OBJECTIVETo compare components in volatile oils of nutmeg and prepared nutmeg.

METHODVolatile oil from nutmeg and prepared nutmeg were extracted by vapor distillation. The chemical components in two kinds of volatile oils were determined and indentified by GC-MS.

RESULTThe change in quantity and quality of components in volatile oils were observed after processing. 13 new components occurred and 4 components disappeared in volatile oils after processing. The contents of methyleugenol and methylisoeugenol that are active ingredients were increased. The contents of myristicin and safrol that are toxic ingredients in volatile oils were decreased.

CONCLUSIONThe processing method of nutmeg by soaking with water and roasting with bran is scientific.

Anisoles ; analysis ; Benzyl Compounds ; analysis ; Dioxolanes ; analysis ; Eugenol ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Hot Temperature ; Myristica fragrans ; chemistry ; Oils, Volatile ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Pyrogallol ; analogs & derivatives ; analysis ; Safrole ; analysis ; Technology, Pharmaceutical ; methods

The regulatory region and the signal peptide sequence of the sacB gene has been amplified by PCR using Bacillus subtilis chromosomal DNA as template, and an inducible secretion vector has been developed based on this sequence, which was ligated with Bacillus subtilis alkaline proteinase gene. Transform Bacillus subtilis DB403 with this vector, and the expression of the inserted Bacillus subtilis alkaline proteinase gene can be induced by addition of sucrose into the medium.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reproducibility of non-verbal facial expressions (smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, cheek puff) in normal persons using dynamic three-dimensional (3D) imaging and provide reference data for future research. METHODS: In this study, 15 adults (7 males and 8 females) without facial asymmetry and facial nerve dysfunction were recruited. Each participant was seated upright in front of the 3D imaging system in natural head position. The whole face could be captured in all six cameras. The dynamic 3D system captured 60 3D images per second. Four facial expressions were included: smile lips closed, smile lips open, lip purse, and cheek puff. Before starting, we instructed the subjects to make facial expressions to develop muscle memory. During recording, each facial expression took about 3 to 4 seconds. At least 1 week later, the procedure was repeated. The rest position (T0) was considered as the base frame. The first quartile of expressions (T1), just after reaching the maximum state of expressions (T2), just before the end of maximum state of expressions (T3), the third quartile of expressions (T4), and the end of motion (T5) were selected as key frames. Using the stable part of face such as forehead, each key frame (T1-T5) of the different expressions was aligned on the corresponding frame at rest (T0). The root mean square (RMS) between each key frame and its corresponding frame at rest were calculated. The Wilcoxon signed ranks test was applied to assess statistical differences between the corresponding frames of the different facial expressions. RESULTS: Facial expressions like smile lips closed, smile lips open, and cheek puff were reproducible. Lip purse was not reproducible. The statistically significant differences were found on the T2 frame of the repeated lip purse movement. CONCLUSION The dynamic 3D imaging can be used to evaluate the reproducibility of facial expressions. Compared with the qualitative analysis and two-dimensions analysis, dynamic 3D images can be able to more truly represent the facial expressions which make the research more reliable.
Adult ; Face/diagnostic imaging* ; Facial Expression ; Female ; Humans ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional ; Lip/diagnostic imaging* ; Male ; Photogrammetry ; Reproducibility of Results ; Smiling

OBJECTIVETo improve the X-ray diagnosis of cervical spondylosis of vertebral artery type (VCS).

METHODSA blinded design research. The X-ray signs both 60 patients with VCS and 60 patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were collected from January 2011 to November 2012. There were 36 males and 84 females, aged from 25 to 65 years old with an average of (48.4 ± 12.3) years old. Cervical curvature, atlanto-occipital joint angle, atlanto-axial joint angle, C2/C3 joint angle and lower cervical instability condition and segmental distribution were measured and recorded by X-rays. These data were analyzed and compared between the two groups after unblended. Combined with clinical manifestations,the X-ray imaging features of VCS were further analyzed.

RESULTSThere was significant difference in cervical curvature between two groups in anteflexion X-ray films (P < 0.05). There was significant difference in extension degree of atlanto-occipital joint angle between two groups (P < 0.01). There was significant difference in atlanto-axial joint angle between two groups in lateral X-ray films (P< 0.05). There was significant.difference in anteflexion degree of atlanto-axial joint angle between two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in C2/C3 joint angle between two groups. There was no significant difference in the lower cervical instability condition and segmental distribution between two groups. In VCS group, the mild and moderate dizziness was main symptom, flexion and extension activities of neck was most common cause in the dizziness; and always accompanied with headache; tenderness mostly concentrated in the upper cervical area.

