was no difference among 3 groups.(2) There were significant differences in diurnal fluctuation among 3 groups(15/15,6/6,7/14, χ2=13.125,P=0.001). Diurnal fluctuation negatively correlated with age (r=-0.720, P<0.01).(3)The differences in postural tremor were also found among 3 groups (7/15,5/6,1/14, χ2=8.073, P=0.018). Postural tremor positively correlated with age (r=0.399, P=0.018).(4)There were differences in exaggeration of tendon among three groups(11/15,1/6,4/14, χ2=8.309, P=0.016). Exaggeration of tendon reflexes negatively correlated with age (r=-0.429, P=0.010).(5)The scores of Hamilton Depression Scale and Hamilton Anxiety Scale in patients were higher than those in controls.(6)DNA sequencing revealed a heterozygous A224G missense mutation(Tyr75Cys)located within exon 1 in one autosomal dominant inheritance family. Conclusions The manifestations of DRD varies. The clinical course is closely correlated with age. A missense mutation(A224G)in coding region of the GCH 1 gene probablyleads to the occurrence of DRD.

Objective To investigate the changes in femoral gene expression profiles in C57BL/6 mice fed high-fat diet (HFD) via clustering analysis of DNA microarray.Method Sixteen male C57BL/6 mice (4w old) were randomly assigned to two groups,8 in each,after 4-d ordinary diet for adaptation.The control group was fed with an ordinary diet,and the HFD group with HFD(19.5% lard).All mice were sacrificed at the end of 12w and the femoral gene expression was detected by oligonucleotide microarray analysis with Affymetrix Gene Chip Mouse U430A.DAVID,an online tool,was used for clustering analysis on femoral gene expression.Results Longtime administration of HFD caused femoral gene expressed differences related to cation ion channel,transcription regulation and signal transduction,bone mineralization,phosphate metabolic process regulation,and collagen synthesis.Conclusion Longtime intake of HFD will change the expression of numerous bone metabolism-related genes in bone of mice,and then inhibit bone formation.

Objective To investigate the effect of sodium fluoride(NaF) on proliferation, differentiation and the mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor κβ ligand (RAN KL) of mouse osteoblasts. Methods Osteoblasts were isolated from calvarias of Kunming mice born in 1 - 2 d and cultured. Various concentrations of NaF(0, 10-8, 10-7, 10-6, 10-5, 10-4, 10-3mol/L) were added to the culture medium, the proliferation and activity of alkaline phosphatase(ALP) was determined after 72 h or 120 h. The expression of OPG mRNA and RANKL mRNA was analyzed by semi-quantification RT-PCR. Difference among groups was analyzed by One-Way AN0VA. Difference between two groups was analyzed by LSD-t test. Results There was significant difference in cell proliferation among groups after 72 h(F = 13.806, P < 0.05). Compared with control group(0.434 ± 0.010) , the proliferation was significantly induced in 10-7 - 10-4 mol/L groups treated osteoblasts (0.448 ± 0.010, 0.453 ± 0.013, 0.454 ± 0.016, 0.449 ± 0.018, all P< 0.05), and was significantly suppressed in 10-3 mol/L group(0.401 ± 0.009, P < 0.05). There was statistic difference in the activity of ALP among groups(F = 9.021, P < 0.05). Compared with control group (1.677 ± 0.682), the activity of ALP significantly increased in 10-7 - 10-5 mol/L groups[ (2.447 ± 0.756) × 106, (2603 ± 0.183) × 106, (2.687 ± 0.886) × 106 U/L, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 ] and significantly decreased in 10-4 mol/L group[ (1.479 ± 0.366) × 106 U/L, P < 0.05 ]. There was significant difference in the expression of OPG mRNA among groups(F = 11.299, P< 0.05). Compared with control group (1.000 ± 0.000), the expression of OPG mRNA was significantly increased in 10-7 - 10-4 mol/L groups( 1.058 ± 0.027, 1.053 ± 0.026, 1.088 ± 0.055, 1.069 ± 0.008, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) , while significantly decreased in 10-3 mol/L group (0.941 ± 0.029, P< 0.05). There was no difference in RANKL mRNA expression among groups (F= 1.311, P> 0.05). The ratio of RANKL/OPG decreased with increasing doses of fluoride and increased in 10-4, 10-3 mol/L groups, but there was no difference between groups(F = 1.376, P> 0.05). Conclusions A biphasic pattern of proliferation and differentiation has been induced in mouse osteoblasts, which manifests stimulation effect in low doses and suppression in higher doses. Low doses of sodium fluoride suppress differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts by increasing expression of OPG mRNA, while high doses of sodium fluoride enhance differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts by decreasing expression of OPG mRNA.

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical evidence for or against mood stabilizers as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We searched 5 databases from their inception to January 2010. Five randomized clinical trials of mood stabilizers to treat human patients suffering from AD were included. These trials assessed the effectiveness of mood stabilizers as an adjunct treatment to conventional anti-dementia drugs on behavioral and psychological symptoms, especially on agitation. Methodological quality was assessed using the Jadad score. The results suggested a significant effect in favor of placebo on the Mini-Mental Status Examination [n=270, weight mean difference (WMD), -0.89; 95% confidence intervals (CIs) -1.69 to -0.09, P=0.03] and on the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total (NPI total) (n=51, WMD, 3.71; 95% CIs 0.15 to 7.26, P=0.04). There were no significant differences in change scores on total Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS total), NPI/BPRS agitation, Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory total and Physical Self Maintenance Scale between mood stabilizers and placebo. Only one of these studies was free of methodological limitations (Jadad score=5). In conclusion, based on the existing evidence, mood stabilizers are ineffective or even harmful as a treatment for AD.

Aged ; China ; Confusion ; drug therapy ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Medicine in Literature

Objective To investigate the correlation of gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia and its influence on delivery outcome.Methods A retrospective analysis of 4 636 pregnant women were made,who were sin-gleton pregnancy and gestational age≥32 weeks,and the data of GDM,PE,delivery outcome were collected.Then,the incidence of PE in GDM or non-GDM were compared,the delivery outcome in pregnant women without interval med-icine comorbidity ( A group) ,GDM pregnant women( B group) ,PE pregnant women( C group) ,pregnant women com-bined GDM and PE(D group) were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of GDM was 3.71%(172/4 636) in the whole,the incidence rate of PE was 5.65% (262/4 636).The incidence rates of PE among GDM and non-GDM pregnant women were 11.63%(20/172) and 5.42%(242/4 464),the difference was statistically significant(χ2 =5.983,P<0.05).The average pre-pregnant body mass index(BMI),Apgal scores at 1 minute and 5 minutes were compared,and the differences among the four groups were statistically significant( F=29.142,16.074,35.415,all P<0.01),and those in C group,D group were significantly lower than in group A and group B [t(C-A) =5.386, 4.821,5.224,t(C-B) =5.023,4.456,6.278,t(D-A) =6.753,5.012,6.443,t(D-B) =6.475,4.727,7.622,all P<0.01].The rates of neonate intensive care,giant baby natality,small-for-gestational-age children,premature labor were compared,and the differences among the four groups were statistically significant (χ2 =157.290, 96.129, 46.969,27.005,all P<0.1),the rates of neonate intensive care in C group and D group were higher than in A group and B group[χ2(C-A) =47.294,χ2(C-B) =15.547,χ2(D-A) =17.280,χ2(D-B) =7.088,all P<0.01],the rates of giant baby natality in B group were higher than A group,C group [χ2(B-A) =29.445,χ2(B-C) =6.597,all P<0.05],the rates of small-for-gestational-age children and premature labor in D group were higher than A group,B group and C group[χ2(D-A) =42.676,26.261,χ2(D-B) =9.070,10.879,χ2(D-C) =25.117,8.653,all P<0.01].Conclusion Pregnant women with GDM might have higher risk of suffering PE than those non-GDM gravidas,the PE,GDM com-bined with PE seriously influence perinatal outcome,pregnancy care should be strengthened to prevent and treat.