To study the influence of stir-baked with sand on active ingredients, diarrhea and hepatoprotection of Herpetospermum caudigerum, the contents of herperione and herpetin in H. caudigerum before and after stir-baking with sand were analyzed by HPLC. The effect of stir-baked with sand on diarrhea of H. caudigerum TL was evaluated using the mean stool rate (MSR) and mean diarrheal index ( MDI) and the influence of stir-baked with sand on hepatoprotective effect of H. caudigerum TL was examined using a mouse model of CCl4-induced liver injury based on the analysis of serum ALT and AST activities. The results of HPLC analysis showed the content of herperione in H. caudigerum after stir-baking with sand decreased by 40.9% (P < 0.01) and the content of herpetin had no change. Pharmacodynamic results showed that the MSR and MDI of high-dose and middle-dose group of H. caudigerum TL after stir-baking with sand were significantly lower than that of high-dose and middle-dose group of H. caudigerum TL without stir-baking with sand; The high-dose and middle-dose of H. caudigerum TL with/without stir-baking with sand significantly alleviated liver injury as indicated by the decreased levels of serum ALT and AST, but the ALT and AST levels of high-dose and middle-dose group of H. caudigerum TL after stir-baking with sand were higher than that of H. caudigerum TL without stir-baking with sand. The results revealed that the stir-baking with sand could effectively relieve diarrhea effect of H. caudigerum TL, while it also reduces the hepatoprotection of H. caudigerum TL.
Animals ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Cooking ; Cucurbitaceae ; chemistry ; Diarrhea ; chemically induced ; Female ; Liver ; drug effects ; Male ; Mice ; Protective Agents ; pharmacology

The aquatic ferns of the genus Azolla are nitrogen-fixing plants that have great potentials in agricultural production and environmental conservation. Azolla in many aspects is qualified to serve as a model organism for genomic studies because of its importance in agriculture, its unique position in plant evolution, its symbiotic relationship with the N2-fixing cyanobacterium, Anabaena azollae, and its moderate-sized genome. The goals of this genome project are not only to understand the biology of the Azolla genome to promote its applications in biological research and agriculture practice but also to gain critical insights about evolution of plant genomes. Together with the strategic and technical improvement as well as cost reduction of DNA sequencing, the deciphering of their genetic code is imminent.
Cyanobacteria ; genetics ; Ferns ; Genes, Plant ; Genome, Plant ; Genomics ; methods ; Nitrogen ; metabolism ; Plants ; genetics ; Sequence Analysis, DNA

BACKGROUNDObstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an important risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) is considered to be one of the most important causes of cardiovascular diseases in OSA patients. This repeated hypoxia and reoxygenation cycle is similar to hypoxia-reperfusion injury, which initiates oxidative stress. In this study, we observed cardiocytes injury induced by CIH and the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC).

METHODSThirty ICR mice were randomly assigned to 3 groups: control, CIH and NAC (CIH + NAC) groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) of cardiocyte homogenates were measured. Serum lipids were measured by an instrument method. Serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Myocardium pathological sections were observed.

RESULTS(1) The SOD activity and MDA concentration of cardiocyte homogenates in the CIH group were significantly higher than in other groups (P < 0.005). The MDA concentration of the NAC group was lower than that of the control group (P < 0.01). (2) The serum cTnI concentration of the CIH and NAC groups was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.01). (3) Serum triglyceride levels in the NAC group were lower than in the other groups (P < 0.01), while there were no significant differences in low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein among the three groups. (4) The degeneration of myocardium, transverse striation blurred, and fabric effusion were observed in tissue sections in the CIH and NAC groups. However, normal tissue was found in the control group.

CONCLUSIONThe oxidative stress induced by CIH can injure cardiocytes and the injury effect can be partially inhibited by NAC.