CONCLUSIONBoth X-ray signs and clinical manifestations can prompt the abnormalities of the upper cervical structure or function in patients with VCS. Anteflexion activities of neck observed by functional position of X-ray films should be emphasized in diagnosis of VCS.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Radiculopathy ; diagnostic imaging ; Radiography ; Spondylosis ; diagnostic imaging ; Vertebral Artery ; X-Rays

To solve the issues of costly planting of facility cultivation method and inferior efficacy than wild herbs of Dendrobium officinale, the cliff epiphytic cultivation method was studied. To research the growth, agronomic traits, yield, polysaccharide and alcohol-soluble extract contents were measured on the D. officinale from different water regulation and cliff slope gradients treatments. The results showed that D. officinale epiphytic at 85 degrees-90 degrees cliff and sprayed water 1-2 h x d(-1) at the growing season can get better growth and obtain high yield, and the morphology has no different from wild cliff D. officinale, even in the environments without shade. The contents of polysaccharide and alcohol-soluble extract are closely related to the physiological ages, but significantly higher than the facility cultivation. It is possible that environmental stresses benefit the accumulation of polysaccharides, alcohol-soluble extract and other efficient ingredients.
Agriculture ; methods ; Dendrobium ; chemistry ; growth & development ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; analysis ; Polysaccharides ; analysis ; Water ; analysis

OBJECTIVETo observe the correlation between long term efficacy/safety and treatment cycles of rh-endostatin (endostar) combined with TP (paclitaxel plus cisplatin/carboplatin) or NP (navelbine plus cisplatin/carboplatin) regimens in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

METHODSTwenty-five patients with advanced NSCLC confirmed by histopathology and/or cytology were enrolled in this study. Twenty-one patients underwent endostar combined with NP regimen and other four patients underwent endostar combined with TP regimen (all repeated 21 days) treatment. The therapeutic effects, quality of life (QOL) and adverse effects were evaluated according to RECIST criteria, Karnofsky performance scores and WHO grading of adverse effects, respectively. Our intention was to make knowledge of the therapeutic effects, median time to progression, one-year survival rate, median overall survival and adverse reactions. The amount of circulating endothelial cells (CEC) in peripheral blood was measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTSAll the 25 patients were evaluable for efficacy and safety. They were comprised of 5 cases of PR, 14 cases of SD and 6 cases of PD. Of the 25 cases, RR was obtained in 5 cases (20.0%), CBR in 19 cases (76.0%), mTTP was 8 months and mOS was 19 months. Of the 14 patients with short treatment cycles (< 4), PR was obtained in 2 cases, SD in 6 cases and PD in 6 cases, RR was 14.3%. Of the 8 patients who obtained PR or SD, the median TTP was 6 months and median overall survival was 18 months. Of the 11 patients with long treatment cycles (≥ 4), PR was obtained in 3 cases, SD in 8 cases, RR was 27.3%, mTTP was 17 months and mOS was 26 months. After treatment, the amount of activated CECs was increased by (293 ± 12)/10(5) in patients with short treatment cycles, and decreased by (243 ± 181)/10(5) in patients with long treatment cycles. A positive correlation was found between the changes of activated CECs after therapy, time to progression (TTP) and treatment cycles (r = 0.970, P = 0.001; r = 0.829, P = 0.042, respectively). The quality of life (QOL) was improved in 12 cases (48.0%), stable in 10 cases (40.0%), and decreased in 3 cases (12.0%). Grade 3 and 4 toxicities were mainly related with chemotherapeutics, including neutropenia in 4 cases (16.0%), vomiting in 3 cases (12.0%) and arrhythmia in 1 case. No hypertension was observed. All the adverse reactions did not affect the following treatment, and there was no significant difference in incidence rate of grade 3 and 4 adverse events between the patients treated with long-term and short-term cycles.

CONCLUSIONSEndostar combined with TP or NP regimen chemotherapy is effective and safe in the treatment of advanced NSCLC, especially in patients with long term treatment cycles which can effectively prolong TTP and reach long term survival, but not increase adverse events. The QOL of patients can be improved or remain stable. The changes of CECs may be used as a useful maker in predicting the efficacy of the combination treatment.

Adult ; Aged ; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols ; adverse effects ; therapeutic use ; Carboplatin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Cisplatin ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Disease Progression ; Endostatins ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Endothelial Cells ; drug effects ; pathology ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neutropenia ; chemically induced ; Paclitaxel ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Quality of Life ; Recombinant Proteins ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; Remission Induction ; Vinblastine ; administration & dosage ; adverse effects ; analogs & derivatives ; Vomiting ; chemically induced

OBJECTIVETo study the effect of flavonoids from seed residues of Hippophae rhamnoides (FH) on the lipid metabolism and antioxidative activity in climacteric rats.

METHODMenopausal rats with aging were used in this experiment. The rats were fed with FH by gastrogavage for 13 weeks. The effect of drug on the lipid metabolism and the antioxidative activity were observed after the rats were killed.

