Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a multi-cause neurodegenerative disease characterized by memory impairment.There have been serious obstacles to the effective treatment of AD.Acupuncture,as a component of traditional Chinese medicine,plays an important role in the treatment of AD.Acupuncture has been shown to protect neurons from degeneration and promotes axonal regeneration in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.According to existing studies,the mechanisms of acupuncture on AD include the following aspects:modulation of Aβ metabolism,tau phosphorylation,cholinergic neurotransmitters,neuroinflammation,synaptic and neuronal function,autophagy,brain glucose metabolism,intestinal flora,and inhibition of nerve cell apoptosis,which in turn improves cognition.

In order to clarify the pharmacodynamic substances and mechanism of Xiangju Preparations (Xiangju Tablets, Xiangju Drops) in the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis, the multi-level network integration analysis of "ingredients-targets-pathways" was conducted. 137 chemical constituents were identified in Xiangju Preparations by high pressure liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-QTOF/MS) for the first time. Network pharmacology analysis was performed on 59 potential active components. The results of network pharmacology analysis demonstrated that the medicinal ingredients in Xiangju Preparations included caffeic acid, senkyunolide F, rosmarinic acid, ligustilide, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, linarin, magnolin, luteolin, senkyunolide I and gallic acid. These ingredients act on the crucial targets of tumor necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin 1B (IL1B), protein kinase B (AKT1), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and participate in the regulation of advanced glycosylation end products-receptor of AGEs (AGE-RAGE), TNF, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate-protein kinase G (cGMP-PKG) signaling pathways to effectively treat rhinitis and sinusitis. The excellent binding performance between above 10 active components and 5 key target proteins was further confirmed by molecular docking, indicating that these 10 ingredients are pharmacodynamic substances of Xiangju preparations. In conclusion, this study preliminarily clarified the effective components and mechanism of Xiangju preparations in the treatment of rhinitis and sinusitis, and provided a theoretical basis for the clinical application of Xiangju preparations.

AIM To establish an HPLC method for the simultaneous content determination of four constituents in Xiaojie'an Capsules (Forsythiae Fructus,Leonuri Herba,Spatholobi Caulis,etc.).METHODS The analysis of chloroform extract of this drug was carried out on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Diamond C1scolumn(250 mm ×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile (A)-0.05 mol/L monosodium phosphate (B) flowing at 1.0 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 278 nm.RESULTS Berberine hydrochloride,palmatine chloride,phillyrin and rutin showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 0.033 7-0.337 2 μg (r =0.999 1),0.054 8-0.548 3 μg (r =0.999 0),0.025 9-0.258 8 μg (r=0.999 2) and 0.008 4-0.084 2 μg (r =0.999 6),whose average recoveries were 98.8％ (RSD =1.3％),99.8％ (RSD =0.7％),98.8％ (RSD =1.3％) and 96.8％ (RSD =1.0％),respectively.CONCLUSION This sensitive and accurate method can be used for the quality control of Xiaojie'an Capsules.

M1-type macrophages are capable of inducing lysis in various types of cancer cells, but the mechanism of action is unclear. It has been noted that an "unknown protein" produced together with protease by activated macrophages is responsible for this action. Activated M1 macrophages have been recently reported to produce family 18 chitinases, all of which have been named chitotriosidase. Our experiments have demonstrated that family 18 chitinases work together with proteases and can damage various cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, in this article, we suggest that the 50-kDa chitotriosidase is the reported "unknown protein". In addition, we discuss how to properly stimulate activated M1 macrophages to produce 50-kDa chitotriosidases and proteases for destroying cancer cells. Because family 19 chitinase has recently been reported to kill cancer cells, we also discuss the possibility of directly using human family 18 chitotriosidase and the humanized plant family 19 chitinase for cancer treatment.
Animals ; Antineoplastic Agents, Alkylating ; pharmacology ; Chitinases ; metabolism ; Cyclophosphamide ; pharmacology ; Hexosaminidases ; metabolism ; Humans ; Immunosuppressive Agents ; pharmacology ; Macrophage Activation ; immunology ; Macrophages ; classification ; enzymology ; immunology ; pathology ; Neoplasms ; immunology ; pathology ; Peptide Hydrolases ; metabolism ; T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory ; metabolism ; Th1 Cells ; metabolism ; Th2 Cells ; metabolism