Acetylcysteine ; pharmacology ; Animals ; Free Radical Scavengers ; pharmacology ; Heart ; drug effects ; Hypoxia ; physiopathology ; Malondialdehyde ; metabolism ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Myocardium ; metabolism ; pathology ; Oxidative Stress ; physiology ; Random Allocation ; Superoxide Dismutase ; metabolism

Objective To study the clinical significance of bone reconstruction at cranial base for severe traumatic comminuted fractures of anterior skull base. Methods Forty-six bone defect cases were divided into treatment group and control group randomly. Treatment group was treated with the bone reconstruction therapy, while the control group was not. All the patients received the follow-up ranging 6 months to 1 year, and examined with CT and/or MRI to observe leakage of cerebrospinal fluid,intracranial infection and encephalomeningocele. Results In the treatment group, one of the 18 survivals developed mild cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which was cured later. In the control group, 5 of the 17 survivals had cerebrospinal fluid leakage, 3 had intracranial infection and 3 encephalomeningocele.The total incidence of complications of the treatment and control groups was 1/18 and 5/17, respectively,and the former was significantly lower than the latter (P＜0.05). Conclusions Bone reconstruction can avoid intracranial infection, cerebrospinal fluid leakage and encephalomeningocele during the operation for traumatic comminuted fractures of anterior skull base.

OBJECTIVETo identify the effect of postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) on late recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after radical resection.

METHODSFrom year 2001 to 2007, 2436 HCC patients underwent radical resection were retrospectively selected. Patients underwent resection only were classified into control group, while those received adjuvant TACE within 2 months after operation were classified into intervention group. Patients were further stratified into those with tumor5 cm and presenting low or high risk factors for recurrence. Patients with single tumor and without microscopic tumor thrombus were defined as low risk for recurrence; otherwise they were defined as high risk. The effect of adjuvant TACE on late (>2 years) recurrence was evaluated.

RESULTSRecurrence rates of tumor5 cm and presenting low, high risk factors for recurrence at 2-year after resection were 20.38%, 33.06%, 30.54% and 50.82%, respectively in the control group, compared with 25.41%, 39.61%, 40.55% and 51.57%, respectively in the intervention group; there were no significant differences between intervention group and control group in each stratum. For patients recurred or died within the first 2 years after resection, the median survival of tumor>5 cm and presenting high risk factors for recurrence was 24 months in the intervention group and 12 months in the Control group. Only in this subgroup, the survival curve of the intervention group was significantly higher than that compared to the control group. For patients who remained recurrence free and survived within the first 2 years after resection, there were no significant differences in the recurrence curves between the intervention group and control group in each stratum; while cumulative survival rates in the subgroup of patients with tumor size is less than or equal to 5 cm and presenting low risk factors for recurrence were 93.95%, 91.50% and 88.42% respectively in the control group, compared with 91.70%, 81.32% and 78.19% respectively in the intervention group at 3-, 4- and 5-year after resection (P=0.0062); for other subgroups, there were no significant differences in the survival curves between the intervention group and the control group in each stratum. Cox regression model suggested adjuvant TACE was not an independent risk factor for late recurrence; however, it might have negative effect on survival [hazard ratio (HR)=1.50, P=0.062] for those patients (especially patients with tumor is less than or equal to 5 cm and presenting low risk factors for recurrence).

CONCLUSIONSThe value of adjuvant TACE was mainly due to its therapeutic actions on residual tumor or early recurrence. It had no effect on postponing or eliminating late recurrence; moreover, it could be a risk rather than a benefit in patients at low risk for recurrence (especially those with tumor is less than or equal to 5 cm and presenting low risk factors for recurrence).

Adult ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; pathology ; therapy ; Chemoembolization, Therapeutic ; Female ; Hepatectomy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; pathology ; therapy ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local ; therapy ; Postoperative Period ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVEIn order to seek the functional evidence that there could be metastatsis suppressor gene for liver cancer on human chromosomes, the objective of this study is to establish a method of microcell mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT).

