The ancient teacher-disciple tradition is regarded as one of the most celebrated practices within the Chinese medicine world. Such traditions of secrecy, private wisdom and honor are deeply rooted in the theories of Confucianism. This paper only explores the surface of this ancient culture, by investigating relevant popular ancient texts and common Chinese proverbs, as well as utilizing personal experiences, in order to reflect on how the ancient Chinese perceived such practices within their own society and how secret teaching was passed on from teacher to student, including the revelation of secret formulas and their importance and how that tradition differs from our modern-day perspectives. Various rare manuscripts from the author's personal library are employed in order to provide relative examples of the importance of secret knowledge, and how these secrets applied in the traditional healing.
Culture ; Drug Prescriptions ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Knowledge ; Manuscripts as Topic ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Students ; Teaching

Objective To optimize the extraction technology for Yangxin Anshen Granules. Methods With yield of volatile oil as index, single factor tests were adopted to investigate effects of water, soaking time and distillation time on extraction technology of volatile oil. Using water amount, extraction time and extraction times as factors, the contents of paeoniflorin and total solid as indexes, orthogonal test was employed to optimize the extraction technology of Yangxin Anshen Granules. Results The optimical extraction technology conditions were as follows:Cinnamomi Ramulus, Saposhkoviae Radix, and Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus were extracted to get volatile oil with eight-folds amount water of herbs for 6 hours; other herbs were boiled with eight-folds amount water of herbs and extrancted for two times, 1 h each time. Conclusion This extraction process is reasonable and practical, and can well guarantee the quality of preparation.

OBJECTIVETo determine the effects of recombinant soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1) on the immune inflammatory reaction in acute spinal cord injury tissue of rats and its protective effects.

METHODSSD rat models of acute spinal cord injury were prepared by modified Allen's method. The motor function of the rat lower extremities in sCR1 group and normal saline (NS) group was evaluated by the tiltboard experiment at 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d. The neutrophil infiltration and C3c positive expression were observed. The myeloperoxidase activity was assessed in the injury tissue at 12 h, 1 d, 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d after injury in the two groups.

RESULTSThe motor function of rat in sCR1 group at 3 d, 7 d, and 14 d was obviously better than that in NS group (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.01). C3c positive expression in sCR1 group at each time point after injury was obviously less than that in NS group (P<0.01). The myeloperoxidase activity in sCR1 group at each time point after injury was obviously less than that in NS group (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONSRecombinant soluble complement receptor type I (sCR1) can lessen the immune inflammatory reaction in acute spinal cord injury tissue and relieve secondary spinal cord injury by inhibiting the activation of the complement system.

Animals ; Disease Models, Animal ; Immunohistochemistry ; Inflammation ; Peroxidase ; biosynthesis ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Receptors, Complement ; therapeutic use ; Recombinant Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Spinal Cord Injuries ; drug therapy ; enzymology ; pathology

OBJECTIVETo elucidate the necessity of No.14v lymph node dissection in D2 lymphadenectomy for advanced gastric cancer.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 131 cases of advanced gastric cancer receiving D2 or D2+ plus No.14v lymph node dissection were reviewed retrospectively. Clinicopathological factors associated with No.14v lymph node metastasis were analyzed and prognostic value of No.14v lymph node metastasis was evaluated.

RESULTSOf the 131 patients, 24 (18.3%) had positive No.14v lymph node. The incidence of 14v metastasis was associated with tumor location, tumor size, depth of invasion, N staging, TNM staging, No.1, No.6, and No.8a lymph nodes metastasis. Tumor location and N staging were independent risk factors for No.14v metastasis (all P<0.05). The 5-year survival rate was 8.3% and 37.8% in patients with and without No.14v metastasis respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed that metastasis of No.14v was an independent prognostic factor for advanced gastric cancer after D2 lymphadenectomy (P=0.029, RR=1.807, 95%CI:1.064-3.070).

CONCLUSIONSFor advanced middle and lower gastric cancers, especially those with larger size, serosa invasion and possibility of No.6 lymph node metastasis, it is necessary and feasible to remove the No.14v lymph node.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Lymph Node Excision ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Stomach Neoplasms ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo design and construct the inducible expression vector of endothelial-overexpressed lipopolysaccharide-associated factor 1 (EOLA1), in order to establish EOLA1 compelling expression model, and to observe the effects of EOLA1 compelling expression on the proliferation of ECV304 cells.