AIM To establish an HPLC method for determining the contents of three constituents in Polygoni multiflori Radix Praeparata in plasma of atherosclerosis rats.METHODS After the rats were intragastrically administrated with Polygoni multiflori Radix Praeparata CMC-Na solution,the plasma was collected.The HPLC analysis was carried out on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Hypersil C1s column (250 mm ×4.6 mm,5 μm),with the mobile phase comprising of acetonitrile-0.03％ phosphoric acid flowing at 0.9 mL/min in a gradient elution manner,and the detection wavelength was set at 280 nm.DAS2.0 software was applied to drawing concentration-time curves and calculating pharmacokinetic parameters.RESULTS Stilbene glucoside,emodin and physcion showed good linear relationships within the ranges of 61.25-6 125 μg/L (r =0.999 8),12.6-3 150 μg/L (r =0.999 3) and 24.1-6 030 μg/L (r =0.999 5),respectively.The method recoveries were 99.5％-105.8％ with the RSDs of 1.3％-3.3％,while the extraction recoveries were 87.2％-96.3％ with the RSDs of 3.2％-5.9％.The pharmacokinetic behaviors of three constituents all accorded with two-compartment model,but their contents in plasma were much lower than those in medicinal material.CONCLUSION The bioavailabilities of stilbene glucoside,emodin and physcion are relatively low in plasma of atherosclerosis rats,which may be related to constituents' intestinal absorption after intragastric administration with Polygoni multiflori Radix Praeparata.

BACKGROUND:Studies have shown that bioactive molecules or polypeptides grafted onto the surface of polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels can improve PEG bioactivities.OBJECTIVE:To manufacture PEG hydrogels capable of auto-recruiting growth factor beta1 (TGF-β1) and to study its biocompatibility. METHODS:Pure PEG hydrogels (group A), PEG hydrogels grafted on a cell adhesion peptide RGD peptides (group B), PEG hydrogels grafted with auto-recruited TGF-β1 peptide sensitive polypeptide HSNGLPL (group C), PEG hydrogels grafted with both RGD and HSNGLPL polypeptides (group D) were prepared. Contract angle of the hydrogel was detected in each group. Human bone mesenchymal stem cells were seeded onto four kinds of hydrogels. After cells attached, scanning electron microscope and LIVE/DEAD staining were done to observe cell-hydrogel compounds. Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured with ordinary culture medium (control) or four kinds of hydrogels for 1, 3, 5, 7 days, and the cell proliferation was detected by cell counting kit-8 assay. The four kinds of hydrogels were put into 24-well culture plates with addition of PBS containing TGF-β1, and 1 hour later, immunofluorescence staining was done. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The contact angles of groups A and C were larger than those of groups B and D. (2) Under the scanning electron microscope, groups A and C had little cells attached on the hydrogel surface, but there were many cells on the hydrogel surface in groups B and D. (3) LIVE/DEAD staining showed groups A and C had little living cells, and conversely groups B and D had many living cells. (4) The results of cell counting kit-8 demonstrated that as the incubation time went on, cell proliferation activity of five different groups increased with no difference at the same time point. (5) Findings from the immunofluorescence staining showed that groups A and B had very weak fluorescence, while groups C and D had stronger green fluorescence. In conclusion, PEG hydrogels grafted with RGD and HSNGLPL polypeptides can auto-recruit TGF-β1, and have good biocompatibility.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the expression of mesothelin in specimen of pancreas fine-needle aspiration and to evaluate the potential contribution of immunohistochemical labeling of mesothelin to the interpretation of pancreas fine-needle aspiration (FNA).

METHODSSpecimens from 27 patients were selected for immunolabeling. Immunohistochemical EnVision method was used to detect the expression of mesothelin in specimen of pancreas fine-needle aspiration. The labeling in each patient was scored as positive or negative. These results were compared with the cytologic diagnosis and the follow-up data.