METHODSHuman chromosome 8 randomly marked with neo gene was introduced into highly metastatic rat liver cancer C5F cell line by treating the single human chromosome donor cells with sequential steps of micronucleation, enucleation and microcell fusion. Double selections of G418 and HAT were applied to screen positive microcell hybrids, which were cloned by single cell isolation. Microcell hybrid clones were confirmed by STS-PCR and WCP-FISH.

RESULTSMicrocell hybrids resistant to HAT and G418 were obtained, from which 15 clones were obtained by single-cell isolation cloning. STS-PCR and WCP-FISH proved that human chromosome 8 had been successfully introduced into rat liver cancer cell line C5F. The human chromosome 8 introduced into C5F was found to have random loss of chromosome fragments by STS-PCR and consistent recombination with rat chromosome by WCP-FISH.

CONCLUSIONThe successfulls introduction of human chromosome into highly metastatic rat liver cancer cell line has established the technical basis for functional localization of metastasis suppressor gene(s) for liver cancer on human chromosomes.

Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Chromosome Mapping ; methods ; Chromosomes, Human, Pair 8 ; genetics ; Genes, Tumor Suppressor ; Genetic Techniques ; Humans ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; Liver Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Rats

OBJECTIVETo identify the phenotype and immune function of dendritic cells derived from HBV-related HCC patients's peripheral blood monocytes pulsed with soluble tumor antigen, and their relation to immune escape.

METHODSPeripheral blood monocytes were isolated from 18 HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, 11 HBV-related liver cirrhosis patients (LC) and 10 health blood donors; DCs were induced in the completed medium containing GM-CSF and IL-4. The morphology of DCs was studied using a confocal microscope and scanning electronic microscope, and the phenotype of DCs were detected by flow cytometric analysis. The mixed leucocyte reaction test was employed to determine the stimulatory capacity of DCs before and after being pulsed with soluble tumor antigen (prepared from HCCLM6 cell line). IL-12 ELISA kit was used to investigate IL-12 secretion of DCs in the supernate of MLR.

RESULTSThe amount of PBMC and DCs was significantly lower in LC and HCC compare to those in the healthy subjects; the expression levels of HLA-DR, CD1a, CD80 and CD86 on DC surfaces were lower in LC and HCC patients than those of the healthy group; the stimulating capacity of DC in MLR and levels of IL-12 in supernate of MLR were also lower in LC and HCC, but were enhanced after tumor antigen pulsed in all three groups, particularly in the LC group; the secretion of IL-12 in MLR supernate was still lower than that of the healthy group.

CONCLUSIONThe phenotype and function defects of DC derived from PBMC of LC and HCC patients might play a key role in immune escape in HBV infection and HCC. The function of DC of LC patients can be enhanced after the tumor was antigen-pulsed.

Antigens, Neoplasm ; immunology ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; immunology ; virology ; Dendritic Cells ; immunology ; virology ; Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor ; pharmacology ; Hepatitis B ; complications ; immunology ; Humans ; Interleukin-4 ; pharmacology ; Liver Neoplasms ; immunology ; virology ; Lymphocyte Culture Test, Mixed

Objective To observe the effects of Jieduan Niwan Prescription on IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and hepatic tissue in acute-on-chronic liver failure rats (ACLF); To study the partial mechanism of the treatment for ACLF. Methods The ACLF rat model was established by using human serum albumin immuno-induced hepatic fibrosis followed with D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide joint acute attack. The SPF Wistar male rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group and Jieduan Niwan Prescription group, respectively. The Jieduan Niwan Prescription group was treated by Jieduan Niwan Prescription after the acute attack for 24 h, and the rats were sacrificed respectively at 5, 10 and 15 days after gavage administration. Transmission electron microscope was employed to observe the ultrastructural changes in liver cells and ELISA was used to detect the contents of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and liver tissue, respectively. Results Compared with the normal group, the contents of serum and liver tissue IL-6 and TNF-α in model group increased at each time point. Compared with the model group, the contents of serum and liver tissue IL-6 and TNF-α decreased in Jieduan Niwan Prescription group, especially in 15 days. Under the transmission electron microscope, the changes of ultrastructure of liver tissue were observed. With the passage of time, the degree of hepatocyte injury in model group gradually increased, but decreased significantly in Jieduan Niwan Prescription group at each time point. Conclusion Jieduan Niwan Prescription can effectively reduce the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and liver tissue, reduce the degree of liver damage, and has a certain protective effect on the liver.