METHODSInducible overexpression vector pOPRSV I-EOLA1 was constructed by amplifying the open reading fragment of EOLA1 and subcloning it into the Not I site and Xho I site of pOPRSV I vector. After sequencing, the pOPRSV I-EOLA1 recombinant vector and pCMVLac I vector were co-transfected into ECV304 cells. The cells resistant to G418 and hygromycin were screened by G418 and hygromycin, so that stable transfected cell strain was obtained. The growth curve of cells with or without isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) induction were graphed with cell counting.

RESULTSThe inducible overexpressed EOLA1 vector was constructed successfully. The proliferation of the cells with EOLA1 compelling expression after induction of IPTG (44 +/- 17) x 10(4) was significantly higher than that without IPTG induction (27 +/- 11) x 10(4), (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONCompelling expression of EOLA1 protein can enhance the proliferation of ECV304 cell.

Cell Line ; Cell Proliferation ; Endothelial Cells ; cytology ; Gene Expression ; Humans ; Lipopolysaccharides ; Membrane Proteins ; genetics ; Transfection ; Umbilical Veins ; cytology

To study the effect of Siwu decoction on the function and expression of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) in Caco-2 cells. The Real-time quantitative poly-merase chain reaction (Q-PCR) was used to analyze the mRNA expression of MDR1 gene in Caco-2 cells. Flow cytometer was used to study the effect of Siwu decoction on the uptake of Rhodamine 123 in Caco-2 cells, in order to evaluate the efflux function of P-gp. Western blotting method was used to detect the effect of Siwu decoction on the P-gp protein expression of Caco-2 cells. Compared with the blank control group, after Caco-2 incubation with Siwu decoction at concentrations of 3.3, 5.0, 10.0 g x L(-1) for 24, 48, 72 h, the mRNA expression of MDR1 was up-regulated, suggesting the effect of Siwu decoction in inducing the expression of MDR1. After the administration with Siwu decoction in Caco-2 cells for 48 h, the uptake of Rhodamine 123 in Caco-2 cells decreased by respectively 16.6%, 22.1% (P < 0.05) and 45.4% (P < 0.01), indicating that the long-term administration of Siwu decoction can enhance the P-gp efflux function of Caco-2 cells. After the incubation of Caco-2 cells with Siwu decoction for 48 h, the P-gp protein expression on Caco-2 cell emebranes, demonstrating the effect of Siwu decoction in inducing the protein expression of P-gp.
ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Sub-Family B ; genetics ; metabolism ; ATP-Binding Cassette, Sub-Family B, Member 1 ; genetics ; metabolism ; Caco-2 Cells ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Humans ; Up-Regulation ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo optimize formulation of tanshinone II(A)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles and compare the difference of two methods in preparation and quality of nanoparticles.

METHODThe two methods were nanoprecipitation method and emulsion-evaporation method. Single factor experiments and central composite design and response surface method were used to optimize the formulation of nanoparticles. The nanoparticles were characterized at size, morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, drug recovery rate, crystallinity and drug release in vitro.

RESULTThe mean diameters were 225 nm and 183 nm, the entrapment efficiency were 95.49% and 87.99%, the drug loading were 2.03% and 0.16%, and the drug recovery rates were 38.42% and 17.59% respectively for nanoprecipitation method and emulsion-evaporation method.

CONCLUSIONNanoprecipitation method was better than emulsion-evaporation method for preparation of tanshinone II(A)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles.

Chemical Precipitation ; Crystallization ; Diterpenes, Abietane ; Emulsions ; Lactic Acid ; chemistry ; Nanoparticles ; chemistry ; Particle Size ; Phenanthrenes ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Polyglycolic Acid ; chemistry ; Polymers ; chemistry ; Quality Control ; Salvia miltiorrhiza ; chemistry ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods ; Volatilization

BACKGROUNDRadiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) has been established as an effective and curative therapy for ventricular tachycardia (VT) and severely symptomatic premature ventricular contraction (PVC) from the outflow tract in structurally normal hearts. This study aimed to investigate electrophysiologic characteristics and effects of RFCA for patients with idiopathic VT and symptomatic PVC originating from the valve annulus.

METHODSCharacteristics of body surface electrocardiogram (ECG) and endocardiogram in a successful RFCA target were analyzed in 16 patients with idiopathic VT and symptomatic PVC originating from the valve annulus. Additionally, the ECG characteristics of VT or PVC were compared with those of manifest Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome originating from the same site of origin in 15 patients.