RESULTSNineteen of the 27 patients were ultimately shown to have an adenocarcinoma, and 8 had no evidence of malignancy on follow-up. Initial cytologic diagnosis of malignancy correlated with carcinoma on follow-up in 10 of 10 cases, and initial benign cytologic diagnosis correlated with benign follow-up in 4 of 6 cases. Seven of the 11 patients with suspicious cytology were found to have carcinomas on follow-up. Mesothelin labeling was seen in 14 of the 19 patients ultimately shown to have carcinomas and was absent in 7 of the 8 benign lesions (sensitivity, 73.7%; specificity, 87.5%). Five of the 7 cytologically suspicious cases with malignant follow-up labeled for mesothelin. Positive mesothelin labeling was observed in one of the 4 suspicious cases who finally proved to be benign during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONImmunohistochemical labeling for mesothelin may be a highly specific tool for the detection of pancreatic adenocarcinoma in FNA specimens and is useful in categorizing cytologically suspicious lesions.

Adenocarcinoma ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Adult ; Aged ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; analysis ; metabolism ; Biopsy, Fine-Needle ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Endosonography ; Female ; GPI-Linked Proteins ; Humans ; Male ; Membrane Glycoproteins ; analysis ; metabolism ; Middle Aged ; Pancreatic Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; metabolism ; pathology ; Sensitivity and Specificity

OBJECTIVETo explore the application of the remnant in repairing the reconstructed ear in microtia.

METHODSFrom October 2000 to July 2006, 1,823 patients with reconstructed ear underwent the second operation for repairing. The remnants were used to reconstruct tragus, antitragus, crus of helix, concha cavum, or relax the adhesion between the reconstructed auricle and cranio wall, or insert into the reconstructed lobule or under the basement of the costal cartilage frame to restore the cranio-auricular angle or to the preauricular subcutaneous to correct the facial local depression.

RESULTSIn 1,823 cases, the tragus, antitragus and concha cavum was reconstructeded by remnant auricle in 1,180 cases; helix crus was repaired by remnant auricle in 743 cases; the wound was repaired by remnant auricle flap resulted from relaxing the adhesion between the reconstructed auricle and cranial wall in 68 cases; Subcutaneous and cartilage flap was formed and transferred in 95 cases, and among them the flap was transferred under the basement of the frame to restore the cranio-auricular angle in 77 cases and was transferred to the preauricular subcutaneous to correct the facial local depression in 18 cases; the skin flap was formed by remnant auricle to repair the lobule in 37 cases. All flaps survived completely. The appearance of reconstructed ear was satisfied.

CONCLUSIONThe remnant is very useful in repairing the reconstructed ear in microtia. It should be preserved propriately in auricular reconstruction.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Cartilage ; transplantation ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Ear ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Ear, External ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Ribs ; transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Suture Techniques ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the correlation of venous return disturbance (VRD), bone marrow edema (BME) and the amount of joint fluid with clinical symptoms in osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

METHODSTwenty patients (25 hips) with ONFH proved by pathology were parallelly examined by 1.5 T MR and medullograph.

RESULTIn total 25 hips VRD was observed in 16 hips with medullograph and 13 hips with the clinical symptoms (P <0.05). BME was found in 17 with MRI (P <0.01), and the was found in 15 hips with MRI (Spearman=0.949). VRD were found in 16 hydrarthrus.

CONCLUSIONONFH patients with clinical symptoms have VRD, BME and the hydrarthrus. The medullograph is of value in monitoring the development of ONFH.

Adult ; Bone Marrow ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Edema ; pathology ; Female ; Femur Head ; blood supply ; Femur Head Necrosis ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Hip Joint ; pathology ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Regional Blood Flow ; physiology ; Veins ; physiopathology

OBJECTIVETo summarize the clinical experience from treatment of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

METHODSRetrospective analysis of seven patients with SARS in Ditan hospital treated since April 22 in 2004 was performed.

RESULTSIn the 7 patients, 2 were male, 5 were female, and the average age was (35.3 plus/minus 11.3) years. The main clinical manifestations were fever, cough, minor or serious dyspnea, nausea, signs of injury to other organs, and so on. The treatment regiments included oxygen, small dosage and short period of methylprednisolone (1 to 2 mg/kg), use of ventilator, psychological intervention, and treatment of underlying diseases, after which, all the 7 patients recovered.

CONCLUSIONRational use of methylprednisolone and timely use of ventilator were the key steps of treatment.

Adult ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; therapeutic use ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Cross Infection ; drug therapy ; therapy ; transmission ; Female ; Humans ; Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional ; Male ; Methylprednisolone ; therapeutic use ; Middle Aged ; Oxygen Inhalation Therapy ; Retrospective Studies ; Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ; therapy ; transmission ; Ventilators, Mechanical