VisualiZation detection methods are used for determination of the concentration of unknown target by comparing the color change in the intensity or type of reaction solution by naked eye.VisualiZation detection method has some advantages such as simple and rapid operation, low detection cost, fast reaction speed, and detecting target concentration by means of naked eye.Gold nanomaterials are widely used in the construction of visual biosensors due to its unique optical properties.For example, when changing the distance or morphology of the particles, the plasmon resonance absorption peak of local surface will change accordingly.Herein, we reviewed the application of gold nanomaterials in visualiZation biosensors for the detection of target molecules, summed up the main problems of AuNP colormertic methods in the determination of actual samples, and provided an outlook of the future of gold nanoparticles-based biosensor in application development.

Objective:To investigate the effects of sodium fluoride on growth and development and serum oxidative stress of offspring rats.Methods:Twenty-four clean female SD rats and 24 clean male SD rats were selected, weighting 180 - 220 g, and mating in the same cage for 10 d according to 1 ∶ 1 for male and female. According to body weight by random number table method, the female rats were divided into control group, low-dose fluoride group, and high-dose fluoride group, 8 rats in each group. They were drunk 0, 100 and 200 mg/L sodium fluoride solution prepared with purified water, respectively, and they all ate standard feed. The female rats were exposed to fluoride from the 0th day of pregnancy to the 3rd week after the offspring rats were born (before weaning). After weaning, 10 female offspring rats were selected from each group and continued to be exposed to fluoride in the same amount and manner until the 12th week after birth. The body weight, body length and hind limb length of the offspring rats were measured every week before weaning and every two weeks after weaning. After 12th week of exposure to fluoride, blood samples were taken from abdominal aortas to detect the levels of serum superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC).Results:At the 2nd week after birth, the body weight [(24.87 ± 3.36) g], body length [(6.37 ± 0.52) cm] and hind limb length [(2.27 ± 0.13) cm] of the offspring rats in high-dose fluoride group were lower than those in control group [(29.23 ± 4.19) g, (6.92 ± 0.47), (2.44 ± 0.16) cm, P < 0.05], but there was no statistically significant difference between low-dose fluoride group and control group and high-dose fluoride group ( P > 0.05). At 3rd to 12th weeks after birth, the body weight, body length and hind limb length of the offspring rats in high-dose fluoride group were lower than those in low-dose fluoride group and control group ( P < 0.05), the low-dose fluoride group were lower than those in control group ( P < 0.05). Serum SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC levels in control group [(176.51 ± 29.55), (985.23 ± 164.80) U/ml, (0.864 ± 0.167) mmol/L] were higher than those in low-dose fluoride group [(127.98 ± 24.41), (776.53 ± 107.85) U/ml, (0.639 ± 0.110) mmol/L] and high-dose fluoride group [(99.75 ± 14.56), (425.14 ± 78.67) U/ml, (0.441 ± 0.072) mmol/L], the levels of MDA and iNOS [(3.37 ± 0.73) nmol/ml, (189.00 ± 44.67) pg/ml] were lower than those in low-dose fluoride group [(8.22 ± 1.38) nmol/ml, (305.60 ± 73.41) pg/ml] and high-dose fluoride group [(14.81 ± 1.81) nmol/ml, (431.00 ± 91.19) pg/ml], the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05); the levels of serum SOD, GSH-Px and T-AOC in high-dose fluoride group were lower than those in low-dose fluoride group, and the levels of MDA and iNOS were higher than those in low-dose fluoride group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion:Excessive fluoride can increase the serum oxidative stress level of offspring rats, which may affect the growth and development of offspring rats.