RESULTSerum total cholesterol was decreased significantly in rats fed with FH, T-AOC and SOD in serum and liver were significantly higher than those in rats fed with water, and at the same time MDA was lower than that in rats fed with water.

CONCLUSIONFH can improve the climacteric rats' lipid metabolism, and enhance the antioxidation in climacteric rats.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; pharmacology ; Cholesterol ; blood ; Climacteric ; blood ; Female ; Flavonoids ; isolation & purification ; pharmacology ; Hippophae ; chemistry ; Lipid Metabolism ; drug effects ; Liver ; metabolism ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; metabolism ; Plants, Medicinal ; chemistry ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Seeds ; chemistry ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood ; metabolism ; Triglycerides ; blood

The biological characters of Sindbis virus strain of Yunnan(YN87448 strain) were studied by the test of the filtration, acid-resistant, ether-resistant, CPE, susceptibility of animal, HA, plague, determination of virus titres, and the cross-HI, cross-IFAT and PRNT as well.The results indicated that YN87448 strain belongs to Sindbis virus, Alphavirus, Togaviridae. YN87448 strain virus was plaque purified(PYN87448). The biological character of PYN87448 strain virus was studied too. PYN87448 strain virus will be used in the molecule biological test.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-encoded small surface protein (SHBs) on hepatic cell expression of host genes related to lipid metabolism.

METHODSThe full-length SHBs gene was amplified from HBV genotype C by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloned into the pcDNA3.1(+) expression vector for stable transfection into HepG2 cells (selected by G418 screening); cells transfected with empty vector served as control. The SHBs mRNA and protein levels were detected by reverse transcription-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SHBs effects on expression of genes and proteins related to lipid metabolism were detected by real-time quantitative (q)PCR and western blotting, respectively.

RESULTSThe stably transfected cell line HepG2-pn3.1-SHBs was established successfully. qPCR showed that the HepG2-pn3.1-SHBs cells had significantly down-regulated transcription of the ECHS1, APOA1 and LPL genes (0.161+/-0.043 vs. control cells: 0.210+/-0.022, t = 2.479; 0.031+/-0.007 vs. 0.094+/-0.055, t = 2.752; 0.770+/-0.036 vs. 0.982+/-0.031, t = 10.914), but significantly up-regulated ACC and SREBP-1c genes (0.113+/-0.027 vs. 0.059+/-0.022, t = -3.757; 0.019+/-0.002 vs. 0.015+/-0.001, t = -4.330). The CPT1a and PPARa genes' expression was slightly, but not significantly, down-regulated in the HepG2-pn3.1-SHBs cells (0.028+/-0.005 vs. 0.030+/-0.004, t = 1.022; 0.014+/-0.004 vs. 0.015+/-0.002, t = 0.758). Western blotting showed similar expression trends for the corresponding proteins.

CONCLUSIONSHBs alters the expression of some host genes with known functions in fatty acid synthesis and decomposition; however, it remains unclear whether the hepatitis B surface antigen can directly contribute to development of hepatic steatosis.

Gene Expression ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Genetic Vectors ; Hep G2 Cells ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; genetics ; metabolism ; Humans ; Lipid Metabolism ; genetics ; Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Transfection

Aim To investigate pro-angiogenic effect of SEHM formula on HUVEC cells in vitro and Zebrafish in vivo and the related action mechanism .Methods VEGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor II ( VRI)-induced ze-brafish intersegmental vessels ( ISVs ) damaged model was established to observe the protective effect of SE-HM formula on ISVs under fluorescence microscope . The pro-angiogenic effect on subintestinal vessels ( SIVs ) of water decoction of SEHM formula in ze-brafish was observed and the mRNA level of VEGFRs , including flt-1, kdr, kdrl, was measured by real-time PCR.The experimental models of the HUVEC cells were set up and the toxicity and promoting proliferation effect of water decoction of SEHM formula in HUVEC cells were assessed by cell viability assay (MTT), and then the levels of Akt, p38, p-p38, p44/42, p-p44/42, VEGFR-1 were detected by Western blot at 6, 12 and 24 h.Results SEHM formula treatment groups could significantly protect VRI-induced zebrafish ISVs loss(P<0.01) and presented pro-angiogenic effect on zebrafish SIVs obviously(P<0.01).The mRNA level of VEGFRs, including flt-1, kdr, kdrl.was up-regula-ted by SEHM formula treatment group significantly (P<0.05) compared with VRI group.Compared with control group , and SEHM formula treatment group could apparently promote proliferation in HUVEC cells and up-regulate the level of Akt, p38, p-p38, p44/42, p-p44/42, VEGFR-1.Conclusions Water de-coction of SEHM formula could present pro-angiogenic effect on SIVs in zebrafish and promote proliferation of HUVEC cells significantly , and its action mechanism may be related to up-regulating the expression of VEG-FR.