This study aims to explore the molecular mechanism of Ganoderma against gastric cancer based on network pharmacology, molecular docking, and cell experiment. The active components and targets of Ganoderma were retrieved from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP), and gastric cancer-related targets from GeneCards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM). The protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of the common targets was constructed with STRING, followed by Gene Ontology(GO) term enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of the common genes based on Bioconductor and R language. The medicinal-disease-component-target network and medicinal-disease-component-target-pathway network were established by Cytoscape. Molecular docking was performed between β-sitosterol(the key component in Ganoderma) and the top 15 targets in the PPI network. Cell experiment was performed to verify the findings. A total of 14 active components and 28 targets of Ganoderma were retrieved, and the medicinal and the disease shared 25 targets, including caspase-3(CASP3), caspase-8(CASP8), caspase-9(CASP9), and B-cell lymphoma-2(BCL2). The common targets involved 72 signaling pathways and apoptosis and p53 signaling pathway may play a crucial role in the effect of Ganoderma against gastric cancer. β-sitosterol had strong binding activity to the top 15 targets in the PPI network. The in vitro cell experiment demonstrated that β-sitosterol inhibited gastric cancer AGS cell proliferation by inducing cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the S phase, which might be related to the regulation of the p53 pathway. This study shows the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics of Ganoderma against gastric cancer, which lays a scientific basis for further research on the molecular mechanism.
Ganoderma ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Molecular Docking Simulation ; Network Pharmacology ; Stomach Neoplasms/genetics*

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, mainly contains triterpenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, coumarins and volatile oils with many pharmacological activities such as anti-tumor, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, immune regulatory and anti-fibrotic effects. The widespread applications of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in food, medicine and chemical industries make its demand increase gradually. Therefore, the quality guarantee of the medicinal is of great value. Starting from the elaboration of chemical components and pharmacological effects of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and the introduction to the concept of quality marker(Q-marker), this study analyzed the Q-markers of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma from the aspects of plant phylogene-tics, chemical component specificity, traditional efficacy, traditional medicinal properties, absorbed components, different processing methods and so on, which provides reference for quality evaluation, development and utilization of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Glycyrrhiza ; Rhizome ; Triterpenes

Wheat quiescin sulfhydryl oxidase was expressed in Escherichia coli for developing a new biological flour improver. The synthesized wqsox gene was constructed into the vector pMAL-c5x and expressed in E. coli, then the expression conditions of recombinant protein was optimized. The MBP fusion label in recombinant protein was removed by protease digestion after affinity purification. Moreover, enzymatic properties of the purified wQSOX and its effect on bread quality were investigated. The synthesized wqsox gene contained 1 359 bp and encoded 453 amino acids with a deduced molecular weight of 51 kDa. The constructed recombinant vector pMAL-c5x-wqsox could successfully express soluble recombinant protein MBP-wQSOX in E. coli Rosetta gamiB(DE3), and the optimal induced expression conditions for recombinant protein were 25 °C, 0.3 mmol/L IPTG and 6 h. MBP fusion tag was cut out by factor Xa protease and wQSOX was prepared after affinity purification. wQSOX could catalyze the oxidation of DTT, GSH and Cys, accompanying the production of H2O2, and exhibited the highest substrate specificity for DTT. Furthermore, enzymatic properties results demonstrated that the optimal temperature and pH for wQSOX catalyzing oxidation of DTT was 50 °C and 10.0, respectively, and wQSOX presented a good stability under high temperature and alkaline environment. The addition of wQSOX with 1.1 U/g flour significantly (P<0.05) increased 26.4% specific volume of the bread, and reduced 20.5% hardness and 24.8% chewiness of bread crumb compared to the control, indicating a remarkable ability to improve the quality of bread.
Bread ; Escherichia coli/genetics* ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Oxidoreductases ; Triticum

BACKGROUND: Shenyankangfu Tablet (SYKFT) is a Chinese patent medicine that has been used widely to decrease proteinuria and the progression of chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVE: This trial compared the efficacy and safety of SYKFT, for the control of proteinuria in primary glomerulonephritis patients, against the standard drug, losartan potassium. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: This was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Primary glomerulonephritis patients, aged 18-70 years, with blood pressure ≤ 140/90 mmHg, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 45 mL/min per 1.73 m MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was change in the 24-hour proteinuria level, after 48 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 735 participants were enrolled. The percent decline of urine protein quantification in the SYKFT group after 48 weeks was 8.78% ± 2.56% (P = 0.006) more than that in the losartan 50 mg group, which was 0.51% ± 2.54% (P = 1.000) less than that in the losartan 100 mg group. Compared with the losartan potassium 50 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 50 mg group had a 13.39% ± 2.49% (P < 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein level. Compared with the losartan potassium 100 mg group, the SYKFT plus losartan potassium 100 mg group had a 9.77% ± 2.52% (P = 0.001) greater reduction in urine protein. With a superiority threshold of 15%, neither was statistically significant. eGFR, serum creatinine and serum albumin from the baseline did not change statistically significant. The average change in TCM syndrome score between the patients who took SYKFT (-3.00 [-6.00, -2.00]) and who did not take SYKFT (-2.00 [-5.00, 0]) was statistically significant (P = 0.003). No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any group. CONCLUSION: SYKFT decreased the proteinuria and improved the TCM syndrome scores of primary glomerulonephritis patients, with no change in the rate of decrease in the eGFR. SYKFT plus losartan potassium therapy decreased proteinuria more than losartan potassium therapy alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02063100 on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Autopsy ; Eye Injuries ; Forensic Medicine ; Humans

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the characteristics of sudden death associated with sexual activity to provide recommendations for forensic identification. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on autopsy cases accepted by Forensic Identification Center of Huazhong University of Science and Technology from 1998 to 2018, and a total of 15 cases of sudden death associated with sexual activity were screened out. The general information, case data and pathological changes of 15 cases were collected to find the relationship between sexual activity and sudden death. RESULTS: The ratio of male to female was 1.5∶1. The average age of males was 50.1 years and that of females was 35.0 years. Coronary artery diseases and brain diseases accounted for most of the cases (12/15). Sexual partners were associated with locations of deaths and body dumping behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Sudden death associated with sexual activity, although rare, may occur in people over 30 years old with pre-existing heart or brain diseases, which should be paid attention to in forensic practice.
Adult ; Cause of Death ; Death, Sudden/pathology* ; Female ; Forensic Medicine ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Sexual Behavior

Objective To study the effect of surface treating methods on the shear strength of Panavia F luting cements to Cercon zirconia.Methods Forty sample disc of Cercon zirconia with 20 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height were prepared.Another 40 sample discswith 5 mm in diameter and 4 mm in height were also prepared Both of the two types of samples were randomly devided into four groups A,B,C,and D in whichdifferent surface treatments were delivered.In group A samples was treated with 600 # sand paper,and in group Bwith sand blasting,and silanization in group C,and sand blasting plus silanization in group D.All samples were bonded with Panavia F luting cement under the aid of glass mould.The value of shear strength was measured and statistically analysed.Results The shear strength of four groups of samples were (21.50 + 1.98 ),(23.68 + 2.31 ),(20.69 ± 1.55 ),(24.01 + 2.19 ) M Pa respectively.The population mean was not equal.There was no significant difference between 600 # sand paper treated group and silanization group,nor between sand blasting group and sand blasting plus silanization group.Conclusions Sand blasting is a effective means to increase the shear strength,and 600 # sand paper treatment and silanization can't increase the shear strength.

Objective To explore the relationship between T lymphocyte subsets and both glioma malignancy and its prognosis, and determine a clinical immunologic index for evaluating preoperative glioma malignancy and its prognosis. Methods The data of 117 inpatients with primary intracranial tumors, including glioma (n=85) and meningioma (n=32), were retrospectively analyzed. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis was performed to detect the preoperative contents of T lymphocyte subsets on 32 patients with meningioma and patients with glioma, including 45 high-grade glioma (WHO, grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ) and 40 low-grade glioma (WHO, grade Ⅰ -Ⅱ); and then the differences of their immunologic indexes were analyzed. Based on the detection result of T lymphocyte subsets, patients with glioma were divided into two groups: CD4~+CD8~+<1 and CD4~+CD8~+>1. Follow-up for 3-5 years was performed and the survival difference of these two groups was analyzed. Results Patients with high-grade glioma showed a decreased ratio of CD4~+CD8~+ and an increased value of CD8~+ with significant difference as compared with patients with low-grade glioma (P<0.05); patients with high-grade glioma showed a decreased ratio of CD4~+CD8~+, and an increased value of CD8~+ with statistical significance compared with patients with meningioma (P <0.05); patients with low-grade glioma showed a decreased ratio of CD4~+CD8~+ with statistical significance compared with the patients with meningioma (P<0.05). Patients with glioma showed a decreased ratio of CD4~+CD8~+ and CD4~+, and an increased CD8~+ with statistical significance compared with patients with meningioma (P<0.05). After follow-up for 3-5 years, 48 patients with glioma was found in the CD4~+CD8~+>1 group with 21 death (43.8%) and 31 months as a median survival time; 37 patients with glioma was found in the CD4~+CD8~+<1 group with 23 death (62.2%) and 16 months as a median survival time. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves were analyzed with statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusion The prognosis is poor in patients with low ratio of CD4~+CD8~+. The preoperative level of T lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood, correlated to the glioma malignancy, can be considered as an index to evaluate the glioma malignancy and the prognosis in patients with glioma.

Objective To investigate the clinical features and differential diagnosis of lepromatous type brain abscess. Methods A total of 18 cases with brain abscess admitted to Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Center, Sun Yat-sen University during October 2000 to February 2007 were retrospectively analyzed with regard to their clinical data and prognosis during follow-up.Results 11 cases had been diagnosed with gliomas and 7 cases had been diagnosed with metastatic tumors in other hospitals. Among the 18 cases, 16 patients took the onset in winter and spring. All of the 18 cases had not found the primary focus of infection. Two cases among them had got a fever 1 month prior to hospitalization. Among the 18 cases, 7 cases had higher total white blood cells (10.1×109/L-13.7×109/L), and 6 cases had higher neutrophil rate (80.8%-90.5%). And the other 11 cases had normal blood routine. After hospitalization, all of the patients received MRI. 14 cases of them were diagnosed with brain abscess, 2 cases with metastatic tumor, 1 case with glioma, and 1 case with parasite. All of the patients got bacterial culture, and showed asepsis in 9 cases, Gram-positive bacteria in 4 cases, streptococci in 3 cases,Staphylococcus epidermidis in 1 case, and Klebsiella pneumoniae in 1 case. Twelve cases underwent resection, and 6 cases received puncture and drainage. During the follow-up ranging 1-6 years, 17 cases healed well, and 1 case get better. Conclusion Lepromatous type brain abscess commonly occurs in winter and spring. The clinical manifestations are untypical. MRI is the most valuable auxiliary examination, and the magnetic resonance spectroscopy and diffusion weighted imaging takes an important role in differential diagnosis between brain abscess and cystic brain tumor with necroses.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (Ginaton) on bcl-2 and bcl-xL mRNA expression in the myocardium of patients underwent hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB).

METHODSThirty congenital heart disease patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups, the control group and the treated group. Patients in both groups received St. Thomas' cardioplegic solution via radix aortae, while Ginaton (0.5 mg/kg) was added in the treated group. Cardiac surgery was started after complete heart arrest. Myocardium was taken before the aorta ascendens was unblocked and mRNA expression of bcl-2 and bcl-xL in the ventricular tissue was detected by RT-PCR.

RESULTSThe gene expressions of bcl-2 and bcl-xL were significantly higher in the treated group than those in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONGinaton could promote the mRNA expressions of the antiapoptotic gene bcl-2 and bcl-xL in myocardium of patients underwent CI'PB.

Cardiopulmonary Bypass ; methods ; Child ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Gene Expression ; drug effects ; Ginkgo biloba ; chemistry ; Heart Defects, Congenital ; genetics ; surgery ; Humans ; Hypothermia, Induced ; Male ; Myocardium ; cytology ; metabolism ; Plant Leaves ; chemistry ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 ; genetics ; RNA, Messenger ; genetics ; metabolism ; Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction ; bcl-X Protein ; genetics