RESULTSThirteen patients were successful, 2 recurrent and 1 failed. The recurrent cases underwent successful ablation the second time guided by the Ensite 3000 mapping system. In all patients with the WPW syndrome, the characteristics of QRS morphology were well matched with those of the VT and PVC that originated from corresponding sites of origin.

CONCLUSIONSRFCA is an effective curative therapy for VT and symptomatic PVC originating from the valve annulus. There are specific characteristics in ECG and the ablation site could be located by means of the WPW syndrome accessory pathway's algorithm.

Adult ; Aged ; Catheter Ablation ; methods ; Electrocardiography ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Tachycardia, Ventricular ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Ventricular Premature Complexes ; physiopathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo discuss the operative effects and evaluate how the waiting time before surgery influence the outcome of complex acetabular fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2006 to December 2008, 33 patients, 28 males and 5 females, with complex acetabular fractures were operated in our hospital. All of them were followed up for an average 24 months (ranged, 14 to 47 months). The average age was 42 years (ranged,27 to 57 years). According to the waiting time before surgery, all patients were divided into two groups, namely preoperative waiting time of more than 14 days group and preoperative waiting time of less than 14 days group. Postoperative reduction quality and long-term radiographic results were evaluated according to the Matta radiological systems. The modified Merle d' Aubigne-postel hip scoring system was used for evaluating the functional outcomes. The Mos SF-36 was used to evaluate the quality of life.

RESULTSAnatomical reduction in 28 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case. According to the mean Merle d'Aubigne and Postel Score, 22 patients got excellent result, 4 good, 4 fair and 3 bad. Average score of the Mos SF-36 was (70.63 +/- 17.03). When time was measured as a categorical variable, an anatomical reduction and an excellent or good functional outcome were more likely if surgery was performed within 14 days. Postoperative complications: iatrogenic injuries of sciatic nerve in 2 cases, heterotopic ossification in 6 cases,traumatic osteoarthritis in 3 cases, and femoral head necrosis in 1 case.

CONCLUSIONGood image evaluation,correct approaches, appropriate time before surgery and approach, early functional rehabilitation are essential for better outcomes in the treatment of complex acetabular fractures, of which, time to surgery is a crucial and controllable prognostic factor.

Acetabulum ; injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Adult ; Case-Control Studies ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; diagnostic imaging ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ossification, Heterotopic ; prevention & control ; Osteoarthritis ; prevention & control ; Postoperative Complications ; prevention & control ; Radiography ; Sciatic Nerve ; injuries ; Time Factors

BACKGROUNDIn the 21st century, minimally invasive treatment is one of the main developmental directions of medical sciences. It is well known that the echocardiography plays an important role during interventional treatments of some structural heart diseases. Because the ruptured right sinus of the Valsalva aneurysm (RRSVA) is a rare disease, there were few reports about percutaneous catheter closure of RRSVA. This study aimed to sum up our experience with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) during percutaneous catheter closure of RRSVA.

METHODSFive RRSVA cases were treated with percutaneous catheter closure. The whole procedure was guided and monitored by TTE and fluoroscopy. The maximum diameter of the RRSVA was measured by TTE before and after the catheter passed through the rupture site. A duct occluder 2 mm larger than the maximum diameter was chosen. The closure effects were evaluated with TTE and fluoroscopy immediately after the occluding device was deployed. All patients were followed up by TTE for 8 to 30 months.

RESULTSBefore the catheter passed through the rupture site the maximum diameter of the RRSVA measured with TTE and aortography were (7.9 ± 2.1) mm and (7.8 ± 1.8) mm. After the catheter passed through the rupture site the maximum diameter measured with TTE was (11.2 ± 3.2) mm, which was significantly larger than before the procedure (P < 0.05). The percutaneous catheter closure was successful in four cases and failed in one. Compared to the aortography the TTE was better at distinguishing residual shunts from aortic valve regurgitation immediately after the occluding device was deployed. There were no complications during 8 to 30 months of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONTransthoracic echocardiography can play an important role during percutaneous catheter closure of RRSVA, especially for estimating the size of the RRSVA after the catheter passes through the rupture site, and differentiating residual shunt from aortic valve regurgitation immediately after the occluding device is deployed.

Adult ; Echocardiography ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Sinus of Valsalva ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery