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

OBJECTIVETo utilize multiplane, subcutaneous and subperiosteal, dissection through small incisions in scalp to rejuvenate aging signs of forehead/temple.

METHODSForehead: We make four small incisions in scalp, widely separate tissues between subperiosteum skin and frontal muscle to form galea frontal muscle-periosteum flap, the flap is tightened and sutured with the galea at the posterior border of the incision. This method avoid to excise scalp. Temple: there are two small incisions in the scalp of temple at each side. Superficial temple fascia and orbicularis oculi muscle as well is dissected from deep temporal fascia and skin respectively, then tightened and sutured with the superficial part of deep temporal fascia, excising scalp is not necessary.

RESULTSTwenty patients have received this treatment, the effects are satisfying.

CONCLUSIONSMultiplane dissection through small incisions can remove wrinkles of skin, correct the prolapse of eyebrow and avoid the complications of coronary incision. This approach brings more rapid recovery of patients, it is safe and affective.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Forehead ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Rejuvenation ; Rhytidoplasty ; methods

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

In the present study, an ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOFMS) based on chemical profiling approach to evaluate chemical constitution between mixed decoction and co-decoction of monkshood-pinellia combination of the eighteen incompatible medications (Shi Ba Fan) was proposed. Two different kinds of decoctions, namely monkshood-pinellia co-decoction: water extract of the two herbs together, and monkshood-pinellia mixed decoction: water extract of each individual herbs mixed together, were prepared. Batches of these two kinds of decoction samples were subjected to UPLC/Q-TOFMS analysis, the datasets were processed with MassLynx 4.1 to holistically compare the difference between these two kinds of decoction samples. The most changed components during decocting were analyzed. Using the proposed approach, global chemical difference was found between co-decoction and mixed decoction, mesaconitine, aconitine and hypaconitine were identified as the most changed components (changed most significantly) during decocting. Result shows significant difference between two kinds of decoction samples, and the significant differences are probably related to the incompatibility of monkshood and pinellia.
Aconitine ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Aconitum ; chemistry ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; methods ; Drug Combinations ; Drug Incompatibility ; Multivariate Analysis ; Pinellia ; chemistry ; Plant Roots ; chemistry ; Plant Tubers ; chemistry ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization ; methods

PURPOSETo investigate efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation with the miniplate and hollow screw in the treatment of Lisfranc injury.

METHODSTen cases of Lisfranc injury treated by open reduction, miniplate and hollow screw in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 4 females with age ranging from 25 to 45 years (mean 32 years). Among them, one case was classified as Type A, six Type B and three Type C. Injury mechanism included road traffic accidents (3 cases), fall from height (5 cases) and hit by heavy object (2 cases). All injuries were closed without cerebral trauma or other complicated injuries. The time interval between injury and operation was 6-10 days (average 6.6 days). Postoperatively, the foot function was assessed using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Scales. Healing time and complications were observed.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up for 18-24 months (average 20 months). Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients on images. There was statistical significance between preoperative score (7.89 ± 0.34) and score at postoperative 8 weeks (0.67 ± 0.13). According to the AOFAS score, 5 cases were defined as excellent, 3 cases as good and 2 cases as fair. During follow-up, there was no wound infection or complications except for osteoarthritis in 2 cases. Healing time ranged from 3 to 6 months with an average of 3.6 months.

CONCLUSIONAnatomical reduction of Lisfranc injury can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation with the miniplate and hollow screw. Normal structure of Lisfranc joint is regained to a great extent; injured ligaments were also repaired. Therefore, this method offers excellent curative effect and can avoid postoperative complications and improve the patients' quality of life.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Foot Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Ligaments, Articular ; injuries ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Recovery of Function ; Retrospective Studies ; Tarsal Joints ; injuries

OBJECTIVETo establish a multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique to detect influenza viruses.

METHODSObtain the HA nucleotide sequences of seasonal influenza H1N1, seasonal influenza H3N2, influenza H1N1 and human avian influenza H5N1 from GenBank. Design primers in conservative district and probes t in high variable region respectively, after analyzing the HA nucleotide sequences of influenza virus through the Vector NTI 9.0. Establish and optimize multiple RT-PCR system by comparing amplification efficiency and specificity at different primer concentrations. Establish the reverse dot hybridization system after optimizing the concentration of probes. To compare the sensitivity and specificity of this technique and the general RT-PCR Method through extracting the viral RNA of the mentioned influenza virus which are to be the reference substance.

RESULTSSuccessfully establish a multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique for detecting influenza viruses. This technique is 100-1000 times more sensitive than gel electrophoresis method, and it has a good specificity.

CONCLUSIONSuccessfully established multiplex RT-PCR-based reverse dot blot hybridization technique for detecting influenza viruses.

Humans ; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype ; genetics ; isolation & purification ; Influenza, Human ; diagnosis ; virology ; Nucleic Acid Hybridization ; methods ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; methods ; Sensitivity and Specificity