In this study, we aim to investigate the protective effects of astragaloside on ultraviolet A (UVA)-induced photoaging in human fibroblasts and its possible mechanisms.

A total of 450 residents from three neighborhood committees of Ba'nan were selected to assess their willingness to accept paid influenza vaccine and the influencing factors.Among them,273(60.7％) were willing to accept paid influenza vaccine.Age,economic status,health,flu recognition and vaccine approval were the major influencing factors of vaccination.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the influences of the concentrations of sodium cholate, cholesterol and drug, preparation temperature, ultrasonic time and power on the particle size and encapsulation efficiency of Flos Magnoliae volatile oil nano-liposome through film-ultrasonic wave technique together with membrane filter method. METHODS: The nano-liposomes were prepared by film-ultrasonic wave technique together with membrane filter method. The drug content in liposomes was determined by gas chromatography and the particle size was determined by laser light scattering granularity equipment. RESULTS: By film-ultrasonic wave technique together with membrane filter method, the liposomes in the range of 30-40 nm were prepared. The prepared nano-liposomes demonstrated good decentralization and homogeneity, and the encapsulation efficiency was (91.7+/-3)%. CONCLUSION: Film-ultrasonic wave together with membrane filter method is a simple method to fabricate nano-magnoliae liposome.

A few of patients with lumbar disk herniation having a separation of clinical symptoms and signs and imaging features, can be found in clinic, but the traditional theory of direct mechanical compression of nerve roots by herniated nucleus pulposus can't be used to explain this abnormal protrusion of lumbar intervertebral disc. The clinical symptoms and signs of the atypical lumbar disk herniation are affected by multiple factors. The indirect mechanical compression and distraction effect of spinal nerve roots may play an important role in the occurrence of the separation, and the appearance of abnormal clinical symptoms and signs is closely related to the migration of herniated nucleus pulposus tissue, transmission of injury information in the nervous system, and the complex interactions among the nucleus pulposus, dural sac and nerve roots. Moreover,the changes of microcirculation and inflammation secondary to the herniated nucleus pulposus tissue, the hyperosteogeny in the corresponding segment of the lumbar vertebrae and the posture changes all results in a diversity of symptoms and signs in patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. Besides, there exist congenital variation of lumbosacral nerve roots and vertebral bodies in some patients, and the misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis of imaging finding may occur in some cases. However, the appearance of a separation of clinical symptoms and signs and imaging examination in patients may be caused by a variety of reasons in clinic. The exact mechanism involved in the interaction among nucleus pulposus tissue, dural sac and nerve root, secondary changes of pathophysiology and biomechanics around the nucleus pulposus, the determination of lesioned responsible segments, and how to overcome the limitations of imaging all need the further researches.
Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; complications ; diagnosis ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; Nerve Compression Syndromes ; etiology

Asparaginyl endopeptidases (AEPs) in plants belong to the family of cysteine protease that undergo self-activation in the form of zymogen in acidic vacuole and play important physiological roles in maturation of seed storage proteins, protein degradation, programmed cell death and host defense. Bioprocessing enzymes (peptidyl Asx-specific ligases, PALs) that promote the maturation of cyclotides have recently been isolated and identified from several cyclotide-rich plants. PALs derived from AEPs can site-specifically catalyze the formation of asparagine or aspartate peptide bonds. Due to the advantages of relatively traceless peptide bonds and broad substrate spectrum and high catalytic efficiency, they have been playing important roles in the cyclization and modification of peptides and proteins, and are powerful tools for improving the stability of peptide drugs. This review describes the physiological functions of AEPs in plants and summarizes the discoveries, structural characteristics, catalytic mechanism and protein engineering of PALs, as well as the limitation of their applications and future trends. In addition, the applications of PALs in cyclotides biosynthesis and the development of macrocyclic peptides are highlighted, with the aim of providing a new idea for the biocatalytic synthesis of cyclic peptides.

Animals ; Dentate Gyrus ; Hippocampus ; Rats ; Receptors, Adrenergic, beta ; Sleep ; Spatial Learning

INDENA SPA Company in Italy is a multi-national company that produces and sells plant extracts. Based on its own re- search advantages in the field of Ginkgo biloba preparation, the company protects its own products market effectively through building patent portfolio around the patents of its opponent. Based on the multi-angle analysis for patent portfolio of G. biloba preparation from the aspects of application time, legal status, technical development route, and patent portfolio layout, this article provides technical reference on research and development of G. biloba preparation, and the author suggest that Chinese applicants learn techniques and layout experiences of other patents fully to enhance the level of research and patent protection level.
Chemistry, Pharmaceutical ; economics ; legislation & jurisprudence ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Italy ; Patents as Topic ; Plant Extracts ; chemistry ; economics ; isolation & purification

Objective To establish a rapid method for the isolation of murine peritoneal macrophages. Methods Abdominal lavage was performed with NS and the peritoneal macrophages was purified from the lavage,which was later transferred into high glucose DMEM cul-ture medium. Cell viability was measured via the typan blue staining. Purity was observed via Wright's stain. Results High purity macropha-ges with typical morphology were obtained. Conclusion A simple and realistic method was set up for the isolation of murine peritoneal mac-rophages.

Objective To understand the status of Toxoplasma gondii(TOX)infection in pregnant women in Qingdao area. Methods Antibody capture ELISA was used to detect the TOX-IgM,IgG and TOX-DNA in 1 341 pregnant women and 201 infer-tility,miscarriage,stillbirth pregnant women from June 2011 to July 2013. Results Among 201 abnormal pregnant women,43 cases were TOX antibody positive,accounting for 22.39%,and among the normal pregnant women,84 cases were TOX antibody positive,accounting for 6.26%,and there was a significant difference(χ2 =10.60,P<0.05). The TOX positive rate of 20-29 years old women was higher than that of the women aged over 30 years(χ2=21.9,P<0.05). The TOX antibody positive rates of families with pets and families without pets were 26.63%and 8.77%respectively(χ2=10.93,P<0.05). The TOX antibody posi-tive rates were 10.94%(22/201)in unemployed women,3.98%(8/201)in farmers,3.98%(8/201)in staff,and 3.48%(7/201)in workers. Conclusions The TOX infection rate in abnormal pregnant women is significantly higher than that in normal pregnancy women;therefore,the health education should be strengthened. In addition,in young women,especially 20-29 years old women, and some special occupation women,the control measures should be enhanced.

microRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-protein-coding RNAs,which play important roles in the cell proliferation,differentiation,apoptosis,as well as activation of oncogenic and antioncogenic signals.Researches show that the abnormal expressions of miRNAs are closely related to the tumorigenesis,histological type,diagnosis,treatment and prognosis of lung cancer.So miRNAs may be the most potential and promising therapeutic targets for lung cancer.