The whole herb of Solanum nigrum L. can be used as the herbal drug. In this study, UHPLC-Q Exactive high resolution mass combined with GNPS molecular network was used for the rapid characterization of the components in the leaves of S. nigrum L. A total of 157 compounds were identified, including 30 steroid alkaloids, 61 steroid saponins, 35 flavonoids, and 31 other compounds (amino acids and organic acids), by comparison with the data reported in the literature, and mass fragmentation characteristics analysis, as well as the correlation of known and unknown nodes in the GNPS molecular network. Compared with the fruits and stems, the leaves of S. nigrum L was rich in a variety of steroidal saponins, steroidal alkaloids, and flavonoids, and the results lay the foundation for the precise resources utilization of S. nigrum L.

OBJECTIVETo explore the role of hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α) in early lung fibrosis of rats with acute paraquat (PQ) poisoning.

METHODSForty eight healthy SD rats were randomly divided into control group (6 rats) and paraquat poisoning group (42 rats). Control group was exposed to 1 ml normal solution by gastric gavage. The paraquat group was exposed to 1 ml paraquat solution (50 mg/kg) by gastric gavage for 2, 6, 12, 48, 72 and 120 h, respectively. The arterial blood gas analysis (PaO(2)) was detected. The pathological examinations of lung tissues were performed by HE and Mason staining. HIF-1α in lung tissues were measured by immunofluorescence. Western blot assay was used to detect the expression levels of HIF-1α protein in lung tissues.

RESULTSPaO2 of rats exposed to paraquat for 72 h was (62.33 ± 0.22) mm Hg, which was significantly lower than that (96.00 ± 5.20) of control group (P < 0.05). Pathological examination by HE staining indicated that the acute diffuse lesion appeared in the alveolar capillary endothelium, epithelia and interstitial tissues, and there was the inflammatory cell infiltration in the alveolar of rats exposed to paraquat at 2 h after exposure. At 12 h after exposure, the interstitial edema in lung tissues of rats decreased and the alveolar space became narrow. At 120 h after exposure, there were the alveolar structure derangement, abundant cicatrix, more fibroblasts and peripheral inflammation absorption. Pathological examination by Masson staining showed that there was obvious collagen deposition in the alveolar epithelia at 2h after exposure, the increased collagen fibrosis at 24 and 48 h after exposure and the obvious damage of alveolar tissues or much more fibrous connective tissue deposition at 120 h after exposure. The results of western blot and immunofluorescence assays exhibited that the expression levels of HIF-1α in lung tissues at 2, 24 and 48 h after exposure significantly increased, as compared with control group (P < 0.05), but there were no significant differences of HIF-1α expression among sub-groups at different time points after exposure.

CONCLUSIONThe results of present study shown that there were the pulmonary fibrosis and increased expression of HIF-1α in acute PQ poisoning rats at the early stage, and HIF-1α may be associated with pulmonary fibrosis.

Acute Lung Injury ; chemically induced ; complications ; metabolism ; Animals ; Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1, alpha Subunit ; metabolism ; Male ; Paraquat ; poisoning ; Pulmonary Fibrosis ; etiology ; metabolism ; pathology ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley

OBJECTIVETo study the clinicopathologic features and prognostic factors of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

METHODSClinicopathologic data of 247 patients with GIST from January 2003 to November 2012 in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University Medical College, and the prognostic factors were evaluated retrospectively by univariate and multivariate analysis with Log-rank test and Cox proportional hazard model.

RESULTSPatients were followed up with a median time of 26 months (1 to 113 months). Twenty-six patients developed recurrence or metastasis, and 18 died of GIST. The 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates were 94%, 91% and 83% respectively. Univariate analysis showed that age, tumor location, tumor size, mitotic count and tumor rupture were predictive factors of survival after resection of primary GIST (all P<0.01). For patients at intermediate and high risk to relapse, imatinib group had a higher 5-year overall survival rate than non-imatinib group (85.7% vs. 81.0%, P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size (RR=2.248, 95%CI:1.081-4.677, P=0.030), mitotic count (RR=2.220, 95%CI:1.032-4.776, P=0.041) and tumor rupture (RR=5.183, 95%CI:1.677-16.017, P=0.004) were independent prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONSTumor size, mitotic count and tumor rupture affect the prognosis after resection of primary GIST independently. Imatinib adjuvant therapy can improve overall survival of patients at intermediate and high risk to relapse after surgery.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors ; diagnosis ; pathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Multivariate Analysis ; Prognosis ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Retrospective Studies ; Young Adult

3ʹ-Hydroxy-4ʹ-methoxy-2-hydroxy-5-bromochalcone (hereinafter referred to as C13) is a novel chalcone derivative obtained in the process of structural modification of DHMMF, the antitumor active compound of Resina Draconis, in our laboratory. In this study, we investigated the effects of C13 on the proliferation and apoptosis of human gastric cancer HGC-27 and AGS cells and its potential mechanism of action. Firstly, through methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), colony formation assay, and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining, we found that C13 inhibited the proliferation ability of human gastric cancer HGC-27 and AGS cells. Using flow cytometry and Western blot, it was found that C13 induced apoptosis in human gastric cancer HGC-27 and AGS cells, and up-regulated the protein level of cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (cleaved-PARP). The results of RNA sequencing analysis showed that the Erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4/phosphoinositide 3-kinases/AKT (ErbB4/PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway may be involved in anti-gastric cancer activity of C13. Finally, the results of immunoblotting assay showed that C13 treatment down-regulated the protein levels of ErbB4 and phospho-ErbB4, as well as down-regulated the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT in human gastric cancer HGC-27 and AGS cells, which verified the results from RNA-seq analysis. In conclusion, C13 inhibited the proliferation and induced apoptosis of human gastric cancer cells, which may be related to the down-regulation of ErbB4/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This study may provide a candidate drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.

OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the polymorphism of DNA repair genes XPC (Ala499Val and Lys939Gln) and XPG (His1104Asp) is associated with the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODSA hospital-based case-control study was conducted in 500 cases with HCC and 507 controls. Genotypes of XPC and XPG were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction with the TaqMan MGB probe.

RESULTSCompared to the CC genotype, the CT genotype and the TT genotype of XPC Ala499Val were not associated with the susceptibility to HCC (adjusted OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 0.85-2.12; adjusted OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 0.68-2.51, respectively). Compared to the AA genotype, the AC genotype and the CC genotype of Lys939Gln were not associated with the susceptibility to HCC (adjusted OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.78-1.85; adjusted OR = 1.81, 95% CI: 0.88-3.73, respectively). Compared to the CC genotype, the CG genotype and the GG genotype of XPG His1104Asp were not associated with the susceptibility to HCC (adjusted OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.56-1.27; adjusted OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 0.67-1.87, respectively) However, the stratified analysis revealed that the females with the AC+CC genotype of XPC Lys939Gln had increased risk of HCC compared to those with AA genotype (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.01-4.64).

CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that XPC and XPG polymorphisms do not independently affect on the susceptibility to HCC, but the joint effect of C allele of XPC Lys939Gln and female may modify the risk of HCC.

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; genetics ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA Repair ; DNA-Binding Proteins ; genetics ; Endonucleases ; genetics ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genotype ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nuclear Proteins ; genetics ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide ; Transcription Factors ; genetics

Objective To compare biomechanical performance of four-part proximal humeral fractures fixed by novel locking plate or by AO-PHILOS plate. Methods The finite element fixation models of both the novel locking plate and AO-PHILOS plate for four-part proximal humeral fractures were established, respectively. The maximum Von Mises stress and displacement under 4 different functional positions of shoulder abduction in the two fixation models were compared by finite element analysis. Results The maximum displacement in shoulder abduction of 0°,30°,60°,90° were 6.644, 7.079, 5.850, 3.005 mm, respectively, in novel locking plate fixation model, and 6.293, 6.826, 5.774, 3.023 mm, respectively, in AO-PHILOS plate fixation model. Since the maximum displacements in both fracture fixation models were similar, it indicated that there was no significant difference in the stability for fixing proximal humeral fracture. The maximum Von Mises stress in shoulder abduction of 0°,30°,60°,90°were 1 033.0, 904.1, 888.1, 1 062.0 MPa in novel locking plate fixation model, while in AO-PHILOS plate fixation model, it showed 743.1, 692.4,486.4,393.5 MPa, respectively. During the process of shoulder abduction, the total stress in both fracture fixation models gradually decreased, but the new locking plate decreased in a larger range, showing an obvious stress dispersion. Conclusions Both the novel locking plate and AO-PHILOS plate can be used as internal fixation treatment for complex four-part proximal humeral fractures with no significant difference in stress distribution, and both showing a stable fixation effect. For fixing proximal humeral fractures with osteoporosis combined with the great and less tuberosity, the novel locking plate has an advantage over AO-PHILOS plate due to its unique anatomical wings and better fixing effect.

BACKGROUNDKnee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic joint disease that manifests as knee pain as well as different degrees of lower limb swelling, stiffness, and movement disorders. The therapeutic goal is to alleviate or eliminate pain, correct deformities, improve or restore joint functions, and improve the quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Zhuanggu joint capsules combined with celecoxib and the benefit of treatment with Zhuanggu alone for KOA.

METHODSThis multi-center, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, parallel controlled trial, started from December 2011 to May 2014, was carried out in 6 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Changchun, Chengdu, and Nanjing. A total of 432 patients with KOA were divided into three groups (144 cases in each group). The groups were treated, respectively, with Zhuanggu joint capsules combined with celecoxib capsule simulants, Zhuanggu joint capsules combined with celecoxib capsules, and celecoxib capsules combined with Zhuanggu joint capsule simulants for 4 weeks consecutively. The improvement of Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) index and the decreased rates in each dimension of WOMAC were evaluated before and after the treatment. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons of quantitative indices were performed. Statistically significant differences were evaluated with pairwise comparisons using Chi-square test (or Fisher's exact test) and an inspection level of α = 0.0167.

RESULTSFour weeks after treatment, the total efficacies of Zhuanggu group, combination group, and celecoxib group were 65%, 80%, and 64%, respectively, with statistically significant differences among the three groups (P = 0.005). Intergroup pairwise comparisons showed that the total efficacy of the combination group was significantly higher than that of the Zhuanggu (P = 0.005) and celecoxib (P = 0.003) groups. The difference between the latter two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.0167). Four weeks after discontinuation, the efficacies of the three groups were 78%, 95%, and 65%, respectively, with statistically significant differences (P < 0.0001). Intergroup pairwise comparisons revealed that the efficacy of the combination group was significantly better than that of the Zhuanggu and the celecoxib groups (P < 0.0001). The difference between the latter two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.0167). The incidences of adverse events in Zhuanggu group, combination group, and celecoxib group were 8.5%, 8.5%, and 11.1%, respectively, with insignificant differences (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSZhuanggu joint capsules alone or combined with celecoxib showed clinical efficacy in the treatment of KOA. The safety of Zhuanggu joint capsules alone or combined with celecoxib was acceptable.

TRIAL REGISTRATIONChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-IPR-15007267; http://www.medresman.org/uc/project/projectedit.aspx?proj=1364.

Adult ; Aged ; Celecoxib ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Double-Blind Method ; Drug Therapy, Combination ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteoarthritis, Knee ; drug therapy

OBJECTIVETo study the status and problems of complementary feeding behavior for infants aging between 6 - 24 month-old in urban and rural areas of Chengdu in 2011.

METHODSA total of 1283 infants aging between 6 - 24 month-old, including 601 from urban area and 682 from rural area, were randomly selected by stratified cluster random sampling method, and divided into three groups as 6 - 8, 9 - 11 and 12 - 24 month-old groups, between March and April in 2011. Information of complementary feeding behavior were collected by questionnaire, and then assessed, quantified and compared by standards. The evaluation system was established (the total score was 24), and was used to assess among children aging 6 to 24 month-old in urban and rural areas in Chengdu.

RESULTSThe average score for infants in Chengdu was 18.6 ± 2.5, accounting for 77.6% of the total score. The scores of food selection and preparation were highest (90.7% of total score) among the behavior, and the scores of caregiver's behavior, infants behavior, feeding environment and environmental hygiene were low (about 75.2% - 77.6% of total score). The average score in urban and rural groups were separately 19.8 ± 2.1 and 17.6 ± 2.4, the score in urban group was higher than that in rural group (P < 0.05), occupying total score 82.3%, 73.4%, respectively. The average score in 6 - 8 month, 9 - 11 month and 12 - 24 month groups were separately 18.9 ± 2.3, 19.1 ± 2.4, and 18.2 ± 2.6, occupying total score 78.9%, 79.4% and 75.7%, respectively. The score in 6 - 8 and 9 - 11 month groups were higher than that in 12 - 24 month group (P < 0.01). The pass rate (above 60% of total score) was 94.2% and excellent rate (above 80% of total score) was 44.8% in Chengdu. The excellent rate in urban and rural groups were separately 65.7% and 26.4% (χ(2) = 199.825, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe complementary feeding behavior for infants was not optimistic in Chengdu, and the behavior was even worse in rural areas and among elder infants groups.

Child, Preschool ; China ; Feeding Behavior ; Food Preferences ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant Food ; Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena ; Rural Population ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of the ICE regimen (iphosphamide + carboplatin + etoposide) used in treating children with hepatoblastoma in the Shanghai Children's Medical Center.

METHODSFrom June 2000 to June 2008, 14 children with newly diagnosed hepatoblastoma (7 males and 7 females) were enrolled. Their median age on diagnosis was 1.33 years (range: 0.25-8.25 years). Six patients had stage I disease, 1 had stage II, 5 had stage III, and 2 had stage IV diseases. Thirteen children had markedly increased serum AFP level, and 1 had normal serum AFP level. Multidisciplinary co-operation treatment was performed. Eight patients had primary surgery while 3 patients had pre-operation chemotherapy before surgery. ICE chemotherapy regimen was used. Totally, 73 courses of chemotherapy were administered for the 14 children and 25 out of the 73 courses were performed before operation.

RESULTSTwelve patients responded to the treatment (85.7%) and 2 failed. Ten patients (71.4%) achieved complete remission after treatment, and two had partial remission. By July 31st, 2008, 9 patients survived without any event, with a median follow-up duration of 35 months (range: 16-96 months). The 5-year overall survival rate was 70.71+/-12.37%, and the 5-year event-free survival rate was 64.29+/-12.81%. One patient had disease relapse and two patients were lost to follow-up after they achieved partial remission.

CONCLUSIONSThe ICE regimen combined with operation is effective and safe in treating children with hepatoblastoma.

Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; therapeutic use ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Etoposide ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Hepatoblastoma ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Ifosfamide ; administration & dosage ; Infant ; Liver Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; Male

The mutant population of Xanthomonas oryzae pv oryzae strain differential to rice bacterial blight resistance gene Xa23 has been constructed mediated by transposon in vivo . The results of PCR amplification with specific primers and analysis of flanking sequence of mutants indicated that the foreign DNA has been integrated into X. oryzae pv oryzae genome. Four mutants with changed avirulent activity to Xa23 gene have been identified by artificial inoculation. It is possible to clone genes that are required for AvrXa23 avirulence activity using this new strategy.
Bacterial Proteins ; genetics ; Base Sequence ; DNA Transposable Elements ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant ; Genes, Plant ; Molecular Sequence Data ; Mutation ; Oryza ; genetics ; microbiology ; Plant Diseases ; microbiology ; Plants, Genetically Modified ; genetics ; microbiology ; Virulence ; Xanthomonas ; genetics ; pathogenicity ; physiology