Physical growth and dietary characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a cross-sectional study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the physical growth and dietary characteristics of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to analyze their relationship with core symptoms of ADHD.@*METHODS@#A total of 268 children who were newly diagnosed with ADHD in Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from June to December 2020 were included in the ADHD group, and 102 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. Physical evaluations and dietary surveys were conducted for both groups. ADHD diagnosis and scoring were performed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition). Factor analysis, Spearman correlation analysis, and mediation analysis were used to study the relationship between core symptoms of ADHD, dietary patterns, and physical growth.@*RESULTS@#The rate of overweight/obesity in the ADHD group was significantly higher than that in the control group (35.8% vs 21.6%, P<0.05). Three dietary patterns were extracted from the food frequency questionnaire: vegetarian dietary pattern, traditional dietary pattern, and snack/fast food pattern. The factor score for the snack/fast food pattern in the ADHD group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between ADHD symptom scores, snack/fast food pattern factor scores, and body fat percentage (P<0.05). The mediation analysis showed that the snack/fast food pattern played a partial mediating role in the relationship between ADHD symptom scores and body fat percentage, with a mediation proportion of 26.66%.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The rate of overweight/obesity in children with ADHD is higher than that in non-ADHD children. Core symptoms of ADHD are related to dietary patterns and physical growth, with the snack/fast food pattern playing a partial mediating role in the relationship between core symptoms of ADHD and physical growth.

Neutral point detection using the AOP of polarized skylight patterns.

The neutral points are one of the most significant characteristics of the polarized skylight pattern in the whole sky. At present, detection of the neutral points mostly utilizes ellipse fitting of the degree of polarization. However, because the degree of polarization distribution characteristics of a polarized skylight pattern is easily affected by the environment, the robustness of the detection is unstable. Aiming at the problem, we analyzed the angle of polarization distribution characteristics of polarized skylight patterns in the region around the neutral point by measurement experiments. Based on this, we proposed an automatic detection method of neutral points using the angle of polarization of the polarized skylight pattern. The experimental results of different times in a continuous period of time show that compared with ellipse fitting of the degree of polarization, the detection accuracy of the proposed method is almost the same, but the robustness is better. It provides a novel method for the position detecting of the neutral point, which is in favor of the measurement applications of polarization technology.

Fingerprint of serum containing rhubarb bound anthraquinones / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish the fingerprint of the serum containing rhubarb bound anthraquinones, and to analyze the drug-originated constituents in serum containing drugs by serum pharmacochemistry. METHODS: Rat serum containing drugs were prepared after intragastric administration of the extract of rhubarb bound anthraquinones. Fingerprints of 10 batches serum containing drugs were determined by HPLC, and the common mode was established. Comparing the chromatogram of serum containing drugs with the one of blank serum, the common peaks of drug-originated constituents in blood were identified. Comparing the retention time and spectrum of the chromatographic peaks of serum containing drugs with the ones of extract, the sources of drug-originated constituents were analyzed. Comparing the retention time and spectrum of the chromatographic peaks of serum containing drugs with the ones of mixed reference substances, some drug-originated constituents were identified. RESULTS: There are 20 common peaks of drug-originated constituents in 10 batches serum containing drugs, 14 of them were in vitro prototype, and the other 6 were metabolites in vivo. Thirteen out of 14 prototype constituents were identified as aloe emodin-8-O-glucopyranoside, rhein-8-O-glucopyranoside, emodin-1-O-glucopyranoside, chrysophanol-1-O-glucopyranoside, chrysophanol-8-O-glucopyranoside, emodin-8-O-glucopyranoside, aloe emodin-3-CH2-O-glucopyranoside, physcion-8-O-glucopyranoside, aloe emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion, respectively. Other 1 prototype constituent and 6 metabolites possessed the same UV absorption character as that of anthraquinones. CONCLUSION: The method established in this study is accurate and feasible, and can be used for the analysis of the drug-originated constituents in serum containing rhubarb bound anthraquinones.

Optimization of extract process of anthraquinones from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma by orthogonal test / 中草药

Objective: To optimize the extract process of anthraquinones from the Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RRR). Methods: The contents of eight bound anthraquinones (Bas) and five free anthraquinones (Fas), a total of 13 original anthraquinones, and total anthraquinones (Tas) in RRR were determined by HPLC. L9(34) orthogonal table was used, with ethanol concentration, solvent ratio, extract time, and number of extract as factors and extract quantity of Tas, five Fas, and eight Bas as the investigation index, respectively, the extract processes of Tas, Fas, and Bas from RRR were optimized. The optimized processes were verified by magnification test. Results: The optimum extract process of Tas and Fas was as follows: five times of 75% ethanol, extracting five times by reflux, 30 min for each time. Using this process, the extraction rate for both original anthraquinones and Tas was about 90%, and Fas extraction rate was over 160%. The optimum extract process of Bas was as follows: five times of 95% ethanol, extracting three times by reflux, 60 min for each time. Using this process, original anthraquinones extraction rate was close to 90%, and the one of Bas was over 80%. Conclusion: The optimized process is simple, stable, feasible, and repeatable, and can be used for the extraction of Tas, Fas, and Bas from RRR, respectively.

Effect of Compound Wurenchun Capsule on pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in rats / 中草药

Objective To compare the effect of Compound Wurenchun Capsule (CWC) and Wuzhi Capsule (WZC), CWC single and long-term administration on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus (FK506). Methods Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into FK506, CWC + FK506, WZC + FK506 and CWC7d + FK506 groups, with six rats in each group. Rats in FK506, CWC + FK506, and WZC + FK506 groups were given a single gavage with FK506, CWC + FK506, and WZC + FK506 respectively. Rats in CWC7d + FK506 group was given a multiple gavage regimen of daily CWC gavage for 6 d, CWC and FK506 on day 7. Blood sample from orbit before and after gavage at different time points (CWC7d + FK506 group before and after the last administration) were tested for FK506 blood concentration and the pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated. Results Compared with FK506 group, peak blood concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC0-t) of FK506 increased significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01), body retention time (MRT0-t) of FK506 prolonged significantly (P < 0.05, 0.01), the apparent volume of distribution (V/F) and the drug elimination rate (CL/F) of FK506 decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in WZC + FK506 and CWC + FK506 groups. Compared with WZC + FK506 group, AUC0-t of FK506 increased significantly (P < 0.01), CL/F of FK506 decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in CWC + FK506 group. Compared with CWC + FK506 group, Cmax of FK506 increased significantly (P < 0.01), time to peak blood concentration (tmax) of FK506 shortened significantly (P < 0.05), AUC0-t of FK506 increased significantly (P < 0.05), CL/F of FK506 decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in CWC7d + FK506 group. Conclusion Both CWC and WZC can increase Cmax and AUC0-t, prolong MRT0-t, reduce V/F and CL/F of FK506. CWC is better than WZC in increasing AUC0-t and inhibiting CL/F of FK506. CWC long-term administration is better than single-dose in improving Cmax, AUC0-t and reducing tmax of FK506.

Retrospective study on the diagnostic performance of noninvasive fractional flow reserve derived from coronary CT angiography for myocardial ischemia / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic performance of noninvasive fractional flow reserve (FFR) derived from coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA) (FFRCT) for functional myocardial ischemia.Methods Thirty-nine patients undergone coronary CTA and FFR examination from Aug.2012 to Jul.2015 in PLA General Hospital were retrospectively included in present study.Measurements of invasive FFR value was used as reference standard,and FFRCT based on coronary CTA image was performed in either per-patient or per-vessel level to assess the accuracy,specificity,sensitivity,the positive predictive value and negative predictive value for functional myocardial ischemia.Results In per-patient level,the accuracy of FFRCT was 82.05％,sensitivity was 83.33％,specificity was 80.95％,positive predictive value was 78.95％ and negative predictive value was 85.00％.In per-vessel level,the accuracy of FFRCT was 76.79％,sensitivity was 69.57％,specificity was 81.82％,positive predictive value was 72.73％ and negative predictive value was 79.41％.The area under ROC was 0.826 in per-patient level,and 0.786 in per-vessel level.For per-vessel,FFRCT was positively correlated with FFR value significantly (r=0.644;95％CI:0.458-0.775).Conclusion With FFR as reference standard,domestic noninvasive FFRCT can be used for the diagnosis of functional myocardial ischemia with high diagnostic performance and clinical application prospect.

Fingerprint of serum containing drug of Yinchenhao decoction / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish the fingerprint of the serum containing drug of Yinchenhao Decoction (YCHD), and analyze the drug-originated constituents in serum. METHODS: An HPLC method was set up on a Symmetry C18(4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) column with a Security Guard Cartridges C18 (4.0 mm × 3.0 mm) guard column by gradient elution of acetonitrile-0.1% phosphoric acid in water at the flow rate of 1.0 mL · min-1. The column temperature was maintained at 30℃. The detection was carried out at 238 and 440 nm. SD rats were taken as serum donors. Ten batches of serum containing drugs were prepared after ig administration of YCHD. The fingerprints of these serum samples were determined, the common modes were established, and the similarities between fingerprints were evaluated. Drug-originated constituents in blood were distinguished by comparing the fingerprint of serum containing YCHD with the one of control serum. The sources of drug-originated constituents were analyzed by comparing the fingerprint of serum containing YCHD with the ones of serum containing individual herbs of YCHD. Drug-originated constituents in blood were identified by comparing the retention time and UV spectra of peaks in fingerprint of serum containing YCHD with the ones of YCHD and reference substances, respectively. RESULTS: The similarities between the fingerprints of ten batches of serum containing YCHD and common models at 238 and 440 nm were greater than 0.904 and 0.903, respectively. Twenty common peaks of drug-originated constituents were identified in the fingerprints of serum containing drug of YCHD at 238 and 440 nm. Out of them, six were the original compounds, the other 14 were metabolites. Three constituents out of six original form ones were identified as geniposidic acid and genipo-side (iridoids originated from GF), and rhein (anthraquinone from RRR), and the other three were identified as an anthraquinone from RRR and two crocetin derivatives from FG. Out of 14 metabolites, one was identified as the metabolite of iridoid, four were from anthraquinone, and nine were from crocetin derivatives. CONCLUSION: The established method is accurate, reliable and can be used for the analysis of drug-originated constituents in serum containing drug of YCHD.

Filtration of active fractions with function of expelling water retention with drastic purgative from Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar / 中国中药杂志

To study the function of expelling water retention with drastic purgative of different polarities of Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar on the cancerous ascites model rats, the furosemide was taken as positive control drug, and the cancerous ascites model rats were respectively orally administered with different polarities of Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar for 7 d. The amount of urine and ascites, the level of urinary sodium, potassium, chloride ion and pH, and the content of PRL1, AII, ALD in serum were investigated. Compared with model groups, ethyl acetate extract group showed a decreasing trend in ascites; the amount of urine of showed a significant increase (P < 0.05); the level of urinary sodium, potassium, chloride ion (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), pH (P < 0.05), and the content of PRL1, AII, ALD in serum all showed a significant decrease (P < 0.01). The effects of petroleum ether extract and n-butanol extract were weaker than that of ethyl acetate extract. The water exact was the weakest. The results showed that ethyl acetate extract is the active part of Kansui Radix stir-baked with vinegar on the function of expelling water retention with drastic purgative on the cancerous ascites model rats, alleviating the water-electrolyte disorder and body fluid acid-base imbalance, regulating the renin angiotensin aldosterone system.

Combinational quality control method of rhei radix et rhizoma based on fingerprint and QAMS / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To establish a quality control method of Rhei Radix et Rhizome (RRR) by fingerprint and simultaneous determining eight components by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS). METHODS: An HPLC method was set up. Symmetry C18 column (4.6 mm×250 mm, 5 μm) was used. Methanol-0.1% phosphoric acid was used as gradient mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL·min-1. The column temperature was 30℃ and detection wavelength set at 254 nm. Eleven batches of RRR were determined and a common mode of fingerprint maintained at established. A method was developed for QAMS to determine gallic acid, catechin, emodin-8-glucoside, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion in RRR. Rhein was selected as internal reference: the relative correction factors (RCF) of other seven components to rhein were calculated. The contents of the eight components in ten batches of RRR were determined by both external standard method and QAMS. The QAMS method was evaluated by comparison of its assay results with that of external standard method. RESULTS: There were 35 common peaks in the fingerprints often batches RRR, eight of them were identified as gallic acid, catechin, emodin-8-glucoside, aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion. These eight components showed good linear relationship in the range of 0.0624-1.56 μg (r=0.9995), 0.18-4.5 μg (r=0.9998), 0.0288-0.72 μg (r=0.999 9), 0.0198-0.495 μg (r=0.9999), 0.0505-1.2625 μg (r=0.9999), 0.0637-1.5925 μg (r=0.999 9), 0.098-2.45 μg (r=0.9999), and 0.163-4.075 μg (r=0.9999), respectively. The established RCF had good reproducibility. No significant differences were found between the quantitative results of external standard method and QAMS. CONCLUSION: The developed method is accurate, feasible, and can be used for the overall quality control of RRR.

Regulatory Role of Nitric Oxide in Development and Hatching of Mouse Blastocysts / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the regulatory role and mechanism of nitric oxide (NO) in the development and hatching of mouse blastocysts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Kunming female mice were superovulated and then mated with mature male mice. On the day 2.5 of their pregnancy, morulae were flushed from their uterine horns with culture media. Morulae were cultured in different concentrations of N-nitro-L arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), or the combination of L-NAME and SNP in culture media for 48 hours. The development and hatching of blastocysts were examined on day 4 and day 5 and the total numbers of blastocyst cells and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (caspase 3) were observed under confocal laser scanning microscope.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>With the increase of the concentration of L-NAME or SNP, the hatching rate of blastocysts and the total number of blastocyst cells were significantly reduced. The addition of 10 nmol/L SNP in culture media with 5 mmol/L L-NAME significantly increased the development of blastocysts and promoted hatching of blastocysts. However, with increase of SNP concentration in culture media with 5 mmol/L L-NAME, the development and hatching rates of blastocysts were significantly decreased. L-NAME had no obvious effect on the expression of active caspase 3 in blastocyst cells. However,when being above 500 nmol/L,SNP significantly increased the expression of caspase 3 in blastocyst cells.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>NO plays an important role in development and hatching of mouse blastocysts. Excessively high or low NO can damage the division of blastomeres, resulting in the failure of the blastocyst development and hatching. Also, excessively high NO can lead to the apoptosis of the blastocyst cells.</p>

Study on toxicity of vinegar-processed Kansui Radix on basis of symptom-based prescription theory / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the differences in the toxicity of vinegar-processed Kansui Radix on normal and cancerous ascites model rats.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Normal and cancerous ascites model rats were taken as the research objects and orally administered with different doses of vinegar-processed Kansui Radix for 7 d. Pathological sections were prepared to observe the damages in liver, stomach, intestinal tissues in rats and detect the impacts on serum, liver, stomach and intestinal tissues and the oxidative damage index.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared with the blank group, all of normal administration groups and model groups showed significant damages in liver, stomach and intestinal tissues. Compared with the model groups, all of normal administration groups revealed notable alleviation in damages. Compared with the blank group, the model groups showed significant increases in AST, ALT and MDA in serum and liver (P < 0.01) and a significant decrease in GSH in serum and liver, stomach, intestinal tissues (P < 0.01). Compared with the blank group, the results showed significant decreases in ALT, AST in serum and ALT in liver in model low, medium and high dose groups and AST activity in liver tissues in the normal high dose group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); significant decreases in GSH in serum and stomach tissues in normal low, medium and high dose groups and GSH content in liver and intestinal tissues in normal medium and high dose groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); notable rises in MDA in liver tissues in normal low, medium and high dose groups and MDA content in serum and stomach and intestinal tissues in normal medium and high dose groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Compared with model groups, data revealed significant decreases in ALT, AST in serum in model low, medium and high dose groups, AST in liver tissues of model medium and high dose groups and ALT activity in liver in the model high dose group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); significant increases in GSH content in serum and stomach tissues of model low, medium and high dose groups, GSH in liver tissues in model medium and high dose groups and GSH in intestinal tissues in the high dose groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); and notable declines in MDA content in serum in model low, medium and high dose groups, MDA in liver tissues of model medium and high dose groups and MDA in stomach and intestinal tissues the high dose group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>According to the study, vinegar-processed Kansui Radix showed a significant lower toxicity liver, stomach, and intestines of cancerous ascites model rats, which provided a basis for clinical safe application of vinegar-processed Kansui Radix based on symptom-based prescription theory.</p>

Influence of prescription compatibility on extraction rate of 15 constituents in Yinchenhao Decoction / 中草药

Objective: To research the influence of prescription compatibility on the extraction rate of main constituents in Yinchenhao Decoction (YCHD). Methods: The extraction volume of two iridoids (geniposide and deacetylasperulosidic acid methyl ester), two crocetin derivatives (crocin I and crocin II), three bound anthraquinones (aloe-emodin-8-O-glucoside, chrysophanol-1-glucoside, and emodin-8-glucoside), five free anthraquinones (aloe-emodin, rhein, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion), two tannins (gallic acid and catechin), and chlorogenic acid in Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (ASH), Gardeniae Fructus (GF), Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (RRR), the compatibility of ASH and GF (compatibility A), the compatibility of ASH and RRR (compatibility B), the compatibility of GF and RRR (compatibility C), and the compatibility of ASH, GF, and RRR (compatibility D) were determined by HPLC. Taking the extraction volume in single medicine as 100%, the extraction rates of 15 constituents mentioned above in compatibilities A-D were calculated. Results: The extraction rates of geniposide, crocin I, and crocin II in compatibilities A, C, and D, deacetylasperulosidic acid methyl ester in compatibility C, gallic acid in compatibilities C and D, and chlorogenic acid in compatibilities A-D decreased. The extraction rates of deacetylasperulosidic acid methyl ester in compatibilities A and D, three bound anthraquinones, aloe-emodin, and chrysophanol in compatibility B, chrysophanol and physcion in compatibilities C and D increased. Conclusion: Prescription compatibility has some influence on the extraction rate of main constituents in YCHD.

Histone modifications during spermatogenesis and male infertility / 中国医学科学院学报

Many pathological phenomena of male infertility are related to epigenetic changes in male germ cells. Epigenetic regulation during spermatogenesis plays an important role in mitotic/meiotic divisions and spermiogenesis. The histones have various post-translational modifications on different amino acid residues during spermatogenesis. These modifications are crucial to the precise regulation of spermatogenesis. Moreover, the histone-to-protamine transition will occur during spermiogenesis. Many studies have also found that abnormal changes of histone modifications during spermatogenesis may damage the sperm development, leading to male sterility. This article reviews the changes of histone modifications during spermatogenesis, the regulation of the development of male germ cells, and the relationship between histone abnormalities and male sterility.

Effects of bisphenol-A on blastocyst development and implantation / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To determine the effects of bisphenol-A (BPA) on blastocyst development and implantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>According to completely randomized grouping method, 90 pregnant mice were divided into 100, 300, and 600 mg/(kg·d)BPA groups and control group. BPA-treated pregnant mice were orally administered with BPA at concentrations of 100, 300 and 600 mg/(kg·d) from day 0.5 to day 3.5 of their pregnancy. Blastocyst implantation and development were studied.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In the 300 mg/(kg·d) BPA group, the number of implantation sites and implantation rate were significantly decreased. In the 600 mg/(kg·d) group, no implantation sites were observed among pregnant mice and BPA inhibited embryo implantation. Blastocyst development on day 4 was examined, and findings showed that the development rate and total numbers of blastocysts in BPA treatment groups had no significant difference from the control group. However, BPA at 300 and 600 mg/(kg·d) significantly reduced blastocyst hatching rate and dramatically increased the number of blastocyst apoptotic cells when compared with those in the control group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>BPA at a high concentration damages the blastocyst development before implantation and inhibits embryo implantation.</p>

Simultaneous determination of six lignanoids in Schisandra chinensis by quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker / 中国药学杂志

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method of quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) for simultaneous determining six lignanoids in Schisandra chinens(S. chinensis). METHODS: A HPLC method was set up. Lichrosphere C18 column(4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μn) was used. Acetonitrile-water was used as gradient mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL · min-1. The column temperature was 30°C and detection wavelength was 217 nm. A method was developed for QAMS to determine schizandrol A, schizandrol B, schisantherin A, deoxyschizandrin, schizandrin B, and schizandrin C in 5. chinensis. Schizandrol A was selected as internal standard; the relative correction factors (RCF) of schizandrol B, schisantherin A, deoxyschizandrin, schizandrin B, and schizandrin C to schizandrol A were calculated. The contents of the six lignanoids in 12 different batches of S. chinensis were determined by both external standard method and QAMS. The QAMS method was evaluated by comparison of its assay results with that of external standard method. RESULTS: The linear range of schizandrol A, schizandrol B, schisantherin A, deoxyschizandrin, schizandrin B, and schizandrin C were within 0.09-1.62 μg(r=0.9999), 0.0408-0.7344 μg (r=0.9999), 0.0208-0.3744 μg(r=0.9999), 0.0242-0.4356 μg(r=0.9999), 0.0532-0.9576 μg(r=0.9999) and 0.0258-0.4644 μg(r=0.9999), respectively. No significant differences were found between the quantitative results of external standard method and QAMS. CONCLUSION: The developed method is accurate, feasible, and can be used for quality evaluation of S. chinensis.

Ultrastructural observation of Birbeck granules in 8 cases of Langerhans cell histiocytosis / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To study the ultrastructural features of Langerhans cell(LC),especially Birbeck granules in Langerhans cell histiocytosis(LCH) and provide some ultrastructural evidence to clarify the origin,function and stereoscopic structure of Birbeck granules.Methods Pathologic tissues of 8 LCH patients were treated with routine transmission electron microscope (TEM) procedures,fixture,dehydration,permeation,embedding,polymerization,ultramicrocut,staining and examined by TEM.Results Under the TEM,8 cases of LCH revealed typical LC cell,and LC cell in 6 cases revealed typical rod,tennnis-racquet like Birbeck granules.Some double membrane structures revealed irregular shape,sometimes accompanied with vacuole-like structure.Most of Birbeck granules locate inside the cytoplasmic membrane,in continuity with the cell membrane.There was Birbeck granule-like structure outside the cytoplasmic membrane in one case of multisystem LCH.Conclusions The ultrastructure of Birbeck granules could be various and irregular.The irregular Birbeck granule-like structure can also be useful for the diagnosis of LCH.Birbeck granules may arise from the cell membrane.The stereoscopic structure of Birbeck granules could be irregular.

Effects of 14 single herbs on the induction of caspase-3 in tumor cells: a brief review / 中国结合医学杂志

Chinese medicines (CMs) are increasingly being used for the treatment of tumors because of their unique advantages. The induction of tumor cell apoptosis is an important method of tumor treatment. Caspase-3 is a member of the caspase (cysteine aspartic proteinases) family of enzymes, which are the major inducers of apoptosis. Caspase-3 activity is often measured in the context of research into anti-tumor drugs that target apoptosis. Many studies have shown that CMs upregulate the expression of caspase-3 in tumor cells via extrinsic and/or intrinsic pathways, removing endogenous suppression of apoptosis and promoting tumor cell death. Therefore, several CMs fulfill the criteria for anti-tumor drugs. In this paper, we review the efficacy of 14 Chinese herbal medicines, across a wide range applications, and discuss their effects on caspase-3 activity in tumor cells.

Effects of bisphenol A on the female reproductive organs and their mechanisms / 中国医学科学院学报

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a commonly used phenolic environmental estrogen. Long-term exposure of female mammalians to BPA can lead to endocrine disorders, followed by the morphological and functional changes in ovary, uterus, vagina, and oviducts. The interactions of BPA with various target molecules or tissues will cause different effects. To further elucidate the effects of BPA on female reproductive system, we review the changes in the structure and functions of female reproduction system after BPA exposure and their possible mechanisms.

Polycomb group proteins and their roles in regulating stem cell development / 中国医学科学院学报

Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are a family of epigenetic regulators responsible for the repression of genes in proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. PcG protein complex consists of two important epigenetic regulators: PRC1 (polycomb repressive complex 1) and PRC2 (polycomb repressive complex 2). In order to further understand the functions of PcG proteins in stem cell growth and differentiation, we review the PcG protein composition, PcG protein localization in the target gene, PcG protein recruitment, and the functions of PcG proteins in the development of stem cells.

Optimum selection of acupuncture treatment programs of cerebral infarction and its effects on insulin resistance / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the optimum acupuncture treatment program and the mechanism for treatment of cerebral infarction.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty-three cases were randomly divided into 9 groups. The four factors, times of manipulation, the retaining time of the needle, acupuncture instrument and acupoints,and their corresponding three levels were adopted respectively in treatment of each group. Then nerve function defect score and insulin resistance were observed before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The acupoints, the times of manipulation and the retaining time of the needle have significant effects on nerve function defect and insulin resistance (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), and the acupuncture instrument has a significant effect on insulin resistance (P < 0.01). The choice of acupoints was the most important factor for acupuncture treatment of cerebral infarction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture for regulating The Governor Vessel with twice manipulations and retaining the needle for 60 min is optimum treatment program for cerebral infarction. The good regulating effect of acupuncture on insulin resistance is one of the mechanisms of achieving the therapeutic results.</p>